FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — May 13, 2018
Our Confirmands:
Billy Cundiff, Matthew Dix, Michael Dix, Jack McLoughlin, Evan Paiva
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 — “Into My Heart”
WELCOME / TIME OF CENTERING
CALL TO WORSHIP
The journey of faith is a journey through life.
We are pilgrim travelers making our way.
We travel the pathway of the saints.
But for each generation, the road seems different.
Today, we celebrate our confirmands.
We hold out our hands to them as they join us on the journey.
As they walk beside us, we may tell them our stories, but we may not tell them the way.
We can tell them our questions,
But the answers must come from their own hearts.
We celebrate a new generation of faith, a new branch, with its leaves about to blossom.
Let us make a place for them and let them know that the family of Christ is their family too.
Let us worship the God who calls us by name and sends us into the world in the name and for the sake of Christ.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
*HYMN C#452 — “Here I Am, Lord”
*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 LESSON — Matthew 13:44
SERMON
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.
CHORAL RESPONSE
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
SONG OF PRAISE— “How Great Thou Art”
*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
THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION
for Billy Cundiff, Matthew Dix, Michael Dix, Jack McLoughlin, Evan Paiva
INVITATION
QUESTIONS OF THE CANDIDATES
ACT OF CONFIRMATION
PRAYER OF CONFIRMATION
QUESTIONS ABOUT PARTICIPATION
WELCOME
We welcome you Billy, Matthew, Michael, and Jack as partners 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
WATCHWORDS & PRESENTATIONS
TIME OF ANNOUNCEMENTS
*SENDING HYMN C#344 — “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
*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
Please join us for coffee and fellowship in Maxcy Hall following worship!