1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

December 28, 2014 10:00 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: “Gloria”
Greeting & Welcome
Men’s Chorus
Kathy Aborn, Lay Leader
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 and Reflection:
A WORLD CHANGING EVENT!
Reading 1: Isaiah 40:1-8
Connor O’Neill
Reflection
Kathy Aborn
Reading 2: Jeremiah 23:5-6
Scott O’Neill
Reflection
Kathy Aborn
Hymn: “Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming” vs. 1 & 3
The United Methodist Hymnal #216
* Hymn: “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”
The United Methodist Hymnal #213
Reading 3: Zechariah 9:9-10
Reflection
Hymn: “Go Tell It on The Mountain”
Nancy Oaks
Kathy Aborn
Men’s Chorus
* Call to Worship
Liturgist, Polly Streb
Leader: Rejoice with the heavens: Christ is born!
People: God’s light has come to earth.
Leader: Sing of this miracle: God’s salvation is for all.
People: We sing with all the earth!
Reading 4: Haggai 2:6-9
Doug Fassett
Reflection
Kathy Aborn
Hymn: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” vs. 1 & 6
The United Methodist Hymnal # 236
Opening Prayer
Polly Streb
Light of the world, shine in our lives this day. As we hear
your word and as we worship, help us to grow in the
strength and wisdom of your love. Bless us with the faith of
Simeon and the hope of Anna, that we may find your
miraculous presence in our worship and in our world. In
your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Reading 5: Isaiah 35:1-6
Jamie Yeo
Reflection
Kathy Aborn
Hymn: “Rejoice, the Lord is King” vs. 1 & 4
The United Methodist Hymnal #715
Children’s Story Time
Reading 7: Mark 1:1-15
Deb Jacobsen
Reflection
Kathy Aborn
Hymn: “When Jesus Came to Jordan” vs. 1
The United Methodist Hymnal #252
Our Offering: “The Snow Lay on the Ground”
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.
Kathy Aborn
Finding the Quiet Center
Our Time of Intercessory Prayer
Polly Streb
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?
Reading 6: Romans 8:28-29
Reflection
Tom Reilly
Kathy Aborn
Sending Forth
*Closing Hymn: “Lord of the Dance” vs. 1, 4, 5
The United Methodist Hymnal #261
*Dismissal with Blessing
Leroy Atkins
*Our parting prayer in song for one another: You are invited
to circle the sanctuary, to sing this prayer to one another. Lord,
dismiss us with thy blessing; fill our hearts with joy and
peace; let us each, thy love possessing, triumph in
redeeming grace. O refresh us, O refresh us, traveling
through this wilderness.
*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
Secretary Office hours:
(860) 684-2468
Mon Wed Thur 7:30 -12:30
Fax: (860) 684-3418
Fri 7:30 -11:30
Connie Fogarty, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Church offices Closed January 1st
“Like” us on Facebook!
Our Web site is www.fumc.org
Our Participants in worship this morning:
Weekly Attendance
Jill Gregori - Minister of Music
Sunday Worship:
Kathy Aborn – Lay Leader
Morning Service
Liturgist – Polly Streb
Evening Service
Greeters – Betty Burns, Gene Panciera
Prayer & Praise:
Ushers – Gordon Giller, Fred Streb
Nursery,
Nursery Attendant –Connie Fogarty
Pre K & K,
Coffee Hour – Julie Geraldi, Nancy Fisher
1-2,
Counters –
3-5,
Sound Techs – Butch Hajosy, Chris Rossick
Middle School,
Men’s Chorus – Robert Spencer, Tom Reilly,
High School,
Gordon Giller, Steve Jacobsen, Jeff Roberts,
Adult Study
Doug Fassett, Dave Burns, Leroy Atkins, Gene
( 7 groups),
Panciera, Fred Streb – Directed by Jill Gregori
Rev. Roy Richardson, pastor
Last Year 2013 Worship:
The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God
by in
Next Sunday, January 4 , 2015– Worship Participants
Counters –, Liturgist –Jamie Yeo, Greeters –Jeff & Kathy Aborn,
Ushers –Julie Geraldi, Al Higgins, Coffee Hour – , Communion – altar set
up – Carol & Debbie Beverage, Stewards – Joan Johnson, JoAnn West,
Servers- Pastor Roy, Jamie Yeo, Sue Pagano, Lisa Smith
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!  
First United Methodist Church
December 28, 2014