Rev. Patricia L. Liberty, Interim Senior Minister
March 2, 2008 Be Still: Contemplative Worship 6:00pm
“There are none so blind as those who will not see.”
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE
INFANT/TODDLER CARE BY ADULTS DURING ALL SERVICES IN OUR CHURCH NURSERY
PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
Prelude Variations on “Turn To Me” John Foley, S.J.
Welcome & Church Family Announcements
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Music for Meditation “No Greater Love” Tom Kendzia
PRAISING GOD
The Call to Worship
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 to know and follow God’s 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!
*Song of Adoration:#J1 Spirit, Come” Gregory Norbet
Prayer of Personal Confession (in silence)
Assurance of Forgiveness
HEARING GOD’S WORD
Scripture Lesson JOHN 9:1-41
Sermon Adventures in Missing the point Rev. Patricia L. Liberty
A Moment of Silent Reflection
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
A Call to Prayer
Song of Prayer (Unison) “Jesus, Come To Us” David Haas
Words: Jesus, come to us, lead us to your light.
Jesus, be with us, for we need you.
(During this song, we invite you to come forward &
light a prayer candle, symbolizing your prayers.)
The Call to Silence & the Ringing of Our Prayer Bell
Silent Prayer and Reflection
Song of Prayer (Unison) “Only A Shadow” Carey Landry
Words: The love we have for you, O Lord, Is only a shadow of Your love for us;
Only a shadow of Your love for us, Your deep, abiding love.
The Pastoral Prayer
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Song “Take, Lord, Receive” John Foley, S.J.
(During the song, please come forward, take a piece of bread & dip it into the cup. The gold containers are gluten-free, wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free wafers for those with allergies.)
The Act of Blessing
(A blessing by anointing is offered during communion to all who wish it. After partaking
of communion, go to the kneeling bench nearest you & kneel or stand for a blessing.)
*Prayer of Thanksgiving & Lord’s Prayer (please join hands)
*Hymn #196 “Amazing Grace” John Newton
(During this song, our Deacons will pass baskets to receive your offering/tithe.)
*Benediction
PLEASE JOIN US DOWNSTAIRS NOW FOR COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Coffee Hour Host: Lorraine & Len Ostasiewski
Flowers: Given in loving memory of lifelong 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.
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.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
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.