March 4, 2007                     SECOND   SUNDAY   IN   LENT                              9:30am

The cross leads us to joy & not just happiness.  There is a difference….  Happiness is a checkbook that has money, a car that works, a good date for Saturday night.  Happiness is the absence of major hassles, or terrorism or crime; happiness is kids’ getting good report card and spouse’s getting a raise.  Happiness is something we know as enhancement or protection of our own lives.  Joy comes in connection with another or with Jesus.  Joy can happen without money or a working car.  Joy happens when we get to the core of life & realize love is at the core.  Joy befriends us; love accompanies us.  -- Donna Schaper --

INFANT  &  TODDLER  CARE  BY  ADULTS  DURING  ALL  SERVICES  IN  CHURCH  NURSERY

PREPARING   TO   WORSHIP   GOD

Prelude                           O Lamm Gottes unschuldig (O Lamb of God, Most Holy)                         J. S. Bach

The Welcome/Welcoming One Another

Church Family Announcements

Music for Meditation                      Improvisation: Wunderbarer König                                                 J. Parsons

                                  Lighting the Candles                                                                                          Acolyte: Megan Enright

PRAISING   GOD

The Call to Worship

PASTOR:  We gather for this time of worship in reverent awe, for this is holy ground!

            PEOPLE: We are here to feel the presence and power of the Living God!

PASTOR:  There is so much of God that we do not know or understand.  God’s purposes are far

                              beyond our comprehension.

PEOPLE: In these moments and in all of life, let us be open to the unexpected.  And let us

      celebrate that ours is a redeeming God, always at work in our lives and world.

Hymn of Praise: #66                                 God Is Truly With Us                                                    Wunderbarer König

*Prayer of General Confession (unison)

Holy God, we are called to be imitators of Christ, but we often mimic the world.  We are called

to be citizens of Your Kingdom, but we fall in love with the kingdoms of this world.  We are

called to walk the walk of faith and to place our trust in You, but too often we are content just

to talk the talk, as we trust the powers, principalities and pleasures of this world.  Forgive us, O

God, and help us become the faithful people You call us to become.  Now in the silence, hear our

personal prayers of confession.

*Prayer of Personal Confession (in silence)

*Response: #745    Holy God, holy and mighty One, holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.

*Assurance of Forgiveness       

HEARING   GOD’S   WORD

Scripture Lesson                                                                                                             PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1

Sermon                                                           DIVINE   IMPROV                                          Dr. Gordon E. Ellis

Hymn of Reflection: #63                       Holy Spirit, Truth Divine                                                               Mercy

RESPONDING   TO   GOD’S   WORD

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

Presentation of Our Offerings & Tithes

Offertory Anthem:                                     Open Thou Mine Eyes                                                         John Rutter

*Doxology           All things are Yours: we make that true when we return our gifts to You;

And so we give, and so we share, in Christi’s strong name expressing care.

*Prayer of Dedication

THE   SACRAMENT   OF   THE   LORD’S   SUPPER

The Invitation

The Sharing of the Bread and Cup      (jazz improv by Matt Knoegel)

The Prayer of Thanksgiving

*Hymn: #436                                 God of Grace and God of Glory                                 CWM Rhondda

*Words of Parting (unison)

God’s tune is Transformation, and it’s a fabulous, love-filled divine improv.  Let us go

forth trusting God and watching and listening with awe as God’s song of love unfolds.

*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.”

Music for Contemplation:                 God of Grace and God of Glory                                     Wilbur Held

JOIN   US   DOWNSTAIRS   NOW   FOR   COFFEE   &   CONVERSATION

Ushers: Members of our Board of Deacons                   Greeters: Ed & Bonnie Perry and Colin Daigle    

Coffee Hour Host: Rick & Pat Diego

Flowers: Given in loving memory of Sophia George Chaltas by the Chaltas family.

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 Bill Korp, who left Friday for Uganda, where he will serve for 2+ years in The Peace Corps.  Diane Lamb had surgery this week.  Also hospitalized this week: Alan Beaudoin & Graham Hall.  We continue to pray for Sue Parsons; John Robison; Pat Diego; John Zigmont; Mary Carter; Janet Crocker; Betsy Roberts; Maureen Curtis; Pat Livingstone; & our Stephen Ministers & care-receivers.

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NEXT  SUNDAY:  REV.  DR.  DAVIDA  FOY  CRABTREE, our Conference Minister in our CT Conference of the United Church of Christ, will be our guest preacher.  Please come welcome her & show her what a special & wonderful church family we are!

THE  EXONERATED: Our adaption of The Exonerated, directed by John Baker (who recently toured with The Sound of Music) comes to Peace Café on March 30 & 31, 7:30pm, & April 1, 2:30pm.  It chronicles the stories of 4 wrongly-accused death row inmates.  Infused with poignant music, it’s a thought-provoking start to Holy Week, as we remember another death row inmate, Jesus!  Space limited; get free tickets at Coffee & Conversation or from Shelley Nyren (860-628-2523 or shelnyren@sbcglobal.net).  Free-will offering at event.  Due to adult themes & language, play is not recommended for children under age 16.

HOLY  WEEK  VIGIL: Sign-up today for our Holy Week Vigil, when people will be in our chapel ‘round the clock’ (Maundy Thursday, 4/5, 9PM, through Easter Sunrise, 4/8, 6AM) for 1 hour each, worshipping, praying, meditating on behalf of all of us.  Sign-up next to Gordon’s office today!

LENTEN  NOONDAY  SERVICES: Join us for a special 30-minute Lenten service at 12:00N each Wednesday through April 4 in our Chapel.  This week’s worship leader: Rev. Rick Haverly.  Lenten luncheons in Memorial Hall follow each Lenten Noonday Service for just $3.  ALL welcome!

DARFUR  INTERVENTION: Chris Doucet, last Sunday’s speaker on The Crisis in Darfur, urged us to write to former President Clinton, asking him to travel to Darfur to witness & publicize the genocide there.  Letters for your signature are in Memorial Hall & next to our Church Office.  You may sign & send one yourself, sign one & leave it for us to send or compose your own, but please help the suffering people of Darfur!  Your Missions Committee

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).

DVD’S  OF  WEEKLY  WORSHIP: Thanks to Gabe Selmi, our Church Library will again have DVD copies of our weekly worship services for loan to those unable to attend.  While Gabe generally records whichever service is convenient for him, prior arrangement can be made with him to record a specific service for you & provide you with a copy (such as if your child is being baptized or you are participating in worship).  Call Gabe to make arrangements (860-620-9587).

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.

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.

MOVIES  THAT  MATTER will be offered on the big screen with surround sound on Friday, 3/23, at 7:00pm, in Peace Café.  The movie, Jesus Camp, will be shown, followed by a discussion led by Sue Meissner & Clare Lindsey.  Child care ($3/child for the evening) will be offered & refreshments will be available.  All are welcome!  Suggested donation: $2/person.  Our April movie will be Brokeback Mountain on Friday, April 20, 7:00pm, with discussion leader, Rich Szulczewski.

CHURCH  COUNCIL  MEETS  TOMORROW, 7:00pm, in room #203.  All boards & committees  should be represented.

OUR  SEEDS  OF  HOPE  GROUP  MEETS  TONIGHT, 7:30pm, in room #204.  Check out the group’s description on the insert under Small Groups & join us tonight!  It’s extremely IMPORTANT!

VOLUNTEER    OPPORTUNITIES

NURSERY  VOLUNTEERS  NEEDED especially for during our 6:00pm service on the 3^rd & 4^th Sundays of each month.  Adults & teens needed!  Please call Beth Winne (860-621-6159).

BREAD  FOR  LIFE needs canned fruit.  Please leave in our Mission Hope Chest in the Narthex.  Thanks!

HABITAT  FOR  HUMANITY  WORK  DAY:  Our next work day is SATURDAY, 3/17 (& 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!

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

PHILIPPIANS  3:17 - 4:1    ¹⁷Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.  ¹⁸For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears.  ¹⁹Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.  ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  ²¹He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of His glory, by the power that also enables Him to make all things subject to Himself.  ^4:1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Today’s  Anthem  Text

Open Thou Mine Eyes  by John Rutter

Open thou mine eyes and I shall see.  Incline my heart and I shall desire.  Order my steps and I shall walk in the ways of Thy commandments.  O Lord God, be Thou to me a God and beside Thee let there be none else, no other, nought else with Thee.  Vouchsafe to me to worship Thee and serve Thee according to Thy commandments: in truth of spirit, in reverence of body, in blessing of lips, in private and public.                      -- Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626) --

SMALL   GROUPS

All small groups are open to everyone, whether or not you’ve ever attended before.

LAST  CALL  FOR  SPIRITED  WOMEN:  A  WOMEN’S  RETREAT with Rev. Linda Fernandes-Bailey, March 9-11 at Wisdom House, Litchfield.  It’s a special opportunity for women 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.  See details in March newsletter!

CHANGE   OF   SCHEDULE:  R.E.S.T., OUR  SPIRITUAL  BOOK  CLUB (short for Reading for Enrichment & Spiritual Transformation) is led by Rev. Linda Fernandes-Bailey & meets monthly, 7:30 – 8:30pm, room #207.  For April 29^th, 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: 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: TONIGHT, 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).

DRUMMING  THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIFE:  A  DRUM  CIRCLE: Historically people have used the beat of the drum to connect with the Divine.  Whether you’ve drummed before or not, this group is for you.  Toes tapping & spirit soaring, your heart will beat to the rhythm of the drum.  You will fill with energy & want to move.  Bring a willingness to participate, meditate & praise God.  We have some drums, but bring one if you can (hand drums only).  Watch for sign-ups or call Nelly Lazariel (860-426-9268).