THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PLAINVILLE

Founded in 1840

A Congregation of the United Church of Christ

A “God is Still Speaking”, Open and Affirming Church

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

At unplanned (by us) moments you come and walk beside us, loving God. You accompany us into unknown places; you challenge us to look at

things in new ways; you remind us that we are never alone. Thank you. Amen.

The Order of Morning Worship Third Sunday of Easter

April 30, 2017 10A.M.

We offer a warm welcome to all who have come here today. May you receive God’s comfort, insight and inspiration through worship, prayer and song.

* All who are able may stand

Announcements and Celebrations

Extravagant Welcome No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

We Prepare to Hear God’s Word

Prelude (Silent preparation for worship begins with the appreciation of this music offering)

Introit At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing – Chancel Choir

Call to Worship One: Come and see: signs of the risen Christ are all around us!

All: We come to worship God. One: Come and know: the presence of the risen Christ in this community!

All: We come to worship God. One: Come and believe: the risen Christ is with us now and always.

All: We come to worship God.

*Opening Hymn Joy Dawned Again on Easter Day NCH #241 Unison Prayer of Invocation

We have heard the call, loving God, to come into your presence. We have heard the challenge to be baptized in the name of Christ and receive new life. We have heard the invitation to turn away from a society focused on greed and self-centredness, and to turn our lives toward loving and serving one another. Guide us and lead us, as we join our voices together in saying the prayer Jesus taught his disciples...

The 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Anthem I Never Touched a Rainbow Ruth Artman

Performed by: Choristers, Amadeus Ringers & Chancel Choir

Children and youth are invited to come forward and sit in the first row of pews. Hymn: Jesus Loves Me! NCH #327, v. 1 CWS Blanket Presentation Ruthe Boiczyk

Service of Blessing

Children and youth are invited to stay for the blessing. Prayer of Confession

One: When we fail to recognize the Christ travelling beside us, All: O God, forgive us.

One: When we fail to recognize the Christ in others all around us, All: O God, forgive us.

One: When we fail to recognize the Christ in the world of which we are a part, All: O God, forgive us.

One: When we fail to recognize the Christ in the headlines in the news and events that occur every day,

All: O God, forgive us. One: Open our eyes and our hearts, gracious God, to recognize that you travel

among us always, and that you are present in any we would otherwise ignore. Amen.

Words of Assurance and Grace One: No matter where we find ourselves on life’s journey, Jesus comes and travels with us. Jesus offers us forgiveness and new life at every turn of the path. So know, friends, that whenever you turn to God, God welcomes you and forgives you.

All: Thanks be to God! Amen.

*Gloria Patri PH #513 Glory be to the Father [Creator], and to the Son [Christ], and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

We Hear God’s Word

Centering Hymn Abide with Me NCH #99

The Scripture Reading Luke 24:13-35 p. 90

Sermon Road to Emmaus

We Respond to God’s Word

Sharing our Joys and Concerns with God and each other Pastoral Prayer Invitation to Share

The Offertory I Danced in the Morning – Chancel Choir American Shaker Melody * The Doxology NCH #780

Praise God for whom all blessings flow. Praise [God] all Creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father [Creator], Son [Christ], and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Unison Prayer of Dedication

What can we give back to you, O God, for all the good things you have done for us? We lift up the cup of salvation. We call on your name. We keep the promises we have made to be your people, proclaiming your goodness to all the world. Amen.

*Closing Hymn The Day of Resurrection NCH #245 *Benediction * Choral Benediction Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise Nelson Postlude

A Special Thank you this morning to: Deanna Hoxie for being the Chorister’s Signing Coach

Thank you this morning to:

Deacon in charge: Beth Fraychak Trustee in charge: Renny Astolfi Greeters: Wilma Pershken Ushers: Herve Letendre Nursery caregiver coordinated by: Donna Blanchard

Please remember to help yourself to a line on the sign-up sheets for Ushers, Greeters, Coffee Hour! As a matter of courtesy and welcome to those who may be visiting, please take a

moment to pick up your name tag on the wall in the narthex....and put it on.

Service of Blessing for Sofia Madeline Roy

Parents: Lindsey and Randy Roy WELCOME Prayer of Invocation

All: Creator God, Divine Parent, we ask for Your Blessing here today. Protect our family and community and surround us with Your infinite unconditional love. Keep us mindful that the miracle of incarnation is both a gift and path back to you. We ask that our sense of community be strengthened by what we are about to witness here today. Amen.

Words of Covenant and Promise Congregational Assent

Sofia’s parents do not stand alone this day, the presence and support of all of you, family and friends, is needed for Sofia as she grows and experiences all this life holds for her. Thus, just as Jesus calls us to welcome children into the full life of our community…Do you, who witness and celebrate this blessing, promise your love, support, and care to this child as she lives and grows in this faith community?

“We promise our love and support and care”

The Act of Blessing Prayer of Dedication (prayed in unison):

God of wonder and grace, we thank you for your love revealed here as this community, these parents, and this child come together making covenant promises. We pray that this community will have the grace to uphold the promises made here this day, providing a safe shelter of your love in which this child may grow and play. We pray that these parents may continue to feel the sweet wonder of your presence so transparent here today. We pray that this child will bask in your love as she makes her own journey through this life. In your love we pray. Amen.

Congregational Presentations Presentation of the Candle - The Christian Education Committee Presentation of the Flower - The Diaconate Presentation of the Blanket - The Prayer Shawl Ministry Team Hymn: In the Bulb There Is a Flower NCH #433 v.1

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sun (4/30) 9:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:00 a.m. Worship ~ Blessing: Sofia Roy 11:30 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal 11:30 a.m. Scrip Order Available (Kelsey Hall) 11:30 a.m. Trustee Committee Meeting (Library) 1:00 p.m. Box Bistro (Kitchen) 7:00 p.m. NA Mon (5/1) 10:00 a.m. Al-Anon 6:30 p.m. Zumba (Kelsey Hall) 7:00 p.m. Flute Ensemble (Music Room) Tues (5/2) 10:30 a.m. AA 6:00 p.m. Diaconate Committee Meeting (Library) 7:00 p.m. AA Wed (5/3) 6:15 p.m. Yoga (Kelsey Hall) 7:00 p.m. NA 7:25 p.m. Chair Yoga (Kelsey Hall) Thurs (5/4) 2:00 p.m. Coffee Hours (Dunkin Donuts) 6:00 p.m. Amadeus Ringers (Bell Choir) 7:00 p.m. NA 7:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Fri (5/5) 7:00 p.m. NA Sat (5/6) 9:00 a.m. Diaconate Saturday (Kelsey Hall) 6:30 p.m. NA Sun (5/7) 9:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 10:00 a.m. Worship ~ Communion 11:30 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal 11:30 a.m. Young in Heart Luncheon (Kelsey Hall) 1:00 p.m. Box Bistro (Kitchen) 7:00 p.m. NA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Rev. Abby Mae Gackenheimer, Transitional Minister Jurg Oggenfuss, Organist

Richard Carsey, Director of Chancel Choir Karen Hodge, Bell Choir and Children’s Choir Director

Kathleen Marsan, Sunday School Superintendent Teresa Talarico, Church Administrator

The Congregational Church of Plainville, United Church of Christ 130 West Main Street, Plainville, Connecticut 06062

(860) 747-1901 (Office Hours 9:00-1:00 p.m. Monday~Friday) Email: churchoffice@uccplainville.org Website: www.uccplainville.org

In our Prayers this week, we remember: Fran Rose, Mike Serra, Sr., Tahlya Stevenson, Dwight Lewis, Peggy (Deanna Hoxie’s step-mother), Fritz (Deanna Hoxie’s father), Deanna Hoxie, Mark (Steve Vastola’s cousin), Bobbie (Steve Vastola’s aunt), Katie (Antonio Casiano’s mom), Brian Gorneault Sr., John Dombroski (Sandy Dombroski’s brother), Carol Walsh’s daughter & grandchild-to-be, Eleanor Kordes, Anna Mae Vaillant (Eleanor Kordes’s sister), Geraldine & Erin Guthrie, Aaron Gudema (Eleanor Kordes’s brother-in-law), Melissa (Ann Campbell’s daughter), Laurel Underwood & her family, Robert Clark, Robert Ryan, Sydni Spencer, Ethan Greathouse (Teresa Talarico’s nephew), Marty Gorneault, Charlotte Karabin, Charles & Barbara (Frank Hoxie’s friend’s parents), Sue (Bev Letendre’s friend), Barbara McClellan, Georgie (Rinette Yanez’s sister-in-law), Jim & Claranne Parker, Sebby Berarducci, Emma Mae Hodges (Rev. Abby’s mom), John, Cassie (Becky & Brian Silvernale’s daughter), Sheri Boucher (Sebby Berarducci’s friend), Laura (Laurie Cassinari’s friend), Kaara Koplowitz’s students and co-workers, Shirley Osle, Yvonne (Joanna Vastola’s friend), Joe Robar, Bill & Family (Ruthe Boiczyk’s friend), Eileen Devine (Jocelyn Michaud’s friend), Paul & Diane (Ann Campbell’s friends), Carmen (Ann Campbell’s friend), Lechek (Ann Campbell’s friend), Bernie (Ann Campbell’s friend), Deanna (Nancy Simone’s friend), Billy and family (Eleanor Kordes’s son-in-law), Laurel (Ken Hodge’s daughter’s friend), Scott Carpenter and Joyce Lagana, Diane (Ann Campbell’s friend), Richard Carsey, Bill Nemetz, Maria (Ann Campbell’s friend), Vickie Flener, Paul & Ann Cormier (Beth Fraychak’s brother-in-law), Robert Jordan (Ruthe Boiczyk’s cousin), Leandra (Joanna Vastola’s co-worker), Vicky Stilwill, Diane & John (Ann Campbell’s friends), Karen, Ken Malley, Friend & Family of Deanna Hoxie’s daughter, Lauralee Colella’s co-worker, Antonio Casiano, Michelle, Amy (Nancy Simone’s co-worker), Students in Crisis, Joseph (Ann Campbell’s grandson), Brian (Ann Campbell’s friend), Bernice (Ann Campbell’s friend), Ann Campbell, and the families and friends of: Alyssa Farnum (Teresa Talarico’s sister), Danny Coughlin, Arthur Williams, Joseph (Marilyn Borry’s brother-in-law), Frank Urbanski (Bobbi Turcotte’s brother-in-law), Audrey Posadas, Ned Michaud (Jocelyn Michaud’s brother-in-law), Abby Lafrenier (Deanna Hoxie’s friend), Laura Mayne (Richard Carsey’s sister), Walter McTagee, Carol Dalman (Ellen Binder’s cousin), John Huwe, Jon Maguire (Claranne Parker’s cousin), Don Barrows, Liz, Mary Pryor, as well as members and friends serving in the military: Justin Meyers , Spencer Pelletier, Renny Astolfi Sr., James Palmer, Tommy Daigle, Mark Terrill, Dalton Morehouse, David Sauer, Ryan Steikers, Shawn Ellis & Cody Temple.

ANNOUNCEMENT(S) FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP

IF YOU WOULD LIKE REV. ABBY TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON YOUR BEHALF, PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND RETURN TO CHURCH OFFICE

THE FRIDAY BEFORE YOU WOULD LIKE THE ANNOUNCEMENT MADE.

WHO (is this from)? WHAT (is this for)? WHERE (will this be held)? WHEN (is this happening)? WHY (are we doing this)? Where would you like this information placed? ____ Steeple _____Bulletin _____E-Blast Start Date__________________ End Date___________________

PRAYER REQUEST CARD

Requested By:

Prayer of JOY! for (Name and Situation) . . . ~ PLEASE PRINT ~

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Prayer of CONCERN for (Name and Situation) . . . ~ PLEASE PRINT ~

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________