FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — September 2, 2018
Ministers: ALL of our Members and Friends
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
Pastoral Intern: Amie McCarthy
Pianist: Suzanne 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 — “Jesus, Stand Among Us”
WELCOME / TIME OF CENTERING
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
CALL TO WORSHIP
God whispers your name. Come and worship.
All of us, whether young or old, sister or brother, stranger or friend.
From a whisper to a shout, come and worship.
All of us, whether proud or meek, lost or found, joyous or sad.
Here in this place, the light is shining, joy is brimming, and God is beckoning. Come and worship!
We gather here today, as one body, to praise God together.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
*HYMN C#284 — “Gather Us In”
*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
SCRIPTURE — Luke 17:20-21 (NRSV) (NT 98)
SERMON
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.
CHORAL RESPONSE
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
SONG OF PRAISE — “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
*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
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
HYMN OF PREPARATION C#408— “Come Share the Lord”
THE SACRED STORY
THE INVITATION
THE BLESSING OF THE ELEMENTS
SHARING OF THE BREAD AND CUP
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Gracious God, we thank you for this meal and for all of the ways you nourish us. Grow in us that we may nourish others. Sustain us as we press toward the goal of your call in Christ Jesus. Amen.
TIME OF ANNOUNCEMENTS
*SENDING HYMN C#66 — “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
*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
In Need of Our Prayers
Carolyn, Sharon, Edmond, Virginia, Jim B., Shannon, Kristen, Gordon, Susan, David W, Sue, Steve, Lynne, Richard, Emily, Ron & Margretha, Kim, Tanya, Lydia, Maryam, Barbara, Sandie, Jenn & Jim, Julio, Matt & his family, Eddie, Vinny, Patty, Paula, Susan, Jerry, Sapphire, Saylor, Jillian & Brandon, Tim, Bea, John D’Amerosca & Family.
Would you like to add someone to our prayer list?
Fill out a prayer card and drop it in the offering plate, or use our online prayer request form.
Office Hours
Pastor Kelly will be in the office on Tuesday and Thursday from 10-2.
| Stewardship Corner | |
| Offering last week: | $943.07 $422.31 less than budgeted |
| Offering to date: | $80 less than budgeted |
| Fund Raising (end of July): | $2,800 less than budgeted |
| Total Budgeted Income (end of July): | $2,000 less than budgeted |
| Total Budgeted Expenses (end of June): | $2,400 less than budgeted |
Did You Know?
The Connect Festival is currently SOLD OUT! but there is a waiting list where you can add your name and be notified if tickets come available. https://www.fuseconcerts.org/connect-tickets Also, if you have already registered for tickets and know you can’t attend, please cancel your order using the link in the confirmation email you received or email info@fuseconcerts.org so your tickets can be made available to others.
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.”
~ Luke 6:43-45 (NRSV)
First Congregational Church, UCC of North Attleborough
Church Phone: 508/697-1713 – Pastor Kelly’s cell phone: 508/294-9767
Summer Office Hours: Thursday, 11 am – 3 pm
Pastor Kelly’s email: PastorKelly@oldtownucc.org
Church Email: Church@oldtownucc.org
Send Flat Jesus Pictures to: FlatJesus@oldtownucc.org
Website: www.oldtownucc.org