Rev. Patricia L. Liberty, Interim Senior Minister
January 6, 2008 EPIPHANY 9:30am
PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES…. THANK YOU !
INFANT & TODDLER CARE BY ADULTS DURING ALL SERVICES IN CHURCH NURSERY
PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
"It is better to follow even the shadow of the best, than to remain content with the worst, and those who would see wonderful things must often be ready to travel alone." - Henry Vandyke, The Other Wise Man –
The Welcome/Welcoming One Another
Church Family Announcements
Prelude Fantasia: Wie Schön Leuchtet der Morgenstern Dietrich Buxtehude
Lighting the Candles Acolyte: Molly Dobratz
PRAISING GOD
The Call to Worship
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 (unison)
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
The Sacrament of Christian Baptism: #A1 (Worship Book)
Children & Teachers Exit to Church School
Scripture Lessons Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon Finding our Way Rev. Patricia L. Liberty
Hymn of Reflection: (insert) Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness Monsell
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Presentation of Our Offerings and Tithes
Offertory Anthem The Morning Star Doth Shine T. Charles Lee
*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
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Invitation
Prayers of the Church & Lord’s Prayer (using sins)
The Sharing of the Bread and Cup
Prayer of Thanksgiving
*Hymn: #158 O Morning Star, How Clear and Bright Wie Schön Leuchtet
*Words of Parting (unison)
Let us go forth into the world with a sharpened realization, an open-hearted anticipation, and an over-abundant celebration of the God who will be with us every step of the journey.
*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 Wie Schön Leuchtet der Morgenstern David Cherwein
PLEASE JOIN US DOWNSTAIRS NOW FOR COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Ushers: Our Board of Deacons
Coffee Hour Hosts: Ruth Smith, Peggy Thibodeau Greeters: Beatrice, Paul, Diana & Elena Babineau; Tyler Zak
Flowers: Given in memory of Dustin Arigoni by the Dobratz family.
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 & Meredith or Bev will be in touch.
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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.
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 “Called 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.