March 30, 2008             CHAPEL    COMMUNION                      8:00AM

PLEASE   TURN   OFF   YOUR   CELL   PHONE

“Thomas is a patron saint for those of us who are trying to live a critical faith. He is not satisfied with other people’s accounts: he wants to know by experience.”    - Unknown -

 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:  We gather again to celebrate the resurrection.  Easter is not just a day it is a way of life.

People:  Our hearts are glad and our souls rejoice.  God shows us the path of life.

Leader:  The risen Christ gathers us to himself and says, “Peace be with you!”

People:  We receive this peace as we gather to praise.  We will remember his gift as we depart to  serve.

*Hymn of Praise: #245                           The Day of Resurrection                                                          Lancashire

*Prayer of Invocation (Unison)

We gather as your Easter people to sing and pray and praise.  Joy and wonder are within and around us as we take in the truth of the resurrection.  Inspire in us fullness of joy as we serve the risen Christ and embrace the way he sets before us.  Build up our sense of community that we may truly care for one another, bearing witness to your love in Christ which reconciles the world.  Amen.

HEARING   GOD’S   WORD

Scripture Lessons                                                                                                                    JOHN 20: 19-31

Sermon                                                       THE GIFT OF UNCERTAINTY                             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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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 celebrate the birth of two babies, Garrett Kyle (3/20), son of Scott & Kim Thompson and Isabella Anne (3/24), daughter of Kim & Jeff Rees. We pray for those hospitalized this week:  Pat Diego, Kay Chaffee, We continue to pray for  Kay Chaffee, Shirley Penfield, 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).

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 before the end of 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). 

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.

NO  TWIGS  REHEARSALS in April.  We’ll resume in May.  See you then. 

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’re chartering 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 made out to “FCC” and brought into the church office by March 30.  If  you are interested sign-up outside the pastor’s office door. LAST CHANCE TODAY

YOUTH MISSION TRIP PRESENTATION Hear about Mazatlan, Mexico. Bring a covered dish for a 6pm meal then we’ll enjoy a presentation at 7pm on Wednesday, April 23.  A Great Trip!  Hear all about it!

JR. CIA Grades 6-8, SOUTHINGTON CLEAN UP DAY!  Saturday, April 26; 9:45am – 12 noon, meet at church. Sign up outside of the Pastor’s office.

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.

FELLOWSHIP & HOSPITALITY is hosting a Brunch to support our $7000.00 Fundraising efforts April 27th from 10:00 - 2:00.  Adults are $10.00 and children 3-12 are $5.00, children under 3 are free! Tickets will be sold during the first 3 Sunday's in April or you can contact the church office, or Linda Accuosti at 628-7737.  Come and enjoy some good food and fellowship. Included in the brunch are: scrambled eggs, French toast, bacon, sausage, ham, home fries, pasta, bagels, muffins, coffee & tea, juice.

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, 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.    And our fall trip is a Vermont Adventure, September 17-18.  Some of our stops will be Eaton’s Maple Sugar House, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Cabot Creamery Outlet, a dinner cruise aboard the Ethan Allen Cruise Boat, a stop at Dakin Farm Store and a walk thru Shelburne Museum Village.  For more information, check out our April FaithWorks newsletter or 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: April 9.  For more info, call Carole Lantz.

PARENTS  &  TOTS  GROUPS meet Tuesdays (Peace Café) & Wednesdays (Infant Care Nursery), 9:30-11:00AM.  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.

 

Today’s  Scripture  Lesson

JOHN 20:19-31

¹⁹When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. ²¹Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” ²²When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.²³If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”  ²⁴But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” ²⁶A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” ²⁸Thomas answered him,  “My Lord and my God!”  ²⁹Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”  ³⁰Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. ³¹But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

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    Let the Trumpet Sound                                Natalie Sleeth

Let the trumpet sound, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Let the earth resound, Hallelujah, Amen!

Let the people sing, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Let the heavens ring, Hallelujah, Amen!

Now and for eternity, O blessed all are we, for Christ the Lord has conquered death at last,

and won the victory!

Let the night be gone, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Let the daylight dawn, Hallelujah, Amen!

Let the world rejoice, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Let the chorus voice, Hallelujah, Amen!

Christ the Lord is risen on this Easter day.

From his mortal prison where three days he lay.

Love has come down to roll the dreadful stone away,

So gone is the night, and dawns now the joyful day.

OUR  CHURCH  CALENDAR

March 30, 2008

                                                     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             Confirmation Class (Choir Room)

MONDAY                                   6:30PM             CE Committee Meeting (Memorial Hall)

      7:00PM             Handbell Rehearsal (Choir Room)

                                                     7:00PM              All Committee Meeting Night (Chapel)

                                                                                Trustees – 203      Stewardship – 204

      4:00PM             Prayer Circle (Parlor)

      4:00PM             Memorial Hall in use (Private Party)

     7:00PM            Easter Conversations (201/202)

                                                     7:00PM              Boy Scouts (Peace Café)

                                                     7:00PM              Branches Rehearsal (Meetinghouse, Chapel)

                                                     8:00PM              AA Meeting (Choir Room)

                                                     6:30PM              Girl Scouts (Peace Café)

                                                     7:00PM              The 411 – New Member Class (201/202)

  10:00AM              Archival Committee (201/202)

     7:00PM              Easter Conversations (Memorial Hall)

     7:00PM              Love Makes a Family (207)

     7:00PM              VGNS Board Meeting (Library)

FRIDAY                     7:30PM               GSJC  Service (Chapel/Memorial Hall)

                                                    8:00PM               Coffee House – Anthony Neff – Peace Café

                                                  12:00AM              Library In use

                                                     2:00PM              Memorial Hall in Use – Private Party

                                                     9:30AM            Morning Worship: Traditional & Church School

                                                   10:50AM             Mustard Seeds (Choir Room)

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

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