Worship Bulletin – October 31, 2021

Worship Bulletin – October 31, 2021

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA—October 31, 2021

Ministers: ALL of our Members and Friends
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
Pianist: Ellen Kingman

Welcome to the Oldtown Church!
Whoever you are, and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are always welcome here. Because we are a faith community that values all ages and stages, and those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated, all people vaccinated or unvaccinated MUST wear a mask while in the church building. Presenters may remove their masks while presenting, but otherwise, masks must remain on. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.

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 fellowship after worship!
Please remember to mute your devices during worship.


Breathe

BREATHE

GATHERING MUSIC

WELCOME

TODAY’S WORSHIP WAYS

What things do you need to let go of to be fully present today?


OPENING PRAYER


SHARE

⇑ HYMN—C#190 “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”

⇑ SHARING TIME

How did you make the world a better place last week simply by being you?


PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR SCRIPTURE
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.

STORYTIME: “Everywhere, Wonder” by Matthew A. Swanson

What did you hear about in the story? What did you think the most exciting part was?


SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 10:13-16, NRSV (Oldtown Bible: NT 56)
(Underline or circle any words or phrases that jump out to you)

Jesus Blesses Little Children
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.”

Mark 10:13-16 (NRSV)
What stood out for you in today’s reading?
What questions did it raise?



Reflect

REFLECT

SERMON: “It’s All Around Us”

What was the last thing that you simply took time to have fun with and enjoy?


When you think of Halloween, what is one of your favorite memories or traditions?


When might you have experienced the Kingdom of God?


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.”

What special prayers do you hold in your heart?


Our Oldtown Prayer List: Sue & Steve, Matthew, Kaya, Will, David, Ginger D., Doreen, Lucy, Gordon C., Dawn, Sam, Kevin, Ed, Rick, Mark, John, Joan, Ron, Ralph, the Rioux family

PASTORAL PRAYER 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

GIFT OF SONG


Thank

THANK

OFFERING OUR THANKS

What is something that you are thankful for today?


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 THANKSGIVING

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH

SENDING HYMN—C#2 “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” (v. 1 & 2)

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 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

** Our worship has ended. Let our service begin! **
Please join us outside for fellowship time and enjoy some fresh air following worship!


PushpinsThe Oldtown Message
October 31, 2021

OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Sun October 31: In-Person Worship 10am
   ~ Undie Sunday – socks, hats, mittens, gloves
   ~ Express Yourself Mask Opportunity
Sun November 7: In-Person Worship 10am
   ~ All Saints Sunday – honoring loved ones we have lost since the pandemic began
Tue November 9: Missions Meeting 6pm
   ~ Church Committee Meeting 7pm
Check our Online Calendar for even more church events!! Have something you’d like added to the calendar? Email calendar@oldtownucc.org with all the information and we’ll get it posted.

UNDIE SUNDAY – October 31
This month, because the cold weather is coming, we are collecting socks, hats, mittens, and gloves to give to the needy in our area.

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY – November 7
During worship on All Saints Sunday, we will be remembering all those that have passed away in the last year. If you have lost a friend or loved one in the past year and would like to add them to our All Saints List, please fill out the form in your bulletin and drop it in the offering plate on your way out.

WELCOME BACK TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP
As we ease back into gathering together to worship, we remind everyone to be gentle with each other. In the interest of keeping everyone safe, including the children and immuno-compromised within our church family, we are requiring that masks be worn at all times when in the church building. While we recognize that there are differing opinions on the need for masks, we require mask-wearing at all times while indoors at the church for the safety and comfort of everyone. We have also decided there will be no gathering in Maxcy Hall for fellowship following worship. Everyone is welcome to gather outside on the south lawn or in the parking lot, weather-permitting, but we will not be having a time of indoor fellowship. We thank you for your patience and for your prayerful consideration of others.

DO YOU NEED TO CONTACT THE CHURCH?
As we return to the building and step into new ways of being the church, we are trying to set safe and healthy boundaries for everyone. Moving forward, if you need to contact Pastor Kelly or the church for church business, we ask that you use the church phone number, 508-695-1713. We have a new phone system in place in hopes of streamlining our communication. If Pastor Kelly cannot answer at the time of your call, leave a message and she will get back to you as soon as she can.

STEWARDSHIP CORNER
Offering last week: $1,004.24
$310.18 less than budget
Offering 2021 to date: $775 more than budget
To-Date as of End of September (75% of year)
Fund Raising: $8,130.76 (54.2% of annual budget)
Total Budgeted Income: $62,996.78 (69.8% of annual budget)
Total Budgeted Expenses: $66,513.96 (64.0% of annual budget)
Non-Budgeted Income: $11,184.82
Non Budgeted Expenses: $11,025.04
Total Shortfall for 2021: $3,357.40

Don’t forget that Daylight Saving Time ends next Sunday. That means we set our clocks back one hour overnight on Saturday night, which means that we all gain an extra hour of sleep!! That’s just one more thing to be thankful for in this season when we begin to think about giving thanks for all of the things we have been given.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
~ Colossians 3:15-17 (NRSV)


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
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Learn more about our denomination: www.ucc.org