January 22, 2006     THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EPIPHANY         9:30AM

Faith is being grasped by the power of love….  Faith is recognizing that if at Christmas God became like us, it was so that thereafter, we might become like God… that our lives too can become channels for divine mercy to flow out to save the lost & the suffering.   -- William Sloane Coffin, Jr. --

PREPARING   TO   WORSHIP   GOD

The Prelude                                                      Fugue in F Major                                                            J. S. Bach

The Welcome/Welcoming One Another

Church Family Announcements

Music for Meditation                     Lord, You Give the Great Commission                                       Hector Olivera

            Lighting of the Candles                                                                              Acolyte: Karla Maddy

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

PRAISING   GOD

The Call to Worship

            PASTOR:  Jesus began His ministry by calling disciples to follow Him and share His mission.

            PEOPLE: He still calls disciples to follow and serve Him.  He calls us!

            PASTOR:  His mission is divine and extraordinary, but it is in the ordinary places of our lives that

                              we hear Him asking, Whom shall I send?  Who will go for me?

            PEOPLE: Let us respond, Here am I, Lord!  Send me! offering thanks and praise that we are

                              entrusted with a mission so vital and important.

*Hymn of Praise: #N-5 (Worship Book)                 Here I Am, Lord                                                           Dan Schutte

*Prayer of General Confession (unison)

            Holy God, as disciples of Jesus Christ today, our mission is to offer Your love, peace and justice

            to all people everywhere, regardless of race, nationality, creed, sexual orientation or economic

            status.  We confess, however, that we have not been faithful.  We have judged and misjudged our

            neighbors; been prejudiced against those who are different; and allowed violence, injustice, abuse,

            and persecution to continue in our homes, country and world.  Forgive us, O God, and empower us

            to be true and faithful , loving and just, and daring and disciplined in loving and serving both You

            and our neighbors everywhere.  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 Message

Children & Teachers Exit to Church School

A Brief Interview with Bob Beaudoin

Scripture Lessons                                            ISAIAH  6:1-8,  1 CORINTHIANS  1:26-31,  MARK  1:16-20

Sermon                                                HERE   AM   I!     SEND   ME!                              Dr. Gordon E. Ellis

*Hymn: (see insert)                                                                                                                             Austrian Hymn

RESPONDING   TO   GOD'S   WORD

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

Presentation of Our Offerings & Tithes

Offertory Anthem:                                            Here I Am, Lord                                   Dan Schutte, arr. Craig Courtney

*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: #S-8 (Worship Book, omit vs. 3) Lord, You Give the Great Commission                                   Abbot’s Leigh

*Words of Parting (unison)

            The challenge before each of us, regardless of our age or what activities fill our days, is to

            recognize and acknowledge that God is calling us.  May we not only hear God’s call, but

            readily respond: Here am I!  Send me!

*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:                                                                                                                                                 David Lasky

PLEASE   JOIN   US   DOWNSTAIRS   FOR   COFFEE   &   CONVERSATION

Ushers: Kristopher Bates, Fred & Lita Nyren, Lori St. Pierre, Laurie & Jim Lynch, Robert/Vikki Ferguson

Coffee Hour Hosts: Arthur & Sandra Hansen, Lynn Grenier & Vanessa Joyce

Greeters: Geoffrey, Susan & Tad Meissner & Elaine Rodriguez

Flowers: Given by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Mauri in loving memory of loved ones.

To give flowers in memory/honor of a loved one/event, sign-up on Memorial Hall FLOWER  CHART.

Joys & Concerns for Prayer: We celebrate the birth of Ella Adeline Huard (1/17), daughter of Ron & Beth Huard, granddaughter of Bob & Bev Huber.  We pray for the families of Lucille Gemmell & Dale Smith, grieving their deaths.  Hospitalized: Andrea Sinclair, Gavin Haines, Clive Greenough, Jeannette Faitella, Jonathan Stroop, Walter Smith.  We continue to pray for Diane Lamb; Judy Costa; Maureen Curtis; Pat Diego; Janis Leger; Dorothy Greenough; Mary Lou Thompson; Donna Morin; John O’Connor; Matthew Currao; Pat Livingstone; our Stephen Ministers & care-receivers.

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LAST  CALL:  VILLAGE  GREEN  NURSERY  SCHOOL accepts church member registrations first, but TODAY is the last day.  Leave registration form in VGNS folder outside Church Office (extra forms in folder).  Public registration starts tomorrow.  Don’t wait!

SEEDS  OF  HOPE  GROUP  MEETS  TONIGHT: 7:30PM, room #204.  Details?  See Small Groups page on bulletin insert!  ALL WELCOME!

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

MEXICO  MISSION  TRIP  INFORMATIONAL  MEETINGS for this summer’s working mission trip to Mexico will be offered by Rick Haverly in our Chapel following all 4 services.  ALL welcome!

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.

CPR & AED  TRAINING: John Arens will teach full training (3 hours, get card) THIS Wednesday, 1/25, 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!

MOVIES  IN  THE   MEETINGHOUSE happens again on Friday, February 10, 7:00pm, with the movie, Fiddler on the Roof (sing-a-along).  Sue Meissner & Clare Lindsey will lead a discussion on Fiddler on the Roof on Sunday, February 12, 7:30pm, in rooms #201/202.  Join us for discussion whether you watch movie at church or at home…  FUTURE Movies:  March 10 (7pm)  Life is Beautiful with discussion on 3/12, 7:30, led by TBA; April 21 (7pm) The Scarlet & the Black with discussion: 4/23, 7:30pm, led by Gabe Selmi & Alice Niemczyski & May 12 (7pm) 12 Angry Men with discussion: 5/14, 7:30pm, led by Gordon Ellis & Sue Meissner.  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).

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.

DRAMA  MINISTRY  GROUP plans &/or participates in church dramas & musicals, including brief worship dramas.  Next meeting: Monday, February 20, 7:00pm, in the Meetinghouse.  For info, call Crystal Sullivan (860/276-8614).

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 meetings: 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 Church Office marked, “Prayer Requests.”

FIRST  CHURCH  SINGLES meets monthly on the 2^nd Tuesday, 7:00-8:30PM & occasionally for social activities.  Child care arranged upon request.  Next meeting: FEBRUARY  14  (room 204).  All singles welcome!  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: TONIGHT, 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).

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.  All NEW 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. 

EXPLORING  THE  WAY is a 1-hour, 7-week class introducing the spiritual journey.  Led by Bob & Martha Beaudoin, it meets Sundays, 1/29-2/26, 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.

VOLUNTEER     OPPORTUNITIES

NEW  STEPHEN  MINISTER  TRAINING  PROGRAM  IS  BEGINNING  NOW: 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 Winne 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, 2/18 (& 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!