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First Congregational Church of PlainfieldUnited Church of Christ

860-564-5932 www.fccplainfield.orgNOVEMBER 27TH, 2016, THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

PASTOR STEPHEN FINLANAs the prelude begins please take this time in silence to prepare your hearts

PRELUDE - Jean Barrett, pianistINTROIT - The Children’s Choir ChimesCANDLE 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 Judy Jones

CHOIR ANTHEM: “We Light the Advent Candles”

LIGHTING THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE One: Isaiah’s people probably found him unsettling. He would

interrupt the religious services and yell out his vision:All: “They shall beat their swords into plow shares,

and their spears into pruning hooks… The people whodwelt in darkness have seen a great light!”

One: But then it happened, seven centuries later. In occupied Israel, in all the darkness of the first century, the dreams of the prophet came true. God’s light was born in Bethlehem and many followed. By speaking his vision of a better future, Isaiah bore the light of God in the darkness. He brought HOPE. Let us pray.

All: We give thanks for all those who followed the light of Hope; those who lived it and carried it through the ages to

today. May their lives remind us that we light the candle of HOPE knowing Isaiah’s words are not just prophecy but – promise.

(The candle of HOPE is lit)

All: This week, we covenant with you, God, and with each other, to join these prophets in spreading the light of Hope beyond these doors. Amen.

For Pastoral Care/Spiritual NeedsContact a deacon listed below, or the pastor.Alternates: Patti Ihloff Deacons for November are Jean and RebeccaIf you have a special prayer request, please write your request and put it in the offering plate. Pastor Steve Finlan 732.266.8035 cellChelle Wright 860.465.7577 cellDarlene Hill 860.428.7406 cellDavid Young 860.608.4696 cellGeorge Brew 860.367.5232 cellJean Lukin 860.377.4488 cellRebecca Theriaque 860.382.5505 cellMerry Humphrey 860.655.4837 cellSherry 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 are activity 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 intoChannel 3 WFSB TV or Channel 8 WTNH TV

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SCRIPTURE READINGS

Isaiah 2:1–5 (see insert) Deacon Rebecca

Romans 13:9–14:1 (see insert) Pastor Steve

The Message: “What Fulfills the Law?”

Please stand.

HYMN: “The King of Glory Comes” # 159 just verses 1, 2, and 4

BENEDICTION Pastor Steve

BENEDICTION RESPONSEAs 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 togetherMay we treasure one another, may we realize how precious we are.

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CALL TO WORSHIP – Deacon RebeccaOne: In Advent we watch and wait and prepare to welcome

the Christ Child into the world. All: Come, Lord Jesus, come!

One: In Advent we prepare for a life of discipleship, and watch faithfully for signs of God’s light breaking in world.

All: Come, Lord Jesus, come!

One: As we wait, dear One, we watch for signs of your action in the world, actions of compassion and grace breaking in.

All: Come, Lord Jesus, come!

One: Holy God, we recognize that we do not know the day or the hour, but we know that the day is near.

All: Come, Lord Jesus, come! Be born anew in our world and in our lives.

Please stand.HYMN – “Help Us Accept Each Other” # 596

PRAYER OF INVOCATION – in unison led by Pastor SteveIn this season as the days grow shorter and the shadows lengthen, we gather in eager expectation for the Light of the World to dawn. Help us, God, to lay aside all the works of night and even our cynicism as we enter this sacred season. During this hour of worship, send your Spirit to empower us to live in the light with hope. 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 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

Please be seatedCHILDREN’S SERMON PASTOR STEVE

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Please stand

PRAYER OF CONFESSION – in unison led by Pastor Steve Holy and Loving God, we give thanks for the promise of this sacred season and for the joy we find in the Christ Child. Yet even as we rejoice, we recognize that we often fail to live with hope. In this season of anticipation, we know that we are easily distracted by our own projects and preparation. We lose focus on the one who is the Source of our joy. Forgive us, God, and restore our hope in you. Amen.

Silent confession.....

The promise of the season of Advent is the promise of Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus calls us to keep awake so that we are ready for God’s arrival. Therefore, let us lay aside all those things that distract us from faithful watching for God. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel: All: We are Jesus’ brothers and sisters –

We are loved and we are forgiven.

GLORIA PATRIGlory 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 REBECCA THERIAQUE

In response to the promise of God, let us give thanks through the presentation of our pledges and offerings.

OFFERTORY

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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 RebeccaGod of hopeful waiting, we give thanks for all of the ways in which you reveal yourself to us. Help us to clear away the many distractions of this season and offer our whole lives as gifts to you. May these offerings nurture all of the ways in which your promise is breaking into the world in acts of compassion and justice. 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.

THE CONGREGATION 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, that makest me dwell in safety.

Calendar of Events Nov. 27, 2016Tue., 11/29 New: 1 Corinthians Bible study, 6 pmTue., 11/29 Choir Practice 7:15 pm Thur., 12/01 “Faith” Bible study, 6 pmThur., 12.01 Open Hearts rehearsal, 7:15 pmMon., 12/05 Daisy Scouts meeting, 6 pmMon., 12/05 Trustees meeting, 7 pmWed., 12/07 Practice for Christmas pageant, 6 pmFri., 12/09 Paint Night - Winter Scene, 6:30 pmSun., 12/11 Christmas PageantMon., 12/19 Daisy Scouts meeting, 6 pm

Fund raising EventsGift cards can be ordered any Sunday. See Cathie we have Amazon, Walmart, and Target cards available now.December 9th Paint Night Winter Scene 6:30 pm

Central Village Congregational Church:12/03 Coffee House Concert: Angelia with Friends Christmas Concert, 7 pm

Our Church Family in Need of Prayer

The Baton FamilyThe Hill FamilyThe Shippee FamilyThe Foular FamilyThe Ducharme FamilyAlan Williams (Joan Bessette’s brother)Pat Palonen, Ellie Desjardin’s daughter diagnosed with breast cance Joey BackofenEddie LaPerlePat Michalski (continuing to battle cancer)The Milliron Family (facing struggles, relatives of Elton & Leslee Bunnell)Diane, Kelly and Alex Gaudreau (Sherry Mason’s family)Terry Tatro (being treated for cancer)Helen Coombs (resident of Davis’ Place)Bob Vickers (recovering from surgery)Kenny and Sarah Phaiah (Amy’s friends with health problems)Norma Sharkey (cancer and treatment)Linda Lukin (Jean’s daughter recovering from cancer treatment )Bobby Stewart (Bruce &Phyllis’ son continuing chemotherapy)Rebecca Theriaque (continued healing)Gregory Cruz (deployed overseas – prayers for his mom, Kristin)Jocelyn Espeleta (8 yr.old surviving cancer, friends of Carol Credit)Gerald Bergsten (Rebecca’s grandmother)Cody O’Bryon Rudy Schmied, The LaFlamme Family, Stephen Snellgrove (as he continues to undergo rehabilitation)Amy Vaughan’s mother Suzanne recovering from Hip replacement surgery

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.

PROJECT PIN DONATIONS (People In Need Food Pantry)The pantry is located at the previous

All Hallows Catholic School building in Moosup.The pantry is open each week as follows:

Monday 11-12:30, Wed. 5-6:30 & Fri. 1-2:30Our Church will provide volunteers the last Wednesday each month.Current Needs: toiletries – tooth brushes, soaps, shampoos, etc.

Isaiah 2:1–5

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and

Jerusalem. 2 In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house

shall be established as the highest of the mountains,

and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall

stream to it. 3 Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the

mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob;

that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his

path.’

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of

the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for

many peoples;

they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their

spears into pruning-hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall

they learn war any more. 5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

Romans 13:9–14:1

9The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You

shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and

any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love

your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love does no wrong to a

neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the

moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to

us now than when we [first] became believers; 12the night is far

gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of

darkness and put on the armor of light.

13Let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and

drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in

quarrelling and jealousy. 14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus

Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its

desires.

14:1Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the

purpose of quarrelling over opinions.

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