FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA—December 15, 2019
Ministers: ALL of our Members and Friends
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
Pianist: Mrs. Ellen Kingman
Welcome to the Oldtown Church!
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
PRELUDE
INTROIT—”While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night”
WELCOME / TIME OF CENTERING
CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise the Lord!
With all our hearts, we will praise God’s holy name!
Praise the Lord!
We will never forget the good things God has done.
Praise the Lord,
All the earth – everyone, everywhere!
Praise the Lord!
Let us praise God together!
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
SHARE
⇑ HYMN—C#170 “How Great Our Joy”
⇑ SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
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.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Joy to the world!
Our God is now coming to bring us “good news.”
May we sing songs of praise and gladness.
Let us light the Candle of Joy.
SUNG RESPONSE—”Advent Hallelujah” (Joy)
SCRIPTURE READING—Luke 2:8-14 (NRSV)
REFLECT
SERMON—”Sharing the Light of Joy”
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.”
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
THANK
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
GIFT OF MUSIC—”I’ve Got the Joy”
⇑ 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 DEDICATION
TIME OF ANNOUNCEMENTS
⇑ SENDING HYMN—C#143 “Joy to the World”
⇑ 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 for coffee and fellowship in Maxcy Hall following worship!
The Oldtown Message
December 15, 2019
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
December 15: Household Huddle 9am
~ Worship 10am—Advent 3
~ Sermon Reflection after worship
~ Poinsetta orders are due
~ Christmas gifts for adopted family are due
December 17: Coffee Connection 10am-12noon
December 22: Household Huddle 9am
~ Worship 10am—Advent 4
December 24: Candlelit Christmas Eve Service 7pm
IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS
Debbie, Kerri, Malcolm, Maryellen, Marge, Gordon, Kristen, Priscilla, Kaya, Pat, Becky, Leo, Michelle, Matthew, Carmella, Ron, Steven, Kathy, Peg, Sarah, Sue, Steve, Reign.
If you would like to add a name to our prayer list, please fill out a prayer card and drop it in the offering plate, or use our online prayer request form.
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DONATIONS
We have an ongoing collection of non-perishable food items for the North Attleboro School’s Food Pantries. We thank you in advance for helping to keep our kids from being hungry!
| STEWARDSHIP CORNER | |
|---|---|
| Offering last week: | $1,593.54 $232.00 more than budget |
| Offering to date: | $1,200 less than budget |
| Budgets (end of October) | |
| Fund Raising: | $6,000 more than budget |
| Total Budgeted Income: | $8,400 more than budget |
| Total Budgeted Expense: | $3,200 less than budget |
Don’t forget to return your Pledge and Promise Card, if you haven’t yet done so. This information will not only help us as we create our budget for next year, but it allows you to let us know where you’d like to get involved and help out at the church. Tell us what your interests are and we’ll put you in touch with the right ministry. See Jeannette Galvin or Jim Fennell if you have any questions.
“Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth.“
~ Psalm 47:1-2 (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