FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — November 4, 2018
“Dreaming of a new way to be church,
and doing something about it!”
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 — “Abide With Me”
WELCOME / TIME OF CENTERING
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are all one family,
Made in the image of God.
We are all one family,
Each unique, each special.
We are all one family,
Brothers and sisters on a journey of faith.
We are all one family,
Given gifts and talents to share.
We are all one family,
United in the love of God.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
LITANY OF REMEMBRANCE
We remember the great ancestors of our faith, from Abraham and Sarah to Paul and Phoebe:
Ancestors of the faith, we remember you.
We remember the prophets and priests, the ministers and teachers who have taught us the way of God:
Teachers of the faith, we remember you.
We remember our grandparents and parents, aunts and uncles, those who have gone before us in our lifetime:
Family of our faith, we remember you.
We lift up the memories of children and grandchildren, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives and parents whose lives ended too soon:
Those close in our heart, we remember you.
We lift up to You, O God, the names of all of the saints and souls…
(A reading of the names of those family and friends who have passed into eternal rest and a tolling of the bell in our steeple. After the reading of the list we will have a moment of silence to remember others who have died.)
Family of God,
We remember you and we honor you. We know you are with us in the spirit of worship, and you will not be forgotten.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
SHARE
*HYMN—P#481 “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God”
*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—Revelation 21:1-4 (NRSV)
REFLECT
SERMON
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
SONG OF PRAISE
*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
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Song of Preparation
The Invitation
Prayer
The Words of Institution
Sharing of the Bread & Cup
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Gracious God, we thank you for this meal and for all of the ways you nourish us. Grow in us that we may nourish others. Sustain us as we press toward the goal of your call in Christ Jesus. Amen.
TIME OF ANNOUNCEMENTS
*SENDING HYMN: C#637—”For All the Saints”
*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
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Today: Household Huddle 9am
Worship 10am
Deacons meeting following worship
NO OFFICE HOURS THIS WEEK
Nov 10: Pet Clinic 11am-noon
Nov 11: Household Huddle 9am
Worship 10am
IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS
Carolyn, Sharon, Edmond, Virginia, Jim B., Shannon, Kristen, Cindi, Gordon, Susan, David W, Sue, Steve, Lynne, Richard, Emily, Ron & Margretha, Kim, Tanya, Lydia, Maryam, Barbara, Sandie, Jenn & Jim, Julio, Matt & his family, Eddie, Vinny, Patty, Paula, Susan, Jerry, Dave, Tim, Bea, Aaron, Alyna, Samantha, Rosalyn, Kristen, Cyndy, Steve & Kerri, Shannon, Marjon, Meena, Mike B., Caitlin, Bridget, Marybeth, Tony, Perilene, Carlos, Penny, the family of Ann Botsford.
Would you like to add someone to our prayer list?
Fill out a prayer card and drop it in the offering plate, or use our online prayer request form.
| STEWARDSHIP CORNER | ||||
| Offering last week: | $1,180.01 $185.37 less than budget |
|||
| Offering to date: | $900 less than budget | |||
| Fund Raising (end of September): |
$1,400 less than budget | |||
| Total Budgeted Income (end of September): |
$1,600 less than budget | |||
| Total Budgeted Expense (end of September): |
$3,700 less than budget | |||
| YEARLY PROGRESS AS OF SEPTEMBER | ||||
| Congregational Giving | $52,300 | of | $71,000 | |
| Fundraising | $11,300 | of | $23,500 | |
| Other Budgeted Income | $7,400 | of | $11,450 | |
| Total Budgeted Income | $71,000 | of | $105,950 | |
| Total Budgeted Expense | $77,400 | of | $110,455 | |
| Non-budgeted Inc – Exp | + $800 | |||
| CURRENT | $5,600 LOSS | |||
Did You Know?
The early church spread and grew in large part because the first Christians lived their faith in their everyday lives, doing everything according to the Words Jesus spoke. Those around them saw the sense of community they had and the joy that permeated their lives and said, “What is it that these Jesus-followers have, and how can I get it? I want some of that!!”
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
~ Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)
Caregiving requires the ability to Love, not expecting anything in return. Jesus taught that when the rich give banquets, they should not give to friends or rich neighbors but instead give to the needy and poor who cannot repay.
Caregiving requires this kind of love. Mercy, compassion and selfless love are not easy, some say almost impossible. But God is faithful to provide strength, joy and cheer if we ask Him.
With God’s strength, caregiving is more than possible.
The Missions Ministry reaches out to our community to aid and help our neighbors. Now this ministry also wants to reach out to our own church family. With Gods faith working through our ministry the hope is to bring strength and joy to those who do the underrated but valuable job of Caregiving.
We are in process of developing a supportive program for caregivers. The goal is to help caregivers find resources, run an errand, pay a visit or even cook a meal.
There are many agencies that assist caregivers. The help available can range from Adult Day Centers, Personal Care Attendants, Home Health Aides to Friendly Visitors. The following are a few resources that may help:
- Bristol Elder Services
www.bristolelder.org
508-675-2101 - HESSCO
www.hessco.org
781-784-4944 - Community Visiting Nurse – Attleboro
www.communityvna.com
508-222-0118 - Local Senior Centers & Council of Aging
First Congregational Church, UCC of North Attleborough
(Oldtown Church)
Church Phone: 508/695-1713 — Pastor Kelly’s cell phone: 508/294-9767
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 12 – 3 pm
Pastor Kelly’s email: PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org
Church Email: Church@oldtownucc.org
Website: www.oldtownucc.org