FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA—October 27, 2019
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—”We Have Come Into His House”
WELCOME / CENTERING TIME
CALL TO WORSHIP
All are welcome,
For we are all made in the image of God.
All are welcome,
For each of us are unique, each special.
All are welcome,
For we are all brothers and sisters on a journey of faith.
All are welcome
So, let us worship God together!
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
THE CELEBRATION AND SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Callan Marx Kelley
Born: November 1, 2018
Baptized: October 27, 2019
Parents: Ryan & Stacey Kelley
Godparents: Kristin Berlo & Brianne Kelley
Big Brother: Carter
Dane Craig Berlo
Born: June 16, 2017
Baptized: October 27, 2019
Parents: Craig & Kristin Berlo
Godparents: Stacey Kelley & Evan Leighton
Big Sisters: Dahlia & Juno
GATHERING
The gospels tell us that “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them,
All: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
The Sacrament of Baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. In as much as the promise of the gospel is not only for us but also to our children, baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of their acceptance into the care of Christ’s church, the sign and seal of their participation in God’s forgiveness, and the beginning of their growth into full Christian faith and discipleship.
This is the water of baptism. Out of this water we rise with new life, forgiven of sin and one in Christ, members of Christ’s body.
PROMISES (by the parents)
Do you desire to have Callan and Dane baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ so that they may explore the dynamics of God, who created and loves them?
Parents: We do.
Will you encourage Callan and Dane to live out their faith in response to the gospel, and to receive the freedom of new life in Christ?
Parents: We will, with the help of God.
Will you teach them the stories of our faith so that they may be led into relationship with Jesus Christ?
Parents: We will, with the help of God.
Do you promise by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciples, to follow in the way of our Savior, to be in right relationship with God, others and yourself, to show love and justice, and to share the work and word of Jesus Christ as best as you are able?
Parents: We do, with the help of God.
Will you covenant to bring Callan and Dane into the life of the Christian community to worship, to hear the story of the roots of our faith, and to be in relationship with other
believers as you all grow together and celebrate the Spirit’s presence?
Parents: We will, with the help of God.
PROMISE OF ASSURANCE (by the Godparents)
Recognizing that there are many persons who touch the lives of children, do you covenant to give your time and yourselves to Callan and Dane, providing them with further opportunities to explore their growing experience of God and self?
Godparents: We promise, with the help of God.
Do you covenant to love Callan and Dane unconditionally, supporting them, and helping them see the limitless possibilities of life in the Spirit?
Godparents: We promise our love and support.
CONGREGATIONAL ASSENT
Jesus Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism. Do you as a congregation and as family and friends, promise your love, support, and care to Callan and Dane they live and grows in Christ?
All: We promise our love, support, and care.
Will you support these parents and Godparents in their efforts to guide Callan and Dane in the way of the gospel and to the faithful service in Christ’s church?
All: We will, relying on God’s grace.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Let us unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the triune God.
Do you believe in God?
I believe in God.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER OF BAPTISM
The Lord be with you.
And also with You.
Let us pray…
ACT OF BAPTISM
PRAYER FOR THE BAPTIZED
PRESENTATION OF GIFTS
SHARE
⇑ HYMN—C#480 “I Love to Tell the Story”
⇑ 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 13:44 (NRSV)
⇑ HYMN—C#480 “I Love to Tell the Story”
⇑ 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 13:44 (NRSV)
REFLECT
SERMON—”In This House: We Give Hugs”
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
TIME OF ANNOUNCEMENTS
⇑ SENDING HYMN—C#467 “Fill the World With Love”
⇑ 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
October 27, 2019
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
October 27: Household Huddle 9am
~ Worship 10am
October 29: Coffee Connection 10-12noon
October 31: NO Open Table—Happy Halloween!
November 2: Yard Sale 8am-2pm
November 3: Household Huddle 9am
~ Worship 10am—All Saints’ Sunday—Communion Service
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 9: Celebration for the Life of Kim Koepfler 1pm
November 16: Fall Fair 9am-2pm
December 7: Winter Craft and Vendor Fair 10am-3pm
IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS
Deb, Kathy, Brooks, Ed, June, Steve, Mark, Jim, Colleen, Gayle, Alexander, Gordon, Kristen, Susan, Sandra, Robert, Stacy, Brooks, Meena, Marjon, Jane, Scott, Malcom, Sandy, Carolyn, Barbara, Christina, Chrystal, Maryam, John, Alaina, Amy, Dave, Helen, Brendan, Cyndy, Debbie, Matthew, Michael Dylan, John, Tresor, Janviere, Priscilla, Jayne, Jarod, Kelli, Jim, Peg, Zena, Alice, Vanda, Glen, Ella, Amy, Kaya, Todd, Vickie, Carmella, Michelle, Peter, Luke.
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.
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
Next Sunday we will be celebrating All Saints Sunday here in Oldtown. As a part of our celebration we will be reading the names of those who have passed away in the last year and ringing the bell in our steeple as a way to honor them. If you have a friend or loved one that has passed away in the last year, please fill out the yellow form and drop it in the offering plate.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you have an announcement to share with the congregation during worship, please write it down and drop it in the basket by the bulletins or hand it to one of the Deacons. You can also email it to Pastor Kelly before Sunday morning.
NEW MEMBER SUNDAY
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Oldtown Church? Do you have questions about what that means? Please talk to Pastor Kelly or email her at PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org to let her know. We will be planning a New Member Sunday in November.
DONATIONS FOR THE ANIMAL SHELTER
For the month of October, our Missions Ministry will be collecting donations for our local animal shelter. Items needed are: cat litter—any brand, canned cat food—any brand, canned dog food—any brand, Gerber baby food—chicken, ham turkey, lamb, beef or veal (this is used for the older cats and sick kittens), any dog or cat toys, dog and cat collars—new or used, dog leashes—new or used, stainless steel dog and cat bowls, paper towels.
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DONATIONS
There will be an ongoing collection of non-perishable food items for the North Attleboro School’s Food Pantry. We thank you in advance for helping to keep the children of North Attleboro from being hungry.
OLDTOWN UPDATE
Would you like to receive our weekly email to find out more about what is happening in Oldtown? Email Pastor Kelly or check us out on Facebook.
| STEWARDSHIP CORNER | |
|---|---|
| Offering last week: | $1,559.71 $198.17 more than budget |
| Offering to date: | $3,100 less than budget |
| Budgets (end of September) | |
| Fund Raising: | $3,400 more than budget |
| Total Budgeted Income: | $700 less than budget |
| Total Budgeted Expense: | $4,400 less than budget |
| BUDGET POSITION: | $5,700 LOSS |
Several of our kitchen helpers have received ServSafe Food Handler Certification from the National Restaurant Association. If you’re interested in learning more about food safety in the kitchen and putting that knowledge to use while helping out with our suppers, contact Jim Fennell for more information. Oldtown will even reimburse you for the cost of the training and certification!
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.”
~ Matthew 14:19b (NRSV)
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 & Thursday, 10 am – 2 pm
Pastor Kelly’s email: PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org
Church Email: Church@oldtownucc.org
Website: www.oldtownucc.org