31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME -ALL SAINTS SUNDAY- NOVEMBER 5, 2017* ALL WHO ARE ABLE ARE INVITED TO STAND.

GATHERINGPlease prayerfully allow the silent, sacred space of the sanctuary

and the quiet stirrings of the Spirit to prepare your heart and mind for worship.

PRELUDE “Cortège et Litanie” Marcel Dupré

* CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Paul E. GilmoreMinister: Great God of creation,People: You call us to beauty and to glory and we bow in awe and wonder.Minister: Bright Jesus of Galilee,People: You call us to joy and to gratitude and we say “yes.”Minister: Holy, strong and life-giving Spirit,People: You call us to be saints and we are grateful for your perfect love for imperfect people.Minister: We thank you this day for the saints who have walked our roads,People: Filling us with laughter and courage, setting our hearts aflame with your justice and love.

* THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN No. 526 “For All the Saints” SINE NOMINE

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison) Rev. Mary Marple Thies Eternal God, in every age you have raised up men and women to live and die in faith. We confess that we are indifferent to your will. You call us to proclaim your name, but we are silent. You call us to do what is just, but we remain idle. You call us to live faithfully, but we are afraid. In your mercy, forgive us. Give us courage to follow in your way, that joined with those from ages past,who have served you with faith, hope, and love, we may inherit and show forth the kingdom you promised in Jesus Christ.

TIME OF SILENT CONFESSION…

KYRIE ELEISON James MacMillan

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

* CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE No. 579 The Gloria PatriGlory 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.

SHARING OUR LIFE AND MINISTRYPlease sign the card and pass it to your neighbor. As you pass it back to the center, take note of who is here so we can become better acquainted. Visitors, please give your address, telephone, and e-mail information.

A TIME WITH THE CHILDREN - Cents-ability Collection for local & World Hunger (Children are invited to Sunday’s Cool, please bring your buck and a can offering with you)

T H E W O R D

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (unison) Lauren Tate Lord to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal life. By the power of your Holy Spirit, speak to us of your promises, that we might hear your truth, and enjoy you forever; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SCRIPTURE LESSON Revelation 7:9-17 (NT page 251)Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.People: Thanks be to God.

ANTHEM “Hail, Glorious Spirits, Heirs of Light” Christopher Tye Hail, glorious spirits, heirs of light, the high-born sons of fire, whose souls burn clear, whose flamesshine bright: all joy, yet all desire. Hail, all you happy souls above, who make that glorious ring about the sparkling throne of love, and there forever sing.

SERMON “Those We’ve Loved and Lost” Rev. Paul E. Gilmore

R E S P O N D I N G T O T H E W O R D

* HYMN No. 364 “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” GRAND ISLE

COMMEMORATION OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED THIS PAST YEAR

PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS AND OURSELVES

OFFERTORY “There Is a Season” Alfred V. Fedak To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a timeto die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time toscatter stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep anda time to cast away; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time of love and a time of hate; a time for war and a time for peace.

* DOXOLOGY OLD HUNDREDTHPraise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE PRAYER OF GREAT THANKSGIVING

Minister: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you. Minister: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord.Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Minister: It is truly right and our greatest joy...

The whole congregation sings:

LORD’S PRAYER (unison)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.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLECommunion will be served by intinction in which the bread is dipped into the cup. The wine is served in two chalices: the larger chalice contains wine, the smaller, grape juice. Gluten-free crackers are available on each plate. “Thanks be to God,” is a proper response to the receiving of communion. We will begin with people in the back rows and work our way to the front.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNIONGracious God, you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. You have fed us with the bread of life, and renewed us for your service. Help us who have shared Christ’s body and received his cup, to be his faithful disciples, so that our daily living may be part of the life of your kingdom, and our love be your love, reaching out into the life of the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

S E N D I N G

* HYMN No. 594 “This Is the Feast of Victory” FESTIVAL CANTICLE

* CHARGE AND BLESSING (Please be seated for the Choral Response & the Ringing of the Church Bell)

RINGING THE CHURCH BELL

* PROCESSIONAL TO MEMORIAL GARDEN AND COLUMBARIUM

TODAY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIANWelcome to the Service of Worship for the Lord’s Day. Parents of infants through age four are encouraged to take their children to the Nursery School classrooms during our services. Students in pre-K-7th grades should follow their teachers to the Common Room.

Today in Sunday’s Cool, we will explore the story of the Queen Esther, and how God calls regular people to be Heroes! We will learn about Brave Esther, make our own Star Sceptors, and play King May I? and a Bean Bag Bible Quiz Game. Please bring your buck and a can and join us. In the Barn, our Tweens will consider Jesus’ words about the Pharisees and think about what it means to live honest-to-God lives by studying Matthew 23:1-12. Teachers assisting with preK-4th grade Spark Rotations today – Lisa Gifford, Scott Beyer, Solo Asare, Jessica Dooley, and Jan Sulkowski; 5-7th grade in the Barn for Feasting on the Word with Julia Peter.

Youth News: What is happening at FPC for our ESYG (4th- 5th graders and their friends),MSYG (6th-8th graders and their friends), and HSYG (9th-12th graders and their friends). All are welcome!

ESYG (4th- 5th) MSYG (6th-8th) HSYG (9th-12th)11/3-11/5 30-hr Famine Weekend: GLOW at SkyZone (Fri) Supermarket sweeps and Day of Faith Service forDomus (Sat), FIB stuffing (Sun)

11/3-11/5 30-hr Famine Weekend:GLOW at SkyZone (Fri) Supermarket sweeps and Day of Faith Service for Domus (Sat), andFIB stuffing (Sun)

11/10 6-9:15pm Saxe 5/6 Musical Aladdin and dinneron the town

11/19 5-6pm Dinners for Domus 11/19 5-6pm Dinners for Domus6-7:30pm Barntime dinner/discussion

11/26 4-6pm Advent Fair,Hanging of the Greens

11/26 4-6pm Advent Fair, Hanging of theGreens

11/26 4-6pm Advent Fair, Hanging of theGreens

Today on All Saints Sunday, we remember members and friends who have passed away over the last twelve months. After the service, candlelight processionals will be led out from the sanctuary to the Memorial Garden and Columbarium. All Saints’ Day is a time to rejoice in all who through the ages have faithfully served the Lord. The day reminds us that we are part of one continuing, living communion of saints. It is a time to claim our kinship with the “glorious company of apostles…the noble fellowship of prophets…the white-robed army of martyrs” (Te Deum). It is a time to express our gratitude for all who in ages of darkness kept the faith, for those who have taken the gospel to the ends of the earth, for prophetic voices who have called the church to be faithful in life and service, for all who have witnessed to God’s justice and peace in every nation. To rejoice with all the faithful of every generation expands our awareness that there is a great company of witnesses above and around us like a cloud (Hebrews 12:1). It lifts us out of a preoccupation with our own immediate situation, and the discouragements of the present. In the knowledge that others have persevered, we are encouraged to endure against all odds (Hebrews 12:1-2). Reminded that God was with the faithful of the past, we are reassured that God is with us today, moving us and all creation toward God’s end in time. From the Office of Theology and Worship, PC(USA)

Greeters: Barbara and Jim Beall; Worship Coordinator: Nancy Flournoy; Ushers: Peter Benington, Paul Martin, Bob Spangler and Lynne Villarreal. Cross Bearer: John Lanaway; Lay Reader: Lauren Tate; Communion Preparers: Barbara Beall and Bev Thomas; Communion Officers: Armin Thies, Jen and Steve Van de Graaf; Musicians: The First Presbyterian Church Choir; Peter Flournoy, trumpet.

A Memorial Service for Hudson G. Stoddard will be held on Saturday, November 25 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception in the Common Room.

Let us keep in our thoughts and prayers: Continued concerns: Neil Coakley; Ann Depuy; Anita Gilmore; Graham Harden; Vince Lombardi; Doris Mierendorf; The Stricos family (friends of Joe and Diana Ruszkowski); John Voorhies. The Abo Noktah family (our Syrian refugees): Khaldoun (father), Khawla Alzob (mother), daughters Hanin and Zain, and sons Yaman and Ahmed.

Flower Memorials: If you wish to have flowers in the sanctuary to celebrate an anniversary, a baptism, a birthday, or to memorialize a loved family member or friend please call Barbara Wentzel, Flower Coordinator, at 203-966-5402 or email at barbarawentzel@mac.com.

No Gift Too Small! The Bell Tower Society welcomes gifts and bequests of all sizes. Every dollar given makes a difference in serving the long-term welfare of our church. If you have questions about remembering the church in your estate plans, please contact Peter Flournoy in the church office.

Cents-ability: On October 1, we collected $274. Our total collection since we began Cents-ability at our church in November 2011 is $17,913. Thank you for your awareness and generous response to hunger. If you would like more information on Cents-ability or need a Cents-ability cup, please see Robin Lewis. Remember to fill up your Cents-ability cup ‘til it runneth over! Our next collection is November 5.

New Canaan Food Pantry: Items in need now due to low/no stock are Mayonnaise, Herbal Tea, Crackers, Cookies, Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, Coffee – Regular & Decaf, Cereal, Pancake Mix – Add water only. No beans or soup are needed now.

Please drop these items in the shopping cart at the back of the Sanctuary and Robin Lewis will make sure they are delivered to the New Canaan Food Pantry.

FPC is privileged to have the opportunity to prepare and serve dinner on the first Saturday of each month at the New Covenant House of Hospitality in Stamford. This is a rewarding way to give your time and efforts. We are seeking volunteers for these upcoming dates: - November 4, December 2, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5 and June 2 - to help prepare meals (2-4 pm) or serve meals (4-6 pm). To sign up, or if you have any questions, please contact Glenn Mierendorf at glennmierendorf@gmail.com, or 203-564-3448. Also, if you are interested in being part of the soup kitchen shopper team, please let Tina in the church office know. Thank you!

Our fall New Member Inquirers classes began Sunday 10/22 from 11:15- 12:00 in the Common Room immediately following Coffee Hour. This 3-week series is open to all members of FPC, in addition to prospective new members, and will focus on the following:

Week 2 (10/29): "History of FPCNC: How and Why We Got Here" ~ Learn about the founding of this church, FPCNC's history of civil and human rights efforts,

the ministers and music history of our church, and how our church contributes to the spiritual life of this community. A tour of the facilities and grounds will be part of this class.

Week 3 (11/5): "What it Means to be a Member ~ Believing and Belonging" ~ Learn about how you can become a member of our vibrant faith community, including worship, stewardship, opportunities for service and involvement, fellowship events, children and youth activities, and more!

Week 4 (11/19): "Welcoming New Members" ~ Please join us for breakfast at 9:15 in the Common Room with the Elders and Deacons of the church as we prepare to welcome you into our church family during the service.

Childcare will be provided. We hope to see you at one or all of these classes!

Genesis: The Book of Beginnings with Rev. Mary Marple ThiesBeginning Tuesday, November 7 – December 12, 11:00 – 12:30 in the Common Room

How do you understand the two accounts of creation in Genesis? Why didn't Adam and Eve die when they ate the forbidden fruit? What do you do with the anger of God which wipes out most of humanity in the flood? Why do we Christians even care about Abraham and Sarah and their infertility problem?

Genesis is a book of new beginnings at various stages in Israel's early existence, but even more, it is a book of God's promises to God's people and to all peoples. The roots of all the rest of scripture are planted deep in Genesis; it is not only a book of beginning, it is the beginning of our understanding of God and ourselves in relation to God. So, come, explore with us these beginnings.

Genesis Reading List: Week 1, 11/7 “Creation and Rebellion” (Genesis 1-4:16); Week 2, 11/14 “Noah and Babel: God’s response to rebellion” (Genesis 4:17-11:26); Week 3, 11/21 “Abram’s Call and God’s Covenant” (Genesis 11:27-15); Week 4, 11/28 “Hagar and Ishmael; Sign of the Covenant; the Promise of a Son” (Genesis 16-18) Week 5, 12/5 “Gerar; Hagar and Ishmael, continued; the Birth of Isaac” *Genesis 20-21*); *We will not study Genesis 19 since we did so Spring 2017; Week 6, 12/12 “Isaac stories” (Genesis 22-25:18)

Sunday, November 5 at 2:30 pm. Group Hike at Silvermine Fowler Preserve at 2:30 pm. Parking on Cedar Lane. A new preserve in New Canaan’s Silvermine neighborhood will forever provide hiking, bird watching and passive recreational opportunities for the public.

The Trust for Public Land and the New Canaan Land Trust announced the permanent conservation of the Silvermine Fowler property, an important swath of land in New Canaan’s Silvermine neighborhood. The property is the picture of an idyllic New England landscape. Whether it’s vibrant with spring

blossoms or wrapped in the burnt colors of autumn leaves, the preserve is serene, unspoiled, and brimming with biodiversity.

Friday, November 17 at 7:00 pm - The weather is cooling so it is Paddle Tennis time! Paddle was so popular last year, so we decided to play more this year. Paddle dates for this year are on Fridays, Nov 17, Dec 8 and Jan 12. Meet at the Waveny courts at 7:00. BYOB and $5. Join your FPCNC friends and invite other friends for a night of Paddle fun! Paddle novices welcome. We have a couple extra paddles. Please contact Justin Wingate with any questions.

Saturday, November 18 - Concert at 4pm at FPCNC. The Mark Templeton / Nat Reeves Duo. Internationally acclaimed jazz bassist Nat Reeves and pianist Mark Templeton will play a variety of jazz including swing, jazz classics and standards from the American songbook. Co- sponsored by the New Canaan Historical Society and the New Canaan Carriage Barn Arts Center in celebration of the New Canaan Modern Architects – 50 Years of Achievement 1947-1997.

Calling all musicians! Do you play an instrument? Do you sing?

You are invited to share your talents all year round! We have many opportunities for you to share your talents throughout the year. We offer:

Chancel Choir (teens through adult)- Adults rehearse Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30;- Teens (grades 8 and up) rehearse Sunday mornings from 11:15am-12:00pm

Carol Choir (grades 3-7) Rehearses Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30

Cherub Choir (grades preK-2) Rehearses Sundays from 11:15-12:00

Handbells (adults)Rehearses on Thursdays from 6:00-7:00

Instrumental ensemblesAny instruments in a solo or small group are rehearsed throughout the week and year

Please see Victoria or email her at if you are interested in participating. Let's give back to God and share the talents God has given us!

THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH178 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840

Tel.: 203-966-0002 // web page: www.fpcnc.org

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5: All Saint’s Sunday30-Hour Famine (youth)

10:00 AM Holy Communion with Rev. Gilmore 10:15 AM Sunday’s Cool Classes for Grades preK-7 11:00 AM Candlelight Processional to

Memorial Garden and Columbarium11:00 AM Blood Pressure Clinic 11:15 AM Coffee Hour11:15 AM NO Cherub Choir 11:15 AM FPC Concert Rehearsal11:15 AM New Member Inquirers Class

2:30 PM Group Hike at Silvermine Fowler PreserveMONDAY, NOVEMBER 6

2:00 PM Meditation Group6:30 PM Purple Heather Dancers

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 79:30 AM Leadership Team

11:00 AM Tuesday Morning Biblical Study11:30 AM Gentlemen Songsters

8:00 PM Men’s A.A.WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

10:00 AM Music Librarians 5:00 PM Carol Choir5:00 PM Confirmation Class

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 93:30 PM Special Church 6:00 PM English Handbells 7:30 PM FPC Choir

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 106:00 PM ESYG (dinner and play)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 119:00 AM Goodwill Truck in parking lot 9:15 AM A.A. (closed discussion)

10:30 AM A.A. (open discussion)SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

10:00 AM WorshipRev. Paul E. Gilmore preaching

10:15 AM Sunday’s Cool Classes for Grades preK-7 11:15 AM Coffee Hour

11:15 AM Cherub Choir11:15 AM FPC Concert Rehearsal 11:30 AM Youth Committee

DEACONS’ FUND: Special envelopes are enclosed today, as they are on every Communion Sunday, for the Deacons’ Fund. These may be placed in the offering plates. The Deacons’ Fund enables the church, on a confidential basis, to help individuals in our congregation who are in special need. Please let the ministers know of any who might now be helped by this Fund. Various specific needs are great at this moment, so do give

generously.

O UR M INISTERS

The Entire Congregation

O UR P ASTORS The Rev. Paul E. Gilmore, Pastor

The Rev. Kathryn Kibbie Laird, Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families

O UR S TAFF Victoria Shields, Director of Music / Sherry Tate, Cherub Choir director

Peter Flournoy, Interim Church Administrator / Tina St. Armand, Office ManagerErika Hagan, Administrative Assistant to Children and Youth Ministries

Kuky and Andres Pereira, Operations/Security Managers / Edgar Torres, Day Sexton

T HE S ESSION Our Pastors

Scott Beyer, Clerk of Session

George Benington, Bell Tower SocietySue Benko, Communications

Laurel Carlson, Youth MinistriesCarole Clarkson, Worship, Music and Arts

Linda Ferguson, NominatingLisa Gifford, Congregational Life

Jennifer Gulden, PersonnelJulie Hoffman, Member-At-Large

Freia Mierendorf, Co-Youth Glenn Mierendorf, Outreach

Dede McEvoy, Strategic Planning Andy Petitjean, Finance

Lynn Quinn, Adult Education Julie Reeves, Membership Involvement Kevin Thomson, Advisory Committee

Spencer Reeves, Co-YouthJenny Volanakis, Children's Ministries

Barbara Wentzel, Stewardship

T HE D E ACONS Jen and Steve Van de Graaf, Co-Moderators

Carson Allsteadt, Co-Youth Erica Bergmans, Inspirica

Mary Jane Bolin, Senior Lunch Peg Bull, Flock Program

William Dooley, Co-Youth Cindy Hagopian, Inspirica

Karen Hanson, Memorial Services and ReceptionsBeth Hersam, Flowers and Cards Chris Kniffin, Member-At-Large

Nichole LaBadie, Co-YouthLinda Martin, Baptisms; Flock Program

Sarah Robinson, Pastoral Care Team Kristen Rodgers, Flowers and Cards

Kathleen Servidea, Flowers and CardsElizabeth Stuart, Flowers and Cards, Treasurer

Ashley Walker, Co-Youth

Rev. T. Guthrie Speers, Jr., Pastor Emeritus - Mrs. Marilyn J. Ballantine, Minister of Music Emerita