FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA—August 15, 2021
Ministers: ALL of our Members and Friends
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
Pianist: Ellen Kingman
Welcome to the Oldtown Church!
Whoever you are, and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are always welcome here. Because we are a faith community that values all ages and stages, and those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated, all people vaccinated or unvaccinated MUST wear a mask while in the church building. Presenters may remove their masks while presenting, but otherwise masks must remain on. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
We are so glad that you have chosen to worship with us today. We invite you to join in on the bold print in the bulletin and to stand as you are able any time you see a ⇑. The restrooms are out the back door of the sanctuary to the right, as is the nursery in case your little one needs a walkabout. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and please join us for coffee and refreshments after worship!
Please remember to mute your devices during worship.
BREATHE
GATHERING MUSIC—”Church (Take Me Back)”
WELCOME
| What things do you need to let go of to be fully present today? |
OPENING PRAYER
SHARE
⇑ HYMN—C#261 “Precious Lord Take My Hand”
⇑ SHARING TIME
| Where did you experience joy in the last week? |
PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR SCRIPTURE
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus,
To reach out and touch Him and say that we love Him.
Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen.
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.
SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 25:31-40 (NRSV)
| What stood out for you in today’s reading? What questions did it raise? |
REFLECT
SERMON
| What words, phrases, or thoughts do you want to remember? |
PREPARING OURSELVES FOR PRAYER
In moments like these, I sing out a song,
I sing out a love song to Jesus.
In moments like these, I lift up my hands.
I lift up my hands to the Lord.
Singing, “I love you, Lord.”
Singing, “I love you, Lord.”
Singing, “I love you, Lord. I love you.”
| What special prayers do you hold in your heart? |
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and the LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by they 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.
CHORAL RESPONSE
GIFT OF MUSIC
THANK
OFFERING OUR THANKS
| What is something that you are thankful for today? |
⇑ THE DOXOLOGY (Old Hundredth)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below.
Praise God above, ye heavenly host,
Creator Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen!
⇑ PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
TIME OF ANNOUNCEMENTS
⇑ SENDING HYMN—C#687 “In Christ There is No East or West”
⇑ BENEDICTION
⇑ BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing,
The people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The service is ended. O now be extended
The fruits of our worship in all who believe.
The seed of the teaching, receptive hearts reaching
Shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us, and love shall unite us
To work for God’s realm and to answer the call.
POSTLUDE
Our worship has ended… Let our service begin!
Please join us outside for fellowship on the south lawn following worship!
The Oldtown Message
August 15, 2021
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Today: In-Person Worship 10am
Sun August 22: In-Person Worship 10am
Sat August 28: Oldtown Pet Clinic 11am-noon
Sun August 29: In-Person Worship 10am
~ Undy Sunday
(As a reminder, on each month that includes a “fifth” Sunday, the Missions Ministry collects brand new socks and underwear, any gender and any size, for donation to the needy in our area.)
WELCOME BACK TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP
As we ease back into gathering together to worship, we remind everyone to be gentle with each other. In the interest of keeping everyone safe, including the children and immuno-compromised within our church family, we are requiring that masks be worn at all times when in the church building. While we recognize that there are differeing opinions on the need for masks, we have decided to require mask wearing while indoors at the church for the safety and comfort of everyone. We have also decided there will be no gathering in Maxcy Hall for fellowship following worship. Everyone is welcome to gather outside on the south lawn or in the parking lot, but we will not be having a time of indoor fellowship. We thank you for your patience and for your prayerful consideration of others.
IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS
We are starting a new prayer list this week. If you would like to add someone to the prayer list you can click the button below.
If you would like to add a name to our prayer list, please talk with Pastor Kelly, fill out a prayer card or note and drop it in the offering basket, or use our online prayer request form.
OLDTOWN PET CLINIC
Our pet clinics have resumed, and the next one will be held at the church on Saturday, August 28. Check the Events Calendar on the church website for information about this and all other events at the church. Have something you’d like added to the events calendar? Email calendar@oldtownucc.org with all the information and we’ll get it posted.
| STEWARDSHIP CORNER | |
|---|---|
| Offering last week: | $1,517.84 $203.42 more than budget |
| Offering 2021 to date: | $2,100 less than budget |
| To-Date as of End of June (50% of year) | |
| Fund Raising: | $5,918.84 (39.5% of annual budget) |
| Total Budgeted Income: | $40,721.82 (45.1% of annual budget) |
| Total Budgeted Expenses: | $45,510.03 (43.8% of annual budget) |
| Non-Budgeted Income: | $4,189.00 |
| Non Budgeted Expenses: | $4,229.26 |
| Total Shortfall for 2021: | $4,828.47 |
Pastor Kelly wrote a wonderful message in this week’s Oldtown Update email describing our ongoing efforts to return to in-person worship in the sanctuary. If you’re not receiving those emails, please check with Pastor Kelly or email her at pastorkelly@oldtownucc.org so we can be sure that your email address is added to the list, or you can go to the email signup page on the website at https://www.oldtownucc.org/subscribe
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
~ Micah 6:8 (NRSV)
First Congregational Church, UCC of North Attleborough
(Oldtown Church)
Church Phone: 508-695-1713 — Pastor Kelly’s cell phone: 508-294-9767
Office Hours: Wednesday 10am-noon & Thursday 6pm-8pm
Pastor Kelly’s email: PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org
Church Email: Church@oldtownucc.org
Website: www.oldtownucc.org