FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — October 27, 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 grace means to you and how you experience grace in the world. |
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
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 & sisters on a journey of faith.
⇑ HYMN C#487–”Help Us Accept Each Other”
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 LESSONS:
John 4:4-26 (NRSVUE) (NT 115)
| Did any part of today’s reading surprise you? |
SERMON – “Graceful Engagement”
| When talking with someone who is different than you, how might you be curious about them without being judgmental? |
| How does it feel to know that through God’s grace, you are loved and forgiven even when you make poor choices and mistakes? |
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–#C486 “Who Is My Mother, Who Is My Brother”
⇑ 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
October 27, 2024
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Sun October 27: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
~ Bat Night! 5pm
Wed October 30: Coffee Connection 10am-noon
Sat November 2: Second Serving Thrift Shop 9am-noon
~ Clocks Fall Back!
Sun November 3: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
~ Deacons Meeting after worship
Wed November 6: NO COFFEE CONNECTION
Fri November 8: Oldtown Fair 4-8pm
Sat November 9: Oldtown Fair 9am-2pm
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, Teagan, Joan, Jasper, Justine & Nolan, Jeanne, Wayne, Nettie, the Miranda & K family, Jan & Kylie, Steven, Tegan, Dana, Ken, Lynne, Kaye, Ruby, Karen, Samantha, Robin, Donna, Winnie. the family of James Warrener, Jr.
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 54 people in worship, and our total giving to the church for the week was $847.43, which is $537.19 less than expected.
- So far, this year’s congregational giving has been $1,750 more than expected. Keep up the great work!!
God’s grace knows no end, and Jesus teaches that we are to be agents of that grace, extending grace and forgiveness to all. One of the most demanding challenges Jesus gives us is loving our enemies, and Jesus is absolutely clear about it. Enemies is a strong term, and we should remember that even those we might call “enemies” are children of God. Be kind to everyone you meet, and the grace you give will be given to you as well.
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
~ John 1:16-17 (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
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