Edwards ChurchA U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C h r i s tA n O p e n a n d A ffi r m i n g C o n g r e g a t i o n

In the name of God and Jesus Christ, Edwards Church, a congregation of the United Church of Christ, welcomes all who seek to know and worship God. We invite everyone to join in our faith journey and participate in our congregational life.

As a community of faith we take seriously the Biblical call to love God and our neighbors as ourselves, and recognize that although we are many members we are one. We celebrate the uniqueness of everyone. We rejoice in our diversity of views and understanding of our shared faith. We commit ourselves to work diligently to help end oppression and discrimination. We affirm all relationships founded on the principle of God’s love and justice.

We declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation. Seeking to be the Body of Christ, we welcome into full fellowship and membership all persons of every race, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or cognitive ability, and economic status.

39 Edwards StreetFramingham, MA 01701

508-877-2050edwardschurch.org

Twenty-first Sunday after PentecostOctober 29, 2017 10:00 AM

A Thought for Reflection“I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive

to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one’s conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen.” ~ Martin Luther to the Diet of Worms, April, 1521

GOD GATHERS USPrelude “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ” (BWV 639) J.S. BachGreetings and AnnouncementsPassing of the Peace

Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.People: And also with you.

(We invite you to turn to your neighbors and greet them.)

+* Hymn of Praise “Holy, Holy, Holy” NCH 277* Call to Worship

Leader: Two thousand years ago, a Jewish Rabbi led a religious revolution that would shake the world.People: The Revolution continues with us.Leader: Jesus proclaimed the love of God was open to all who sought it.People: The Revolution continues with us.Leader: God would work together with humanity to stir the human heart and ignite love

in all of God’s people.People: The Revolution continues with us.Leader: Too often, the church would be a stumbling block, inserting itself between people

and our God.People: The Revolution continues with us.Leader: Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther, a monk and professor, would shake the world again,

proclaiming that no institution or person could stand between the human heart and the love of God.

People: The Revolution continues with us.All: Thanks Be to God!

* Prayer of Invocation* Sentences of Praise

Leader: Praise be to God for apostles and prophets, poets, misfits, and dreamers, People: In them we have found the voices of revolution and reformation, teaching us

to grow ever closer to God.

+* Gloria NCH 756Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!

* Stand as you are able +* Latecomer seating

Prayer of Confession (in unison)God of Grace and God of Glory, too often we are restless when we should be placid, and placid when we should be restless. We allow evil to become normal, turning away from suffering and placing stability above justice. God, open our ears to the apostles and prophets, poets, misfits, and dreamers. Help us not to turn away from the holy ones in our midst, but let them reform our hearts toward compassion and hope. Amen.

Assurance of God’s ForgivenessThe Lord’s Prayer

(Please pray using the words you find most meaningful.You can find several printed versions on the prayer card in your pew rack.)

Response (in unison) NCH 286Spirit, spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free,Spirit, spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.

GOD MEETS US IN THE WORDNew Testament Lesson Galatians 2: 1-10 (Pew Bible, p. 945)

“A Hammer Blow That Would Shake The World” (a mini-pageant)

The Anthem “My Heart Ever Faithful” J.S. BachGospel Lesson Luke 1: 46-55 (Pew Bible, p. 832)

* Hymn of Preparation “Canticle of the Turning” (See insert.)(Children may go to Sunday School during the hymn.)

Sermon “By Whose Authority?” Rev. Shane MontoyaCelebrations and ConcernsCall to PrayerSilent PrayerPrayers of Thanksgiving, Intercession and Petition

GOD CALLS FOR OUR GIFTSOur Offering to God

Offertory “Vater unser im Himmelreich” (BWV 636) J.S. Bach* Doxology (Lasst uns erfreuen) NCH 17

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia, Alleluia.Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

* Prayer of Dedication

GOD SENDS US INTO THE WORLD* Hymn of Sending “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” NCH 439

Charge and BenedictionPostlude “Es ist das Heil uns kommen her” (BWV 638) J.S. Bach

(Feel free to remain and listen, or to greet one another in the narthex and at coffee hour.)

Our Worship Has Ended… Let Our Service Begin! Ministers All the People of Edwards ChurchPastor The Rev. Dr. Deborah ClarkAssociate Pastor, Faith Formation & Outreach The Rev. Mr. Shane MontoyaCommissioned Minister of Music Rick SeaholmOrganist Cheryl ElkinsPianist Susan MinorAdministrative Assistant Nicola SeaholmSexton Lori WilsonDeacon-in-Charge Ellie KellLiturgist Debbie Clark

Coffee Hour is being hosted by those who are moved by the Spirit.Janis Steigman of Mother’s Helpers is in charge of the nursery this morning.

Welcome Visitors! We are glad you are here. Please join us for coffee and fellowship, following the service. Sign our guestbook too! In the Education Building (out the side door follow hallway) are the restrooms and where coffee hour is held. The nursery and Sunday school classes are on the lower level. If you have questions, or suggestions, feel free to talk with the greeter or Deacon-in-Charge.

Accessibility Available in the Narthex (front entrance hallway): Sound-enhancing assistive listening devices Large print edition of the church bulletin

Accessible parking spots are marked and located near the Education Building entrance. Accessible entrance is located on the lower level of the Education Building (to the left of

the Church main entrance). Elevator is located in the Education Building next to the stairs. Accessible restroom is located on the upper level of the Education Building.

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THIS WEEK AT EDWARDS CHURCHOctober 29-November 4, 2017

SUNDAY 9:00am Adult Bible Study...........................................Youth Room9:00am Rental............................................................Edwards Hall10:00am Worship.............................................................Sanctuary10:00am Sunday School.....................................Education Building11:00am Coffee Hour................................ Susan P. Dickerman Hall1:00pm Rental.................................................................Sanctuary4:30pm Rental...........................................Edwards Hall Classroom5:30pm Seeds of Grace Worship.............Susan P. Dickerman Hall

MONDAY 9:30am Chairobics...................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall6:00pm Veterans Yoga..............................................Edwards Hall6:15pm Rental...........................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall7:00pm Rental...........................................Edwards Hall Classroom7:30pm Vinyasa Yoga................................................Edwards Hall7:30pm Guided Meditation.....................Susan P. Dickerman Hall

TUESDAY 9:00am Qi Gong / Tai Chi........................Susan P. Dickerman Hall10:00am Gentle Yoga..................................................Edwards Hall1:30pm Rental...........................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall5:30pm Hatha Yoga.................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall

WEDNESDAY 9:30am Chairobics...................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall11:00am Nursing Home Services..........Countryside Nursing Home12:00pm Lunch Bunch...............................Susan P. Dickerman Hall1:15pm Prayer Shawl Knitters...................................Edwards Hall7:15pm Diaconate Meeting.............Jonathan House Living Room7:30pm Rental............................................................Edwards Hall

THURSDAY 9:00am Qi Gong / Tai Chi........................Susan P. Dickerman Hall9:30am Not-Your-Ordinary Yoga Class.....................Edwards Hall6:00pm Cancer Support Group....................................Youth Room6:00pm Kripalu Yoga.................................................Edwards Hall7:00pm Board of Finance Meeting.......................Jonathan House7:15pm Choir Rehearsal..........................Susan P. Dickerman Hall7:30pm Rental............................................................Edwards Hall

FRIDAY 8:00am Floor waxing...............................Susan P. Dickerman Hall9:30am Chairobics...................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall7:00pm Rental...........................................Edwards Hall Classroom

SATURDAY 8:00am Men’s Group...............................Susan P. Dickerman Hall9:00am Chair/Mat Yoga............................................Edwards Hall10:00am Rental.............................................................Youth Room10:30am Rental...........................................Susan P. Dickerman Hall1:00pm Yoga Nidra Workshop..................................Edwards Hall4:30pm Rental.................................................................Sanctuary7:00pm Rental.................................................................Sanctuary

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTSSeeds of Grace “Dinner Church”—“Room at the Table”TODAY at 5:30 pm in Susan P. Dickerman HallJoin us for delicious soup, local apples, fresh-baked bread, great music, wonderful companionship, and inspiring worship!

Singing in Solidarity with our Immigrant NeighborsSunday, November 5 at 4:00pm at Greater Framingham Community ChurchA Multi-Faith, Multi-Cultural Concert featuring the Willie Sordillo Quartet, Nick Page from Mystic Chorale, and groups from area churches and synagogues. No entry fee; come make a donation to the Neighbor’s Fund, which helps immigrant neighbors in crisis. (Debbie Clark, Peggy Harrison and Willie Sordillo are planners!)

Veterans Appreciation Dinner This year our annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner, co-sponsored with Plymouth Church, will be held on Sunday, November 12 in the Plymouth Church Fellowship Hall. If you would like to help, please sign up today! Please invite friends and neighbors who are veterans to attend (invitations are available).

Veterans Day Slide ShowSend photos and captions to Nicola by Thursday, November 9If you would like to share a picture of yourself in uniform or honor a loved one who has served in the military, please send a photo and caption to office@edwardschurch.org. If you only have a hard copy, Nicola will be happy to scan it for you and will take great care of your photo. You can hand it to her at church or stop by the office. The slide show will be on display during coffee hour on Sunday, November 12.

A “TASTE OF COMPASSION” for the HolidaysSaturday, November 11, at 1:00pm in Susan P. Dickerman HallWith the growing awareness of the value of plant-based eating, perhaps your holiday table will include more vegetables. Come taste an exciting array of creative and delicious vegan dishes. Talk to the chefs and get some new recipes to add to your repertoire. Gluten-free options available. Suggested donation of $5 – If you can donate a vegan dish for the buffet, or would like to volunteer to help set up or clean up, contact Mary Memmott at memmottm@gmail.com, or 508-788-1826. All ages welcome.

Leaf Shredding PreparationFriday, November 17 at 10:00 amThis year we have a “greener” plan for leaf removal. On Friday, Nov. 17 at 10 am, we will gather to rake leaves into the playground. Andrew Whittaker (who created our Edible Forest Garden) will come with his shredder and shred all the leaves. The resulting leaf mulch will be used for the Framingham Community Farm, for our compost pile, and any remainder will be available for you to take for your garden. Come help!

Framingham Interfaith Thanksgiving ServiceSunday, November 19 at 5:00pm at Edwards ChurchThis year Open Spirit is co-hosting Framingham’s annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on our campus. The service will include readings and reflections from many faith traditions, a message about gratitude (in both Spanish and English) and an anthem by local bluegrass group On the Fence.

All rights reserved. Reprinted under One License #A-725786.

MUSIC NOTEMartin Luther was a prolific hymnodist. Recognizing that music was a powerful element in faith and community, he not only translated and wrote entirely new lyrics for established hymns, but also composed tunes that were inspired by both existing church hymns and folk melodies. He connected high art and folk music, clergy and laity, men, women and children. His tool of choice for this connection was the singing of German hymns in connection with worship, school, home, and the public arena.

In the two centuries following the Reformation, many composers incorporated Luther’s melodies into their works, culminating with Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). For Bach, Luther’s music reflected the connection between the human and the divine, between mankind and God’s universe, all of which inspired Bach. Luther and Bach both shared the view that music is a direct route to God. In Luther’s word, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” In Bach’s words, “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” Bach famously signed all his manuscripts with this very sentiment—S.D.G. (Soli Deo Gloria).

We are grateful to our organist, Cheryl Elkins, for preparing this week’s Music Note.