First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green
Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts
Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt, Interim Pastor
Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-Organist
Jessica Skidmore, Christian Ministry Coordinator
Tori Potter, Sexton
Nancy Klebart, Office Manager
978-526-7661
www.firstparishchurch.org
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, October 8, 2017, 10:00 a.m.
Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen
to them.’ (Luke 16:29)
ORGAN PRELUDE: “Sweet Hour of Prayer”
Tune by William B. Bradbury (1816-1868)
Arranged by Dale Wood (1934-2003)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (from Touch Holiness)
We have been called to walk the faithful road and to choose the way of
God’s justice.
We are here because we believe strongly that our God is good,
and that we live in that goodness. We are here to proclaim our
faith and to seek direction along this faith journey.
Come together, then, to be God’s people. Follow Christ and listen for
the good things that God has done. Rise up in praise and thanksgiving!
We will share with others the goodness that we have found in
God. May our lives be an expression of that goodness.
*HYMN: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” PH #15 blue
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O Holy God, we come in confession for our lack of love. There are
times when we have loved neither our neighbors nor ourselves. At
times, we have passed by suffering and misfortune because of fear or
busyness or preoccupation. At times, we have held prejudices against
people whom you see as our brothers and sisters. At times, we are so
critical of our own shortcomings that we are our own worst enemy.
Heal our pains, amend our faults, and guide us in ways of danger and
compassion, for we pray in the name of Jesus, our most beloved
neighbor, who cared for us even to the cross…
*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
SACRAMENT OF CHRISTIAN BAPTISM Introduction and Conversation with the Children
Questions to the Parents and Godparents
Question to the Congregation
Baptism and Prayer
Presentation by the Deacons
*HYMN: “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” NCH #351 black
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 16:19-31
ANTHEM: “How Firm a Foundation”
Text: Attributed to Robert Keen (c. 1787)
Melody from “The Sacred Harp” (1844)
Arranged by Martha Shaffer (b. 1946)
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
to you that for refuge to Jesus have fled?
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed!
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee, I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
The soul that to Jesus hath fled for repose,
I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
MORNING PRAYER
Congregation’s Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer Silent Prayer
SILENT PRAYER-PASTORAL PRAYER-CHORAL RESPONSE
SERMON: “The Rich Man and Lazarus” This morning’s Gospel Reading is the parable, “The Rich Man and
Lazarus.” The sermon will be a modern re-telling of this parable
(written by Rev. Marlayna), exploring the question of “How might we
respond if we were in the Rich Man’s shoes?”
MOMENT OF MEDITATION
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: “Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation”
Hymn tune: Westminister Abbey
by Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Arranged by John Rutter (b.1945)
Christ is made the sure foundation, Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
Christ the Head and Corner-stone, What they ask of thee to gain,
Chosen of the Lord, and precious, What they gain from thee for ever
Binding all the Church in one, With the blesses retain,
Holy Sion’s help for ever, And hereafter in thy glory
And her confidence alone. Evermore with thee to reign.
All that dedicated city, Praise and honour to the Father,
Dearly loved of God on high, Praise and honour to the Son,
In exultant jubilation Praise and honour to the Spirit,
Pour perpetual melody, Ever Three and ever One,
God the One in Three adoring Consubstantial, co-eternal,
In glad hymns eternally. While unending ages run. Amen.
To this temple where we call thee,
Come, O Lord of Hosts, to-day;
With thy wonted loving-kindness
Hear thy servants as they pray,
And thy fullest benediction
Shed within its walls away. (6th or 7
th century, tr. J.M. Neale)
*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.
*HYMN: “Help Us Accept Each Other” NCH #388 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 outside for refreshments.
As it is a holiday weekend, there is no Sunday School or Nursery
coverage today.
The greeter and lay reader is Sarah Campbell.
The Deacons are Sarah Campbell and Mary Ellen Cook.
Readers and Greeters are always needed, to volunteer speak to the
Deacons or sign up online.
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 using
them.
Welcome to all who are new to our worship. To join our mailing list fill
out a “Welcome Card” to place in the collection plate or contact
[email protected] , 978-526-7661 ext 1.
FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny Lapham at 978-526-
7128, by Monday to be included in the following Sunday’s bulletin.
THE CARE TEAM MINISTRY, Have you shared the experience?
We support FPC families with meals, rides, & visits through times of
illness and loss. If you would like to become involved with this
wonderful team contact;
Sheila Kafer 978-525-3253, [email protected]
Janet Groth at 978-526-8408, [email protected]
SUNDAY SCHOOL We are grateful for the 4 people who
have stepped up to teach periodically and are still in need of
a few more teachers and volunteers in order to run our
Sunday school properly so if you are available we would
love to have you help! You do not have to be a member of
the church to teach or trained in Godly play. Check out all the
opportunities to help online. Contact Jessica 978-526-7661 ext. 3
BIBLE STUDY (for adults) Thursdays 4-5:30 PM at 37 Beach St
(home of Vin Terrill). Join us for a weekly study of our scriptures led by
Rev. Marlayna. This week’s scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17.
PRAYER TEAM
“For where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there am I in
the midst of them”. Matthew 18:20
Would you like to request prayers?
Email [email protected]. We will resume meetings on Thursday 9/21 from 6-7 and then meet the
first and third Thursdays of each month. All are welcome to gather in
the parlor of First Parish. We will start promptly at 6:00 PM and end at
7:00 PM. We will be praying in one accord, a form of conversational
prayer. Bring your concerns to the Lord whether they are for Yourself,
Family, Friends, our Country, and the World! You may pray along
silently or pray aloud.
SEASIDE PARISH KNITTERS has begun again! We
would love to have you join us on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of
the month (Oct. 6 & 19) in the Conference Room of the
Chapel, 3-5 PM. Read more about us here.
SILENT PRAYER/AWARENESS WALK Your
Interim Pastor, Transition Team, [and Prayer Team],
invite you to join them in a brief walk around the
neighborhood today, October 8th, 11:30 to 12:15. In
case you’ve never been on a walk like this, here’s what
it entails: A small group of us silently walking around Manchester for
half an hour or so, simply being aware of what we see. For
example: Are there tricycles in the driveways? Trampolines in the
yards? Moms/dads with strollers on the sidewalks? Elderly people
sitting on porches? Houses with peeling paint? Handicap
ramps? Halloween decorations? Shops with creative signs/displays in
their windows? etc, etc. At the end of the walk, we gather in the
sanctuary and “report back” what we noticed. Then, we pray for the
well-being of the people we’ve seen. Note: Prayer walks are not a
means of evangelizing our neighbors; prayer walks are a means for
God to open our eyes and hearts to the people around us. (Also
note: We won’t be conspicuously praying while we are walking, so
anyone taking notice of us won’t view us as religious zealots; to the
average person, we will simply look like a small group of people out for
a Sunday stroll :).
BOOK GROUP We continue with a new selection, “The
Storied Life of AJ Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin. A. J. Fikry’s
life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone,
his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history,
and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been
stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its
unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over--and see
everything anew. Next gathering, October 30th at 7 PM, at Bonnie
Benincasa’s home 25 Hickory Hill Road, Manchester.
INTERIM VISION PROCESS
You are invited to the first (of four) “Whole Church” Congregational
meetings taking place over the next several months (2 in the fall; 2 in the
spring.) On October 22nd
, after worship in the sanctuary (from
11:20 to 1pm), we will be meeting on the topic of “HISTORY,” and
we need your input! The input given in these meetings—combined
with prayerful reflection on Scripture and demographic material--will
lead to: a Vision for Ministry, Goals for carrying out that Vision, and a
Profile to help the church search for a Settled Pastor, whose gifts
and skills match the Vision. The purpose for the HISTORY meeting is
to share experiences and memories of where we’ve been as a church--
noting highlights, struggles, key events in the community and the world
that have shaped the church in some way—in order to better plan where
we are going.
A light lunch will be served in lieu of our usual Sunday refreshment
time.
[Note: The goal of this meeting is not to rehash old hurts or conflicts,
but rather to speak with a view of positively moving forward into the
future for the glory of God. Also Note: Each person will be invited to
speak only from his/her own personal experience, acknowledging and
allowing that others may have experienced the same event(s)
differently.]
Your Transition Team (Paul Driscoll, Lauren Gudonis, Mary Lumsden,
Jeff Parker, Jason Smith, Lelly Smith)
VISION DEVOTIONAL To create a Biblical foundation for the Interim Vision Process, the
Transition Team is spending a few minutes at their meeting each month
prayerfully discussing a different Scripture reading that depicts God
giving people a “Vision.”
The Team invites the congregation (and its various boards, committees,
and groups) to join them in this practice, reflecting on the following
questions for each reading:
1) How does God give vision in this Scripture to God’s people?
2) How might God give our church vision for the future?
The reading for October is: Genesis 15: 1-6 (Abram – “count the
stars”)
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP is having a potluck dinner
on Thursday October 12th @ 6:30pm in the chapel.
Please join us and bring something to share with the
other ladies. Come spend time with the other ladies of
our church and bring some yummy to share with the group.
Upcoming events can be found on our website
(www.firstparishchurch.org ) under “News” and “Calendar” and on our
Facebook page (First Parish Manchester-by-the-Sea) under “Events”
THIS WEEK:
Monday
Columbus Day Office Closed
7:00 PM BOT
7:30 PM Manchester Singers
Tuesday
10:00 AM COA Zumba
Wednesday
10:00 AM COA Yoga
6:00 PM Missions Committee
7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
4:00 PM Bible Study
6:30 PM Women’s Fellowship
Friday
8:00 AM Yoga
Sunday
10:00 AM Worship
Saturday, November 11, 2017
We will try and inform everyone about our Christmas Fair through the
monthly newsletter, updates on the web, weekly emails and worship
bulletins. Please pass on the good news that the Fair is coming!
Coffee Cans needed for the cookie table! Please leave in the box at
the Chapel.
White Elephants Wanted! Please no large furniture, stuffed
animals or electronics not specified on other side.
Drop off ONLY during the times below. Let us use these drop-off days
so that fair volunteers may help move these items to the downstairs area.
October 1st 11am-12pm
October 18 6:30pm - 7pm
November 2 6:30 -7pm
November 5th 11am - 12 (Daylight Savings Day)
There will be volunteers available at times during the days the week
prior to the fair. Please volunteer to help with these times if you can.
Please contact Sarah Campbell at [email protected] or at
617.930.0575, should you need to drop off at a different time.
White Elephants Wanted!
Small household goods including kitchen items, china, glassware, home
decor items (decorative objects, mirrors, framed
art/posters), tablecloths, fabrics sporting goods, purses, Christmas
decorations
Kids toys, games, craft supplies, sporting equipment, bikes, small
furniture.
Books -- kids and adults.
Jewelry -- contact Martha Elder 978-526-7036
Items Accepted: Working and bootable NOTEBOOK computers running Windows 8 or
10 Only. (Desktops are not accepted)
Working stereos including portable units
Working DVD and BluRay players
Books, excluding text books and test guides
CDs
DVDs
LP Records in original sleeves
Items NOT accepted: Magazines
Text Books
VHS tapes
VHS players
Cassettes
Cassette Player
Test Guides
Technical books not of general interest
PLEASE NO LARGE FURNITURE, STUFFED ANIMALS
OR ELECTRONICS NOT SPECIFIED ABOVE
Harvest Food Drive, October 2017
In 2016 we gathered 96 pounds for Beverly
Bootstraps and 99 pounds for The Open Door.
The annual First Parish Church Harvest Food Drive
helps our neighbors who are struggling to feed their
families.
Every year our congregation responds generously to the call for food
donations to stock the pantries at Beverly Bootstraps and The Open
Door. The canned goods and non-perishables that are collected during
our Harvest Food Drive assist families and individuals in Beverly,
Manchester, Essex, Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, and Rockport.
Many people live in a state of food insecurity and continually worry
about having enough groceries to make it through the week or even the
next day. Beverly Bootstraps and the Open Door stock their shelves with
healthful foods to help clients stretch their food budgets. The pantries
provide a dignified shopping experience at no cost.
The Missions Committee, FPC Youth Groups, and the Sunday School
are all cooperating in this important effort. All through the month of
October we will be collecting non-perishable food items. Items can be
dropped off at the Chapel or in the Narthex.
MISSIONS
You can support hurricane relief through the wider church by emailing
ucc.org and following prompts. Mention First Parish Church in
Manchester by the Sea so our church gets credit for donations.
Rev. Marlayna will be away this coming week for her step-son’s
wedding (Oct. 9-Oct. 16). There are two ordained UCC ministers “on
call” in case of “major” emergencies (such as severe illness, death, or
funeral.) Both Office Manager (Nancy Klebart) and Sarah Campbell
(deacon) have that contact information. (And Sarah’s phone number
will be on the church answering machine if emergency calls come in
after normal office hours.)
