the church of the redeemer ucc the first sunday of advent...
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THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UCC
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2017
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We are the Church of the Redeemer, United Church of Christ,
an inclusive community committed to the worship of God, the work of justice,
and the recognition of our common humanity in the struggles of life.
We follow Jesus Christ, who welcomes all people to his table.
We celebrate the rich diversity of God’s people:
in race, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities,
marital and economic status and culture.
Join us on a journey of the Holy Spirit,
where faith and intellect meet, learning never ends,
and music and the arts draw us closer to our Creator.
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WELCOME
We are pleased that you could join us this morning; wherever you are on your life
and faith journey, you are welcome at the Church of the Redeemer UCC. If you
have any questions, please speak with an usher at the back of the Sanctuary. If
you would like more information about the church, fill out the visitor information
form at the back of this bulletin and put it in an offering plate. We hope you will join
us after the service at Coffee Hour for a time of fellowship – go out the side door
and follow the crowds.
ABOUT US
The Church of the Redeemer UCC is an open and affirming, theologically
progressive, mainline Protestant church affiliated with the United Church of Christ
(UCC). It was founded as a Congregational church in New Haven in 1838. Our
identity is summarized by our vision statement.
CHILDCARE DURING AND AFTER CHURCH
Children are always welcome in church. Activity bags for older children and
rocking chairs for adults with babies are available at the rear of the sanctuary. We
have a nursery downstairs for children through age 6; you can take your child there
at any time (follow the "Nursery" signs in the Tower Lobby or ask the ushers at the
back).
LARGE PRINT BULLETINS AND ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES
If you are having trouble reading this bulletin or hearing the
service, the ushers can provide you with a large-print bulletin or
an assistive listening device. There are also large print Bibles and
hymnals for those with vision challenges.
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THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UCC
The First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 3, 2017
PRELUDE François Couperin Offertoire sur les grands jeux
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WELCOME Rev. Susan Murtha
INTROIT Tim Olsen O Antiphons
Julia Blue Raspe, soprano
Please sing the refrain with the choirs when you are invited.
Julia sings it first, and then all of us.
CALL TO WORSHIP please stand Barbara Libby
Leader: O come, Emmanuel
People: Bringing strength and clear-seeing to those moments that challenge us.
Leader: O come, Light of the world
People: Shine upon not only our goodness, but also our faults so that we may be
reconciled to one another.
Leader: O come, Christ who redeems
People: Creating in us a new spirit of service, kindness and grace.
Leader: O come, God of all creation
All: For we come to worship you.
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PROCESSIONAL HYMN O come, O come, Emmanuel
see page 12
ADVENT WREATH: LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE OF HOPE
The Pellegrino Family: Beth, Tony, Charlie, Samuel and Quinn
Today is the First Sunday of Advent, in which we recall the hope we have in Christ.
Through the prophet Isaiah, God sent this word: “For surely I know the plans I have
for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you
a future with hope.”
Testimony of hope
People: God, creator of the world, turn us away from making our preferences the
source of our hop; turn us toward your hope for us. This Advent, visit us
with divine hope. Amen.
ANTHEM Johannes Brahms O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf
O Saviour, tear open the heavens,
flow down to us from the heaven above;
tear off heaven’s gate and door,
tear off every lock and bar.
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE Jordan Rebholz
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Let us welcome one another with the traditional Christian greeting
“Peace be with you." "And also with you."
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HYMN OF PREPARATION please stand O how shall I receive you
#102 New Century Hymnal
SCRIPTURE Luke 1:30-38
SCRIPTURE RESPONSE
Leader: God is still speaking.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON Longing for God
MOMENT FOR SILENT REFLECTION
OFFERTORY
OFFERTORY ANTHEM Johannes Brahms Hie leiden wir
Sarah Reed, soprano; Julia Blue Raspe, mezzo soprano
Paul Berry, tenor; Brian Robinson, bass
Here we suffer the greatest distress;
before our eyes stands bitter death.
Ah, come to lead us with your powerful hand
from this misery to our creator’s land.
Therefore we all want to thank you,
our redeemer, for ever and ever.
Therefore we also want to praise you
at all time, always and forever. Amen.
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CONGREGATIONAL DOXOLOGY please stand (Tune: Lasst uns erfreuen)
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship God in humbleness:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God and Jesus Christ the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One:
O Praise God, O Praise God.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
COMMUNION HYMN Keep awake, be always ready
#112 New Century Hymnal
Verse one only
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
At Redeemer, we welcome all people to our table for Holy Communion, including
children. If your children have not been in the practice of receiving the Sacrament,
we leave to your discretion whether or not to invite them to receive. By way of
explanation, we encourage you to tell your children that we do this because Jesus
asked us to remember him when we eat and drink, and that Jesus promised to be
present with us in a special way when we eat and drink together as the church. It is
a quiet time, for praying and remembering all we know about Jesus. It is a joyous
time, for we celebrate that the risen Christ is with us always!
Invitation
Prayer of Consecration
Holy God, source of all blessing…
…with all the saints and a great cloud of witnesses we sing your praise.
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Sanctus
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Prayers of Intercession
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Lord’s Prayer Mark Miller
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Words of Institution
Sharing of the Elements
Communion is being served this morning by the method of intinction. Please
approach the Communion table by going down the center aisle to either
side of the Communion table. The chalice near the piano contains wine.
The opposite side has a chalice with (low in sugar) grape juice. The bread
today is gluten-free. Take a piece of the bread, dip it in the cup and take
and eat. Then return down the outer aisles to the rear of the sanctuary and
back to your seat.
If you would like the elements brought to you in the pew, please let an usher
know.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
RECESSIONAL HYMN please stand Awake, awake and greet the new morn
see page 13
BENEDICTION
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AMEN Jacques Berthier Prepare the way of the Lord
Please join the choir. We sing once in unison and then
in parts. Your choir leaders will show you when to stop!
Part one is the first few rows on the lectern side.
Part two is the back few rows on the lectern side.
Part three is the back few rows on the pulpit side.
Part four is the front few rows on the pulpit side.
POSTLUDE François Couperin Dialogue sur les trompettes
Please remain in the sanctuary for the congregational meeting after which we will
adjourn to the Sterling Room for a luncheon and the
All Church Gathering: “Next Steps 2,” led by Pastor Susan.
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THANK YOU TO THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THIS MORNING’S WORSHIP SERVICE
Deacon Shepherd: Wes Poling
Reader: Barbara Libby
Hospitality: Luncheon
Ushers: Ken Minkema and Lori Fast Minkema
Nursery Assistant: Two nursery assistants
Communion Servers: Wes Poling, Kathy Taylor, Julie Moore and Georgia Erickson
Next Sunday
Hospitality: Doby Hall, Kathy Hagearty and Luis Pagan
Ushers: Wes and Carol Poling, and Jon Reed
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Notice of Congregational Meeting: Sunday, December 3, 2017
A Congregational Meeting will be held immediately following the worship service on
Sunday, December 3, 2017, for the following purposes:
1. To vote on the approval of the minutes from the Annual Meeting held on June
4, 2017, and the Special Congregational Meetings held on September 24,
2017 and November 19, 2017.
2. To hear a report from the Generosity Ministry Team.
3. To hear a report from the Endowment Ministry Team.
4. To hear and vote on the Ministry Priorities.
5. To hear and vote on the 2018 budget proposed by the Leadership Council.
6. To hear and vote on a resolution to borrow from the endowment fund if more
than 5% of its value is approved in the budget.
7. To hear and act upon any other business brought before the congregation.
Copies of the minutes and a list of proposed Ministry Priorities will be distributed by
email and made available from the Church office prior to the meeting.
The Leadership Council encourages you to attend this important meeting. A quorum
for the meeting consists of 20% of all members and associate members, and the
affirmative vote of a majority of those members and associate members present at the
meeting will be required to approve each action item.
Kay Comendul, Clerk
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TODAY: INTERNATIONAL CRAFTS AND PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
The New Haven/Leon Sister City Project will be at Church of the Redeemer again
this year. Add another dimension to your gift giving today by visiting the Free Trade
and Locally Produced Gifts sale which will be held in the Phillips room after worship
that day.
Among their items available will be: Palestinian olive oil, Nicaraguan woven gifts,
Syracuse Cultural Workers’ calendars, Swords Into Plowshares honey and pure
beeswax candles, goat milk soaps, hand crafted cards, recycled wire baskets from
India….and more. You will be supporting preschool and after-school programs, a
women’s program that focuses on teaching women their rights including how to
respond to domestic violence, and much more.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ELIZABETH GLEICH TO BE ORDAINED TODAY
At 3:00 pm today Elizabeth Gleich will be ordained as well as installed as Associate
Pastor for Children and Youth Ministries at the First Church of Christ, Congregational
in Glastonbury. Elizabeth acknowledges the big part Redeemer members have
played in her ordination process and would love to see many of you there for this
momentous occasion. The First Church of Christ, Congregational is located at 2183
Main Street in Glastonbury. A light reception will follow the service.
BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S CEREMONY OF CAROLS
On Christmas Eve, the Girls’ Choir and the Senior Choir will be joined by harpist Rita
Costanzi as we sing Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols as well as traditional
congregational carols. Of course, the Chancel Choir will sing as well!
We invite any singers in the congregation who read music to join the Senior Choir as
we prepare for this service during our remaining regular rehearsals: Thursday,
December 7th; Thursday, December 14th (which includes a potluck supper at
Maggie’s house beginning at 5:30pm); and Thursday, December 21st. Weekly
rehearsals begin promptly at 7:45 pm.
THE NOON BOOK GROUP
The Noon Book Group will meeting at 12:00 noon on December 12 for a Potluck
Lunch and Yankee Swap at the home of Julie Moore. All are welcome!
Looking ahead: The Noon Book Group’s first meeting in January will take place on
Tuesday, January 9 when they will discuss Threading My Prayer Rug: One Woman's
Journey from Pakistani Muslim to American Muslim by Sabeeha Rehman. Bring your
lunch and join in the discussion and fellowship!
THE EVENING BOOK GROUP
The Evening Book Group will meet for their annual Christmas Book Exchange on
December 11th at 7:30 at the home of Heather Jessen. Attendees are asked to
bring something to share. As always, new members are welcome!
Looking ahead: The Evening Book Group will meet January 22nd to discuss The
Leavers at the home of Carol Nardini.
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THE KNITTING GROUP
The Knitting Group will meet again on December 21. The Knitting Group meets
every third Thursday of the month at 2:30 in the Sterling Room. Please join us for this
vital ministry of creating prayer shawls for those who need comfort in difficult times.
The pattern is very simple and we will teach the stitches to anyone who joins us. We
also can supply the yarn. We would love to have some new members!
NEW HAVEN ORATORIO CHOIR CONCERT: DECEMBER 8
The New Haven Oratorio Choir will be presenting a concert in the Redeemer
sanctuary on December 8 at 7:30 pm. On the program are Johannes Brahms
Liebeslieder Waltzes, opus 52 and 65. Ticket are $20.00 with Student and Senior
tickets at $15.00.
THE MITTEN TREE
The paper mittens on the giving tree will benefit IRIS once again this year. If you
take a paper mitten, you will notice that it has either "boy" or "girl" and an age
range written on it and the word clothes. Please buy a piece of
clothing for a child fitting anywhere in that age range and bring it
unwrapped in a box to church by the 17th of December. You should attach to
paper mitten to the box. Hats, mittens, scarves and socks can also be added to
the tree. Thank-you in advance for your generosity!
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FEDERATED YOUTH GROUP & CONFIRMATION Redeemer, Spring Glen, United and North Haven Congregational
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ADVENT GATHERING: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th AFTER WORSHIP
Come join us for fun and crafts after worship on Sunday, December 10th! We will
gather for a time of inter-generational fellowship in the Sterling Room, sponsored by
Children's Faith Formation and Adult Faith Formation. More information to come!
Mark your calendars now!
~ ADVENT NIGHT ~
led by Pastor Susan
Wednesday, December 13 @ 7 p.m. in the Parlor
When it comes to the story of the coming of Christ into the world,
the four gospel writers tell four different stories!
This Advent, Pastor Susan will take us into the gospels to explore
how each narrated the meaning of this world-altering event.
Cookies, hot chocolate & good conversation are promised!
Cookies, Hot Chocolate and
Christ Coming into the World: 4 gospels, 4 different stories
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CHURCH MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Sunday, December 3, 2017 8:55 am Sr. Choir, sanctuary
10:00 am Worship and Communion
11:15 am Children’s choirs rehearse
11:30 am Congregational Budget meeting
Followed by “Next Steps 2,” Sterling
11:30 am New Haven/Leon Sister Cities Fair
Trade Sale, Phillips
Monday, December 4, 2017 4:00 pm Building Team, Phillips
Tuesday, December 5, 2017 7:30 pm Leadership Council, Phillips
Thursday, December 7, 2017 7:45 pm Senior Choir, sanctuary
Sunday, December 10, 2017 8:55 am Senior Choir, sanctuary
10:00 am Worship and Sunday school
11:15 am Children’s choirs rehearse
11:30 am Advent Gathering, Sterling/Phillips
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SAFE CHURCH POLICY
The Church of the Redeemer UCC aspires to provide a safe environment for people
of all ages; physical and sexual abuse and harassment will not be tolerated in any
way. The full text of our Safe Church policy is available on our website.
REDEEMER OFFICE HOURS
The Redeemer office is open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
You may also contact the office by sending an email to
CONTACT REVEREND MURTHA
Susan may be reached via the Redeemer office at (203) 787-5711. You may also
reach her via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (203) 936-9356.
WELCOME VISITORS TO THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UCC! Please let us know more about you and how we can serve you.
Please complete this card and place it in the offering plate or hand it to an usher.
Name:_________________________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________________
Phone:_________________________________________________________________________
Email address: __________________________________________________________________
___ I would like to be on your mailing list to receive newsletter (email or USPS)
___ I would like information about Sunday School for my children:
Name(s)/Ages(s): ____________________________________________________________
___ I would like a call from the Pastor.
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The Church of the Redeemer
United Church of Christ
185 Cold Spring Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: 203-787-5711
http://uccredeemer.org
Join us on Facebook at Church of the Redeemer New Haven
Susan J. Murtha, Interim Senior Minister
Jordan Rebholz, Minister for Faith Formation
Robert Parker, Moderator of the Church
Henry Sykes, Treasurer
Kay Comendul, Clerk
Marguerite Brooks, Director of Music
Julia Blue Raspe, Chancel Choir Director and Alto Section Leader
Paul Berry, Boys' Choir Director and Tenor Section Leader
Sarah Reed, Soprano Section Leader
Brian Robinson, Bass Section Leader
Larry Bishop, Organist
Barbara Repetsky, Office Administrator and Financial Secretary
Collin Morrissey, Security
Lou and Valarie Fanelli, Sextons
Margaret Fraser, Nursery Attendant
Emily Novicki, Nursery Attendant