January 8, 2006    FIRST   SUNDAY   AFTER   EPIPHANY         9:30AM

PREPARING   TO   WORSHIP   GOD

The Prelude                            Fantasia on Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern                         Dietrich Buxtehude

The Welcome/Welcoming One Another

Church Family Announcements

Music for Meditation             Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern Op. 65:4                          Sigrid Karg-Elert

            Lighting of the Candles  (Acolytes needed: please call Kim Cassarella: 860-621-5412)  Acolyte: Katherine Maddy

PRAISING   GOD

The Call to Worship

            PASTOR:  The windows of heaven are open whether we realize it or not.             

            PEOPLE: The Spirit is moving like a dove whether we welcome her or not.    

            PASTOR:  This is the new age of Christ whether we serve it or not.                              

            PEOPLE: This is the hour of salvation, whether we celebrate it or not.

            PASTOR:  Here and now, people of God, I invite you to a sharpened realization, an open-

     hearted welcome, and an over-abundant celebration.

*Hymn: #59                                             Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling                                                       Nettleton

*Prayer of General Confession (unison)

            God, our Creator and Savior, we are creatures who need Your constant assistance.  Without it

we will never completely break free from those forces, sometimes subtle and sometimes blatant,

that compromise our spirit, and make an unholy alliance with the evil in the world around us.  

Our need is not for a quick-fix, with cheap forgiveness, followed by pious but impractical good

intentions.  Rather we pray for an ongoing radical transformation within our deepest being.  We

ask for more and more of Your saving grace, for the ability to discern our own secretive sins and

to muster the desire to sincerely repent.  We need a mercy that reaches into those depths where

spiritual hungers and furtive corruptions co-exist.  We want You to forgive our self-treachery, to

eradicate any mutiny, and then to liberate those holy desires which long to rise up into loving

thoughts and faithful deeds.  Please immerse us in Your healing waters of love. Baptize us with

Your Spirit.  Let us know that we are truly made in Your image and destined for heights more

beautiful than we can ever imagine.  Through Christ Jesus, who for our sake was baptized by

water and the Spirit.  Now in the silence hear our personal prayers of confession…

*Prayer of Personal Confession (in silence)

*Response                  Words: Lord, have mercy.  Christ, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy

*Assurance of Forgiveness

HEARING   GOD'S   WORD

Children’s Sermon

Children & Teachers Exit to Church School

Scripture Lessons                                                                                        ACTS  19:1-11  &  MARK  1:4-11

Sermon                                        THE   NEW   &   IMPROVED   MODEL                          Rev. Rick Haverly

*Hymn: #285                                      O Holy Dove of God Descending                                             O Holy Dove

RESPONDING   TO   GOD'S   WORD

Prayers of the Church & Lord’s Prayer (using sins)

Presentation of Our Offerings & Tithes

Offertory Anthem:                     There Shall A Star from Jacob Come Forth                        Felix Mendelssohn

When Jesus, our Lord, was born in Bethlehem, in the land of Judea; behold, from the east to the city of Jerusalem

                There came three wise men & said: “Say, where is he born, the king of Judea?  For we have seen his star, & are come to

Adore him.”  There shall a star from Jacob come forth, & a Sceptre from Israel rise up.  And dash in pieces Princes and

Nations.  How brightly beams the morning star!  With sudden radiance from afar,  with light & comfort glowing!

                Thy Word, Jesus, inly feeds us, Rightly leads us, Life bestowing.  Praise, oh praise such love o’erflowing!

*Doxology:     Praise God from who all blessings flow!  Praise God, all creatures here below!

Praise God above, you heavenly host!  Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost!

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn: #170                                        Your Ways Are Not Our Own                                                    Schumann

*Words of Parting (unison)

            Let us go forth into the world with a sharpened realization, an open-hearted anticipation, and

an over-abundant celebration of the God who will be with us every step of the journey.

 *Benediction

*Response: (join hands)                             Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.  The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

Postlude:                                         Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern                                                         Paul Manz

PLEASE   JOIN   US   DOWNSTAIRS   FOR   COFFEE   &   CONVERSATION

Ushers: Judy Miller, Doug & Kate Hutton, Joy & Rick White, Kay Dickson, Joe Yevich & Rose Dunlap

Coffee Hour Hosts: Maureen Lyon & Cindy Barley

Flowers: Given by Bob & Janet Schmidt in loving memory of loved ones.

NEW: To provide flowers in memory/honor of a loved one/event, sign-up in Memorial Hall.

Joys & Concerns for Prayer: These older children receive The Sacrament of Christian Baptism at 11:15am today: Chad Peter Mehmel, son of Ed & Marsha Mehmel, and Jack William & Joseph Anthony DePaolo-Boisvert, sons of Valerie DePaolo & Michelle Boisvert.  Hospitalized: Gwen Sunderland, Jeannette Faitella & Lucille Gemmell.  Ken Sullivan had knee surgery this week.  Lyndsey Ellis and Michael & Jennifer Miceli are on a mission for Every Dollar Feeds Kids in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  Andrea Sinclair goes to NYC on 1/16 for very intricate, extensive back surgery.  Matthew Currao, a U. S. Marine, is now in Fallujah, Iraq.  We continue to pray for Jacqui Maddy; Bill Bennett; Diane Lamb; Judy Costa; Maureen Curtis; Walter Smith; Pat Diego; Janis Leger; Dorothy & Clive Greenough; Mary Lou Thompson; Donna Morin; John O’Connor; Pat Livingstone; our Stephen Ministers & care-receivers.

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GORDON  ELLIS will be in Florida this week attending Conversations, an educational conference for senior ministers of large churches in our United Church of Christ.  He returns Saturday & preaches & leads worship NEXT Sunday.

PASTA  DINNER: Sr. C.I.A. (gr. 9-12) will host a Pasta Dinner THIS Saturday, 1/14, 5:00-8:00pm, in Memorial Hall for support their February Youth Mission Trip to work in Washington, D. C.  $6/adults & $3/ages 6 & under: tickets on sale TODAY at Coffee & Conversation.

YOUTH  SKI  TRIP: Youth, grades 6-12, & their parents are invited on Monday, January 16.  Watch for more details soon & sign-up next to Gordon’s office.  For info, call Rick Haverly (860/620-0513).

LOCAL  MISSION  WORK: THANKS for a great response to our Covenant to Care & Angel Tree gift tags!  168 gifts (valued at $3,192) were purchased by our members & delivered to our many D.C.F. kids, as well as 7 kids of incarcerated Southington residents.  Our Salvation Army bell-ringers on 12/10 raised $1,408 for Southington Social Services.  17 of our members helped deliver 379 Christmas food baskets to neighbors in need around town on 12/17.  AND our Christmas Gift Cards raised a total of $1177.50 to benefit 4 wonderful mission organizations: Prudence Crandall Center, Southington’s Manna Fund, Hartford Habitat for Humanity & Every Dollar Feeds Kids.  Doesn’t it feel GREAT?

SAFE  CHURCH  TRAINING: Wednesday, January 18, 7:00-8:30pm, rooms 201/202.

CPR & AED  TRAINING: John Arens will teach full training (3 hours, get card) on 2 Wednesdays, January 11 or 25, and refresher training (90 minutes, get card) on Wednesdays, January 18.  All begin at 7:00pm.  Please sign-up next to Gordon’s office ASAP.

QUIET  WORSHIP  IN  THE  STYLE  OF  TAIZE is offered EVERY Tuesday, 6:30-7:00pm, in our chapel.  It includes 10 minutes of silence, along with scripture, prayers & simple choruses.  Join us!

2006  CALENDAR  FOR  EVERY  DOLLAR  FEEDS  KIDS: To thank you for a minimum donation of $26, our EDFK Board of Directors will give you a 2006 Wall Calendar which, thanks to local merchants & board members, provides a weekly thank you gift (average value: $25) to the person whose name is drawn from the names of those who purchase calendars (or those they designate if calendars are given as gifts).  The person selected each week will be contacted & the gift may be either mailed or picked up at our Church Office.  All names will be included in all drawings, regardless of how many times each is drawn.  View & order your calendars TODAY at Coffee & Conversation!

CHECK  OUT  OUR  CHURCH’S  WEBSITE, www.firstchurchsouthington.org.  You’ll love it!

VIDEOS  OF  SUNDAY  SERVICES  &  SPECIAL  EVENTS are available in our Church Library.

CHILD  CARE for infants/toddlers is offered at all 4 Sunday services in our Infant/Toddler Nursery.

EVERY  DOLLAR  FEEDS  KIDS  OFFERING  ENVELOPES are available next to Church Office.

SMALL   GROUPS

All small groups are open to everyone, whether or not you’ve ever attended before.

CRUZ’IN  CONGOS  TRAVEL  CLUB: Watch for more Cruiz’in Congos Travel Club plans soon!

QUILTS  FOR  CHILDREN  IN  NEED  GROUP meets every other WEDNESDAY, 10:00AM, room #207, to sew quilts to comfort children in need.  No need to sew; you may cut, piece or tie.  Next meeting: January 18 & February 1 & 15.  For more info, call Carole Lantz.

2  PARENTS  &  TOTS  GROUPS: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00AM, Fellowship Hall (under Meetinghouse).  More info?  Contact Lisa Christensen (860-276-0235).  Fun for kids; fellowship for parents!

PRAYER  CIRCLE: EVERY TUESDAY, 7:00PM, Church Parlor.  Join us anytime!  Leave prayer requests & addresses (card will be sent) in the folder next to Office marked, “Prayer Requests.”

FIRST  CHURCH  SINGLES deals with the joys & struggles of being single.  The group meets monthly on the 2^nd Tuesday, 7:00-8:30PM & occasionally for social activities.  Child care arranged upon request.  Next meeting: JANUARY 10 (room 204).  All singles welcome!  For more info, call Charlaine Ogren (860-621-2677), Sally Dispenza (203/574-0664) or Rose Dunlap (860/628-8778).

SEEDS  OF  HOPE  GROUP works in & through our church to foster awareness, communication, educational opportunities & action regarding our role as compassionate Christians living in a small, small world & taking seriously Jesus’ statement, Whatever you do to even the least of your brothers & sisters, you do it to me.  The group sponsors forums, speakers, film & book discussions & more. 

Next meeting: JANUARY  22, 7:30PM, in room #204.  ALL WELCOME!

ProCRAFTinators is a group for those who enjoy crafts.  We meet the 2^nd & 4^th Thursdays of every month in Memorial Hall.  Bring a craft to work on or share.  For more info, call Meredith (860-628-8982).

OUR  ADDICTION  ASSISTANCE  NETWORK is for individuals/families needing confidential assistance with problem drinking, drug use, gambling, etc.  Contact Steve & JoAnn Ray (203-591-1291).

HOLY  LAND  TOUR: Gordon Ellis is considering leading a trip to the Holy Land of Israel & Palestine in March of 2007 to tour the sacred sites of our faith.  He would like to know the interest level.  Without committing yourself, please let him know whether you might be interested in joining him on this tour.

VOLUNTEER     OPPORTUNITIES

JOIN  OUR  DRAMA  MINISTRY  PLANNING  TEAM: Those interested in helping plan our future drama endeavors &/or participate in skits at contemporary worship, please attend our Drama Ministry meetings.  Our first meeting is Monday, January 16, 7:00pm.

NEW  STEPHEN  MINISTER  TRAINING  PROGRAM  BEGINS  IN  JANUARY: After training, this wonderful caring ministry program matches Stephen Ministers individually with people in crisis for support & friendship through a life crisis period.  For info, contact Rev. Cyndie Holden (860/628-6958).

RING,  RING  THOSE  BELLS ! !  If you have enjoyed the sound of handbells, consider joining our bell choir.  Practice is on Mondays, 7:15 - 8:30pm.  We’ll teach you what you need to know.  We ring monthly at 9:30am Morning Worship.  For more info, call Beverly Simpson (860-621-6217).

TWIGS  CONTEMPORARY  CHILDREN’S  CHOIR, for grades 1-8, rehearses 1^st & 2^nd Tuesdays of each month, 6:00-6:45pm in our Meetinghouse, & sings on the 3^rd Sunday of each month at either our 11:15am or our 6:00pm service.  For more info, contact Crystal Sullivan (860-276-8614).

INFANT/TODDLER  CARE  PROVIDERS  NEEDED during 11:15AM & 6PM services.  Even 1 Sunday/month will help; Safe Church training provided.  Can you help out?  Please call Beth Crowley after 6:00PM (860/621-6159) or e-mail her at Crowleyba@cox.net.

HABITAT  FOR  HUMANITY  WORK  DAY:  Our next work day is SATURDAY, 1/21 (& monthly on the 3^rd Saturday).  Sign-up TODAY next to Gordon’s office!  Men, women & teens (16 & over) welcome.  If you can’t join us to work, please consider providing fuel for the volunteers, SNACKS, morning break food for 15-20 people.  Call Michael Halloran, (860/426-1304) for more info or to sign-up.  Thanks!

SPIRITUAL   GROWTH   OPPORTUNITIES

SIGN-UP   TODAY   NEXT   TO   GORDON’S   OFFICE

FAITH  LESSONS  FROM  THE  HOLY  LAND is a video discussion series filmed at sacred sites in the Holy Land by biblical scholar & teacher, Ray Vander Laan.  The newest is In the Dust of the Rabbi: Becoming a Disciple.  Gordon Ellis will lead this 3-session experience on what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus on 3 Wednesdays, February 1, 8 & 15 at 10:00 am & 7:00pm, rooms 201/202. 

UNVEILING  THE  SECRET  LIFE  OF  BEES, a 6-week book study of the novel by Sue Monk Kid, will be Wednesdays, 1/18-2/22, 7:00pm, room #207.

THE  HEART  OF  CHRISTIANITY, an exploration of Christianity as presented by Marcus Borg in his book by the same title, will be offered Tuesdays, 1/10-3/28, 7:00-9:00pm, with Linda Fernandes-Bailey.  See the essence of Christianity with new eyes!

THE  WAY  OF  GRACE: This Companions in Christ program studies the Gospel of John & is offered Wednesdays, 1/11-3/8, 7:00pm, led by Jean Anderson DeVito.

EXPLORING  THE  WAY is a 1-hour, 7-week class introducing the spiritual journey.  Led by Bob & Martha Beaudoin, it meets Sundays, 1/15-2/26, 10:00-11:00am.

EVERY  DAY  SIMPLICITY, exploring Robert J. Wick’s book by the same title & led by Rich Szulczewski, meets 2 Mondays, 1/23 & 1/30, 7:00pm, room #207.  A practical guide to spiritual growth, this book offers advice on how to achieve a spiritual life & have a deeper relationship with God no matter how busy you are.

MOVIES  IN  THE   MEETINGHOUSE is THIS Friday, 1/13, 7:00pm, with the movie, CRASH.  It will be shown in Fellowship Hall (under Meetinghouse).  Jane DeLuca & Tori Hickerson will lead a discussion of Crash NEXT Sunday, 1/15, 7:30pm, rooms #201/202.  Join us for discussions whether you watch movies at church or at home…

            Upcoming Movies in the Meetinghouse 7:00pm, in the Meetinghouse

                        February  10   Fiddler on the Roof Sing-a-long

                                                Discussion: February 12, 7:30pm, led by Sue Meissner & Clare Lindsey

                        March  10      Life is Beautiful

                                    Discussion: March 12, 7:30, led by TBA

                        April  21          The Scarlet & the Black

                                    Discussion: April 23, 7:30pm, led by Gabe Selmi & Alice Niemczyski

                        May  12           12 Angry Men

                                    Discussion: May  14, 7:30pm, led by Gordon Ellis & Sue Meissner

THE  HEART  OF  ITALY:  A  14-DAY  TRAVEL  SEMINAR  TO  ITALY hosted by Gordon & Diane Ellis, will be offered June 28 – July 11, 2006.  The cost, $3695/person, covers literally everything except daily lunches & 5 dinners.  If you have an interest, please contact Gordon Ellis or our Church Office for a detailed brochure. (gordon@firstchurchsouthington.org or 860/628-6958).  Only 1 (2 if a couple) space left!  After that, we’ll have to put you on a waiting list.