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The mission of this congregation is to be a welcoming community which proclaims

the Word of God and the Gospel of Christ, nurtures Christian beliefs and behavior,

and encourages lifelong maturing in faith. Here we are empowered to grow as

Christians, so that we may minister to others spiritually and physically. We welcome you!

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GREENFIELD HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT

MAY 14, 2017 9:00 AND 10:30 A.M.

Our Worship is central to our Service.

Our Service is central to our Worship.

We love kids! But sometimes services are too long for even the happiest child. So ... • For infants we have nursery care in the Church House, first floor. • And if your kids get squirmy, the Church Parlor has toys; the service is amplified in the Parlor and the seats are comfortable!

Mother’s Day Celebration

Prelude Priere Boellmann

Choral Introit (10:30)

Call to Worship, said together:

Loving God, hear us as we sing: Now thank we all our God,

with heart and hand and voices who wondrous things has done,

in whom the world rejoices, who, from our mothers’ arms,

has blessed us on our way

with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

Unite us, God, in our worship,

bound by such countless gifts of love,

gratefully received, humbly given, joyfully shared! Amen.

* Hymn Now Thank We All our God Hymnal, no. 715

Prayer of Confession, said together:

Today, Holy God, we praise Love:

yours, ours, mothers’, and more.

We praise it, we believe in it,

we want it, we need it.

But sometimes we fail at it,

we fall short of it,

we withhold it,

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we abuse it.

Bless, O Lord, our best efforts at love,

forgive our worst,

heal the hurts,

and renew our heart’s intent. Amen.

* Assurance of Forgiveness

* Gloria Patri Hymnal, no. 35 (This hymn, sung every Sunday, expresses our gratitude for forgiveness)

Welcome and Announcements

Please sign the green registration pad in your pew, and pass it to your neighbor!

Celebrating the Baptism of Elizabeth Wheatley Elkus (10:30) See page 10

Anthem (10:30) Bless the Lord, O My Soul Edwin McArthur

David White, Tenor Words on page 9

“A Message to our Moms” – by some special guest speakers

Mother’s Day Prayer Litany, responsively:

Leader: Holy and Loving God, you have taught us that the dear women

of our lives are worthy to be praised “for she has done excellently.

The heart of her family trusts in her, for she does good and not harm…

She provides for her family … she opens her hands to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy … she opens her mouth with

wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31)

People: Gentle God, today we celebrate our mothers; we give thanks

for each and every woman who has blessed our lives with

love, faith, wisdom, kindness and nurture.

Leader: Holy and Loving God, you have taught us to honor our mothers

and fathers, to help them to be glad, and to treasure our mothers’

teachings. (Ex. 20:12, Prov. 23:25, Prov. 1:8)

People: Help us, Caring God, to honor the women of our lives. Help

us to build a world where women are respected, cherished,

safe, and set free to be all that you call them to be.

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All: God, bless our mothers and grandmothers, aunts, sisters and

daughters. Bless every woman who gives life and care to a

child: adoptive mothers and foster mothers, teachers and

nurses, coaches and neighbors. Thank you for the witness and

inspiration of Biblical women: Mary and Mary Magdalen,

Ruth and Deborah, Lydia and Phoebe … and thank you for

the inspiration of strong and faithful women today who lead

us toward a world of caring and justice, hope and peace. Bless

them and each of us with your tender, mothering care. Amen.

Worship of God through Giving: (Note: We give in many ways, by various means. Some give monthly, quarterly, yearly, credit card, by mail or automatic withdrawals. Yet it is still important to “present our

offerings” on the altar as part of genuine worship, our way of giving thanks to God.)

Offering

Offertory (9:00) Bless the Lord, O My Soul Edwin McArthur

David White, Tenor Words on page 9

(10:30) His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful John Innes

From Cantata "Angels' Song" Words on page 9

David’s Message

Hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (verses 1 and 4) Hymnal, no. 517

* Pastoral Benediction

A Humorous Tribute in music! On Mothers’ Day, our Men’s Chorus always likes to entertain us with “There is

Nothin’ Like a Dame” from ‘South Pacific’. Enjoy!

Serving in the Chancel: Deacon Seth Baratz

Acolytes: Susanna Toothaker and Isabel Brenner

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SAVE THE DATE!!!! JUNE 4th!!

A Special Celebration to Honor David’s 20 Years at GHCC!! One service only at 9 am… A Church First Service…. Special guests, special music!

And after the 9 am Service….

RECEPTION ON THE GREEN in HONOR OF DAVID!

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CHURCH NOTES

WELCOME! ….. Welcome to Greenfield Hill Church, and to Mothers’ Day, and to our

Dogwood Festival! Your presence at worship makes this a beautiful day already. Together, we live the Gospel in such a way that the Good News is experienced near and far. Thank

you!

Visitors: We are glad you are with us today. Want to know more? Take a bag

home from our Visitors’ Table, just outside the front door! If you are interested in joining this church, please just speak with Alida!

At our 9:00 a.m. service, you have been greeted by Deacon Carole Lisi and our

Junior Deacons Will Steans and Alexandra Wagner. At our 10:30 a.m. service,

you have been greeted by Deacon Carole Lisi, Junior Deacons Isabella Whelan

and Amelia Yoder, and Junior Greeter Devin Brenner. Our crib room helper today is Severin Tormey.

A note about children in worship: We love them! But if you’d prefer to enjoy

worship on your own, our Church Nursery for infants-toddlers is across the street

in the Church House. Special beepers/pagers are available to parents so that they

may be quietly contacted during the worship service if their child misses them! If

your child in worship becomes restless or unhappy, please make use of the Parlor

(through the double doors by the choir loft, or head outside and through the side

doors). There is a comfortable space there for your child to play with toys and a

speaker which carries the service!

The flowers on the communion table are given in loving memory of Leete and

Marjorie Doty by their daughters, Carol Kalauskas, Sarah Morton, and Marilyn

Shaver.

The flowers on the pedestal are given by Jim Elkus & Betsy Ewing in celebration of Wheatley's baptism and in loving memory of Wheatley's

grandfather, Howard F. Elkus.

At our 10:30 Sacrament of Baptism today, we welcome Elizabeth Wheatley Elkus.

Wheatley was born on August 26, 2016. Her parents are James H. Elkus &

Elizabeth P. Ewing; paternal grandparents are Howard (deceased) & Lorna Elkus,

and maternal grandparents are David & Barbara Ewing. The Deacons present a

pink rose to the family in honor of Wheatley’s baptism today.

Remembering our Soldiers Laura Riebel . . . Mark Riebel . . . Brian Shelton . . . Derrick Keene . . . Mike Lincoln . . .

David Elliott. . . Stephen Honan . . . Molly Hanson . . . Shelby Wallace . . . Cooper

Harris . . . Kelsey Wallace . . . Lawrence Sherrer

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If you or a loved one is hospitalized, please contact us, or have someone contact us. Hospitals do not notify us independently.

Many thanks for helping our pastoral ministry

TODAY AT CHURCH

Youth Groups today: No Youth Groups today due to the Dogwood Festival!

Bring a friend to the Festival instead!

CHURCH EVENTS THIS WEEK

SPF (our high school youth group) continues this Thursday from 6-7:30pm in

our Len Morgan Youth Barn. We cover everything from fun and games to

tough discussion and fabulous speakers. Come see why this is the most popular

event every Thursday night!

Bible Study: We call our weekly Bible Study 'The

Gathering'… No pressure. No assignments. No guilt.

Give it a try, you’ll enjoy it, we promise! Thursdays, at

10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Church House Library. Our new topic: Old

People in the Bible: Lessons for ALL!! Join us when you can!!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CHURCH

Summer at GHCC! Summer is exciting. When you go away, have a great time!

But when you are around, you can count on our church life to be inspiring. Here

are four ways you can help this summer:

1) Are you an artist? We are looking for “Faith Art” – any art that expresses

faith in any way. Each Sunday this summer, we will share a piece of

artwork in the Sanctuary.

2) Youth Musicians: we would love to feature you at a Summer Sunday

service

3) Flowers: We like to have flowers on the altar all summer, from our gardens!

Cut a few from home, come on in, place them on our altar.

4) Our outdoor 8:15 worship service needs you to share in leadership! We still

have a few openings, particularly in August, for individuals or families to

lead one of our informal, outdoor services. The ministers are here to give

you plenty of guidance! Contact Seth Baratz if you’re willing to think

about: seth.baratz@snet.net

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Summer Worship Helpers Sought! -- One of the best

traditions in our church, our lay-led services take place each

summer Sunday at 8:15 a.m. on the Church House lawn. These services are a chance for individuals or families in the

church to have fun sharing their faith and their thoughts in

worship. We are looking for people to help lead these summer services! The

pastors are very happy to sit with you and help plan, so you are absolutely not on

your own. A great way to get closer to God and your faith, a great project for a

family to do together! Please be in touch with Deacon Seth Baratz at

seth.baratz@snet.net to express your interest!

The Greenfield Hill Cemetery love and care effort has begun! The information

session and our first work day were both great fun. 2 more volunteer days are on

the calendar! Greenfield Hill's "old burial ground", our church's ancient

'cemetery' (just a half-mile away on Bronson) needs your attention. Our own Jeff

Taylor has taken the lead in restoring the cemetery, and is eager to share what

he's learned, and to invite you all to join in.

•The next workday on May 20 from 8a-1pm. We will focus on basic

cleaning/straightening techniques. •Change: Jonathan Appell master preservationist will join us on Saturday

June 3. 8 am – 3 pm.

Please contact Jeff with your interest and questions at 978-760-1103 or

Jeff.Taylor@bwater.com

Veterans Post 9/11 and Their Community, a clinical presentation and

conversation about suicide prevention and how the community can better

support veterans is sponsored by Fairfield Social Services on Tuesday, May 23rd

at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, 9 AM to 11 AM. Veterans of all ages,

family and friends, the clergy, behavioral health providers, elected officials and the public are most welcome to attend this event at no charge thanks to the social

work presenters and the Town of Fairfield. Please visit:

http://www.fairfieldct.org/bigelowcenter to learn about professional Continuing

Education Credits. Registration is kindly requested by calling 203-256-3166.

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From our Adult Education Board: On Saturday May 20, the season finale of

the Norwalk Symphony offers an opportunity to experience a live

performance of the stupendous Symphony No. 2, known as “The

Resurrection”, by the late romantic composer Gustav Mahler. Through its five

movements and 90 minutes this work evokes themes of life, death, and

resurrection. The Adult Education Board is promoting attendance by

congregation members with a pre-concert talk and discussion led by committee

member Doug Bonnell. Information about the performance and ticketing options

are available here: http://www.norwalksymphony.org or by calling the Norwalk

Symphony at (203) 956-6771. The performance will be at 8 p.m. at the

Norwalk Concert Hall and Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. All those interested in participating in the pre-concert discussion should

arrive at the concert hall before 7:30. Signs in the lobby will indicate the location

(For those who prefer not to drive in the evening, Doug Bonnell will coordinate

carpooling: at (203) 255-2567 or dbonnell27@gmail.com).

Explore Faith/Conversations with a Buddhist Monk at Grace Farms on Friday

evening, June 2. We have a true treasure of architecture, peace and beauty in New Canaan—it’s called Grace Farms and the River Walk, with over 70 acres of

pristine land and an imaginative set of glass buildings winding up a scenic

hillside. The Adult Education Board wants to call your attention to an event

happening on Friday, June 2, 7-9 PM in the amazing all-glass Sanctuary,

Conversations with a Buddhist Monk. Please contact Sandy Timmerman if you are

interested, at sandratimmermann1@gmail.com -- and to learn more about the event, visit gracefarms.org .

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CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 14, 2017

Sunday 9:00 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary

(5/14) NO CHURCH SCHOOL due to the Dogwood Festival

10:30 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary

The Dogwood Festival!! No Youth Groups (YPF or JPF) due to Dogwood

Thursday 10:00 a.m. Bible Study in the Library

(5/18) 6:00 p.m. SPF in the Barn –

7:30 p.m. Bible Study in the Library

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Practice

Saturday 9 a.m.to 11 ASP Youth – final orientation meetings

(5/20) and 12 to 2

Sunday 9:00 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary

(5/21) 9:00 a.m. Church School in the Church House Classrooms 10:30 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary

2:00 p.m. YPF (for our 4th and 5th graders) in the Morgan Youth Barn

5:00 p.m. JPF (for our 6th and 7th graders) in the Morgan Youth Barn

Words to Bless the Lord, O My Soul

From Psalm 103, a song of praise to God written by King David Hymnal no. 752 (vs.1-3)

Words to His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful by John Innes

His name shall be called Wonderful, the mighty God, Prince of Peace, Savior

and Lord, Immanuel Wonderful, Counsellor, our God, everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace, Jesus our Savior and Lord. His kingdom shall last forever. His

peace and his throne eternally. With him we shall reign together, the worlds that

he made for his own. His glory and praise we now proclaim, Though earth pass away, he is the same. Salvation is found in no other name, He will remain Jesus,

our Savior and Lord.

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CELEBRATING THE BAPTISM OF

ELIZABETH WHEATLEY ELKUS

Introduction

Parents' Prayer (Jim and Betsy):

God, giver of all good gifts, we are grateful for the precious gift of

Wheatley, who blesses our life with joy. Give to us, we pray, the patience,

wisdom and love to grow with her in faith. Together may we always be a

family of joy and faith. We ask this in your Son’s name. Amen.

Congregation’s Promise: We are witnesses to your love for this child of God, and your commitment

to raise her in the faith of Jesus Christ. We promise our friendship and our

care. We will share in your delight and joy as Wheatley lives and grows in

Christ!

Baptism

Song of Welcome Welcome, Wheatley, welcome, see our hands reach toward you,

Did you hear our promise to care, to teach, to love you? Welcome, Wheatley, welcome, to God’s house today

Now you are invited to learn, to love, to pray.

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GREENFIELD HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT

Telephone: (203) 259-5596 Fax: (203) 255-4641

Website: www.greenfieldhillchurch.com email: info@greenfieldhillchurch.com

www.facebook.com/GreenfieldHillCongregationalChurch

OFFICERS: Rev. Dr. David Johnson Rowe, Pastor; Rev. Dr. Alida Ward, Pastor; Chris Shea, Church Council Chairperson; Debbie Noyes, Church Clerk; Amy Johnson, Treasurer.

STAFF: Roni Widmer, Office Manager; Sandra Shaw Murphy, Music Director; Sara Mastrony Hoefer, Junior Choir Director; Marcia Carothers, Director of Christian Education; Susan Rippey, Nursery School Director; Jessica Campbell, Financial Manager; Amity Almond and Kelcey King, Assistant Treasurers; Sarah De Meneses, Accountant; Jim Zalenski, Sexton; Rachel Baumann, pastoral assistant.

CHURCH BOARD MEMBERS

Adult Education: Michael Moore, Chairperson; Linda Allegretti, Alice Horrigan, Rebecca Huselid, Edward Jordan,

Sandra Timmermann Children and Youth Ministries: Erika Duffy, co-Chairperson; Marc Power, co-Chairperson; Mike

Dwyer, Amanda Heyn, Andrea Muhlhauser, Anna Taylor Communications: Dave Hinkle, Chairperson; Michael

Fox, Lauren Raps, Nikki Wingate Development: Joe Holland, Chairperson; Tom Kreitler, Don Lord, Martha Lord,

Joanna Patterson, Adam Snyder Diaconate: Carole Lisi, co-Chairperson, Leonard White, co-Chairperson; Kim Baer,

Greg Bambach, Seth Baratz, Jason Dies, Mike Fedak, Jen Hinkle, Karin Keith, Carole Lisi, Blake Titrud, Ellen

Waugh Facilities: Carol McCullough, Chairperson; Pam Dies, Todd Flanagan, Andy Hoder, Mike Licamele, Gary

Rafsky, Dom Savino, Walt Siemon, Rob Steczkowski Fellowship: Amy Desel, co-Chairperson; Francine Jacques, co-

Chairperson; Dottie Baekey, Kathy Baratz, Cathy Fell, Chris Gulotta, Amy Hios, Heather Lajeunesse, Casey Mitchell,

Pamela Patterson, Jennifer Richard, Lynne Taikowski, Christine Wegener Finance: Jerry Hood, co-Chairperson; Brad

Orben, co-Chairperson; LaWanza Holder, Matthew Innes, Amy Johnson, Ken Nelson, Aun Singapore, Chris Tormey

Junior Deacons: Maddy Abrahamson, Nicky Allen, Hannah Amendola, Grace Badger, Liam Ballou, Reid Brown,

Max Chandler, Garrett Cutler, Shay Desmond, Samantha Dies, Natalie Dileo, Henry Durham, Ryan Eckert, Owen Edminster, Robert Farruggio, Jack Flanagan, Ian Greenwood, Sam Hawley, Lucy Hermann, Katie Hinkle, Taylor Horrine, Henry Houghton, Carly Jones, Mary Keden, Justin Keith, Caroline Lacey, Julia Langeland, Caroline Lauf, Olivia Luther, Maddy Markham, Sarah McIlroy, Maggie McKeon, Allison Milicia, Connor Navin, Gillian Orben, Ted Orben, Charles Pearce, Alex Poulter, Emma Powell, Peter Schwinn, Henry Selden, Georgia Sharpe, Will

Stearns, Alex Steele, Jack Vogel, Alexandra Wagner, Michael Waugh, Kate Wegener, Isabella Whelan, Amelia

Yoder, Clay Wackerman, Caroline Young Member Care: Wendy Savino, Chairperson; Nicki Callahan, Sharon

Jacobs, Shari Lovegrove, Eleanor Page, Margot Pearce, Sue Trischman, Elyse Tsou, Lisa Vacheron, Betsey Young

Member Involvement: Becky Brown, co-Chairperson; Betsy Milicia, co-Chairperson; Jen Chandler, Tony Derbyshire,

Glenn Horine, Jon Sabrowski, Adam Simon Mission and Outreach: Henry Bishop, tri-Chairperson, Susan Hood, tri-

Chairperson, Michelle Stearns, tri-Chairperson, Barbara Bishop, Jenny Day, John Fallon, Murray Jacques, Meg Lowe,

Laraine Petersen Church Council At-Large Members: Mike Howard, Mike Smith, Bill Strittmatter Church

Historian: Lynn Van Winkle Internal Auditor: Mark Durham.

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Dogwood Festival, Betsy Auray and Kim Smith; Flowers, Lynn Davies; Ushers, Marcy Michaud; Church Housing

Representatives (Parish Court), Tony Derbyshire, Jerry Grace, Peggy Ruble; Memorial Garden, Lynn Davies;

Nursery School, Alison Lochridge; Fairfield East Delegate, Bill Carothers; Bridgeport Council of Churches,

Michelle Stearns; Human Resources, Cheryl Jones

CHANCEL CHOIR David Callahan, Lia Carter, Sunnie Chapell, Karen Curtin, Lynn Davies, Marne Denslow, Wendy Gerbier, Thomas Grant, Zoe Grosser, Rebecca Huselid, Sue Leiss, Donald Lord, Peggy McCain, Art McCain, Michael Moore, Jon

Passmore, Melinda Reynolds, Earlyne Seaver, Dianne Simpson, Bob Stilson, Michael Trnik, David White

CHURCH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS Kristin Allen, Amity Almond, Kim Baer, Jennifer Bargas, Jessica Campbell, Sarah De Meneses, Erika Duffy, Dawn Dzurik, Betsy Ewing, Karen Fox, Mark Gilrain, Rachelle Giordano, Ann Harvey, Amanda & Ted Heyn, Katie Holland, Andra Horsch, Mary Janacek, Cheryl Kellman, Stacie Kenney, Bob & Molly King, Jen Lubarsky, Krishna Lynch, Suzanne Monk, Andrea Muhlhauser, Kirsten Navin, Gwen Powell, Allyson Power, Bronwyn & Matt Prohaska, Jen Richard, Kirsten Sabrowski, Sarah Schunk, Kara Snyder, Kelly Spencer, Cate Steczkowski, Wendy Steinfeld,