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The Seacoast Community Chorus will present its annual Winter Concert today at 3:00 p.m. in our sanctuary. Music of Handel, Pergolesi, Karl Jenkins, John Rutter and Mack Wilberg will be featured in the concert entitled “And on Earth. . .Peace.” Several members of the Sanctuary Choir perform with the ensemble. Tickets will be available at the door.
The Caregiving Ministry Committee will meet on February 3, at 12 noon upstairs in the Parish House.
Pledge Cards: Time remains for seriously needed pledges of financial support. There are pledge cards and envelopes in the narthex. s/The Stewardship Committee
Pledge Envelope Boxes for 2010: If you have turned in your pledge card and asked for envelopes, please pick up your box in the narthex after church. If you will not be in church and would like to either pick up your envelopes or have them mailed to you, please call the church office to make these arrangements. Many thanks!
Book Fund: Each year the Deacons invite students who have completed their first semester of college to apply for a scholarship from their Book Fund. This is a gift from First Parish to help our youth with book expenses during their freshmen year. If your son or daughter would like to apply, simply stop by the church office or e-mail the office at
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to receive an application online. Applications are due March 1.
Equal Exchange: Coffee, tea and more from Equal Exchange! Equal Exchange products, sold by the Mission Committee, are now on sale at the church office. Products available include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cranberries, pecans and almonds. The nuts and cranberries are fairly traded snacks which benefit the farmer and the UCC through an interfaith program.
Rich and Alisa’s new address will be: 250 Main Street., North Andover, MA 01845 and Rich’s email address:
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.
New Orleans Mission Trip: A meeting for all those interested in possibly traveling to New Orleans in June to assist in the rebuilding process will be held following church on Sunday, January 31st in the Christian Ed office.
The Kettle Boys are again donating Super Bowl Sunday popcorn. Proceeds will benefit the seventh New Orleans Mission trip. Orders for the popcorn will be taken today and next Sunday after church in the Parish House. Delivery will be Friday, January 29th.
“Walk Through The Bible”: The world’s most popular Bible seminar is coming to First Parish Church. On March 12 and 13, the First Parish Church will offer the Walk Through the Old Testament, the entertaining interactive learning presentation that helps people absorb – and remember – the key characters, geography and major themes of the entire Old Testament. Floors are turned into maps, the characters come alive and the stories are presented in just six hours – from 7:00 -9:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturday – enabling you to master a survey of the Old Testament, even if you have very little prior Bible knowledge. Everyone is welcome. The cost is $20 per person, which includes the accompanying book that is yours to keep. To register or for more information, please contact the church office at 363-3758.
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In Memoriam
Lorraine Fiske
1920 - 2010
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Litany of Farewell
From the U.C.C. Book of Worship
Leader:
On July 1, 1995, Rev. Dr. Richard B. Knight began his ministry as Senior Pastor of First Parish Church.
Pastor:
I thank First Parish Church, it’s members and friends, for the love, kindness, and support shown me these last 14 and a half years. I am grateful for the ways my leadership has been accepted. As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here.
People:
We receive your thankfulness and accept that you now leave to minister elsewhere. We express our gratitude for your time among us. We ask your forgiveness for our mistakes. Your influence on our faith and faithfulness will not leave us at your departure.
Pastor:
I accept your gratitude, offer my forgiveness and ask for your grace to cover me as well, trusting that our time together and our parting are pleasing to God.
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This Week at First Parish
Today:
3:00 p.m. Seacoast Community Chorus
Monday:
7:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study - Parish House
Wednesday:
9:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study
6:30 p.m. Knitting - Ladies’ Parlor
Thursday:
1:00 p.m. Book Group - Linda’s Office
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Children’s Choir homework help
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Children’s and Youth Choir rehearsal
6:00 p.m. Men’s Ensemble rehearsal
7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir rehearsal
7:00 p.m. Coed Bible study this week - 15 Linden Lane
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Sunday, January 24, 2010 10:00 a.m.
Prelude:
Processional on “Westminster Abbey” Robert Wetzler
Aria (from Concerto No. 12 for Strings) G.F. Handel
Chimes for Prayer and Meditation
Call to Worship #656: “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord”
*Opening Hymn #88: “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”
The Opening Prayer:
We thank you, O God, for calling us into your church to be your people. We have gathered, because we have heard your call. You have reached out to us in Jesus Christ, and you have filled us with your Spirit. We turn to you, seeking to love as we have been loved. Empower us to worship and serve you, walking gently on this earth, through the grace of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray. . .
The Lord’s Prayer (“debts”)
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism for
Evan Michael Gass, son of Jana Gass, born July 11, 2008 at York, Maine
Special Music:
“Down By The River” Gina, Linda, Wendell and Rich
“Be Not Afraid” Wendell and Rich
Parish Concerns and Celebrations
Song: “What Color is God’s Skin?” Children and Youth Choirs
(Children will then be dismissed for Church School)
The Offertory Anthem: “Here I Am, Lord” Arr. Anna Laura Page
First Parish Sanctuary Choir
The Doxology (#34) and the Prayer of Dedication
Hymn #94: “Shout to the Lord”
Pastoral Prayer
Scripture: Phillipians 2:12-15 (page 174 N.T.)
Sermon: “Take It Higher!”
Special Music: “Unless the Lord Builds a House” Kim, Tom and Rich
Celebration of Rich’s Ministry
*Closing Hymn #146: “Glorify Thy Name”
*The Benediction and Threefold Amen #744: (sung by the congregation)
Postlude: “Recessional on “Nun Danket Alle Gott” J.S. Bach
*All who are able, please stand
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Flowers are given in loving memory of
Ruth White
by Robert White and family
Flowers are given in loving memory of
Benjamin Owen Smith
by Craig and Leslie Smith
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Thank you for worshiping with us today: If this is your first time joining us, please do come to our Coffee Hour next door after the service where volunteers will be happy to welcome you and tell you more about our church community. We also encourage you to sign the pew card and place it in the offering plate and speak with either of our pastors. Welcome!!
Greeting you today are Sue and Dennis Wierzba.
Coffee Hour is hosted by Rich’s celebration committee.
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