First Congregational Church of Plainfield
United Church of Christ
860-564-5932
July 9, 2017- Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
Pastor Stephen Finlan
As the prelude begins, let us take this time in silence to prepare our hearts,aswe welcome everyone to worship with us.
Prelude -Jean Barrett, pianist
Introit - The Children’s Choir Chimes – Director, Sandy Brew
Assistant Director, Maya Taylor
Candle of Remembrance & Prayer
We light this candle for those in harm’s way;
for those serving our country in the military,
for those in the service of the United Nations and
for those involved in other humanitarian agencies.
Announcements Pastor Steve
Responsive Call to Worship led by Deacon David, based on Ps 65
One:God visits the earth and waters it—
All:greatly enriching the earth.
One:God waters the earth, softening it with showers—
All:And blessing the hills, the meadows, and the valleys.
One:God crowns the year with bounty.
All:The meadows shout and sing together for joy!
Please stand.
Opening Hymn – “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” #473
For Pastoral Care/Spiritual Needs
Contact a deacon listed below, or the pastor.
Alternates: Patti Ihloff
Deacons for JulyareGeorge Brew and David Young
If you have a special prayer request, please write your request and put it in the offering plate.
Pastor Steve Finlan / 732.266.8035 cellDarlene Hill / 860.428.7406 cell
David Young / 860.608.4696 cell
George Brew / 860.367.5232 cell
Merry Humphrey / 860.655.4837 cell
Sherry Mason / 860.913.4801 cell/860.822.1153 home
ATTENTION
Choir chime members wanted –
Rehearsals are Sunday mornings, at 9:15.
Grades 3-adult. No music experience needed.
GENERAL
- Visitors will find a guest book inside the front doorway on right.
- Child care is provided in our nursery.
- There areactivity bags located in the back of the sanctuary;
filled with books, games and puzzles- help yourself.
- A Card Request box is available inside the front doorway. Please let us know if we might send a card to show we care.
Church Cancellation due to weather tune into
Channel 8 WTNH TV
-5-
The Church Family at Prayer
Lead me Lord; lead me in Thy righteousness.
Make Thy way plain before my face.
For it is Thou Lord, Thou Lord only,
thatmakest me dwell in safety.
Scripture Readings
Matt 11:16–19: Deacon David
Matt 11:25–30: Pastor Steve
The Message “Like Children in the Market Places” Pastor S.Finlan
Please stand.
Hymn:“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” #504
Benediction Pastor Steve
Benediction Response
As we go now from this moment,
as we leave behind our time together.
May we walk with one another, may we help each other on the way.
As we go now from this moment, as we go into the future together,
May we treasure one another, may we realize how precious we are.
-2-
Please remain standing for the Invocation
Prayer of Invocation – in unison led by Deacon David
Loving God, you created life in us and all around us.
Open us to receive the gifts of your world and your Word,
that we may be not just hearers of the word, but doers also.Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer – in unison led by Pastor Steve
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 sins
as we forgive those who have sinned against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thineis the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Please be seated
Choir Anthem: “Like a River Glorious”
Children’s Sermon– Pastor Steve
Please stand
Responsive Prayer of Confession –led byPastor Steve
One: You and I were created by and in that very same image.
All:Gracious God, we acknowledge that we too often take for granted your gifts to us, our lives, this world, and your word to us.
-3-
One :When we receive your word, may we nurture it so that it grows roots within us.
All: May we not be distracted by the lure of wealth, or the status of wealth—
One: Or the false charm of status.
All: Let us be good soil, receiving your word—
One :Understanding it,
All: And acting upon it. Amen.
(time of silent reflection)
Assurance of God’s Love -led by Pastor Steve
We claim what the apostle Paul teaches:
the Spirit of God dwells in you.
You are forgiven and free.
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. Amen.
Please be seated
Invitation to Share – Deacon David
When we give of our time, talent, or treasure to the church,
we offer back to God a portion of what we have been given.
We will now have our morning offering.
Offertory
-4-
Please stand.
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication- in unison led by Deacon David
Gracious God, we have been filled by your generosity to us.
May we be generous to others.
Accept from us these giftsas we commit our lives to you.
Amen.
Please be seated
Prayer Requests – Pastor Steve
Preparing Our Hearts for Prayer
Change my heart, O God, make it ever true.
Change my heart , O God, may I be like you.
You are the Potter, I am the clay;
mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart, O God, make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.
Calendar of Events July 9, 2017
Sun., 7/9Deacons meeting, after church
Tue., 7/11Thessalonians and Luke Bible Study, 6 pm
Tue., 7/11Choir Practice 7:15 pm
Thu.,7/13Faith Bible study, 6 pm
Thu.,7/13Open Hearts Practice 7:15 pm
Sun., 7/16Congregational meeting, after church
Fund raising
Yard Sale, Fri./Sat., Sept. 29-30
Gift cards can be ordered from Cathie for 99 Restaurant, Walmart, Olive Garden, and Cracker Barrel.
Christmas Bazaar, Nov. 4
Our Church Family in Need of Prayer
Ted Verba, in rehab
Dennis Corrente(Eli & Carol’s son, in rehab)
Theresa Luiz, recovering from a fall (Rita’s mom)
Tom McBroomeand family, in grieving
Margaret Norton, in rehab
Arlene McKennaand Kitty, health concerns (Darlene’s mom and sister)
DebbieMichalski and family, in grieving
Jean Lukin, brother Fred, and daughter Linda, health concerns
Kate Knight (Barbara’s friend)
Cindy O’Neil (health)
Sherry Mason, Kelly, Desi and Alex Gaudreau
Julia Connolly, Lisa and Jeff’s daughter
The Hill Family
Habitat for Humanity – that a needy family be selected
Lindsey Han (Judy Kettle’s friend, fighting cancer)
Those who are struggling with addictions
The Milliron Family (facing struggles, relatives of EltonLesleeBunnell)
Terry Tatro (being treated for cancer)
Helen Coombs (resident of Davis’ Place)
Bobby Stewart (Bruce &Phyllis’ son continuing chemotherapy)
Rebecca Theriaque(continued healing)
Jocelyn Espeleta(8 yr.old surviving cancer, friends of Carol Credit)
For our military and their loved ones.
For all victims of natural disaster .
For all those in crisis around our world.
For all who are struggling with faith in Christ
that they may know real and enduring love.
Calendar of Events July 9, 2017
Sun., 7/9Deacons meeting, after church
Tue., 7/11Thessalonians and Luke Bible Study, 6 pm
Tue., 7/11Choir Practice 7:15 pm
Thu.,7/13Faith Bible study, 6 pm
Thu.,7/13Open Hearts Practice 7:15 pm
Sun., 7/16Congregational meeting, after church
Fund raising
Yard Sale, Fri./Sat., Sept. 29-30
Gift cards can be ordered from Cathie for 99 Restaurant, Walmart, Olive Garden, and Cracker Barrel.
Christmas Bazaar, Nov. 4
Our Church Family in Need of Prayer
Ted Verba, in rehab
Dennis Corrente(Eli & Carol’s son, in rehab)
Theresa Luiz, recovering from a fall (Rita’s mom)
Tom McBroome and family, in grieving
Margaret Norton, in rehab
Arlene McKenna and Kitty, health concerns (Darlene’s mom and sister)
DebbieMichalski and family, in grieving
Jean Lukin, brother Fred, and daughter Linda, health concerns
Kate Knight (Barbara’s friend)
Cindy O’Neil (health)
Sherry Mason, Kelly, Desiand Alex Gaudreau
Julia Connolly, Lisa and Jeff’s daughter
The Hill Family
Habitat for Humanity – that a needy family be selected
Lindsey Han (Judy Kettle’s friend, fighting cancer)
Those who are struggling with addictions
The Milliron Family (facing struggles, relatives of EltonLesleeBunnell)
Terry Tatro (being treated for cancer)
Helen Coombs (resident of Davis’ Place)
Bobby Stewart (Bruce &Phyllis’ son continuing chemotherapy)
Rebecca Theriaque(continued healing)
Jocelyn Espeleta(8 yr.old surviving cancer, friends of Carol Credit)
For our military and their loved ones.
For all victims of natural disaster .
For all those in crisis around our world.
For all who are struggling with faith in Christ
that they may know real and enduring love.
Matt 11:16–19
16“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another,17‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
18“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’;19the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
Matt 11:25–30
25 At that time Jesus said, “I thankyou, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants;26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.27All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”