FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — December 22, 2024
The Gift of Being Present
The Gift of Being Present is not just something that we share with others, it is also a gift we share with ourselves. When we learn to be fully present in each moment, we begin to experience the simple acts of hope, peace, joy, love, and light that we so often miss when we are busy.
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!
Please remember to mute your devices during worship.
PRELUDE
GATHERING SONG C#119–”O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
WELCOME / WORSHIP WAYS
CENTERING TIME
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb
If I were a Wise One, I would do my part;
Yet what can I give Him? I will give my heart.
A MOMENT TO LET GO / OPENING PRAYER
CALL TO WORSHIP
Do you see it?
See what? I’m too busy.
Do you see it?
What are you talking about?
Do you see it?
No, I don’t have time.
Do you see it?
Yes! God’s love is all around us. How did we miss it?
AN ADVENT VISITOR
SUNG RESPONSE
Light one candle for love,
One bright candle for love!
He brings love to every heart,
He comes, He comes!
⇑ HYMN C#135–”Blessed Be the God of Israel”
TIME OF SHARING
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray:
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
SCRIPTURE READING – Luke 1:68-79 (NRSVUE) (C#137)
SERMON
PREPARING OURSELVES FOR PRAYER (C#144)
O Little Town of Bethlehem, descend on us we pray;
Cast out our sin and, and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts)
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 OUR THANKS
GIFT OF MUSIC
⇑ DOXOLOGY (C#151)
Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there, in his presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
FOR LOVE OF THE CHURCH
⇑ SENDING SONG–#C155 “Angels We Have Heard On High”
⇑ BENEDICTION
⇑ BENEDICTION RESPONSE (C#445)
Go in peace, and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace, and the peace of God be with you always
Celebrate and share the joy! Celebrate new life!
Go in peace, and the peace of God be with you always.
POSTLUDE
*** Our worship has ended; let our service begin! ***
The Oldtown Message
December 22, 2024
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Sun December 22: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
Tue December 24: Christmas Eve worship 7pm
Sat December 28: Second Serving Thrift Shop 9am-noon
Sun December 29: NO HOUSEHOLD HUDDLE
~ 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 & John, Lynn, Tim, Mark, Wendy, Cyndy, Joan, Justine & Nolan, the Miranda & K family, Jan & Kylie, Steven, Tegan, Dana, Ken, Lynne, Kaye, Karen, Samantha, Robin, Donna, Winnie, Carl, Gabby, Marilyn.
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
On January 29, 2025, during worship, we will be welcoming New Members into our church family. If you have questions about what it means to be a member of the Oldtown Church or would like to discuss the possibility of joining our church, please see one of our Deacons or talk with Pastor Kelly.
COFFEE CONNECTION
Coffee Connection will be a long winter’s nap during the holidays. Coffee Connection will return on January 8th.
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 53 people in worship, and our total giving to the church for the week was $1,453.43, which is $68.81 more than expected.
- So far, this year’s congregational giving has been $900 more than expected. Let’s try to finish out the year strong!!
The people of Israel were living through challenging times, the occupation of their homeland, and the oppression of a powerful government. They eagerly looked forward to the promised coming of a savior, the Messiah, who would liberate them. Many expected this savior to be a mighty warrior or a powerful political operative, but instead, unto them, a child was born–a child who would overcome the world!
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
~ Luke 2:10-12 (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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