THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UCC

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2017

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We are the Church of the Redeemer, United Church of Christ,

an inclusive community committed to the worship of God, the work of justice,

and the recognition of our common humanity in the struggles of life.

We follow Jesus Christ, who welcomes all people to his table.

We celebrate the rich diversity of God’s people:

in race, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities,

marital and economic status and culture.

Join us on a journey of the Holy Spirit,

where faith and intellect meet, learning never ends,

and music and the arts draw us closer to our Creator.

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WELCOME

We are pleased that you could join us this morning; wherever you are on your life

and faith journey, you are welcome at the Church of the Redeemer UCC. If you

have any questions, please speak with an usher at the back of the Sanctuary. If

you would like more information about the church, fill out the visitor information

form at the back of this bulletin and put it in an offering plate. We hope you will join

us after the service at Coffee Hour for a time of fellowship – go out the side door

and follow the crowds.

ABOUT US

The Church of the Redeemer UCC is an open and affirming, theologically

progressive, mainline Protestant church affiliated with the United Church of Christ

(UCC). It was founded as a Congregational church in New Haven in 1838. Our

identity is summarized by our vision statement.

CHILDCARE DURING AND AFTER CHURCH

Children are always welcome in church. Activity bags for older children and

rocking chairs for adults with babies are available at the rear of the sanctuary. We

have a nursery downstairs for children through age 6; you can take your child there

at any time (follow the "Nursery" signs in the Tower Lobby or ask the ushers at the

back).

LARGE PRINT BULLETINS AND ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES

If you are having trouble reading this bulletin or hearing the

service, the ushers can provide you with a large-print bulletin or

an assistive listening device. There are also large print Bibles and

hymnals for those with vision challenges.

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THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UCC

The First Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 3, 2017

PRELUDE François Couperin Offertoire sur les grands jeux

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WELCOME Rev. Susan Murtha

INTROIT Tim Olsen O Antiphons

Julia Blue Raspe, soprano

Please sing the refrain with the choirs when you are invited.

Julia sings it first, and then all of us.

CALL TO WORSHIP please stand Barbara Libby

Leader: O come, Emmanuel

People: Bringing strength and clear-seeing to those moments that challenge us.

Leader: O come, Light of the world

People: Shine upon not only our goodness, but also our faults so that we may be

reconciled to one another.

Leader: O come, Christ who redeems

People: Creating in us a new spirit of service, kindness and grace.

Leader: O come, God of all creation

All: For we come to worship you.

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PROCESSIONAL HYMN O come, O come, Emmanuel

see page 12

ADVENT WREATH: LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE OF HOPE

The Pellegrino Family: Beth, Tony, Charlie, Samuel and Quinn

Today is the First Sunday of Advent, in which we recall the hope we have in Christ.

Through the prophet Isaiah, God sent this word: “For surely I know the plans I have

for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you

a future with hope.”

Testimony of hope

People: God, creator of the world, turn us away from making our preferences the

source of our hop; turn us toward your hope for us. This Advent, visit us

with divine hope. Amen.

ANTHEM Johannes Brahms O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf

O Saviour, tear open the heavens,

flow down to us from the heaven above;

tear off heaven’s gate and door,

tear off every lock and bar.

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE Jordan Rebholz

PASSING OF THE PEACE

Let us welcome one another with the traditional Christian greeting

“Peace be with you." "And also with you."

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HYMN OF PREPARATION please stand O how shall I receive you

#102 New Century Hymnal

SCRIPTURE Luke 1:30-38

SCRIPTURE RESPONSE

Leader: God is still speaking.

People: Thanks be to God.

SERMON Longing for God

MOMENT FOR SILENT REFLECTION

OFFERTORY

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Johannes Brahms Hie leiden wir

Sarah Reed, soprano; Julia Blue Raspe, mezzo soprano

Paul Berry, tenor; Brian Robinson, bass

Here we suffer the greatest distress;

before our eyes stands bitter death.

Ah, come to lead us with your powerful hand

from this misery to our creator’s land.

Therefore we all want to thank you,

our redeemer, for ever and ever.

Therefore we also want to praise you

at all time, always and forever. Amen.

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CONGREGATIONAL DOXOLOGY please stand (Tune: Lasst uns erfreuen)

Let all things their Creator bless,

And worship God in humbleness:

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise God and Jesus Christ the Son,

And Holy Spirit, Three in One:

O Praise God, O Praise God.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

COMMUNION HYMN Keep awake, be always ready

#112 New Century Hymnal

Verse one only

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

At Redeemer, we welcome all people to our table for Holy Communion, including

children. If your children have not been in the practice of receiving the Sacrament,

we leave to your discretion whether or not to invite them to receive. By way of

explanation, we encourage you to tell your children that we do this because Jesus

asked us to remember him when we eat and drink, and that Jesus promised to be

present with us in a special way when we eat and drink together as the church. It is

a quiet time, for praying and remembering all we know about Jesus. It is a joyous

time, for we celebrate that the risen Christ is with us always!

Invitation

Prayer of Consecration

Holy God, source of all blessing…

…with all the saints and a great cloud of witnesses we sing your praise.

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Sanctus

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Prayers of Intercession

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Lord’s Prayer Mark Miller

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Words of Institution

Sharing of the Elements

Communion is being served this morning by the method of intinction. Please

approach the Communion table by going down the center aisle to either

side of the Communion table. The chalice near the piano contains wine.

The opposite side has a chalice with (low in sugar) grape juice. The bread

today is gluten-free. Take a piece of the bread, dip it in the cup and take

and eat. Then return down the outer aisles to the rear of the sanctuary and

back to your seat.

If you would like the elements brought to you in the pew, please let an usher

know.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

RECESSIONAL HYMN please stand Awake, awake and greet the new morn

see page 13

BENEDICTION

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AMEN Jacques Berthier Prepare the way of the Lord

Please join the choir. We sing once in unison and then

in parts. Your choir leaders will show you when to stop!

Part one is the first few rows on the lectern side.

Part two is the back few rows on the lectern side.

Part three is the back few rows on the pulpit side.

Part four is the front few rows on the pulpit side.

POSTLUDE François Couperin Dialogue sur les trompettes

Please remain in the sanctuary for the congregational meeting after which we will

adjourn to the Sterling Room for a luncheon and the

All Church Gathering: “Next Steps 2,” led by Pastor Susan.

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THANK YOU TO THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THIS MORNING’S WORSHIP SERVICE

Deacon Shepherd: Wes Poling

Reader: Barbara Libby

Hospitality: Luncheon

Ushers: Ken Minkema and Lori Fast Minkema

Nursery Assistant: Two nursery assistants

Communion Servers: Wes Poling, Kathy Taylor, Julie Moore and Georgia Erickson

Next Sunday

Hospitality: Doby Hall, Kathy Hagearty and Luis Pagan

Ushers: Wes and Carol Poling, and Jon Reed

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All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net. A-720478

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Notice of Congregational Meeting: Sunday, December 3, 2017

A Congregational Meeting will be held immediately following the worship service on

Sunday, December 3, 2017, for the following purposes:

1. To vote on the approval of the minutes from the Annual Meeting held on June

4, 2017, and the Special Congregational Meetings held on September 24,

2017 and November 19, 2017.

2. To hear a report from the Generosity Ministry Team.

3. To hear a report from the Endowment Ministry Team.

4. To hear and vote on the Ministry Priorities.

5. To hear and vote on the 2018 budget proposed by the Leadership Council.

6. To hear and vote on a resolution to borrow from the endowment fund if more

than 5% of its value is approved in the budget.

7. To hear and act upon any other business brought before the congregation.

Copies of the minutes and a list of proposed Ministry Priorities will be distributed by

email and made available from the Church office prior to the meeting.

The Leadership Council encourages you to attend this important meeting. A quorum

for the meeting consists of 20% of all members and associate members, and the

affirmative vote of a majority of those members and associate members present at the

meeting will be required to approve each action item.

Kay Comendul, Clerk

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TODAY: INTERNATIONAL CRAFTS AND PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

The New Haven/Leon Sister City Project will be at Church of the Redeemer again

this year. Add another dimension to your gift giving today by visiting the Free Trade

and Locally Produced Gifts sale which will be held in the Phillips room after worship

that day.

Among their items available will be: Palestinian olive oil, Nicaraguan woven gifts,

Syracuse Cultural Workers’ calendars, Swords Into Plowshares honey and pure

beeswax candles, goat milk soaps, hand crafted cards, recycled wire baskets from

India….and more. You will be supporting preschool and after-school programs, a

women’s program that focuses on teaching women their rights including how to

respond to domestic violence, and much more.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ELIZABETH GLEICH TO BE ORDAINED TODAY

At 3:00 pm today Elizabeth Gleich will be ordained as well as installed as Associate

Pastor for Children and Youth Ministries at the First Church of Christ, Congregational

in Glastonbury. Elizabeth acknowledges the big part Redeemer members have

played in her ordination process and would love to see many of you there for this

momentous occasion. The First Church of Christ, Congregational is located at 2183

Main Street in Glastonbury. A light reception will follow the service.

BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S CEREMONY OF CAROLS

On Christmas Eve, the Girls’ Choir and the Senior Choir will be joined by harpist Rita

Costanzi as we sing Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols as well as traditional

congregational carols. Of course, the Chancel Choir will sing as well!

We invite any singers in the congregation who read music to join the Senior Choir as

we prepare for this service during our remaining regular rehearsals: Thursday,

December 7th; Thursday, December 14th (which includes a potluck supper at

Maggie’s house beginning at 5:30pm); and Thursday, December 21st. Weekly

rehearsals begin promptly at 7:45 pm.

THE NOON BOOK GROUP

The Noon Book Group will meeting at 12:00 noon on December 12 for a Potluck

Lunch and Yankee Swap at the home of Julie Moore. All are welcome!

Looking ahead: The Noon Book Group’s first meeting in January will take place on

Tuesday, January 9 when they will discuss Threading My Prayer Rug: One Woman's

Journey from Pakistani Muslim to American Muslim by Sabeeha Rehman. Bring your

lunch and join in the discussion and fellowship!

THE EVENING BOOK GROUP

The Evening Book Group will meet for their annual Christmas Book Exchange on

December 11th at 7:30 at the home of Heather Jessen. Attendees are asked to

bring something to share. As always, new members are welcome!

Looking ahead: The Evening Book Group will meet January 22nd to discuss The

Leavers at the home of Carol Nardini.

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THE KNITTING GROUP

The Knitting Group will meet again on December 21. The Knitting Group meets

every third Thursday of the month at 2:30 in the Sterling Room. Please join us for this

vital ministry of creating prayer shawls for those who need comfort in difficult times.

The pattern is very simple and we will teach the stitches to anyone who joins us. We

also can supply the yarn. We would love to have some new members!

NEW HAVEN ORATORIO CHOIR CONCERT: DECEMBER 8

The New Haven Oratorio Choir will be presenting a concert in the Redeemer

sanctuary on December 8 at 7:30 pm. On the program are Johannes Brahms

Liebeslieder Waltzes, opus 52 and 65. Ticket are $20.00 with Student and Senior

tickets at $15.00.

THE MITTEN TREE

The paper mittens on the giving tree will benefit IRIS once again this year. If you

take a paper mitten, you will notice that it has either "boy" or "girl" and an age

range written on it and the word clothes. Please buy a piece of

clothing for a child fitting anywhere in that age range and bring it

unwrapped in a box to church by the 17th of December. You should attach to

paper mitten to the box. Hats, mittens, scarves and socks can also be added to

the tree. Thank-you in advance for your generosity!

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FEDERATED YOUTH GROUP & CONFIRMATION Redeemer, Spring Glen, United and North Haven Congregational

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ADVENT GATHERING: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th AFTER WORSHIP

Come join us for fun and crafts after worship on Sunday, December 10th! We will

gather for a time of inter-generational fellowship in the Sterling Room, sponsored by

Children's Faith Formation and Adult Faith Formation. More information to come!

Mark your calendars now!

~ ADVENT NIGHT ~

led by Pastor Susan

Wednesday, December 13 @ 7 p.m. in the Parlor

When it comes to the story of the coming of Christ into the world,

the four gospel writers tell four different stories!

This Advent, Pastor Susan will take us into the gospels to explore

how each narrated the meaning of this world-altering event.

Cookies, hot chocolate & good conversation are promised!

Cookies, Hot Chocolate and

Christ Coming into the World: 4 gospels, 4 different stories

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CHURCH MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Sunday, December 3, 2017 8:55 am Sr. Choir, sanctuary

10:00 am Worship and Communion

11:15 am Children’s choirs rehearse

11:30 am Congregational Budget meeting

Followed by “Next Steps 2,” Sterling

11:30 am New Haven/Leon Sister Cities Fair

Trade Sale, Phillips

Monday, December 4, 2017 4:00 pm Building Team, Phillips

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 7:30 pm Leadership Council, Phillips

Thursday, December 7, 2017 7:45 pm Senior Choir, sanctuary

Sunday, December 10, 2017 8:55 am Senior Choir, sanctuary

10:00 am Worship and Sunday school

11:15 am Children’s choirs rehearse

11:30 am Advent Gathering, Sterling/Phillips

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SAFE CHURCH POLICY

The Church of the Redeemer UCC aspires to provide a safe environment for people

of all ages; physical and sexual abuse and harassment will not be tolerated in any

way. The full text of our Safe Church policy is available on our website.

REDEEMER OFFICE HOURS

The Redeemer office is open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

You may also contact the office by sending an email to

redeemer@uccredeemer.org.

CONTACT REVEREND MURTHA

Susan may be reached via the Redeemer office at (203) 787-5711. You may also

reach her via email at susanjdarc@gmail.com or by telephone at (203) 936-9356.

WELCOME VISITORS TO THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UCC! Please let us know more about you and how we can serve you.

Please complete this card and place it in the offering plate or hand it to an usher.

Name:_________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________

Phone:_________________________________________________________________________

Email address: __________________________________________________________________

___ I would like to be on your mailing list to receive newsletter (email or USPS)

___ I would like information about Sunday School for my children:

Name(s)/Ages(s): ____________________________________________________________

___ I would like a call from the Pastor.

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The Church of the Redeemer

United Church of Christ

185 Cold Spring Street

New Haven, CT 06511

Phone: 203-787-5711

redeemer@uccredeemer.org

http://uccredeemer.org

Join us on Facebook at Church of the Redeemer New Haven

Susan J. Murtha, Interim Senior Minister

susanjdarc@gmail.com

Jordan Rebholz, Minister for Faith Formation

Robert Parker, Moderator of the Church

Henry Sykes, Treasurer

Kay Comendul, Clerk

Marguerite Brooks, Director of Music

Julia Blue Raspe, Chancel Choir Director and Alto Section Leader

Paul Berry, Boys' Choir Director and Tenor Section Leader

Sarah Reed, Soprano Section Leader

Brian Robinson, Bass Section Leader

Larry Bishop, Organist

Barbara Repetsky, Office Administrator and Financial Secretary

Collin Morrissey, Security

Lou and Valarie Fanelli, Sextons

Margaret Fraser, Nursery Attendant

Emily Novicki, Nursery Attendant