January 18, 2015 10 a.m. Welcome Guests! It is a pleasure to have you worship with us today! In the mighty name of our living Lord Jesus, we welcome you to this service of celebration. May you feel Christ’s presence, hear his Word proclaimed, and be blessed, and renewed. Please be sure to sign the guest book and join us again, if possible, in the near future. Please note that Nursery care is available during worship for ages 0-2. The asterisk (*) Indicates to please stand, if you are able. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers. Gathering Prelude Lighting of the Altar Candles Introit: “He Is Lord” Chancel Choir * Hymn: “Morning Has Broken” The United Methodist Hymnal #145 Greeting & Welcome Pastor Roy *Call to Worship: Liturgist, Sue Pagano Leader: The voice of the Holy One flashes forth, filling the world with awe and delight. People: The God of light sits enthroned in holy splendor. Leader: The voice of the Holy One cries out, bathing the world in goodness and hope. People: The God of glory thunders, full of majesty. Leader: The voice of the Holy One calls to us from the waters, pouring out love in an endless stream. People: Let us worship the God who calls us. Opening Prayer: Holy Maker of all that is and ever will be, in the beginning, you breathed over primal waters: speaking light out of darkness, separating evening from morning, creating the first night and the first day. When Jesus rose from the waters of his baptism, you spoke again, calling him your holy child as the Holy Spirit came upon him like a dove. When Paul baptized the new believers at Corinth, your Holy Spirit came upon them, pouring out words of prophesy and story. In this day of celebration and memory, fill us with your word and bathe us in your Spirit, that we may know ourselves as beloved children, ready to give ourselves for the sake of the world. Amen. Children’s Story Time “Baptism” Pastor Roy Children will be dismissed at this time for Sunday school. Finding the Quiet Center Our Time of Intercessory Prayer: We come, together in prayer, with prayers of Joy & Thanksgiving, with prayers for Hope, Healing, and Wholeness. --With prayers for ourselves, and for others, with prayers for our homes, and the world around us. Today, is there an experience of God that you might share in praise of God? 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. Proclamation and Response Hearing the Word of God in Scripture Liturgist, Sue Pagano Epistle Lesson: Acts 19:1-7 (NIV) p.786 *Hymn: “Wade in the Water” The Faith We Sing #2107 * Gospel Lesson: Matthew 18: 1-6 (NIV) Pastor Roy May God bless the reading, hearing, understanding and preaching of His Holy Word. Response: AMEN. Morning Message: “Safe Sanctuaries” Pastor Roy Our Offering: “If You Ask Him” Chancel Choir The United Methodist Hymnal #95 *Giving Glory to God in Song Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Sending Forth *Closing Hymn: “Spirit Song” The United Methodist Hymnal #347 *Dismissal with Blessing Pastor Roy *Our parting prayer in song for one another: You are invited to circle the sanctuary, to sing this prayer to one another. This little light of mine, I’m goin’-a let it shine, this little light of mine, I’m goin’-a let it shine; this little light of mine, I’m goin’-a let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. *Organ Postlude Let the fellowship continue – You are invited to join us for coffee in Fellowship Hall downstairs. 8 Church Street, Stafford Springs, CT 06076 (860) 684-2468 Fax: (860) 684-3418 first.untd.methodist@snet.net “Like” us on Facebook! Our Web site is www.fumcstafford.org Secretary Office hours: Office will be closed January 19 Mon. Weds. & Thurs. 7:30 -12:30 Fri. 7:30 -11:30 Connie Fogarty, Administrative Assistant Our Participants in worship this morning: Jill Gregori - Minister of Music Kathy Aborn – Lay Leader Liturgist – Sue Pagano Greeters – Lisa Smith, Betty Burns Ushers – Leroy Atkins, Gordon Giller Nursery Attendant – Connie Fogarty Coffee Hour – Joan Johnson, JoAnn West Counters – Jeff Aborn, Robert Spencer Sound Techs – Butch Hajosy, Gary Symonds, Chris Rossick Rev. Roy Richardson, pastor Weekly Attendance Sunday Worship: Morning Service 118 Evening Service 1 Prayer & Praise: 3 Nursery, 0 Pre K - 2 ,1 3-5, 3 Middle School, 8 High School, no class Adult Study (8 groups), 37 Last Year 2014 Worship:114 Next Sunday, January 25, 2015– Worship Participants Counters – Joan Johnson, JoAnn West, Liturgist – Phyllis Lindsay, Greeters –Al Higgins, Doug Fassett, Ushers –Charles Williams, Fred Streb, Coffee Hour – Polly Streb, Betty Burns. If you are unable to participate next week contact the office by Wednesday. If you have a last minute cancellation and the office is closed it is your responsibility to find a replacement! Thank you!   Gathering to Celebrate our Church as a Safe Sanctuary TODAY --- JANUARY 18, 2015 We will host a guest speaker, Jennifer Falcone (this will take place in the sanctuary). We especially hope all parents, grandparents and those working with our children and youth will attend. Attendance is required of staff and volunteers entrusted with the care of children per the Church Conference and our insurance carrier. Please stay and enjoy the fellowship and introduction to a safe sanctuary. A pot luck luncheon will follow the presentation to celebrate our church as a safe sanctuary. The entire congregation is invited. First United Methodist Church January 18, 2015