First Parish Church, Congregational On the Village Green

Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

Rev. John G. Hughes, II, Senior Pastor

Donald R. Dunn, Director of Music-Organist

Priscilla Duda, Christian Ministry Coordinator

Jessica Skidmore, Youth Director

David Reid, Sexton

Nancy Klebart, Office Manager

Church office: 978-526-7661 ext. 1 Fax: 978-526-7882

Email: office.fpchurch@verizon.net

Website: www.firstparishchurch.org

Insert picture of Church

MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE

Communion Sunday, March 6, 2016, 10:00 a.m.

ORGAN PRELUDE: “My Song Is Love Unknown”

Hymn tune by John Ireland (1879-1962)

Setting by Michael Burkhardt (b.1957)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

*[Please stand for the lighting of the candles]

CALL TO WORSHIP:

Come and discover the new things God is doing.

Let us receive what is new from our loving God.

God is making all creation new and redeemed.

Let us give thanks to God Most High.

*HYMN: “God of Grace and God of Glory” NCH #436 black

PRAYER OF INVOCATION

We believe in God:

who has created and is creating,

what has come in Jesus,

the Word made flesh,

to reconcile and make new,

who works in us and others by the Spirit.

We trust in God.

We are called to be the Church:

to celebrate God’s presence,

to love and serve others,

to seek justice and resist evil,

to proclaim Jesus,

crucified and risen,

our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death,

God is with us.

We are not alone. Thanks be to God. United Church of Canada, 1980

*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, the power and the glory forever. Amen.

*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

SCRIPTURE READING: Joshua 5:9-12 pg. 337

ANTHEM: “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”

Music based on “St. Columba” an Irish melody

Setting by Michael McCarthy (b. 1966)

The King of love my Shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never;

I nothing lack if I am his

And he is mine for ever.

Where streams of living water flow

My ransomed soul he leadeth,

And where the verdant pastures grow

With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,

But yet in love he sought me,

And on his shoulder gently laid,

And home, rejoicing, brought me,

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill

With thee, dear Lord, beside me;

Thy rod and staff my comfort still,

Thy Cross before to guide me.

Thou spread’st a table in my sight,

Thy unction grace bestoweth:

And O what transport of delight

From thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days

Thy goodness faileth never;

Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise

Within thy house for ever.

(H.W. Baker, based on Psalm 23)

MORNING PRAYER

CONGREGATION’S JOYS AND CONCERNS

SILENT PRAYER - PASTORAL PRAYER - CHORAL RESPONSE

Almighty God,

to you all hearts are open,

all desires known;

from you, O God, no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

so that we may more perfectly mirror

your glorious love to our broken world.

This we ask through Jesus Christ,

who grounds us in your grace. Amen.

Let us offer our silent prayers …

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 15:1-3, 11-20a; 20b-32 pg. 1623

*HYMN: “Be Now My Vision” NCH #451 black

SERMON: “Good in the Worst Sense”

MOMENT OF MEDITATION

OFFERTORY SENTENCE

OFFERTORY ANTHEM: “My Song Is Love Unknown”

Text: Samuel Crossman (ca. 1624-1683)

Music: Edwin T. Childs (b. 1945)

My song is love unknown,

My Savior’s love to me;

Love to the loveless shown,

That they might lovely be.

O who am I, that for my sake

My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?

Sometimes they strew His way,

And His sweet praises sing;

Resounding all the day

Hosannas to their King:

Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,

And for His death they thirst and cry.

Why, what hath my Lord done?

To cause this rage and spite?

He made the lame to run,

He gave the blind their sight,

Sweet injuries! Yet they at these

Are why the Lord most High so cruelly dies.

Here might I stay and sing,

Of Him my soul adores;

Never was love, dear King!

Never was grief like yours.

This is my Friend, in Whose sweet praise

I all my days could gladly spend.

*DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God

above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*HYMN: “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” PH #102 blue

SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION (The bread in the middle of the offering plates is gluten free)

Invitation to Communion

When Jesus, the Risen Savior, was at the table with two of the disciples,

he took the bread and broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were

opened, and they recognized the risen Christ in the breaking of that

bread.

In company with all believers in every time, and beyond time,

we come to this table to know the risen Christ

in the breaking of the bread.

Eternal God, who has created the heavens and the earth, giving breath to

every living thing, we thank you for all the gifts of creation and for the

gift of life itself.

We thank you for making us in your own image,

for forgiving us when we act as though you have no claim on us,

and for keeping us in your steadfast care.

We rejoice in Jesus Christ, the only one eternally begotten by you,

who was born of your servant Mary and shared the joys and sorrows of

this life.

We remember Christ's death,

we celebrate Christ's resurrection, and,

in the beloved community of your church,

we await Christ's return at the end of history.

We offer you our praise for women and men of faith in every age who

stand as witnesses to your love and justice. With all the prophets,

martyrs, and saints, and all the company of heaven we glorify you.

Amen.

Institution

Gracious God, we ask you to bless this bread and this cup and all of us

with the outpouring of your Holy Spirit. Through this meal, make us the

body of Christ, the church, your servant people, that we may be salt, and

light, and leaven for the furtherance of your will in the world.

Amen. Come, Holy Spirit!

Distribution of Elements

Prayer

Holy God, our loving Creator, as close to us as breathing and distant as

the farthest star, we thank you for your constant love for all you have

made.

We thank you for all that sustains life,

for all people of faith in every generation

who have given themselves to your will,

and especially for Jesus Christ,

whom you have sent from your own being

as our Savior.

We praise you for Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection. We praise

you for calling forth your church for its mission in the world. Gifted by

the presence of the Holy Spirit, we offer ourselves to you as we unite

our voices with the entire family of your faithful people everywhere, in

gratitude.

*[The “Removal of the Flame”]

BENEDICTION

CHORAL RESPONSE

ORGAN POSTLUDE: “Tuba Tune in D Major”

Craig Sellar Lang (1891-1971)

* * * * *

The greeters and lay readers the Smith Family; Jason, Allison,

Annabel, and Atticus.

The Deacons are Lynda Griffiths and Christiane Alsop.

Today, March 6 (following worship)

Celebrate your birth with a Luncheon & Birthday

Bash then enjoy The Heifer Talent Show to benefit

Heifer International. Heifer International operates in 51

countries worldwide establishing economic health for

rural families. Your gifts will create environmental

healthy communities, alleviate poverty, and stop hunger. Please see the

last page of the bulletin about how to make a donation!

Readers and Greeters are always needed, contact the office or talk to the

Deacons.

Listening devices are available for those in need; they are at the back of

the Sanctuary. Feel free to address a Deacon should you need help using

them.

After the service join us in the front of the church for hospitality.

Welcome to all who are new to our worship. To join our mailing list fill

out a “Welcome Card” to place in the collection plate or contact

office.fpchurch@verizon.net , 978-526-7661 ext 1.

First Parish serves dinner at The Open Door

Wednesday, March 16

Servers needed: please contact Jim Brennan

All Middle and High School students are invited to join us

for a Celtics game on Friday, April 8th @ 7p.m.

The cost is $40 per ticket plus the cost of the train ride into

the city. Space is limited so please contact Jessica Skidmore

at youthdirector.fpchurch@verizon.net to sign up as soon as possible!

Save the date, Tuesday, March 22

6:30 PM in the Chapel for a Spring potluck!

FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny

Lapham at 978-526-7128, to donate in memory or celebration!

Book Group continues with a new selection for March,

“Fates and Furies” by Lauren Groff. Every story has two

sides. Every relationship has two perspectives. And

sometimes, it turns out, the key to a great marriage is not its

truths but its secrets. At the core of this rich, expansive, layered novel,

Lauren Groff presents the story of one such marriage over the course of

twenty-four years. We meet again Monday, March 28 at 7 PM at

Lauren Gudonis' home. Car pool will meet at the Chapel at 6:45 PM

which is encouraged because her parking area is somewhat limited.

Looking for Knitting Needles and Yarn

The Seaside Parish Knitters are looking for knitting

needles and yarn that you might be considering "casting"

aside. We continue to knit blankets, shawls, and scarves;

and for our military troops: helmet liners, neck gators, and scarves.

We use both 100% wool and synthetic fibers for yarn, and straight and

round knitting needles....all sizes. Contact Penny Lapham at 978-526-

7128 or laphenpen@live.com We welcome anyone. Our next meeting is

March 17 at 3 PM.

At the sign of the Rose, we’re happy to announce another

Vespers Service, a quiet time for prayerful meditation, peace,

reflections on a psalm, candle-lighting at the altar, and

contemplative music.

Wednesday, March 9th – Vespers: ‘sins are covered’ psalm 32

Thursday, March 24th – Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m.

All are welcome, the Sanctuary opens at 6:30 p.m. for meditation &

prayer; our service is from 7-7:30 p.m., followed by ten minutes of

music. For further information (978) 526-7661

On Wednesday evenings when Vespers are not held join us for

An Hour of Tranquility Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. As a way of

giving back to the community, First Parish is opening its

candlelit sanctuary on the Town Green for anyone seeking a

place of tranquility to enjoy peaceful music and private meditation. All

faiths are welcome to join in this space.

Most Friday afternoons at 4:00 PM in the

Conference Room of the Chapel

THE CARE TEAM MINISTRY, Have

you shared the experience? We support FPC families with meals,

rides, & visits through times of illness and loss. If you would like to

become involved with this wonderful team contact;

Sheila Kafer 978-525-3253, smkafer@comcast.net

Janet Groth at 978-526-8408, janbythesea244@gmail.com

First Parish Church Congregational uses candid photos of church

activities on its website and in its publicity from time to time. Any photos

of children used will not contain personally identifiable information.

Members of the community not wanting their photos depicted (or those

of their children) should inform the church office.

Sunday, March 13 Rev. Llewellyn Smith will speak on

Pilgrimages.

Why do people leave home and go on Pilgrimages?

Why do Pilgrimages exist globally and throughout

history?

Why do we need to travel to sacred places?

Why is interest in Pilgrimages growing?

We will look at Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, as well as Christian

Pilgrimages. Learn about the spiritual experiences people find on these

“wonderful voyages”. Lelly will use personal photographs to illustrate

what it is that pilgrimages do to entice people to invest their personal

time and finances.

Meeting for the 300TH GATHERING ANNIVERSARY-

Thursday, March 10 at 7 PM in the Chapel Conference Room.

Everyone is invited to come brainstorm ways to celebrate our

Congregation's 300th anniversary this year. Questions contact

Mary Ellen Cook, Penny Lapham, Rev. Lelly Smith, or Rev. John

Hughes. Join us!

Interested in our church??? Questions you want answered?

This is a great time to sit in a relaxed atmosphere and chat

with Rev. John Hughes and some other interested people.

We will meet on Thursday, March 17 (even if you are

Irish) at 7:00 PM at Sue and Jeff Parker's home, 41 Central

St. Manchester. Everyone is welcome. Call Mary Ellen Cook at 978-

526-7178 or Allison Moir-Smith at 978-526-1904 with any questions.

Hope to see you there!

Upcoming events can be found on our website

(www.firstparishchurch.org ) under “News” and “Calendar” and on our

Facebook page (First Parish Manchester-by-the-Sea)

Monday

7:30 PM Manchester Singers

Tuesday

10:00 AM COA Zumba

Wednesday

10:00 AM COA Yoga

5:00 PM Mid-Week Sunday School

7:00 PM Vespers

7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

Thursday

7:00 PM 300th Gathering Meeting

Friday

8:00 AM Yoga

4:00 PM Bible Study

Confirmation Retreat

Sunday

10:00 AM Worship, Nursery, Sunday School, Middle School YG

11:30 PM Soup & Conversation

The Sunday School and Youth

Group are again raising money

for Heifer International!

Each year we raise money to buy

animals for those in need.

TODAY, Sunday, March 6 we

will hold a Talent Show/Birthday

Bash Luncheon to raise needed funds. Heifer provides livestock and

training so that families can improve nutrition and earn income for

health care, shelter and education for children. Each family that receives

a Heifer animal promises to "pass on the gift" by giving one or more of

the offspring and knowledge to another family in need.

Below are some of the ways we can help by purchasing animals;

(1) Heifer (cow) $500 (1) Water Buffalo $250

(1) Goat $120 (1) Flock of Chicks, Ducks or Geese $20

(1) Sheep $120, provide valuable wool and is a vital source of income

in impoverished communities. Wool can provide warmth and can be

sold at market for income. Heifer families pass on the gifts they receive,

so your gift today starts a cycle that helps transforms countless lives.

(1) Hive of Honeybees/Earth Basket, $30, bees produce honey and

wax that supply income when sold at the local market. An active

beehive's pollination makes for more efficient crop growth. This basket

also contains tree seedlings which provide shade and fodder for animals

and prevent soil erosion.

(1) Hope Basket, $50, with its chickens and rabbits, offers just that to

Heifer's project partners. Rabbits are easy to care for and reproduce

quickly, allowing their owners to sell the offspring for extra income

once they've fulfilled Heifer's "Passing on the Gift" promise; and

chickens lay eggs and provide manure for vegetable gardens.

Last year we were able to send $1,097 to Heifer please help us

change the world again! Please make checks out to First Parish

Church and note "Heifer Project", collections are being taken before

and after Church through March in the Narthex.