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First Parish Church, CongregationalOn the Village Green
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MassachusettsRev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt, Interim Pastor
Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-OrganistJessica Skidmore, Christian Ministry Coordinator
Tori Potter, Sexton Nancy Klebart, Office Manager
978-526-7661 [email protected] www.firstparishchurch.org
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICESunday, September 16, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
ORGAN PRELUDE: “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” African-American Spiritual Setting by Charles Callahan (b. 1951)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP: (adapted from Touch Holiness)Leader: We gather this day to worship our God, whose words and ways challenge us.People: God invites us to lose our selfishness to find ourselves.Leader: God urges us to empty ourselves to discover life’s fullness.People: God calls us to embrace a purpose beyond ourselves in order to connect more deeply with one another and with God. Leader: We come to worship our Creator, seeking to have our faith challenged into growth. All: Let us come with heart and soul and mind and strength, and let us worship God.
A CONVERSATION WITH THE CHILDREN
*SONG: “My Lighthouse” by Rend Collective (Link to YouTube video of this song: https://youtu.be/rEfguWdeEU8)FIRST VERSE:In my wrestling, in my doubts, (Fists under chin like boxing)In my failures, you won’t walk out. (Throw hands down; jump and push hands straight out in front)Your great love will lead me through. (Hands to heart; hands going straight forward like a path)You are the peace in my troubled sea. (Sign for peace—cross hands and move down and apart; roll arms)Whoa, you are the peace in my troubled sea. (Sign for peace—cross hands and move down and apart; roll arms)
REFRAIN:My lighthouse, my lighthouse, (Fist pump and jump; fist pump and jump)Shining in the darkness, I will follow you. (Sweep arms from above head down to sides; point to self, then up)My lighthouse, my lighthouse, (Fist pump and jump; fist pump and jump)I will trust the promise. (Hit fist onto palm of other hand)You will carry me safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh), (Hands, palms up, in front of you, make swimming arms)Safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh), (Jump, swimming arms)Safe to shore (oh-oh-oh-oh-oh), (Jump, swimming arms)Safe to shore (Jump, cross arms in front and move down and apart)
SECOND VERSE:I won’t fear what tomorrow brings. (Hands in fists below chin)With each morning I’ll rise and sing. (Shine hands by eyes; bend down, then jump up.)My God’s love will lead me through. (Hands to heart; hands going straight forward like a path)You are the peace in my troubled sea. (Sign for peace—cross hands and move down and apart; roll arms)You are the peace in my troubled sea. (Sign for peace—cross hands and move down and apart; roll arms)REFRAIN (Sing twice)
PRAYER OF APPROACH AND CONFESSION (based on a prayer from Touch Holiness)Loving God, we are grateful that you accept us even when we are not at our best. Often, we are quick to blame others and slow to accept responsibility for ourselves. Sometimes, we are tempted to take short-cuts around the struggles in our lives rather than seeing them as opportunities for learning and growth. Other times, we ask for signs of your presence, even while we take for granted the beauty and love with which you have surrounded us. Forgive us when we mess up, O God, and continue to shine in our lives. Give us strength to be faithful to Jesus’ teachings and to our own integrity, and hear us as we pray…
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Following the Gloria Patri, the children may follow Miss Jessica to Sunday School in the Chapel.
MORNING PRAYER Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer Silent Prayer
ANTHEM: “The Heavens Are Declaring” Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)The heavens are declaring the Lord’s endless glory,Thro’ all the earth His praise is found,The seas reecho the marvelous story.O man, repeat that glorious sound.The starry host He orders and measures,He fills the morning's golden springs;He wakes the sun from his night curtained slumbers,Oh, man adore the King of Kings.
What power and splendor, and wisdom and order,In Nature’s mighty plan unrolled!Thro’ space and time to infinity’s border,What wonders vast and manifold.The earth is His, and the heaven's over it bendingThe Maker in His works behold!He is, and will be, Thro’ ages unending,A God of strength and love untold.
SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 8:27-3827Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way
he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” 30And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
31Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and
be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
SERMON: “Deny yourself?”
MOMENT OF MEDITATION
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: “The Gift of Love” English Folk Tune, “O Waly Waly” Arranged by Hal H. Hopson (b. 1933) Though I may speak with bravest fire,And have the gift to all inspire, And have not love; my words are vain, As sounding brass, and hopeless gain.
Though I may give all I possess, And striving so my love profess, But not be given by love within,The profit soon turns strangely thin.
Come, spirit, come, our hearts control, Our spirits long to be made whole. Let inward love guide every deed.;By this we worship and are freed.
*DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION*HYMN: “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” NCH #76 black
*[The “Removal of the Flame”, which symbolizes the Spirit of God accompanying us out into the world]
*BENEDICTION
*CHORAL RESPONSE
ORGAN POSTLUDE: “Psalm 19” (The Heavens Declare) Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739)
* * * * *
After the service all are invited to join us for refreshments.
The greeter and lay reader are Eleanor Harris and Alexander Demeter.
The Deacons are Lynda Griffiths and Sue Parker.
Readers and Greeters are always needed, to volunteer speak to the Deacons, or you can also sign up online.https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4caba822a1f49-diaconate
Listening devices are available for those in need; they are at the back of the Sanctuary. Feel free to address a Deacon should you need help.
Welcome to all who are new to our worship. To join our mailing list please fill out a “Welcome Card” to place in the collection plate or
contact [email protected] , 978-526-7661 ext 1.
Would you like to be more involved with our Sunday school program? You can sign up to help on Sunday mornings by going here- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4caba822a1f49-
sunday1 or by clicking this link if you are reading this online. Contact Jessica at [email protected] or 978-526-7661 ext. 3 with questions.
SEASIDE PARISH KNITTERS We would love to have you join us on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, of the month in the Conference Room of the Chapel, 3-5 PM. We begin again on Thursday, Sept. 20th
To donate flowers for the altar or cut flowers from your garden contact Penny 978-526-7128.
FPCC CARE TEAM Have you shared the experience? We support FPC families with meals, rides, & visits through times of illness and loss. Please contact Sue Pick ([email protected] or 978-548-0145) if you would like to share your ideas, time, and talents with the FPC Care Team.
CHURCH FAIR Ladies, gentlemen, teenagers and children, Jewelry needed for the Church Fair coming in November! Please leave in a bag labeled for me on the piano in the Chapel Conference Room or call 978-526-
7036 for pick up at your house, thank you, Martha Elder
Weekly Bible Study resumes Thursday, September 13th, 4:00 to 5:30 at the home of Vin Terrill, 37 Beach Street. For September, we will be studying the lectionary texts for the following Sunday’s worship.
Text for September 20th will be Mark 9:30-37. Format of the study is as follows: we begin with sharing joys and concerns, we have a time of prayer (where people are free to pray silently or out loud), and then 2 volunteers read the text out loud, while we all notice which words the Spirit draws our attention to. (This way of reading Scripture is called “Lectio Divina.”) We each have the opportunity to share with others the words “speak” to us, as well as ask questions about the text. We also discuss how the text might apply to our lives today. The study is led by Rev. Marlayna. All are welcome to join us! No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary. Email or call Rev. Marlayna for more information.
Save the Date! October 14th, after worship. Soup and Conversation: “Reaching New People,” led by Manchester’s own Rev. Paul Nickerson. Come and hear Paul explain why church attendance is declining across America—and how that trend can be reversed by God’s
Spirit and our conscious choices. (Note: Paul will also be giving the sermon in worship on October 14th; Rev. Marlayna will be the liturgist.)
MISSIONS Weekly Food Donations When you go to church or Sunday School Sunday mornings remember to take one item that can be donated to Open Door through the food basket placed in the Narthex. It is easy to forget, but
you can think ahead and bring one food item that will be much appreciated by folks who really need our help. Maybe you are attending a meeting or event at the Chapel- we have a basket there too!
Serve Dinner at The Open Door, Weds. Sept. 19thPrep & Servers needed: please contact Jim Brennan after worship or at 978-879-4595 or sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4caba822a1f49-
open7Brown Bag Lunch Fri. Sept. 28th. First Parish Church runs an ongoing monthly Brown Bag Lunch Mission for Action, Inc. an Emergency Homeless Shelter in Gloucester. Volunteers are welcome to participate in making, donating ingredients for and delivering the lunches on the last Friday of each month. Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4CABA822A1F49-brown6 to see what is needed. Action, Inc.’s mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals and families by minimizing the effects of poverty, promoting economic security, and advocating for social change. In our Green Church on the Green to SAVE PAPER we will: digitalize records read on line cancel cataloguesbuy recycled copy paper.Grace Center needs volunteer help! Our friend Rev. Rona Tyndall has put out the word that folks are needed to help with preparing and serving meals, cleaning up, extending hospitality with the guests. You could commit to volunteer Monday – Friday once a week from 8 a.m. to Noon or Noon to 4:00 pm. Contact [email protected] or 978- 857-9305. Let’s support this great organization! Lelly SmithPlease notice the wonderful display in our Narthex. You will see many important organizations we are helping.
South Down Church in Zimbabwe has been a partner for several years and we continue to share photographs, news and our children have pen pals there. We are sad to let you know that we are not sending a shipment this year as the new Zimbabwe government has prevented containers from being delivered. Dan DeOreo says we hope to resume that support in the future. Thanks to everyone who keeps them in prayer. And thanks to all who support our Missions. Lelly Smith
BOOK GROUP Monday, Sept. 24, 6:30 pm at 23 Harold St. Manchester, home of Mary Ellen Cook. We will be discussing our summer read “Leaving Before The Rain Comes” by Alexandra Fuller. Please RSVP to Maryellen
Cook 978-526-7178 so she can plan accordingly. Book group is open to everyone! This is a time for church members as well as non-church goers to come together and engage with one another, build relationships, and share in discussion of books that are of interest to people of various backgrounds. Come and check it out! Please RSVP to Mary Ellen at 978-526-7178 so she can plan accordingly.
MY STORY We each have unique journeys of faith. One way to deepen our understanding of them is to share our stories with each other.
Once per month, the Vitality Committee welcomes one of you to share your faith journey during Sunday service in
brief 2 to 3 minute remarks. We hope you will consider sharing yours. A simple way to organize your thoughts is to answer these 3 questions:
1. What is your early faith history? (1 minute) 2. How did you come to First Parish Church? What is meaningful to you about your participation? (1 minute)3. Can you share a specific moment of faith, an experience of divine intervention or God's or Jesus' presence in your life? (1 minute)We are eager to hear your faith stories! Please talk with Mary Ellen Cook.
JAZZ SUNDAY September 30th, 10 AM worship. Join soloist, Rebecca Shrimpton and band leader, Willie Sordillo, plus other amazing musicians for an uplifting service of worship in jazz/gospel-music style. Rev. Marlayna will give a short homily reflecting on the power of music to connect us to God. If you have friends who are “spiritual, but not religious,” who like lively music, this is a good service to invite and bring them to!
Women’s Fellowship Thursday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 PM in Chapel parlor. All women are welcome and bring a friend. Appetizers and desserts optional. Hope to see
you there! Questions- ask Mary Ellen Cook or Jane Pearson.
FIRST PARISH CHURCH CONGREGATIONALUnited Church of Christ
Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts
WARRANT FOR SPECIAL MEETINGSeptember 16, 2018
TO: Active Members of the First Parish Church, Congregational, United Church of Christ, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Massachusetts.
You are hereby notified to meet in the Church on Sunday, September 16, 2018, immediately following Worship Service for the following purpose:
To wit:ARTICLE I: To take action on the recommendation of the Church Council to amend the by-laws of the Church. These amendments will replace the entire language of Article VII, Section E, E3, and Section F, F3 with the following new language.
Section E, E3 PASTOR ABSENCE OR VACANCY
Upon the imminence or occurrence of a vacancy in the office of PASTOR, the CHURCH COUNCIL shall be responsible for appointing a PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE. This committee shall be comprised of either seven or nine (7 or 9) active members of the Church. The PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE will be formed when a list of seven or nine candidates, selected by the Executive Committee from a list of all active Church members who have volunteered to serve, is approved by vote of the CHURCH COUNCIL.
Section F, F3 ASSOCIATE PASTOR ABSENCE OR VACANCYUpon the imminence or occurrence of a vacancy in the office of ASSOCIATE PASTOR, the CHURCH COUNCIL will present a recommendation as to whether or not to fill the vacancy before an Annual or Special meeting of the Church. Upon decision by the Church to fill the vacancy, the CHURCH COUNCIL shall be responsible for appointing an
ASSOCIATE PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE. The ASSOCIATE PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE will be formed when a list of five (5) candidates, selected by the Executive Committee from a list of all active Church members who have volunteered to serve, is approved by vote of the CHURCH COUNCIL.
In accordance with Article VIII (Amendments), all by-law amendments shall become effective immediately upon acceptance by three-fourths vote of the members present and voting.
George A Nickless, Clerk
THIS WEEK:Monday
7:00 PM BOT7:30 PM Manchester Singers
Tuesday10:00 AM COA Zumba
11:30 AM Woman’s Club Luncheon6:30 PM Manchester Historical Society
Wednesday10:00 AM COA Yoga
10:00 AM Staff Meeting5:00 PM Serve The Open Door6:00 PM Executive Committee
7:30 PM Choir RehearsalThursday
10:00 AM Health Clinic3:00 PM Seaside Knitters
4:00 PM Bible Study6:30 PM Women’s Fellowship
Friday8:00 AM Yoga
Sunday10:00 AM Worship
Nursery, Sunday School, Youth Group
