First Congregational Church of Plainfield

First Congregational Church of Plainfield For Pastoral Care/Spiritual Needs United Church of Christ Contact a deacon listed below, or the pastor. 860-564-5932 www.fccplainfield.org Alternates: Patti Ihloff DECEMBER 11TH, 2016, THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Deacons for December are Chelle and Merry PASTOR STEPHEN FINLAN If you have a special prayer request, please write your request and put As the prelude begins please take this time in silence to prepare your hearts it in the offering plate. PRELUDE - Jean Barrett, pianist Pastor Steve Finlan 732.266.8035 cell INTROIT - The Children’s Choir Chimes Chelle Wright 860.465.7577 cell CANDLE OF REMEMBRANCE & PRAYER Darlene Hill 860.428.7406 cell We light this candle for those in harm’s way; David Young 860.608.4696 cell for those serving our country in the military, George Brew 860.367.5232 cell for those in the service of the United Nations and Jean Lukin 860.377.4488 cell for those involved in other humanitarian agencies. Rebecca Theriaque 860.382.5505 cell Merry Humphrey 860.655.4837 cell ANNOUNCEMENTS Judy Jones Sherry Mason 860.913.4801 cell/860.822.1153 home

CHOIR: “We Light the Advent Candles” ATTENTION

LIGHTING THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE by Gary O’Neil, Sr. and Gary Jr.: Choir chime members wanted – One (Maya Taylor): Mary was one minute a normal teenager, the Rehearsals are Sunday mornings, at 9:15. next she was on a journey to bring Jesus into the world. Grades 3-adult. No music experience needed. All: With God, all things are possible. One: And no matter what the world expected or how hard life got, Mary’s reply was only, All: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” GENERAL One: And, confident in her faith, she trusted God through even the - Visitors will find a guest book inside the front doorway on right. darkest times. As we follow Mary’s example, then we too can - Child care is provided in our nursery. carry the light of God into the darkness with JOY. - There are activity bags located in the back of the sanctuary; (The pink candle of JOY is lit) filled with books, games and puzzles- help yourself. One: Let us pray. - A Card Request box is available inside the front doorway. Please let All: We give thanks for all those who have followed the light of us know if we might send a card to show we care. JOY. All those, who have lived it and carried it through the ages to today. Church Cancellation due to weather tune into May their lives remind us of our own journey and may we Channel 3 WFSB TV or Channel 8 WTNH TV find JOY in it. Let us spread the light of JOY. Amen. -7- -2-

Narrator 1 – Pastor Steve: (Matthew 2:1-12) CALL TO WORSHIP – Rachel DelleFave In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, One: The joy of the season is upon us. wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child The time is almost here. who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its All: We have come to praise the Lord! rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard One: We are here to sing praises to God, the Holy One this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling in whom we place our trust. together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of All: God opens our eyes and lifts us up them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him it was written by the prophet: One: Let us praise God All: who is God forever and ever. Amen. “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; Please stand. for from you shall come a ruler HYMN – “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” #154, verses 1-2 & 4 who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them PRAYER OF INVOCATION – in unison led by Pastor Steve the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to We gather, O God, in this worship space, mindful of your presence. Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him We are here to rejoice as we await your glory. Help us proclaim the joy you promise. homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead Bless us through the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, of them, went the star they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over and through the stories of Christ among us. the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the THE LORD’S PRAYER – in unison led by Pastor Steve child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. homage. Opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Kings come forward.) For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen

HYMN: “We Three Kings of Orient Are” #233, verses 1–2 PRAYER OF CONFESSION – Pastor Steve One: You alone, Most Patient God, FINAL HYMN: “Joy to the World” #179, verses 1-2, and 4 know how our Advent journey is going. Did we, at the beginning of the season (During final hymn the whole cast of the pageant processes out.) promise to make this Advent different? Did we promise in our heart of hearts BENEDICTION Pastor Steve to prepare ourselves spiritually to receive your Son? -3- -6- All: We confess, O God, that we so easily allow the times of quiet we promised for you to slip away. CHRISTMAS STORY AND PAGEANT Forgive us in our distractions. Help us renew our preparations for your coming. Narrator 1 – Pastor Steve: (Luke 2:1-7) We look forward to your promise to bring life and In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the courage to us. world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own One: So we wait a little longer – towns to be registered. Joseph went from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, and with a great deal more patience. to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from All: Continue to be with us, O Lord the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to as we learn to wait with you and for you. whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they Silent confession..... were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE - Pastor Steve him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. We come to you confessing what is on our hearts and minds. (Joseph & Mary come forward.) We do so trusting that you hear our petitions and that you have already forgiven what needs to be forgiven. Amen. HYMN: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” #180, verses 1 and 4 GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Narrator 2 – Deacon Merry: (Luke 2:8-14) As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch world without end. Amen. Amen. over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. Please be seated. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. To you is born this day INVITATION TO SHARE –DEACON CHELLE WRIGHT in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will The scriptures tell us that God will turn things around; be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and there will be new life in the dry places; lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude there will be a strengthening in those of us with fearful hearts. of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the There will be joy. God wants us to participate in turning things around. highest heaven, and on earth peace to those of good will!” And so we share the gifts God has placed in our hands. (All angels come forward.) OFFERTORY Narrator 3 – Deacon Chelle: (Luke 2:15-16) Please stand. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds DOXOLOGY said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing Praise God from whom all blessings flow. that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they Praise Him all creatures here below. went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the Praise Him above ye heavenly host. manger. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. (Shepherds and animals come forward.) -4- -5-

PRAYER OF DEDICATION- in unison led by Deacon Chelle Christmas Pageant Cast We present to you, O God, our gifts. May they be used to make a difference in the lives of people where hope is scarce. May our gifts be a reminder of your love. Joseph - Ian Taylor Mary - Drew Rivard HYMN - “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” (twice through) #178

Please be seated Wise Visitor – Desiree Aldrich Wise Visitor – Jett Neri PRAYER REQUESTS – Pastor Steve Wise Visitor – Mable Peterson

PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR PRAYER Angels – Shauna Tatro Change my heart, O God, make it ever true. Hayleigh Young Change my heart , O God, may I be like you. Nikkimarie Young You are the Potter, I am the clay; Jessi Chowanec mold me and make me, this is what I pray. Claire Sirois Change my heart, O God, make it ever true. Anyliah Rojas Change my heart, O God, may I be like you. Elsie Peterson THE CONGREGATION AT PRAYER

Shepherds - Alex Gaudreau Lead me Lord; lead me in Thy righteousness. Veda Barber Make Thy way plain before my face. Gary O’Neil, Jr. For it is Thou Lord, Thou Lord only, Jada Neri that makest me dwell in safety.

Cow - Luke Sirois SCRIPTURE READINGS Sheep - Nicko Mazzrella Isa 35:1–2, 5–6 (see insert) Deacon Chelle Matt 11:7–11 (see insert) Pastor Steve The Message: “Greater Than John”

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Calendar of Events Dec. 11, 2016 Our Church Family in Need of Prayer Tue., 12/13 1 Corinthians Bible study, 6 pm The Baton Family Tue., 12/13 Choir Practice 7:15 pm The Hill Family Thur., 12/15 Women’s Prayer Group, 10 am The Shippee Family The Foular Family Thur., 12/15 “Faith” Bible study, 6 pm The Ducharme Family Thur., 12/15 Open Hearts rehearsal, 7:15 pm Alan Williams (Joan Bessette’s brother) Mon., 12/19 Daisy Scouts meeting, 6 pm Pat Palonen, Ellie Desjardin’s daughter diagnosed with breast cance Sat., 12/24 Christmas Eve Service, 8 pm (no service on Joey Backofen Eddie LaPerle Sunday, Christmas Day) Pat Michalski (continuing to battle cancer) Wed., 1/11 Cabinet meeting, 6 pm The Milliron Family (facing struggles, relatives of Elton & Leslee Thur., 1/12 Trustees meeting, 7 pm Bunnell) Diane, Kelly and Alex Gaudreau (Sherry Mason’s family) Sun., 1/29 Annual meeting Terry Tatro (being treated for cancer) Helen Coombs (resident of Davis’ Place) Fund raising Events Bob Vickers (recovering from surgery) Gift cards can be ordered from Cathie for 99 Restaurant, Kenny and Sarah Phaiah (Amy’s friends with health problems) Chili’s, Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesdays, and Amazon. 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. Calendar of Events Dec. 11, 2016 Our Church Family in Need of Prayer Tue., 12/13 1 Corinthians Bible study, 6 pm The Baton Family Tue., 12/13 Choir Practice 7:15 pm The Hill Family Thur., 12/15 Women’s Prayer Group, 10 am The Shippee Family Thur., 12/15 “Faith” Bible study, 6 pm The Foular Family The Ducharme Family Thur., 12/15 Open Hearts rehearsal, 7:15 pm Alan Williams (Joan Bessette’s brother) Mon., 12/19 Daisy Scouts meeting, 6 pm Pat Palonen, Ellie Desjardin’s daughter diagnosed with breast cance Sat., 12/24 Christmas Eve Service, 8 pm (no service on Joey Backofen Eddie LaPerle Sunday, Christmas Day) Pat Michalski (continuing to battle cancer) Wed., 1/11 Cabinet meeting, 6 pm The Milliron Family (facing struggles, relatives of Elton & Leslee Thur., 1/12 Trustees meeting, 7 pm Bunnell) Sun., 1/29 Annual meeting Diane, Kelly and Alex Gaudreau (Sherry Mason’s family) Terry Tatro (being treated for cancer) Helen Coombs (resident of Davis’ Place) Fund raising Events Bob Vickers (recovering from surgery) Gift cards can be ordered from Cathie for 99 Restaurant, Kenny and Sarah Phaiah (Amy’s friends with health problems) Chili’s, Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesdays, and Amazon. 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

Matt 11:7–11 7 Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did Isa 35:1–2, 5–6 you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by 1The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are the desert shall rejoice and blossom; in royal palaces. like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly, 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and REJOICE with joy and singing. . . . and more than a prophet.

10 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; who will prepare your way before you.’ 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, 11 “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”