REFORMATION SUNDAY OCTOBER 29, 2017* ALL WHO ARE ABLE ARE INVITED TO STAND.

GATHERINGPlease prayerfully allow the silent, sacred space of the sanctuary

and the quiet stirrings of the Spirit to prepare your heart and mind for worship.

PRELUDE “Wir glauben all an einen Gott, BWV 680” J.S. Bach

* CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 90) Rev. Paul E. Gilmore Minister: God is our dwelling place from year to year, age to age.People: And yet, we become complacent, forgetting who we are.Minister: God reforms usPeople: and makes prosperous the work of our hands!Minister: God’s life surges forth through creation, like grass that renews every morning.People: And yet we prefer to be dust, swept away in the wind of every new idea and new fad.Minister: God reforms usPeople: and makes prosperous the work of our hands!Minister: God turns to us, and has compassion on us,People: so the great work of our lives manifests Christ’s glorious love to the world.Minister: Let us worship the God who is constantly reforming usPeople: and who makes prosperous the work of our hands!

* THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN No. 260 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” EIN FESTE BURG

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison) Rev. Kathryn Kibbie Laird Living God, You are the One who is always on the move, always creating and re-creating, always doing a new thing. And yet, we confess, O Lord, that our lives can become static, routinely paralyzed by doubt and fear. We remain ossified in patterns of greed, covetousness, and self-interest. We doubt your promises of abundant, everlasting life, and so we live in dread of our neighbors, our friends, and our enemies. Forgive us, O God, for we do not love as you love. Nor do we live as you would have us live, with courage, generosity or the boldness of the gospel. So in the silence of our hearts,we offer up to you those things we have done and those we have left undone.

SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION

KYRIE ELEISON James MacMillan

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

* CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE No. 579 The Gloria PatriGlory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without End. Amen.

SHARING OUR LIFE AND MINISTRYPlease sign the card and pass it to your neighbor. As you pass it back to the center, take note of who is here so we can become better acquainted. Visitors, please give your address, telephone, and e-mail information.

A TIME WITH THE CHILDREN(Children are invited to Sunday’s Cool, please bring your buck and a can offering with you)

T H E W O R D

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (unison) Karen Mierendorf Pour forth your love upon us, O God, in the hearing of your Word that we might love you with heart, soul, and mind, and learn to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Amen.

FIRST LESSON Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (OT page 163)Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.People: Thanks be to God.

ANTHEM “Prayer of Hildegard” Barbara Wallace Fire of the Spirit, life of the lives of creatures, Spiral of sanctity, bond of all natures; Glow of charity, lights of clarity, Taste of sweetness to sinners, be with us and hear us. Composer of all things, light of all the risen, Key of salvation, release from the dark prison: Hope in disquietness, breath of consciousness, Joy in glory, our Savior, be with us and hear us.

SECOND LESSON Matthew 22:34-40 (NT page 25)Minister: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.People: Thanks be to God.

SERMON “A Holy Trio for Living” Rev. Paul E. Gilmore

R E S P O N D I N G T O T H E W O R D

* HYMN “Love the Lord Your God” GREAT COMMANDMENT

*

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Unison) – from A Declaration of Faith, PC(USA)God made us for life in community. God created human beings with a need for communityand with freedom to enter into it by responding to their Maker with grateful obedience and to one another with love and helpfulness.We believe that we have been created to relate to God and each other in freedom and responsibility. We may misuse our freedom and deny our responsibility by trying to live without God and other people or against God and other people.Yet we are still bound to them for our life and well-being, and intended for free and responsible fellowship with them.Since every human being is made for communion with God and others, we must treat no one with contempt. We are to respect and love all other people and ourselves as well.

MINUTE FOR MISSION – Stewardship The Mierendorf Family

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLEMinister: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Minister: Let us pray...

LORD’S PRAYER (unison)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.

PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, AND OURSELVES

OFFERTORY “A Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester” L.J. White O holy Jesus, most merciful redeemer, friend and brother may I know thee more clearly,love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly.

* DOXOLOGY OLD HUNDREDTHPraise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

* PRAYER OF DEDICATION

S E N D I N G

* HYMN No. 457 “I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art” TOULON

* CHARGE AND BLESSING (Please be seated for the Choral Response & the Ringing of the Church Bell)

CHORAL RESPONSE “Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott” Martin Luther Enchiridion, Erfurt 1524

RINGING THE CHURCH BELL

* POSTLUDE “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 720” J.S. Bach

TODAY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIANWelcome to the Service of Worship for the Lord’s Day. Parents of infants through age four are encouraged to take their children to the Nursery School classrooms during our services. Students in pre-K-7th grades should follow their teachers to the Common Room.

Today in Sunday’s Cool, we will continue to explore the story of the Solomon’s Temple, and how God calls us to Worship! We will learn about the different parts of the Temple and our own church, and build our own Temples out of pretzels and marshmallows. Please bring your buck and a can and join us.

In the Barn, our Tweens will wonder with the Pharisee how loving God with heart, soul, and mind might change the way we live by studying Matthew 22:34–46.

Teachers assisting with preK-4th grade Spark Rotations today – Christina Thomson, Whitney Childs; 5-7th grade in the Barn for Feasting on the Word with Catherine Walker and Kristina Woods.

Youth News: What is happening at FPC for our ESYG (4th- 5th graders and their friends),MSYG (6th-8th graders and their friends), and HSYG (9th-12th graders and their friends). All are welcome!

ESYG (4th- 5th) MSYG (6th-8th) HSYG (9th-12th)11/3-11/5 30-hr Famine Weekend: GLOW at SkyZone (Fri) Supermarket sweeps and Day of Faith Service forDomus (Sat), FIB stuffing (Sun)

11/3-11/5 30-hr Famine Weekend:GLOW at SkyZone (Fri) Supermarket sweeps and Day of Faith Service for Domus (Sat), andFIB stuffing (Sun)

11/10 6-9:15pm Saxe 5/6 Musical Aladdin and dinneron the town

11/19 5-6pm Dinners for Domus 11/19 5-6pm Dinners for Domus6-7:30pm Barntime dinner/discussion

11/26 4-6pm Advent Fair,Hanging of the Greens

11/26 4-6pm Advent Fair, Hanging of theGreens

11/26 4-6pm Advent Fair, Hanging of theGreens

Greeters: The LaBadie family; Worship Coordinator: Jim Ely; Ushers: Drew Gurley, Fenn Gurley, Peggy Hooker, Glenn Mierendorf; Cross Bearer: Freia Mierendorf; Lay Reader: Karen Wells Mierendorf; Musicians: The First Presbyterian Church Choir

A Memorial Service for Hudson G. Stoddard will be held on Saturday, November 25 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception in the Common Room.

Let us keep in our thoughts and prayers: Continued concerns: Neil Coakley; Ann Depuy; Anita Gilmore; Graham Harden; Vince Lombardi; Doris Mierendorf; The Stricos family (friends of Joe and Diana Ruszkowski); John Voorhies. The Abo Noktah family (our Syrian refugees): Khaldoun (father), Khawla Alzob (mother), daughters Hanin and Zain, and sons Yaman and Ahmed.

Flower Memorials: If you wish to have flowers in the sanctuary to celebrate an anniversary, a baptism, a birthday, or to memorialize a loved family member or friend please call Barbara Wentzel, Flower Coordinator, at 203-966-5402 or email at barbarawentzel@mac.com.

All Saint’s Sunday, November 5. During our 10 a.m. liturgy, we will remember those members and friends who have passed away from November 2016 to November 2017. Following the worship service, our candlelight processional will be led out of the sanctuary to the Memorial Garden and Columbarium. Please call the church office (203-966-0002) if you have names of loved ones you would like to include in the liturgy that day.

No Gift Too Small! The Bell Tower Society welcomes gifts and bequests of all sizes. Every dollar given makes a difference in serving the long-term welfare of our church. If you have questions about remembering the church in your estate plans, please contact Peter Flournoy in the church office.

Cents-ability: On October 1, we collected $274. Our total collection since we began Cents-ability at our church in November 2011 is $17,913. Thank you for your awareness and generous response to hunger. If you would like more information on Cents-ability or need a Cents-ability cup, please see Robin Lewis. Remember to fill up your Cents-ability cup ‘til it runneth over! Our next collection is November 5.

New Canaan Food Pantry: Items in need now due to low/no stock are Mayonnaise, Herbal Tea, Crackers, Cookies, Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, Coffee – Regular & Decaf, Cereal, Pancake Mix – Add water only. No beans or soup are needed now. Please drop these items in the shopping cart at the back of the Sanctuary and Robin Lewis will make sure they are delivered to the New Canaan Food Pantry.

FPC is privileged to have the opportunity to prepare and serve dinner on the first Saturday of each month at the New Covenant House of Hospitality in Stamford. This is a rewarding way to give your time and efforts. We are seeking volunteers for these upcoming dates: - November 4, December 2, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5 and June 2 - to help prepare meals (2-4 pm) or serve meals (4-6 pm). To sign up, or if you have any questions, please contact Glenn Mierendorf at glennmierendorf@gmail.com, or 203-564-3448. Also, if you are interested in being part of the soup kitchen shopper team, please let Tina in the church office know. Thank you!

Our fall New Member Inquirers classes began Sunday 10/22 from 11:15- 12:00 in the Common Room immediately following Coffee Hour. This 3-week series is open to all members of FPC, in addition to prospective new members, and will focus on the following:

Week 2 (10/29): "History of FPCNC: How and Why We Got Here" ~ Learn about the founding of this church, FPCNC's history of civil and human rights efforts, the

ministers and music history of our church, and how our church contributes to the spiritual life of this community. A tour of the facilities and grounds will be part of this class.

Week 3 (11/5): "What it Means to be a Member ~ Believing and Belonging" ~ Learn about how you can become a member of our vibrant faith community, including worship, stewardship, opportunities for service and involvement, fellowship events, children and youth activities, and more!

Week 4 (11/19): "Welcoming New Members" ~ Please join us for breakfast at 9:15 in the Common Room with the Elders and Deacons of the church as we prepare to welcome you into our church family during the service.

Childcare will be provided. We hope to see you at one or all of these classes!

30th Anniversary of Special Church: Nov 2nd. Please join in celebrating the 30th anniversary of Special Church All are invited to attend Special Church with us on Thursday, November 2, from 3:30-5pm in the Common Room. There will be refreshments, music and friendship in the celebration of our 30th Anniversary.

Calling all FPCNC Moms!New Canaan Public Schools joins with the district’s East, South, West and Saxe Schools’ Parent Teacher Councils and the New Canaan High School Parent Faculty Council in presenting a lecture by Dr. Robert Brooks, "Raising Resilient Children and Adolescents" at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 2nd at Saxe Middle School. After the lecture head to the bar at the Roger Sherman Inn and meet up with other FPCNC moms for a casual and well- deserved glass of wine at our Church Moms Night Out.

Genesis: The Book of Beginnings with Rev. Mary Marple ThiesBeginning Tuesday, November 7 – December 12, 11:00 – 12:30 in the Common Room

How do you understand the two accounts of creation in Genesis? Why didn't Adam and Eve die when they ate the forbidden fruit? What do you do with the anger of God which wipes out most of humanity in the flood? Why do we Christians even care about Abraham and Sarah and their infertility problem?

Genesis is a book of new beginnings at various stages in Israel's early existence, but even more, it is a book of God's promises to God's people and to all peoples. The roots of all the rest of scripture are planted deep in Genesis; it is not only a book of beginning, it is the beginning of our understanding of God and ourselves in relation to God. So, come, explore with us these beginnings.

Calling all musicians! Do you play an instrument? Do you sing?

You are invited to share your talents all year round! We have many opportunities for you to share your talents throughout the year. We offer:

Chancel Choir (teens through adult)- Adults rehearse Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30;- Teens (grades 8 and up) rehearse Sunday mornings from 11:15am-12:00pm

Carol Choir (grades 3-7): Rehearses Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30

Cherub Choir (grades preK-2) Rehearses Sundays from 11:15-12:00

Handbells (adults)Rehearses on Thursdays from 6:00-7:00

Instrumental ensemblesAny instruments in a solo or small group are rehearsed throughout the week and year

Please see Victoria or email her at if you are interested in participating. Let's give back to God and share the talents God has given us!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH178 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840

Tel.: 203-966-0002 // web page: www.fpcnc.org

10:00 AM Worship; Rev. Paul Gilmore preaching 10:15 AM Sunday’s Cool Classes for Grades preK-7 11:15 AM Coffee Hour11:15 AM Cherub Choir11:15 AM FPC Concert Rehearsal 11:15 AM New Member Inquirers Class

MONDAY, OCTOBER 302:00 PM Meditation Group6:30 PM Purple Heather Dancers

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 319:30 AM Leadership Team

11:00 AM Tuesday Morning Biblical Study11:30 AM Gentlemen Songsters

8:00 PM Men’s A.A.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 110:00 AM Music Librarians 5:00 PM

Carol Choir5:00 PM Confirmation Class

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23:306:00

PMPM

Special ChurchEnglish Handbells

7:30 PM FPC Choir

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3: 30-Hour Famine (youth)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4: 30 Hour Famine (youth)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5: All Saint’s Sunday30-Hour Famine (youth)

10:00 AM Holy CommunionRev. Paul E. Gilmore preaching

10:15 AM Sunday’s Cool Classes for Grades preK-711:00 AM Candlelight Processional to

Columbarium and Memorial Garden11:00 AM Blood Pressure Clinic 11:15 AM Coffee Hour11:15 AM Cherub Choir11:15 AM FPC Concert Rehearsal 11:15 AM New Member Inquirers Class

2:30 PM Group Hike at Silvermine Fowler Preserve

9:15 AM A.A. (closed discussion)10:00 AM Worship, Music & Arts Committee10:30 AM A.A. (open discussion)

2:00 PM Cooking dinner at New Covenant House4:00 PM Serving dinner at New Covenant House

REFORMATION SUNDAY: OCTOBER 29, 2017

Luther’s Bible

his year Presbyterians celebrate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. The theses, which criticized the sale of indulgences by church officials, are considered the opening salvo in the Protestant Reformation—a movement that emphasized individual relationships with God and salvation through faith alone.

Luther is also celebrated for a second piece of writing: his translation of the Bible into German. After Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther in 1521, the reformer took refuge inside Wartburg Castle. There he completed his translation of the New Testament, based on Erasmus’s 1516 Bible text. First printed in September 1522, the “September Testament” does not include Luther’s name on the title page, an elision meant to limit church reprisals.

The Old Testament translation proved more difficult, owing in part to Luther’s struggles with Hebrew and his insistence that the text be accessible to all Germans. “the translator must not be led by the Hebrew words,” Luther wrote. “He should make sure that he really understands the sense and ask himself: ‘What would the German say in such-and-such an instance?’” His editorial philosophy required inventive interpolations. For example, he replaced the word “chameleon,” which would have been unknown to sixteenth century Germans, with “weasel.”

It took Luther and a team of fellow scholars twelve years to translate the Old Testament, which was printed in 534 together with Luther’s New Testament. Despite criticism for the way he valued certain books of the Bible over others and for editing passages to fit his own theology, Luther’s Bible was an immediate and lasting success; one Wittenberg publisher alone printed 100,000 copies between 1534 and 1574. Many Germans regarded it as a work of literary genius, the way English readers would revere the King James Bible in the century to come.

Reformation Sunday materials are provided by the Presbyterian Historical Society. For more information on the Reformation and PHS, visit us at www.history.pcusa.org/reformation-sunday

Above left: Portrait of Martin Luther, engraved by John Sartain, 1835.

Above right: Title page of Luther’s translation of the New Testament, 1582. PHS Rare Books Collection.

425 Lombard Street • Philadelphia, PA 19147 • 215.627.1852 • www.history.pcusa.org

O UR M INISTERS

The Entire Congregation

O UR P ASTORS The Rev. Paul E. Gilmore, Pastor

The Rev. Kathryn Kibbie Laird, Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families

O UR S TAFF Victoria Shields, Director of Music / Sherry Tate, Cherub Choir director

Peter Flournoy, Interim Church Administrator / Tina St. Armand, Office ManagerErika Hagan, Administrative Assistant to Children and Youth Ministries

Kuky and Andres Pereira, Operations/Security Managers / Edgar Torres, Day Sexton

T HE S ESSION Our Pastors

Scott Beyer, Clerk of Session

George Benington, Bell Tower SocietySue Benko, Communications

Laurel Carlson, Youth MinistriesCarole Clarkson, Worship, Music and Arts

Linda Ferguson, NominatingLisa Gifford, Congregational Life

Jennifer Gulden, PersonnelJulie Hoffman, Member-At-Large

Freia Mierendorf, Co-Youth Glenn Mierendorf, Outreach

Dede McEvoy, Strategic Planning Andy Petitjean, Finance

Lynn Quinn, Adult Education Julie Reeves, Membership Involvement Kevin Thomson, Advisory Committee

Spencer Reeves, Co-YouthJenny Volanakis, Children's Ministries

Barbara Wentzel, Stewardship

T HE D E ACONS Jen and Steve Van de Graaf, Co-Moderators

Carson Allsteadt, Co-Youth Erica Bergmans, Inspirica

Mary Jane Bolin, Senior Lunch Peg Bull, Flock Program

William Dooley, Co-Youth Cindy Hagopian, Inspirica

Karen Hanson, Memorial Services and ReceptionsBeth Hersam, Flowers and Cards Chris Kniffin, Member-At-Large

Nichole LaBadie, Co-YouthLinda Martin, Baptisms; Flock Program

Sarah Robinson, Pastoral Care Team Kristen Rodgers, Member-At-Large

Kathleen Servidea, Member-At-Large Elizabeth Stuart, Flowers and Cards

Ashley Walker, Co-Youth

Rev. T. Guthrie Speers, Jr., Pastor Emeritus - Mrs. Marilyn J. Ballantine, Minister of Music Emerita