second sunday after the epiphany...2021/01/17 · welcome rev. jonathan page 2 hymn no. 7 hymn to...
TRANSCRIPT
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SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY JANUARY 17, 2021 | 10:00AM
"Nathanael Under the Fig Tree" by James Tissot
You will be able to find the live stream on FCC's Facebook and YouTube pages or on the FCC website:
• http://youtube.com/FirstCongregationalChurchofHouston • https://www.facebook.com/firstconghouston/ • http://www.fcc-houston.org
The in-person services have been cancelled until further notice.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PRELUDE Improvisations M.J. Gallop RINGING OF THE CHURCH BELL
WELCOME Rev. Jonathan Page
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HYMN NO. 7 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee HYMN TO JOY
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PRAYER SCRIPTURE John 1:43-51 Eric Toskey The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”† CHILDREN’S MESSGE "Share Jesus and Trust in Him" Evelyn Ward
SUNG RESPONSE Take, O Take Me As I Am
SERMON “The Power of Authenticity” Rev. Jonathan Page
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HYMN O God, You Search Me
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER (using debts/debtors)
Our Creator, 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.†
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BRING FORTH OUR GIFTS AND OFFERINGS Roxanne Taylor The preferred method of giving electronically is through Zelle. Zelle is available through most major bank apps under transfers and incurs no additional fees to either the donor or FCC for the gift. To use Zelle enter the following charity address: [email protected] and include your name and fund you are contributing to. [Please make multiple transfers if you are contributing to multiple funds.]
If you are visiting FCC, reach out to Rev. Jonathan Page ([email protected]) to learn more about the church and its ministries. He would be happy to meet with you via Zoom, Skype, or over the phone. OUR MISSION
Welcome all into an inclusive community; Seek to follow Jesus’ teachings; Search for more truth and light; Support one another on our faith journeys; Strive for peace and justice.†
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HYMN NO. 476 Lift Every Voice and Sing LIFT EVERY VOICE
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BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Hymn to Joy arr. Al Travis
Coffee, Tea, and Conversation Following Worship Services Today Via Zoom We will be having a virtual Coffee, Tea, and Conversation following worship each Sunday. Everyone is welcome to join! Here is how to join. Click on the link below and enter the password beneath the link. If you don' have Zoom, you can download it at https://zoom.us/download. To join by phone dial +1 346 248 7799 and enter the Meeting ID.
FCC Houston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting: Topic: Coffee, Tea, and Conversation Please download and import the iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZ0ofu-qqjwrGtGbvwsZZJXhuCS3sMGzDew4/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGhqzIsGNCSsRmCRpx5GYr4M-rwiGZcjbd6ngnyEBppSDv-I8FxYaFSN8L0 Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89596247105?pwd=c2wzdkR2TVI5bmlKeGdoZXdtd05RZz09 Meeting ID: 895 9624 7105 Passcode: 671714 +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kFIbVlGh1
WORSHIP NOTES: THE BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS ON THE COMMUNION TABLE TODAY WERE DONATED anonymously for everyone to stay safe, wear a mask, and social distance. MUSIC COPYRIGHT INFO: All music is reprinted under permission of our OneLicense.net account #A-727634.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Clinton Rice (Carlene Shirk’s nephew); David Nussmann; John Fosseen and the family of Nancy Werner (John’s cousin); Kenzi Lynes (Krysia Lynes’ niece); Sherry Richard and the family of Linda Lou “Lulu” Casey (Sherry’s sister); Jamie and Howard Strong and the family of E.G. “Jay” Ruoff (Jamie’s father); Melvin Roy (Denise Zoch’s father); Mark Scallan; Clara Joy Collier (Cassie and Jeff Collier’s newborn); Verita Duncan (Robin Stilwell’s friend); Cynthia Blackwell (Janice Van Derbur’s friend); Mary Thomas (Mona Rhines’ friend); Phyllis Hengst (Jane Bradbery’s dear friend); Jennifer Schafer (Michael Schafer’s daughter-in-law); Dana Muñoz and her family (Janice Van Derbur and Linda Noyes’ good friends); Voelkel family (Naomi Black’s friends); Dr. James Hollis (Michael Schafer and Ellen Benninghoven’s good friend); Chris (Paola’s friend); Joe King (Michael Schafer and Ellen Benninghoven’s friend); Melissa Murry; Becky and Murry Witcher (Janet Rexroad’s dear friends); Jary Earl (Jim Earl’s sister-in-law); Lucy Maves (Jessica Seff’s friend); Diane Brahm; Claire Cardwell; Leon Wehunt (friend of John and Linda Fosseen); Dianne Bub; Nancy and Bob Been (Naomi Black’s friends); Jennifer Chapin (Robin Stilwell’s friend); Dr. William Riley (dear friend of Michael Schafer); Fran Smith; Frances Davis (Mary Harper’s friend); and all of those who are unable to be with us today.
† As an inclusive and open faith community, we attempt to convey gender neutral images, terms, and language of God. However, some hymns, anthems, and scriptures from the past will not be changed.
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FORMING OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH FCC SUNDAY SCHOOL Godly Play Story are shared via YouTube Today, we heard the story of the Ten Best Ways. Unlike when we are in the classrooms, all ages are welcome. The video can be found on FCC’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB1ODaC8jgRMD5KZVA7cL_A
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CLASS TODAY, SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 This week, the focus text is Mark 1:14-20. Hearing Jesus’ call to follow him, adults will visualize and describe what it means to be Jesus’ disciples today. The resource materials can be found at: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:08d71242-946d-48f5-8524-06e1c254109e Next week, the focus text will be Mark 1:21-28. As Jesus confronted the unclean spirit in Mark 1, we will examine ways in which we daily confront evil. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:427325df-1c72-43c6-9bb2-d469b499d60d
Time: This is a recurring meeting Sundays at 7pm Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85633892742?pwd=UEw0blVsYzFhR2MyR1VVY0FyNmlNZz09 Meeting ID: 856 3389 2742 Password: 803121 Dial in: 346 248 7799
ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 The Annual Meeting for First Congregational Church of Houston is scheduled for Sunday, January 31, following worship via Zoom. At the meeting we will receive the reports of the staff, officers, and boards of the church. We will also discuss the following items to be voted on:
- Budget for 2021 - Slate of officers and board members - Strategic Plan for 2021 - Staff Restructuring Plan - David Knickel Bequest
We will have meetings on Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24 to discuss the items to be voted on. We encourage everyone who wants to speak on these items to attend the informational meetings next weekend. Zoom links for the informational meetings and the Annual Meeting will follow, along with the Annual Report.
NEXT WEEK: THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Sermon: “Fishing for People” – Rev. Jonathan C. Page preaching Scripture: Mark 1:14-20
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GROWTH GROUPS: NEW CATALOG AND SIGN-UP AVAILABLE NOW! A Growth Group is a small group of about 10-18 people who commit to meet regularly for a semester (about three months). These groups are the best one-stop shop to get to know new people, deepen old friendships, enjoy an activity or discussion, and cultivate our faith. After a run of only two semesters so far at FCC, our Growth Groups program is already proving its value according to participants: "Growth groups are a very positive experience of the church, enriching, enhancing beyond Sunday worship, volunteering, giving of time and treasures. Highly recommended even beyond the end of virus restrictions on physical contact." -- Bob Sander "During a time of great upheaval, being part of a growth group made me feel less lonely and more positive. I felt the dust clearing from my mind and I felt engaged in something that was worthwhile, and I made friends." -- Kathy Crumpler From cooking to social activism to spiritual practice, a wide range of topics are available from which to choose. Some groups fill fast, so sign up quickly to get your first pick at www.fcc-houston.org/growth-groups/ Spring Semester groups:
• Christian Mindfulness • Fiber Arts • Hope in our Common Humanity • Meatless Mondays • Men's Lunch • Parenting & Family Life • Sisters of Mary Magdalene • We Voted—Now What? • Wine Tasting • Young at Heart
Please contact Kelly Stevens at [email protected] with any questions. NOON MID-WEEK PRAYER SERVICE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 AT NOON VIA FACEBOOK At noon on Wednesdays, Rev. Jonathan Page will lead a brief prayer service using Facebook Live. To attend the service, go to the FCC Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/firstconghouston). We look forward to seeing you there!
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SHRED DAY AT MAM SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, FROM 9AM-NOON On January 23rd, MAM will host its quarterly shred day from 9:00am to 12:00pm in the Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) parking lot at 1625 Blalock Road, Houston 77080. For a donation of $10.00, you may bring ten boxes. There is also a need for volunteers and if you wish to volunteer or more information, contact Pam Shirk at 713-574-7540. FROM THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY (CIS) BOARD – TEXAS IMPACT’S WEEKY WITNESS Here is an easy way to keep up with the issues confronting the Texas legislative session which began January 12th. It is also one of the sources we’ll be using for the growth group, “We Voted, Now What?” For more information, please contact Roxanne Taylor, [email protected]. NEW: Register for our weekly Zoom during the legislative session! If you’re a faithful Weekly Witness podcast listener...now be part of the action! Join the Weekly Witness team live online Mondays at noon throughout the Texas Legislative Session: participate in the conversation, ask questions, and chat with other advocates throughout Texas. Each episode features a “Weekly Word” from a Texas faith leader, an update on an “issue of the week” by leading policy advocates, along with a Legislative Update segment and Action Alert for the week from the Texas Impact team. The Action Alert will be available online and Weekly Witness content will be available on Facebook, YouTube, and in the podcast feed. As always, Weekly Witness programming is highly flexible in response to rapidly changing policy events. However, we also are committed to providing dependable programming that keeps you up to speed on all the issues facing lawmakers. This weekly calendar will serve as our foundation; depending on what’s going on at the Capitol each week, we’ll add other features as needed. For now, go ahead and mark your calendars to make sure to catch your favorite topics:
January 18: Medicaid January 25: Content from United Methodist Women’s Legislative Event February 1: COVID & Public Health February 8: Texas State Budget February 15: Voting Rights February 22: Policing Reform March 1: Anti-Discrimination March 8: Content from Texas Interfaith Advocacy Days March 15: Redistricting March 22: Public Education March 29: Migration April 5: Congressional Climate Legislation
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April 12: Religious Freedom April 19: Disaster Justice April 26: Energy May 3: Texas State Budget May 10: Legislative Update Only May 17: Legislative Update Only May 24: Legislative Update Only
FCC BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE FCC’s Benevolence Fund is available for financial emergencies, and the Benevolence Committee is tasked with managing the gifting process. In recent years, there have been two crises which called for a drastic increase in Benevolence Fund and Committee activities - Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19. During the COVID-19 crisis we have made more than 35 gifts totaling over $20,000. We have assisted individuals and families, both inside and outside the church, for items such as rent assistance and essential living expenses. The Benevolence Fund is solely sourced from the very generous giving of FCC members. If you wish to contribute or have a request, please contact German Amador at [email protected]. The application process is confidential and brief.
SLUMBER FALLS (SFC) NEWS Summer Camp SALT and Power applications are available online. Interviews began in January. The SFC Winter Work Weekend may be moved to March to avoid possible cold weather, but please keep February 5-7, 2021, available for now. There is no charge for this weekend. The schedule for Summer camps is shown below. To register, go to: https://www.ultracamp.com/clientlogin.aspx?idCamp=505&campCode=sfc Receive a $50.00 discount when you register for Summer Camp by February 1, 2021.
CAMP Dates Completed Grade CIT Training Camp June 20-23 Ages 14-17 Springs Alive June 23-26 1-2 Roaring Rapids (HS) June 27-July 3 9-12 Sports Camps June 27 – July 3 3-6 Streams of Faith 1 (Elementary) July 4-10 3-5 Geek Week July 4-10 8-10 Jr. High: Living Waters July 11-17 6-8 Eco Camps July 11-17 3-6
Weeks shown highlighted above will substitute as our habitual Youth trips since the vaccine for children and youth is not expected to be available. The Youth fund is available to lower the camp fee to $250 for all campers. (You might consider making a donation to Slumber Falls if you take advantage of that option.) In case of financial need, contact Krysia @[email protected] and assistance can be arranged.The camp has excellent Covid-19 protocols in place (mostly outdoor activities, meals with cabin group, pre-camp health screening, intensive cleaning between camps) and a very small number of campers as compared to most camps. The SFC and SCC Conference Office will be changing phone and internet provider service the week of January 18-22. Contact Betty Jo Hall at [email protected] with any questions
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ALTAR FLOWER CALENDAR We are starting the new 2021 Alter Flower Calendar for the Meeting House and will be handling it by phone only. Please contact Carlene Shirk if you have a particular date you would like to donate flowers one Sunday in memory or honor of a loved one or just celebrate a birthday or anniversary, and they are still only $45.00. Contact Carlene at 281-728-8868.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DURING COVID-19 Here are the current volunteer opportunities, for working to assist in the Houston community during COVID. Contact Carlton at [email protected] and Chuck at [email protected] if you know of any volunteer activities during this time, and/or if you are interested in being on a “FCC volunteer” email distribution list. Current Opportunities: There are opportunities which relate to an increase in food distribution to those in need, as well as other non-food opportunities. All opportunities described below have been vetted by someone with FCC, and those requiring their volunteers to interact with others must carefully follow social distancing protocols, with masks and gloves required when working with others. There are several NON-CONTACT Opportunities (e.g., mask-making), as well. Here are some options for volunteers. Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) – MAM needs your help! The Resale Store and warehouse have reopened for clients and are very short on volunteers. Volunteers are urgently needed to sort and tag merchandise, stock shelves and racks, and assist with sales. The Resale Store was closed for many months, resulting in a serious loss of revenue to fund client programs. The store’s continued viability is vital to MAM’s ability to keep helping families in need. You can help! MAM is following all safety protocols – masks and sanitizer are provided, social distancing is practiced, and the number of shoppers allowed in the store is controlled to avoid crowding. Volunteers may request to limit their service to areas not frequented by the public. If you have any questions, please contact volunteer coordinator Stephanie Tippitt at [email protected]. MAM also needs furniture and houseware donations for the Resale Store! Your donations will magically turn into store proceeds that fund 37% of MAM’s programs and services to help families in need. You can bring donations to the MAM donation door at 1625 Blalock Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays between 10am and 2pm; or, especially for furniture, you can call and MAM will send a delivery truck to pick it up and haul it away! Baker Ripley – Baker Ripley is hosting food distribution fairs at 5 locations in Houston. There are 5 food distributions scheduled for January and more in the following months. Each event requires 50 volunteers. They “need as many volunteers as we can get to prepare food bags and distribute to neighbors directly into the trunks with no contact.” Please consider signing up below to assist Houston families when they need it the most. For more details and to sign up use this link: https://volunteer.bakerripley.org/recruiter/501/OppDetails/1848/COVID-19-Food-Distribution/ ECHOS (Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services) – ECHOS is a Houston based non-profit in Southwest Houston that provides a wide range of health and social services as well as a food pantry for immigrant and low-income communities. FCC supports ECHOS with funding. ECHOS needs volunteers for a food distribution
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that they do every Tuesday and for packaging and preparing that food for distribution on other days. To volunteer at ECHOS go to http://echos-houston.org/support-echos/, or call Jennifer at 713-705-9718. This news video provides a good picture of ECHOS food pantry service: https://abc13.com/covid-covid19-coronavirus-echos/6135467/ Kids’ Meals, Inc. - Kids’ Meals, Inc. serves poverty-stricken children across the city. Normally, they deliver about 3,000 meals each weekday. Now, there is so much demand that they recently dropped off nearly 7,000 meals in one day. Volunteers are needed to work in the warehouse, in the “kitchen” preparing meals, or as delivery drivers. Also, you and your family can make kids’ lunches in the comfort and safety of your own home! Instructions for this opportunity are here: https://kidsmealsinc.org/wp-content/uploads/PAGE-2-DIY-Lunch-Pack-Instructions-7-13-20.pdf and https://kidsmealsinc.org/wp-content/uploads/DIY-Bag-Decorating-Instructions-1-1-20-1.pdf. For more information or to sign up as a Kids’ Meals volunteer, go to https://kidsmealsinc.org/take-action/volunteer/ or contact Carlton Cook at [email protected] or 713-705- 1947. Conveniently, you can sign up for a volunteer time slot on their online calendar. Heights Interfaith Food Pantry (https://himfoodpantry.org/home/volunteer/) Volunteer opportunities are available at different times every week. Once you sign up as a volunteer, they have a convenient Sign Up Genius online to schedule your service times. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4da8ad2ba0f49-adminstrator. Guillermo Garza has been volunteering there. Houston Food Bank is crowd sourcing delivery drivers to get food to hungry people: https://crowdsourcerescue.com/campaigns/home/190?scope_campaigns=190. Contact Krysia Lynes at [email protected] with questions. Masks Needed - Face masks are needed by several organizations, particularly for children. If you are willing and able to make, find, or buy masks, please contact Chuck Stilwell at ([email protected], 406-491-1129) or Robin Stilwell ([email protected] or 713-702-9448). We can provide several mask patterns for those who have the will and skill to sew some.
Food distribution fares are ongoing “Covid-safe”opportunities for volunteers. See the list above for the specific organizations running these weekly events.
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HOUSTON
10840 Beinhorn Road - Houston, Texas 77024 Phone: 713.468.9543 | www.fcc-houston.org
The Reverend Jonathan C. Page, Senior Minister | [email protected] Krysia Lynes, Director of Christian Education | [email protected]
M. J. Gallop, Minister of Music | [email protected] Stevie Berryman, Director of Handbells
Jane Bradbery, Office Administrator | [email protected] Gary Wurl, Financial Secretary | [email protected]
Terry Smith, Wedding Coordinator | [email protected] Maggi Tucker, Minister of Music Emerita | [email protected]
Church Officers:
Moderator: Anne Amador | [email protected] Vice Moderator: Pat Rickey | [email protected]
Treasurer: Shawn Gleason | [email protected] Clerk: Denise Zoch | [email protected]
Board of Christian Education: Naomi Black | [email protected] Board of Communications: Sydney Isaacs | [email protected] Board of Church in Society: Roxanne Taylor | [email protected]
Board of Deacons: Lynette Ross | [email protected] Board of Hospitality Co-Chair: Diane Foote | [email protected]
Board of Hospitality Co-Chair: Phyllis Roberts | [email protected] Board of Missions: Chuck Stilwell | [email protected]
Board of Trustees: Tom O’Neill | [email protected] At-Large Members:
John Fosseen | [email protected] Eric Toskey | [email protected]
UCC Delegates: Doug Bernard | [email protected]
Jane Holland | [email protected] Darlene Jones | [email protected] Krysia Lynes | [email protected]
Sue Earl | [email protected]
In case of emergencies, contact Rev. Jon Page at 203-815-3816.
FCC is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. We joyfully welcome everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.