FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — September 15, 2024
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. 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, take a moment to think about, something or someone you want to learn more about. How might God draw you into curiosity in today’s worship, and in the coming season? |
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 MOMENT TO LET GO / OPENING PRAYER
CALL TO WORSHIP
God says welcome
To the worriers and the wanderers and to those who think they have it all together.
God says welcome
To those who are tired and weary and to those who are passionate and filled with inspiration.
God says welcome
To all of us who come to worship together!
⇑ HYMN C#284–”Gather Us In”
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:
Luke 18:15-17 (NRSVUE) (NT 99)
1 Corinthians 13:11 (NRSVUE) (NT 212)
| Was there a word, phrase, or question that you are curious about from today’s readings? |
SERMON – “Childish or Childlike?”
| What do you do that might be considered childish? And what do you do that might be considered childlike? |
| What might happen if we were genuinely curious about our neighbors? |
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–C#431 “Go, My Children, With My Blessing”
⇑ BENEDICTION
⇑ BENEDICTION RESPONSE (C#444)
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
September 15, 2024
OLDTOWN CALENDAR
Sun September 15: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
~ Church committee meeting after worship
Wed September 18: Coffee Connection 10am-noon
Thu September 19: NOOMA Spirituality Night 7pm
Sat September 21 Second Serving Thrift Shop 9am-noon
~ Pot Roast Supper w/bake table 6pm
Sun September 22: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am
Wed September 25: Coffee Connection 10am-noon
Thu September 26: NOOMA Spirituality Night 7pm
Sat September 28: Second Serving Thrift Shop 9am-noon
~ Pet Vaccination Clinic 11am-noon
Sun September 29: Household Huddle 9:15am
~ Worship 10am – Undie Sunday
~ Oldtown Singers rehearsal after worship
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
We are starting a new prayer list for the fall season.
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 42 people in worship, and our total giving to the church for the week was $960.45, which is $424.17 less than expected.
- So far, this year’s congregational giving has been $1,800 more than expected. Keep up the great work!!
This coming Saturday, we will be welcoming guests for our Pot Roast Supper. We can still use some help serving our guests. Don’t forget that servers are invited to share a free meal with the kitchen crew after serving has ended. Oldtown Suppers are a great time for both guests and volunteers alike!
Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has long ago approved what you do.
~ Ecclesiastes 9:7 (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