Edwards ChurchA U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C h r i s tA n O p e n a n d A ffi r m i n g C o n g r e g a t i o n

In the name of God and Jesus Christ, Edwards Church, a congregation of the United Church of Christ, welcomes all who seek to know and worship God. We invite everyone to join in our faith journey and participate in our congregational life.

As a community of faith we take seriously the Biblical call to love God and our neighbors as ourselves, and recognize that although we are many members we are one. We celebrate the uniqueness of everyone. We rejoice in our diversity of views and understanding of our shared faith. We commit ourselves to work diligently to help end oppression and discrimination. We affirm all relationships founded on the principle of God’s love and justice.

We declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation. Seeking to be the Body of Christ, we welcome into full fellowship and membership all persons of every race, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or cognitive ability, and economic status.

39 Edwards StreetFramingham, MA 01701

508-877-2050edwardschurch.org

Reign of Christ/Stir-Up SundayNovember 26, 2017 10:00 AM

A thought for reflectionThe value of life can be measured by how many times your soul has been deeply stirred.

—Soichiro Honda

GOD GATHERS USPreludeGreetings and AnnouncementsPassing of the Peace

Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.People: And also with you.

(We invite you to turn to your neighbors and greet them.)

+* Hymn of Praise “O Christ Jesus, Sent from Heaven” NCH 47An Enacted Call to Worship (Young people please come forward.)

Leader: As we pour water onto this dry yeast,People: We pray God’s Spirit might be poured out upon us.Leader: As we wait and watch for this yeast to awaken from its dormancy,People: We pray that we may be awakened to new life and new purpose.

Prayer of Invocation Leader: Stir us up, O God.People: Stir up the yearnings buried deep inside us.Leader: Stir up our capacity for compassion.People: Stir up our passion for justice.Leader: Stir up our will and our courage to act.People: Stir us up, O God, that we may stir hope for our world.

The Lord’s Prayer(Please pray using the Lord’s Prayer using the words you find most meaningful.

You can find several printed versions on the prayer card in your pew rack.)

* Sentences of Praise (Please stand for the Sentences of Praise and Gloria.)Leader: Sing praise to God!People: We will sing praise to God all our lives!

+* Gloria (Sing twice.) NCH 756Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest!Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!

Prayer of Confession (in unison)We confess, O God, the ways we become stuck—in habits that dull our sensibilities, in fear of change or conflict, in ways of viewing the world that distort our vision. Forgive us, O God. [silence] Stir us from complacency; stir us from our fear; stir our souls to action. Amen.

* Stand as you are able +* Latecomer seating

Assurance of God’s ForgivenessResponse (in unison) NCH 286

Spirit, spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free,Spirit, spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.

GOD MEETS US IN THE WORDWords with the Young People “Stirring the Pot”

* Hymn of Preparation “Enter in the Realm of God” NCH 615Gospel Lesson Luke 13:20-21 (Pew Bible, p. 848)

Anthem “I Look to the Mountains High Above” arr. Hal H. Hopsonby Ludwig van Beethoven

Music Note: In spite of his otherwise obviously massive and influential output, Beethoven’s music is rarely heard in churches, for its lack of material for small choir anthems. He wrote large choral works including a Mass in C, and his Missa Solemnis, in addition to a few cantatas and the Choral Symphony, but today’s anthem is one of the few smaller works suitable for a Sunday worship service.

Hebrew Bible Lesson Jeremiah 23:1-6 (Pew Bible, p. 633)

Sermon “Stirring Us up with a King?” Rev. Gail WrightCall to PrayerCelebrations and ConcernsSilent PrayerPrayers of Thanksgiving, Intercession and Petition

GOD CALLS FOR OUR GIFTSOur Offering to God

Offertory* Doxology (Lasst uns erfreuen) NCH 17

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia, Alleluia.Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

* Prayer of Dedication

GOD SENDS US INTO THE WORLD* Hymn of Dedication “You are Salt for the Earth, O People” NCH 181* Charge and Benediction

Postlude(Please feel free to remain and listen, or to greet one another in the narthex and at coffee hour.)

Our Worship Has Ended… Let Our Service Begin! Ministers All the People of Edwards ChurchPastor The Rev. Dr. Deborah ClarkAssociate Pastor, Faith Formation & Outreach The Rev. Mr. Shane MontoyaCommissioned Minister of Music Rick SeaholmOrganist Cheryl ElkinsPianist Susan MinorAdministrative Assistant Nicola SeaholmSexton Lori WilsonGuest Preacher Rev. Gail WrightLiturgist & Deacon-in-Charge Dawn Sorensen

Janis Steigman of Mother’s Helpers is in charge of the nursery this morning.Coffee Hour is being hosted by those who are moved by the Spirit.

THANK YOUWe are grateful to our guest preacher, Rev. Gail Wright, who sprang to action to share her message with Edwards Church this morning.

Christmas Gifts for Pathways: Pick up a tag today!Wider Mission has once again decided to provide Christmas gifts to the residents of Pathways Family Shelter. This year we will bring together Grace and Edwards traditions, offering opportunities to give toys as well as pajamas. The gift tags will include detailed information for your selection. This is a wonderful opportunity to help out Pathways and its residents and to strengthen our relationship with them. Please select a tag from the Wider Missions bulletin board at coffee hour. Purchase your gift and return it to the Narthex ON OR BEFORE Sunday, December 10th. Please DO NOT WRAP the gifts. But Pathways would greatly appreciate gift boxes and spare wrapping paper.

Welcome Visitors! We are glad you are here. Please join us for coffee and fellowship, following the service. Sign our guestbook too! In the Education Building (out the side door follow hallway) are the restrooms and where coffee hour is held. The nursery and Sunday school classes are on the lower level. If you have questions, or suggestions, feel free to talk with the greeter or Deacon-in-Charge.

Accessibility Available in the Narthex (front entrance hallway): Sound-enhancing assistive listening devices Large print edition of the church bulletin

Accessible parking spots are marked and located near the Education Building entrance. Accessible entrance is located on the lower level of the Education Building (to the left of

the Church main entrance). Elevator is located in the Education Building next to the stairs. Accessible restroom is located on the upper level of the Education Building.

Large Print

THIS WEEK AT EDWARDS CHURCHNovember 26-December 2, 2017

SUNDAY 9:00am Rental............................................................Edwards Hall10:00am Worship.............................................................Sanctuary10:00am Sunday School.....................................Education Building11:00am Coffee Hour................................ Susan P. Dickerman Hall1:00pm Rental.................................................................Sanctuary3:00pm Rental...........................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall

MONDAY 9:30am Chairobics...................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall6:00pm Veterans Yoga..............................................Edwards Hall6:15pm Rental...........................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall7:30pm Vinyasa Yoga................................................Edwards Hall7:30pm Guided Meditation....................Susan P. Dickerman Hall

TUESDAY 9:00am Qi Gong / Tai Chi........................Susan P. Dickerman Hall10:00am Gentle Yoga..................................................Edwards Hall10:30am Rental...........................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall1:30pm Rental...........................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall5:30pm Hatha Yoga.................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall6:30pm White Privilege Study Group.........................Youth Room

WEDNESDAY 9:30am Chairobics...................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall12:00pm Lunch Bunch.............................................Jonathan House4:30pm Soup and Bible Study...............................Jonathan House6:30pm Staff Meeting...........................................Jonathan House7:30pm Rental............................................................Edwards Hall

THURSDAY 9:00am Qi Gong / Tai Chi........................Susan P. Dickerman Hall9:30am Not-Your-Ordinary Yoga Class.....................Edwards Hall6:00pm Kripalu Yoga.................................................Edwards Hall7:15pm Choir Rehearsal..........................Susan P. Dickerman Hall7:30pm Rental............................................................Edwards Hall

FRIDAY 9:30am Chairobics...................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall7:00pm Rental.........................................Edwards Hall Classrooms

SATURDAY 8:00am Men's Group...............................Susan P. Dickerman Hall9:00am Chair/Mat Yoga............................................Edwards Hall10:00am Rental.............................................................Youth Room12:30pm Gifts that Give...............................................Edwards Hall4:30pm Rental.................................................................Sanctuary7:00pm Rental.................................................................Sanctuary

COMING UP AT EDWARDS CHURCHGifts that Give: A Holiday Fair of Hope Saturday, December 2 from 12:30-4:00pm in Edwards HallThis year we’ve changed our name from Alternative Gifts Fair to Gifts That Give: A Holiday Fair of Hope, to help people understand what it is all about. You will be able to purchase gifts that help make the world a better place: a blanket for Church World Service; dog treats to help support NEADS (the organization that trained Jeannie); fair trade chocolate and coffee; handicrafts from artists around the world; bees for Heifer Project; scarves to support A Place to Turn; and more!

Christmas Caroling PartySunday, December 10 at 12 noonJoin us as we bring the joy of the season to our members and friends who cannot come to church. We will visit a few homes and a few senior residences and sing old favorite hymns. No musical expertise needed; just a friendly spirit! We will have soup and snacks available during coffee hour to tide us over.

Lunch Bunch Christmas GatheringWednesday, December 13 at 12 NoonOn Wednesday, December 14, at 12 noon, the Lunch Bunch invites you to a Christmas lunch, featuring turkey, stuffing, and all your favorite dishes. Fran and Debbie will provide turkey and stuffing; everyone is invited to bring a favorite holiday dish. Sign up on the way to coffee hour or RSVP to the church office. We will gather in Edwards Hall.

COMING UP AT OPEN SPIRITFull Moon WalkSunday, December 3 at 4:30pm at Greenways Conservation Area (75 Green Way in Wayland)Get up close and watch the rise of December’s Cold Moon with Rabbi Katy Allen, the founder of One Earth Collaborative. We’ll stop to share stories, songs, and poems, so please bring your favorites to share with the group. This event is co-sponsored by the Sudbury Valley Trustees and is open to all ages. Please convene in the parking lot at the bottom of Green Way off of Routes 126/27. Cost: $10 (Free for SVT Members). To register, please email info@oneearth.today or contact the church office.

Meditative Mandala WorkshopSaturday, December 9 from 2:00-4:00pm in Susan P. Dickerman HallPlease join us for a workshop with Framingham artist Samela St. Pierre. Participants will leave the workshop with a mandala design of their own creation and the resources to continue the practice on their own. The act of repetitive mark making can bring one to a peaceful and calm meditative state. The benefits of this include increasing creativity, reducing stress and calming the mind; not to mention many fun and beautiful artworks to fill your home or gift to friends. Children ages twelve and older are welcome to attend with an adult. Cost is $15. To register, please email info@openspiritcenter.org or contact the church office.

Christmas Wreath Sale

Neighbors and friends will love one or more!

The donation is $15 per wreath.Twelve-inch wreaths come with a classic red or cranberry bow.

Proceeds benefit the Edwards Church Youth Fund to support mission trips.

Orders will be taken on Sundays, November 12, 19, and 26.You can pick-up your wreath following worship on December 3.

The Christmas Wreath Sale is sponsored by the youth of Edwards Church.

Name:Email or Phone:

Number of

Wreaths:Bow Color: Red Cranberry

Amount Enclosed: ($15 per wreath)Checks should be made out to Edwards Church with a memo for “Wreath

Sale.”

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

The Christmas season is upon us! It is our tradition to decorate the chancel with beautiful poinsettias (they will be on display December 17). You can help by ordering a poinsettia either in honor of someone special or in memory of a loved one. We will accept orders today through Sunday, December 3. The donation is $8.00 per poinsetia.

Poinsettia Order Form

I would like to order #_____________ poinsettias.

Given by: ____________________________________________________.

In memory of: ________________________________________________.

In honor of: __________________________________________________.

“In memory of…” is to remember those who have gone before us and “In honor of…” is to honor those still living.

Date paid: ____________________.

Amount paid: $________________. ($8 per poinsettia)

Checks should be made payable to Edwards Church with a memo for “Poinsettias”