The First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ & Disciples of Christ
627 Sunnyside Drive, Reno, Nevada 89503
(775) 747-1414
CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, Reformation Sunday
October 26, 2014 - 10:00 a.m.
____________________________________________________________________________
We welcome you this morning in the name and Spirit of Jesus Christ!
Children four and under are welcome to visit the nursery with Ms. Sharon in the Annex building.
Older children are welcome to attend Sunday School following the Children’s Conversation.
We ask that you record your presence with us by signing the attendance register at the end of the pew.
Hearing assistance devices and large print bulletins are available - please let an usher know if needed.
Following morning worship, please join us for the Food and Fellowship in the CE Building.
Gathering in God's Presence
"Knowing the heart of Jesus and loving him are the same thing….
The mystery of ministry is that we have been chosen to make our own limited and very
conditional love the gateway for the unlimited and unconditional love of God."
Henri Nouwen
GATHERING MUSIC
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHORAL INTROIT
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: This is a new day filled with fresh possibilities.
People: We gather to participate in the new things God is doing.
Leader: Old ways and tired routines are left behind.
People: Our God comes to us in unexpected ways and refreshes all who join the
adventure.
Leader: Those who claim sophistication and power may miss the movement of the
eternal.
People: All who give up their pretenses will find unusual opportunities.
Leader: Let us together explore the wonders of God.
People: Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew our spirits.
*HYMN
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Pilgrim (Red Hymnal) 363
Please pass blue prayer request cards to the center aisle.
Ushers will collect them during the last verse of the hymn
* UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: We turn to God in prayer not because we are compelled but because God invites
us. We come to God not because of our righteousness but because of God’s grace. In
that spirit, we offer this prayer of confession.
People: Loving God, we know that in every generation you call forth prophets to
proclaim your word. We give you thanks that you are still speaking even today.
Your Spirit inspires the young to see visions of a new creation and elders to dream of
a time not yet known. Yet we confess that we fail to hear your voice when it comes
from an unexpected place. Convinced that we are right, we miss the Good News of
your reconciling love. Forgive us, God. Restore us with humility and awaken us
anew to your presence and your promise. Amen.
*WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Leader: The God of creation is a God of mercy.
God is quick to forgive and God’s promise of restoration is for all people.
Friends believe the Good News of the Gospel: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God!
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
NCH (Black Hymnal) 760
(Sing Amen!) Amen, we praise your name, O God.
(Sing Amen!) Amen, we praise your name, O God.
(Sing Amen!) Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen!
Amen! We praise your name, O God!
Proclaiming God's Word
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 22:34-40
CHILDREN’S CONVERSATION
NT page 22
Saralinda Kiser
CHORAL ANTHEM
How Blessed Are They
-Hollinger
SERMON
Love, Law & Elections
Rev. Rich Smith
Responding as God's People
* HYMN
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
Pilgrim (Red Hymnal) 242
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 debts as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
NCH (Black Hymnal) 581
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth,
from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace,
let peace fill our hearts, let peace fill our world,
let peace fill the universe.
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Introductions
Welcome by the Congregation
Leader: Let us, the members of the First Congregational Church of Reno, United
Church of Christ, express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ.
People: We welcome you with joy as partners in the common life of this church.
We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share in the hopes and labors
of the church of Jesus Christ. God grant that we may continue to grow in Christ’s
knowledge and love and be witnesses of our Risen Savior.
Church Covenant
We covenant with one another to seek and respond to the Word and the Will of
God. We propose to walk together in the ways of the Lord, made known and to
be made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of the church to witness to the
Gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world while worshiping God and striving for truth,
justice and peace. As did our parents, we depend upon the Holy Spirit to lead and
empower us. We pray for the coming Kingdom of God and we look with faith
toward the triumph of righteousness and eternal life.
Prayer and Declaration
STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
OFFERTORY
*PRESENTATION OF OFFERING
Tune: Pilgrim (Red Hymnal) 64
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise God all creatures here below. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God for all that love has done. Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Loving God, we give thanks for the visions and dreams that you share with your people.
We offer these gifts in response to your abundant blessings and ask that you use them
and the commitment they represent to share your good news with all the world. Amen.
*HYMN OF PARTING
*BENEDICTION
*CHORAL BENEDICTION
Once to Every Man and Nation
Pilgrim (Red Hymnal) 441
*GREETING ONE ANOTHER
*POSTLUDE
* = Those who are able are invited to stand.
Looking Ahead
November 2 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
150 years of Sinners and Saints, Psalm 107:1-9, 33-37 and Hebrews 11:32-12:2
November 9: How Much is Enough? 2 Corinthians 9:1-14. Matthew 25:1-3
Reno Family Co-op Open House Lunch provided
Consecration Sunday and Annual Thanksgiving Potluck
Sunday, November 23rd following worship
Beyond Sunday
Help is needed folding newsletters this Wednesday between 11 & 1, no experience needed
ACTIONN Public Assembly, "Smart Solutions to Creating Jobs",
Temple Sinai on Gulling St. in Reno, Wed., October 29th, 6:30 pm check-in; 7:00 - 8:15 pm.
See our ACTIONN Leadership Council representative, Rick Odynski, for more information
ABUNDANCE
Last week’s attendance
This Year: 103
Income
Expenses
Last Year: 96
Balance
YTD 9/30/2014:
186,089
181,131
$ 4.958
Budgeted Expenses for September: $ 17,289, Income received this month: $13,307
Line of Credit balance owed as of September 30, 2014: $6,253
Liturgy adapted from and Reprinted from “Prophecy, Dreams and Visions: Service Prayers for the Twenty -third
Sunday after Pentecost,” written by the Rev. Christopher Ney, Pastor of Central Congregational Church, UCC, of
Newburyport, MA. Copyright 2010 Local Church Ministries, Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry
Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100.
LIFE AND WORK OF OUR CHURCH
 TUESDAY, Oct 28
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF RENO
–Worship ............................................................................................. 10:00 am
–Food & Fellowship ................................................................ Following Worship
–Children’s Cabinet Stitchers CE Building ...............................................9:30 am
 WEDNESDAY, Oct 29
–Fellowship & Growth Committee, Home of Kay Kurvers .................................... 7:00 pm
–Newsletter Folding ............................................................................................ 11:00 am
 Today, Oct 26
 THURSDAY, Oct 30
 FRIDAY, Oct 31
–Afternoon Bible Study ............................................................................2:00 pm
–Video Discussion (Annex) Saving Jesus Encore ...................................7:00 pm
–Supper & Study, Saving Jesus DVD based series ................................5:30 pm
–Chancel Choir Rehearsal ......................................................................7:00 pm
–Men’s Prayer Group, Chism Chapel ...... ………………………………… 6:30 am
Mark Your Calendar
 WEDNESDAY, Nov 12 –Afternoon Circle (Annex) .......................................................................1:00 pm
 TUESDAY, Nov. 18
–Church Council ......................................................................................7:00 pm
 WEDNESDAY, Nov 19 –Newsletter Deadline ............................................................................ 11:00 am
–Diaconate Meeting.................................................................................5:00 pm
 SUNDAY, Nov 23
–Thanksgiving Potluck............................................................ Following Worship
Serving this Week
Greeters: Jane & Al Chapman
Deacon of the Month: Jane Chapman
Head Usher: Lois Stephens
Sound Technicians: Don Busick, Steve Rowell
Liturgist: Marc Ullom
Sunday School Teacher: Chai Cook
Refreshments:
Church Photographer: Meredyth Busick
Counters: Jane & Al Chapman, Frank & Becky Yerxa
Our Staff
Pastor: Rev. Rich Smith, [email protected]
Music Director: Ted Owens
Office Administrator: Cindy Evans
Christian Education Director: Saralinda Kiser
Youth Intern: Amy Urban
Contact Us
Phone: 775.747.1414, email: [email protected]
627 Sunnyside Drive, Reno, NV 89503
Office Administrator hours: Mon– Thurs 10 am to 3 pm, Friday 10 -to 1
or by appointment
We are on the web: www.renofirstcongregational.org
Excerpts from A personal reflection on the Ebola Virus Crisis, by Mary Schaller Blaufuss
I woke up this morning to news reports of the Ebola crisis striking close to home in Cleveland.
A health worker in Texas who had cared for a man with the Ebola virus visited family in Ohio
during the unknowing incubation time, before becoming sick with the virus herself. I am struck
by the almost frantic and certainly, fearful tone of the reporting and subsequent grocery store
and social media conversations. Schools closed. Airports are on alert. It is amazing how many
lives one person comes into contact with during a week. Monitoring and containment are
important parts of prevention.
I touch my phone screen to open email with updates from a variety of church partners around
the globe working on care, containment and prevention of this deadly disease – particularly in
communities of western African nations. I currently serve as the UCC team leader for national
staff with responsibility for work in disaster response, sustainable development and refugee
ministries through the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering and special funds. With that
function I have the opportunity to ensure that the UCC is well-connected to be part of actions
that respond effectively and faithfully to immediate crises, root causes and long-term solutions
to situations of chronic poverty, disaster, violence or emergency around the globe.
It is no wonder that the Ebola virus has created wide-spread fear and hopelessness among
people in western African nations. Health systems are disrupted. Health workers do not have
proper personal protective equipment or training. People in these nations have never faced this
virus before. And it is personal. Lives are at stake.
Actions are possible to combat that despair. Communities of faith are present in affected areas,
with people committed to care for the sick no matter the personal risk. A global community
with the potential to accompany affected communities and people in ways that make a
difference does exist. As the UCC, we are acting through long-time relationships of Global
Ministries with councils of churches in western Africa106 and through global organizations with
expertise and connections.
And so I pray this day for all those affected by the Ebola virus. I pray that in the midst of this
very real global health crisis we will draw together as a global community and not further isolate
ourselves from one another. And I give thanks for the privilege to be part of the global church
working together, active in solutions far beyond what is possible by any single group or
individual.
The Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss serves with Wider Church Ministries of the UCC. For more
information, contact her at [email protected].
First Congregational Church of Reno
October 26, 2014