November 16, 2014 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Ringing of the Church Bell

Gathering Music “Glory to God” (“Sing!” Songbook, No. 78) Trad. Peruvian (echo the leader) Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory in the Highest.

To God be glory forever! Hallelujah, Amen!

“Keep Your Lamps” Spiritual

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, (3x)

The time is drawing nigh!

Call to Worship Leader: We are pulled in many directions. We get frustrated and lose our patience.

People: Many duties and tasks seek to lay claim on our lives.

Leader: This day, in this place, let service to God be your choice.

People: This day, in this place, we open our hearts and spirits to God and are

grateful for the patience His grants us.

Leader: Blessed be the God of creation who has called us here.

All: Praise be to God who sustains and nurtures our lives.

*Opening Song “What a Mighty God We Serve” accompanied by the Rejoice Choir

What a mighty God we serve! (2x)

Angels bow before Him; Heaven and earth adore Him!

What a mighty God we serve!

Welcome

Call to Prayer Day by Day Oskar Ahnfeldt

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer 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.

Stewardship Moment

Rejoice Choir Song “Yonder Come Day” Spiritual

Children’s Sermon

At this time the children will go to Discovery Hour in the Christian Education Building

*Hymn No. 391 “Take My Life” HENDON

Scripture Readings (Unison reading) Psalm 90: 1-8 (NRSV)

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling-place in all generations.

2 Before the mountains were brought

forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You turn us back to dust, and say, ‘Turn back, you mortals.’

4 For a thousand years in your sight

are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away; they are like a

dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;

in the evening it fades and withers. 7 For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are

overwhelmed. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

Matthew 25: 14-30 (NRSV) 14

“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to

them; 15

to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.

Then he went away. 16

The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with

them, and made five more talents. 17

In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two

more talents. 18

But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground

and hid his master’s money. 19

After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled

accounts with them. 20

Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five

more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more

talents.’ 21

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been

trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your

master.’ 22

And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to

me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and

trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many

things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24

Then the one who had received the one talent also came

forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and

gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25

so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the

ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26

But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You

knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27

Then you

ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what

was my own with interest. 28

So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29

For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those

who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30

As for this worthless slave, throw

him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Sermonic Hymn “Day By Day”

Sermon “Get Up Offa That Thing” Rev. Carolyn C. Blair

Healing Prayers If you’re interested in having one of the worship leaders pray for you,

please come forward at this time.

Invitation to Giving

Offertory Music “Alleluia” from Exsultate, Jubilate W. A. Mozart

Alleluia comes from the Hebrew and means “make a joyful sound to God”

*Doxology LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Prayer of Dedication

*Hymn No. 145 “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” MARION

Benediction \ Response

Postlude Processional Martin Shaw

*Asterisk indicates standing for those who desire

Finding God in Giving Stewardship Moment 2015

Romans 11:36

“From Him and through Him and to Him are all things.”

We would like to thank our speaker Jean Davis-French of our Human Resources Committee.

WE WELCOME YOUR 2015 PLEDGE BUT WE ALSO NEED YOU TO HONOR YOUR 2014

PLEDGE BEFORE THE YEAR’S END SO THAT WE MAY PROVIDE THE CARE WE PROMISED TO OUR CHURCH, ITS STAFF, PROGRAMS, CONGREGANTS AND GROUNDS.

Welcome Visitors!

We are delighted to have you joining us here at Norfield today!

Please let us know if you have additional questions, or require further assistance. Do not hesitate

to ask one of our greeters or ushers, a deacon (identified by name badges), or one of our ministers.

Please also take a moment to fill out a nametag for yourself so we can greet you by name.

Infant and toddler care is available in the lower level of the Christian Education

Building. An usher can direct you. You can also see and hear the service in the Greene

Room if you need to.

A Children’s sermon is shared most Sundays and all children are invited to come to

the front of the altar and join us.

Norfield’s Church School, called Discovery Hour, meets during the service. Children

leave after the Children’s Sermon, accompanied by their teachers. All children are

welcome and encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is not necessary. Children can then

be picked up following the service at the Christian Education Building. Please ask us

for directions.

Hearing Assistance System amplifiers are available. Please speak with an usher if

you would like to use one.

Large Print Bulletins are available, including all hymn texts and responsive readings.

Please speak with an usher if you would like to use one.

Prayer Cards are located in the pew racks. If you have a prayer request, please fill one

out and place it in the offering plate or give it to a minister. We pray over these

concerns each week.

Please fill in your address and any questions you might have on the back of one of

the Prayer Cards in the pews, and then put the card in the offering plate or give it to a

minister.

Please join us, following the service, for coffee hour in the Parish Hall so we can

welcome you personally and introduce ourselves.

Please visit our website at www.norfield.org for more information, and for updates on church

activities and service schedules.

I n t e r e s t e d i n b e c o m i n g a m e m b e r ? P l e a s e j o i n R e v . K e l l y f o r a N e w

M e m b e r w o r k s h o p o n S u n d a y N o v e m b e r 3 0 t h a t 9 : 0 0 a m i n t h e C o n f e r e n c e R o o m !

P a ri sh N o te s November 16, 2014

Norfield Congregational Church

Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Senior Minister Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. .

Welcome! Thank you for joining us today! We hope that the hour spent in this sacred space

will draw you closer to God, and an awareness of God’s love.

Leaders of Worship Senior Minister – Rev. Dr. Bernard R. Wilson

Associate Minister of Children, Youth and Families – Rev. Kelly Hough Rogers

Pastoral Associate for Wholeness Ministries – Rev. Diane Stevenson

Director of Music & Worship Arts – Dr. David H. Connell

Rejoice Choir Leader – Kaitlin Carey

Usher – Charlene Blount & Dan Klein

Deacon of the Day – Lorenzo Wyatt

Greeters – Britta & Daniel Lerner

Coffee Hour Hosts – Steve & Michelle Mecca

Our Prayer List (November)

I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

(If you would like to put a name, concern, or joy on the prayer list, please call the church office

at 227-7886. Your prayer concern will remain on the list for the month;

if you would like to extend that time please call the church office.)

The altar flowers this morning are given loving memory of Robert C. Walton

by Bettina Walton and family.

D i s cov ery H ou r

Penny Anderson, Christian Education Director

Grade K – Lauren Noble

Grades 1 & 2 – Sarah Thomas

Grades 3 & 4 – Amy Young

Grades 5 & 6 – Liz Cocoros

Grades 7 & 8 – Sarah Bower

Our Norfield family wishes many blessings and many more happy years

to our Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Bernard and Nereida Wilson,

on the occasion of their 34th

Wedding Anniversary.

Announcements

Welcome Our Guest Speaker Rev. Carolyn C. Blair graduated from the prestigious “Fame” school, Fiorello

LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and the Performing Arts and received a

BFA in Musical Theatre from SUNY @Fredonia. Carolyn is an acclaimed

international actress and classically trained singer with numerous appearances in

Broadway shows. She has wowed audiences with her dramatic flair in several roles

especially the voice of the Plant in Little Shop of Horror; The WIZ; Ain’t

Misbehavin’ and is most known for her national work as Effie Melody White in

Dreamgirls.

Rev. Carolyn C. Blair continues to not only rock churches and cathedrals with her anointed gospel

voice but preaches the anointing of gospel of Christ

Carolyn holds a Masters degree in Education from Long Island University and Master in Reading from

University of Maryland (Towson); a Certificate of Advance Study (C.A.S.) in Reading and

Educational Leadership. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Administration. Carolyn is

currently an Educational Consultant and Program Manager for after school programs in Atlanta

Georgia. She has served as a School Administrator, International Facilitator, Educational Specialist,

Lead Professional Developer, and Teacher in several urban cities including New York City.

Rev. Carolyn C. Blair is a founding member and former Chair of the Board of Directors of The David

and Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund (with her siblings including Dr. Bernard Wilson and Dr. Ruby

Wilson). She is a founding charter member and licensed minister of Safe Haven UCC, Co-founder of

the Gateway Lutheran Multicultural Church Fellowship, ELCA, Baltimore MD., Ordained Elder,

Upper Room Full Gospel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY, and served as the first African American

Chair of Church Council at Second English Lutheran ELCA, Baltimore, MD.

Carolyn is happily married and has five children.

We have so much to be grateful for in this season of Thanksgiving. So to offer Thanks to our God and to

give back to our neighbors in need, we will be hosting two special events in the Month of November.

This year, we will host the Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship Service with our local Congregations

and Synagogues. The service will be here at Norfield on Wednesday November 19 from 7:30-8:30pm

with a reception following. Norfielders are encouraged to attend this event and to participate by

bringing ingredients for Thanksgiving Meals (stuffing, corn bread mix, canned goods and other non-

perishables), donating money for the purchase of turkeys and bringing in gently-used winter coats for

our neighbors in need. All sizes accepted.

Then on November 23rd immediately after Worship, we will have a Thanksgiving Basket Potluck.

We will assemble baskets for 15 families in Weston that would otherwise not have a Thanksgiving

meal. The rest of the ingredients and gently-used winter coats will be donated to Bridgeport Rescue

Mission.

Please plan on participating in both of these important events. The Fellowship Committee will be

coordinating the Potluck. Last names A-M, please bring an appetizer. Last names N-Z please bring a

desert. It would be wonderful if you would bring something representing your own cultural tradition!

Youth: Rev. Kelly is encouraging youth who want to join her for the High School Company Play

The Laramie Project, to join her at 3:00pm Sunday for the performance. 6th-8th Grade Youth

Fellowship will meet in Weston Center from 4:00-5:00pm for a Can and Cash Drive to benefit our

neighbors in need in Weston as well as the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Confirmation will meet at the regular time, 5:15-6:30pm in the Parish Hall!

Music: We are blessed to have a dedicated group of singers in our adult Sanctuary Choir, who

gather before and after the Sunday service to prepare anthems and hymns that enhance our worship

experience. Our children’s ensembles help lead us in worship once a month. We are so grateful for

their songs, too! The Cherub Choir (Kindergarten and younger) will sing next on November 30 (the

Sunday after Thanksgiving). Our Norfield Handbell Choir will grace our worship with joyful ringing

next Sunday.

Christmas Gifts for Children in South Norwalk

It is hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, but it is. And, once again Norfielders

have the opportunity to make Christmas a more joyous occasion for families in need. Person-To-

Person provides the names and wish lists (a toy, a game and a book) of children living in the Norwalk

area and we can make their wishes come true by purchasing gifts for them. If your kids are young, it's

a great way to introduce them to the spirit of Christmas. If they're grown and gone, it's a great way to

remind yourself of the fun of buying for kids. Last year, we were able to answer the wishes of 75

children and we hope to do the same again this year. Make this a family project or team-up with

someone else. It's an easy and fun way to get into the spirit of Christmas.

To sign-up, see us at Coffee Hour or for more information, you can call

David MacWilliams at 203. 226.9433 or Jack Segerdahl at 203.227.8081.

Where has your LOVE ROCK been?

Norfielders have taken or sent their love rocks to: The UVM Dorm Room of Tilly Ingall

September 11th Memorial, NYC

Yankee Stadium

Empire State Building

Capitol Hill

Our Front Lawn at Norfield and the Memorial Garden

Judy Albin’s High School Reunion Herb and Barbara Cotter’s Family all over the world

Send your stories and pictures to Rev. Kelly at kellyhrogers@gmail.com

If you don’t have one of your own, you can still pick up a Love Rock in the front office.

C h u rc h Cal e ndar

Day Date Time Event Place

Sunday 11/16 10:00am Healing Prayers Worship Service Sanctuary

4:00pm Middle School Youth Group Weston Center

5:15pm Confirmation Class Parish Hall

Monday 11/17 9:30am Mom’s Bible Study Banks Room

11:00am Senior Exercise Parish Hall

7:00pm Boy Scouts Parish Hall

Tuesday 11/18 11:00am Senior Exercise Senior Center

12:00pm PRC Meeting Parsonage

7:00pm Music-on-the-Hill Rehearsal Sanctuary

7:00pm BeeKeepers Parish Hall

7:30pm Trustees Meeting Conference Room

Wednesday 11/19 9:00am Warm-Up Meeting Conference Room

9:30am Open Door Bible Study Banks Room

11:00am Senior Lunch Parish Hall

4:00pm Music Makers Ministry CE Bldg

5:30pm Community Supper Parish Hall

7:30pm Interfaith Worship Service Sanctuary

Thursday 11/20 11:00am Senior Exercise Senior Center

Friday 11/21 9:00am Senior Yoga Parish Hall

Saturday 11/22 8:00am Kiwanis Parish Hall

9:00am Music-on-the-Hill Rehearsal Greene Room

Sunday 11/23 10:00am Worship Sanctuary

11:00am Potluck & Thanksgiving

Basket Preparation

Parish Hall

5:15pm Confirmation Class Parish Hall

BOARD AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

Moderator – Don Gary Vice Moderator – Rob Sanders

Church Clerk – Kerri Meredith Nominating Committee – Gaitrie Bos

Assistant Treasurer – Pam LaFontaine Altar Committee – Bobbie Sassano & Gaitrie Bos

Board of Trustees – Kurt Schreder Board of Deacons – Carol Hamilton

Human Resources – Jean-Davis French Board of Music – Andrew Bunger

Senior Shepherds – Arlene Pitts Board of Fellowship – Kim Gautier

Board of Christian Education – Sarah Bower Prayer Requests – Jackie Troxell

Prayer Shawl Ministry – Jacqueline Pike Shepherds – Lois Bechtel & Missy Dorsey

Board of Christian Outreach – David MacWilliams & Pam Kersey