Bulletin - Congregational Church

Congregational Church
of
Boca Raton
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
10:00 A.M.
DECEMBER 28, 2014
Welcome to Worship!
 No matter who you are or where you are on Life’s journey,
you are welcome at Congregational Church of Boca Raton, UCC.
Our doors are wide open to all who desire a closer relationship
with God. We welcome believers, seekers, and doubters;
ANYONE, JUST AS YOU ARE.


Large-print bulletin and hearing devices
are available from the ushers.
Please keep this a time of quiet reflection in preparation of worship.
 God is calling you today, but not on your cell phone!
Please remember to turn it off, or you may leave it with our
head usher if you are expecting an emergency call.

Nursery and pre-school care is available during worship,
if you wish. All children are encouraged to come to the altar
during Children's Time. Following Children’s Time, the children
will go as a group to their Sunday School classes.

Please fill out the Friendship Pad at the end of each pew,
then pass it along to your neighbor to sign.
If you are a visitor or guest, please include
your mailing and/or email addresses so we may keep in touch.
 Adult Fellowship invites you
to join us before worship for coffee in the foyer area.
After worship, please join us for conversation,
coffee, punch, and cookies in the fellowship hall.
Pastor Tom Lacey
tomlacey@churchofboca.org
251 SW Fourth Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Quiet Time
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Prelude
A Christmas Fantasy
Psalm 46:10
Traditional
Welcome
Rev. Vardell Swett
Today is a new day, rising fresh from the Creator’s
hand. Today we begin again, with praise and thanks to
God who made us, Christ who redeemed us and the
Spirit who guides us. Here we participate in the
fellowship of the forgiven, the church. It is good to be
together today.
Prayer Requests
Call to Worship
Presents unwrapped,
Batteries are all run-down. Christmas trees are
turning brown.
Still, one present glows so bright—
The Child in a manger with heavenly light.
Christmas continues the whole year round
Whenever love and kindness abound.
So gather your wits and sing loud and strong.
Christmas continues, so raise up your song!
* Hymn (PH #125)
Good Christian Men, Rejoice
Prayer of Confession
Let us pray
Almighty god, you have wondrously revealed yourself
in the Holy Child of Bethlehem. By faith we kneel
beside the manger-throne, hoping that somehow he
will be born in us here and now. For Jesus’ sake, grant
that we may share in a new birth of faith. Teach us to
recognize your presence in our lives, and bring us at
the last to the realm of your glory, through Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Children’s Time
Announcements
Scripture (NT p. 211)
Choral Anthem
2 Timothy 1:6-10
What Child Is This?
Message
traditional
Fear Not
Pastoral Prayer
God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to God Most High.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Lord’s Prayer (Debts/Debtors)
Sharing the Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Meet Someone New
Offering of Tithes and Gifts
Gracious and loving God, giver of all that is good and
true, may our offerings represent our work, our
blessings, and our faith. May they be good and true
offerings as they witness to our gratitude and love for
you, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Solo
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Juan Mansilla
* Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God, all creatures here below
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
* Hymn (PH #348)
* Benediction
* Spirit Song
O let the Son of God enfold you
with his Spirit and his love.
My Faith Look Up to Thee
Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
O let him have the things that hold you,
and his Spirit like a dove
will descend upon your life and make you whole.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Postlude
Auld Lang Syne
Scottish Folk Medley
* Those who are able may stand
Prayer Requests
December 28, 2014
Thank you for the wonderful service by our
children on Sunday. And thank you to all the
leaders and parents who gave of themselves
as well.
Holy God, may we see in the babe of
Bethlehem how very much you love us. May
our worship and praise glorify you through Him.
We pray for a solution to the crisis in Crimea and the Ukraine, Iraq,
Syria, Israel and Palestine. We pray for all those displaced and
terrorized by war and violence, and we pray for victims and families
of all those affected by natural disasters around our world.
We continue to pray for all those facing tough economic situations,
for those who still can’t find work. We pray for our leaders to have
continuing compassion and care for those who are struggling.
We pray for members, friends, and our neighbors:
Family and friends of: Vernon Ebert; Eric Zachrisson; Louise Seeds;
Ruth Hawkins; Ed Hindle; Mildred Bird; Margaret Sorenson; Rhoda
Alter; Leo Hermann; Willy Willard; and all those who are grieving
loved ones.
Selwyn Sherman; Marie Williams; Eleanor Magee; Noelle and
Daniel; Arlene Esposito, Bonnie and Bob Tust; Susan Whitten;
Tamara Pope; Kim Smith; Lynn Baker Diers; Beth Soufleris; Seth
Peterson and family; Rose Breakell; Donna O’Connor; Randall
Garland; Arnold Sams; Bill and Maria Collins; Florence Gomes and
her daughter, Mala; Audrey Eisnor; Annika Ljungberg.
We pray for our service men and women.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
The Christmas Fund Today
Remembering Those Who Serve Our Church
provides
financial aid to retired and active ministers and their
surviving spouses and children who face overwhelming
financial demands. It is a ministry carried out by the
UCC Pension Boards. This special offering is received
annually at Christmas.
Prayer Fellowship Friday, January 2nd
The Prayer Fellowship and Bible Study meets every
Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Rosser room. Everyone is
invited to join us. We use the Upper Room devotional as
our study guide. For more information please contact
John Bird at 561-400-5604.
Adult Fellowship Luncheon Wednesday, January 7th
The regular meeting of the Adult Fellowship will be held
at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 7th. As part of our
“Health and Wellness” series, our guest speaker is Reiki
Master Rey Lourdes. Lunch will be available for $5.00.
Please sign up in the Rosser room.
Adult Study Group Wednesday, January 7th
You are invited to join the Adult Study Group as we
explore the Bible from the beginning. The Adult Study
Group meets on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. Our study is based on the Kerygma program:
Discovering the Bible. For more information, please call
Pastor Tom at 561-395-9255.
Collection Envelopes
The 2015 Collection envelopes, for everyone who
requested a box, have arrived. Please pick up your
box in the Rosser room. There are a few sets of
envelopes available. Please contact Sandi in the
church office if you would like one. 561-395-9255
B.C.E.O. Thursday, January 8th
Boca Christians Eating Out takes place each
Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and conversation.
Due to the holidays, the next B.C.E.O will be on
January 8th at Checkers Old Munchen German/
American Restaurant, 2209 E. Atlantic Boulevard,
Pompano Beach. So that we can reserve enough
room, please sign up in the Rosser room or call the church anytime
before that Thursday. 561-395-9255.
New Member Orientation Sunday, January 11th
Are you interested in becoming a member of
Congregational Church of Boca Raton? Join Pastor
Tom for an orientation class on January 11th
immediately after worship. We will be welcoming new
members into the congregation on January 25th.
Adult Study Group Tuesday, January 13th
You are invited to join our Tuesday afternoon Adult Study
Group as we begin “Learning to Walk in the Dark.” The
Adult Study Group meets on Tuesday afternoons, from
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information or
information on purchasing the book by Barbara Brown
Taylor, please call Pastor Tom at 561-395-9255.
Lunch Bunch Wednesday, January 14th
A time for Food, Fellowship and Fun. Come to church at
noon on Wednesdays with a sandwich. We serve
beverages and dessert. After lunch stay and play Mah
Jongg (beginners welcome!) or bring a favorite game of
your own to share.
Knit One, Crafts Too! Friday, January 16th
Join us on Friday morning, December 19 at 9:00 a.m. for
a joyful hour of crafts. Bring your project, or help us
make preemie caps and blankets for local hospitals. We
have had a special request for tiny baby blankets for the
smallest of babies. Free knitting lessons if you want to
learn in order to help with this Good Deed! For more information call
Sandi in the office, 561-395-9255.
Walk on Water January 16th—18th
Teens, mark your calendars now for Walk on Water
in Miami, FL. This is a weekend-long conference for
middle school and high school youth. Please contact
Marit Lacey for details. Registration deadline is
January 3rd.
Prime Time! Wednesday, January 21st
Dinner is served at 6:00 pm. Followed by band
practice and Drama Club. Sign up for Spring! The
spring session will meet January 21, February 11 and
25, March 11 and 25, April 15 and 29, and May 13.
The cost to cover some of the expenses for dinners and materials for
the spring session will be $25 for one child and $35 for more than one!
Bowling Sunday, January 25
Calling all bowlers for bowling after church at
Strikes Boca Raton. A lot of fun for serious bowlers,
but mostly for bowlers of all ages who are serious
about having fun with Church friends! $10 per
person includes bowling, shoes, pizza and drink.
Sign up on the sign-up sheet so we know how many lanes to book.
Morning Communion Service Wednesday, January 28th
Start your morning in communion with God as you
join us for a midweek worship service. We will be
resuming our Wednesday morning communion
services at 8:30 am on January 28th.
Teaching/Acolyte Schedule
This Week:
One Room .............................. Rachel and Tony Borchers
Next Week:
Preschool/K............................ Barbara Lacey
1 - 3 ........................................ Marit Lacey
4 - 5 ........................................ Rachel and Tony Borchers
Middle/High ........................... Family Worship
Saturday, January 31, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rosser Room and Fellowship Hall
We Need:
You, your friends and your neighbors to donate stuff
they no longer need. Let’s all de-clutter in the New
Year! Spread the word. (Plus it’s tax deductible!)
We also need:
Volunteers to help set up and/or work during the
sale. This is a wonderful fellowship opportunity!
Please sign up in the Rosser Room with the hours
you are willing to volunteer.
Donations:
Household items, tools, furniture, kitchen ware,
linens, shoes, bags, books, toys, jewelry.
Boutique-style women’s/men’s clothing, gently used,
cleaned and on hangers please.
NO computers or their components.
NO older or large appliances.
Please call ahead to bring in your sale items. Regular Office hours are
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekend drop off can be
arranged. Pickup may also be arranged. Please be sure to call the
church office (561) 395-9255 and speak with Sandi.
Setup will be Monday-Friday, January 26-30. Look for the signup
sheet in the Rosser Room for volunteer hours.
Sale hours: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 31st!
Please sign up for hours you can serve; training will be provided.
Why: To raise money for church needs and a time for
fellowship!
Let's all work together and make this another successful sale!
10:00 am
Worship
Communion
4
28
10:00 am
Worship
Rev. Vardell
Swett
Sunday
Monday
5
29
6:30 pm
AA
Epiphany
6:30 pm
AA
Tuesday
6
30
7
7:00 pm
Choir rehearsal
6:00 pm
Adult Study
12:00 noon
Adult
Fellowship
Luncheon
New Year’s
Eve
31
Wednesday
1
7:00 pm
AA
6:30 am
B.C.E.O
8
Office Closed
New Year’s
Day
Thursday
10:00 am
Prayer
Fellowship
10:00 am
Prayer
Fellowship
Friday
9
2
3
10
Saturday
Congregational Church of Boca Raton
251 SW 4th Avenue
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Phone: 561-395-9255
e-mail: office@churchofboca.org
Web site: www.churchofboca.org
Pastor: Tom Lacey: Home: 561-381-5222 Cell: 561-306-5208
Moderator: John Fenner: 561-750-5044
Staff
Administrator
Sandi Kilbride
Children’s Ministry Director
Marit Lacey
Sound:
Wendell Jackson
Sexton:
Nicholas R. Wurster
Music Ministry Director
Juan Mansilla
Organist/Pianist:
Nicholas R. Wurster
Section Leaders
Lindsey Novitske, Alto
Linda Siers, Soprano
Jorge Valls, Tenor
This Week’s Volunteers
Deacon of the Sunday:
Kathy & Joe Cogley
Office Helpers: Lucille Bruno,
Grayce Esposito, Audrey Michele,
George Sinclair, Carol Vass, and
Diana Willard
Hospitality: Frances Bell; Gail and
Barry Donovan; Grayce Esposito,
Lorraine Folino; Sarah Hugus;
Audrey Michele; Judy Vandermark,
Larry Williams
Children’s Choir:
Marit Lacey
Youth Choir:
Nest Jones-Teixeira
Sunday School Volunteers:
One Room
............. Rachel & Tony Borchers
We welcome everyone, no matter who they are,
or where they are on life’s journey!