Mission Statement s7

MISSION STATEMENT As members of the First Congregational Church of Evanston, we are on a spiritual First Congregational Church of Evanston journey. As an inclusive congregation, we welcome all faith experiences and family United Church of Christ types; we are an open and affirming community of faith who welcome and include Hinman Avenue at Grove Evanston, Illinois all people and embrace differences of age, ability, race, sexual orientation, and Founded 1869 national origin. We are challenged by the Gospel to grow in our understanding of what the Biblical Word means for Christian life today, to nurture one another, and to Transfiguration Sunday March 2, 2014 be engaged in our community and the world. By God’s grace and guided by the Holy Welcome to First Congregational Church of Evanston. Whether this is your Spirit, we commit ourselves, our resources, and our time to Jesus Christ through this first time here, your first time here in a long time, or whether you were with congregation. us just last week, we are glad that you are with us today. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. First Chronicles - Hard copies of our newsletter are available in the Narthex. You can also find a link to the newsletter on our website, www.firstchurchevanston.org. At First Congregational Church, worship begins with the Prelude. (under the tab “news and events”). Weekly sermons are also available on the website. We invite you to use this time for silence, prayer, and meditation. Prelude Let All On Earth Their Voices Raise Gerald Near Introit From All That Dwell Below the Skies David Lornson * Call to Worship Leader: The glory of God transforms the every day. Church members who need the assistance of a wheelchair or walker People: The light of God transfigures familiar faces. often have difficulty finding parking near the ramp to the sanctuary. Leader: At the heights of our worship, may God's presence shine. Please give priority parking along the south side of the sanctuary People: At the depths of our pain and struggle, may God's presence give (westbound) to those who need it the most. Thank you! us courage and peace. All: May God's light, shining in the face of Christ, illumine all our FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF EVANSTON days. Amen. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST * Hymn No. 138 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty 1445 Hinman Ave (at Grove Street) * Morning Prayer Mailing address: 1417 Hinman Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 Let us pray: Holy God, there are mysteries we do not understand. There are Phone: 847-864-8332 paths you have made where we are afraid to journey. Forgive us for Email: [email protected] clinging to our positions of safety and power. Help us to reach out to you so Website: www.firstchurchevanston.org we may journey with you into the world and the future you have prepared. CHURCH STAFF Open our eyes. Open our hearts. Open our ways. [time for silent confession] Rev. Dr. Ann Rosewall, Senior Minister  [email protected]  ext. 21 Assurance of Pardon Melia Pappas, Church Administrator  [email protected]  ext. 22 Leader: God has prepared a way, allowing us to see more clearly, to love David Lornson, Director of Music  [email protected]  ext. 23 more deeply and to journey more courageously, carrying the truth Jonathan Shotwell, Director of Christian Learning and Outreach and grace proclaimed in Christ. [email protected]  ext. 24 People: Thanks be to God. Amen. Pamela Keys, Seminary Intern  [email protected] * Gloria Patri No. 579 Nancy Anderson, Moderator (Optional alternate first line: Glory to the Creator, to Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Ghost.) Julia Page, Childcare Specialist Children’s Message CHANCEL CHOIR SOLOISTS * Passing of the Peace Cindy Senneke, soprano Beth Babbitt, alto Kevin Siembor, tenor Joseph Roberts, bass Announcements and Signing of Friendship Pads Scripture Exodus 24:12-18 OLD TESTAMENT P. 70 Sharing of the Bread and Cup Matthew 17:1-9 NEW TESTAMENT P. 18 Our table is open to all. Please come forward by the side aisle as directed by the Deacons to receive the elements, and return to your seat by the center aisle. If you are unable to “Making Space for the Holy” Sermon Rev. Wayne MacPherson come forward, please indicate this to a Deacon and the elements will be brought to you. * Hymn No. 462 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies The bread is gluten-free, and the cup holds grape juice. Joys and Concerns Distribution Hymn No. 521 You Satisfy the Hungry Heart Call to Prayer Day by Day David Lornson * Unison Prayer after Communion Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer (debts) (Hymnal Page 16) Let us pray: God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation. You have united us with Christ and one another. Send us forth Offering in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to Offertory Love Divine, All Loves Excelling arr. Mack Wilberg the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen. (Text at Hymn No. 376) * Hymn No. 505 Be Known to Us in Breaking Bread * Doxology No. 592 (Optional alternate last line: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.) * Benediction * Unison Prayer of Dedication Benediction Response Threefold Amen David Lornson Let us pray: Receive our thanksgiving with this offering which is given to reflect your glory. May the light of Christ's church continue to shine in the Postlude Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Gerald Near world. Amen. *Please stand in body or spirit. SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Thank you for worshiping with us today! Please join us for refreshments and * Invitation to the Table fellowship after worship in the Chapel. * Great Thanksgiving Care for little ones. If desired, wiggle and play room for children age three and Minister: God be with you. younger is available in our Nursery, located below the sanctuary at the northeast People: And also with you. corner of the building and staffed by our Childcare Specialist. A Deacon (wearing a Minister: Lift up your hearts, white carnation) will be happy to walk you there if asked. Please don’t fret about People: We lift our hearts to God. squawks and coos during the service. Our congregation is enriched by the presence Minister: Let us give thanks to God Most High, of children and they are always welcome in worship. People: It is right to give God thanks and praise. Sunday School - Our classrooms offer a Montessori-style learning environment with Minister: …we acclaim you, O Christ: a variety of hands-on activities available to children and a teacher acting as guide. All: Dying, you destroyed our death. Rising, you restored our life. Sunday School is intended to be a place where children can deepen their relationship Christ Jesus, come in glory! to God, speak openly, be supported and learn to listen to their hearts. Children will stay in church for communion. Words of Institution Our known homebound members include Margaret Cothrine, Jean Davies, Jan Prayer of Blessing Korsvik, Joyce Phelps, Ruth Robinson, and Vera Ward. Please inform the church Minister: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. office if we have missed anyone. People: We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one You are welcomed and seated today by Deacons Heather Harker, Sharyn Julcher, bread. and Bob Krause each of whom is wearing a white carnation. Assisted Listening Minister: Behold what you are. Devices and large print bulletins are available from a Deacon. If you need anything People: May we become what we receive. else during the service, please do not hesitate to ask one of them. Minister: The gifts of God for God's people. Feed in your hearts by faith and Our lay reader today is Bernice Valantinas. thanksgiving. Thank you to Lyn Ward Page for providing today’s after worship refreshments on behalf of the Board of Mission. Our service today includes two settings of the hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Saturday. Volunteer just two hours a month to deliver meals. If you are interested and Excelling.” The text for this hymn was written by Rev. Charles Wesley (1707-1788) wish further information, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at (847) 272-5949. and published in 1747 in a pamphlet titled “Hymns for those that seek and those Drive Seniors to Medical Appointments! North Shore Senior Center needs more that have Redemption.” The melody for this hymn was composed by Rowland Hugh volunteer drivers to take seniors to/from medical and dental appointments. The Prichard (1811-1887) who was born in Bala, Wales, where he spent most of his life. role is very flexible, with volunteers able to accept or decline any request, and Prichard wrote this tune before his twelfth birthday, and this melody is named extremely rewarding. Meet wonderful people while providing a critical service! To HYFRYDOL which means “pleasant” or “melodious” in Welsh. Another interesting learn more, contact Maura Rogan, Director of Volunteer Services and Community fact about this tune is that, with one exception, the melody lies within the first five Engagement, at [email protected] or 847.784.6052. notes of the scale. In all your many wonderful names we pray... Language draws us closer to God. ETC. Whether it is “Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” “Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,” or Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts Please join Pamela Keys, seminary intern for the other words and images, we invite you to use whatever language is most meaningful last Sunday Meet in the Chapel at 11:30 Today: Spiritual Gifts Continued - During to you. this final forum, we will explore the result of our spiritual gift test. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES Sunday Afternoon Book Discussion Group – will meet today at 4:00 p.m. in the The Board of Mission is expanding outreach activities to include the Harvest Food Brown Parlor. The group will meet and talk about Sonia Sotomayor’s recent book Pantry & Clothes Closet. The Harvest Food Pantry is a ministry of the Vineyard My Beloved World. She is the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the Christian Church which is located at 2495 Howard St (located behind Jewel). The Supreme Court. In this book she recounts her life from infancy to the present. All Food Pantry is open every Wednesday from 6pm-8pm (volunteers are asked to be at are welcome. the Vineyard at 5:30pm) and normally serves between 150-200 families each night. Bible study meets Tuesday mornings from 9:15am to 10:30am in the Church Although individuals can volunteer for any Wednesday, we suggest that FCCE House. Contact the church office for more information (847) 864-8332, ext 22. members volunteer for a specific time and have designated the third Wednesday of Lectio Divina is Latin for divine reading. This prayer group is a time to read aloud, the month. Individuals can volunteer by email at [email protected]. If mediate, and contemplate selected Scripture. This is not a Bible study group, but a you have any questions contact Doug Smith at 847-691-5214 or [email protected]. time to quiet ourselves and seek God together as a community. Please join us on Mondays at Unitarian Church of Evanston – You have the opportunity to be part Tuesdays (note the new day) at 1:00 p.m. in the Cora Brown Parlor. of Interfaith Action of Evanston’s decades long fight against hunger and Experienced Nanny looking for work - Julia Page, our Sunday morning childcare homelessness in Evanston. You do make a difference in the lives of the people you provider, is looking for additional work. She is seeking full or part time employment serve by treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Pursue interfaith in the Evanston area. Contact Julia at [email protected] or dialogue and engage in advocacy that promotes social justice. Please see Richard 224-563-7236. Davis for more details. Nutritious meals are available for those who are unable to shop or cook for Hilda’s Place - needs volunteers to make and serve dinner during 2014. First themselves. If you know someone who is recovering from hospitalization, injury or Congregational serves the first Saturday of each month, and involves cooking for is physically just not able to cook for themselves, Meals at Home can help. Hot and serving dinner to 25 people. If you can help, please contact Elaine Frangedakis meals are delivered to your door six days a week and can meet most dietary at [email protected] or by phone 847-332-2618. restrictions, including heart, renal, and diabetic diets. Prices are based on a sliding Are you available from noon to 1:00 on Fridays? We are looking for more scale. For more information or to arrange for delivery within 48 hours of your call, volunteers for the Friday Sack Lunch program. If you are willing to help with this please contact Meals at Home at (847) 332-2678. Meals at Home is a non-profit service and are available please contact Betty Phillips. We’d love to have your help organization that has served the Evanston and surrounding communities for over for this important outreach in our community! 45 years. Meals at Home is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to our home-bound clients Free copies of the Pilgrim Hymnal are available in Fellowship Hall. Please take as in Evanston and the surrounding suburbs. Our volunteers pick up meals provided by many copies as you wish. Evanston and Saint Francis Hospitals between 11:15 and 11:30 a.m., Monday thru GUIDE POSTS Week) as told in the Gospel of Mark. You may order your own book online, or purchase one for $12.00 at the refreshment table. Please talk with Rev. Ann if you Sunday March 2 need assistance with the purchase price. 9:00 A.M. CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL CHANCEL 10:00 A.M. WORSHIP AND SUNDAY SCHOOL SANCTUARY 11:00 A.M. REFRESHMENTS FELLOWSHIP HALL The Lenten Season at First Congregational Church 11:15 A.M. SUNDAY FORUM: HOLY SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS CHAPEL 11:30 A.M. CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL CHOIR ROOM Wed. March 5 at 6:00 pm Fellowship Dinner Small Dining Room Monday March 3 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service Cora Brown Parlor 8:00 P.M. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS STORIES MEETING GUILD ROOM Sun. March 9 at 11:30 am Sunday Forum: The Last Week Chapters 1 and 2 Tuesday March 4 “Palm Sunday and Monday” 9:15 A.M. BIBLE STUDY CHURCH HOUSE Sun. March 16 at 11:30 am Sunday Forum: The Last Week Chapters 3 and 4 10:00 A.M. STAFF MEETING CONFERENCE ROOM “Tuesday and Wednesday” 1:00 P.M. LECTIO DIVINA BROWN PARLOR Sun. March 23 at 11:30 am Sunday Forum: The Last Week Chapter 5 Wednesday March 5 – Ash Wednesday “Thursday” 6:00 P.M. FELLOWSHIP DINNER SMALL DINING ROOM Sun. March 30 at 11:30 am Sunday Forum: The Last Week Chapters 6 and 7 7:00 P.M. ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE PLYMOUTH HALL “Friday and Saturday” Thursday March 6 Sun. April 6 at 11:30 am Sunday Forum: The Last Week Chapter 8 1:00 P.M. WARMING CENTER PLYMOUTH HALL “Easter Sunday” 7:30 P.M. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS STEPS & TRADITIONS MEETING GUILD ROOM Thurs. April 17 at 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service Chapel Friday March 7 Fri. April 18 at 7:00 pm Good Friday Service St. John’s UCC NOON FRIDAY BROWN BAG LUNCH SMALL DINING ROOM Sun. April 13 at 10:00 am Palm Sunday Service Sanctuary Saturday March 8 Sun. April 20 at 10:00 am Easter Sunday Sanctuary 8:00 A.M. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS GUILD ROOM Chancel Choir and Easter Brass Sunday March 9 9:00 A.M. CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL CHANCEL 10:00 A.M. WORSHIP, COMMUNION, AND SUNDAY SCHOOL SANCTUARY 11:00 A.M. REFRESHMENTS FELLOWSHIP HALL 11:30 A.M. SUNDAY FORUM: THE LAST WEEK CHAPEL 11:30 A.M. CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL CHOIR ROOM Monday March 10 Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 9. 8:00 P.M. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS STORIES MEETING GUILD ROOM Don’t forget to spring forward! Tuesday March 11 9:15 A.M. BIBLE STUDY CHURCH HOUSE 10:00 A.M. STAFF MEETING CONFERENCE ROOM 1:00 P.M. LECTIO DIVINA BROWN PARLOR 7:00 P.M. BOARD OF TRUSTEES BROWN PARLOR Thursday March 6 1:00 P.M. WARMING CENTER PLYMOUTH HALL 7:30 P.M. MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS STEPS & TRADITIONS MEETING GUILD ROOM The Sunday Forum during Lent will be a study of The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. This book traces Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem (Holy