1 Order of Worship First Church Congregational An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ Fairfield, Connecticut FEBRUARY 21, 2021 Prelude Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days Claudia Frances Hernaman Welcome and Announcements We seek to extend the extravagant welcome of God to all people, all the time. Regardless of your race, class, ancestry, gender identity, marital status, ability, age, immigration status, or sexual orientation you are always welcome at First Church. We affirm your inherent dignity. as a child of God. God loves you - just as you are – and so do we! Call to Worship adapted from Psalm 25:1-3 One: To you, O God, we lift up the spirit of our whole selves. Many: O God, we trust unashamedly in you; seeking that you be not ashamed of us; One: May we begin our Lenten journey together in right relationships; Many: Teach us. Show us. Guide us in your paths. Grow us to know your ways more clearly. One: You are the God of our salvation and the Sustainer of good relations. Many: For you we wait. One: May integrity, a clean conscience, and upright living preserve us. All: Amen.
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1
Order of Worship
First Church Congregational
An Open and Affirming Congregation of the
United Church of Christ
Fairfield, Connecticut
FEBRUARY 21, 2021
Prelude Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days Claudia Frances Hernaman
Welcome and Announcements
We seek to extend the extravagant welcome of God to all people, all the time. Regardless
of your race, class, ancestry, gender identity, marital status, ability, age, immigration status,
or sexual orientation you are always welcome at First Church. We affirm your inherent dignity.
as a child of God. God loves you - just as you are – and so do we!
Call to Worship adapted from Psalm 25:1-3
One: To you, O God, we lift up the spirit of our whole selves.
Many: O God, we trust unashamedly in you;
seeking that you be not ashamed of us;
One: May we begin our Lenten journey together in right relationships;
Many: Teach us. Show us. Guide us in your paths.
Grow us to know your ways more clearly.
One: You are the God of our salvation and the Sustainer of good relations.
Many: For you we wait.
One: May integrity, a clean conscience, and upright living preserve us.
All: Amen.
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Hymn “Come Down, O Love Divine”
Prayer of Invocation and Lord’s Prayer
As in days of old, Creator God, we come to look for your signs of covenant promises.
Like the rainbow days of Noah, we see and know your signs and hear your voice again
directing us to places of preparation and transformation in our lives and in our world.
Thank you God, for your covenant signs in this season of Lent. Hear us as we pray together: 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.
Children’s Sermon
The Candle of Witness Souper Bowl of Caring
Hymn “In the Midst of New Dimensions”
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Scripture Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15
Sermon The Reverend Vanessa Rose
A Time for Silent Reflection
Prayer of Confession
Call
Sisters and Brothers, in our daily lives we need the gift of the season of Lent. These 40 days can
help us restore right relationships with God and with others. This is a fine time to focus, clear our
hearts and minds of distractions, and re-orient and restore our whole selves. May God be with us.
Let us pray:
Prayer
Creating and Renewing God. In this Lenten season we each need the opportunity to clear our
eyes of the glaze of indifference and apathy. Help us get our minds off distractions, obsessions,
and self-pity so that we don’t feel helpless. Help us to start over. Re-orient head and heart so that
we may fill our whole selves with life-affirming activities and thoughts.
(Silence)
May I be in right relationship with you and all your creation and join your people in over-
coming violence, hunger, and injustice. May I find courage and clarity to assist me in works of
justice and compassion which make daily life bearable for many.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Assurance of God’s Steadfast Love
Brothers and Sisters, God hears our prayers and, even in our human frailty, promises to be with
us in the wilderness times. We are God’s forgiven and beloved people. As we live in the
knowledge, may we experience a new and renewed sense of hope. Amen.
Joys and Concerns and Prayers of the People
Donations to the Deacons’ Fund, in lieu of flowers, have been
made to the Glory of God and in loving memory of their parents,
Ann & Howard Avery and Kay & Bill Sargent, Sr.
by Connie & Bill Sargent
and in loving memory of her parents Pat & Ken Raimondi
by Sue Raimondi
Invitation to the Offering and Prayer of Dedication
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Hymn “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
Benediction
God Be With You
Postlude On Eagle's Wings Micheal Joncas
Go in peace and strength to love and serve the Lord and all God’s people! Amen!
LEADING US IN WORSHIP
The Reverend David W. Spollett
The Reverend Vanessa Payne Rose
Ms. Heidi Butler, Student Pastor
Mr. Robert Codio, Worship Music Leader
Edite Weddle, Hymn Leader
Worship Tech Team: Alan Fuehring and Cheri Evan
Call to Worship, Invocation and Prayer of Confession from https://www.ucc.org/worship-way/lent-1-february-21/