First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green
Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts
Rev. John G. Hughes, II, Senior Pastor
Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-Organist
Priscilla Duda, Christian Ministry Coordinator
Jessica Skidmore, Youth Director
David Reid, Sexton
Nancy Klebart, Office Manager
Church office: 978-526-7661 ext. 1 Fax: 978-526-7882
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.firstparishchurch.org
Insert picture of Church
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Communion Sunday, March 6, 2016, 10:00 a.m.
ORGAN PRELUDE: “My Song Is Love Unknown”
Hymn tune by John Ireland (1879-1962)
Setting by Michael Burkhardt (b.1957)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*[Please stand for the lighting of the candles]
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Come and discover the new things God is doing.
Let us receive what is new from our loving God.
God is making all creation new and redeemed.
Let us give thanks to God Most High.
*HYMN: “God of Grace and God of Glory” NCH #436 black
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
what has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus,
crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone. Thanks be to God. United Church of Canada, 1980
*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
SCRIPTURE READING: Joshua 5:9-12 pg. 337
ANTHEM: “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”
Music based on “St. Columba” an Irish melody
Setting by Michael McCarthy (b. 1966)
The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
And he is mine for ever.
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul he leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love he sought me,
And on his shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me,
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy Cross before to guide me.
Thou spread’st a table in my sight,
Thy unction grace bestoweth:
And O what transport of delight
From thy pure chalice floweth!
And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
Within thy house for ever.
(H.W. Baker, based on Psalm 23)
MORNING PRAYER
CONGREGATION’S JOYS AND CONCERNS
SILENT PRAYER - PASTORAL PRAYER - CHORAL RESPONSE
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open,
all desires known;
from you, O God, no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may more perfectly mirror
your glorious love to our broken world.
This we ask through Jesus Christ,
who grounds us in your grace. Amen.
Let us offer our silent prayers …
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 15:1-3, 11-20a; 20b-32 pg. 1623
*HYMN: “Be Now My Vision” NCH #451 black
SERMON: “Good in the Worst Sense”
MOMENT OF MEDITATION
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: “My Song Is Love Unknown”
Text: Samuel Crossman (ca. 1624-1683)
Music: Edwin T. Childs (b. 1945)
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
Why, what hath my Lord done?
To cause this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Are why the Lord most High so cruelly dies.
Here might I stay and sing,
Of Him my soul adores;
Never was love, dear King!
Never was grief like yours.
This is my Friend, in Whose sweet praise
I all my days could gladly spend.
*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: “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” PH #102 blue
SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION (The bread in the middle of the offering plates is gluten free)
Invitation to Communion
When Jesus, the Risen Savior, was at the table with two of the disciples,
he took the bread and broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were
opened, and they recognized the risen Christ in the breaking of that
bread.
In company with all believers in every time, and beyond time,
we come to this table to know the risen Christ
in the breaking of the bread.
Eternal God, who has created the heavens and the earth, giving breath to
every living thing, we thank you for all the gifts of creation and for the
gift of life itself.
We thank you for making us in your own image,
for forgiving us when we act as though you have no claim on us,
and for keeping us in your steadfast care.
We rejoice in Jesus Christ, the only one eternally begotten by you,
who was born of your servant Mary and shared the joys and sorrows of
this life.
We remember Christ's death,
we celebrate Christ's resurrection, and,
in the beloved community of your church,
we await Christ's return at the end of history.
We offer you our praise for women and men of faith in every age who
stand as witnesses to your love and justice. With all the prophets,
martyrs, and saints, and all the company of heaven we glorify you.
Amen.
Institution
Gracious God, we ask you to bless this bread and this cup and all of us
with the outpouring of your Holy Spirit. Through this meal, make us the
body of Christ, the church, your servant people, that we may be salt, and
light, and leaven for the furtherance of your will in the world.
Amen. Come, Holy Spirit!
Distribution of Elements
Prayer
Holy God, our loving Creator, as close to us as breathing and distant as
the farthest star, we thank you for your constant love for all you have
made.
We thank you for all that sustains life,
for all people of faith in every generation
who have given themselves to your will,
and especially for Jesus Christ,
whom you have sent from your own being
as our Savior.
We praise you for Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection. We praise
you for calling forth your church for its mission in the world. Gifted by
the presence of the Holy Spirit, we offer ourselves to you as we unite
our voices with the entire family of your faithful people everywhere, in
gratitude.
*[The “Removal of the Flame”]
BENEDICTION
CHORAL RESPONSE
ORGAN POSTLUDE: “Tuba Tune in D Major”
Craig Sellar Lang (1891-1971)
* * * * *
The greeters and lay readers the Smith Family; Jason, Allison,
Annabel, and Atticus.
The Deacons are Lynda Griffiths and Christiane Alsop.
Today, March 6 (following worship)
Celebrate your birth with a Luncheon & Birthday
Bash then enjoy The Heifer Talent Show to benefit
Heifer International. Heifer International operates in 51
countries worldwide establishing economic health for
rural families. Your gifts will create environmental
healthy communities, alleviate poverty, and stop hunger. Please see the
last page of the bulletin about how to make a donation!
Readers and Greeters are always needed, contact the office or talk to the
Deacons.
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.
After the service join us in the front of the church for hospitality.
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.
First Parish serves dinner at The Open Door
Wednesday, March 16
Servers needed: please contact Jim Brennan
All Middle and High School students are invited to join us
for a Celtics game on Friday, April 8th @ 7p.m.
The cost is $40 per ticket plus the cost of the train ride into
the city. Space is limited so please contact Jessica Skidmore
at [email protected] to sign up as soon as possible!
Save the date, Tuesday, March 22
6:30 PM in the Chapel for a Spring potluck!
FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny
Lapham at 978-526-7128, to donate in memory or celebration!
Book Group continues with a new selection for March,
“Fates and Furies” by Lauren Groff. Every story has two
sides. Every relationship has two perspectives. And
sometimes, it turns out, the key to a great marriage is not its
truths but its secrets. At the core of this rich, expansive, layered novel,
Lauren Groff presents the story of one such marriage over the course of
twenty-four years. We meet again Monday, March 28 at 7 PM at
Lauren Gudonis' home. Car pool will meet at the Chapel at 6:45 PM
which is encouraged because her parking area is somewhat limited.
Looking for Knitting Needles and Yarn
The Seaside Parish Knitters are looking for knitting
needles and yarn that you might be considering "casting"
aside. We continue to knit blankets, shawls, and scarves;
and for our military troops: helmet liners, neck gators, and scarves.
We use both 100% wool and synthetic fibers for yarn, and straight and
round knitting needles....all sizes. Contact Penny Lapham at 978-526-
7128 or [email protected] We welcome anyone. Our next meeting is
March 17 at 3 PM.
At the sign of the Rose, we’re happy to announce another
Vespers Service, a quiet time for prayerful meditation, peace,
reflections on a psalm, candle-lighting at the altar, and
contemplative music.
Wednesday, March 9th – Vespers: ‘sins are covered’ psalm 32
Thursday, March 24th – Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m.
All are welcome, the Sanctuary opens at 6:30 p.m. for meditation &
prayer; our service is from 7-7:30 p.m., followed by ten minutes of
music. For further information (978) 526-7661
On Wednesday evenings when Vespers are not held join us for
An Hour of Tranquility Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. As a way of
giving back to the community, First Parish is opening its
candlelit sanctuary on the Town Green for anyone seeking a
place of tranquility to enjoy peaceful music and private meditation. All
faiths are welcome to join in this space.
Most Friday afternoons at 4:00 PM in the
Conference Room of the Chapel
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]
First Parish Church Congregational uses candid photos of church
activities on its website and in its publicity from time to time. Any photos
of children used will not contain personally identifiable information.
Members of the community not wanting their photos depicted (or those
of their children) should inform the church office.
Sunday, March 13 Rev. Llewellyn Smith will speak on
Pilgrimages.
Why do people leave home and go on Pilgrimages?
Why do Pilgrimages exist globally and throughout
history?
Why do we need to travel to sacred places?
Why is interest in Pilgrimages growing?
We will look at Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, as well as Christian
Pilgrimages. Learn about the spiritual experiences people find on these
“wonderful voyages”. Lelly will use personal photographs to illustrate
what it is that pilgrimages do to entice people to invest their personal
time and finances.
Meeting for the 300TH GATHERING ANNIVERSARY-
Thursday, March 10 at 7 PM in the Chapel Conference Room.
Everyone is invited to come brainstorm ways to celebrate our
Congregation's 300th anniversary this year. Questions contact
Mary Ellen Cook, Penny Lapham, Rev. Lelly Smith, or Rev. John
Hughes. Join us!
Interested in our church??? Questions you want answered?
This is a great time to sit in a relaxed atmosphere and chat
with Rev. John Hughes and some other interested people.
We will meet on Thursday, March 17 (even if you are
Irish) at 7:00 PM at Sue and Jeff Parker's home, 41 Central
St. Manchester. Everyone is welcome. Call Mary Ellen Cook at 978-
526-7178 or Allison Moir-Smith at 978-526-1904 with any questions.
Hope to see you there!
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)
Monday
7:30 PM Manchester Singers
Tuesday
10:00 AM COA Zumba
Wednesday
10:00 AM COA Yoga
5:00 PM Mid-Week Sunday School
7:00 PM Vespers
7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
7:00 PM 300th Gathering Meeting
Friday
8:00 AM Yoga
4:00 PM Bible Study
Confirmation Retreat
Sunday
10:00 AM Worship, Nursery, Sunday School, Middle School YG
11:30 PM Soup & Conversation
The Sunday School and Youth
Group are again raising money
for Heifer International!
Each year we raise money to buy
animals for those in need.
TODAY, Sunday, March 6 we
will hold a Talent Show/Birthday
Bash Luncheon to raise needed funds. Heifer provides livestock and
training so that families can improve nutrition and earn income for
health care, shelter and education for children. Each family that receives
a Heifer animal promises to "pass on the gift" by giving one or more of
the offspring and knowledge to another family in need.
Below are some of the ways we can help by purchasing animals;
(1) Heifer (cow) $500 (1) Water Buffalo $250
(1) Goat $120 (1) Flock of Chicks, Ducks or Geese $20
(1) Sheep $120, provide valuable wool and is a vital source of income
in impoverished communities. Wool can provide warmth and can be
sold at market for income. Heifer families pass on the gifts they receive,
so your gift today starts a cycle that helps transforms countless lives.
(1) Hive of Honeybees/Earth Basket, $30, bees produce honey and
wax that supply income when sold at the local market. An active
beehive's pollination makes for more efficient crop growth. This basket
also contains tree seedlings which provide shade and fodder for animals
and prevent soil erosion.
(1) Hope Basket, $50, with its chickens and rabbits, offers just that to
Heifer's project partners. Rabbits are easy to care for and reproduce
quickly, allowing their owners to sell the offspring for extra income
once they've fulfilled Heifer's "Passing on the Gift" promise; and
chickens lay eggs and provide manure for vegetable gardens.
Last year we were able to send $1,097 to Heifer please help us
change the world again! Please make checks out to First Parish
Church and note "Heifer Project", collections are being taken before
and after Church through March in the Narthex.