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The Congregational Church of Westborough UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
West Main & Church Streets, Westborough, Massachusetts
OPEN DOORS –GROWING FAITH!
Pastor Paul Sangree, Senior Pastor Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani, Pastor of Spiritual Development
SUNDAY
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Statement of Inclusion We, the people of The Congregational Church of Westborough, United Church of Christ,
believe that all people are created equal, in God’s image. “We are all God’s children.” In
our journey of faith, we strive for justice and equality for all.
We invite and welcome into our community and into the full life and Christian ministry of this
church, persons of every race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression, family structure, faith background, economic circumstance, mental and physical
ability. We say, and mean, “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you
are welcome here.”
We declare ourselves an Open and Affirming Christian community, actively expressing our
belief in diversity and inclusion. We seek to be a faith community centered in Christ, ready to
proclaim the Gospel and seek to grow through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
We offer to each person acceptance and the responsibilities and blessings of participation in
this congregation.
Some Notes to Help You Feel at Ease this Morning
Children...
Four and Under: The nursery is available downstairs during the service if
needed.
Pre-K and Up: Will go to Faith Formation after the Time with Children & Youth
except on Communion Sundays, they will go after the Lord’s Prayer. Outside
the sanctuary are bags filled with crayons to keep little hands busy in pews!
Visitors of all ages...
We're glad you are here!
You are welcome to an all-age fellowship after worship in the room downstairs
directly under the sanctuary
Folks new and returning to worship...
There are no assigned seats; sit where you feel most comfortable.
We celebrate the noises of small children; they remind us that we're alive!
Generally, we stand for the opening of the service and for singing.
We sing with joy and Spirit, without fear of judgement.
We share our prayers vulnerably, and hold them with care.
We pray with our eyes closed and open, our heads bowed and raised. We
pass the peace with hugs and handshakes, with nods and smiles.
We share communion with all who are willing-especially children
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THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WESTBOROUGH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Sept 16, 2018 10:00 AM
“Whoever you are, and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”
*The Congregation is invited to stand.
PRELUDE
WELCOME! Pastor Paul
OPENING HYMN #4 “Holy, Holy, Holy!” NICAEA
*CALL TO WORSHIP Peter Graham
Leader: Today is a day of new beginnings!
People: We come to worship a holy God.
Leader: Show us Your way, God of our hope,
People: that we may find everlasting life!
*OPENING UNISON PRAYER
O God of our hearts, You yearn to be so close to us that we can know You in every breath,
in every hope, in every relationship. Meet us here today and teach us to recognize the
covenant You desire to make with each of us through Your Holy Spirit. So may Your
desires become our desires, Your work become our work, and Your community the place
where we may be found. In Jesus’ way of love we pray,
*THE LORD’S PRAYER (Debts)
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.
(Everyone may be seated.)
JOYSPRING ANTHEM “Gracefully Broken” by Redman, Myrin, Cobbs,
Torwalt, and Torwalt
CHILDREN’S SCRIPTURE Isaiah 30:21 (Pew Bible page 574)
TIME WITH CHILDREN & YOUTH Wendy Reardon
(Kids and Youth will now go to Faith Formation while adults greet one another!)
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SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
It is our joy to welcome Corby and Kimberly Caldwell
As they bring their daughter to be baptized this morning.
Maisie Roberts Caldwell
Pastor: Members and friends in Christ, we gather now around this font of living water to
celebrate the gift of grace in the Sacrament of Baptism.
People: We are called here as part of the Body of Christ. Just as the body is one and has
many members, the many members are one body in Christ. For by one Spirit we
are baptized into one body and all drink of one Spirit.
Pastor: The Sacrament of Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward invisible grace of
God.
People: Today we receive this child into the love and care of our Church, so as she grows
and matures she may come to know God and offer her gifts to God in service to the
world.
VOWS OF THE PARENTS AND GODPARENTS
THE VOW OF THE CONGREGATION
We receive this child as a new person in Christ whose body we are as the Congregational
Church of Westborough. We offer our understanding and support as Maisie explores life,
and enfold her in our love, seeking to help her grow in wisdom and stature and in favor
with God and all people. We join with her parents in living Christ’s ways so that Maisie
may live and learn, showing God’s love for all humanity.
GIVING OF THE NAME
ACT OF BAPTISM
BAPTISMAL SONG Tune #602 lyrics by Rev. Norman Helm
O God who calls, creates, and leads,
Whose plan provides for all our needs;
Speak to us through our children we pray,
And to all children every day.
(sing twice)
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COMMISSIONING OF NEW DEACONS
PASTORAL PRAYER Peter Graham
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
Invitation: Let us bring our offerings before God with thanksgiving!
(In each of our pews today is a black friendship book which we encourage you to fill out and
pass to the person next to you during the offering. If you have been with us before, just put
down your name, but if you are new today, please let us know who you are. If you can,
please leave the sheet on the top of the book at the end of the pew. Thanks!)
Offertory Choir Anthem “Gloria Canon” by Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
*DOXOLOGY (unison)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
O God, we give thanks for Your goodness, and we pray that Your love would transform us
in the days and weeks ahead, to the glory of God, Amen.
SERMON SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:4-6 (Pew Bible page 58)
God gives the second commandment to the people of Israel.
SERMON “Fully Known and Unconditionally Loved” Pastor Paul Sangree
(Second Commandment in Ten Commandments Series)
*CLOSING SONG “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Paul Baloche
Open the eyes of my heart Lord, open the eyes of my heart.
I want to see You, I want to see You. (Repeat)
To see you high and lifted up shining in the light of your glory.
Lord, pour out your power and love as we sing Holy, Holy, Holy.
Open the eyes of my heart Lord, open the eyes of my heart.
I want to see You, I want to see You.
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Gloria Canon” by Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
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The flowers on the chancel are given in memory of Paul & Marion Blois by their children – the
Blois, Brown, Petersen & Thayer families.
Amy Glennon greeted you and served as liturgist.
James McClung and Marketa Rosecka are Deacons of the day.
Join us for our church picnic on the side lawn following the service.
PRAYERS & CELEBRATIONS FOR SEPT. 16, 2018
Bereavement: Bob True and family on the death of his wife Marion; Donna & Tom Morgan on the loss
of Donna’s niece’s husband David Luppi.
New Prayers: Joan Gates; Linda & Dick Birch
Continued Prayers: Jeffrey Bramley (Chris Bramley’s brother), Sue Menzel’s sister-in-law Pat; Donna
Donovan (Marge Butcher’s daughter); Pari & her daughter (a dear friend of Cathie Achorn & Angela
Caron); Anna Gavel, granddaughter/cousin of Karen Gavel and the Oevermanns; Complete healing and
comfort for Paul Nauman, Norma Powell’s son-in-law; Ron and Nancy Clark’s daughter, Melissa
Dickinson.
Prayer requests: You can place prayer concerns on the church’s email distribution list at
[email protected]. If you would like a prayer request included in today’s service, please let a
Deacon know prior to the start of worship. Prayers will remain listed for 8 weeks. If you would like a
prayer renewed, please call the church office.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SERMON SCRIPTURE BIBLE STUDY EVERY SUNDAY AT 9AM Please join us every Sunday morning at 9AM in the Chapel downstairs for a Bible Study focused on the sermon Scripture of the day! We always have a great discussion-please join us! YARD SALE, SAT. SEPT. 22
nd
The Women’s Fellowship will be having a yard sale this Saturday, Sept. 22nd
from 8AM-2PM. We are not accepting clothing so hold onto it for the Rummage sale in October. Drop off begins TODAY! You can drop off Mon. 8/17 from 9AM-3PM & 6PM-8PM, Tuesday 9AM-3PM & 7PM-9PM, Wednesday & Thursday 10AM - 3PM. Also you may drop off during regular office hours. We may be adding more times later. All proceeds will go to the kitchen renovation.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN OUR CHILDREN’S CHIMES AND BELL CHOIRS! Sue Menzel will be downstairs after church if any children would like to join the Kid’s Chimes and Bells. Stop by her table and get more information. The program starts up in a few weeks!
PLAYGROUP STARTING AGAIN THIS FALL
Come join us on Thursday mornings from 9:00 – 11:45 am for playgroup. We will meet in the nursery downstairs. Call Sandy Horton 508-410-9000 for more information on starting date.
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YOUTH GROUP NEWS Today’s Project: Myintent Project
“MyIntent” Project is a catalyst for meaningful conversations and positive action. We believe there is purpose inside each of us and we want our efforts to encourage people to share more truth and inspiration with each
other. We are not a jewelry company - we are a service project.” Today each student & mentor will choose their “word” for the program year: The Way. Everyone will have an opportunity to create their own “MyIntent” bracelet.
2020 Mission Trip Planning Team Meeting OUR FIRST 2020 MISSION TRIP PLANNING TEAM MEETING IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14TH@3pm!!!
We will begin brainstorming the "Where & Why" so please come with your ideas! I will be there with mine ;) If your youth is interested and AWAY AT SCHOOL...just have them email me and let me know. I will HOLD their PLACE & keep them in the loop! College students will be "Young Adult Team Members". We also need ADULT TEAM MEMBERS. Anyone interested...just email: [email protected] We already have 4 adult team members & 6 Youth members signed up! So don’t miss out…join the Team! PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY! Thank you! I'm looking forward to an exciting program year ;) peace-wendy
“The Merge” As many of you know "we" (Kathy, Linda, Wendy and ALL adult mentors) have been working very hard to intentionally "merge" our 2 distinct youth-driven groups (Youth Group and Workcamp) into:
ONE all encompassing........middle school, high school and college..."YOUTH GROUP!"
Our middle and high school teens will have bi-weekly opportunities to meet, talk, serve and grow in faith and friendship. Our college counterparts will have opportunities to join us whenever they're in town AND join us on our ANNUAL WORKCAMP & MISSION TRIPS. Of course, we can all stay connected via Instagram: westboroughyouthgroup
Fall Youth Group Schedule: 12-3pm Friends are always welcome! September 16, 30 October 14, 28 November 4, 18 (any ?’s contact wendy: [email protected])
HABITAT WORK DAY - SATURDAY OCTOBER 20TH We have already helped two families realize their dream of affordable home ownership in Northborough. Home ownership stabilizes families, they enjoy better health and their children do better in school. Let's help two more families complete their path to decent, affordable housing. On Saturday, October 20th we will work on units 3 and 4. We did some work in February and now it is time to finish these homes in time for the holidays. Skilled, some skills, no skills, all are welcome to help. The work day will run from 8 a.m. to app. 4 p.m. with lunch provided (yes, we need lunch makers as well). Signup sheets will be in the vestry on the Mission table. If you have questions, call Pam Faustine at 978-464-2026 or Doug Wales at 508-870-0086. Thank you.
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GROCERY CARDS 2018 Goal: $ 8,000 2018 YTD Sales: $ 4,160.65
Hungry? We’re worried that you might be as we look at our year to date profit! We hope that you’ll eat healthy, shop locally, and always have a grocery card in your pocket - even for those last minute items. Bring your checkbook to church on Sunday or stop by the Church office. We’ll be ready for you. Thanks! Or contact Karen Hutchinson at 508.870.1782 or [email protected] or Nancy Quimby at 774.249.4431 or [email protected] or Sally Petersen at [email protected] and 366.5169.
PRAYER TIME CARDS We are encouraging people to speak to a pastor upstairs before the service if you want a prayer lifted up on Sunday morning, or you can fill out a blue card (located at a table near the front entrance, outside the sanctuary and in the pews) and give it to a Deacon, Thanks!
DISMAS HOUSE
Our church goes on the first Thursday of the month to cook and serve a meal with the people of Dismas House, a home for ex-prisoners. If you would like to help, be in touch with Karen Hutchinson at [email protected]. The next dinner will be Thursday, October 3
rd. Donations of Stop and Shop cards
are greatly appreciated to help with the shopping for the meals! Thank you.
HOSPITALITY
If you need help with meals due to medical setbacks, injuries or sickness, please contact Betty Gray 366-1039.
COFFEE HOUR
Would you like to serve by helping out with the coffee hour after church downstairs? Please look for the sign-up downstairs on the coffee hour table. Email Suzanne Arpante at [email protected]. Thanks!
Pastor Paul Sangree, Senior Pastor – [email protected] Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani, Pastor of Spiritual Development - [email protected]
Wendy Reardon, Directory of Children’s and Youth Ministries - [email protected] Joseph Stillitano, Interim Minister of Music – [email protected]
Sue Menzel, Director of Bells – [email protected] Peter Graham, Pastoral Associate – [email protected]
Office hours: closed Mon, Tues & Wed 9am-2pm, Thurs 10am-2pm, Fri 9am-1pm Church office phone 508/366-2000
General Church email – [email protected], Church website www.uccwestboro.org www.facebook.com/TheCongregationalChurchofWestborough
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CALENDAR FOR - SEPT 16th – SEPT 23th
Sep 16 Sunday 9:00 AM Bible Study/Chapel 10:00 AM Worship & Summer Storytime Church picnic follow worship Sep 17 Monday 7:30 PM AA/Nursery
Sep 18 Tuesday 10AM-Noon Fair Craft Workshop
Sep 19 Wednesday – EVANGEL DEADLINE 9:30 AM Called to Care/Kerygma Room 3:30 PM Journey Home/Choir Room 7:00 PM Cabinet/Kerygma Room
Sep 20 Thursday 9:00 AM Playgroup/Nursery 2PM-6PM Farmer’s Market 2:30 PM PCC/Fannie Forbes Rm 4:30 PM GSA/Kerygma Room Sep 21 Friday (no events)
Sep 22 Saturday
8AM – 2PM Women’s Fellowship Yard Sale Sep 23 Sunday 9:00 AM Bible Study/Chapel 10:00 AM Worship & Faith Formation