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!
February 18, 2007 AMAZING GRACE SUNDAY 9:30am
Disagreeable I had long found it, but I think I should have quitted it sooner, had I considered it, as I do now, to be unlawful & wrong. But I never had a scruple upon this head at the time, nor was such a thought once suggested to me by any friend. What I did, I did ignorantly, considering it as the line of life which Divine Providence had allotted to me, & having no concern, in point of conscience, but to treat the slaves, while under my care, with as much humanity as a regard to my own safety would admit.... I hope it will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in the business at which my heart now shudders. -- John Newton --
INFANT & TODDLER CARE BY ADULTS DURING ALL SERVICES IN CHURCH NURSERY
PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
Prelude Prelude: Variations on Amazing Grace Charles Callahan
The Welcome/Welcoming One Another
Church Family Announcements
Music for Meditation Choral-Prelude on Vienna Camil Van Hulse
Lighting the Candles Acolyte: Matthew Andrini
PRAISING GOD
The Call to Worship
PASTOR: Today we gather to sing, learn about and celebrate one of our favorite hymns!
PEOPLE: Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
PASTOR: We also gather to learn about the struggle to abolish the institution of slavery.
PEOPLE: I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
PASTOR: And we gather to address the problem human trafficking and slavery that exists today.
PEOPLE: Through many dangers, toils and snares, we have already come.
UNISON: T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far, and Grace will lead us home.
Hymn of Praise: #547 Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound New Britain
*Prayer of General Confession (unison)
Holy God, we confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word and deed by what we have
done and what we have left undone. We have not loved You completely, nor have we loved our
neighbors as ourselves. We have failed to forgive as we have been forgiven, and have remained
deaf to Your call to serve others as Christ has served us. Forgive us, O God, and make us ever
more faithful disciples, through whom You can accomplish Your divine work of salvation. 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 Phos Hilaron John Parsons
Children’s Message
Children & Teachers Exit to Church School
Scripture Lesson JAMES 2: 14-18
Sermon AMAZING GRACE AND THE SLAVE TRADE Dr. Gordon E. Ellis
including video clips from the new movie, Amazing Grace
Hymn of Reflection: #575 O For a World Azmon
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Prayer of the Church & Lord’s Prayer (using sins…)
Presentation of Our Offerings & Tithes
Offertory: Voluntary on the Old 100th J. G. Walther
*Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise God, all creatures here below!
Praise God above, you heavenly host! Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost!
*Prayer of Dedication
*Hymn: #33 God Created Heaven and Earth Vienna (hymn #448)
*Words of Parting (unison)
Let us go forth celebrating the life-giving history of Amazing Grace and the work of those who
have been moved by it through the centuries. May we too become good fanatics in the holy work
of ending human trafficking and the suffering of modern-day slavery.
*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: Variations: Final Charles Callahan
JOIN US DOWNSTAIRS NOW FOR COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Ushers: Gail Fulop; Gary & Garrett Cooper; George Moore; Judy Chatfield, Hardice Jones & Tim Lockwood
Greeters: Millie Graseck and Beverly Ryan Coffee Hour Host: Jim & Denise Feltz
Flowers: Given in memory of our daughter, Alice Elisabeth Maddy, by Ben & Jacqui Maddy.
Our 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 pray for our 21 youth & 6 advisors on our Youth Mission Trip doing Hurricane Katrina reconstruction in Mississippi. We pray for the Brodersen-Chirico family, grieving the death of Bell’s brother. We continue to pray for Greg Thompson; Sue Parsons; Pat Diego; John Zigmont; Mary Carter; Shirley Penfield; Janet Crocker; Betsy Roberts; Maureen Curtis; Pat Livingstone; & our Stephen Ministers & care-receivers.
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IMPORTANT! SIGN-UP TODAY! SACRED CIRCLE COVENANT GROUPS FOR LENT: All church members & friends are urged to make a 5-week Lenten commitment (2/26 - 4/1) to spend 1½ hours/week in a group with 6 to 8 others from church exploring & learning to live The Sacred Circle of Discipleship (presented by Gordon in a recent 3-part sermon series). Groups meet at different times on different days in different settings for your convenience. Sign-up near our Chapel & ramp (to VGNS).
ASH WEDNESDAY IS THIS WEDNESDAY: Our holiest season, Lent, begins THIS Wednesday. We offer 3 Ash Wednesday Services of Penance, when you may receive ashes. Services are at 7:00AM in Chapel (30 min.), 12:00Noon in Meetinghouse (30 min.) & 7:00PM in Meetinghouse (45 min.). Plan to attend one. A luncheon ($3) follows the 12:00N service.
THE CRISIS IN DARFUR NEXT SUNDAY: Our church & Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation are co-sponsoring this important educational event NEXT Sunday, 4:00pm, in Memorial Hall, featuring Christopher Doucet. The editor of The Hartford Catholic Worker will offer an historical context to the genocide in Darfur & an update on the current situation there. All are welcome & encouraged to attend.
SIGN PETITIONS TODAY! Sign a petition TODAY in Memorial Hall to end modern-day slavery. Signatures will be presented to government officials to demonstrate the voice of the people regarding human trafficking & modern-day slavery. For more information, visit www.theamazingchange.com.
WE RECOMMEND the movies, Amazing Grace (opening this Friday) & Freedom Writers. See them!
LENTEN NOONDAY SERVICES begin THIS week. These special 30-minute Lenten services are offered at 12:00N every Wednesday through April 4 in our Chapel (except THIS week: Meetinghouse), led by one of our clergy staff. Lenten luncheons follow each one in Memorial Hall for just $3. ALL welcome!
PROGRESSIVE DINNER: There are only 20 seats at this fabulous meal to benefit Red Cloud Indian School. It’s Saturday, 3/3, 6pm. Tickets are $30/person. For tickets, call Paul Vivian (860-621-8729).
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER is Friday, 3/9, 12:00N, St. Thomas Church Hall, Bristol Street. Lunch & program = $8. For tickets, call Doris Smith by 3/2 (860-426-9205).
WINTER ART CAMP THIS WEEK: Award-winning artist & teacher, John Baker, offers an Art Camp this week (2/19 - 2/23) for kids (with lessons in painting, drawing, clay, collage, mixed media & illustration) in our new Peace Café. Sessions are 2 hours (grades 1-3 = 9:30-11:30am & grades 4-7 = 1:30-3:30pm). Learn about art from around the world & help friends create artwork for our new Peace Café. Cost: $150 (includes all materials). Last call! Register today! Contact Crystal Sullivan (203-536-5642 or at 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.
STEVE & FRIENDS CONCERT, featuring church member, Steve Casillas, will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Newington, CT, NEXT Sunday, 2/25, 3:30 pm. A light reception will follow. All welcome!
PUZZLE SWAP NEXT SUNDAY, 2/25, all day in Memorial Hall. Bring in & take home puzzles for adults & children (children’s puzzles not more than 100 pieces). For info, contact Lois Hall (860-828-4219).
SUMMER CAMP: Our United Church of Christ runs a wonderful summer camp experience for children & teens at Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon, CT. Brochure & registration is now available on-line at www.ctucc.org (click on "Silver Lake"). We also have some scholarship assistance available. See Karlene Archambeault or Carole Lantz.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR: Mad Agnes in concert, Peace Café, 7:30pm, Sunday, April 15th!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
USHERS NEEDED for 1 Sunday/month at 9:30am? It’s a great way to meet more people AND serve your church. Training & substitutes provided! Please sign-up next to Gordon’s office.
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, 3/17 (& 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!
NEW COVENANT TO CARE NEEDS: Kitchen table & chairs, mattresses (full & twin), bedsheets, pillows, bedroom sets for adult & a 5-year old. ALSO needed (as always): Placement packs for all ages, including: 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.). Items may be left in our Mission Hope Chest in the Narthex. For more info, call Kim Rees (860-621-7768). THANKS!
Today’s Scripture Lesson
JAMES 2:14-18 14What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? 15If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, 16and one of you says to them, Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? 17So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. 18But someone will say, You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith apart from your works, and I, by my works, will show you my faith.
Today’s Anthem Text
Phos Hilaron
In Memory of Doris Collins Monroe
O gracious light, pure brightness of the eternal creator of heaven; O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed. Now as we come to the rising of the sun, and our eyes behold your morning light, we sing your praises, mighty God, One in Trinity. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Christ of God, O Giver of life; and to be glorified through all the worlds. Amen, Amen. -UCC Book of Worship
SMALL GROUPS
All small groups are open to everyone, whether or not you’ve ever attended before.
SPIRITED WOMEN: A WOMEN’S RETREAT with Rev. Linda Fernandes-Bailey, happens March 9-11 at Wisdom House in Litchfield. It’s a special opportunity for women to come together to listen to one another’s stories, pray, worship, & claim the Spirited woman that you are! Cost is $181 for weekend program, lodging & meals. Sign-up today next to Gordon’s office; just 3 spaces left!
CRUISIN’ CONGOS: Family fun day in NYC! Choose either The Bronx Zoo or The New York Botanical Gardens on Saturday, June 23. Leave municipal lot next to church at 8:00am & leave NYC for home at 4:00pm. The cost is $25 for bus & tip. Admission costs & lunch are on your own. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Send full payment to Fred Nyren (276 Carriage Dr., Southington , CT 06489). Questions? Call Meredith Mann (860-628-8982). ALSO: Save Oct. 3-4 for our Adirondack Foliage Adventure with lots of wonderful, fun activities. More details coming soon!
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 TONIGHT, read Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagize. For March 19, read God’s Politics by Jim Wallis. You’re invited to read any or all books & attend any or all monthly sessions.
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 14 & 28 and March 14 & 28. For more info, call Carole Lantz.
PARENTS & TOTS GROUPS meet Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00AM, in Fellowship Hall (under Meetinghouse). 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, March 4, 7:30pm, 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).
THE CLOTHESLINE PROJECT
The Clothesline Project is on display in Peace Café for 1 week, through NEXT Sunday, including 2 public viewings on Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00-8:00pm. It is an exhibit of shirts decorated by women affected by domestic violence. The decorated shirts, hung on a clothesline, may be viewed as testimony to the huge problem of violence against women. They were all created by victims of domestic violence as a way of helping them express their feelings & find healing. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Parents: Please note that this is a graphic display, so parental discretion is advised.
The Clothesline Project helps heal & bears witness to the survivors & victims of domestic violence, as well as to the loved ones of those who have died because of it. It also seeks to educate the general public regarding the magnitude of the problem of violence against women. It was started in Massachusetts in 1990 by The Cape Cod Women’s Agenda, & was inspired by a Cape Cod artist, Rachel Carey-Harper. Currently there are over 100 local chapters of The Clothesline Project in 26 states & 3 foreign countries (England, Canada & Tanzania), & there are more than 10,000 shirts for display with all the local chapters. To create a national display of all the shirts already made, we would need to erect a clothesline as long as 67 football fields. Normally during a display of The Clothesline Project, a whistle blows every 15 minutes to symbolize another woman’s murder from domestic violence; a bell chimes every minute as another woman is raped; & a gong sounds every 10 seconds as a woman is battered.
Did you know that 1 out of every 3 girls is sexually abused before reaching the age of 18?
Did you know that between 7/1/05 & 6/30/06, 18 domestic violence shelters in Connecticut
provided services to 54,641 victims of domestic violence?
Did you know that 51,000 women were murdered in the U.S. by men who supposedly loved
them during the same period that the Vietnam War was waging, which killed 58,000 U.S.
soldiers?
Did you know that our church has a relationship with Prudence Crandall Home, a shelter for
victims of domestic violence in New Britain. Among other assistance, our Missions Committee
shops for & delivers a supply of perishable groceries each & every week.
There is no charge to view the display in Peace Café, but to help raise funds The Clothesline Project sells loggo T-shirts, buttons & bumper stickers, in addition to the general donation box. You’ll also find an information table in the display area with educational brochures & lists of local services available to victims of domestic violence.
In the display, WHITE shirts are for women who have died from violence because they were women; YELLOW or BEIGE shirts are for women who have been battered or assaulted because they are women; RED, PINK or ORANGE shirts are for women who have been raped or sexually assaulted; BLUE or GREEN shirts are for women survivors of incest or childhood sexual abuse; & PURPLE or LAVENDER shirts are for women who were attacked because they are lesbian.
Ten Amazing Facts about Amazing Grace
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The words were written by a reformed British slave trader turned Anglican minister, John Newton, who wrote it to accompany a New Year’s Day church service in 1773. |
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Amazing Grace is the most covered song in history. Over 3200 different recordings exist. |
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The tune we now associate with Amazing Grace wasn’t matched to the words until 1835 in William Walker’s Southern Harmony. Until then it was set to a variety of tunes. |
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The final stanza—When we’ve been there ten thousand years—was added by Edwin Othello Excell in 1909 and was taken from another hymn. |
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Amazing Grace is considered to be the anthem of the Cherokee Nation because the song was sung on the Trail of Tears during 1838-39. |
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The first gospel recording of Amazing Grace was made in 1926 by Rev. H. R. Tomlin. |
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Most of the recordings of Amazing Grace have been made since Judy Collins had a surprise pop hit with the song in 1971. |
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A survey of British teenagers in the mid-1970s found that the majority thought that Amazing Grace was a love song about a girl named Grace. |
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The popular bagpipe version recorded by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards was based on the hit version by Judy Collins and was only added to an album as an afterthought. Later released as a single, it became a huge international hit. |
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Amazing Grace was sung as the funerals of Richard Nixon, Sonny Bono, Barry Goldwater, Joe DiMaggio and John Kennedy Jr. |
IMPORTANT STATISTICS
27 Million: Number of people in modern-day slavery across the world
UN, New York Times, Amnesty International, The Christian Science Monitor
800,000: Number of persons trafficked across international borders each year
17,500: Number of foreign nationals who are trafficked into the U.S. every year
91: Number of cities in the United States with reported cases of trafficking
50: Percent of all victims are children
$50 Million: US Government budget for efforts against human trafficking
$19 Billion: US Government budget for efforts against drug trafficking
300,000: Estimated number of child soldiers involved in over 30 areas of conflict worldwide, some younger than 10 years old.