Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
24 September 2006
10 o’clock in the morning
Welcome to this Service of Worship at First Congregational Church. This morning, we continue our Fall Sermon Series, “Images and Identity for the People of God” as we embrace the servant Christ for ourselves. May our identities be deepened even as we worship God— recalling the words of the German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 – 1945):
“But the truth is that if this earth was good enough for the man Jesus Christ, if a man like him really lives in it, then, and only then, has life a meaning for us.”
First Congregational Church of Greenwich declares itself to be open and affirming; open to all for participation, membership, leadership and employment, and affirming of all who wish to join us as children of God. We continue to give thanks for God's guidance in our journey of faith.
preparing for worship
*All who are able please stand
‡Seating of latecomers
PRELUDE Mark Swicegood, organ
Tierce en Taille Pierre du Mage
The Palmer Handbells
A Modal Air Michael Bedford
CALL TO COMMUNITY Rev. Susan M. Craig
Please sign and pass the red book.
CALL TO WORSHIP
praising god
INTROIT
A Festive Intrada Cynthia Dobrinski
*OPENING HYMN AND PROCESSION
Pilgrim Hymnal 206 to the tune HANOVER
Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim
OPENING PRAYER (in unison)
Lord, give each of us eyes clear enough to see the hurt of the world, ears receptive enough to hear your call, a brain wise enough to figure a solution, a voice loud enough to tell of the need, feet determined enough to seek out the alleys of misery or despair, hands sensitive enough to hug, hold and heal, a heart strong enough to endure the struggle, and a spirit thankful enough to ask, “What more may I do?” In Christ’s serving spirit, we pray. Amen.
CONFESSING TO GOD
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
O God, our God, we confess that we have not always lived for you. You have invited us into new life, yet we have closed our eyes and ears and hearts against that invitation. You have offered us your help, but we have chosen our own path in neglect of Christ’s way. You have called us to the ministry of reconciliation, yet we often find ourselves tempted to turn away from others. You have challenged us to a life of generosity and service, but many times we would rather keep to ourselves. Forgive us in this time of honesty for living as island people in a world of connectedness. Release us from the bonds of self-sufficiency, for we would be joined together with you in a renewed openness to your love and energized this week by the empowering presence of Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
‡CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
hearing god's word
FIRST LESSON Beth Beam
Psalm 100
M
ake a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
ANTHEM The Chancel Choir
Jubilate Deo Benjamin Britten
SECOND LESSON
Mark 9: 30-37
T
hey went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples,
saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
Mark 10: 35-45
J
ames and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ And he said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They replied, ‘We are able.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’ When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, ‘You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’
‡*HYMN
Pilgrim Hymnal 34 to the tune MORNING SONG
Awake, Awake to Love and Work
(The Pastor’s Class and Sixth Grade leave for their classes)
SERMON
“True Greatness or the Downside of Faith” Dr. David D. Young
*Affirmation of faith (in unison)
He, although he was in the divine form, did not think equality with God a thing to be grasped; but surrendered his rank and took the role of a servant; becoming like the rest of humankind, and appearing in a human role; he humbled himself, in an obedience that went so far as to die. For this, God raised him to the highest honour, and conferred upon him the highest rank of all; that, at Jesus’ name every knee should bow, and that every tongue should own that “Jesus Christ is Lord”. Philippians 2:6-11
*Gloria Patri (New Century Hymnal 754)
Glory to God the Creator, and to the Christ, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Amen.
CALL TO Pastoral Prayer Sue Asselin
PASTORAL PRAYER AND QUIET MEDITATION
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 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.
responding to god
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY ANTHEM The Chancel Choir
Humble Service Larry L. Fleming
*Doxology (New Century Hymnal 776)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all creatures here below; Praise Holy Spirit, Comforter; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
going forth to serve god
*CLOSING HYMN AND PROCESSION
New Century Hymnal 539 to the tune SERVANT SONG
Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant?
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
*CLOSING SENTENCES
Leader: Give us a pure heart That we may see Thee.
People: A humble heart That we may hear Thee. strong to keep hate out and love in.
Leader: A heart of love That we may serve Thee.
People: A heart of faith That we may live Thee.
Dag Hammarskjöld
*BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
POSTLUDE
Toccata Eugene Gigout
______ The flowers in the Meetinghouse this morning are given by Jeff and Jean Watkins in recognition of the Marriage this afternoon of Leticia Godoi and Wynn Watkins.
Ushers: Ted and Linda Hoster, John Davidson, Peter Garlid, Richard and Susan Gilbert, Rich and Bobbie Hopkins
Greeters and Coffee Hour Hosts: Marty Berlin, Bob Alden, Richard Gilbert, Jan Johnson, Carole Lang, Enid Norris, Wendy and Harlan Reynolds
Flower Delivery: Sue Bakers
Calendar
Today
Church School Worship in the Daniels Center for Kindergarten - 5th graders. Children report to their classroom first. Sixth Graders and Pastors' Class begin in the chapel of the Meetinghouse. Remember Church School is not over until 11:15 AM. Parents are welcome to get a cup of coffee and socialize after the service but please do not be late to pick up your child(ren). Your children's teachers thank you!
Cherub Choir for K, 1, and 2, 11:20 to 11:50 AM, in Room 104
Youth Choir, grades 7 to 12, 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM, in the Choir Room
Parish Nurse Sue Asselin, RN is available today in room 203, after the worship service. Stop in to have your blood pressure checked or discuss any health concerns.
JPF 5-6 PMRoom 103
SPF 6:30-8 PM Room 103
THIS WEEK
Children’s Choir Wednesday Sept 27th 5 - 6 PM in the Choir Room
A six-week seminar led by Rev. Ron Halvorsen and Sue Asselin RN, using The New Day Journal: A Journey from Grief to Healing by Mauryeen O'Brien, begins Thursday September 28th from 4:00 - 5:30PM in the Church Lounge. Pre-registration is required as the size of the group will be limited. For more information and to register, call Ron at 637-1791 Ext. 28. See Adult Education Booklet for more details.
Chancel Choir Thursday Sept 28th 7:30 – 9:00 PM in the Choir Room
NEXT WEEK
Sunday Parents Study Group The Price of Privilege begins Sun. Oct 1st 11:20 AM – 12:00 PM. Books are available in the Church Office. This group is open to Moms and Dads, sign-ups are still being taken.
Remembering Your Story, facilitated by Rev. Ron Halvorsen for residents of Edgehill who are members of First Church begins Tuesday Oct 3rd 4:00 – 5:15 PM.
14th Annual Organ Oktoberfest Wednesday Oct 4th 8 PM
Carolyn Diamond “Rhythm, Repetition & Blues”
Faith and the Work Place facilitated by David Young Oct 5th
7 – 8 AM. Explore how faith and Christian principals can play an important role in decision-making and work throughout the week. See Adult Education Booklet for further details.
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