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 Judy Haley, Pastoral Assistant Priscilla Duda, Christian Education Director Jared Hamilton, Youth Director

Church office: 978-526-7661 ext. 1 Fax: 978-526-7882 Email: [email protected] Website: www.firstparishchurch.org

MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE Celebration Sunday, September 23 – 10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE: "Doxology" Old 100th, arr. Willie Sordillo

*[Please stand for the “Presentation of the Flame”]

CALL TO WORSHIP Blessed are the people who do not walk wickedly; Blessed are those who do not follow evil ways. Let us be as trees planted by fresh streams of water; Let us yield naturally the fruit for which God is looking.

*HYMN: “What a Covenant" NCH #471

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRAYER OF INVOCATION Dear God, help us to be content with what we have; rejoice in the way things are and, realizing that in your love we lack nothing, allow us to dream for the way the world should be. For you, the Living God, desire us to worship you in spirit and in truth. Allow us to praise you this hour and throughout this day, which we dedicate to you. Be our rest, where we may find peace. Be our joy, that we may know true happiness. Be our guardian, so that we may be courageous. Be our shelter from the stormy blast of life, so that we may have consolation and faith. This we ask, through the prayer we have been taught …

*THE LORD'S PRAYER (trespasses) 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: James 3:13-18

SOLO: "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" Words: 18th C. Anon., Music: Elisabeth Poston (1905-1987) Arr. R. Shrimpton

The tree of life my soul hath seen, laden with fruit and always green. The trees of nature fruitless be compared with Christ the Apple Tree.

For happiness I long have sought and pleasure dearly I have bought. I missed of all, but now I know 'tis found in Christ the Apple Tree.

I'm weary now with former toil, here I will sit and rest awhile. Under the shadow I will be of Jesus Christ the Apple Tree.

This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, it keeps my dying faith alive, Which makes my soul in haste to be with Jesus Christ the Apple Tree.

MORNING PRAYER CONGREGATION’S JOYS AND CONCERNS God be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to God. Let us give thanks to God Most High. It is right to give God thanks and praise. Let us offer our silent prayers…

SILENT PRAYER - PASTORAL PRAYER

PRAYER RESPONSE: "Over My Head" Trad. African American, Arr. R. Shrimpton

Over my head I hear music in the air; Over my head I hear singing in the air; There must be a God somewhere. There must be a God somewhere.

*HYMN: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” See back cover

SCRIPTURE: John 1:29-34

SERMON “The Art of Sauntering”

MOMENT OF MEDITATION

OFFERTORY SENTENCE

OFFERTORY ANTHEM: "Cristo Redentor" *(Christ the Redeemer) Duke Pearson (1932-1980), Adapted R. Shrimpton

*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: “Great is Your Faithfulness” NCH #423

BENEDICTION *[The “Removal of the Flame”]

POSTLUDE: "What Wondrous Love" Trad. American, Arr. R. Shrimpton

The greeters are Joe Demeo and Patty Brennan, and children, Summer, Remsen and Sam. The lay reader is Joe Demeo

The Acolyte is Charlotte Pick. The Bell Ringer is Claire Gendron

The Head Deacon is Dan D’Oreo and the the Ass’t Deacon is Jan Marshall.

The Sexton is Rachel Gallagher.

The flowers are given by the Gudonis family in celebration of Paul and Lauren's 30th wedding anniversary.

All are welcome to join us in the front of the church following the service for coffee, tea and hospitality. Welcome to all who worship here this morning. If you are new to our Church please fill out the “Welcome Card” in the pew, place it in the collection plate and sign the guest book located in the narthex.

*Notes On Today’s Offertory Anthem This morning's Offertory Anthem, "Cristo Redentor," was composed for gospel choir and jazz ensemble by American jazz pianist, composer, and producer Duke Pearson (1932-1980), and was recorded in 1963 on () with trumpeter . This wordless choral piece was inspired by the monumental Art Deco statue, "Christ the Redeemer," which stands atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, and is an international symbol of peace.

This morning’s Jazz Ensemble features:

Willie Sordillo, alto saxophone From Singapore and Hawaii to major music festivals across North America, Willie’s music has taken him around the world. As co-leader of the band, Flor de Caña, he is a three-time Boston Music Award winner, and one of his albums became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Magazine World Music list. Willie is also musical director of the weekly jazz worship service at Old South Church on Copley Square, Boston.

Rebecca Shrimpton, vocalist Acclaimed as a “simply exquisite vocalist,” Rebecca has been praised by Britain’s Jazzwise magazine, All Music Guide, and All About Jazz and featured on NPR/PBS concert broadcasts. She performs in Boston and New York with various bands, including the 19-piece Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra, and teaches voice at Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory. Also a classically trained mezzo soprano, Rebecca is section leader for First Parish’s choir.

Thomas Hebb, bass Thomas is one of Boston's first call bassists, performing internationally, including tours of Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. His diverse career covers a spectrum of performances from Robert Palmer, Martha and the Vandellas to Dick Hyman and Herb Pomeroy. Thomas is also an accomplished classical flutist and sings R&B, jazz and blues.

Carolyn Wilkins, piano A jazz pianist and vocalist, Carolyn has been an active participant in the Boston music scene for over 20 years as a performer, educator and composer. She has performed on radio and television with her group SpiritJazz and toured South America as a Jazz Ambassador for the US State Department performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony under Andre Previn. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and Eastman School of Music, Carolyn is Associate Professor at Berklee College and Music Director for the Jazz Worship Service at the First Church, Cambridge, MA.

Russell Lane, drums A Salem resident, Russell plays with indie rock and folk groups in the Boston/North Shore area, including The Willows. He also performed in Dave Brubeck's "Mass, To Hope! A Celebration" with the Paul Madore Chorale two years ago.

ATTENDANCE, Week of September 16, Church 87 , SS 44, YG 21 Jazz Celebration Sunday, September 23. This year we will share hospitality in front of the Church following the service.

Sauntering in September Sunday September 30, 1-2:30 pm (A study of blaming, bullying and scapegoating)

To be held in Danvers, MA

[see brochure or website for information]

FIRST PARISH PLAYGROUP begins on Tuesday, September 18 at 9:30am - 1