Rev. Patricia L. Liberty, Interim Senior Minister
March 2, 2008 CHAPEL COMMUNION 8:00AM
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE
INFANT & TODDLER CARE BY ADULTS DURING ALL SERVICES IN CHURCH NURSERY
“There are none so blind as those who will not see.”
PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
Gathering Music
The Welcome/Welcoming One Another
Church Family Announcements
PRAISING GOD
Leader: The call of God thunders around us and whispers within us; God desires that we might know all things good and just.
People: Our eyes are opening to God’s goodness; we seek to be children of light.
Leader: God sees beyond our outward appearance. God knows the intent of our hearts.
People: Open to the Spirit in these moments, we desire to know and follow Gods will.
All: God among us, God within us, open our eyes that we may see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly!
*Hymn of Praise: #1 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise St. Denio
Prayer of General Confession (Unison)
God of mercy, your thoughts are not our thoughts and your ways are not our ways. We confess we have wandered far from the path of integrity, justice and peace. We are quick to judge others and then excuse ourselves. We want to decide who is acceptable to you and who is not. We want to be the judge of what is right and wrong. Forgive our narrow and judgmental ways. Open a place of compassion in our hard heartedness and help us to grow in your image. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
HEARING GOD’S WORD
Scripture Lessons JOHN 9:1-41
Sermon ADVENTURES IN MISSING THE POINT 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
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Flowers: Are given in loving memory of long time member Marjorie Fish Garry by her family.
Our Flower Chart to provide flowers in honor/memory of loved ones is 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 Hospitalized: Jack Noble, Pat Diego. We pray for Sally and Dan Daigle & family as they grieve the death of her brother, Steven…Chuck Williams has been accepted by the UCC as a commissioned chaplain… We continue to pray for Shirley Penfield, Sandi Reed, Wes Babkirk, 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 (860-919-2260),
Rick Haverly (860-620-0513), Cyndie Holden (203) 206-9507 or Linda Fernandes-Bailey (1-860-274-9907).
LENTEN NOONDAY SERVICES These special 30-minute Lenten services are offered at 12:00Noon every Wednesday through March 19 in our Chapel, led by one of our clergy staff. Lenten luncheons follow each one in Memorial Hall for just $3. ALL welcome!
SCHEDULING EVENTS: Please call the office to schedule any meetings, events or building use (628-6958).
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.
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).
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 and meditating on behalf of all of us. Sign up next to Pat’s office today!
2007 TAX STATEMENTS are available in the Narthex. Please pick yours up so we can save on postage!
BUTTERFLIES IN MEMORY/HONOR OF A LOVED ONE on sale during Coffee Hour TODAY - $1. They will be displayed in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Proceeds will go to future youth mission trips.
SUMMER CAMP: The UCC 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.
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED is hosting a “World Day of Prayer” this Friday, March 7th, 1:00pm at the First Baptist Church, Meriden Avenue, Southington. Dessert & coffee. All women invited.
NEW 2008 CHURCH DIRECTORY is now available. Pick one up in the Narthex, Memorial Hall or outside the Church Office.
VIDEOGRAPHER NEEDED! We’re looking for someone to film one service each week, and special events throughout the year. If you’re interested contact Pat Liberty (628-6958) for details.
MEN’S BREAKFAST CLUB HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO March 15, 8:30am in Memorial Hall. All men are welcome to join in as we figure out the kitchen, enjoy each others company and discuss anything we want to. Suggested $5 donation. No registration.
JR CIA (grades 6-8) ACTIVITY - Saturday, March 15, 6:00pm. Meet and pick-up at LASER STORM, 2211 Meriden-Waterbury Tpke, Southington. Cost: $13 per person. Sign-up outside Pastor Pat’s office. Questions? Call Rick Haverly (628-6958).
BREAKFAST CLUB…Thursday, March 13, 8:00-9:00am and as always, breakfast is only $1. Our guest speaker is Alphonse D’Angelo speaking on his “Highlights of Italy”.
PEACE CAFÉ COFFEEHOUSE, meets the 2nd Saturday each month at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). This month, March 15, we’ll meet in the Meetinghouse to enjoy #9 paying tribute to the music of the Beatles. Free-will offering.
EASTER BASKETS…Can you donate an Easter basket to a child in need? Please fill a basket for a boy, girl or infant and return your completed basket to Memorial Hall near the Missions bulletin board by Noon on Sunday, March 16. If you don’t have a basket to fill, a limited number of empty Easter baskets will be available in Memorial Hall. Take 1 or more and fill with Easter candy, small toys, coloring books, crayons, etc. Thank you for the continuous care & support to our DCF kids.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
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.)
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).
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, March 15 (& 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!
RIDES! We need your help!! Would you be willing to occasionally drive members to medical or dental appointment? If so, please call Cyndie Holden to volunteer (628-6958).
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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 March 13th, Speaker: Alphonse D’Angelo of Southington will speak on “Highlights of Italy”.
PEACE CAFÉ COFFEEHOUSE meets the 2nd Saturday each month at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). This month, March 15, we’ll meet in the Meetinghouse to enjoy #9 paying tribute to the music of the Beatles. Free-will offering.
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: March 12. 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! March 2, 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, 4:00pm (Note: Time change this month) 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
JOHN 9:1-41
1As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4”We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” 12They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”
13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” 16Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. 17So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.”
18The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” 25He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.
35Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” 37Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” 38He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.
OUR CHURCH CALENDAR
March 2, 2008
TODAY Fourth Sunday In Lent
8:00AM Chapel Communion (Chapel)
9:30AM Morning Worship: Traditional & Church School
9:30AM Sacred Circle Meeting (207)
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 Confirmation Class (Choir Room)
7:30PM Sr. High Youth Group (Peace Café)
MONDAY 7:00PM Church Council Meeting (203)
7:00PM Handbell Rehearsal (Choir Room)
TUESDAY 4:00PM Prayer Circle (Parlor)
5:30PM Over Eaters Meeting (203)
6:00PM TWIGS Rehearsal (Meetinghouse)
7:00PM Branches Rehearsal (Meetinghouse, Chapel)
7:00PM Boy Scouts (Peace Café)
WEDNESDAY 12:00PM Lenten Noonday Service (Chapel)
12:30PM Lenten Luncheon ~ Host: Morning Group (Memorial Hall)
6:00PM P.I.E. (CE) (Memorial Hall)
6:30PM Girl Scouts (Peace Café)
7:00PM #9 Rehearsal (Meetinghouse)
7:00PM GSJC School (204)
THURSDAY 9:30AM Music Committee (Library)
10:00AM Archival Committee (201/202)
7:00PM VGNS Meeting (203)
7:00PM Stephen Ministry Supv./Trning./Cont. Ed.. (Memorial Hall/201-6)
7:30PM Sr. Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
FRIDAY
SATURDAY 9:00AM GSJC School (203-5, Chapel)
7:00PM Coffee House: #9 (Peace Café)
SPRING AHEAD - DON’T FORGET TO TURN YOUR CLOCK BACK!!
NEXT SUNDAY (3/9/08) Fifth Sunday in Lent
8:00AM Chapel Communion (Chapel)
9:30AM Morning Worship: Traditional & Church School
9:30AM Sacred Circle Meeting (207)
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 Seeds of Hope (204)
7:30PM Sr. High Youth Group (Peace Café)
7:30PM Confirmation Class (Choir Room)
CHURCH SCHOOL AT 6:00 PM – Just a reminder that we offer the same lessons at the 6:00 PM service as we do at the 9:30am & 11:15am services. Currently we have one class, grades 1 – 8; as 
attendance increases we will make any necessary adjustments.
