1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Simeon Stylites on his tower in Syria.
The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
2 Ferry Road
Old Lyme, Connecticut
(860) 434-8686
Website: www.fccol.org
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 22, 2015
11:00 AM
Prelude
*Introit: My Savior's Love
All-Age Choir
Lloyd Larson
*Hymn: #12 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
*Call to Worship: (from Psalm 139)
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path, and are acquainted with all my ways.
Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I take the wings of the morning and settle in the farthest limits of the sea
Even there your hand shall lead me,
And your right hand will hold me fast.
Search me, O God, and know my heart,
Test me and know my thoughts,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Let us worship God.
*Invocation
*The Lord's Prayer
Welcome and News of the Church
*Unison Reading:
Eternal God,
you are the light of the minds that know you,
the joy of the hearts that love you,
the strength of the wills that serve you.
Grant us
to know you that we may truly love you, and so
to love you that we may fully serve you,
whom to serve is perfect freedom.
~ Augustine, 354-430, bishop of Hippo, Africa
*Gloria Patri: (#36 in hymnal)
Scripture: Psalm 137 (OT, pg. 551)
Mark 8:22-26 (NT, pg. 41)
Ephesians 1:15-22 (NT, pg. 181)
*Hymn: #83 “God of Our Life, Through All the Circling Years”
Pastoral Prayer
Pastoral Prayer Response: O Lord Hear My Prayer
Offertory Invitation
Offertory Selection
*Doxology (#44 in the hymnal)
*Offertory Prayer
*Hymn: #188 “Before the Cross of Jesus”
Sermon: "THE EYES OF THE HEART"
*Hymn: #242 “God of Our Life”
Benediction
Postlude
*Congregation Standing
The Rev. Carleen R. Gerber
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 Barbara Campbell in memory of Dr. Robert Campbell.
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This morning we thank our scripture reader, Austin Allan.
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The host for fellowship hour is Maureen Plumleigh.
The deacon on duty is Scott Mahon.
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If you are visiting us for worship this morning, we welcome you, and invite you
to join us in Fellowship Hall for fellowship and refreshments.
We 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: Claudia Highbaugh, Dean of Religious and Spiritual life at
Connecticut College, will discuss "Good Bridges Make Good Neighbors: Reflections On
Devices For Connection, Movement and Communication." March 29, 2015 Palm Sunday No Forum. April 5, 2015 - Easter Sunday No Forum.
CWS Blanket Drive The blanket drive continues until the end of March. Each blanket costs
$10. 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.
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.” Need more details, forms and
information? Forms in vestibule and office or mail your contribution to the church office, 2
Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371.
New Church Directory We are updating our membership photo directory this year, and it
will not be complete without you! 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 16-18, 2015
Thursday - Saturday April 23-25, 2015
Appointments are scheduled between 2:00 -9:00 weekdays, 12:00- 6:00 Saturdays
When you sign up online, be sure to include your email address and you will automatically
receive a confirmation email with your date and time, plus an email reminder a few days
before your session which includes a link to a $10 discount off any photography you purchase!
Web site: www.securedata-trans14.com/ap/firstcongregationalchurch9. (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 860-884-3875 or
[email protected]. 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!
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 for 5 performers
are needed on March 30 and 31; please call the church office at 860-434-8686.
Grief Group There is a Honduran saying that states, “Grief shared is half grief. Joy shared is
double joy.” Life brings many forms of grief whether it is the loss of a spouse, a job, a
marriage, or health. Sharing the journey decreases the impact of grief and helps to bring us
back to joy. Along the way, life can be enriched and deepened. Our next meeting is March 27
at 10:00 a.m. Call Cynthia Robbins, (860) 608-7996, or simply show up if you would like to
attend. If you are interested in helping form an evening group, please let Cynthia know.
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.
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, [email protected] or 860-434-8686!
Green Grass Journey Our annual trip to Green Grass, South Dakota, is shaping up with
tentative dates 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 join us TODAY, for an informational meeting at 12:15 pm in the Library.
Ladies Benevolent Society April Luncheon The LBS will have their April luncheon on
Tuesday, April 7, at noon in Fellowship Hall. Dawn Wright, a nationally known creative
artist, balladeer and folk singer will create a one-of-a-kind experience. She includes authentic
props and instrumentation. Please call the church office at 860-434-8686 for reservations;
seating is limited. The price of the luncheon is $5.00 and an item for the Food Pantry.
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. Bringing in and selling our
gently used books is a great way to raise money for Heifer International, an organization
which combats poverty by giving animals to people around the world. Please bring in your
gently used books and leave them on the Sheffield stage (fiction, non-fiction, inspirational,
poetry, biographies, children’s, etc.). On April 19, all are invited to the Book Fair in between
worship services! Book prices will be nominal. All left-over books will be donated to the
local library or to local literacy programs. Questions? Email Chris at [email protected].
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 [email protected].
Winter Bible Study with Becky Crosby We have completed our study of 1 Kings and are
now working with 2 Kings. 2 Kings begins in the midst of Elijah's devastating prophecy
against King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel and continues on to the downfall of both
Israel and Judah. If you like the rich history of the Old Testament, come and join us. Our
study will continue until April 2. We meet at 10:45 am on Thursdays in the library. All are
welcome!
JPF Project Junior Pilgrim Fellowship is wrapping up their Project Happy Smiles dental
project. Thank you to everyone who donated already. We will happily receive toothbrushes
and dental floss through today.
“Diaper Bank” The Shoreline Soup Kitchen/Food Pantry is collecting diapers to be
distributed on a quarterly basis. Donated diapers may be left in the one of the two Soup
Kitchen boxes found in our hallways (outside the library and by the handicap entrance).
EASTER SEASON SCHEDULE
Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 pm
Bread & Puppet FIRE Performance
Maundy Thursday 4/2 6:30 pm
Concert, 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.
If you would like to make a donation to our Easter Memorial Music or Easter Lilies and Spring Flowers
in remembrance of a loved one, please email, call, mail or stop by the church office.
Please be specific about the names you wish to have listed and let us know by Friday, March 27th.
Calendar of Events & Meetings for This Week
God’s Neighborhood Sunday School TODAY at 9:00 am.
Green Grass Journey Meeting TODAY at 12:15 pm in the Library.
Sewing Group Monday, March 23rd at 10:00 am in the Sheffield Auditorium.
LBS Board Meeting Tuesday, March 24th at 10:00 am in the Library.
Board of Deacons Tuesday, March 24th at 7:30 pm in the Hoag Parlor.
Poetry Group Wednesday, March 25th at 4:30 pm in the Hoag Parlor.
All-Age Choir Wednesday, March 25th at 6:15 pm in the Sheffield Auditorium.
Senior Choir Wednesday, March 25th at 7:30 pm in the Sheffield Auditorium.
Who Am I? Thursday, March 26th at 9:30 in the Hoag Parlor.
Bible Study Thursday, March 26th at 10:45 am in the Library.
Board of Missions Thursday, March 26th at 7:15 pm in the Hoag Parlor.
Church Council Thursday, March 26th at 7:30 pm in the Library.
Grief Group Friday, March 27th at 10:00 am in the Hoag Parlor.
JPF @ Food Pantry Saturday, March 28th at 9:00 am.
Anthony Thurston Memorial Saturday, March 28th at 12:00 pm.
Philip Simmons Memorial & Reception Saturday, March 28th at 3:00 pm.