FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — May 18, 2025
We come to this place because somewhere in our lives, faintly or distinctly, we have heard God call us here. We come, some sleepily, some alert, some tired, some energized, to share together in God’s presence and to give thanks for God’s loving grace.
Ministers: ALL of our Members and Friends
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
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 a little space in case your little one needs a walkabout. Here in Oldtown, we are all about being curious, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, and please join us for fellowship after worship!
Finally, as a way of honoring our time together and truly loving our neighbor, we ask that you please silence your phone or, better yet, turn it off, allowing yourself to be truly present in worship.
We’re so glad that you’re here! Now do yourself a favor: turn off your cell phone, take a deep breath, release the tension in your shoulders, and allow yourself to feel the seat cushion beneath you. Don’t worry about what you’re doing later today or what is on your calendar for the coming week. Be present here and now, knowing that God meets you here.
PRELUDE
GATHERING MUSIC
WELCOME / WORSHIP WAYS
TIME OF CENTERING (C#294)
Here we gather, as God’s people, with our friends from far and near.
Let our voices sound with praises, knowing Christ has called us here.
Now we seek and greet each other, now in joy approach our friends.
Here we mingle, bound together as to all our love extends.
A CALL TO LET GO
A PRAYER FOR LETTING GO
CALL TO WORSHIP
Happy are we
When we are greeted with open arms.
Happy are we
When our mistakes and missteps are forgiven.
Happy are we
When we are loved, even if we are not lovable.
Happy are we
When we learn to accept and receive God’s grace.
Our faith calls us to intimate one-on-one time with the Spirit as we feel and know the presence of God in our hearts, but it also calls us to share our faith in community. Worship invites us to experience both. May you treasure God in your heart today but also see God in the face of your neighbor.
⇑ HYMN C#21–”Let the Whole Creation Cry”
TIME OF SHARING
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.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 17:22-31 (NT 168)
Taking time to reflect helps us process what we’ve heard as we attempt to internalize it and make it our own. Take another deep breath as you listen for God’s still-speaking voice. May you be inspired in new & exciting ways.
SERMON: “Too Many Rocks for the Box”
PREPARING OURSELVES FOR PRAYER (C#433)
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
When we look at the world through the lens of gratitude, we look beyond our struggles and fears, and we are reminded that we are blessed beyond measure in spite of them. Take a few moments to think about the things that you are thankful for and how your life is different because of them.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
GIFT OF MUSIC
⇑ DOXOLOGY (C#151)
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#467–”Fill the World With Love”
⇑ BENEDICTION
⇑ BENEDICTION RESPONSE (C#434)
God be with you till we meet again.
Loving counsel, guide, uphold you,
With a shepherd’s care enfold you.
God be with you ’til we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus’ feet.
Till we meet, till we meet.
God be with you till we meet again.
POSTLUDE
*** Our worship has ended; let our service begin! ***
The Oldtown Message
May 18, 2025
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Sun May 18: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship w/Communion 10am
Tue May 20: Third grade tours 10:30am-12:30pm
Wed May 21: Coffee Connection 10am-noon
Thu May 22: Third grade tours 10:30am-12:30pm
Sat May 24: Second Helping Thrift Shop 9am-noon
~ Pet Vaccination Clinic 11am-noon
Sun May 25: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
Check our Online Calendar for even more Oldtown, denominational, and local events, free webinars, and other resources!! Have something you’d like added to the calendar? Email calendar@oldtownucc.org with all the information, and we’ll get it posted.
OLDTOWN PRAYER LIST
Edi, Lynn, Tim, Mark, Cyndy, Joan, Justine & Nolan, the Miranda & K family, Jan & Kylie, Steven, Tegan, Dana, Ken, Lynne, Kaye, Karen, Samantha, Robin, Donna, Winnie, Carl, Gabby, Michael, Sue C., Laura, Jim, Paul, Daniel, Nancy, Paul L, Muriel, Jake, Michelle, Joe, Bob, Gloria, Barry, Magda, Erik, Hailey & Bryce, Jane, Emil, Al, Denise, Rhonda.
To add a name to the list, email Pastor Kelly at PastorKelly@Oldtownucc.org, text 508-695-1713, or drop a note in the offering plate.
NEW MEMBERS
Have you been thinking about becoming a member of the Oldtown Church? Do you have questions about what membership means? We hold two New Member Sundays each year. Our next New Member Sunday will be June 22nd. If you have questions about membership or you are interested in joining, please see Pastor Kelly.
OLDTOWN UPDATE EMAIL
Do you get our Friday Email, aka “The Oldtown Update”? Our Oldtown Update is like a weekly newsletter that lets everyone know what is going on in Oldtown. If you do not receive it and would like to, drop a note in the offering with your email address or let Pastor Kelly know. Subscribe to our Friday Email Updates online, or let Pastor Kelly know your email address.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER
Weekly Giving
- Last week, we welcomed 40 people to worship with us, and our total giving to the church for the week was $1,924.41, which is $501.33 more than expected.
- So far, this year’s congregational giving has been $5,200 more than expected. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks to all who helped with yesterday’s Turkey Supper! Suppers at Oldtown are a time-honored tradition, serving delicious food to a grateful community for years. And volunteering to help prepare or serve the food makes the meal we share afterward taste even better!
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, […] who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.
~ Psalms 146:5, 7 (NRSVUE)
First Congregational Church, UCC of North Attleborough
(Oldtown Church)
675 Old Post Road, North Attleborough, MA 02760
508-695-1713
Pastor Kelly’s email: PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org
Church Email: church@oldtownucc.org
Website: www.oldtownucc.org
YouTube: www.youtube.com/oldtownucc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oldtownucc
Subscribe to our Friday Email Updates
Learn more about our denomination: www.ucc.org
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