Bulletin

February 10, 2012

Farewell to Pastor Laura

Welcome to Worship!

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all who are worshiping with us today, especially those who are new to First Church or who have returned after an absence. Your presence is a blessing to us! First Church is committed to being a safe place for all people to worship regardless of race, creed, age, cultural background or sexual orientation.

Prelude Blessings Jim Brickman

Announcements and Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

We begin our worship with a brief period of silence. During this time we invite you to be open to the signs of God’s Presence here -- take a deep breath, lay aside the distractions of the morning, and make a space for the Holy Spirit to enter in.

*Opening Hymn Hail to the Lord’s Anointed Chalice (blue) #140

Opening Prayer

Reading from the Scriptures Mark 9:2-9 (NT pg 41)

Lisa Lettieri, reader

A Time With Our Children

*Hymn Restless Weaver Chalice (blue) #658

Reading from the Scriptures 2 Kings 2:1-12 (OT pg 317)

Sermon Reverend Laura Westby

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Beautiful Carole King

Pat Moriarty, soloist

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

LITANY OF FAREWELL

Leader: In the book of Ecclesiastes it says: "For everything there is a season, and a time for everything under heaven." On September 3, 2004, our congregation began a season of ministry with the Rev. Laura Westby. The years since have been rich ones; there have times to plant and times to reap, times to weep and times to laugh, times to keep and times to lose. And throughout these times, God’s Spirit has been in our midst.

Today we gather to bid farewell to Laura and her family, to bid one another Godspeed as our paths diverge, and offer thanks to God for the ministry we have shared together.

Pastor Laura: I thank The First Congregational Church of Danbury, its members and friends, for the love, kindness, and support shown me these last 7 ½ years. I ask your forgiveness for the mistakes I have made. I am grateful for the ways my leadership has been accepted. As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here.

People: We receive your thankfulness, offer forgiveness, and accept that you now leave to minister elsewhere. We express our gratitude for your time among us. We ask your forgiveness for our mistakes. Your influence on our faith and faithfulness will not leave us at your departure.

Pastor Laura: I offer my forgiveness and accept your gratitude, trusting that our time together and our parting are pleasing to God.

VOWS OF RELEASE

Leader: Do you, the members and friends of The First Congregational Church of Danbury release Pastor Laura from the duties of Senior Pastor?

People: We do, with the help of God.

Leader: Do you offer your encouragement for her ministry soon to begin as Interim Pastor position of Bethel Congregational Church?

People: We do, with the help of God.

Leader: Do you, Pastor Laura, release this local church from turning to you and depending on you?

Pastor Laura: I do, with the help of God.

Leader: Do you offer your encouragement for the continued ministry here and on the relationship with another who will come to serve?

Pastor Laura: I do, with the help of God.

PRAYER

Leader: Let us pray. God, whose everlasting love for all is trustworthy, help each of us to trust the future which rests in your care. The time we were together in your name saw our laughter and tears, our hopes and disappointments. Guide us as we hold these cherished memories but move in new directions, until that time to come when we are completely one with you and with each other.

O God, we give thanks for remembered times when we, together, have shared the life of faith. We thank you for the moments we have shared with the Laura, Kie, Rachel and Sarah in worship, in learning, in service. We pray that they will be aware of your Spirit’s guidance as they continue on their journeys of faith. In the name of Jesus the Savior.

PEOPLE: Amen.

Song Love Can Build a Bridge Overstreet, Judd, Jarvis

Parting Remarks by Janet Albanesi, Moderator

*Hymn We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding insert

*Benediction

Leader: We have worshiped God together;

People: Now we go our separate ways.

Leader: May the spirit which has blessed us here

People: Be your spirit in each day that comes! Amen.

Postlude Short Voluntary John Worgan

Calendar

Sunday, February 19, 2012 Transfiguration

10:00 am Morning Worship - Children in Worship

11:00 am Farewell Brunch for Pastor Laura - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Monday, President’s Day Church Building Closed

Ash Wednesday 9:30 am Ash Wednesday Worship & Breakfast in Pilgrim Hall

7:00 pm Circle for Quantum Spirituality - Parlor

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, February 26, 2012 First Sunday of Lent

10:00 am Morning Worship - Welcome Greg Griffin

Church School "Community Table"

11:00 am Coffee Hour & Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Sunday, January 29, 2012 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude Early Snowfall Jim Brickman

Announcements and Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

Call to Worship

Leader: We have encountered the Word, calling us into communion with God and with each other,

People: And calling us into discipleship to carry on Christ’s work in our world.

Leader: So we come together here, joining hands in the great quest:

People: To worship God, to love each other, and to serve the world.

*Opening Hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Chalice (blue) #517

Opening Prayer

Reading from the New Testament 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (NT pg 160)

Linda Wright, reader

*Hymn Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak Pilgrim (red) #397

Reading from the Gospels Mark 1:14-20 (NT pg 33)

Sermon Reverend Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Lead Me, Lord, in Thy Righteousness Samuel Sebastian West

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn All Creatures of Our God and King Chalice (blue) #22

Postlude Andante from Voluntary No. 1 John Stanley

Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Regular Winter Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 2 pm

Shop – Donate – Volunteer!

You are Cordially Invited to

Farewell Brunch for Pastor Laura to Say Good-bye and Godspeed

On her last Sunday with us, February 19^th

immediately following worship

Calendar

Sunday, January 29, 2012 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

10:00 am Morning Worship

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, February 5, 2012 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

10:00 am Morning Worship & Communion

Children in Worship

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

4:00 pm Vespers at Glen Crest

Sunday, January 15, 2012 Second Sunday after Epiphany Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude Adagio from Voluntary #3 John Stanley

Announcements and Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

Call to Worship

Leader: O God, you know us inside and out, through and through.

People: You search us out and lay your hand upon us.

Leader: You know what we are going to say even before we speak.

People: We praise you, O God,　for　the wonderful knowledge that whoever we are and wherever we go, you are with us.

*Opening Hymn Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Chalice (blue) #25

Opening Prayer

Reading from the Gospels John 1:43-51 (NT pg 87)

Annie Orr, reader

Prayer of Confession

Lord Jesus, you met Philip and Nathanael on the road and said "Follow me" - and they did... We confess that we do not expect to meet you on the familiar roads we travel and so we fail to discern your presence or your call on our lives. Holy Spirit, you empower us to recognize and to respond to the invitation of Jesus　to follow him, even when that means travelling on unfamiliar paths... Merciful God, take from us all that hinders our hearing your voice and fill us anew with the Holy Spirit that we may joyfully respond to Jesus' call on our lives.　 In Jesus' name we pray.　Amen

*Hymn Be Thou My Vision Chalice (blue) #595

Reading from the Scriptures Romans 8, selected verses (NT pg 147)

Sermon Reverend Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory In the Bleak Midwinter Rosetti/Darks

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought! Chalice (blue) #545

Postlude Northern Song Schumann

Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Regular Winter Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 2 pm

Shop – Donate – Volunteer!

The 2012 Silver Lake Summer Schedule is now posted in Pilgrim Hall.

Shelter Needs: Pillowcases – is it time to refresh your pillowcases? We’d like your old ones... please leave in the church office. Thank you.

Calendar

Sunday, January 15, 2012 Second Sunday after Epiphany

10:00 am Morning Worship Church School

11:00 am Annual Budget Meeting

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, January 22, 2012 Third Sunday after Epiphany

10:00 am Morning Worship Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

12:00 pm Thrift Shop Volunteers "Snowflake" Brunch

Sunday, January 1, 2012 Pajama Sunday Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements and Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

Call to Worship

Leader: It’s New Year’s morning. Many people have chosen to stay at home today, to rest and recuperate from last night’s celebration. What has made you choose to be here instead?

People: We meet here today to declare the praiseworthy acts of the living God, for God has come among us not through an angel or a messenger but face to face, as a person, with an abundance of steadfast love.

Leader: Welcome, then, in the name of Jesus Christ, Mary’s child, healer and teacher, Savior and Friend. Amen.

*Our Favorite Hymns

* Unison Opening Prayer

God, did you decide to become human

only because the human race

had gone so badly wrong?

Was the birth of Christ, as it were, Plan B?

Or was it Plan A?

Did you always plan to come,

whatever happened?

Would you have come to a good world

where most of the time we loved our neighbors

and kept your laws?

Or did you come because

our world is full of violence and despair

and only you can make it right?

God, our wondering is not disrespect

but a way of saying, "Wow!" and "Thank you!"

because the true wonder is,

the wonderful truth is,

that you did come,

and that your Word became flesh, and lived among us,

full of grace and truth.

No one has ever seen you,

but your offspring, your child, your Chosen one,

the One who is closest to your heart

has made you known.

We thank you. We praise you. We love you. We adore you.

Amen.

*Hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful Pilgrim (red) #132

Reading from the Gospels Luke 2:25-33 (NT pg 55)

A Time For All God’s Children Pastor Laura

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Joy to the World! Pilgrim (red) #130

Postlude

Calendar

Sunday, January 1, 2012 New Year’s Day

10:00 am Morning Worship - Pajama Sunday

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Monday, January 2 Church Office Closed

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, January 8, 2012 The Baptism of Christ

10:00 am Morning Worship - Communion

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

December 24, 2011 Christmas Eve 8:00 p.m.

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all who are worshiping with us, especially those who are new to First Church or who have returned after an absence. Your presence is a blessing to us! First Church is committed to being a safe place for all people to worship regardless of race, creed, age, cultural background or sexual orientation.

Prelude Advent Favorites

Choral Introit

Lighting of the Christ Candle

Leader: Hope, peace, joy, and love. Four candles, four promises continually offered to us by God, and all of them manifest in this one we light tonight: the Christ candle. In Christ we find the hope of transformation, the peace that follows justice, the joy of self-fulfillment in community, and the love that encompasses us in all our diversity, empowering us to make our own unique contribution to this world. In Christ we find light and life, and the courage to be like him, answering his call and following in his footsteps.

People: We rejoice in God’s steadfast presence in our lives, and in God’s unique presence in the life of Jesus of Nazareth—born of Mary, growing through childhood into an adult ministry, in all his life manifesting the peace, love, and justice of God.

His voice is undimmed by the centuries, his call and his promise are as clear to us as it was to his disciples so long ago.

Come to us, Lord Jesus; be born in us this night, in our hearts, our minds, our lives. May the light of your life be kindled in us, and lead us to the shining truth, of God with us, God for us, God in us. Amen.

*Carol O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Pilgrim (red) #110

Meditation The Reverend Laura A. Westby

*Carol In the Bleak Midwinter Pilgrim (red) #128

The First Lesson Janet Albanesi, reader Isaiah 9:2,6-7; 11:1-6

Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah

Anthem Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

The Second Lesson Ed Hamlin, reader Micah 5:2-4

The prophet Micah foretells the glory of Bethlehem

*Carol O Little Town of Bethlehem Pilgrim (red) #134

The Third Lesson Lisa Lettieri, reader Luke 1:26-38

The Angel Gabriel greets Mary of Nazareth

Anthem What Child Is This, Who, Laid to Rest

Heidi Palmer and Nancy Wildman, solists

The Fourth Lesson Kie Westby, reader Luke 2:1-7

Luke recounts the birth of Jesus

*Carol Away in a Manger Pilgrim (red) #137

The Fifth Lesson Tom O’Brien, reader Luke 2:8-16

The shepherds go to the manger

*Carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Pilgrim (red) #120

The Sixth Lesson Laura O’Brien, reader Matthew 2:1-11

The wise men are led by the star to Jesus

*Carol The First Nowell Pilgrim (red) #141, vs. 1-3

The Seventh Lesson Laura Westby, reader John 1:1-14

The Mystery of the Incarnation

*Carol Joy to the World! The Lord is Come Pilgrim (red) #130

Our Tithes and Offerings

Call to Stewardship

Offertory Anthem Carolers’ Noel Words & Music, Andy Beck

*Doxology (standing)

Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place,

With brotherhood and sisterhood each other now embrace;

This holy gift of Christmastide now brings redeeming grace.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy!

Prayer of Dedication

*Commissioning

*Lighting of the Candles

*Silent Night

Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight,

Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing alleluia;

Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiant beams from thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

*Benediction

Postlude

December 24, 2011 Christmas Eve 5 p.m.

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome

Prelude Advent Favorites

Greetings

Lighting of the Advent Candles

People: Come to us, Lord Jesus; be born in us this night, in our hearts, our minds, our lives. May the light of your life be kindled in us, and lead us to the shining truth, that God is with us, God is for us, God is in us. Amen.

*Carol of Invitation O Come, All Ye Faithful Pilgrim (red) #132

The Coming of Christ in Lessons and Carols

The First Lesson Isaiah Foretells the Hope to Come Isaiah 9:2-7

*Carol O Come, O Come Emmanuel Pilgrim (red) #110

The Second Lesson The Angel Appears to Mary Luke 1:26-35,38

*Carol It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Pilgrim(red) #129 vs. 1,4

The Third Lesson The Angel Appears to Joseph Matthew 1:18-23

*Carol God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen Pilgrim(red) #122, vs. 1,4

The Fourth Lesson Luke Tells of the Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-7

*Carol Away in a Manger Pilgrim (red) #137

The Fifth Lesson The Angels Appear to the Shepherds Luke 2:8-16

*Carol Angels We Have Heard on High Pilgrim (red) #116

The Sixth Lesson The Star Leads the Magi to Jesus Matthew 2:1-11

The Manger Scene

(During the music parents are invited to bring their children forward to see the manger scene. The children may remain in the front for the Children’s Sermon. Please do not take photos at this time – please wait until after the service.)

*Carol Silent Night, Holy Night Pilgrim (red) #138

A Message for all God’s Children Pastor Laura

Offertory

Call to Offering

Offertory Anthem What Child Is This, Who, Laid to Rest

Heidi Palmer and Nancy Wildman, soloists

*The Doxology

Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place,

With brotherhood and sisterhood each other now embrace;

This holy gift of Christmastide now brings redeeming grace.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy!

Prayer of Dedication and The Lord’s Prayer

*Carol Joy to the World! The Lord is Come Pilgrim (red) #130

Benediction

Postlude

Join us Sunday Morning, January 1^st at 10 a.m., for a special Pajama Sunday service. Wear your PJ’s or comfortable clothes! We’ll hear a story for all ages and sing our favorite carols.

There will be no Church School on January 1, but the Cradle Room will be open for children two and under. Regular Church School Classes resume on January 8.

We welcome all who are worshiping with us tonight.

May the peace of Christ be born once more in your hearts and homes.

Sunday, December 11, 2011 Third Sunday of Advent Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude Still, Still, Still Franklin Ritter

Announcements and Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

Lighting the Advent Wreath

We have lit the first two candles, one for hope and one for peace. Today we light the third candle, the candle of joy. This should be the easy one, because joy is all around us—in the children, the lights, the music, the gathering together. But how often do we let our preparations—or our memories—push joy to the side? Joy is like an underground spring that wells up within us, but joy is also a choice, an attitude. Like a muscle, it needs to be exercised.

So today we open ourselves to joy, trusting that God has already planted it in us. All we need to do is give it care and offer it to share.

Loving God, we open ourselves to you, trusting that this is how you made us: you created us for joy-filled hearts and lives. Show us the creative power of hope. Teach us the peace that comes from justice. Fill us with the kind of joy that cannot be contained, but must be shared. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, That we may walk in the light of Christ. Amen.

*Opening Hymn Blessed Be the God of Israel Chalice (blue) #135

Opening Prayer

A Time With Our Children

*Hymn On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry Pilgrim (red) #115

Reading from the Scriptures Luke 1:67-79 (NT pg 54)

Sermon Reverend Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Come Down, O Love Divine Ralph Vaughan Williams

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates Pilgrim (red) #114

*Commissioning

Rejoice in God always, and again I say, rejoice. For God has created you with the capacity for joy.

We will find what makes us joyful, and make that our gift to the world.

Trust in God’s good will for all of creation and open yourself to God’s gentle, transforming love.

We will welcome new possibilities in our lives. We will offer ourselves to God’s goodness.

We will go forth in hope, and peace, and joy.

Postlude On Christmas Night David Paxton

Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Extended Holiday Times:

December 1 - 23

Thursdays 5 - 7 pm

Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 3 pm

Calendar

Sunday, December 11, 2011 III Advent

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Tuesday 12:30 pm Fellowship Luncheon - Pilgrim Hall

7:00 pm Council

Wednesday 2:00 pm Dorothy Day Kitchen Day-see Annie Orr

Thursday 5:00-7:00pm Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Friday 9:30-3:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-3:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, December 18, 2011 IV Advent

10:00 am Morning Worship "White Gifts" Received

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Sunday, November 27, 2011 Hanging of the Greens

First Sunday of Advent

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn Comfort, Comfort You My People Chalice (blue) #122

The Hanging of the Greens

Leader: Let us prepare for God’s eternal Word, touched and seen in Jesus, by bringing things that we can touch and see as signs of God’s goodness and love.

People: May these symbols serve as a reminder to prepare our hearts as well. Come Holy One, and bring to us a new revelation of your Incarnate Love.

The Blue Paraments

Today, the first Sunday in Advent, marks the beginning of a new church year.

Paraments, which cover our communion table, pulpit, and lectern, are decorative hangings that change color throughout the church year. The different colors point to the significance of the season or festival being celebrated. Some congregations use purple in Advent, a color that signifies spiritual preparation through self-examination and seeking forgiveness. Other churches choose to use blue, which represents anticipation and promise.

People: Holy One, as we look within ourselves, we acknowledge our need for you to be present in our lives and in our world. Come, Lord Jesus!

The Candles

Listen to these words of hope from the prophecies of Isaiah: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; For a child has been born for us, . . . and he is named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, . . . with endless peace, and justice and righteousness evermore.

The lighting of candles has been a part of religious worship for centuries. The Hebrews burned candles for eight days as part of their Feast of Lights. Light has been used by many religious groups to symbolize truth, while the darkness of night has been the universal symbol for evil.

Since Jesus was called "the light of the world" in the New Testament, the lighting of candles has become an important part of our Christian worship. As we light these candles upon the communion table, we symbolize God, Emmanuel, God with us, whose transforming power heals the world of sin and evil, war and strife, stress and turmoil, suffering and despair.

People: Loving God, as we enter this Advent season, we open all the dark places in our lives and memories to the healing light of Christ. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, that we may walk in the light of Christ.

The Advent Wreath: Sign of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love

Advent is a time of expectation, and this is symbolized not only by the four-week period of preparation, but also by the lighting of an Advent candle on each Sunday of the season. The four candles provide us with a visual way to count off four Sundays of this season. The flame of each new candle reminds us that something is happening, but something more is still to come. The Advent season is not complete until all four candles are lighted, with the central Christ candle also burning brightly on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The tradition of the Advent wreath is traced back to an old Scandinavian custom that celebrated the coming of light after a season of darkness. In that day, candles were place on the edge of a horizontal wheel. As the wheel was spun around, the lighted candles would blend into a continuous circle of light. Today we use a circle of evergreen to remind us of the continuous power of God, which knows no beginning nor ending.

There is also symbolism in the colors of the candles in the Advent wreath. The three purple candles symbolize the coming of Christ from the royal line of David. The pink candle is lighted on the third Sunday of the Advent season. This candle symbolizes joy; its use goes back to the Latin Church, which asked the worshipers to fast during this period of time.

The Gospel of John speaks of Christ as the true light coming into the world. It is significant that the church has always used that language—the coming of Christ—because it speaks to a deep truth. Christ is coming. Christ is always coming, always entering a troubled world, a wounded heart. And so we light the first candle, the candle of hope, and dare to express our longing for peace, for healing, and the well-being of all creation.

People: Lord, may the light of this first candle shine bright and clear, reminding us of your promise of peace on earth.

Holly and Ivy: Signs of Pain and Love

Here are some words of insight from the prophecies of Isaiah: He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole,

and by his bruises we are healed.

Ivy has bitter bark and prickly leaves; its berries are red, the color of blood. We place holly and ivy to remember how Jesus endured bitter suffering, wore a crown of thorns, and gave his life for us.

People: May these symbols remind us dear Jesus, Our Savior, that through the bitterness of your suffering we have received the sweetness of new life.

The Christmas Tree: Light in Darkness

Listen to these words from the Gospel of John: Here is good news: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through the Word. . . . What has come into being . . . was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overcome it.

The living Christ declares, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

People: May this tree remind us of Jesus Christ, who gives life to the world and made his executioners’ cross into a tree of light.

*Hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel Chalice (Blue) #119

(Please bring your ornament forward and hang it on one of the Christmas trees during the singing of this hymn. Please allow the children and church school teachers to go first, then beginning from the back of the church, please proceed up the center aisle and return to your pew by the side aisle. Children may stay at the front of the sanctuary.)

Reading from the Scriptures Isaiah 40:1-5 (OT pg 627)

Meditation Reverend Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Come, O Long-expected Jesus Chalice (blue) #125

*Commissioning

Postlude Short Voluntary John Worgan

Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Happy Holidays Fair - Dec. 2 & 3 – 9:30am - 3pm

Extended Holiday Times:

December 1 - 23

Thursdays 5 - 7 pm

Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 3 pm

Calendar

Sunday, November 27, 2011 Hanging of the Greens - I Advent

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

3:00-5:00pm Just Us Girls

Tuesday 7:00 pm Council

Thursday 5:00-7:00pm Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Friday 9:30-3:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop "Happy Holidays Fair"

Saturday 9:30-3:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop "Happy Holidays Fair"

Sunday, December 4, 2011 II Advent

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

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Sunday, November 20, 2011 Ten o'clock

Thanksgiving Sunday

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

Call to Worship+ (Based on Psalm 100) - (Congregation reads those words in bold)

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

We want to sing our praise

but our voices squeak,

rusty and out of tune.

Worship the Lord with gladness!

We think of God each Sunday morning,

but during the week we trust in other powers;

jobs, families, money, social pressure.

Come into God's presence with thanksgiving!

We come as we are;

harried and hurried,

distracted and expectant.

For the Lord is good.

Here in this place,

just as we are,

God waits for us.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

*Opening Hymn Come, Ye Thankful People, Come Pilgrim (red) #462

(Congregation sings vs. 1 and 3 – Choir sings vs. 2)

Opening Prayer

Reading from the Scriptures Deuteronomy 8:11-20 (OT pg 159)

A Time With Our Children

*Hymn We Gather Together Pilgrim (red) #21

Reading from the Scriptures 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NT pg 173)

Linda Wright, reader

Sermon Reverend Laura Westby

Sermon Response

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Come with Thanksgiving Lloyd Larson

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Now Thank We All Our God Pilgrim (red) #29

*Commissioning

Postlude No. 2 Gavotte S. Wesley

CALENDAR

Sunday, November 20, 2011 Thanksgiving Sunday

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Monday 7:00 pm Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship - New Hope Baptist Church

Thursday Thanksgiving Day

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

(Church Office Closed)

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, November 27, 2011 Hanging of the Greens - I Advent

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

The United Church of Christ

DANBURY, CONNECTICUT

Gathered 1696

Sunday, November 13, 2011 Ten o'clock

Stewardship Sunday

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn Rejoice, the Lord Is King! Chalice (blue) #699

Opening Prayer+Again we must confess, Master of the Universe, our struggles to be faithful disciples.
Entrusted with all your gifts, we become fearful once again of misusing them, missing the chance to be a blessing to others. Invited to dance in the light of your love, we stand against the wall once again, keeping company with our old friend, sin. Called to be emptied for those who struggle in life, we fill ourselves once again, with scorn for the poor choices they make.

Have mercy, Journeying God, have mercy on us. Once again, open our eyes to your kingdom in our midst, so we might discover that your day of hope and grace has already come in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
(Silence is kept)

Leader : This is the good news: God intends for us to find life, to embrace hope, to receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ, our Servant.

People: The end of our journey is not rejection and emptiness, but the fullness of grace and hope in our God.　Thanks be to God, we are forgiven.　Amen.

Reading from the Scriptures Philippians 2:5-13 (NT pg 186)

Annie Orr, reader

A Time With Our Children

*Hymn Take My Life Chalice (blue) #609 vs 1-4

Reading from the Scriptures Matthew 25:14-30 (NT pg 27)

Sermon "Reading God’s Mind" Reverend Laura Westby

Sermon Response

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Fill-A Me Up! Pepper Choplin

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Called as Partners in Christ’s Service Chalice (blue) #453

*Commissioning

Postlude Variation of the Theme ‘America’ arr. Jim Moriarty

(In recognition of Veteran’s Day)

Sunday, November 13, 2011 Stewardship Sunday

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

Thanksgiving Food Collection

Gift Card order day11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, November 20, 2011 Thanksgiving Sunday

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Sunday, November 6, 2011 Ten o'clock

All Saint’s

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

Call to Worship

Remembering the Saints

(We call to mind with thanksgiving those members and friends of The First Congregational Church of Danbury who have died during the past year. As each name is read, a bell will be tolled and we will pause to offer a silent prayer of thanksgiving for that person’s life.)

Laura Benedict

Irene Lewis

Janet McDonough

Barbara Schmus

Warren Sherman

*Opening Hymn For All the Saints Chalice (blue) #637

Reading from the Scriptures Joshua 24:14-25 (OT pg 206)

Sermon Reverend Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Going Home Mary McDonald

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Communion Hymn My Faith Looks Up to Thee Chalice (blue) #576

Invitation to the Table

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Blessing and Sharing of the Elements

The table is open to all who wish to know the presence of Christ. It is our custom to hold

the bread, consuming it together; and to consume the cup as we receive it.

Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving

Holy God, whenever your people have set out on a journey, you have given them bread to sustain their bodies and your Spirit to renew their spirits. We thank you for the bread we have received here- may it strengthen us for the task ahead. We thank you for the cup that we have shared- may it remind us of your eternal covenant with all humanity. And we thank you for your Presence in us and among us- empower us to move ahead with vision and with courage, following in the footsteps of Jesus. Amen.

*Hymn Rejoice in God’s Saints Chalice (blue) #476

*Commissioning+

Brothers and sisters, you bear within you the same Spirit that dwelt within God’s saints. When you set your hands to labor, thinking you work alone, remember- in your hands you bear the strength of thousands. When you lack a word to speak to those in need, remember-the words of prophets are on your lips. When you feel your heart falter, remember- the blood of the martyrs courses in your veins. When you look to future and cannot see what lies there, remember - your eyes can discern the visions of the mystics. Since we are participants in such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.

Postlude *all who are able, please stand

CALENDAR

Sunday, November 6, 2011 All Saints (Daylight Savings Time ends)

10:00 am Morning Worship & Communion

Church School

11:00 am Congregational Meeting

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Tuesday 7:00 pm Shelter Orientation - Annie Orr

Wednesday 2:00 pm Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen - see Annie Orr

Thursday 6:00 pm Thrift Shop Dinner and Meeting - Pilgrim Hall

8:00 pm Shelter Orientation - Annie Orr

Friday 7:30 am ARC ‘A Breakfast for a Peaceable Home’ -

Amber Room - see Pastor Laura

9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, November 13, 2011 Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

Thanksgiving Food Collection

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Sunday, October 23, 2011 Ten o'clock

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

Call to Worship+

In worship, we who are called "Christian" gather to express our unity with God and with each other. We are a community which spans centuries, bound together by a covenant whose signature is baptism. We have inherited this covenant of baptism from those in ages past who bequeathed to us their faith and their faithfulness. In our worship today we renew our commitment to live in this covenant and we draw together a wider community of believers, including those who bore witness at our baptism. As faithful women and men have done for years, let us worship God.

*Opening Hymn This Is a Day of New Beginnings Chalice (blue) #518

Reading from the Scriptures Matthew 3:13-4:11 (NT pg 3)

Kie Westby, reader

A Time With Our Children

Sacrament of Baptism

Invitation and Welcome

Leader: Members and friends in Christ, we now gather to celebrate the gift of grace in the sacrament of baptism. People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them; and the disciples scolded them. But when Jesus saw this, he was angry and said to them,

People: Let the children come to me and do not hinder them; to such belongs the realm of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the realm of God like a child shall not enter it.

Leader: And Jesus took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving Over the Water

Pastor: This is the water of life.

People: Like the splash of a baby’s bath, the crash of waves on the seashore, the gentle sound of falling rain or a tear in the eye of the friend.

Pastor: This is the water of history, reminding us of our story as a people of God.

People: From a dry wasteland, God made the waters of creation. After the flood, God placed a rainbow in the sky as a sign of God’s promise of love. When God saw Israel as a captive people, God parted the water and led them to new freedom.

Pastor: This is the water of renewal, reminding us of our Savior.

People: Jesus was baptized by John and sanctified to preach the Good News of freedom and forgiveness. He showed love to all people, and invited us to share in His baptism and lead others to become His disciples too.

Pastor: This is the water of hope.

Pastor and children:

O God, pour out your Spirit on us and this gift of water. By your Spirit, help those who declare their faith in Jesus to believe that nothing bad will have power over them. May the gift of this water remind us of your love, make us happy and help us when things get hard or scary. Let the touch of your baptism bring us into the special circle and soft hug of your family which is the church. Amen!

Vows of the Parents

Pastor: Do you desire to have your children baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ? Will you encourage them to renounce the powers of evil and to receive the freedom of new life in Christ? Will you teach them so that they may be led to choose a life of service lived in imitation of Jesus Christ? Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciples, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the word and work of Christ to the best of your ability? Do you promise, according to the grace given to you, to grow with Ella and Madison in the Christian faith, to help them to become faithful members of the church of Jesus Christ, by celebrating Christ’s presence, by furthering Christ’s mission in the world, and by offering the nurture of the Christian church so that they may one day affirm their baptism?

Parents: We do, with the help of God.

Vow of the Congregation

Leader: Jesus Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism. Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support and prayers to the ones about to be baptized?

People: We promise to love, support and pray for these children.

Act of Baptism

Pastor: By what name will your child be called? __________, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen!

Prayer for the Baptized

Pastor: Spirit of the Living God, once again you have taken the substance of the earth in your gentle hands, fashioned it in your likeness, and given it the breath of life. We give you thanks for Madison and Ella, whom you now entrust to the world’s care. Send your blessing and peace upon them and upon their families, that their love for one another and for you may grow. Help this church to be a good and Christ-like influence in their lives so that they may see you reflected here and so learn to love and trust you. In the name of your beloved Child, Jesus, we pray.

People: Amen

Presentation of Shawl and Introduction to the Church Family

*Hymn I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry Chalice (blue) #75

Reading from the Scriptures Isaiah 42:1-9 (OT 630)

Sermon Reverend Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn God Made from One Blood Chalice (blue) #500

*Commissioning

Postlude

*all who are able, please stand

CALENDAR

Sunday, October 23, 2011 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship & Baptism

Church School 11:00 am Fellowship & Coffee Hour - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

4:00 pm Vespers at Glen Crest

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, October 30, 2011 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School & HS Class 11:00 am Fellowship & Coffee Hour - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

3:30 pm Just Us Girls

Sunday, October 16, 2011 Ten o'clock

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn Come, Christians, Join to Sing Chalice (blue) #90

Opening Prayer

One: Spirit of Life, in whom we live and move and have our being,

Many: we worship you.

One: We thank you for your presence among us

Many: and in your whole creation.

One: Fill us with your power,

Many: that by truthful words, just actions, and shared life,

One: we may witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Many: in whose name we pray. Amen.

Reading from the Gospels Luke 24:13-35 (NT pg 84)

Linda Wright, reader

A Time With Our Children

*Hymn Open My Eyes, That I May See Chalice (blue) #586

Sermon "The Road Not Taken" Maureen Frescott

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Lead Me, Lord, in Thy Righteousness Samuel S. Wesley

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Sing of One Who Walks Beside Us Chalice (blue) #231

*Commissioning

Postlude

*all who are able, please stand

We welcome and thank Maureen Frescott as our guest preacher today.

Maureen is a member of King St. UCC and is a recent graduate of Andover-Newton Theological Seminary who is currently looking for a call. Maureen was chosen to speak at the 2011 Andover Newton Baccalaureate service in recognition of her excellence in preaching.

We thank Jim Moriarty for his gift of music this morning.

Our next Fellowship Luncheon will be on Tuesday, October 18^th at 12:30 pm in Pilgrim Hall. Please bring a dish to share and enjoy a good fellowship time!

Our condolences to Annie Orr and her family on the death of her brother-in-law Bill Pferdmenges in Ohio this past week.

In Memoriam: Jane Inderstrodt in Topsham, Maine. She was the wife of Rev. Bill Inderstrodt, pastor of First Church Danbury from 1980-85.

CALENDAR

Sunday, October 16, 2011 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship - Maureen Frescott, preaching

Church School 11:00 am Fellowship & Coffee Hour - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Hike at Macedonia State Park

Tuesday 12:30 pm Fellowship Luncheon - Pilgrim Hall

Wednesday 7:00 pm New Beginnings Meeting - PH

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, October 23, 2011 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship & Baptism

Church School 11:00 am Fellowship & Coffee Hour - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

4:00 pm Vespers at Glen Crest

Sunday, October 9, 2011 Ten o'clock

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens Chalice (blue) #651

Opening Prayer

Leader: A new day has dawned.

God’s gift of life is renewed in you and me.

People: Praise God for today!

Praise God for the creative spirit in our midst.

Leader: Be still and know that God is here.

Let the Spirit in.

People: We are ready to pray and think and rejoice.

We are ready to hear God’s word.

Leader: Then listen and respond to God, who meets us in new ways and in different sounds, today in worship, and every day in the world.

People: Come to us, O God, and guide our worship. Speak. Speak to us the Word we need, and let that Word change us and empower us to be your people. Amen

Reading from the Scriptures Exodus 32:1-14 (OT pg 75)

Lori Fritzer, reader

A Time With Our Children

*Hymn Community of Christ Chalice (blue) #655

Sermon Rev. Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn God of Grace and God of Glory Chalice (blue) #464

*Commissioning

Postlude

*all who are able, please stand

We thank Howard Rovics for his gift of music this morning.

New Beginnings Team to share report TODAY

There will be an informational meeting TODAY about the result of the congregation’s New Beginnings process. The New Beginnings team will share a summary of their findings and present their recommendation for an exciting new outreach ministry to children through music. They are currently working on a plan of implementation for this ministry. Please remain after worship to hear more about this ministry and offer your input.

Our next Fellowship Luncheon will be on Tuesday, October 18^th at 12:30 pm in Pilgrim Hall. Please bring a dish to share and enjoy a good fellowship time!

CALENDAR

Sunday, October 9, 2011 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School 11:00 am New Beginnings Report & Coffee Hour - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Gift Card Order Day - today!

Monday, October 10, 2011 Columbus Day – Church Building Closed

Wednesday 2:00 pm Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen Day - see Annie Orr

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, October 16, 2011 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship - Maureen Frescott, preaching

Church School 11:00 am Fellowship & Coffee Hour - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Hike at Macedonia State Park

Tuesday, October 18 Fellowship Luncheon - Pilgrim Hall

Sunday, October 2, 2011 Ten o'clock

World Communion Sunday

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn Gather Us In Chalice (blue) #284

Opening Prayer

A Time With Our Children Pastor Laura

*Hymn I Come With Joy Chalice (blue) #420

Reading from the Scriptures John 4:7-15 (NT pg 89)

Sermon Rev. Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Only Love Can Answer Why Beall/Carter

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Communion Hymn One Bread, One Body Chalice (blue) #393

Invitation to the Table+

To your table you bid us come. You have set the places, you have poured the wine, and there is always room, you say, for one more. And so we come.

From the streets and from the alleys we come. From the deserts and from the hills we come. From the ravages of poverty and from the palaces of privilege we come. Running, limping, carried, we come.

We are bloodied with our wars, we are wearied with our wounds, we carry our dead within us, and we reckon with their ghosts. We hold the seeds of healing, we dream of a new creation, we know the things that make for peace, and we struggle to give them wings.

And yet, to your table we come. Hungering for your bread, we come; thirsting for your wine, we come; singing your song in every language, speaking your name in every tongue, in conflict and in communion, in discord and in desire, we come, O God of Wisdom, we come.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Blessing and Sharing the Elements

The table is open to all who wish to know the presence of Christ. We celebrate communion by intinction today. All who are able may come forward, take a piece of bread, and dip it into the chalice of grape juice. Please raise your hand if you would like the elements brought to you.

Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving

Amazing God, thank you for your presence in this place. We also thank you for giving us a taste of your Kin-dom in this meal. Please use this food to strengthen us to be your joyful and hopeful Resurrection Community, sharing and experiencing your Kin-dom of love, justice, and mutuality. Flow through us, healing God. Amen!

*Hymn Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ Chalice (blue) #422

*Commissioning

Postlude

*all who are able, please stand

+ Prayer © Jan L. Richardson from In Wisdom’s Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season.

We thank Jim Moriarty for his gift of music this morning.

The communion offering is used to help people in need in our community.

New Beginnings Team to share report October 9

There will be an informational meeting about the result of the congregation’s New Beginnings process on October 9. The New Beginnings team will share a summary of their findings and present their recommendation for an exciting new outreach ministry to children through music. They are currently working on a plan of implementation for this ministry. Join them on October 9 to hear more about this ministry and offer your input.　

CALENDAR

Sunday, October 2, 2011 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship & Communion

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, October 9, 2011 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am New Beginnings Report & Coffee Hour - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Gift Card Order Day-October 9^th

Monday, October 10, 2011 Columbus Day – Church Building Closed

Sunday, September 25, 2011 Ten o'clock

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude Vision Steven Scott

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn God Is Here! Chalice (blue) #280

Opening Prayer

Leader: Holy Spirit, Life-giver, who moved over the waters in the creation, who led your People through the waters of the Red Sea to liberation, and who comes to us through the waters of baptism, draw us together as we gather in your name.

All: Creator God, we thank you for your love in all creation, especially for your gift of water to sustain, refresh, and cleanse all life. We ask your blessing on this gathering. As we come together from many places and mingle the waters of our experience and faith, may we find sustenance, insight, and refreshment for the task of repairing our world. Amen.

*Hymn O God of Love, O Power of Peace Chalice (blue) #676

Reading from the Scriptures Exodus 17:1-7 (OT pg 61)

Ashley Savoy, reader

A Time With Our Children Pastor Laura

*Hymn Abide with Me Chalice (blue) #636

Reading from the Gospels Exodus 19:16-20 (NT pg 63)

Sermon Rev. Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Come, Follow Me Elly & Steve Kupferschmid

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn God Be With You Till We Meet Again Pilgrim (red) #61

*Commissioning

Postlude Lift Up Your Hearts Butler/Greatorex

*all who are able, please stand

A painting by Dorothy Johnson has recently been awarded first place in a regional art show for older people sponsored by the parent company of Glen Crest senior housing. Her depiction of two herons by a lake also won second place in the national competition sponsored by the same company. The Glen Crest activities program was awarded a cash prize in her honor. Congratulations Dorothy!

New Beginnings Team to share report October 9

ALENDAR

Sunday, September 25, 2011 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School - Nursery - 8^th Grade

High School begins today

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, October 2, 2011 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship & Communion

Church School 11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Church School – Nursery - 8^th Grade High School - begins today

Please note Pastor Laura’s new email: JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING

First Church Hikers – Come join the fun: October 16^th – at Macedonia State Park (near Kent) - please invite church members, family and friends. The more the merrier; should be a gorgeous time of year! Don’t forget good shoes, water and bug stuff. Contact Lisa Lettieri JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING or 203-769-6389.

Deer Hill Thrift Shop Open Fridays and Saturdays and ready for Fall! 9:30 am - 2 pm – Shop - Donate - Volunteer (see Jan Hamlin)

Sunday, September 18, 2011 Ten o'clock

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending Chalice (blue) #606

Opening Prayer

*Hymn O God of Love, O Power of Peace Chalice (blue) #676

Reading from the Scriptures Exodus 16:2-15 (OT pg 60)

Melissa Savoy, reader

A Time With Our Children Pastor Laura

*Hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah Chalice (blue) #622

Reading from the Gospels Matthew 20:1-16 (NT pg 20)

Sermon Rev. Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Lead On, O Cloud of Presence Chalice (blue) #633

*Commissioning

Postlude

CALENDAR

Sunday, September 18, 2011 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School Begins - Nursery - 8^th Grade

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Wednesday 6:00 pm Deer Hill Thrift Shop Volunteer Dinner

7:30 pm Council – New Beginnings Joint Meeting

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, September 25, 2011 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School - Nursery - 8^th Grade

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Gift Card Order Day is September 18^th - see Linda Wright

Please note Pastor Laura’s new email: JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING

First Church Hikers – Come join the fun: Today: Tarrywile - meet upper parking lot at 1:30 pm. See Linda Wright.

October 16^th – at Macedonia State Park (near Kent) - please invite church members, family and friends. The more the merrier; should be a gorgeous time of year! Don’t forget good shoes, water and bug stuff. Contact Lisa Lettieri JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING or 203-769-6389.

Church School – Nursery - 8^th Grade begins today.

High School - begins September 25

Deer Hill Thrift Shop Open Fridays and Saturdays and ready for Fall! 9:30 am - 2 pm – Shop - Donate - Volunteer (see Jan Hamlin)

Sunday, August 28, 2011 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn The God of Abraham Praise Chalice (blue) #24

Call to Worship

Call to Reconciliation

In stories and in stores, in sandy deserts and in rocky roads, at school events and Sunday worship, we encounter God.　We meet the One who fills every moment with the sacred.　We
confess our sins, in trust that we can turn aside and notice God welcoming us with
forgiveness and hope.

Unison Prayer of Confession
God of all people and nations, we could live at peace with others, but we choose to do wrong to them; we could welcome those we do not know, but choose to close our hearts; we could make outsiders our best friends, but choose the safety of those we already know.

Forgive us, Inclusive Love, for the foolish ways we insulate ourselves from ourselves, one another and you. Hold on to our shaky lives, until we learn to be grounded in your goodness. Speak to us of grace and hopes, so that we might speak to enemy and friend alike with words of blessing. Gently remove the obstacles we have placed in your way, so we can follow Jesus as he leads us on way of service and sacrifice.

Silence is kept

Assurance of Forgiveness

Reading from the Scriptures Exodus 3:1-15

*Hymn Source and Sovereign, Rock and Cloud Chalice (blue) #12

Sermon Rev. Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Chalice (blue) #16

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn God Be With You till We Meet Again Pilgrim (red) #62

*Commissioning

Postlude *all who are able, please stand

We thank Jim Moriarty for his gift of music today.

Deer Hill Thrift Shop Open Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 2 pm

Shop - Donate - Volunteer (see Jan Hamlin) We will be closed Sept. 2 & 3 for cleaning and restocking. If you can help, please call Jan Hamlin.

We will reopen on Sept. 9^th.

CALENDAR

Sunday, August 28, 2011 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship -

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Sunday, September 4, 2011 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship & Communion

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Monday, September 5 Labor Day - Church Building Closed

Please note Pastor Laura’s new email: JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING

First Church Hikers – Come join the fun: Next hike will be Sept. 18^th at Tarrywile - meet upper parking lot at 1:30 pm. Email Linda Wright at: JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING or 203-746-1545 if you would like to come!

Save the date – Fellowship Picnic – Tuesday, Sept. 13^th at the Candlewood Yacht Club - hamburgers and hotdogs provided – please bring a salad or dessert!

Church School – Nursery - 8^th Grade begins September 18

High School - begins September 25

Time to Greet One Another

*Commissioning

CALENDAR

Sunday, August 21, 2011 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude What a Friend We Have in Jesus

arranged for the piano by Jenifer Cook

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim Pilgrim (red) #206

*Call to Worship (responsively)

Gather to hear stories of God’s purpose.

Listen for the ways God has acted among us.

Our ancestors in the faith listened for God’s word.

They dared to believe God’s promises.

Many felt God’s love in knowing Jesus.

They experienced a new relationship with neighbors.

We have come seeking community centered in Christ.

We want to feel God’s presence as we worship.

God’s Spirit will empower each person and the whole church

to fulfill God’s purpose for us.

Our help is in the name of God

who made heaven and earth.

Opening Prayer (unison)

Gracious God, move among us today

and restore the strength of those who call upon you.

Help us to be mindful of all that you do

and to trust you to uphold your humble and penitent people.

Shine upon us like the sun,

and light our path so that we do not stumble or fall.

Bless us so we may be living testimony

to your care and compassion, to your justice and mercy.

We ask it in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever. Amen

Reading from the Hebrew Scripture Isaiah 51:1-6 (OT pg 640)

Lisa Lettieri, reader

*Hymn O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee Chalice (blue) #602

Reading from the Gospels Matthew 16:13-20 (NT 17)

Sermon Key Challenge, Key Comfort

Videen McGaughey Bennett

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God (arr. Fred Bock)

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service Chalice (blue) #461

*Commissioning

Postlude Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart H. Smith

*all who are able, please stand

We welcome and thank Videen McGaughey Bennett for being our guest preacher this morning; and Beaté Neblett for her gift of music today.

Deer Hill Thrift Shop Open Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 2 pm

Shop - Donate - Volunteer (see Jan Hamlin) We will be closed August 26 & 27, Sept. 2 & 3 for cleaning and restocking. We will reopen on Sept. 9^th. If you can help, please call Jan Hamlin.

CALENDAR

Sunday, August 21, 2011 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship -

Videen McGaughey Bennett, preaching

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Sunday, August 28, 2011 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Sunday, August 7, 2011 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Call to Worship

Leader: We have been called to walk the faithful road and to choose the way of God’s justice.

People: We are here because we believe strongly that our God is good, and that we live in that goodness. We are here to proclaim our faith and to seek direction along this faith journey.

Leader: Come together, then, to be God’s people. Follow Christ and listen for the good things that God has done. Rise up in praise and thanksgiving!

People: We will share with others the goodness that we have found in God. May our lives be an expression of that goodness.

*Opening Hymn Creating God, Your Fingers Trace Chalice (blue) #335

Opening Prayer

Reading from the Gospels Matthew 14:22-33 (NT pg 15)

*Hymn Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult Chalice (blue) #337

Sermon Rev. Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Communion Hymn Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether Chalice (blue) #392

Invitation to the Table

Leader: Beloved in Christ, the Gospel tells us that on the first day of the week Jesus Christ was raised from death, appeared to Mary Magdalene, on that same day sat at the table with two disciples, and was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

People: This is the joyful feast of the people of God! Come from the east and west, from the north and the south, and gather about Christ’s table.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Blessing and Sharing the Elements

Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving

Bountiful God, we give you thanks that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith and send us forth in the world, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to bring your healing Word and restoring touch to all we meet. Amen.

*Hymn I Have Decided to Follow Jesus Chalice (blue) #344

*Commissioning

Postlude

*all who are able, please stand

We thank Jim Moriarty for his gift of music this morning.

The communion offering is used to help people in need in our community.

First Church Hikers – Come join the fun: August 14^th Explore Bull’s Bridge, Kent and hike along the Housatonic River (approx 3-4miles) - meet at church to carpool at 1 pm. PLEASE contact Linda Wright so I know how many are going! Email: JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING or 203-746-1545. Next hike will be Sept. 18^th at Tarrywile - meet upper parking lot at 1:30 pm.

Please note Pastor Laura’s new email: JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING

Deer Hill Thrift Shop Open Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 2 pm

Shop - Donate - Volunteer (see Jan Hamlin) We have a great inventory of Summer Clothing, Summer Reading, Summer Items for Your Home!! – Summer Dollar Clothing Sale now in progress.

CALENDAR

Sunday, August 7, 2011 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship & Communion

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, August 14, 2011 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship - Rev. Desmond, preaching

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Sunday, July 10, 2011 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

Call to Worship

Leader: O God, your word is a lamp unto our feet –

People: and a light to our path!

Leader: We come today seeking your light

People: in a confusing and tempting world.

Leader: For what do we come today?

All: To hear your word, O God, and to worship, praise and thank you! Amen!

*Opening Hymn O Word of God Incarnate Chalice (blue) #322

Opening Prayer

Reading from the Psalms Psalm 119:105-112 (OT pg 537)

Lynda DeLuryea, reader

*Hymn Wonderful Words of Life Chalice (blue) #323

Reading from the New Testament Romans 8:1-11 (NT pg 147)

Sermon "Will the Real Law Please Stand Up?" Greg Griffin

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

Anthem - Beautiful - Carole King Pat Moriarty, soloist

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Every Time I Feel the Spirit Chalice (blue) #592

*Commissioning

Postlude

Deer Hill Thrift Shop Open Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 2 pm

Shop - Donate - Volunteer (see Jan Hamlin) We have a great inventory of Summer Clothing, Summer Reading, Summer Items for Your Home!!

CALENDAR

Sunday, July 10, 2011 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship -- Greg Griffin, preaching

11:00 am Lemonade and Fellowship-Parlor

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Wednesday

2:00 pm Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen - see Annie Orr

Thursday

9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Friday

9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, July 17, 2011 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

11:00 am Lemonade and Fellowship-Parlor

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

The United Church of Christ

DANBURY, CONNECTICUT

Gathered 1696

Sunday, June 26, 2011 Second Sunday after Pentecost Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all who are worshiping with us today, especially those who are new to First Church or who have returned after an absence. Your presenceis a blessing to us! First Church is committed to being a safe place for all people to worship regardless of race, creed, age, cultural background or sexual orientation.

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

Call to Worship

*Opening Hymn Take My Life Chalice (blue) #609

Opening Prayer

God of new life, we often say that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. Yet when we consider our lives, we confess our failure to live in Christ. You promised to be present with us always, yet our fear for the future shows we do not trust in you. You love us with a great, eternal, and costly love, yet our self-hatred shows that we have not opened ourselves to your love. You promise that where your Spirit is, there is freedom, yet the injustice within your church shows that we have not let you set us free. God, guide us on the slow journey of growth. Free us from our fears, our prejudice, and our self-hatred, that we may live in Christ in the freedom of your Spirit. Amen

Reading from the New Testament Romans 6:12-23

*Hymn Now I Have New Life in Christ Chalice (blue) #513

Sermon Rev. Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People

Write down on a piece of paper one act of obedience (to friend, partner, children, parents, work, congregation, country, honor, commitment to the poor, whatever) that you have freely chosen and would like the support of God and the congregation to live into.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Living for Jesus Chalice (blue) #610

*Commissioning

Postlude

Summer Coffee Hour- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – A sign up sheet will be in Pilgrim Hall to pick a date to provide cookies and lemonade after worship on Sundays from June 19^th through Sept. 4^th. Our fellowship time is very important to our church and this is a great way spend a few minutes with friends, catch up on summer doings –.... so, if you can, pick a Sunday and ... SIGN UP!!

CALENDAR

Sunday, June 26, 2011 Second Sunday after Pentecost

8:45 am Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

12:00 pm New Beginnings Group - here

Monday 7:30 pm New Beginnings/ Gary Falkenthal & Janet Albanesi

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, July 3, 2011 Third Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship & Communion

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Monday, July 4 Church Office Closed

Deer Hill Thrift Shop Open Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 2 pm

Shop - Donate - Volunteer (see Jan Hamlin) Donations of jewelry are REALLY needed right now.

We will be closed Saturday, July 2^nd for the holiday weekend.

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The United Church of Christ
DANBURY, CONNECTICUT
Gathered 1696

Sunday, June 19, 2011 Father’s Day - Trinity Sunday Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all who are worshiping with us today, especially those who are new to First Church or who have returned after an absence. Your presence is a blessing to us! First Church is committed to being a safe place for all people to worship regardless of race, creed, age, cultural background or sexual orientation.

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence
We begin our worship with a brief period of silence. During this time we invite you to be open to the signs of God’s Presence here -- take a deep breath, lay aside the distractions of the morning, and make a space for the Holy Spirit to enter in.

Opening Hymn Womb of Life, and Source of Being Chalice (blue) #14

Call to Worship
Leader: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
People: Behold our God is a Creator.
Leader: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
People: Behold our God is a Redeemer.
Leader: The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters.
People: Behold our God is a Holy Spirit.
Unison: Let us worship the God who is one in three, three in one, who heals our brokenness and gathers up all our meanings.

Opening Prayer

Reading from the Gospel Matthew 28:16-20

A Time with Our Children

Hymn Lord, You Give the Great Commission Chalice (blue) #459

Reading from the New Testament 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Sermon Rev. Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Our Tithes and Offerings
Invitation to Sharing
Offertory
Anthem Fairest Lord Jesus
Beth Falk, Joan Hull and Pat Moriarty
The Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures here below
Praise God for all that love has done
Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen
*Prayer of Dedication

Hymn God of Grace and God of Glory Chalice (blue) #464

*Commissioning

Postlude

Thank you to Beth Falk, Joan Hull and Pat Moriarty for singing our special anthem today.

We thank Jim Moriarty for his gift of music this morning!

The Meeting House Tower is Lit This Week
In Loving Memory of Hilda and Matthew Dallas
Given by the Glenn Dallas Family

Summer Coffee Hour - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – A sign up sheet will be in Pilgrim Hall to pick a date to provide cookies and lemonade after worship on Sundays from June 19th through Sept. 4th. Our fellowship time is very important to our church and this is a great way spend a few minutes with friends, catch up on summer doings –.... so, if you can, pick a Sunday and ... SIGN UP!!

Deer Hill Thrift Shop Open Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 2 pm
Shop - Donate - Volunteer (see Jan Hamlin) Donations of jewelry are REALLY needed right now.

CALENDAR

Sunday, June 19, 2011   Trinity Sunday - Father’s Day
     8:45 am Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
   10:00 am Morning Worship - Father’s Day
                   Church School
   11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship-Pilgrim Hall
   11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo
   12:00 pm New Beginnings Group - here

Tuesday

2:00 pm New Beginnings Group/ Jerry Savoy & Pat Moriarty
7:00 pm New Beginnings Group/ Tom O’Brien & Lori Fritzer

Wednesday

7:30 pm New Beginnings/ Gary Falkenthal & Janet Albanesi

Friday

9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop
2:00 pm New Beginnings Group/ Jerry Savoy & Pat Moriarty

Saturday

9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, June 26, 2011   Second Sunday after Pentecost
     8:45 am Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
   10:00 am Morning Worship
      Church School
   11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship-Pilgrim Hall
   11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo
   12:00 pm New Beginnings Group - here

✟Prayer List: We ask that you especially keep these individuals and families in your prayers this week:
New Britain General Hospital: Carole Rossini, Pastor Laura’s mother
At Home:    Sid Meadow, Carol Taylor
Danbury Health Care: Donald Holmes
In Florida:   Joanna Hodges
Glen Crest:   Dorothy Johnson, Midge Wolmer
Group Home:   Rusty Hamlin
    Douglas Jennings
Our Partners in Ministry:
Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, President and General Minister of the UCC
Rev. Sarah J Verasco, Regional Minister
The Congregations of the Fairfield East Association and the Connecticut Conference
Rev. Charles Wildman, Interim Conference Minister
The New Beginnings Churches

Sunday, July 24, 2011 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements

Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn The Church’s One Foundation Chalice (blue) #272

Call to Worship

Leader: The kingdom of God is coming, indeed it is already here!

People: It is here in the small, everyday miracles of tiny seeds that grow into mighty shrubs.

Leader: The kingdom of God is coming, indeed it is already here!

People: It is here in the love that leavens our relationships and the challenges that cause us to grow beyond what we think is possible.

Leader: The kingdom of God is coming, indeed it is already here!

People: It is here in the opportunity to do what Jesus did, spend what is most precious to us for what is most precious to God.

Leader: The kingdom of God is coming, indeed it is already here, as we gather in prayer and praise, silence and song.

Opening Prayer

Reading from the Gospels Matthew 13:31-33, 44-46 (NT pg 14)

*Hymn I Would Be True Chalice (blue) #608

Sermon Rev. Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

Anthem I Believe

Doyle Stoppel, soloist

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn Community of Christ Chalice (blue) #655

*Commissioning

Postlude

ALENDAR

Sunday, July 24, 2011 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

9:00 am Council

10:00 am Morning Worship

11:00 am Lemonade and Fellowship-Parlor

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Wednesday 7:00 pm NB Leaders Meeting

Thursday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, July 31, 2011 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am Morning Worship

11:00 am Lemonade and Fellowship-Parlor

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Sunday, January 22, 2012 Third Sunday after Epiphany Ten o'clock

Reaching Out to Grow God’s Community

Welcome to Worship!

Prelude

Announcements and Time to Greet One Another

Time for Centering and Silence

*Opening Hymn When Morning Gilds the Skies Chalice (blue) #100

Opening Prayer

Reading from the Gospels Mark 1:14-20 (NT pg 33)

*Hymn I Have Decided to Follow Jesus Chalice (blue) #344

Reading from the Old Testament Jonah 1:1-3, 3:1-9 (OT pg 810-11)

Sermon Reverend Laura Westby

Silent Meditation

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Tithes and Offerings

Invitation to Sharing

Offertory

*The Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise God all creatures here below

Praise God for all that love has done

Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me Chalice (blue) #614

Postlude

*all who are able, please stand

The 2012 Silver Lake Summer Schedule is now posted in Pilgrim Hall.

Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Regular Winter Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am - 2 pm

Shop – Donate – Volunteer!

You are Cordially Invited to

Farewell Brunch for Pastor Laura to Say Good-bye and Godspeed

On her last Sunday with us, February 19^th

immediately following worship

Calendar

Sunday, January 22, 2012 Third Sunday after Epiphany

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

12:00 pm Thrift Shop Volunteers "Snowflake" Brunch

Wednesday 7:00 pm Circle for Quantum Spirituality - Parlor

Friday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Saturday 9:30-2:00 Deer Hill Thrift Shop

Sunday, January 29, 2012 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

10:00 am Morning Worship

Church School

11:00 am Coffee Hour and Fellowship - Pilgrim Hall

11:30 am Iglesia Hispana Unida de Cristo

Shelter Needs: Pillowcases – is it time to refresh your pillowcases? We’d like your old ones... please leave in the church office. Thank you.

Worship With Us

Join us Sundays at 10 a.m.

Visit us

164 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, CT

(P) 203.744.6177

DanburySpirit Lection for my last Sunday, Elijah going to Bethel. Guess where my next church is located. Bethel. Holy Spirit is too weird!!!

DanburySpirit This will be my last week tweeting as DanburySpirit. Follow me at LauraWestby

DanburySpirit For the Institutionalized: http://t.co/MezlldR4 via @AddThis