FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — January 14, 2018
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
Pianist: Mrs. Joyce Sheppard
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.
WE PREPARE
PRELUDE
INTROIT — “When Jesus Came to Jordan”
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
TIME OF CENTERING
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather to worship God.
Send your Spirit upon us.
We come from many places.
Send your Spirit upon us.
We turn our hearts to God.
Send your spirit upon us, and make us your beloved family.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Sunday, January 14, 2017
Doreen Dix, Michael Dix, Barbara Gagne, Neil Gagne, Cynthia Stone
Whoever you are, and wherever you are on life’s journey,
YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!
Doreen, Michael, Barbara, Neil, and Cynthia, we are made one in the body of Christ. Today, we rejoice in your pilgrimage of faith which has brought you to this time and place. We give thanks for every community of faith that has been your spiritual home, and we celebrate your presence in this household of faith.
QUESTION ABOUT PARTICIPATION
As members of the Oldtown Church, do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God’s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of this local church as it serves this community and the world?
New Members: I promise with the help of God
SCRIPTURE
Hear these words: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are equally citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus alone being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in Christ; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
PRAYER
O God, we praise you for calling us to faith and for gathering us into the church, the body of Christ. We thank you for your people gathered in this local church and rejoice that you have increased our community of faith. Together may we live in the Spirit, building one another up in love, sharing in the life and worship of the church, and serving the world for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
WELCOME AND RECEPTION
Let us, the members of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ of North Attleborough, express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ.
Doreen Dix, Michael Dix, Barbara Gagne, Neil Gagne and Cynthia Stone, we welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God’s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.
GREETING OF CHRISTIAN LOVE
In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ of North Attleborough we extend to you the hand of Christian love, welcoming you into the company of this local church.
PRESENTATION OF GIFTS
*HYMN C#357 — “We Call Ourselves Disciples” (verses 1, 3, and 5)
*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.
WE LISTEN
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Genesis 1:1-5 (OT p.1)
Mark 1:1-11 (NT p.42)
SERMON — “Water All Around Us”
WE RESPOND
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 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.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
GIFT OF SONG — “River of Jordan”
*THE DOXOLOGY
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
*SENDING HYMN C#371 — “Wade in the Water”
*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, so now be extended the fruits of our worship in all who believe.
The seed of our 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
Please join us for coffee and fellowship in Maxcy Hall following worship!