Welcome!    Thank  You   for  Worshiping  With  Us  Today!

Welcome to the First Congregational Church of Southington, dating from 1724, & worshiping in this Meetinghouse since 1830.  We are one of the larger, more vibrant United Church of Christ churches in New England.  Our purpose is to love & worship God; extend God’s radically-inclusive love to all people everywhere; make more & better disciples of Jesus Christ; & inspire people & society to become more & more just, loving, compassionate & Christ-like.  You will find here an accepting, caring, non-judgmental  community, where lives are transformed, faith is renewed & power for positive living is received.  Welcome!

January 15, 2006  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  EPIPHANY         9:30AM

In our saner moments, we know full well that justice does not come out of the barrel of a gun but out of the conscience of a contrite heart.  And we know, too, that human diversity is not some curse, not some problem to be solved, but rather the supreme expression of the creative spirit of God, a God of unconfined genius & imagination.  It was a recognition of this principle, that diversity is a blessing & not a curse, that gave Martin Luther King the courage to dream for all America and for all others in the world.    -- C. Eric Lincoln --

PREPARING   TO   WORSHIP   GOD

The Prelude                           Romance, Op. 75:1 (Carol Ann Celella, violin)                                                    Antonin Dvorak

The Welcome/Welcoming One Another

Church Family Announcements

Introit Anthem                        Set the Sun Dancing (Mustard Seeds Children’s Choir)                                       Helen Kemp

            Lighting of the Candles                                                                       Acolyte: Katherine Maddy

(Acolytes needed: please call Kim Cassarella: 860-621-5412)

PRAISING   GOD

The Call to Worship

            PASTOR:  We gather to celebrate our calling from God to be instruments of divine love and grace.

            PEOPLE: As people of faith, we are to promote justice and peace in every circumstance, just

                              as Jesus did. 

            PASTOR:  As people of faith, we believe that all people everywhere are children of God and are to

                              be welcomed, loved and valued, even if we disagree with them.

            PEOPLE: Let us celebrate our diversity as a church family and sing God’s praises!

*Hymn: #575                                                 O For a World                                                                         Azmon

*Prayer of General Confession (unison)

            O God, we confess that we have remained cool to the fire of Your Word and not dared to live for

            others.  We have failed as peacemakers and continue to accept violence in our homes, towns,

            country and world.  We have refused Your freedom and remained trapped within our own narrow

            prejudices and the closed circles of the safe and the comfortable.  We have failed to love, turned

            our backs on those who would love us, and chosen not to see those who need us.  Forgive us, O

            God, and mold us into faithful disciples, following Jesus in the ways of love, justice and peace.

            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

The Sacrament of Christian Baptism: #A-1 (Worship Book)

Solo:                                         Ave Maria  (Chris Celella, tenor)                                                               Franz Schubert

Children & Teachers Exit to Church School

Scripture Lesson                                                                                                                         AMOS  5:14-24

Sermon                             UNTIL   JUSTICE   ROLLS   DOWN   LIKE   WATER          Dr. Gordon E. Ellis

*Hymn: #588                                          Let Justice Flow Like Streams                                                          St. Thomas

RESPONDING   TO   GOD'S   WORD

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

Presentation of Our Offerings & Tithes

Offertory Anthem:                                 Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring                                      Johann Sebastian Bach

*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: #309                                             We Are Your People                                                            Whitfield

*Words of Parting (unison)

            Let us go forth striving to be what God calls us to be: a voice and a force for love and justice,

            righteousness and peace, in our homes, our communities, our country and our world.

*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:                                                       O For a World                                                                          David Cherwein

PLEASE   JOIN   US   DOWNSTAIRS   FOR   COFFEE   &   CONVERSATION

Ushers: Gail Fulop; Gary, Lisa & Garrett Cooper; George Moore; Judy Chatfield & Geoffrey Doble

Coffee Hour Hosts: Kate & Doug Hutton & Melinda Baumgartner

NEW: To provide flowers in memory/honor of a loved one/event ANY week this year,

sign-up on our new FLOWER  CHART in Memorial Hall.

Joys & Concerns for Prayer: Timothy James Nivison, son of Dan & Sharon Nivison, & Lillian Amber Eaccarino, daughter of Glenn & Kim Eaccarino, receive The Sacrament of Christian Baptism today at 9:30 & 11:15 respectively.  Chris Bushnell is SHS Artist of the Month & has his work on display this month at The Southington Public Library. Hosptalized: Jeannette Faitella & Lucille Gemmell.  Gwen Sunderland is in Plainville Convalescent Center.  Andrea Sinclair goes to NYC tomorrow for very intricate, extensive back surgery.  We continue to pray for Lucille Gemmell; Diane Lamb; Judy Costa; Maureen Curtis; Walter Smith; Pat Diego; Janis Leger; Dorothy & Clive Greenough; Mary Lou Thompson; Donna Morin; John O’Connor; Matthew Currao; Pat Livingstone; our Stephen Ministers & care-receivers.

            *              *              *              *              *              *              *              *              *              *              *              *

2006  CALENDAR  FOR  EVERY  DOLLAR  FEEDS  KIDS: For $25 you get a 2006 Wall Calendar that puts you in a drawing for a weekly thank you gift (average value: $25).  Call Church Office.

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.

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

CPR & AED  TRAINING: John Arens will teach full training (3 hours, get card) on Wednesday, January 25, and refresher training (90 minutes, get card) THIS Wednesday, January 18.  Both 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!

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).

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

VIDEOS  OF  SUNDAY  SERVICES  &  SPECIAL  EVENTS 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.

Text Box: Proposed Open and Affirming Statement We, the members of The First Congregational Church of Southington, Connecticut, hereby declare ourselves to be an open and affirming congregation. We accept the challenges and joys of Christian faith, a faith profound enough to embrace even uncertainty. We struggle with the difficult issues of our day, understanding that God’s Word touches and guides us as a congregation and as individuals. With God’s grace, we welcome and affirm the total identity of all people as beloved children of God. We are a congregation that seeks to break down the barriers of prejudice, declaring respect for the worth and dignity of all persons, embracing differences in age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, and physical, emotional, and mental capability. We also recognize and affirm loving, committed, and diverse families. We actively welcome all people to become members of our church and to share fully in our church’s life and leadership, ministry and fellowship, worship and sacraments, and responsibilities and blessings.

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 of being single.  The group meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, 7:00-8:30PM & occasionally for social activities.  Child care arranged upon request.  Next meeting: FEBRUARY  14  (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).

First Church Singles Game Night – Board game “Battle of the Sexes” on January 29th at 7:30pm in Memorial Hall.  All Singles welcome, bring a friend!  Questions?  Call 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: NEXT  SUNDAY, 1/22, 7:30PM, in room #204.  ALL WELCOME!

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

Pot Luck Supper to greet New Members on Saturday, January 28 at 6:00pm in Memorial Hall.  ALL WELCOME!  For more info, call Stacy Jagello (203/729-0892) or Barbara Stubbs (203/440-8958).

Group Trip to see “The Exonerated” at Theaterworks in Hartford on Sunday, January 29.  The 90 minute play is based on the stories of people who were on death row and released after being found innocent.  We’ll leave the church at 1pm.  Cost is $25/person, and a discussion will follow.  Sign up outside Gordon’s office.

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 TOMORROW, 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 1st & 2nd Tuesdays of each month, 6:00-6:45pm in our Meetinghouse, & sings on the 3rd 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 3rd 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!

Text Box: AMERICARES HOMEFRONT DAY IS BACK ! NOW IS THE TIME TO APPLY ! AmeriCares HomeFront Day is a community-based home repair program that culminates in a 1-day repair event, targeting homeowners who are physically or financially unable to maintain their homes or properties. The Southington Faith Community, comprised of volunteers from First Congregational Church, Plantsville Congregational Church, Mary Our Queen Church, & St. Paul’s Church, is the local sponsoring team & performs the home repairs. All work, material, & repairs are performed at no cost to recipients. If you or someone you know is interested in this amazing, no-cost program, please hurry and apply for our upcoming, May 6, 2006, AmeriCares HomeFront Day. Applications and Information available: Locally at Southington Social Services Online at http://www.americareshomefront.org By phone at 1-(800)-887-4673 (if necessary leave a clear message including your name, address, and phone number). SPONSORS ALSO NEEDED Our church seeks businesses/individuals to make financial contributions to our church’s portion of the cost. If you can help, please send checks (payable to First Congregational Church, but clearly noted AmeriCares Homefront Day) to: Gordon E. Ellis, First Congregational Church, 37 Main Street, Southington, CT 06489. THANK YOU ! 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, -POSPONED UNTIL SPRING.

EXPLORING  THE  WAY is a 1-hour, 7-week class introducing the spiritual journey.  Led by Bob & Martha Beaudoin, it meets Sundays, TODAY-3/12, 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 happens again on Friday, January 13, 7:00pm, with the movie, CRASH.  Jane DeLuca & Tori Hickerson will lead a discussion of Crash on Sunday, January 15, 7:30pm, in 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 to 2 spaces left!  After that, you’ll be put on a waiting list.

Today’s   Scripture    Lesson

Amos 5:14-24  14 Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said.  15 Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.  16 Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord: In all the squares there shall be wailing; and in all the streets they shall say, “Alas! alas!”  They shall call the farmers to mourning, and those skilled in lamentation, to wailing;  17 in all the vineyards there shall be wailing, for I will pass through the midst of you, says the LORD.  18 Alas for you who desire the day of the LORD!  Why do you want the day of the LORD?  It is darkness, not light;  19 as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake.  20 Is not the day of the LORD darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?  21 I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.  22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon.  23 Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps.  24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Today’s   Anthem   Words

Introit Anthem                    Set the Sun Dancing (Mustard Seeds Children’s Choir)                             Helen Kemp

      Set the sun dancing! New life has begun! Star, you must fade, for your journey is don.

                                      New Year rides onward now, Christmas is gone. Carry the light with us as we move on.  Refrain:

      For the light that is shining is our light to hold. Light that’s not hidden where Good News is told

      Wise men with riches of knowledge and thought found greater treasure than ever they brought.

      Here is Epiphany, wrapped in a shawl, Christ who is light, who is wiser than all.  Refrain:

Offertory Anthem:                                     Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring                                   Johann Sebastian Bach

      Jesu, joy of man’s desiring, Holy wisdom, love most bright;

       Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring, soar to uncreated light,

                                                       Word of God our flesh that fashioned, with the fire of life impassioned,

       Striving still to Truth unknown, soaring, dying round Thy throne.