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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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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.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome.

Please join us for fellowship and refreshments in Gifford Hall after the service. Our Welcome Center in Gifford Hall is the place to learn about church programs, ministr ies, and opportunities to volunteer and make a difference. Find out more about this church and our faith at an Information Session led by Rev. Dolan.

Deacon Rev. Larry Iannetti Lay Reader Bill Garcia Refreshments Leah Circle Flowers this Week The flowers today are given by Jan Hibson in memory of Ted Hibson.

Gathered in 1723, we treasure our history. Nearly 300 years later, we invite you to… Experience a place where God is still speaking Experience a place of prayer where we can be refreshed by God Experience a place where mercy and justice are practiced Experience a place of great music, great youth programs, great community Experience a place of joy

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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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 09/22 9:30 am Sunday Worship/Security Update 11:00 am Listening Session w/Rev. Jim-C 11:00 am Training Choir-MR

11:00 am Youth Ringers-S

Monday 09/23 10:00 am Hands for Hope-P 10:30 am Parkinson’s Chorus-GH 7:00 pm Caregiver Support Group-Youth Rm Wednesday 09/25 9:30 am Staff Meeting 6:00 pm Shrewsbury Ringers-S 7:30 pm Parish Pealers-S Thursday 09/26 7:15 pm Senior Choir-MR Friday 09/27 9:30 am Playgroup-Preschool Rm 3:45 pm Chimers-C 4:00 pm Youth Singers-MR Saturday 09/28 9:00 am Spirit of Shrewsbury-Oak Middle School Sunday 09/29 9:30 am Sunday Worship/Family Worship 11:00 am Listening Session w/Rev. Jim-C 11:00 am Training Choir-MR

11:00 am Youth Ringers-S

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Deacons Deliberations: The deacons have thoughtfully and prayerfully met throughout 2019 and discussed our family worship service many times. After careful deliberation, the deacons have decided to modify the family services and try something different for the 2019-2020 school year. Instead of having family worship Sundays on the first Sunday of each month, it will be held on the fifth Sundays when many deacons are serving as ushers to assist the children. We will continue to dedicate the entire service to a younger style of worship, and the balcony will be closed so that we may all worship more closely with our neighbor. We hope that everyone will be pleased. The first Sunday of each month will be an adult centered worship service including communion. Of course you are always welcome to keep your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews with you on the first Sundays for Communion, or any Sunday, to share the entire worshipping experience with you. Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are always welcome here at FCCSM!

FCC Caregiver Support Group Schedule: In the months of September , October and November, we will now be meeting 2x per month on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. On the 2nd Monday, we will be having informational meetings facilitated by Beth Anne Doan and guest speakers. On the 4th Monday, we will hold informal caregiver support meetings. In December, Beth Anne will lead a service of Loving Care.

FCCS Caregiver Support Schedule Fall 2019: 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.

September 23: Caregiver Support Group TBD: Group support and organizational meeting.

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

Reminder: No food or drink in the Parlor.

Thank you!

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The First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury United Church of Christ

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

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

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.

Prelude “Prelude on Nettleton” E. Krouse

Welcome & Announcements Announcement from Leah Circle

Gather Call to Worship Psalm 100 Jubilate Deo Leader: O be joyful in the Lord all the earth: worship with gladness, and enter the Lord′s presence with songs.

All: Know that the Lord is God, our maker, whose people we are: the flock which the Lord our God shepherds.

Leader: Enter the gates of the temple with thanksgiving, and go into its courts with praise: give thanks and bless God′s holy name.

All: For the Lord is a gracious God, whose mercy is everlasting: and whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.

*Hymn #459, NCH “Come, O Fount of Every Blessing”

Prayer of Confession (unison) from A New Zealand Prayer Book (1989)

All: Dear God, thank you for all that is good, for our creation and our humanity, for the stewardship you have given us of this planet earth, for the gifts of life and of one another, for your love which is unbounded and eternal. O thou, most holy and beloved, our Companion, our Guide upon the way our bright evening star: We repent of the wrongs we have done. (keep silence) O God, heal us, transfigure us, dwell in us, that we may love and praise in deed and in truth. Amen.

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Words of Assurance Matthew 11:28-30 Leader: Jesus said: Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. All: Thanks be to God.

*Hymn #513, Pilgrim “Gloria Patri”

Anthem “O For A Thousand Tongues” V. Thompson

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: Genesis 32: 22-30 Page 26, Pew Bible Philippians 2: 12-13 Page 954, Pew Bible

*Hymn #472, NCH “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Sermon: “Wrestling for Blessing” 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.

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.

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Newcomer Information Session and Brunch: On Sunday, October 6 come to the Chapel at 11:00am to learn about our Outreach Ministry, Christian Education, Music Ministry, Youth Group, Fellowship Opportunities, Care Team Ministry, Prayer Ministry, Earth Stewardship Ministry, Church Membership and the United Church of Christ. For more information or to RSVP, contact Suzanne Moriondo (moriondo@townisp.com), Rev. Jim Matarazzo (jim@fccsm.org) or Ellen Jones (office@fccsm.org).

Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering: The annual Neighbors in Need collection will take place on Sunday, October 6. Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry(CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to UCC churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. This year, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on serving our immigrant neighbors and communities. There will be envelopes in your Sunday bulletin on October 6. You may place your donation in the offering plate at that time or return it to the church office within the next two weeks. Please consider giving generously to make a just world possible for all. Thank you- the First Congregational Church Mission and Outreach Ministry

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 if you are not comfortable with the group process. Jim Upcoming Sunday Dates: September 22 September 29 October 13 October 27 November 3 There will also be an evening weekday session for those who cannot attend after church at a date and time to be announced. 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.

Youth Group: Today - Apple picking at Tougas Farms, 2PM-4PM https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0549AAA92EA0F94-apple

Sept. 29 - YG meeting, 7PM (apple pie baking moved to Oct. 6)

Help Needed: The Secur ity Task Force is looking for assistance. We need someone to design our updated church evacuation plan signs. A plan/sign is needed for each room in the church building. If you have or know someone who has experience in graphic arts please send an email to Deb DelDotto at d.deldotto@verizon.net or call at 508-641-7892.

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LOOKING AHEAD

September 23 Hands for Hope September 28 Spirit of Shrewsbury Booth September 29 Family Worship October 6 Neighbors in Need Special Offering Newcomers Information Session Brunch

Today - Church Security Task Force Update: The Church Secur ity Task Force has met monthly for the last year and will present a briefing to the congregation in the sanctuary after services today. We will report the following: installation of a surveillance camera system throughout the church, installation of a communication system between the ushers and the Sunday School to communicate emergency information, updated Sunday school and congregation evacuation programs, hosting of the UCC Conference and our insurance company’s sponsored November Training Conference on Church Security, church historian’s recording of all church assets in the event of fire or theft. Before beginning, we walked through the church with the Shrewsbury Police and Fire Departments, and evaluated their recommendations on security system upgrades. At the briefing in the Sanctuary, we will explain the route of evacuation of the sanctuary in the event of an emergency and everyone is encouraged to become fully informed. All questions may be referred to Frank Jelinch, Chair, and Dile Holton, Chief Usher.

Hands for Hope: September is here! Our team will be kicking off our season on Monday September 23 at 10 a.m. with a fabulous guest speaker! Judy Hall (from Westboro), our liaison to Sewing For Hope and the Tumaini Fund, USA, will start our meeting off with an update on the orphans in Tanzania. We plan to ask her many questions! For example, how many of the 200,000 have we clothed? Are any more of them getting to go to school? Are they still being raised by the village? And what about those hats? Do they love the Issy dolls? Please come and join us! It’ll be fun!

IHN Taste of West Boylston Street & Friends: IHN and The Manor restaurant have partnered to host A Taste of West Boylston Street and Neighbors on Monday, September 23, from 5:30-8:30pm at the Manor, 42 West Boylston Street, West Boylston. This family friendly event will have food and drink from several area restaurants, live entertainment and a Silent Auction. All funds raised during the evening will be donated to IHN. Your donation will directly impact essential housing and support services for the homeless families at IHN Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children prior to the event and $40 for adults and $20 for children at the door. Tickets may be purchased after Church services at the Outreach table or at the IHN website (www.ihnworcester.org). Please join us for a fun evening benefiting a wonderful cause! Thank you.

Calling all Teens: First Congregational Church Shrewsbury needs you! The Board of Deacons is looking for interested teens to serve as Junior Deacons. Junior Deacons have the opportunity to play a key role in church worship services by assisting the Deacons with preparing and serving Communion, ushering, and occasionally helping out with special holiday services. Your level of involvement as a Junior Deacon does not require a major time commitment and can be flexible according to your schedule. For further information, please contact Deacon Donna Kafel at 508-769-5128 or email Donna at dmkafel@yahoo.com.

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Invitation to Offering

Offertory “Lauda anima” M. Andrews

*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) Holy One, may offerings of time and labor serve as symbols of our desire for your love to transform our time, effort, and substance into acts of compassion for each other, for our community, and for world. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

*Hymn #4, NCH “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”

Benediction

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

Security Task Force Update

Postlude “Be Joyful in the Lord” M. Jordan

*Those who are able, please stand.

PLEASE PRAY WITH US

O Lord Jesus Christ, give us a measure of your Spirit that we may be enabled to obey your teaching: to pacify anger, to take part in mercy, to moderate desire, to increase love, to put away sorrow, to cast away vain glory, not to be vindictive, not to fear death; ever entrusting our spirit to the immortal God who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, world without end. Amen. - Saint Apollonius of Rome, senator and martyr (d. 185 AD)

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.