Bulletin - Congregational Church of Boca Raton

Congregational Church
Of
Boca Raton
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
10:00 A.M.
FEBRUARY 8, 2015
Welcome to Worship!
 No matter who you are or where you are on Life’s journey,
you are welcome at Congregational Church of Boca Raton, UCC.
Our doors are wide open to all who desire a closer relationship
with God. We welcome believers, seekers, and doubters;
ANYONE, JUST AS YOU ARE.


Large-print bulletin and hearing devices
are available from the ushers.
Please keep this a time of quiet reflection in preparation of worship.
 God is calling you today, but not on your cell phone!
Please remember to turn it off, or you may leave it with our
head usher if you are expecting an emergency call.

Nursery and pre-school care is available during worship,
if you wish. All children are encouraged to come to the altar
during Children's Time. Following Children’s Time, the children
will go as a group to their Sunday School classes.

Please fill out the Friendship Pad at the end of each pew,
then pass it along to your neighbor to sign.
If you are a visitor or guest, please include
your mailing and/or email addresses so we may keep in touch.
 Adult Fellowship invites you
to join us before worship for coffee in the foyer area.
After worship, please join us for conversation,
coffee, punch, and cookies in the fellowship hall.
Pastor Tom Lacey
tomlacey@churchofboca.org
251 SW Fourth Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Quiet Time
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Prelude
Sound of Music
Psalm 46:10
R. Rogers
Welcome
Tom Lacey
Today is a new day, rising fresh from the Creator’s
hand. Today we begin again, with praise and thanks to
God who made us, Christ who redeemed us and the
Spirit who guides us. Here we participate in the
fellowship of the forgiven, the church. It is good to be
together today.
Prayer Requests
Call to Worship
We gather to lift our hearts to the One who created, claims, and calls
us.
Different people, different lives, different histories,
Yet all children of the same God, who calls all to the table of justice
and peace.
At God’s table, everyone has a place and none are
turned away.
Here strangers are welcomed as friends, people of all colors are
equals, and those with differing sexual orientation are seen as sisters
and brothers.
In this holy place, we lift our hearts united to the
kingdom of God among us.
* Hymn (bulletin)
Our God is Greater
With All I Am
Call to Confession
The call to confession is always a call to experience God’s mercy. In
admitting the truth of our lives to our loving Creator, we open
ourselves to the experience of grace and healing. Trusting in that
divine love, let us pray, first in silence.
Silent Confession
Prayer of Confession
Let us pray
O God, at times when we hear the bad news of the
world, it is as though we’ve been in the middle of a bad
dream, and then we turn over and go back to sleep,
ignoring the plight of your children. It is hard to see
tragedy and suffering. It is hard to admit whatever
responsibility we might have in the plagues of the
world. It is hard to work for the good when the good
seems so far off.
So help us, dear Lord. Give us courage to see clearly.
Give us strength to do our part. Give us grace to
forgive others and ourselves. And give us faith to
follow you. This is our prayer, offered in the name of
Jesus Christ. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
Friends, hear the good news: Jesus calls us to follow him, and he
will not lead us astray. His path is one of forgiveness and renewal.
Know that you are forgiven, and so you are ready to go out and
serve. Amen.
Children’s Time
Announcements
Scripture (NT p. 240)
Choral Anthem
Message
1 John 3:11-17
Go, Tell It on the Mountain
Traditional
Try Picking on Someone Your Own Size!
Pastoral Prayer
God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to God Most High.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Lord’s Prayer (Debts/Debtors)
Sharing the Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Meet New People
Offering of Tithes and Gifts
Gracious and loving God, giver of all that is good and
true, may our offerings represent our work, our
blessings, and our faith. May they be good and true
offerings as they witness to our gratitude and love for
you, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Duet
Arise and Shine Forth
S. DeFord
Lindsey Novitske and Juan Mansilla
* Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
* Hymn (PH #375)
Lead On, O King Eternal
* Benediction
* Spirit Song
O let the Son of God enfold you
with his Spirit and his love.
Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
O let him have the things that hold you,
and his Spirit like a dove
will descend upon your life and make you whole.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Postlude
Climb Every Mountain
* Those who are able may stand
R. Rogers
Our God Is Greater
J. Myrin
Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind;
There’s no one like you, none like you.
Into the darkness, you shine; out of the ashes, we rise.
There’s no one like you, none like you!
Chorus
Our God is greater, our God is stronger;
God, you are higher than any other.
Our God is healer, awesome in power,
Our God, Our God.
Into the darkness, you shine; out of the ashes, we rise.
There’s no one like you, none like you.
Chorus (2x)
And if our God is for us then who could ever stop us,
And if our God is with us then what could stand against?
And if our God is for us then who could ever stop us,
And if our God is with us then what could stand against?
What could stand against?
Chorus (2x)
And if our God is for us then who could ever stop us,
And if our God is with us then what could stand against?
And if our God is for us then who could ever stop us,
And if our God is with us then what could stand against?
What could stand against?
Chorus
With All I Am
Into Your hands I commit again
With all I am for you, Lord.
You hold my world in the palm of Your hand
And I am Yours forever.
Jesus I believe in You,
Jesus I belong to You.
You're the reason that I live,
The reason that I sing
With all I am.
I'll walk with You wherever You go,
Through tears and joy I'll trust in You
And I will live In all of Your ways,
Your promises forever.
Jesus I believe in You,
Jesus I belong to You.
You're the reason that I live,
The reason that I sing
Jesus I believe in You,
Jesus I belong to You.
You're the reason that I live,
The reason that I sing
With all I am.
I will worship, I will worship You. (repeat 2x)
Jesus I believe in You,
Jesus I belong to You.
You're the reason that I live,
The reason that I sing
Jesus I believe in You,
Jesus I belong to You.
You're the reason that I live,
The reason that I sing
With all I am.
R. Morgan
Prayer Requests
February 8, 2015
Lord, we thank you for all the hard work
by our volunteers working on the rummage
sale. Heal their sore backs and bumps and
bruises.
Lord Jesus, help us overcome hatred in our
lives and encourage us to be willing to meet
the needs of those around us.
We pray for a solution to the crisis in Crimea and the Ukraine,
Iraq, Syria, Israel and Palestine. We pray for all those displaced
and terrorized by war and violence, and we pray for victims and
families of all those affected by natural disasters around our
world.
We continue to pray for all those facing tough economic
situations, for those who still can’t find work. We pray for our
leaders to have continuing compassion and care for those who
are struggling.
We pray for members, friends, and our neighbors:
Family and friends of: Merwin Andrews; Susan Whidden; Eric
Zachrisson; Louise Seeds; Ruth Hawkins; Ed Hindle; Margaret
Sorenson; Rhoda Alter; Leo Hermann; Willy Willard; and all
those who are grieving loved ones.
Carol and Cam Castiglia; Jim Parkin; Dot Bell; Barry Donovan;
Lucille Bruno; Rholda Francis; Diana Willard; Selwyn
Sherman; Marie Williams; Noelle and Daniel; Arleen Esposito,
Bonnie and Bob Tust; Tamara Pope; Kim Smith; Lynn Baker
Diers; Beth Soufleris; Seth Peterson and family; Rose Breakell;
Donna O’Connor; Randall Garland; Arnold Sams; Bill and
Maria Collins; Florence Gomes and her daughter, Mala; Audrey
Eisnor; Annika Ljungberg.
We pray for our service men and women.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
Songs of Life, Love and Laughter Sunday, February 15th
Join us for a very special Valentine’s concert
on Sunday, February 15 at 11:15 am, right after
worship, as we celebrate life, love and laughter
with Stephanie and Juan Mansilla. This
talented couple has planned a very special program with wonderful
musical surprises. This event is free admission, so invite your friends
and neighbors to share this beautiful musical afternoon.
Ash Wednesday Service Wednesday, February 18th
Plan to attend one of the most ancient and meaningful
services of Christianity on Wednesday, February 18th
at noon. This is a chance to “clean the slate,” receive
God’s forgiveness, and move ahead into a new and
powerful life.
Annual Meeting Sunday, February 22nd
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be Sunday, February
22nd at 11:15 a.m. The agenda includes the announcement of this
year’s honoree of the Elizabeth Ehlers Faithful Servant Award, election
of Team Leaders and Officers of our church, and voting on the 2015
annual church budget. Please mark your calendars and make plans to
attend this very important meeting.
Peace River Canoe Trip March 6—8
Our annual Peace River canoe trip in Arcardia for middle
school and high school youth is March 6, 7, and 8.
Registration and fees are due by February 20th. Please
sign up in the Rosser room if you are interested in
attending this wonderful weekend.
Tuesday Adult Study Group Tuesday, February 10th
You are invited to join our Tuesday afternoon Adult
Study Group as we read “Learning to Walk in the Dark.”
The Adult Study Group meets on Tuesday afternoons,
from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information or
information on purchasing the book by Barbara Brown
Taylor, please call Pastor Tom at 561-395-9255.
The Hole in the Roof Offering
The past few months the roof over the lobby has
leaked. The cost to fix that leak and two others in the
same roof is $3500.00. Our operating budget is
unable to cover this unexpected expense. Therefore,
we are asking for donations to help offset these
costs. It will be affectionately know as “The Hole in
the Roof Offering.” Whatever each of us is able to
give will be greatly appreciated. “A dry Church is a
Happy Church.”
Morning Communion Service Wednesday, February 11th
Start your morning in communion with God as you join
us for a midweek worship service every Wednesday
morning at 8:30 am.
Lunch Bunch Wednesday, February 11th
A time for Food, Fellowship and Fun. Come to church at
noon on Wednesdays with a sandwich. We serve
beverages and dessert. After lunch stay and play Mah
Jongg (beginners welcome!) or bring a favorite game of
your own to share.
Prime Time! Wednesday, February 11th
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. Followed by band
practice and Drama Club. The spring session will
meet February 11 and 25, March 11 and 25, April
15 and 29, and May 13. The cost to cover some of
the expenses for dinners and materials for the
spring session will be $25 for one child and $35 for more than one!
Contact Marit Lacey at 561-682-9292 for more information.
Wednesday Adult Study Group Wednesday, February 11th
You are invited to join the Adult Study Group as we
explore the Bible from the beginning. The Adult Study
Group meets on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. Our study is based on the Kerygma program:
Discovering the Bible. For more information, please call
Pastor Tom at 561-395-9255.
B.C.E.O. Thursday, February 12th
Boca Christians Eating Out takes place each Thursday at
6:30 p.m. for dinner and conversation. Please join us
Thursday at La Bamba Mexican and Spanish
Restaurant, 4285 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. So
that we can reserve enough room, please sign up in the Rosser room or
call the church anytime before that Thursday. 561-395-9255.
Prayer Fellowship Friday, February 6th
The Prayer Fellowship and Bible Study meets every
Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Rosser room. Everyone is
invited to join us. We will be doing a Lenten Journey
with Jesus called Shadows, Darkness and Dawn by
Thomas R. Steagald. For more information please
contact John Bird at 561-400-5604.
Lion Country Safari March 1
Join us at Florida’s only drive-through safari and
walk-through amusement park We will get the great
group rate of $9.00/person (tax free). That price is
for adults and children and includes the drivethrough safari and the walk-through park. Parking is
$7.00. Please sign up early so we can qualify for the
group rate! Call Marit Lacey 954-682-9292 for
information. Let us know if you need a ride with
somebody from church.
Adult Fellowship Luncheon Wednesday, March 4th
The regular meeting of the Adult Fellowship will be held
on Wednesday, March 4th at noon. Come “Meet Your
Neighbor” — our church administrator, Sandi Kilbride,
will be our guest speaker. As always, lunch will be
available for $5.00. Please sign up in the Rosser room.
Prayer Requests
Prayer request forms can be found in the pews or in the
prayer box in the Rosser room. Please fill one out if you
have a special prayer you would like the pastor to know
about and leave it in the Prayer Box.
A Musical Quiz



Are you an experienced choir member?
Have you ever been caught singing in the shower,
or to the radio in your car?
Do you look good in a formal blue robe?
If you answered "yes" to even just one of these questions, you are
needed in the choir! Come to rehearsal on Wednesday evening at 7:00
p.m. and join the wonderful group of people known as the Chancel
Choir. We would love to have you be a part of our group!
Hospitality
If you enjoy meeting new people or greeting familiar
friends, please sign up in the Rosser Room to be a Greeter.
Any questions, please contact Nest Jones at 954-675-4893.
Cards for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Help St. Jude’s Ranch for Children by donating
your used greeting cards (Christmas, birthday,
anniversary, any greeting card!). Simply bring
them to the church and place in the box in the
Rosser room. We’ll send them to St. Jude’s
where the children will recycle them into new greeting cards. The
money St. Jude’s raises from the cards is used to support programs for
abused, neglected and homeless children, young adults, and families.
For more information, or to purchase cards made by the children, go to
www.stjudesranch.org/about-us/recycled-card-program/
Teaching/Acolyte Schedule
This Week:
Preschool/K............................ Wendy Hinshaw
1 - 3 ........................................ Nest Jones
4 - 5 ........................................ Jenny Damas
Middle/High ........................... Javier Valverde
Acolyte ................................... Linnea Lacey
Next Week:
Preschool/K............................ Marit Lacey
1 - 3 ........................................ Leanne Guilfu
4 - 5 ........................................ Rachel and Tony Borchers
Middle/High ........................... Jennifer Schmuhl
Acolyte ................................... Naomi Borchers
Mini Survey - Mission Projects for 2015
During our 50th anniversary year of 2014 we tried out a
number of different Good Deeds, with good participation
and support of many people!
Your support is needed again to help decide which mission
projects to continue, or we can do some new ones. What
do you think our church should do as we reach out to
others? What would you support with your planning time
and/or participation? How do you feel we can best help
others? What are the best projects to do?
Place X beside the “best” projects.
CIRCLE ones you would be willing to help!
______ pop tab collection
______ pill bottle collection
______ food collection
______ sew/stuff comfort dolls
______ knit/crochet hats and blankets for preemies
______ pick fruits and veggies (Gleaning) for C.R.O.S.
food pantries
______ Habitat for Humanity—help build and rehab
homes
______ Boca Helping Hands—work days to prepare
and serve meals
______ Pride Fest presence
______ Souper Bowl of Caring
______ PJ’s & Books donation
______ Food for the Poor toiletries donation
______ Starfish Project (Food for the Poor)
Place X beside the “best” projects
CIRCLE ones you would like to help on!
______ Sweet Tomatoes dinner
______ BINGO fundraiser (OCWM or other Benefit)
______ Military Families’ and/or Veterans’
Collections
______ Alex’s Lemonade stand
______ Bake Sale for Family Promise
______ Family Promise volunteers
______ Pet supply donations
______ Memorial Day at Nat’l Cemetery
______ Giving Tree (Christmas)
______ UNICEF/Trick or Treat
______ Wreaths Across America
______ Dictionary donations
______ AVDA baby donations
______ Boca Holiday Parade human float
______ School supply drive
______ Jack the Bike Man
______ Tomorrow’s Rainbow
Comments __________________________________
___________________________________________
Name ______________________________________
Return to CCBR in the offering plate, by mail, or in
person.
8
10:00 am
Worship
11:15 am
Special Concert
15
10:00 am
Worship
11:15 am
Deacons Study
Sunday
7:00 pm
Vision
Ministry
Monday
16
9
10
17
6:30 pm
AA
2:00 pm
Adult Study
6:30 pm
AA
2:00 pm
Adult Study
Tuesday
Ash
Wednesday
12:00 noon
Worship
6:00 pm
Adult Study
7:00 pm
Choir rehearsal
18
8:30 am
Communion
12:00 noon
Lunch Bunch
6:00 pm
Prime Time!
6:00 pm
Adult Study
7:00 pm
11
Wednesday
7:00 pm
AA
6:30 pm
B.C.E.O
7:00 pm
AA
6:30 pm
B.C.E.O
Thursday
19
12
13
10:00 am
Prayer
Fellowship
20
10:00 am
Prayer
Fellowship
Friday
Saturday
21
14
Congregational Church of Boca Raton
251 SW 4th Avenue
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Phone: 561-395-9255
e-mail: office@churchofboca.org
Web site: www.churchofboca.org
Pastor: Tom Lacey: Home: 561-381-5222 Cell: 561-306-5208
Moderator: John Fenner: 561-750-5044
Staff
Administrator
Sandi Kilbride
Children’s Ministry Director
Marit Lacey
Sound:
Wendell Jackson
Sexton:
Nicholas R. Wurster
Music Ministry Director
Juan Mansilla
Organist/Pianist:
Nicholas R. Wurster
Section Leaders
Lindsey Novitske, Alto
Linda Siers, Soprano
Jorge Valls, Tenor
This Week’s Volunteers
Deacon of the Sunday:
Mary Jane Christman
Office Helpers: Lucille Bruno,
Grayce Esposito, Barbara Lacey,
Audrey Michele, George Sinclair,
Carol Vass, and Diana Willard
Hospitality: Frances Bell; Gail and
Barry Donovan; Grayce Esposito,
Lorraine Folino; Sarah Hugus;
Audrey Michele; Judy and Larry
Williams
Children’s Choir:
Marit Lacey
Youth Choir:
Nest Jones-Teixeira
Sunday School Volunteers:
Preschool/K ........... Wendy Hinshaw
1 - 3 ................................. Nest Jones
4 - 5 ............................. Jenny Damas
Middle/High ............ Javier Valverde
Acolyte ....................... Linnea Lacey
We welcome everyone, no matter who they are,
or where they are on life’s journey!