Communion Sunday

A Sunday of Joy

Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ December 16, 2018

“There are so many stories, More beautiful than answers.”

~Mary Oliver

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Welcome Ringing of the Bell Prelude Puer Natus in Bethlehem by J.S. Bach *Call to Worship – In Unison Adapted from Isaiah 61:1-4

The Spirit of God is upon us all! We have been called to bring good news to the oppressed; to bind up the brokenhearted; to proclaim liberty to the captives; and to release the prisoners and those separated from families! We gather and proclaim this time of God’s favor on us all, a time of comfort and healing; joy and love swaddled in the promise of the birth – of the one named Jesus. Come, let us worship in this Joy of the Spirit of God upon us all!

*Opening Hymn NCH #125 Angels We Have Heard on High, Verses: 1 and 2 Unison Prayer (by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Adapted from The Book of Joy p. 298)

We are created to flourish. God’s invites us to be filled with life; longing to find what is most beautiful in all God’s creation: compassion, caring and the comfort of one another. God asks our help in this: to spread this love, joy and compassion. And our gift in return is a Joy deeper…

than anything we may face together.

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Assurance of God’s Love *Passing of the Peace Lighting of the Third Candle for Joy

We have relighted the Advent Candles of Hope and Peace, reminding us of the power of God’s Light reflected in the Christ named Jesus.

Today, we begin the third week in our Advent journey a week of Joy.

In ancient times, the prophet Isaiah said, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.” Many in our world suffer from despair, anxiety, or holiday blues. Others experience only the dark side of human nature. This light has power to overcome all dark places in our society and our souls...for us and all whom we touch. So, we light the third candle, the Candle of Joy, and we remember the angel’s words to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people.”

We light this candle so that all who reap blue harvests from seeds of sadness may know the Joy of God’s Love revealed through Jesus and alive here in our midst. The Light that is always with us is always in us. In this awesome Joy we gather and sing…

the first three verses of One Candle is Lit

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First Reading: Don’t Hesitate by Mary Oliver

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it.

There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be. We are not wise, and not very often kind.

And much can never be redeemed. Still, life has some possibility left.

Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world.

It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins.

Anyway, that’s often the case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty.

Joy is not made to be a crumb.

~ Mary Oliver Musical Praise And the Glory of the Lord from The Messiah by G.F. Handel Reading: Isaiah 12:2-6

“Yes, indeed—God is my salvation. I trust, I won’t be afraid. God—yes God!—is my strength and song, best of all, my salvation!” Joyfully you’ll pull up buckets of water from the wells of salvation. And as you do it, you’ll say, “Give thanks to God. Call out God’s name. Ask God anything! Shout to the nations, tell them what God has done, spread the news of God’s great reputation! “Sing praise-songs to God. God’s done it all! Let the whole earth know what God’s done! Raise the roof! Sing your hearts out, O Zion! The Greatest lives among you: The Holy of Israel.”

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Message for All Gathered

A moment for reflection… Hymn NCH #135 O Come, All You Faithful, Verses 1, 2, and 3 Prayer for Others and Ourselves

Now, you are invited to lift your joys and concerns before God and one another. Please wait for me to come around with the microphone so everyone can hear your request. You are also welcome to write your joys and concerns on the prayer card in the pew, placing it in the collection basket during the offertory. May we hear your joys and concerns?

The Lord’s Prayer/The Prayer of Jesus Musical Praise O May I Rest Here from Emmanuel by Dorothy Davidson Hausske Invitation to Give

Thank you for your generosity in helping us to share God's love for all. We are grateful for all the ways you participate in the work of this ministry, and more than anything, we are most grateful that you are here. We welcome your offerings at this time and invite you to place your prayer and information cards in the basket.

Offertory *Doxology

We praise thee, O God, our Redeemer, Creator; in grateful devotion, our tribute we bring. We lay it before thee, we come and adore thee, We bless thy holy name, glad praises we sing. Amen.

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All are invited to this table. How could we do otherwise?

Communion Prayer God be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God. Let us give thanks to God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Invitation to the Table

Jesus said: I am the bread of life. You who come to me shall not hunger; you who believe in me shall never thirst. In company with all who hunger for spiritual food, we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the sharing of this life-giving bread.

Mike Jayne, Liturgist It is indeed right, always and everywhere,to give thanks to you, Creator God. You are the path of humanity’s joy. The deep well of assurance that we are never alone dwells in you. In you is all creation, with determinants etched long ago, charting the course of our lives, lives called to Love and Justice and Joy… We remember all this and more, as we turn to the words of Jesus, hearing in our hearts words ordained long before they were spoken at his last meal with the disciples: “This is my body, given up for you in more ways than you can imagine, here in Spirit Wonder, on the edge of unimaginable eternity. Are you with me? Good. Then, whenever and wherever you do this, remember me.Remember what I have taught you. Share it with all whom you meet.

Pastor:

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And after he blessed and shared the bread,Jesus lifted a cup, and again gave thanks to God, whom he called Abba.And, he said to the disciples…

Church Covenant (Sung in Unison)

In response to God’s love, we covenant with each other to be faithful to the demands and inspiration of the eternal spirit, revealed in the event of Jesus Christ; to accept and respect each other with love and concern in our worship and witness; to reach out with the courage of our convictions in the cause of justice, liberation and equality for all; In this, we covenant to keep the ultimate promise; “I care, I am with you.”

Sharing of the Elements: These are the gifts of God for the people of God. Servers’ Communion Responses: The Bread of Life ~ The Cup of Blessing Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank you, God, for inviting us to this table, remembering your active presence in our lives. We are grateful and continuously thirst for the new and right spirit of this communion with you today, tomorrow and every day. Guide us always, as we embrace you and all those who have gone before us. Amen.

Closing Hymn NCH #136 Jesus, Jesus, Oh, What a Wonderful Child Benediction and Sending Forth Choral Blessing Ringing of the Bell Postlude Skating by Vince Guaraldi

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Annual Congregational Meeting Today, December 16th following worship.

Christmas Eve Services Christmas Eve Family Service at 5 PM and Midnight Service at 11 PM.

Gentle Reminder: Please have all 2018 Pledges in by Sunday, December 30, 2018.

Planning for Christmas Eve

1. Christmas Eve 5 PM Family Service Would any young members of your family like to be a reader? Please let Ray know and plan on a rehearsal for readings to take place after worship on Sunday, December 23rd. There will be additional time to rehears on Monday, December 24th at 4:15 PM. Musical rehearsals will be part of the worship in a fun and interesting way! Join us, All!

2. Christmas 11 PM Service Would you like to be one of the readers or help with ushering, welcoming and set-up? Please contact Ray We look forward to having any family members/students who are returning home from school to be part of worship in readings, singing or musical participation. Just let us know as soon as you can.

Greater Sayville Food Pantry: “Every Day of Advent” Please continue to be a part of “Every Day of Advent” for The Greater Sayville Food Pantry. We ask that every day you place one item in the bag, returning it with your gifts on/by December 24th. All food donations will be delivered to The Greater Sayville Food Pantry by January 1, 2019. Thank you for joining us in this Christmas giving for our friends in need of our love and kindness in this and all the ways you share. Prayer Shawl Ministry - Thursdays If you have any interest in knitting or learning to knit - this is for you! And, we can use as many knitters as possible to keep up with the need for prayer shawls. Contact Sue Lanchantin or see Ray for more information. We'd love to have you join us! Thank you to all who knit and love and laugh for others! Can you help? You are invited to share in the ministry and mission of our church by: Signing up for leadership responsibilities on Sunday, continuing to provide food in support of Sayville Food Pantry, volunteering to run our slides and video each Sunday, joining the choir, leading a children's message, volunteering for Sharing a Meal, participate in our Prayer Shawl Group, attend Bible Jam... And there are more ways your help would be welcome. Looking for a chance to become involved and serve? Just let us know!

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Stop & Shop Cards are available at coffee hour each week. They make great gifts and are great way to purchase your groceries while supporting Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ. Newsletters: Are you receiving our weekly newsletters: eChimes and Justice Chimes Newsletters? Let us know: ray@sayvilleucc.org.

eChimestv.com! You can watch our service live or afterwards by going this link: www.echimestv.com.

Calendar Bible Jam 2018 Monday: 12/17 at 11:45 AM; Tuesday 12/18 at 7:00 PM (V) Bible Jam 2019 Resumes 1/15 - Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM (V) Choir Practice Wednesdays at 5:30 PM (S) Prayer Shawl Ministry Thursdays at 10:00 AM (V) Senior Exercise Tuesdays at 9:00 A.M.; Thursdays at 12:15 P.M. (V) Congregational Leadership & Life Meetings Annual Congregational Meeting Today, Sunday, December 16 following worship. Emmanuel Reunion Sunday Sunday, December 23rd, 10 AM James Higgins Sunday Sunday, December 23rd, 10 AM Elders Meeting Monday, January 14th at 7 PM (V) Full Board Meeting Monday, January 28th at 7 PM (V) Trustees Meeting for Jan – Feb Monday, February 4th at 7 PM (V) Commissioning Sunday Sunday, January 27th, 2019 Affiliates Sharing a Meal Mondays through Thursdays at 5:30 P.M. (FH) Inishfree School of Irish Dance Resumes in January 2019 - Fridays at 3:00 P.M. (FH) Recovery Meetings Mondays 7:30 PM NA (FH) Tuesdays 7:30 PM CODA (V) Wednesdays 7:30 PM AA (FH) and SCA (L) Thursdays 6:45 PM NARANON (V) Saturdays 11:00 AM NA – Serenity in Sayville (FH)

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Be sure to visit our website at www.sayvilleucc.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sayvilleucc

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Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ For more than a century and a half, Sayville's Congregational Church has served families on the South Shore and been a voice for the progressive

Protestant tradition. A member of the United Church of Christ since it was established in 1957, today we continue to celebrate God's love, to speak for the oppressed, and to welcome those seeking a spiritual home. To learn about membership, please speak with any deacon.

Today’s Worship Leadership

Setting of the Communion Table – Connie Kauffman Communion Servers – Heather Dominguez, Hank Maust, Gail and Ted Heyse

Liturgist – Mike Jayne Music Director - James Higgins

Greeter/Ushers – Hilda Baeza and Marie Mandell Projectionist Team – Casey Cunningham (December)

Hospitality – The Jayne and Dominguez Families Building Close-up –

Everyone can sign up. We will help you know what to do! We invite you to be Sunday Stewards! You can do it! J

Please contact Heather in the office, Sue Lanchantin, or see the calendars in the Vestry hallway to get signed up!

Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ Middle Road, Sayville, NY 11782

churchadmin@sayvilleucc.org www.sayvilleucc.org; www.facebook.com/sayvilleucc

Heather Corcoran, Church Administrator; eChimes Editor Ray Bagnuolo, Pastor ray@sayvilleucc.org -- (Cell/Text)

Thank you for being with us today.

Peace. Shalom. Salaam. For the ways of peace are many. “Namaste”

Please contact Heather if you have questions or need any additional help.