FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Welcome to
The Oldtown Church
North Attleborough, MA — February 14, 2018
ON THIS ASH WEDNESDAY…
when we remember that from dust we have come
and to dust we shall return
Ministers: ALL of our Members and Friends
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
GATHERING HYMN C#295 — “In This Very Room”
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP (from the book of Joel)
Blow the trumpet in Zion!
Sound the alarm on God’s holy mountain.
Call all the people together — young and old.
For the day of the Lord is coming,
A day unlike any other.
Even now, God says, return to me with all your heart;
Change your life, not just your clothes.
Let us return to our God, and to God’s ways.
For our God is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and full of compassion and mercy.
TIME OF CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, in a thousand different ways, our lives demonstrate how we have been lulled by the ways of sin and death. We refuse to offer or seek forgiveness, we cling to resentment, fear, and shame, we misuse and abuse one another and your creation, we obsess over what is trivial and ignore what matters. Do not let us waste this life. Forgive us our sin and open us to the way of salvation. In your mercy. Amen.
HYMN C#339 — “Just As I Am, Without One Plea”
COMMITTING TO REPENTANCE
A READING from Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (NT p.6)
BLESSING AND SHARING OF ASHES
We begin the journey to Easter with the sign of ashes. In keeping with the ancient tradition of the Christian Church, ashes are placed on the foreheads of worshippers. This sign speaks of the frailty and uncertainty of human life, calls for heartfelt repentance, and urges us to place our hope in God alone. They are accompanied with the words of Genesis. “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Let us pray: Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth. May these ashes be for us a sign of our mortality, and a reminder that only be your gracious gift are we given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
(Those who wish are invited to come forward to receive ashes. Let Pastor Kelly know if you would rather have ashes put on the back of your hand instead of on your forehead. If you have difficulty coming forward, please let one of the deacons know and the ashes will be brought to you.)
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
SUNG AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor trials in the present, nor any trials to come, neither height, nor depth, nor all of creation can ever separate us from the love of God poured out in Christ Jesus our Lord.
SONG OF PREPARATION — “The Invitation”
SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
Invitation to the Table
Communion Prayer
Words of Institution
Blessing of the Elements
Sharing of the Elements
(You are invited to come forward to receive communion. Please take a piece of the bread, dip the bread in the cup, eat, and return to your seat. If coming forward is difficult, let one of the deacons know, and we will be happy to serve you in your pew.)
UNISON PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Lord Jesus, one of us betrayed you, another denied you, and all of us have forsaken you. Yet you remain faithful until death, even upon a cross. Help us to receive you into our lives, even as we meet you at your table, for the final victory belongs to you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
SENDING HYMN C#471 — “Now It Is Evening”
SENDING FORTH
Reading from Isaiah 61:1-3 (OT p.846)
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord.
We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord.
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.