January 14, 2007 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 9:30AM
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
PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
Prelude Concerto in G Major J. S. Bach
The Welcome/Welcoming One Another
Church Family Announcements
Music for Meditation We’re Marching to Zion Wilbur Held
Lighting the Candles Acolyte: Matthew Andrini
PRAISING GOD
The Call to Worship:
PASTOR: It’s party time! Let’s celebrate! Let’s rejoice! Let’s shout “Hallelujah!”
PEOPLE: Whenever Christians party, they provide a foretaste of what is to come.
PASTOR: Whenever Christians celebrate with laughter and song, they evangelize. They send out
a message that the Kingdom of God is at hand – and it is a wonderful party!
PEOPLE: Let’s send out that message to one and all! Let’s celebrate that the Kingdom of
God is a party!
Hymn of Praise: #357 You Are Called to Tell the Story Regent Square
*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)
*Response: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
*Assurance of Forgiveness
HEARING GOD’S WORD
Anthem I Give you Thanks (Mustard Seeds) Jody Lindh
The Children’s Message
Children & Teachers Exit to Church School
Scripture Lesson JOHN 2:1-11
Sermon THE LIFE OF THE PARTY! Dr. Gordon Ellis
Hymn of Reflection: #L-7 (Worship Book) God of Love and Joy and Laughter Hymn to Joy
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Prayer of the Church & Lord’s Prayer (using sins)
Presentation of Our Offerings & Tithes
Offertory Anthem: The Lord Hath Done It Hank Beebe
*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: #382 Come, We Who Love God’s Name Marching to Zion
*Words of Parting (unison)
Let us celebrate the presence of the Divine and all the abundance God provides. And let
us celebrate it by sharing it and enjoying it together! For Jesus taught us that the Kingdom
of God is a party, a banquet of new life, not just for some, but for all God’s children.
*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: In Thee is Gladness
JOIN US DOWNSTAIRS NOW FOR COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Ushers: Judy Miller, Doug & Kate Hutton, Joy & Rick White, Kay Dickson, Joe Yevich & Rose Dunlap
Greeters: Bill, Karen & Katy Andres Coffee Hour Hosts: Maureen Lyon & Cindy Barley
Flowers: Given by Bob & Janet Schmidt in memory of loved ones.
Our 2007 Flower Chart to provide flowers in honor/memory of loved ones is now available in Memorial Hall.
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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LIVING THE QUESTIONS, a 12-week program led by Rev. Linda Fernandes-Bailey, explores the relevancy of Christianity in the 21st Century & what a meaningful faith can look like in today, & will be offered Tuesdays, beginning 1/16, at 9:30-11:30am & 7:00-9:00pm. Sign up next to Gordon’s office.
PASTA DINNER: Tickets Available at Coffee Hour Today! Join us 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.
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!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
HOME REPAIR HELP NEEDED! We are creating a list of people willing to help church family members in need with one-time/short term home maintenance or repair. We have an ongoing need for both skilled & unskilled labor for occasional projects. It’s a great way to make a positive impact on someone’s life while getting to know others in your church family! If willing & able, we strongly encourage you to sign-up today with Clare Lindsey (860-628-0298) or mlcbl58@hotmail.com (preferred).
NEW STEPHEN MINISTER TRAINING PROGRAM BEGINS THIS WEEK: 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).
INFANT/TODDLER NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED DURING ALL SERVICES: Adults & teens needed! Please call Beth Winne (621-6159).
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WORK DAY: Our next work day is SATURDAY, 1/20 (& 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!
COVENANT TO CARE NEEDS: Placement packs for all ages. Placement packs include: Infant Toddler (baby blankets, pacifiers, bottles, onesies, washcloths, wipes, sippy cups, diapers, toothbrushes, baby rattles/teethers, infant formula, baby food, baby cereal); Preschool (toiletries, wipes, color books/crayons, hand/body lotion, combs/brush, stuffed animals, small toy, books, small packaged snacks); School Age (backpacks, markers, deodorant & other toiletries, pens/pencils, books, clothes, etc.). THANKS! Items may be left in our Mission Hope Chest in the Narthex. For more info, call Kim Rees (860-621-7768).
SMALL GROUPS
All small groups are open to everyone, whether or not you’ve ever attended before.
LIVING THE QUESTIONS, a 12-week program led by Rev. Linda Fernandes-Bailey, explores the relevancy of Christianity in the 21st Century & what a meaningful faith can look like in today’s world. It will be offered Tuesdays, beginning THIS TUESDAY, at 9:30-11:30am & 7:00-9:00pm. Sign up next to Gordon’s office.
R.E.S.T., OUR SPIRITUAL BOOK CLUB, short for Reading for Enrichment & Spiritual Transformation, is led by Rev. Linda Fernandes-Bailey & meets monthly on the 3rd Sunday, 7:30 – 8:30pm, room #207. For January 21, read The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver & Priscilla Warner. You’re invited to read any or all books & attend any or all monthly sessions.
CRUZIN CONGOS: Watch for details about future trips soon.
QUILTS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED GROUP meets every other WEDNESDAY, 10:00AM, rooms #201/2, to sew quilts to comfort children in need. No need to sew; you may cut, piece or tie.
Next meetings: January 17 & 31. For more info, call Carole Lantz.
PARENTS & TOTS GROUPS meet Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00AM, in Memorial Hall. For info, call 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.”
SEEDS OF HOPE GROUP works in & through our church & community to foster awareness, communication, educational opportunities & action regarding our role as compassionate Christians living in a small, small world, who take 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, promoting peace, justice, environmental concerns & more. ALL WELCOME!
Next meeting: Sunday, January 21, 7:30pm, in room #204.
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).
Today’s Scripture Lesson
JOHN 2:1-11 1On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, They have no wine. 4And Jesus said to her, Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come. 5His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you. 6Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to them, Fill the jars with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward. So they took it. 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10and said to him, Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now. 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Today’s Anthem Text
I Give You Thanks
I give you thanks, O Lord, my God, I will always sing your praise;
I love you, Lord, with all my heart, My song to you I raise.
Whenever I have called to you, you always hear my voice;
You strengthen me, you give me hope, You make my heart rejoice.
All the earth shall praise you, Your faithfulness adored;
All shall sing of your greatness, the glory of our Lord.
Glory be to our Creator, Glory be to Christ, the Son;
Glory be to the Holy Spirit, Ever three and ever one!
As it was in the beginning, Now until the very end;
Ever praising, hearts rejoicing, Glory be to God, Amen!
-from Psalm 138
The Lord Hath Done It
Sing, O ye heavens, the Lord hath done it; Shout, O ye lower parts of the earth.
Break into singing, the Lord hath done it;
Sing, O ye mountains, Shout, O ye forest, and every tree that lives therein;
the Lord hath redeemed us, and glorified Himself in Israel.
Thus saith the Lord, “I have done it, I who have formed thee from the womb.”
I am the Lord, I have done it, I who made the heavens alone,
Who spreadeth abroad the earth myself,
I have redeemed thee, and glorified Myself in Israel.
Return unto me, I have redeemed thee, I have restored thee.
-Isaiah 44: 22-24
MISSION OF THE MONTH
Great Day! My name is Michael Halloran and I’ve been a member here for about 6 years and also a representative of our churches Missions Committee. I am constantly amazed at the tremendous difference that our church makes in our world. Many of these contributions can be directly attributed to our very active Missions Committee. This is why each month a new focus of our committee is highlighted. This month’s mission is
Habitat for Humanity
I am also our church’s volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity for which we have been involved with for many years.
On the 3rd Saturday of each month our church has committed to sending
5-7 volunteers to work from 8 – 3:30 at a site sponsored by Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity.
Believe it or not, and in such a large and active church, we don’t always meet this quota. I urge you to become more active in our church and in our community. You need no special skills or tools. Just the desire to help a neighbor in need.
So grab a friend, your spouse, your teenage children, or just come yourself and meet new friends. All you have to do is sign up next to Gordon’s office.
Habitat is a no cost, low commitment, high yield mission opportunity readily available to everyone.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call me. And I guarantee that by coming out you’ll have a special experience.
Thank You,
Michael (860) 426-1304
What’s Our Involvement?
The 1st Congregational Church of Southington has been involved with Habitat for Humanity building projects for many years. We are currently working with Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity (www.hartfordhabitat.org). We are committed to sending 5-7 volunteers each month.
Why Should I Get Involved?
Because our neighbors need our help.
Habitat for Humanity is a no cost, low commitment, fun, mission opportunity that is readily available to everyone. It is a great way to give back to the community, learn and practice new skills, and form relationships with each other and our neighbors.
Who Can Volunteer?
Anyone and Everyone! You don’t have to have any special skills, talents, or tools. Everything you will need to know will be taught to you on site. Habitat does have a minimum age requirement of 16. Anyone who is under 18 must have a guardian waiver form signed.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
7:20am Meet in Church parking lot (carpooling is always available)
8:00am Sign in at the work site
10:00am Coffee Break (provided by various volunteer groups)
12:00pm Lunch Break (volunteers must provide their own lunch)
3:30pm Go Home and Relax
When Does All This Happen?
We, as a congregation, have committed to providing volunteers on the
3rd Saturday of Every Month.
Mark Your Calendars for 2007 and SIGN UP!
January 20th May 19th September 15th
February 17th June 16th October 20th
March 17th July 21st November 17th
April 21st August 18th December 15th
How Can I Get Involved?
Sign up next to Gordon’s Office. If you have any questions or concerns please contact:
Michael Halloran (860) 426-1304 or michaelhalloran@hotmail.com