Stratham Community Church
An Open and Affirming Congregation
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
April 20, 2008
10:00 AM
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Rise and greet the morning.
People: Cast off your sleep and doubt.
Leader: Arise, meet the risen Christ
People: Who comforts our grieving hearts,
Leader: Who encourages our faltering steps,
People: Who splinters us with laughter,
Leader: Who wrinkles us with compassion,
People: Who raises us to heaven.
Leader: Rise, sing your praise!
*HYMN “Praise Thou the Lord, O My Soul, Sing Praises”
Pilgrim Hymnal (red) #17
*INVOCATION & THE LORD’S PRAYER (using debts)
Loving God, as we worship you today, let not our hearts be as hard as stone, but make us soft and pliable as clay. Let not our minds be armored as a fortress but make us as open as an archway. Let us not cling to preconceived assumptions, but relax our hands to let go of all to which we grasp. Set us free to hold whatever you might send us. May we not be like rocks, unaffected amid the current, unconnected to it’s source. Instead, may we flow with your Spirit as a fallen leaf floats lightly on the surface of a stream. And hear our prayer, “Our Father,..."
*GLORIA PATRI
THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
We greet those around us with a sign of peace (handshakes or hugs) and words like "The peace of Christ be with you." This ancient tradition is an appropriate response to the peace that God gives to those who hear and do God's word.
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
Announcements and Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Joyful Offerings (Offerings of Thanksgiving and Celebration)
- Birthdays and Anniversaries
- Sharing Our Joyful Offerings
CHILDREN’S SERMON
*HYMN “Listen to Your Savior Call”
New Century Hymnal (black) #250
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
GREETING
Leader: Grace, mercy, and peace to you from Jesus Christ, the
head of the church in heaven and on earth.
People: To God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
INTRODUCTION
Leader: Affirmation of ministry is the act whereby a local church
of the United Church of Christ recognizes the diverse
gifts of its members and celebrates the particular ministry
of each person in the life of the church or in various settings
in the life of the world. There are different kinds of spiritual
gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.
People: There are different ways of serving, but the same God
is served.
Leader: There are different abilities to perform service, but the same
God gives ability to each of us for our particular service.
People: The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each
person for the good of all.
Leader: Christ is like a single body, which has many parts.
People: It is still one body even though it is made up of different
parts.
Leader: If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with
it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its
happiness.
People: All of us are Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it.
PRESENTATION
Leader: These people have been called by God, in accordance with
the faith and order of this church, to serve among us.
They have accepted their call and are before us in witness to
their willingness to serve.
COVENANT
Leader: Sisters and brothers in Christ, it is an honor to be entrusted
with responsibility for particular service in the ministry
of the church, whether gathered or scattered.
The names and duties of each person will be presented. If you are a member of this group, please stand when your name is called.
Leader: Having prayerfully considered the duties and responsibilities
of your ministry, are you prepared to service with the help
of God in Christ’s name and for the glory of God?
Individuals: I am.
Leader: Do you promise to exercise your ministry diligently and
faithfully, showing forth the love of Christ?
Individuals: I do, relying on God’s grace.
Leader: Members of this household of faith, you have heard the
promises of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have
answered God’s call to service. Let us affirm our intention
to live in covenant with them. Will those who are able
rise and witness to commitment we now make?
People: We gather in celebration of the joy that is ours to be
partners with you in the service Jesus Christ. We
promise to love you, honor your leadership, and assist
you that together we may be a faithful church of Jesus
Christ.
PRAYER
Leader: Let us pray. Eternal God, you have called these people to
serve you in this household of faith and in the world,
which you have entrusted to our care and keeping. Send
your Holy Spirit on them that they may serve among us
with honor and faithfulness. Help the to be diligent in
their duties that your church may prosper in the mission
you place before it. May their example prove worthy
for all of us to follow, as we are united in Christ’s ministry,
to the glory of your name.
People: Amen.
DECLARATION
Leader: In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of the people of
the Stratham Community Church of the United Church of
Christ, we rejoice to announce that you are installed as
officers of the Stratham Community Church.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 95 New Century Hymnal (black) p. 683
GOSPEL READING John 6:53-56 Pew Bible p. 868
ANTHEM “We Fall Down”
(words and music by Chris Tomlin)
SERMON
“Denominations of Christianity: Catholicism - Ritual, Reverence and the Power of the Eucharist”
(please see the Sermon Notes towards the end of the bulletin)
THE PASTORAL PRAYER AND PRAYERS OF THE
CONGREGATION
*SHARING GOD’S BLESSINGS
Offertory Anthem
*Doxology Pilgrim Hymnal (red) # 514
*Prayer of Dedication
Loving God, we place our offerings in these plates, we place our faith in you, we place our confidence in the Spirit's power, and we place our hope in the ongoing work of Christ's church. Use these gifts to expand your justice throughout the world. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
*HYMN “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
Pilgrim Hymnal (red) #251
THE BENEDICTION
Leader: Go forth into the world to speak and live all God has
commanded.
People: With our whole hearts we venture forth, marveling at
our Creator's majesty and power.
Leader: God has renewed with us an eternal covenant in which we stand, and help others to stand.
People: In Christ we experience our wholeness and dare to reach out to help others.
Leader: God goes with you, in love and support, enabling you to make faithful witness.
People: Rejoicing in our heritage of faith, we face another week, praising God.
All: Amen.
CHORAL RESPONSE
V
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
FOLLOWING THE 10:00 AM SERVICE
WILL BE HELD IN THE RUST ROOM
AND WILL BE HOSTED BY
THE PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
PARTICIPATING IN TODAY’S SERVICES
Deacons: Lucy Cushman and Jeff Marshman
Greeters: Bobbie and Dave Timmerman
PRAYER LIST
WE REMEMBER IN OUR PRAYERS:
Serving in the Military
Gary Hogan Donald Wiggin Reed
Nathan Jenness Ted Santos
Illness
Harvey Gage Lois Miller
Patricia Grahame
Prayers For
The Daley family, at the loss of Shirley Daley
Church Activities for April 20, 2008– April 27, 2008
Sunday:
4/20 9:00 AM Choir Rehearsal (MUS)
10:00 AM Worship Service (SAN)
3:30-5:00 PM Joseph Youth Musical Rehearsal (SAN)
Monday:
4/21 6:30 PM Publicity Committee Mtg. (CNF)
Tuesday:
4/22 7:00 PM Stewardship Committee Mtg. (CNF)
Wednesday:
4/23 9:00 AM Clothes Attic
7:00 PM ‘The Life You’ve Always Wanted’-week 4 (CNF)
Thursday:
4/24 7:00 PM Property Committee Mtg. (CNF)
7:15 PM Choir Rehearsal (MUS)
Friday:
4/25 Various locations/times - Youth sponsored movie:
The Devil Rides on Horseback
Saturday:
4/26 10:00 AM Clothes Attic
4:30-6:30 PM Church Supper – Spring Buffet (RUS)
Next Sunday:
4/27 ~ IHN HOST WEEK BEGINS ~
9:00 AM Choir Rehearsal (MUS)
10:00 AM Worship Service (SAN)
3:30-5:00 PM Joseph Youth Musical Run Through (SAN)
WELCOME VISITORS
If you are visiting the Stratham Community Church as a visitor, please find a Visitor Card in the pew in front of you. If you would, please fill out the card and place it in the Offering Plate. Welcome!
SPRING MUSICAL
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Youth in grades 3 to 8 will be performing this year's musical, "Joseph from the Pit to the Palace," during the church service on May 4, 2008. This musical is built around "stomp!" Kids can beat on pots and pans or drum on a trash can while they sing high energy, fun music, and learn about Joseph, a man who chose to trust in God in a crazy world. Rehearsals are being held on Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Contact Scott Joy after church, at 772-9405, or at scottjoy@mac.com with any questions or to volunteer to help with costumes, props, staging, choreography, or other aspects of the production.
WOMEN’S GUILD
Women's Guild will be making their annual cross stitch quilt!! We have the squares ready with directions. Please consider helping us by taking a quilt square and cross stitch away to your heart's content!! It's great fun to do with a friend or by yourself. We greatly appreciate all who help us in this annual endeavor!! All squares need to be returned by June 30th.
Questions?? call Joan at 772-3568.
LIVESTRONG Day - Unite to Fight Cancer
Share a Meal, Share Your Story
May 13, 2008, is LIVESTRONG Day, and volunteers will hold 500 events in communities across the country to show support for people affected by cancer.
On Monday, May 12, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., the Mission and Justice Committee will sponsor a potluck dinner and program in the Rust Room. All community members affected by cancer -- including survivors, family, friends, and caregivers -- are invited to attend. Please bring a main dish, side dish, or salad to share.
Contact Scott Joy or Phyllis Lurvey with questions and ideas, or to volunteer to help spread the word, supply cheese and crackers or dessert, or set up and clean up. Silent auction item donations to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation are also appreciated!
BABY NEED A BREATHER?
Go to the Comfort Zone for Kids in
the Narthex. There, you’ll find rattles, toys and other playthings.
There’s also a speaker so you can still enjoy the service.
WAYS TO REACH YOUR CHURCH OFFICE
Our e-mail address: findfaith@strathamchurch.org
Our web site address: www.strathamchurch.org
Our individual e-mail addresses are as follows:
Pastor: revdodge@comcast.net
Office: findfaith@strathamchurch.org
Office Hours Tues.-Fri. 9:00-2:00 PM
Pastor’s Office Hours Tue.-Thu. 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Clothes Attic Wed. 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sat. 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon
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Emery Lane
Stratham, New Hampshire
(603) 772-3389
www.strathamchurch.org
Ministers - The Congregation
Senior Minister - The Rev. David F. Dodge, D.Min.
Minister of Pastoral Counseling - The Rev. Allan Lurvey, Th.D.
Minister of Music – Catherine York
Sermon Notes
Catholicism
Ritual, Reverence and the Power of the Eucharist
Psalm 95:6-7 and John 6:53-56
Psalm 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
John 6:53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.
Introduction: A Brief History of Catholic Christianity
A. A Three-Minute History of Catholicism
B. How Catholics View Church History
C. How Catholics View Scripture, Tradition and the Teaching of the Church
I. The Power of Ritual
A. Dead Ritualism or Powerful Ritual?
B. Examples of Meaningful Catholic Spiritual Practices
II. Reverence for the Sacred
Why is reverence important? In what ways do Catholics express reverence?
III. The Power of the Eucharist
A. What is the meaning of the Eucharist in Catholicism?
B. What is “transubstantiation”? How do Congregationalists view the Eucharist?
C. Sin, Guilt and the Joy of the Eucharist
THIS WEEK’S
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Grade Room Teachers__________
Nursery Care Room 104 Chris/Karen Schweizer
Kindergarten Room 106 Christine Knapp
& 1st Grade “Art” Laura Batchelder
2nd Grade Room 204 Drew VanDerslice
“Science” Mary Mitchell
3rd Grade Room 107 Allyson Royer
“Video” Melissa Jameson
4th Grade - Kitchen Jen Wheeler
“Cooking” Joan Gough
5th Grade Room 201 Cyndi McCleary
“Storytelling” Betty Batchelder
Middle School - Room 207
High School Conference Room