Text Box: 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!

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. Patricia L. Liberty, Interim Senior Minister

February 3, 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

“There is no shortage of epiphanies in this world. Those of us who have not yet glimpsed the full brightness of the Lord may still behold his glory, reflected all around us as we stand within the cloud.”  Barbara Brown Taylor

Gathering Music

The Welcome/Welcoming One Another

Church Family Announcements

PRAISING   GOD

The Call to Worship

PASTOR:   The glory of God makes every day holy!

PEOPLE:  The light of God shines in every face!

PASTOR:   We gather for worship and trust God’s presence in our midst, sharing our joy, enlivening our song.

PEOPLE:  In the depts of our struggle, we trust that God is present, giving us courage and peace beyond understanding.

PASTOR:   God’s holiness touches all things, all people, all times, all places.

PEOPLE:  May God’s light, singing the face of Christ illumine all our days. Thanks be to God!

*Hymn of Praise: #1                           Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise                                             St. Denio

*Prayer of Invocation  (Unison)

Immortal invisible ever wise and gracious God, lead us to that place where we see you clearly. Lead us to that place where your commandment is heard above all competing voices. Let us hear your words to Jesus that is your beloved and renew our resolve to follow him in all our ways. And so may our faces reflect the radiance of Christ in whose name we pray and for the sake of whose realm we labor. Amen.

HEARING   GOD’S   WORD

Scripture Lessons                                                                                                                       Matthew 17:1-9

Sermon                                                 “SEEING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST”                           Rev. Patricia 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

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Flowers:  In Honor of Boy Scout Sunday.

Our   Flower Chart  to provide flowers in honor/memory of loved ones is 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 keep Nancy Bowman and family in our prayers as they grieve the death of Howard. We pray for Jeannette Faitella and family as they grieve the death of her brother, Herb. We celebrate the baptism of James Smith, III, (9:30) son of James and Nancy Smith and also the baptisms of Andrew and Benjamin Vroeginday (11:15), sons of Barry and Tracy Vroeginday.  We pray for Wes Babkirk 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).

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). 

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.

HOLY WEEK VIGIL: Sign-up today for our Holy Week Vigil, when people will be in our chapel around the clock (Maundy Thursday 3/20, 9:00PM through Easter Sunrise, 3/23, 6:00AM) for 1 hour each, worshipping, praying, meditating on behalf of all of us. Sign up next to Pat’s office today!

YEAR-END TAX STATEMENTS are now available in Memorial Hall.  Please pick yours up so we can save on postage!

BAKE SALE: Don’t miss the Music Committee Bake Sale next Sunday, Feb. 10th at 10:30am.

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).

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.

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!

 


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: February 13.  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: TODAY! 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). WILL NOT MEET TODAY!

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, 4:00pm (Note: New Time) 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).

 



Text Box: Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Become a Stephen Minister Reason #7 Stephen Ministers Learn to Listen Most people think of listening as a simple, natural, and passive activity, but it is actually a powerful care-giving tool. Using Jesus as our model, Stephen Ministers learn the skill of active listening, which involves commitment, patience, and attention to body language. Stephen Ministers learn to listen for more than just words. They seek true understanding and empathy. We are all called to care! New Stephen Ministry classes start January 17th. Contact Cyndie Holden for more information. Today’s  Scripture  Lesson

Matthew 17: 1-9

1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.4Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” 

Hail, Holy Light

Hail, Holy Light!  Offspring of Heaven, first born, before the sun thou wert;

And at the voice of God as with a mantle thou did’st invest the world.

Disperse the mists of celestial Light, and unto us reveal the things of God

Invisible to mortal sight.    John Milton

 

Text Box: Men’s Breakfast Club….Calling all men of the church!! We’ll figure out mixers and ovens, egg whites and yokes! While we wait for the results of our culinary efforts we’ll enjoy each other’s company, discuss current events, scripture, prayer and maybe help around the church. No long-term commitment. No registration. Suggested $5 donation. Just the guys getting together to prove that we can. Questions? Call the church office 628-6958. Saturday, February 23rd 9:00 – 11:30AM in Memorial Hall
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Text Box: 2008 Lent & Holy Week Schedule Ø Ash Wednesday – All services in Meetinghouse- February 6th - 7:00 AM, Noon (Lenten Luncheon follows), and 7:00pm*. Ø Wednesday Lenten Noonday Services – 12noon in Chapel. February 13, 20, 27 and March 5,12 & 19 Ø Wednesday Lenten Luncheons – 12:30pm - $3.00 No sign-up, just go to Memorial Hall after the Noonday Service. Ø Palm Sunday services: Sunday March 16th 8:00am*, 9:30am*, 11:15* and 6:00pm* **Walk Through Holy Week & Lenten Pretzel Sale (sponsored by our Christian Ed. Committee) in Memorial Hall after the 9:30am & 11:15am services. Ø Maundy Thursday, Service of the Last Supper, o March 20th - 7:30pm* Ø Easter Vigil, begins at 9:00pm after the Maundy Thursday service and continues thru 6:00am Easter Sunday. Sign-up outside the Pastor’s office. Ø Good Friday, Service of the Cross, March 21st - 7:30pm* Ø Easter Sunday Services: March 23rd. 6:00am Sunrise Service at YMCA Camp Sloper (East Street), 9:30am* and 11:15am* * indicates childcare provided OUR  CHURCH  CALENDAR

February 3, 2008

TODAY                         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

Text Box:                                                     6:00PM             Be Still: Contemplative Worship & Church School

                                                    7:30PM               Seeds of Hope (204)

 

MONDAY                                 7:30PM               Celebration Ringers (Choir Room)

Text Box: Text Box: TUESDAY                                9:30AM              Parents & Tots (Peace Café)

Text Box:                                                     4:00PM               Prayer Circle (Parlor)

                                                    5:30PM               Over Eaters Meeting (203)

                                                    6:00PM               SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER (Memorial Hall)

                                                    7:00PM               #9 Rehearsal (Meetinghouse)

Text Box:                                                     7:00PM               Boy Scouts (Peace Café)

                                                    8:00PM               AA Meeting (Choir Room)

WEDNESDAY                          7:00AM             Service of Penance (Meetinghouse)
 
Text Box:     9:30AM              Parents & Tots (Peace Café)

    9:30AM              Music Committee Meeting (Library)

                                                   10:00AM             Quilting Group (201/202)

                                                   12:00Noon         Service of Penance (Meetinghouse)

                                                   12:30PM              Lenten Lunch (Memorial Hall)

    6:00PM               TWIGS Rehearsal (Chapel)

Text Box: Text Box:     6:30PM               Girl Scouts (201/2)

    7:00PM               Branches Rehearsal (Chapel)

    7:00PM             Service of Penance (Meetinghouse)

    8:00PM               Sr. Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)

THURSDAY                           10:00AM              Archival Committee (201/202)

    7:00PM               Stephen Ministry Cont. Ed, Training, Supvsn. (201/2, Memorial Hall)

    7:00PM               VGNS Meeting (203)

SATURDAY                            6:00PM                All Church Pot Luck Supper (Memorial Hall)

                                                   7:30PM                Coffee House in Peace Café – “Open Book”

NEXT SUNDAY (2/10/08)                 MUSIC COMMITTEE BAKE SALE!

                                           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

                                                                                                                Baptism: Jacob Baush-Lynch

                                                   6:00PM              Be Still: Contemplative Worship & Church School

                                                    7:30PM               Confirmation Class (Choir Room)

                                                    7:30PM               Sr. High Youth Group (Peace Café)

Text Box: 1 Spot Left For The Summer Mexico Trip MISSION EDUCATION TRIP TO MEXICO, led by Bob & Martha Beaudoin on July 17-26, is a unique opportunity to experience the spirituality, culture & hospitality of the Mexican people, especially the very poor, & to learn about the poverty there. Stay with Benedictine sisters, 1 night in Mexico City, the rest in Cuernavaca (City of Eternal Spring), visit the poor in their homes & neighborhoods, as well as the Vamos! schools we fund food for through Every Dollar Feeds Kids. Cost = $750 plus airfare ($750 includes 9 nights lodging, meals & transportation in Mexico. To register or for more info, contact Martha Beaudoin (860-677-4219). $150 non-refundable deposit needed. Scholarships available.