FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA—August 22, 2021
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Psalm 84:1-2
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
WELCOME
| What things do you need to let go of to be fully present today? |
OPENING PRAYER
SHARE
⇑ HYMN—C#276 “We Gather Together”
⇑ 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: Psalms 84 (NRSV) (OT 667)
| 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#274 “I Love Your Church, O God”
⇑ 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 22, 2021
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Today: In-Person Worship 10am
Sat August 28: Oldtown Pet Clinic 11am-noon
Sun August 29: In-Person Worship 10am
~ Undy Sunday
(as a reminder, every 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.)
Have something you’d like added to the events calendar? Email calendar@oldtownucc.org with all the information and we’ll get it posted.
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 differing 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
Sue & Steve, Matthew, Kaya, Sue W., David, Ginger D.
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 from 11am to noon. Dogs and cats receive examinations and vaccinations from Dr. Peter Granville, D.V.M. and a portion of the proceeds is graciously donated to the church.
MISSIONS MINISTRY ADVENT COLLECTION
While it may seem a little early to be thinking about the advent season, the missions ministry asks you to be on the lookout for “travel-sized” toiletries. This winter, we will be making stockings to be donated to the homeless in our area.
| STEWARDSHIP CORNER | |
|---|---|
| Offering last week: | $3,706.63 $2,392.21 more than budget |
| Offering 2021 to date: | $325 more 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 |
It was a joy to see all the familiar faces of those who were able to join us in our sanctuary for worship last Sunday. But even more joyous was seeing new faces and meeting people who were joining us for the first time. If that was you, WELCOME!!! With the current limitations on fellowship, we apologize if we were unable to introduce ourselves to you, but we hope you enjoyed worshiping with us, and will join us again for worship and fellowship.
“Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”
~ Matthew 10:40 (NRSV)
First Congregational Church, UCC of North Attleborough
(Oldtown Church)
Church Phone: 508-695-1713
Pastor Kelly’s email: PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org
Church Email: Church@oldtownucc.org
Website: www.oldtownucc.org