Sunday, October 23, 2011

“God’s Story, Our Stories”

Visitors:  Welcome to our church.  Please sign our guest book!  If you do not have a church home, we pray that you will find one with us.  We have large-print bulletins available, as well as hearing assistance devices.  Please ask an usher if you require either of these.  Restrooms are located in the church school building.  Go through the door next to the choir loft, and straight ahead.  We also have restrooms downstairs in Fellowship Hall.  Again, exit through the door next to the choir loft, turn left down the hall, and go down the steps. 

 We Gather To Worship

Prelude

 Announcements

Chime Interlude

 *Call To Worship

One:        Before the mountains soared, before the seas plunged; even before Earth spun blue, or the universe spiraled out—

People:   You are God and we worship you.

One:        When our breath fails, and our remains rejoin the elements; when millenniums in our measurings appear as one passing day in your sight—

People:   You are God and we worship you.

One:        When we flourish and grow; when we balk and resist; when our evenings slip into night, and our words into silence—

People:   You are God and we worship you.

 *Hymn:  “Give to Our God Immortal Praise” …………………..#16

*Opening Prayer (We light the Christ Candle.)

Leader:    We come to worship in this space in the presence of God who flows among us like a river.  We come to worship in this space bringing memories and hopes with us.  Come close to us, God, and may we feel your presence.  Amen.

 *Response:  “Hear Our Prayer, O Lord”…………………….#817

 Prayer Of Confession

Leader:    Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid.  Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ, our Lord.

All:         Amen.  (A time for silent prayers of confession; Music:  “We Will Glorify.”)

 Assurance Of God’s Forgiveness

Leader:    The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.  I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.  May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.

All:         Amen.

Affirmation:    “Moment by Moment”. . . …………………..#529

 We Hear The Word

 ReadingOf The Scripture:    Deuteronomy 34: 1-12

A Time For Children:  (Our children sing songs they’ve learned in Sunday School.)

Anthem:       “Songs of Faith” …………………………….arr. Martin

 Reading Of The Gospel:    Matthew 22: 34-46

Message For This Day                                        

 We Respond To God

 *Hymn:  “Lord of Creation”………………………………….#565

Pastoral Prayers And 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.)

 Our Offering

Offertory

 *Doxology:  “Praise God from Whom All Blessings” ………………#809

*Prayer Of Dedication

 *Closing Hymn:  “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” …………….….#78

*Blessing

Leader:    In Deuteronomy, the story of Moses unfolded into the story of Joshua.  In God, even our endings find new beginnings.

People:   For God is the One in whom all dwell, and God’s story goes on.

Leader:    The furnishings of this sanctuary and the symbols of personal legacies entrusted from past generations to this generation have shaped our stories today, and open us to coming days.

People:   For God is the One in whom all dwell, and God’s story goes on.

 *Choral Benediction:  “Christ Beside Me”………………….#543, V 1

*Chime Meditation

Postlude

*Where noted, please stand if able.                                           

 

October’s Proverb:

All deeds are right in the sight of the doer, but the Lord weighs the heart.    Proverbs  21: 2

 Altar Guild Members will meet on Monday, November 7, to organize for the 2012 year.

A One-Year Term exists for the 2012 consistory.  Please consider serving.  Contact Fred, Consistory President.

As Many Of You Already Know, there was a Biglerville Elementary second grade student who lost a leg due to a lawn mower accident.  In an effort to assist the family with medical expenses, a Texas Roadhouse fundraiser has been arranged.  Texas Roadhouse will donate 10 percent of your total food purchase to the fundraiser.  Please see Chris for a “pass” or obtain one from the credenza at the back of the church.

Bring Your “Merry Heart” And Join The Homewood Auxiliary.   Memberships ($2) are now available.  Auxiliary members areHomewood’s Merry Hearts – working hand-in-hand with the staff to help provide the kind of “medicine” only a friend can give.  A clipboard is on the credenza.  Be a “good medicine” forHomewood’s health care center residents by giving time, talents, and resources.  As an Auxiliary member, you will receiveHomewood’s quarterly magazine, The Fireside, which will keep you up-to-date on all the events and programs on theHomewood campuses.

 “Snowball’s Chance” was victorious over seven other teams at the October 16 Trivia nite!  Donated to SCCAP was $260.  The next Trivia nite will most likely be in the new year.

Scarves For Special Olympics.   The organizers of the Special Olympics are interested in providing handmade scarves to the participants in this year’s winter games.  The scarves may be knitted or crocheted in any pattern, but they must use Red Heart Yarn #319 Cherry Red and #387 Soft Navy.  Each scarf must be 6 inches wide and 54-60 inches long, and must use both colors of yarn.   Completed scarves should be returned to Valerie by February 1, 2012.  Please see Valerie if you would like additional information.  

On October 29 we will once again host a Wounded Warriors’ Group for a fly fishing event at the  Bennett’s lodge.  Volunteers are needed to greet the Wounded Warriors and prepare lunch at the site.  All are welcome to provide cards of encouragement and thanks for their service that will be distributed to the group.

Soup Kitchen Update:  There are three remaining Soup Kitchens for the year – Saturday, October 29; Tuesday, November 29; and Saturday, December 31.  The Soup Kitchen committee is open to all suggestions and recommendations on menus or help.  As the holiday season approaches, everyone is caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.   Please keep in mind the need of those who attend the Soup Kitchen – any effort is always so appreciated.  There are several people who attend on a daily/yearly basis and are known by their first name along with their likes and dislikes.  It especially means a great deal to those particular people thatZion goes the extra mile in helping provide food.  Also, note – all food donations are always picked up on Saturdays by 9:30 a.m.   October sign-up sheet is on the back credenza.  A FEW FOOD DISHES ARE NEEDED.  PLEASE SIGN; TODAY IS THE LAST DAY!  Thank you to everyone for your help!

Habitat For Humanity.  The Gettysburg Habitat house still needs volunteers for every Saturday through at least January 7, 2012, and especially on November 12, Zion’s assigned date to provide volunteer workers and a snack.  The work day is from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; but if it only suits for part of the day, that would also work.  Anyone interested in working on any Saturday should please contact Roger.

Thanks to all for your generous support of our Sunday School program with snack and/or book sponsorship.   Book plates were placed in each book/DVD recognizing the sponsor.   The books will be filed in the near future if people want to check out our wonderful, ever growing library located in the story/movie room.  We have the entire year covered for snacks as well as all of the books/DVDs.  If you have not yet done so, you may make checks payable to Zion UCC and give them to Jessica or Laurie.   Thanks again!!  Our Spring Rotation still has many openings.  Please see sign up sheets and sign up as able.  Thank you!

 Greeters Needed for Nov. 13, 20, 27; Dec. 4, 11, 18, 24, 25.

Nursery Attendants for all Sundays.

Bulletin  Sponsors Needed for Oct. 30; Nov. 13, 27; Dec. 11, 18, 25.

 Coming Up Next Week:

Oct. 24, Consistory Mtg,ZionHse, 7:00 pm

Oct. 26, Choir Practice, Sanctuary, 7:30 pm

Oct. 29, Habitat for Humanity,Gettysburg, 8 am – 4 pm

Oct. 29, Soup Kitchen, Prince of Peace, 10:45 – 1 pm

Oct. 29, Wounded Warrior Fly Fishing, Bennett’s Lodge

 Looking Forward:

 Nov. 2, Bible Study, Fellowship Hall, 6:30 pm

Nov. 3, Book Club, Mustard Seed Rm, 7:00 pm

Nov. 6, All Saints Sunday, 9:00 am

Nov. 7, Something More, Oakside Park, 12 noon

Nov. 7, Altar Guild Mtg,ZionHse, 7:00 pm

Nov. 10, Worship/Music Cmte Mtg,ZionHse, 7:30 pm

Nov. 13, Veterans’ Day Observance,   9:00 am

Nov. 20, Harvest Home, 9:00 am