Rev. Patricia L. Liberty, Interim Senior Minister
January 6, 2008 CHAPEL COMMUNION 8:00AM
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE
INFANT & TODDLER CARE BY ADULTS DURING ALL SERVICES IN CHURCH NURSERY
PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
Gathering Music
The Welcome/Welcoming One Another
Church Family Announcements
PRAISING GOD
Leader: The Word is made flesh, God is in our midst. This is the good news we proclaim.
People: In Jesus Christ, God calls us to a new community and gives a new vision of nations and races, lands and people joined together in love.
Leader: Celebrate and renew that vision today as you sing and seek, receive and give.
People: We come to offer ourselves and be refreshed for God’s work.
*Hymn of Praise: # 159 As With Gladness Those of Old Dix
*Prayer of Invocation
God of the faithful in every time, today you call us into your church to be one body in Jesus Christ. You give us the gifts we need for your service and bless us with a community of believers who share your vision. Grant us a renewed spirit of faithfulness and discipleship. Bind us in one community with your people in all places, for the sake of the realm your Son came to bring. Amen
Response: #743 Be still and know that I am God (3times)
HEARING GOD’S WORD
Scripture Lessons Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon Finding our Way Rev. Patricia L. Liberty
RESPONDING TO GOD'S WORD
Prayers of the Church & Lord’s Prayer (using sins)
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Invitation
The Sharing of the Bread and Cup
(Please come forward, pew by pew, starting with the entire left side, front pew first. The right
side can then follow, beginning in the rear. Break off a piece of bread & dip it into the cup.
Inside gold container are gluten-free, wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free wafers for those with allergies.)
*Prayer of Thanksgiving (join hands)
*Benediction
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Joys & Concerns for Prayer: Today we celebrate the baptism of Brian III & Matthew Marek, twin sons of Brian & Stacy. We keep Frank Rogers & family in prayer as they grieve the death of his wife, Shirley (12/26). We pray for Carol Skwiot, hospitalized last week & Bonnie Perry having foot surgery (1/9). We continue to pray for Andrea Sinclair, Ted Andrzejczuk, Kim Palmer, Pat Diego, Matthew Currao (Iraq), Betsy Roberts; Vi Hart; Carolyn Beadle; Mitzi Cronin; Maureen Curtis; Pat Livingstone; our Stephen Ministers & care-receivers.
Our 2008 Flower Chart to provide flowers in honor/memory of loved ones is now available in Memorial Hall.
Pick a date, don’t forget your phone number, and Meredith or Bev will be in touch.
FOR PASTORAL NEEDS & EMERGENCIES call any of our ministers: Patricia L. Liberty (401-499-7752),
Rick Haverly (860-620-0513), Cyndie Holden (203) 206-9507 or Linda Fernandes-Bailey (1-860-274-9907).
NO TWIGS IN JANUARY. Rehearsals will resume on February 5th at 6pm.
SCHEDULING EVENTS: It is very important that all events and meetings planned in the building get cleared and posted with the office. On many an evening the building is filled to capacity and it is not fair to bump someone who has cleared their meeting with the office ahead of time. Plan ahead 628-6958.
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS NEEDED at all services. You only have to commit to it once every 2 months. Call Barbara Stubbs (203-440-8958.)
OUR ARCHIVAL COMMITTEE IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS! Are you well organized? Do you like working on small projects? Why not join our group to organize our church’s history. Meets every Thursday (except summers), 10-12N in room 201/2. For more info call Doris LaRese (860-628-7550).
OUR CHURCH’S WEBSITE, www.firstchurchsouthington.org
BREAD BAKER NEEDED!! 4th Sunday of each month. Contact Jean DeVito (276-0727).
A REMINDER TO PARENTS –Dismissal times for church school are: 9:30am – 10:45am; 11:15am – 12:30pm; 6:00pm – 7:15pm. If the service is over before dismissal time, please go to Memorial Hall until church school ends.
VILLAGE GREEN NURSERY SCHOOL REGISTRATION for church members & alumni, Saturday, January 12, 9am, Memorial Hall. Snowdate: Monday, January 14, 6pm, Memorial Hall.
Pasta Dinner Saturday, January 26th, 6-8PM in Memorial Hall. To support our February Youth Mission Trip to Mazatlan, Mexico. $7.50 adult & $3/ 5yrs. and under. Tickets on Sale Today!
LAITY SUNDAY is January 27. The theme is “Call to Follow.” If you’d like to participate, call Rev. Linda Fernandes-Bailey.
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER –MARK YOUR CALENDAR! February 5, 6pm in Memorial Hall. We’re celebrating Mardi Gras and preparing ourselves for Ash Wednesday and Lent. Men’s Club will serve a traditional pancake supper then enjoy a Mardi Gras parade, pancake race and family Lenten crafts.
SAFE CHURCH TRAINING: FREE CPR/AED TRAINING..January16 for renewal training & January 23 for full training. Both sessions begin at 7pm in room 201/2. Sign-up outside the Pastor’s office.
SAFE CHURCH FIRE DRILL. Some time between January & May we’ll have a fire drill with no advanced notice. If you hear the fire alarm during the church service, follow the directions from the minister. DO NOT GO THROUGH THE CHURCH to get anyone. All children will be evacuated by their teachers/infant care staff (they’re usually out before anyone else).
THE COFFEE HOUSE 2nd Saturday of each month at 7:00pm, Peace Café. On January 12th enjoy Lisa Martin.
KID’S CLUB (grades 2-5) is going to LASER STORM, (2211 Meriden-Waterbury Tpke), on Friday, January 18, 6pm. Cost: $13 pp. Sign-up outside Pastor’s office.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
INFANT/TODDLER NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ALL SERVICES: Adults & teens! Can you help out once/twice monthly? Contact: Beth Winne (860-621-6159 or BethWinne@yahoo.com).
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS FOOD: Please help! Bring mac/cheese, cold cereals, soups, tuna, canned fruits/vegetables, baked beans, jelly, peanut butter & pasta & sauce to our Missions Committee Hope Chest in the Narthex or bring a gift certificate from a local grocery store to the church office for the purchase of perishables. Thank you!
FUND-RAISING CHALLENGE: At our Annual Meeting, we voted in a budget that included a fund-raising challenge of over $7,000, hoping members would rise to the occasion & do creative fund-raising. Have an idea? Can you help? Contact Linda Accuosti (860-628-7737) or Nancy Smith (860-628-4896). So far…we’re half way there!!
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WORK DAY: Our next work day is SATURDAY, January 19th (& monthly on the 3rd Saturday. Sign-up TODAY next to the pastor’s office! Men, women & teens (16 & over) welcome. If you can’t join us to work, please consider providing fuel for the volunteers, SNACKS, for 15 to 20 people. Call Michael Halloran, (860/426-1304) for more info or to sign-up. Thanks!
COVENANT TO CARE NEEDS: New or gently-used T-SHIRTS (adult or child)…. 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!
SMALL GROUPS
All small groups are open to everyone, whether or not you’ve ever attended before.
BREAKFAST CLUB: Meets the 2nd Thursday each month (Sept. – June), 8-9am, Memorial Hall. Breakfast $1. Meets next: January 10, Speaker: Ellen Simpson & Donna Blakey, “The work of the Friendship Service Center in New Britain.”
CRUISIN’ CONGOS: Watch for future activities soon! For info, call Meredith Mann (860-628-8982).
QUILTS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED GROUP meets every other WEDNESDAY, 10:00AM, room #201/2, to sew quilts to comfort children in need. No need to sew; you may cut, piece or tie.
Next meeting: January 16. For more info, call Carole Lantz.
PARENTS & TOTS GROUPS meet Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00AM, in Peace Café. Contact Lisa Christensen (860-276-0235). Fun for kids; fellowship for parents!
PRAYER CIRCLE: EVERY TUESDAY, 4:00-5:30PM, Church Parlor. All welcome! Leave prayer requests & addresses (card will be sent) in 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 etc, promoting peace, justice, environmental concerns & more. ALL WELCOME! For info, call Randy Yale (919-606-5757 or randy-Y@yahoo.com). Meets 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).
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP (grades 9-12) meets Sunday evenings: in Peace Café, 7:30-9:00pm. For more information, contact Rick Haverly (860-620-0513).
R.E.S.T. (Reading for Enrichment and Spiritual Transformation) Read Holy Play by Kirk Byron Jones then join us for a discussion on Sunday, January 20, 7:30pm in room 207. Led by Rev. Linda Fernandes-Bailey.
Today’s Scripture Lesson
Isaiah 60:1-6 1Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
5Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.
Matthew 2:1-12 1An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, 4and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6and Jesse the father of King David.
And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
12And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel.
The Morning Star doth Shine (9:30am) T. Charles Lee
Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ from heaven above, yet near
Come and worship God in this world of His, right here;
Sing praise to Him, sing praise to Him , the Savior Christ is thine,
The Word of God is come, and the Morning Star doth shine.
Praise to Thee, O Christ the Son, who takes away our woe,
Fills our lives with His joy and ever makes them glow;
Sing praise to Him, sing praise to Him , the Savior Christ is thine,
The Word of God is come, and the Morning Star doth shine.
Sing we now to Jesus Christ Who takes away all sin,
Open wide your heart’s door and let Him enter in,
Sing praise to Him, sing praise to Him , the Savior Christ is thine,
The Word of God is come, and the Morning Star doth shine.
OUR CHURCH CALENDAR
January 6, 2008
TODAY 8:00AM Chapel Communion (Chapel)
9:30AM Morning Worship: Traditional & Church School
10:45AM Bible Study (Parlor)
10:50AM Mustard Seeds (Choir Room)
11:00AM Confirmation Class to Newborn Church of God & Holiness
11:15AM T.G.I. Sunday: Contemporary Worship & Church School
6:00PM Be Still: Contemplative Worship & Church School
7:30PM Seeds of Hope (204)
7:30PM Sr. High Group (Peace Café)
MONDAY 1:00PM Caring Committee (201/202)
7:00PM Church Council (203)
7:30PM Celebration Ringers (Choir Room)
TUESDAY 9:30AM Parents & Tots (Peace Café)
4:00PM Prayer Circle (Parlor)
6:00PM Twigs Rehearsal (Meetinghouse)
7:00PM Branches Rehearsal (Meetinghouse & Chapel)
8:00PM AA Meeting (Choir Room)
WEDNESDAY 9:30AM Parents & Tots (Peace Café)
6:00PM #9 Rehearsal (Meetinghouse)
6:30PM Girl Scouts (Peace Café)
7:00PM Hospitality (206)
THURSDAY 8:00AM Breakfast Club (Memorial Hall)
9:30AM Music Committee (Library)
10:00AM Archival Committee (201/202)
7:00PM VGNS (Library)
7:30PM Sr. Choir (Choir Room)
FRIDAY 7:30PM GSJC Service (Chapel, Memorial Hall)
SATURDAY 9:00AM VGNS Registration for Church & Alumni (Memorial Hall)
5:30PM Winter Frolic (Memorial Hall)
7:30PM Lisa Martin (Peace Café)
NEXT SUNDAY (1/13/08)
8:00AM Chapel Communion (Chapel)
9:30AM Morning Worship: Traditional & Church School
10:45AM Bible Study (Parlor)
10:50AM Mustard Seeds (Choir Room)
11:15AM T.G.I. Sunday: Contemporary Worship & Church School
6:00PM Be Still: Contemplative Worship & Church School
7:30PM Sr. High Group (Peace Café)
7:30PM Confirmation Class (Choir Room)
