FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — March 24, 2019
Ministers: ALL of our Members and Friends
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
Pastoral Intern: Amie McCarthy
Pianist: Suzanne 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.
BREATHE
PRELUDE
INTROIT—”Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove”
WELCOME AND TIME OF CENTERING
Gathered here in the mystery of the hour,
Gathered here in one strong body,
Gathered here in the struggle and the power,
Spirit draw near.
CALL TO WORSHIP
In the midst of our failures,
We stand in God’s grace.
In the midst of our struggles,
We hold onto our hope in Jesus.
In the midst of our suffering,
We claim the endurance given by the Holy Spirit.
In every part of our lives,
The love of God has been poured into our hearts.
Let us be open to this love as we join together in worship.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of mercy, when we neglect the humbleness of knowing our place in this world, forgive us. When we trade your peace for conflict and violence, forgive us. When we forsake our good character to join those who scoff at your ways, forgive us. When we ignore your truth and turn away from your wisdom, forgive us.
Forgive us and heal us, O God, that we may abide in your love and your grace forever. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
SHARE
*HYMN—C#517 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
*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.
SCRIPTURE READINGS—Romans 5:1-5 (NRSV) (NT 188)
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NRSV) (NT 235)
REFLECT
A MOMENT TO IMAGINE
SERMON—”An Assurance of God’s Love”
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.
CHORAL RESPONSE
THANK
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
GIFT OF MUSIC
*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#477 “Pass It On”
*BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord.
We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord.
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
POSTLUDE
Our worship has ended… Let our service begin!
Please join us for coffee and fellowship in Maxcy Hall following worship!
The Oldtown Message
March 24, 2019
Pastor Kelly’s office hours are Wednesday & Thursday 10-2
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Today: Household Huddle 9am
– Worship 10am
– Sermon Reflection after worship
Mar 27: Coffee Connection 10am-12noon
– School Tours
Mar 24: Household Huddle 9am
– Worship 10am
Apr 3: Coffee Connection 10am-12noon
– School Tours
Apr 7: Household Huddle 9am
– Worship 10am
Apr 9: Church Committee 7pm
Apr 10: Coffee Connection 10am-12noon
– School Tours
HOLY WEEK CALENDAR
Apr 14: PALM SUNDAY!
– Household Huddle 9am
– Worship 10am
Apr 17: Coffee Connection 10am-12noon
– School Tours
Apr 18: Maundy Thursday Worship 7pm
Apr 19: Good Friday Worship 7pm
Apr 20: Easter Egg Hunt
Apr 14: EASTER SUNDAY!
– (No Household Huddle)
– Worship 10am
IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS
Mark, Ed, Sue, Steve, Kerri, Cindy, Gordon, Kristen, Susan, Fran, Maryam, Meena, Marjon, Brooks, Joseph, Perilene, Cyndy, Claire, Christina, Susan, Rosalyn, Denise, Jay, Dylan, Shane, Teri, Jonathan, Tori, Valerie, Lisa, Lynn, Tracey, Gayle, Rob, Liz, Thomas, Lynne, Cindy, Kane, Dave, Deb, Ashley, Diane, Marisol, Darlene, Dave F., Madeline, Austin, Alexander, Steven, the McEvoy family, Chrystal, Dennis, Jane. the Mankavech family on the passing of Steve’s mom.
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.
UNDY SUNDAY – NEXT WEEK!!
Our Missions Ministry has designated the 5th Sunday of March, June, September, and December (the months with a fifth Sunday) as Undy Sundays. On those Sundays, we will be collecting any size new (in the package) underwear and socks for those less fortunate in our community.
FAIR TRADE COFFEE
Do you enjoy the coffee that we served in Oldtown? Would you like to purchase some to have at home? During coffee hour, we will be offering individual bags (2.25 oz which makes 1 pot) for $2 a piece. We will have decaf and regular. Money raised will go to pay for coffee hour expenses.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER | ||||
Offering last week: | $1,351.26 $10.28 less than budget |
|||
Offering to date: | $200 more than budget | |||
Fund Raising (end of February): |
$500 more than budget | |||
Total Budgeted Income (end of February): |
$1,000 less than budget | |||
Total Budgeted Expense (end of February): |
$200 less than budget | |||
CURRENT POSITION (end of February): |
$7,000 loss |
Did You Know?
- Holy Week is just around the corner. It’s one of the times of the year when those who don’t regularly attend a worship service on Sundays think about going to church. Don’t miss this opportunity to invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us here in Oldtown. Who knows, they might just stick around and become part of our Oldtown family!!!
- “And He said to them, ‘Go into the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.'”
~ Mark 16:15 (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 & Thursday, 10 am – 2 pm
Pastor Kelly’s email: PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org
Church Email: Church@oldtownucc.org
Website: www.oldtownucc.org