FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — March 4, 2018
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
INTROIT — “I Love You, Lord”
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
TIME OF CENTERING
CALL TO WORSHIP
God says welcome!
Whoever you are and wherever you’ve been.
God says welcome!
To those who are searching and to those who think they have found the way.
God says welcome!
To those who are broken and those who are whole.
God says welcome!
Let us worship God together!
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
*HYMN C#459 — “Lord, You Give the Great Commission” (verses 1, 3, and 5)
*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.
WE LISTEN
MISSION MOMENT
SCRIPTURE LESSON
John 2:13-22
SERMON — “Destroying”
WE RESPOND
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.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
GIFT OF SONG — “If I Was Jesus”
*THE 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 DEDICATION
CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION
HYMN OF PREPARATION C#408 — “Come Share the Lord”
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
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.
*SENDING HYMN C#467 — “Fill the World With Love”
*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 may 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.
POSTLUDE
Please join us for coffee and fellowship in Maxcy Hall following worship!