GATHERING PRELUDE “For All the Saints”

arr. Wayne L. Wold © 2001 Augsburg Fortress

Performed by Edward Swartz

HYMN “Faith of Our Fathers”

Those who are able are invited to stand. All sing.

The congregation may be seated.

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CALLING BELL CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 133 (NLT)

(Please join us responsively.) Pastor: 1 How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live

together in harmony! People: 2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing

oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.

Pastor: 3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion.

People: And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.

CALL TO CONFESSION (Pastor) PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Please join us in unison.

O God, our disobedience is obvious to You. We have not followed Your will; we have not listened to Your voice; we have wandered far from Your truth. You are justified in passing judgment upon us. We ask for Your mercy. Take away our past sins and make us clean again, as white as snow. Put a new and right spirit in us and restore to us the joy of Your salvation. Help us lead lives worthy of Your call to us, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI HYMNAL #493 Those who are able are invited to stand. All sing!

The congregation may be seated. SPECIAL MUSIC “Change My Heart, O God”

Performed by Amanda H., vocalist, and Edward Swartz, piano

WORD FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON Ephesians 3:5-6, 4:1-16 (NLT) Pastor: 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by

his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same

body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. 7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever

they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

This ends the first reading. SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON Isaiah 60:1-6 (NLT) Pastor: 60 “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see.

For the glory of the LORD rises to shine on you. 2 Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you. 3 All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. 4 “Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. 5 Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands. 6 Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the LORD. The word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God. SERMON “Diversity in Unity”

Pastor Douglas W. Donigian

HYMN “For All the Saints” Those who are able are invited to stand. All sing!

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Please join us in unison.

Let us remember all the saints before God. We praise and bless You, O Holy Trinity. You have taught Your church that it is an ageless communion of saints. We thank You for gathering to Yourself those who waited faithfully for the redemption You promised, and now for adding us who celebrate the love of Christ that redeems the world. Prepare a place for us among those who are already with You. Help us remember them, encouraging us to saintly living and exciting us to love, in anticipation of an eternal reunion.

The congregation may be seated.

ROLL CALL OF THE SAINTS (The full list is available only in the email sent to our church family.) Pastor: Christ says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart. People: And you will find rest for your souls. Pastor: For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. People: And you will find rest for your souls.” PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Pastor)

OUR LORD’S PRAYER

Please join us in 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. OFFERING REMARKS AND OFFERTORY PRAYER (Pastor)

SENDING INVITATION (Responsively) Pastor: Jesus invites us to believe in Him and act on our belief. People: He says, “Here I am. I stand at the door and

knock; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in.”

Pastor: When you open your door, we rejoice, as you experience Him in your heart and look forward to eternal life.

People: He says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep My word and My Father and I will make our abode with him.

Pastor: Merciful God, we rejoice with You for all who are saved by belief and grace and all who keep Your word to love others as themselves. Amen.

If you have professed faith in Jesus for the first time or have committed

yourself anew to grow as a disciple, please inform the pastors.

CHARGE (Pastor)

BENEDICTION (Pastor)

THREE-FOLD AMEN (All sing) HYMNAL #558

HYMN “Great is Thy Faithfulness” Those who are able are invited to stand. All sing!

POSTLUDE

All music shared with permission under our licensing: CCLI License #19-14211664 and OneLicense.net #A-701135. All rights reserved.

THIS WEEK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS CONGRATULATIONS to Janis and Mike W. at the birth of their first grandchild, Addison Rose, who was born to their daughter and her husband, on Saturday, October 23. Mommy and baby Addison are doing well and so are Nana and Poppop Weil! This Morning – SOUP SALE - We have 3 or 4 different types of soup available for purchase. $7.00 a quart. Anyone who is interested in helping by making a soup, please contact Alyse F. We will provide you with the containers. Thank you for supporting Christ’s Community Café! This Morning - SUNDAY SCHOOL – We are back in the old regular hours of 10:30am - 11:30am starting in room 6. Please plan to sign up with KidCheck and also register your child(ren) in the following link so we can plan accordingly. https://forms.gle/wEMi3MdFz8MJyB7A8. This morning - FIRST FELLOWSHIP has started up again in Fellowship Hall after the worship service. Join us! You are invited to help us provide treats, too! Sign up in Fellowship Hall or at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0849a9a62ba0fd0-first November 3 - CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH BELL CHOIRS RESUMING! This Wednesday, the children's and youth hand bell choirs will resume rehearsals. All individuals must wear masks as both directors have compromised health conditions, making them more susceptible to Covid.

Grades 3-6: Carillon Choir.

Rehearse Wednesdays 6:30-7:00 in the bell room starting November 3

Grades 7-12: Agape Choir.

Rehearse Wednesdays 7:15-8:00 in the bell room starting November 3 Miss Ginny (Carillon Choir director) and I (Agape Choir director) look forward to seeing all the children and youth in our choirs! There is no previous experience required for either ringing or reading music...we learn as we go! Questions? Contact Janet (First Church's new Director of Music) dirmusic@firstucc.net. Thank you, Janet D. November 7 - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS NOVEMBER 7 November 7 – VETERANS SUNDAY – Next Sunday, we will honor those who have served (or are serving) in our military. Please use the slip in the bulletin to let the office know of someone who has served or email us at info@firstucc.net.

November 8 - MAKING CONNECTIONS WORKSHOP - The Pennsylvania Southeast Conference held a workshop exploring connections within church bodies across the region. This exciting event was recorded for those who could not attend and we look forward to hosting our very own viewing party on Monday, November 8. Join members of church council and other First Church committees as we explore various ways that other churches are maintaining the connections with their church families and creating new connections in their community. This viewing event will begin at 6:00 pm and include a pizza supper. Join us for a time of creative brainstorming and sharing of ideas as we work together to find the best ways to connect with our very special First Church family! Sign up through the church office (info@firstucc.net or 215-536-4447), so that we can be sure to have enough pizza! If you have any questions about the viewing party or if you have great ideas to share but can’t make it, please be in touch with -the church office. For more information about this event, go to https://psec.org/. CARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT - Our friend, Bessie, is undergoing care and treatments at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and we are inviting our church family to shower her with cards of cheer and well wishes. You can send cards to her at: Bessie R., 3400 Spruce St, Room 3018, Rhodes 3, Philadelphia, PA 19104. November 10 – FAMILY THANK OFFERING - Since we have fewer people attending church right now, the total of the Family Thank Offering was also down. If you haven’t had a chance to bring or send your donation, there is still time. We are taking contributions until November 10. The envelope was in your packet on October 10. If you don’t have the envelope, place it in any envelope and mark it Family Thank Offering. If you give cash, be sure to include your name if you want the donation on your statement. The beneficiaries this year are the seven fire companies in our school district and Quakertown Community Outreach which helps homeless people in our area. CARD SHOWER - We invite you to celebrate with Dena’s mother-in-law, Ann, who is turning 90 on November 12. This time of COVID has been difficult on her, she and her husband have been very isolated at home, and it would be such a blessing to her to receive birthday cards! Please consider joining us in helping to brighten her special day. To send cards, please contact the church office or Dena for the address. Thank you!

November 21 – HARVEST HOME FOOD COLLECTION - The Sunday School is inviting you to join us in our Harvest Home Food Collection. Donations of non-perishable food items may be put in the collection bins in the Narthex and at the glass door entrance from the parking lot. The collection runs from through November 21. Thank you in advance. November 25 - THANKSGIVING TURKEYS AND DINNERS - For years, we have offered a free dinner for our congregation and the Quakertown community on Thanksgiving. Last year’s dinner was different, as a grab-and-go style supper, but it was a great success, serving many meals to our community. This year’s dinner may follow the same format. To do this we need volunteers to help cook, serve, and clean up after the meal. We also need donations of turkeys here several days before Thanksgiving. In the past years this meal has been delicious and well received. If you can help to set up or clean up, please reach out to Pastor Doug or Pastor Joyce, if you are interested in helping pull this together. We are looking for donations of turkeys, bagged cookies or brownies, and monetary gifts, which can be brought to church on Sunday mornings or during office hours (Weekdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m.) Thank you! November 28 - CONFIRMATION SUNDAY –Join us as we welcome our new members into our church family! UPDATE on Ken and Janet F.’s daughter, Sue: She is still in the hospital, but is continuing to improve. She is now chatting, enjoying real food again, and loves making people happy. Her mobility is coming back slowly. She really appreciates all the help she is receiving, and can feel all the prayers! Thanks to all of you. Ken & Janet F. NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED for 2022 Church Council. If you are interested in serving, or if you have questions about serving on Church Council, please speak to the Pastors or any Council member. DISASTER RELIEF CAMPAIGN - In past years, we've collected items and money to assembly disaster relief buckets and hygiene kits. The items needed for each clean up bucket and hygiene kit are listed on sheets at the disaster relief table in the hallway. If you wish, you can donate money instead. All of this money will be used to either purchase contents or help in the delivery from PSEC to needy families. Please search your heart and consider donating time, items, or money generously. Blessings, Di D.

December 4 - 7:30 pm – CHRISTMAS IN QUAKERTOWN - In-Person & Virtual Options - On October 11, our church council voted to have Christmas in Quakertown in-person and virtual this year in order to meet the various needs of our community for some Christmas cheer. Due to the changes of the last year and a half, we will not have the time or numbers to pull together a festival choir. However, we were able to confirm the performances of:

The Quakertown Band The Quakertown High School Varsity Singers

We understand that our congregation and our community has various comfort levels in what events to attend, so we are offering several ways to enjoy this event so that everyone can comfortably experience the joy that this event brings. 3 ways to enjoy the event: A Live Performance on 12/4 hosted in the Sanctuary, streamed in the fellowship hall, and available through radio broadcast in the parking lot.

The air filtration system will be in place to keep fresh air coming in throughout the event, and it will be ran before the Sunday service the next morning to ensure completely fresh air for our Worship service.

The fellowship hall would be less populated than the sanctuary, have its own air flow system, and would only be about 45 seconds delayed from the LIVE performance.

Those listening in the parking lot can listen to the radio in their cars if they would like the feeling of getting out of the house but wouldn’t want to go inside for the live performance.

Watch via Live-Stream on Facebook on 12/4 in the comfort of your own home. Watch a “Directors Cut” video of the performance from 12/4 PLUS recordings from other musicians and singers! This would be made available before Christmas Eve. It would be the perfect longer video to play as you open presents, cook Christmas dinner, or to have a quiet evening at home with some hot cocoa or egg nog! SPONSORS NEEDED - To help defray the costs of Christmas in Quakertown, please use the First UCC Music Series coupon below and place in the offering plate, drop off or mail to the Church Office. Thank you for your support.

FIRST UCC MUSIC SERIES PATRON

Yes, I/we want to give support to the First United Church of Christ Music Series and help underwrite the cost of Christmas in Quakertown as a patron. (Please fill in this form and return it with your contribution to First United Church of Christ.) ____Benefactor for $100.00 ____Sponsor for $50.00

____Donor for $25.00 ____Friend for $10.00

Please make your tax deductible check payable to First United Church of Christ and mail it to us at 151 S Fourth St, Quakertown, PA 18951. Thank you for your support! Name:___________________________________________

VETERANS DAY 2021 Name:_____________________________________________________________________________ Service Branch:_____________________________________________________________________ Tell us a little about your service (Rank, Where/When You Served, etc.) ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Thank you for your service!