Welcome! Thank You for Worshiping With Us Today!
Welcome to The First Congregational Church of Southington. Ours is an open & affirming congregation dating from 1724 & worshiping in our present Meetinghouse since 1830. One of the larger, more vibrant United Church of Christ churches in New England, our church’s 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 our church to be an accepting, caring, non-judgmental community, where faith is renewed, lives are transformed, & power for positive living is received. It’s a church where the Spirit is alive & miracles happen! Welcome!
T. G. I. SUNDAY: CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
January 14, 2007 11:15am & 6:00pm
Celebrate! Rejoice! Hallelujah! If the Bible uses words like these [to describe the Kingdom of God], then our lives should exude that same biblical vitality. Whenever Christians party, they provide a foretaste of what is to come. Whenever they celebrate with laughter & song, they evangelize. They send out the message that the Kingdom of God is at hand – and the Kingdom of God is a wonderful party. -- Tony Campolo in The Kingdom of God Is a Party! --
INFANT & TODDLER CARE BY ADULTS DURING ALL SERVICES IN CHURCH NURSERY
The Gathering Music
The Welcome & Welcoming One Another
*A Time for Singing
*Prayer of General Confession (unison)
Holy God, You came among us in Christ working wonders and offering us signs of Your
miraculous abundance and love. Yet we still maintain a mentality of scarcity and hoard for
ourselves what You call us to share. Forgive us, O God, and help us learn to trust You for all that
we need, share all that You give us and celebrate our many blessings with all Your children
everywhere. Now in the silence, hear our personal prayers of confession.
*Prayer of Personal Confession (in silence)
*Assurance of Forgiveness
Children’s Message
Children & Teachers Exit to Church School
Video Clip from Carpe Diem by Tony Campolo
Scripture Lesson JOHN 2:1-11
Sermon THE LIFE OF THE PARTY! Dr. Gordon Ellis
Prayers of the Church
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
(Please come forward, break off piece of bread & dip it into cup. In the gold container are
gluten-free, wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free wafers for those with allergies.)
The Act of Blessing (A blessing by anointing is offered during communion to all who wish it.
After partaking of communion, go to either kneeling bench, & kneel or stand.)
*Prayer of Thanksgiving & Lord’s Prayer (please join hands)
*Song
*Benediction
*Response
PLEASE JOIN US DOWNSTAIRS FOR COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Greeters: 11:15am Kathy Williams 6:00pm Rita Williams
Coffee Hour Hosts: 11:15am Barbara Brush 6:00pm Sandy DiStefano & Sally Thielman
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Flowers: Given by Bob & Janet Schmidt in memory of loved ones.
Our NEW 2007 Flower Chart to provide flowers in honor/memory of loved ones is now available in Memorial Hall.
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Joys & Concerns for Prayer: We celebrate the births of Tyler William Andres, grandson of Bill & Karen, & Rylie Brim Csont, granddaughter of Rudy & Connie. Lyndsey Ellis is now recuperating at home. We continue to pray for Carol Ann Celella; Diane Lamb; John Zigmont; Mary Carter; Shirley Penfield; Janet Crocker; Betsy Roberts; Maureen Curtis; Pat Livingstone; & our Stephen Ministers & care-receivers.
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A QUIET CANDLELIGHT PRAYER SERVICE in the style of Taize is held EVERY Tuesday, 6:30-7:00pm, in our Chapel. All welcome & encouraged to attend for quiet, reflective worship.
CHECK OUT OUR CHURCH’S WEBSITE, www.firstchurchsouthington.org. You’ll love it!
PASTA DINNER: Join us on Saturday, 1/27, 6:00-8:00PM, Memorial Hall, for a Pasta Dinner to support our February Youth Mission Trip to Mississippi, where they will help with Hurricane Katrina reconstruction. $7.50/adults & $5/children (5 & under).
VILLAGE GREEN NURSERY SCHOOL REGISTRATION TODAY following all services in Memorial Hall. Offering morning & afternoon sessions for 3 & 4 year olds. For more information call Nan Sheridan (628-6958) or visit the website: www.firstchurchsouthington.org/education/village.html
DRAMA MINISTRY MEETING: There will be a drama ministry meeting in the Library on Wednesday, January 17 at 6:30pm for anyone interested in helping plan our next dramatic event. Any questions, contact Crystal Sullivan (276-8614) or kencryss@sbcglobal.net.