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Welcome Wherever you are on Life’s journey, you are welcome here at

First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, United Church of Christ!

Name Tags - please greet new and old friends by wearing your name tag. Visitors are encouraged to write your own name tag, available in our Book of Friendship, a black folder in each pew. Inside the black folder, you may also sign up for our mailing list, and ask to have someone contact you.

Sunday School is available for youth from Preschool through Middle School during regular worship services. Preschool and Kindergarten childcare services begin prior to worship at 9:15am and 1st - 8th is released to class directly following the ‘Time with Children’ in your program.

Please join us for fellowship and refreshments in Gifford Hall after the service.

Today’s Deacon Linda Phillips Today’s Lay Reader Jean Feldkamp Refreshments Music Altar Flowers The flowers today are given as a Happy Birthday to Auntie Jen from Sylvie and Gavin.

For children during worship:

Activity baskets are available in the far right corner of the Sanctuary.

Children’s bulletins are available from an usher.

Childcare is provided For all children birth through three years old in our staffed Nursery. Ushers will show you the way.

*************************** Units for the hearing impaired Available on the back table.

Large Print bulletins with hymns are available.

Blue Prayer Cards: Are available in each pew. Members pray during the week over your sorrows or joys. Please place the cards in the offering plate, or in the Prayer Request Box on the table in the rear of the Sanctuary.

A gentle reminder : Please silence your cell phone at the start of the service.

Please recycle your bulletin There is a basket on the back table or in the basket by the name tag racks.

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CHURCH STAFF

The Reverend Lynne Dolan, Senior Pastor ldolan@fccsm.org

The Rev. Dr. James Matarazzo, Interim Pastor jim@fccsm.org

Curtis Smith, Director of Music musicdirector@fccsm.org

Leo Biocchi, Director of Christian Education cedirector@fccsm.org

Lauren Morse, Financial Administrator finance@fccsm.org

Ellen Jones, Office Administrator office@fccsm.org

Brian Scott, Sexton

The Reverend Dr. Paul R. Adkins, Pastor Emeritus

OUR CHURCH’S MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of this Church is to come together as Christians to serve God by studying and listening to the Word and living by Christ’s teachings. We are committed to reaching out through prayer, caring, sharing and fellowship.

First Congregational Church 19 Church Road

Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Telephone: 508.845.7286

Fax: 508.845.6561

www.fccsm.org Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FCCShrewsbury

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CALENDAR A: Adkins Room~C: Chapel~CH: Cushing Hall~DR: Drama Room~

GH: Gifford Hall~K: Kitchen~HMR: Halliday Music Room~O: Office~P: Parlor~ S: Sanctuary~ST: Storytelling Room~SR: Sumner Room~Y: Youth Room

Sunday 10/13 9:30 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am Youth Group Pie Baking-K 11:00 am Training Choir-MR

11:00 am Youth Ringers-S Monday 10/14 7:00 pm Caregiver’s Support Group-Y Columbus Day - Office Closed Tuesday 10/15 7:00 pm Church Council-A Wednesday 10/16 10:00 am Staff Meeting 11:30 am Martha Circle Guest Speaker-C 6:00 pm Shrewsbury Ringers-S 7:30 pm Parish Pealers-S Thursday 10/17 7:15 pm Senior Choir-MR Friday 10/18 3:45 pm Chimers-C 4:00 pm Youth Singers-MR Sunday 10/20 9:30 am Sunday Worship/Special Guest 10:30 am Mission Fair-GH 11:00 am Training Choir-MR

11:00 am Youth Ringers-S

COG Deadline for November is October 14

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The First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury United Church of Christ

Sunday, September 22, 2019 9:30 a.m.

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Welcome to First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury. We are glad you are here!

Prelude “Footsteps of Jesus” E. Broughton

Welcome & Announcements

*Hymn #394, NCH “In Christ There Is No East or West”

Passing of the Peace

Gather Call to Worship

Venite, exultemus Domino (Anglican Chant) Richard Goodson (1655-1718)

Psalm 95 1 O come let us sing | out · to the | Lord; let us shout in triumph to the | rock of | our sal|vation. 2 Let us come before his | face with | thanksgiving and cry | out · to him | joyfully · in | psalms. 3 For the Lord is a | great | God and a great | king a·bove | all | gods. 4 In his hand are the | depths · of the | earth and the peaks of the | mountains ·are | his | also. 5 The sea is his and | he | made it, his hands | moulded | the dry | land. 6 Come let us worship and | bow | down and kneel be|fore the | Lord our | maker. 7 For he is the | Lord our | God; we are his | people · and the | sheep of · his | pasture. Glory | be · to the | Father, and to the Son, | and · to the | Holy | Spirit; as it | was in · the be|ginning, is now and ever shall be, | world with·out | end. A|men.

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Prayer of Confession (unison) from the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies

All: Merciful God, have mercy on our souls, according to your unwavering love; according to your abundant mercy, wipe away our sins and the guilt that we have carried for so long. Instead, write on our hearts your love; your boundaries for our lives; your salvation that sets us free from our sins; to live the abundant life you have for each of us. Lord, we would see Jesus – we would love Jesus – we would follow Jesus – we would serve Jesus. Amen.

Words of Assurance Matthew 11:28-30 Leader: My friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Glory be to God!

*Hymn #513, Pilgrim “Gloria Patri”

Anthem “Rejoice in the Lord Alway” H. Purcell

Time With Children Children are now guided to Sunday School by teachers. Please pick up your children at the

conclusion of worship. Middle Schoolers may walk down to coffee hour themselves.

Word Readings: Ruth 1: 1-17 Page 210, Pew Bible Mark 3: 33-35 Page 815, Pew Bible

*Hymn #506, NCH “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

Sermon: “David’s foreign Great-grandmother” Rev. Dr. James Matarazzo

Response Communal Prayer Refrain

As We Come To Thee In Prayer Now, dear Lord, as we pray, take our hearts and minds far away from the press of the world all around to Thy throne where grace doth abound. May our lives be transformed by Thy love, may our souls be refreshed from above. At this moment, let people everywhere join us now as we come to Thee in prayer.

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Youth Group: October 13 - Columbus Day Weekend; no YG October 20 - Davis Farmland Corn Maze, 1:30-4 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0549aaa92ea0f94-davis

Church Wide Listening Sessions with Rev. Dr. Jim Matarazzo: Dur ing the sabbatical per iod at First Congregational Church, I will be conducting listening sessions after Sunday worship and coffee hour in the Chapel at 11:00 AM. All members and friends of the church are very welcome. This is an opportunity for you to express your views on the present state of the congregation and what you want to see for the future. It is meant to be a safe space for sharing. I will not be recording comments or associating names with what is said. I want to hear your honest views. You also have the option to meet with me one on one. Jim Remaining Sunday Dates: October 13 October 27 November 3 There will also be an evening weekday session for those who cannot attend after church on October 24 at 7:00pm in the Parlor. For the sessions that follow Worship, children's care will be provided. Children's care means that both nursery care and activities for older children (Preschool, Elementary and Middle School) provided. Contact Leo Biocchi, Director of CE, 508-887-3007 with questions about children’s care.

FCC Caregiver Support Group Remaining Schedule: Second and Fourth Mondays of the Month 6:30pm to approximately 8:30pm

The second Mondays are for educational meetings. The fourth Mondays are for caregiver support group time.

October 14: Dr. Harvey Clermont/ Beth Anne Doan Topic: Care for the Caregiver: Physical, Mental, Spiritual & Respite

October 28: Caregiver Support Group TBD- Agenda and format to be announced from September meeting.

November 11: Dr. Harvey Clermont/ Beth Anne Doan Topic: Communication Skills for Caregivers

Video: Teepa Snow November 25: Caregiver Support Group

TBD Sunday, December 15: A Holiday Service of Loving Care. For caregivers, allies and those who support them. 6:00pm

Theatrical Event: Please join church fr iends for a theatr ical event at 2PM on Saturday, December 7 to see “Come From Away” at the Providence Performing Arts Center. “Come From Away” is a musical set in the week following the September 11 attacks and tells the true story of what transpired when 38 planes were ordered to land unexpectedly in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. It is an experience that celebrates decency and human kindness. Tickets are $95 per person, including bus transportation from the church parking lot to the Providence Performing Arts Center and back again. The bus leaves at 12:30 and is expected to return to the church before 6PM. Snacks, drinks and opinions about the show will be shared on the journey home. Please sign up and pay by October 13 at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C49A4A628ABFB6-come Or, see Tom Porter after church. Please note there will be no refunds if you sign up and are unable to attend.

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LOOKING AHEAD

October 16 Martha Circle Guest Speaker October 19 Arts on the Green Spooktacular! October 20 Special Guest: Pastor Emeritus The Rev. Dr. Paul Adkins

Be-Like-Brit Martha Circle Speaker: The Mar tha Circle would like to invite all women, men, and friends of the Church to our October 16 meeting, at 11:30 in the chapel. Our speaker will be Taylor Marek. For those of you who are not familiar with the Be-Like-Brit Foundation, it began back in 2010 when a 19 year old college student from Rutland, named Britney Gengel, traveled to Haiti with Lynn University on a college mission trip. Shortly after their arrival, a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck killing an estimated 300,000 people including Britney. In memory of their daughter, Cherylann and her husband, Lenny Gengel started the Be-Like-Brit foundation and began building a 19,000 square foot orphanage in Haiti. Please plan to attend our meeting and hear how a local Rutland family took an unspeakable tragedy and turned it into a blessing for the people of Haiti. If you would like more information about the orphanage, the Be-Like-Brit foundation and the tireless work that the Gengel family is doing on behalf of the children of Haiti, please visit their website at www.belikebrit.org. We are hoping that you will join us at our October meeting.

Spooktacular: Halloween isn’t just for kids! The 2nd Annual Spooktacular is being held at FCC at 7pm on Saturday, Oct. 19. Fun and spooky music will be played on the organ, piano, handbells, harpsichord and box organ. Musicians will be Curtis Smith, Isabelle Zhao and the Shrewsbury Ringers from FCC and Kristjon Imperio, organist from Pakachoag Music School. Among the pieces being played are Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor; Holst’s Neptune, the Mystic from the Planets; Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu; the Addams Family Theme, Purple People Eater, and some other surprises.

This is a free event for anyone of any age who likes wonderful music, Halloween or both! Children’s activities, including cookie decorating, will begin at 6:15, the concert begins at 7 and will be followed by a reception in the fully decorated Gifford Hall. Costumes (for kids and adults) are optional.

Special Guest: Pastor Emeritus The Rev. Dr. Paul Adkins: Dr. Adkins will return to our church after 9 years to award the first "Paul and Debbie Adkins Ministerial Scholarship" to our own member-in-discernment Beth Anne Doan. He will also preach. Please extend a warm welcome to Dr. Adkins upon his return and congratulate Beth Anne on being the first recipient of this award.

Mission Fair: Come join us at the FCCSM Mission Fair on Sunday, October 20, in Gifford Hall during coffee hour. Do you know what the different Committees and Ministries have been up to this year? Come and find out!

Message from Stewardship: Appreciation to all those who have already made their pledges! We have been a beacon to the community since 1723. “Blessed. Grateful. Willing.” is our Stewardship campaign theme for 2020. Pledge cards were mailed in September and if you haven’t done so already, please consider pledging. No gift is too big or too small. With the financial support of people like you, our church can effectively budget for the coming year.and continue to offer inspirational services and programs. Please help us reach our goal of 100% FCCSM participation by mailing your pledge form or placing it in the offering plate. We will also collect pledge forms at a special table in Gifford Hall before and after the worship service on the following Sundays:

10/20 Mission Fair 10/27 Stewardship Sunday Thank you!!

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Prayers of Petition and Thanksgiving Refrain

The Lord’s Prayer (unison) 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.

Invitation to Offering

Offertory “Teach Me, O Lord” T. Attwood

*Doxology (Sung to the tune “Old Hundredth”)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ the Word in flesh born low; Praise Holy Spirit evermore: One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication (unison) from the Unitarian Universalist Association We give these gifts freely, O God, and we receive these gifts gratefully. We dedicate these gifts to the work of our congregation: weaving a tapestry of compassion and action, faith and fellowship, hope and wholeness, serving human wholeness, caring for our planet, upholding justice, welcoming the stranger, loving one another. Amen.

*Hymn #443, Pilgrim “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”

Benediction

Congregational Response #61, v.1, Pilgrim “God Be With You”

Postlude “Allegro” P. Francheschini

*Those who are able, please stand.

PLEASE PRAY WITH US

Heyr Himna smiður Hear me, Smith of the heavens! May your mercy come to me softly. I call on you, O Creator, for I am your servant and you are my Lord. I call on you to heal me. Remember me, Mild One, and all who need you. Drive out, O King of suns, all sorrow from the hearts of people. Watch over me, Mild One, in every moment that I dwell in this world. O Son of the virgin, while we dwell on earth, send us good works to do with heartfelt love. Amen. Kolbeinn Tumason (1171-1208), Icelandic chieftain. Heyr Himna smiður is the oldest hymn still in use in Iceland.

Nolan Schloemer, Bill Gibbs, Donald & Trudy Desfosse, Jay Dev Chandra, Joie Hodge, Sr., Anna M. Kane, Linda Mitrano, Charles Monroe, Phyllis Rich, Chris Laurson and Gary Sampson,

Nedra Biliouris

… also all military personnel, Coast Guard, firefighters, police, EMT’s, first responders, counselors, therapists, doctors and medical personnel and all who protect and care for us.