March 16, 2008             CHAPEL    COMMUNION                      8:00AM

PLEASE   TURN   OFF   YOUR   CELL   PHONE

“The longest journey is the journey inward.”   Dag Hammarskjold

 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

The Call to Worship

Leader:  In our weakness we are strong. In our poverty we are rich. In our foolishness we are wise. This is the upside down promise of the gospel we claim and celebrate.

People:  In our shadows we seek light. In our silences we listen. This is a day of celebration and foreboding.

Leader:  In our searching we are found. In our longing we are satisfied. In our powerlessness, we are powerful beyond all human understanding, for God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

People:  God of mystery and mercy grant us new life and with you we accept the invitation to join you in these days of service and sacrifice.

*Hymn of Praise: #216                     All Glory, Laud, and Honor                                              St. Theodulph

*Prayer of General Confession (Unison)

We are taught from our youth that winning is better, that power is what we need. We confess that we often live by this value and exert our power in ways that are destructive to ourselves, to others and to our planet. We view power as a commodity to be claimed rather than a good to be shared.  Transparent before you in our arrogance and insecurity we confess that our posturing for power is rooted in our lack of trust in you. Forgive us when we doubt that this is true and help our unbelief as we live in this world where power is wielded against much that is holy. Forgive us; set us free; and empower us from within. In the name of the one who relinquished his power for our sake, Amen.

 Now in the silence hear our personal confessions…

*Personal Prayer of Confession (in silence)

*Assurance of Forgiveness

HEARING   GOD’S   WORD

Scripture Lessons                                                                                                            mATTHEW 21:1-11

Sermon                                             wINNING AND LOSING REVISITED                         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 by Janet &Robert Schmidt in loving memory of their parents.

Palm frons: Given by Gloria Gelpke in loving memory of her adopted mother, Olive MacKinnon.

Date palms in vases: Given by Kay Chaffee in loving memory of her husband, Milt Chaffee.

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  We pray for Linda Lawrence, recovering from surgery this week.  We continue to pray for  Shirley Penfield, 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  Our last Noonday  Lenten service is this Wednesday,March 19 in our Chapel, led by Rev. Cyndie Holden.  Lenten luncheons follows in Memorial Hall for just $3.  ALL welcome!

HOLY WEEK VIGIL:  There are several times available.  Please check the sign-up sheet for a time you might be available 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!  WE NEED TO FILL EVERY HOUR!!

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). 

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.

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.

EASTER  BASKETS:  Should be turned in TODAY by Noon.  Thank you for the continuous care & support to our DCF kids.

NO  TWIGS  REHEARSALS in April.  We’ll resume in May.  See you then.  TWIGS  will join BRANCHES at the 11:15am service on Palm Sunday, March 16.

R.E.S.T., OUR  BOOK  DISCUSSION  GROUP meets TODAY at 4pm.  Please note the time change for this meeting.  We’ll discuss “Amish Grace”.

HELP The 7,000.00 Fund Raising Challenge!  Mothers Day and Graduations are right around the corner. Would you like to purchase that special someone a beautiful piece of Silpada Jewelry? Silpada Designs Jewelry will be on display and for sale April 13^th and 20^th after the 9:15 and 11:15 worship services. 100% of the profits will go to the challenge. Silpada is an incredible collection of .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry, belts and watches.  Questions please contact Kathy Patenaude 203-631-7894

GORDON’S INSTALLATION: We are exploring the possibility of a bus for members to attend Gordon’s installation at Keene Congregational Church on Sunday, April 6^th at 5pm. The bus would leave our church at 2pm and return at 10pm. The cost would be $25/person.  If you are interested sign-up outside the pastor’s office door.

FREE UPRIGHT PIANO  Anyone interested in the upright piano that was once used in Memorial Hall should call Beth Winne, (621-6159).  Your only cost is the mover.

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.)

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, April 19^th  (& monthly on the 3^rd 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!

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).

 

SMALL   GROUPS

All small groups are open to everyone, whether or not you’ve ever attended before.

BREAKFAST  CLUB:  Meets the 2^nd Thursday each month (Sept. – June), 8-9am, Memorial Hall.  Breakfast $1.  Meets Thursday, April 10^th , Speaker: our own Eldon Haford will speak on his “Bread For Life” experiences.

PEACE  CAFÉ  COFFEEHOUSE  meets the 2^nd Saturday each month at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm).  This month, April 12, we’ll enjoy Susan Mazer & Megan Keith.  Free-will offering.

CRUISIN’  CONGOS:  Thimble Island Boat Cruise, Wednesday, June 18.  We’ll leave the Municipal Parking Lot at 9:15am to cruise aboard Cap’t Bob’s Cruise Boat, lunch at your own expense at the Old Stone House in Guilford.  A stop at the Bishop Farm Market in Guildford and home by 4:00pm.  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 26.  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 1^st Sunday each month.  Next meeting: April 6, 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 Holy Silence by J. Brent Bill then join us for a discussion, Sunday, May 18^th , 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

MATTHEW 21:1-11

¹When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,²saying to them,“Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.  ³If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’  And he will send them immediately.” his took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ⁵“Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”  ⁶The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; ⁷they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.  ⁸A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  ⁹The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest heaven!”  ¹⁰When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

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      Anthem: Hosanna (Mustard Seeds)                       Natalie Sleeth

Hosanna! Hosanna! In chorus let us sing!

He cometh! He cometh to be our Lord and King,

Hosanna! Hosanna! O blessed now are we,

He cometh, He cometh, Our true Messiah, He.

All glory, laud and honor to David’s royal Son.

He comes, the great Redeemer, the long awaited One.

Hosanna! Hosanna! Let palms prepare His way!

He cometh, He cometh, let all rejoice this day!

                 Offeratory Anthem: Alone Thou Goest Forth, O Lord              Michael McCabe

Alone thou goest forth, O Lord, in sacrifice to die.

Is this thy sorrow naught to us who pass unheeding by?

Our sins, not thine, thou bearest Lord, Make us thy sorrow feel,

Till through our pity and our shame Love answers love’s appeal.

This is earth’s darkest hour, but thou dost light and life restore;

Then let all praise be given thee Who livest evermore.

Give us compassion Lord for thee, that as we share this hour,

Thy cross may bring to us thy joy and Resurrection power. Amen.

                                                                                                                     Peter Abelard, 1079-

OUR  CHURCH  CALENDAR

March 16, 2008

                                                     9:30AM            Morning Worship: Traditional & Church School

                                                     9:30AM             Sacred Circle Meeting (207)

                                                   10:50AM             Mustard Seeds (Choir Room)

                                                   10:30AM             EASTER WALK THRU (Memorial Hall)

                                                   11:15AM            T.G.I. Sunday: Contemporary Worship & Church School        

                                                    4:00PM               R.E.S.T. (207)

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

                                                      7:30PM             Confirmation Class (Choir Room)

MONDAY                                   7:00PM             Handbell Rehearsal (Choir Room)

     4:00PM              Prayer Circle (Parlor)

                                                     7:00PM              Boy Scouts (Peace Café)

                                                     7:00PM              Branches Rehearsal (Meetinghouse, Chapel)

12:00PM         Lenten Noonday Service (Chapel)

                                                   12:30PM              Lenten Luncheon ~ Host: Hospitality Committee (Memorial Hall)

                                                     6:30PM              Girl Scouts (Peace Café)

                                                     7:00PM              GSJC Meeting (206)

FRIDAY                                 VIGIL IN PROGRESS

    7:30PM             Service of the Cross (Meetinghouse)

 

NEXT SUNDAY) EASTER  SUNDAY  ~  HE IS RISEN !!!

    6:00AM             Sunrise Service (YMCA Camp Sloper)

    6:00AM             VIGIL  ENDS

                                                    9:30AM             Easter Celebration:Traditional Worship/Spec. Prog. Pre-K

                                                 11:15AM              T.G.I. Easter Sunday: Contemporary Worship/Spec. Prog. Pre-K

                                                                NO Be Still: Contemplative Worship Service

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 adjustment