FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — November 24, 2024
Don’t put yourself or your faith in a box because that’s what everyone else is doing. God colors outside the lines and wants us to explore and turn over rocks to discover the goodness of life.
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.
| AN INVITATION TO BE CURIOUS… As you prepare for worship this morning, think about what you are thankful for? |
PRELUDE
GATHERING MUSIC
WELCOME / WORSHIP WAYS
TIME OF CENTERING
Gathered here in the mystery of the hour,
Gathered here in one strong body,
Gathered here in the struggle and the power,
Spirit, draw near.
A TIME TO LET GO / OPENING PRAYER
CALL TO WORSHIP
Give thanks to God!
Let us call on God’s name.
Give thanks to God!
Let us make known God’s deeds among the people.
Give thanks to God!
Let us sing praises and tell of God’s wonderful works.
Give thanks to God!
Let the hearts of those who seek God rejoice!
⇑ HYMN C#276–”We Gather Together”
SHARING TIME
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 LESSON – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-25 (NRSVUE) (NT 250)
SERMON – “Forgotten Gravy”
PREPARING FOR PRAYER
Hear our prayer, O Lord,
Hear our prayer, O Lord,
Incline thine ear to us
And grant us thy peace. Amen.
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.
CHORAL RESPONSE
OFFERING OUR THANKS
GIFT OF MUSIC
⇑ 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
FOR LOVE OF CHURCH
⇑ SENDING HYMN–#C715 “Now Thank We All Our God”
⇑ BENEDICTION
⇑ BENEDICTION RESPONSE (C#434)
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! ***
The Oldtown Message
November 24, 2024
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Sun November 24: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
Wed November 27: NO COFFEE CONNECTION
Sat November 30: Second Serving Thrift Shop 9am-noon
Sun December 1: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
~ Deacons Meeting after worship
Wed December 4: NO COFFEE CONNECTION
Sat December 7: Oldtown Winter Art & Craft Fair 10am-3pm
Sun December 8: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
~ Church Committee meeting 11:30am-1pm
~ “Angels in the Light” grieving parents worship 6:30pm
Wed December 11: NO COFFEE CONNECTION
Sat December 14: Second Serving Thrift Shop 9am-noon
Sun December 15: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
~ Christmas Caroling 4pm
Wed December 18: NO COFFEE CONNECTION
Sat December 21: Second Serving Thrift Shop 9am-noon
Sun December 22: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
Tue December 24: Christmas Eve worship 7pm
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, Jim & Marcia, Mark, Wendy, Cyndy, Joan, Justine & Nolan, Jeanne, Wayne, the Miranda & K family, Jan & Kylie, Steven, Tegan, Dana, Ken, Lynne, Kaye, Karen, Samantha, Robin, Donna, Winnie, Carl, Gabby.
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.
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 45 people in worship, and our total giving to the church for the week was $1,028.73, which is $355.89 less than expected.
- So far, this year’s congregational giving has been $1,100 more than expected. Keep up the great work!!
In this season of Thanksgiving, we give thanks to God for all we have been given in this world. We are thankful that you are part of our Oldtown family. Our pledge and promise cards are an opportunity to think and pray about how you can support Oldtown in the coming year. It’s not a contract or an obligation but an opportunity to offer your time, talent, and treasure to support Oldtown’s mission in the community and the world.
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
~ Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 (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