FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA—January 5, 2020
Ministers: ALL of our Members and Friends
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
Pianist: Ellen Kingman
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—”Jesus, We Worship You”
WELCOME / TIME OF CENTERING
CALL TO WORSHIP
Arise, shine, for your light has come.
A new year is born, fresh and clean.
Arise, shine, for your light has come.
On every path we take, no matter where we go.
Arise, shine, for your light has come.
Christ is here, our light has come, let us sing out in praise!
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of eternal hope, you place a light into every darkness and a star in every sky, and yet we prefer to walk in the darkness of concern and despair. We cover the light of possibility with our constant worry. We walk bent over with care and concern and miss the brightness of your stars. We fear the worst, distrust the best, and forge ahead on our own, not noticing your outstretched hand. Shine your light on our path. Like the magi from afar, guide us with your star. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE—from Isaiah 60:1-6 (NRSV) (OT 844)
SHARE
⇑ HYMN—C#173 “As With Gladness”
⇑ 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 READING: Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV) (NT 2)
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 by they 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
GIFT OF MUSIC
⇑ 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 COMMUNION
SONG OF PREPARATION
INVITATION
COMMUNION PRAYER
God be with you.
And also, with you.
Lift up your hearts
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God Most High.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Let us pray…
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
ACCLAMATION OF FAITH
As we remember Christ’s promise not to drink the fruit of the vine again until the heavenly banquet at the close of history, let us say boldly what we believe:
Christ has died. Christ is risen! Christ will come again.
BLESSING OF THE ELEMENTS
SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS
SHARING OF THE BREAD
As a reminder that our covenant binds each of us to God,
let us eat the bread individually as we are served.
SUNG RESPONSE: Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.
SHARING OF THE CUP
As a reminder that our covenant also binds us with all of
God’s people, let us hold our cups and drink together.
SUNG RESPONSE: Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
You have nourished us at this Table, God of abundance. So now send us out to live abundantly, sharing your love, your grace and your peace, through the power of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
TIME OF ANNOUNCEMENTS
⇑ SENDING HYMN—C#172 “We Three Kings of Orient Are”
⇑ 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
January 5, 2020
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
January 5: Household Huddle 9am
~ Worship 10am
~ Deacons Meeting After Worship
~ Pastor Amie’s Ordination 3pm
@ Second Congregational Church in Attleboro
January 7: Coffee Connecttion 10am-12noon
January 12: Household Huddle 9am
~ Worship 10am
~ Sermon Reflection after worship
~ Annual Reports are due!
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 14: Church Committee Meeting 7pm
January 18: Pet Vaccination Clinic 11am-12noon
January 19: ANNUAL MEETING after worship (snow date 1/26)
IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS
Debbie, Kerri, Malcolm, Vicky, Maryellen, Marge, Gordon, Kristen, Priscilla, Kaya, Pat, Michelle, Matthew, Ron, Steven, Kathy, Peg, Sarah, Sue, Steve, Reign, Alice, Stacy, Lydia, Zena, Ella, Suzanne, Nelson, Judy, Becky, Chad, Gayle, Barbara, Lynne, John, Carol, Robin, Claire, Chrystal, Aaron, Samuel.
If you would like to add a name to our prayer list, please fill out a prayer card and drop it in the offering plate, or use our online prayer request form.
COLLECTION FOR RWANDA – MANILA ENVELOPES
All donations made in the manila envelopes, or check written with “Rwanda” in the memo this week and next, will be going with Leah Moynihan to help women in Rwanda. This will be Leah;s 5th year traveling to Rwanda with the International Organization for Women and Development (IOWD). She is part of a medical mission that works to treat women with a childbirth-related injury called fistula.
COFFEE CONNECTION
Join us Tuesday from 10-noon for Coffee Connection! Coffee Connection is a simple time of fellowship to get out of the house and spend time with friends.
First Congregational Church, UCC of North Attleborough
(Oldtown Church)
Church Phone: 508-695-1713 — Pastor Kelly’s cell phone: 508-294-9767
Office Hours: Wednesday 10am-noon & Thursday 6pm-8pm
Pastor Kelly’s email: PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org
Church Email: Church@oldtownucc.org
Website: www.oldtownucc.org