1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
2 Ferry Road
Old Lyme, Connecticut
(860) 434-8686
Website: www.fccol.org
PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP
Steven R. Jungkeit, Senior Minister
Carleen R. Gerber, Senior Associate Minister
Christopher D. Solimene, Associate Minister
Simon D. Holt, Director of Music
March 29, 2015
11:00 AM
Prelude
*Introit: Shine on Us
All-Age Choir
Michael W. Smith
*Hymn: #178 “All Glory, Laud and Honor”
*Call to Worship:
This is a day of joyous welcome.
Yet joy is tempered by impending doom.
We welcome Christ with waving branches.
We wait with Christ through hours of agony.
Our leader comes humbly, riding a donkey.
Blessed is the one who comes in God's name.
Jesus rides into the tumult of our times
People still oppose the way of love.
Yet love still prevails in spite of opposition.
Let us enter into the light of love that God offers.
Let us worship God.
*Invocation
*The Lord's Prayer
Welcome and News of the Church
Choir Anthem: Hosana To The Son of David
Scripture: Isaiah 50: 4-9a (OT, pg. 646)
Mark 11: 1-11 (NT, pg. 45)
*Hymn: #180 “A Cheering, Chanting, Dizzying Crowd”
Pastoral Prayer
Daniel Moe
Pastoral Prayer Response: Hear Our Prayer
Offertory Invitation
Offertory Anthem: Ride on! Ride On In Majesty
W. Glen Darst
Soloist, Scott Mahon
*Doxology (#44 in the hymnal)
*Offertory Prayer
*Hymn: #179 “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!”
Sermon: NOBODY WANTS TO SING THE BLUES
The Rev. Dr. Steven R. Jungkeit
*Hymn: #125 “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” (on the back page of the bulletin)
Benediction (outside on the front lawn)
Postlude
*Congregation Standing
Today following the morning service (weather permitting), the benediction will take
place outside on the front lawn in one large circle, symbolizing church unity.
During the recessional hymn the center section will come forward to receive a palm,
followed by the side sections, and finally, the balcony. Once you are outside,
please join the circle and continue singing until the entire congregation is outside.
We shall then receive the benediction.
.
We thank you for worshipping with us. Following the life and teachings of Jesus, we are a church that
strives to be a place of grace, welcoming all regardless of theological expression, age, race, gender,
sexual identity, national origin or financial means. In our Church Constitution we recognize that “each
member shall have the undisturbed right to follow the word of God according to the dictates of his or
her own conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.” The First Congregational Church of
Old Lyme, established in 1665, cherishes this proud Pilgrim tradition. We are honored by your
presence among us, and we invite you to help us become what we endeavor to be.
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The flowers this morning are given by Penny Reneson in loving memory of Christopher Reneson.
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The deacon on duty is Susan Lang.
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There will be no Fellowship hour after the service this morning.
If you are visiting us for worship this morning, we welcome you, and
invite you to pick up a “Welcome” packet, which can be found in the vestibule.
We hope this information will be helpful in acquainting you with
our church and its activities and programs.
Quiet Activity Bags for young children are in the vestibule.
They are colorful bags with quiet projects for our youngest members.
Please feel free to offer these bags to your children.
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The Rev. David W. Good serves as our Minister Emeritus.
The Rev. Rebecca T. Crosby is our Minister for Haitian Outreach.
Erin K. Grayson serves this church as Minister of the South Lyme Union Chapel.
Please join us in the Meetinghouse on Maundy Thursday (April 2nd) at 6:30 pm for a
presentation of The Crucifixion, a choral meditation on the passion and crucifixion of
Jesus, written by John Stainer. Our Senior Choir, along with Soloists, will perform this
work, interspersed with scripture lessons, to lead us more deeply into an understanding
of Maundy Thursday. Following the concert there will be the opportunity for those
who wish to adjourn to Fellowship Hall for a simple supper of bread and soup, and an
informal communion service.
Adult Forums TODAY: Palm Sunday and April 5, Easter Sunday No Forum.
CROP WALK 2015, April 3 – Walkers & Pledgers Needed! Walkers, young and old, are
gathering at 9:45 am -11:15 am on Good Friday at St. Ann’s Episcopal Parish located at 82
Shore Road for a contemplative walk. CROP Hunger Walks help to support the overall
ministry of Church World Service, especially grassroots, hunger-fighting development efforts
around the world. From seeds and tools, to wells and water systems, CWS helps people work
together to identify their own development priorities. It’s something CWS has learned through
some 68 years of working in partnership around the world. If you can’t walk, please do
consider pledging for the walk and becoming a “Spirit Walker.” Forms in vestibule and office
or mail your contribution to the church office, 2Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371.
We Are Updating the New Church Pictorial Directory! There is no cost to our church. Each
participating family will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait as well as a new directory
and have the opportunity to purchase additional portraits to share with family & friends.
The following dates are available for you to schedule a session.
Thursday - Saturday April 16, 17 & 18, 2015
Thursday - Saturday April 23, 24 & 25, 2015
Appointments are scheduled between 2:00 -9:00 weekdays, 12:00- 6:00 Saturdays
Web site:
https://www.securedata-trans14.com/ap/firstcongregationalchurch9/index.php?page=10
(Call or email the office and we can send you this link to paste into your browser.) The site is
easy to navigate, but if you find you need help, you can call or email Stephanie Kenny at 860884-3875 or stephanieckenny@gmail.com. You can also sign up during coffee hour in the
Fellowship Hall starting on Sunday, March 29th; just look for our table! I hope you will join
us!
Your Used Books NEEDED for Heifer Book Fair The Board of Youth Education invites
you to participate in a book sale to support the Heifer Project. Please bring in your gently used
books and leave them on the Sheffield stage. On April 19, all are invited to the Book Fair in
between worship services! Questions? Email Chris at chris@fccol.org.
Book Group A discussion group for Marilynne Robinson’s latest novel, Lila, is planned to
start the week after Easter. The discussion is being led by the Rev. Dr. Scott L. Harris, a retired
Lutheran minister. Groups will meet over a three week period with two sessions each week:
April 8, 15, and 22 at 10:30 am; and April 9, 16, and 23 at 7:30 pm. Day and night sessions
will be the same. Besides reading Lila, we will be exploring references to the Bible that are
made in Robinson’s novel, especially the Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel. If you are interested
in participating, a copy of the book is available in a library or can be purchased.
Bread & Puppet
Fire
On Tuesday, March 31st, Bread & Puppet will be in Old Lyme to help us in our
own set of rituals called Holy Week at FCCOL. They’ll be offering a
performance at 7:00 pm that evening, followed by a time to eat bread, visit, and
talk about the performance. They’ll be performing a piece called “Fire,” one that
dramatizes the effects of warfare on individual lives. Bread & Puppet is an
extraordinary theatrical event and we are incredibly fortunate to have them right
here in our Meetinghouse. If you are able to make a donation of $10 per person, it
will be gratefully received at the door. Host homes still needed for 3 performers
on March 30 and 31; please call the church office at 860-434-8686.
Care Givers Group There are some in our fellowship who shoulder the responsibility of caring
for a family member or friend. This can be spiritually and physically very depleting, and
sometimes quite lonely. We would like to have a time to get together to offer encouragement
and perhaps help one another along this journey of care giving. Our next meeting will be
Wednesday, April 8, at 9:30 am in the Hoag Parlor (Note: Time change.) Carleen will be there
to convene the meeting, which should be about one hour long. Please call Carleen with any
thoughts or questions. 860-434-0058 We have changed the time for this one month to allow
people, if they want, to go directly to the Book Study of Lila, which starts at 10:30 am.
Ladies Benevolent Society April Luncheon The Ladies’ Benevolent Society continues its
monthly series of luncheons and programs at noon on Tuesday, April 7, with a luncheon in
Fellowship Hall. Around 1 pm, nationally known folksong collector and balladeer, Dawn
Wright, living and performing in New England for over 30 years, presents a suite of America’s
roots music. Ms Wright is a master balladeer and folksinger whose musicianship and
storytelling skills combine to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
She includes authentic
instrumentation such as 6- and 12-string guitars, a 5-string banjo, mountain dulcimers,
concertina, and drums from Ireland, Africa, and Native Americans. She offers a totalimmersion experience into both American history and current environmental themes. Admission
to the Luncheon is $5 plus canned goods for the Food Pantry. Please call the church office at
860-434-8686 by Monday, April 6, to reserve a place. All welcome.
Calling ALL singers, crooners and aspiring balladeers! Do you have a favorite Broadway,
folk or other genre tune you love to sing? Here’s your chance to sing (or play) your heart out!
Back by popular demand, FCCOL is hosting our second Coffee House event on April 26 (4-6
pm) and we need YOU! Contact Chris with the song and sheet music you want to perform and if
needed, Joel Spineti is happy to accompany on the piano. We have room for about 15 acts,so
please call or email Chris ASAP, chris@fccol.org or 860-434-8686!
CWS Blanket Drive The blanket drive continues until the end of March. Please make checks
payable to CWS, indicating in the memo space "Blanket Drive". Special envelopes are in the
church pews. They may be placed in the collection plate or sent to the church care of LBS.
Your gifts are appreciated.
Green Grass Journey Our annual trip to Green Grass, South Dakota, is set for June 23rd July 2nd. This year marks our 30th year of partnership, so there is much to celebrate! If you
are interested in participating on the journey this June, please call Stephanie Kenny at 860-8843875 or email at stephanieckenny@gmail.com.
Easter Egg Hunt Join us in the side garden for an Easter Egg Hunt between the two Easter
services. There will be two areas set up – one for the littlest among us and one for those who
prefer a bit more of a challenge! Bring along your basket and we will plan on meeting about
10:15 to begin shortly thereafter. Questions? See, call or email Chris at chris@fccol.org.
Folk Concert Series MusicNow Foundation, Inc. announces the Nightingale’s Acoustic
Series comprised of monthly concerts featuring regional/national folk and Americana artists
with opening aspiring local youth talent. The Downhill Strugglers, nationally known Old Time
String band from Brooklyn NY, will be Saturday April 11, 7-9:30 pm in the Sheffield
Auditorium. Desserts & Coffee served. Tickets: $10 adult, $5 students at the door or email to
reserve tickets. gstevens@musicnowfoundation.org.
EASTER SEASON SCHEDULE
Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 pm
Bread & Puppet FIRE Performance
Maundy Thursday 4/2 6:30 pm
Oratorio Crucifixion, Soup Supper & Informal Communion
Good Friday 4/3
Meetinghouse open for prayer and meditation. Ecumenical Crop Walk at 9:45 am. We
will meet at St.Ann’s Episcopal Church and walk to FCCOL and back again -about 3 miles. Please join us and walk for world hunger. All ages are welcome.
Easter Sunrise Service 4/5 6:30 am
at Griswold Point (if you need directions, call the church)
Easter Sunday 4/5 9:00 am & 11:00 am Worship Services
Join us in Fellowship for a light breakfast/coffee hour between the 9&11 services.
Easter Egg Hunt in the side garden at 10:15 am.
No Sunday School on Easter Sunday. No coffee hour following the 11:00 am service.
This year we will once again dedicate our Easter offering to the work of One Great Hour of Sharing.