Rev. Patricia L. Liberty, Interim Senior Minister
January 27, 2008 CHAPEL COMMUNION 8:00AM
Laity Sunday
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
PASTOR: We who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
PEOPLE: Christ, the light of the world, shines in this place.
PASTOR: The light of Christ shines in the church.
PEOPLE: The cross of Christ brings a message of eloquent wisdom and saving power.
PASTOR: The light of Christ shines in our world.
PEOPLE: The call of Jesus turns us toward the light.
PASTOR: The light of Christ surprised Jesus’ first disciples.
PEOPLE: Will we, like Jesus’ early followers, hear a new calling today?
*Hymn of Praise: #495 Called as Partners in Christ’s Service Beecher
*Prayer of Invocation (Unison)
O Christ, the light of the world, you have called us to this house of prayer today. You have invited us to be together in the presence of your word that we hear in scripture and song. We will speak prayerfully and listen attentively. We ask now for a hopeful and expectant spirit as we anticipate a word of guidance, or comfort, or challenge, or even a new calling in this time of worship. We know you surprised Peter and Andrew, James and John so that they left their fishing nests to follow you. We wonder what you have in store for us? Help us to know. Amen.
HEARING GOD’S WORD
Scripture Lessons Matthew 4:12-23
Sermon “CALLED TO FOLLOW” Rich Cote, Mary DeCroce
RESPONDING TO GOD'S WORD
Prayers of the Church & Lord’s Prayer (using sins) Scott Celella
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
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Guest Musician: Patrice Jones
Flowers: Are given in honor of those participating in Laity Sunday services.
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.
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Joys & Concerns for Prayer: We pray for the family of June Sardilli, who passed away on January 21. We keep Graham & Lois Hall & the Maddy family in prayer as they grieve the death of there aunt/great aunt, Gertrude. We pray for Howard Bowman who was hospitalized last week. We continue to pray for Dorothy Beadle, Bonnie Perry, Andrea Sinclair, Pat Diego, Matthew Currao (Iraq), Betsy Roberts; Vi Hart; Mitzi Cronin; Maureen Curtis; Pat Livingstone; our Stephen Ministers & care-receivers.
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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).
THANK YOU to all who coordinated, worked &/or attended Saturday evenings Pasta Supper. Proceeds will benefit our February Youth Mission Trip to Mazatlan, Mexico.
NO TWIGS IN JANUARY. Rehearsals will resume on Wednesday, February 6th & Tuesday, February 12 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 our 6:00pm, service. You only have to commit to it once every 2 months. Call Barbara Stubbs (203-440-8958.)
OUR CHURCH’S WEBSITE, www.firstchurchsouthington.org
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.
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 (free-will offering) then enjoy a Mardi Gras parade, pancake race & family Lenten crafts.
FEBRUARY 6TH IS ASH WEDNESDAY. Plan to attend one of our three Services of Penance: 7AM, 12Noon (followed by Lenten Luncheon - $3), and 7PM. All services will be held in our Meetinghouse.
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).
LOST: Ladies navy pea coat hung in Memorial Hall on Sunday, January 6. Keys in pocket. Also on January 13 another coat, a brown coat with leopard fur on collar/hood with leather gloves in pockets. Please check your closets and call the church office if you find either one (628-6958).
DEACON’S FUND OFFERING for January will benefit our February Youth Mission trip to Mazatlan, Mexico. 25 youth and their advisors will build an addition at the mission church, Villa del Sol, on the outskirts of the city.
YEAR-END TAX STATEMENTS are now available in Memorial Hall. Please pick yours up so we can save on postage!
BREAD FOR LIFE WEEK Our week to serve is February 11 – 15. PLEASE sign-up (outside Pastor’s office) to volunteer to serve from 10am – 1pm just one day that week…more if you can.
FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEER NEEDED to work on Thursdays, 1:30 – 3:30PM. If you’re interested call Eldon Hafford at Bread for Life (276-8389).
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, February 16th (& 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!
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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 on February 14th, Speaker: Mark Kopec of Southington will speak on a variety of subjects relating to our national government. As a frequent visitor to Washington and his involvement with Lobbyists, new innovative discoveries and inventions relating to our defense department, he will have many interesting stories to relate.
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 30. 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 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-y0@yahoo.com). Usually meets the 1st Sunday each month. Next meeting: February 3, 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 Amish Grace by Donald Krabill, Steven Nolt & David Weaver-Zercher then join us for a discussion, Sunday, March 16th, 7:30pm in room 207. Led by Rev. Linda Fernandes-Bailey.
OUR ARCHIVAL COMMITTEE meets every Thursday from 10am – Noon in room 201/2 (except the summer months). Do you like working on small projects? Why not join our group to organize our church’s history. For more info call Doris LaRese (860-628-7550).
Today’s Scripture Lesson
12Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.13He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—16the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” 17From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 18As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.19And he said to them,“Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”20Immediately they left their nets and followed him.21As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them.22Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
The Lord is My Light
The Lord is my Light and my salvation; whom then, shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
One thing have I asked of the Lord.
Therefore I will offer in the dwelling of my god an oblation with sounds of great gladness.
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
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OUR CHURCH CALENDAR
January 27, 2008
TODAY LAITY SUNDAY
8:00AM Chapel Communion (Chapel)
9:30AM Morning Worship: Traditional & Church School
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)
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MONDAY 7:00PM All Committee Meeting Night (Chapel)
Trustees (203) Stewardship (204) Missions (205)
7:30PM Celebration Ringers (Choir Room)
TUESDAY 9:30AM Parents & Tots (Peace Café)
4:00PM Prayer Circle (Parlor)
5:30PM Over Eaters Meeting (203)
7:00PM Branches Rehearsal (Meetinghouse & Chapel)
7:00PM VGNS Finance Meeting (203)
7:00PM Boy Scouts (Peace Café)
8:00PM AA Meeting (Choir Room)
WEDNESDAY 9:30AM Parents & Tots (Peace Café)
10:00AM Quilting Group (201/202)
6:00PM #9 Rehearsal (Meetinghouse)
6:30PM Girl Scouts (Peace Café)
THURSDAY 10:00AM Archival Committee (201/202)
6:00PM CE Program– P.I.E. (Memorial Hall)
7:00PM Stephen Ministry Training (201/202)
7:30PM Sr. Choir (Choir Room)
FRIDAY 5:45PM Confirmands leave for Congregation Beth Israel
SATURDAY 1:00PM Peace Café in use - Private Party
NEXT SUNDAY (2/3/08) SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY
8:00AM Chapel Communion (Chapel)
9:30AM Morning Worship: Traditional & Church School
Baptism: James Smith III
10:15AM Confirmands leave for Islamic Association of Greater Hartford.
10:50AM Mustard Seeds (Choir Room)
11:15AM T.G.I. Sunday: Contemporary Worship & Church School
Baptisms: Andrew & Benjamin Vroeginday
6:00PM Be Still: Contemplative Worship & Church School
7:30PM Sr. High Group (Peace Café)
7:30PM Seeds of Hope (204)
7:30PM Confirmation Class (Choir Room)
