The mission of this congregation is to be a welcoming community which proclaims

the Word of God and the Gospel of Christ, nurtures Christian beliefs and behavior,

and encourages lifelong maturing in faith. Here we are empowered to grow as

Christians, so that we may minister to others spiritually and physically. We welcome you!

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NEXT SUDNDAY….

Dinner, Worship, and

Wreath Making… ALL AT ONCE!

Sunday, December 3 5:30-7:00pm

in the Memorial Room Blending our popular “Family Worship” (with our House Band!) style with old fashion wreath-making,

and a special treat of a sacred dance by Rachel Shepherd!

Plus

Pizza, Salad, and Goodies! A great way to start Advent, get ready for Christmas, and

Worship together! The cost for each wreath is $15 (includes candles and oasis) Please let us know you are coming so we can have plenty of materials on

hand! (info@greenfieldhillchurch.com or 203-259-5596)

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GREENFIELD HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT

NOVEMBER 26, 2017 9:00 A.M. & 10:30 AM SERVICES

We love kids! But sometimes services are too long for even the happiest child. So ... • For infants we have nursery care in the Church House, first floor. • Any children ages 3 through those entering 2nd grade) are invited to the Church House for church school classes, from 9 to 10 a.m. • And if your kids get restless, the Parlor (through the double doors) is a comfy place to go to, with toys and a p.a. speaker that carries the service!

* Please turn off your cell phones during worship! *

Prelude Of the Father's Love Begotten Setting by

Based on "Divinum Mysterium" Gilbert Martin

(13th Century Plainsong)

* Our Coming Together Prayer, said together:

We just want to thank you, God.

Does that seem too trite?

We hope not, because we really mean it.

In this week of Thanksgiving,

and after,

we choose to continue our spirit of gratitude.

For friends and family, for joys and surprises,

for new life and second chances,

for treasured memories,

for bright tomorrows,

for life and breath and love this very day.

Thank you.

* Choral Introit (10:30)

* Hymn Come, Ye Thankful People Come Hymnal, no. 718

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* Prayer of Confession, said together:

In the spirit of Confession and Thanksgiving

we confess that we are not always thankful.

Life speeds by,

we forget where we came from,

how we got here,

who helped along the way.

Give us eyes to see the goodness all around us;

give to us hearts full of gratitude. Amen

(silent prayers of confession)

* Assurance of Forgiveness

* Gloria Patri Hymnal, no. 35 (This hymn, sung every Sunday, expresses our gratitude for forgiveness)

Welcome and Announcements

Please sign the green registration pad in your pew, and pass it to your neighbor.

Anthem (10:30) Will We Know Him? Don Besig

Worship of God through Prayer

Sharing our Joys and Concerns

We welcome your prayer concerns. You may write them into the prayer

request book in the Narthex, or contact the pastors.

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (using “debts/debtors”) 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 for ever. Amen.

Worship of God through Giving: (We give in many ways, by various means. Some give quarterly, yearly, by check or card or bank withdrawals. Yet it is still important to “present our offerings” on the altar as part of

genuine worship, our way of giving thanks to God.)

Offering

Offertory I'll Walk with God Nicholas Brodsky

David White ~ Tenor

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* Doxology Hymnal, no. 46

(This ancient hymn is sung every Sunday to thank God for all the gifts of our lives)

* Dedication Prayer, said together:

For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God; for good gifts to every

nation, thanks be to God; for the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent

growth while we are sleeping, future needs in earth’s safekeeping, thanks be to God.

Scripture Deuteronomy 8:6-14

Sermon A Football Player’s Reminder Rev. David Rowe

* Hymn Count Your Blessings See page 13

* Pastoral Benediction

Choral Benediction (10:30)

Postlude

* All who are able, please stand.

Serving in the Chancel:

9:00 ~ Deacon Karin Keith

10:30 ~ Junior Deacons Justin Keith and Julia Langeland

Acolyte: Shea Sabrowski

Try It!

“Religion in the News” with David!

11:35 – 12:15 in the Church Parlor

Topics: Fun, inspiring, infuriating, interesting,

head-scratching, and provocative!

Try It!

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CHURCH NOTES

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! … Then, soon, “Merry Christmas!” followed by

“A Blessed New Year!” The Holiday Season is upon us. Let our church life

strengthen you during these joyful weeks.

Visitors: We are glad you are with us today. Want to know more? Take a bag

home from our Visitors’ Table, just outside the front door! If you are interested in

joining this church, please just speak with Alida!

At our 9:00 a.m. service, you have been greeted by Deacon Carole Lisi and

Junior Deacons Reid Brown and Mary Keden. At our 10:30 a.m. service, you

have been greeted by Deacon Carole Lisi, Junior Deacons Caroline Lauf and

Olivia Luther, and Junior Greeter Beau Sabrowski. Junior Deacons assisting with Church School are Carly Jones, Jack Vogel, Caroline Lacey, and Sarah

McIlroy. Assisting in the crib room today will be Rachel Shepherd.

After the 9:00 service, please join the Fellowship Board in the Church House

Memorial Room (across the street) for refreshments and fellowship.

A note about children in worship: We love them! But if you’d prefer to enjoy

worship on your own, our Church Nursery for infants-toddlers is across the street in the Church House. Special beepers/pagers are available to parents so

that they may be quietly contacted during the worship service if their child

misses them! If your child in worship becomes restless or unhappy, please make use

of the Parlor (through the double doors by the choir loft, or head outside and

through the side doors). There is a comfortable space there for your child to play

with toys and a speaker which carries the service!

The flowers on the Communion Table today are given by Dot and Chuck

Collison in memory of loved ones.

Remembering our Soldiers

Laura Riebel …Mark Riebel …Brian Shelton …Derrick Keene …Mike Lincoln

…David Elliott …Stephen Honan …Molly Hanson ...Shelby Wallace …Cooper Harris Kelsey Wallace …Lawrence Benjamin …Brad Ritzel

If you or a loved one is hospitalized, please contact us, or have someone contact us. Hospitals do not notify us independently.

Many thanks for helping our pastoral ministry.

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FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH:

THE CAMPAIGN FOR 2018

The pledge drive to support our 2018 budget is well underway! As you

know, we depend almost entirely on gifts from our church family to

support the programs and outreach of our church. Our annual budget is

raised each year from members and friends who pledge their

contributions; for 2018, our pledge target is just over $1 million.

While we know that circumstances vary from family to family, we

encourage all who are able to move toward a pledge level of $100 per

week. Our goal for 2018 is to have at least 100 of our families at the

$100/week level -- and we are getting there. Already dozens of church

families have submitted their pledges -- thank you!

But there are still many families not yet heard from. You can fill out

a pledge card in your pew today -- or go to the ‘Giving’ page of our

church website to complete a simple online form.

MANY THANKS FROM YOUR DEVELOPMENT BOARD

AND YOUR CHURCH STAFF!

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CHURCH SCHOOL NOTES

This morning in our Church School classes… Our Pre-School and

Kindergarten classes are learning about Solomon dedicates the

Temple.

Our 1st Grade through 6th Grade classes are learning Daniel in the

Lion’s Den through our rotational Learning Centers:

1st Grade – Science Center

2nd Grade – Mission Center

3rd Grade – Games Center

4th Grade - Cooking Center

5th Grade – Art Center

6th Grade – Story Center

Church School Dismissal Procedures! Our 3rd grade through 7th grade

classes will be dismissed from their respective classrooms at 10:00. For our

younger classes, preschool through 2nd grade, we ask that parents pick

them up promptly at 10:00 a.m. from their respective classrooms.

Some of our church school classes share a morning snack during their class

time. If your child has any food allergies, we ask that you alert your child’s

teacher in order that we may ensure the safe participation of all our

children!

TODAY AT CHURCH

“Religion in the News” – right after our 10:30 worship service! 11:40 a.m. in

the Parlor. Enjoy interesting conversations around interesting topics!

6th and 7th graders… Join us today for JPF (our youth group for middle schoolers),

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at the Barn!

Our annual Advent Devotional, with 40 beautiful devotions

written by members of our church family, is available TODAY!

The Deacons are providing these inspiring booklets absolutely free,

and invite you to take copies to give to friends and family! Again

this year, we are offering you the opportunity to receive each day's devotion

via email! If you were on the email list last year, you are already signed up this year… If you or someone you know would like to be added to our list, simply let us know in the

church office, and we will add you to the list! (info@greenfieldhillchurch.com, or 203-

259-5596

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CHURCH EVENTS THIS WEEK

Bible Study … Led by David, we meet every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 7:30

p.m. in the Church House Library (the corner of Old Academy and Bronson).

It’s casual conversation, not lectures, that will intrigue, inspire, and make you

want come back every week! We are still studying the Gospel of Luke… stop by

anytime!

SPF every Thursday from 6 to 7:30 in the Len Morgan Barn... youth group for

our high schoolers. We missed you all last week due to Thanksgiving, and can’t

wait to see you this Thursday night! We will be welcoming back Nargis Alizada,

who was born in Afghanistan and fled Kabul with her family when she was 10

to come to the US. She will be sharing her stories and her perspective!

Drop your kids off for an evening of fun while YOU get to

go out and have your own fun! FREE Kids Movie Night

this coming Saturday, Dec. 2! Our amazing Jr. Deacons are hosting a FREE kids movie and activity night... drop your

kids off from 5:30 pm- 8 pm, so you can go shopping or out

to dinner! A great way for all to start the holidays! We do need to know if your

child is coming! A sign-up link is on the “News and Events” page of our website

… or email to Alida!

Decorating the Church for Christmas -- We will be decorating

the church grounds for Christmas on Friday, December 1st

beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Church House Memorial Room.

We will have wreaths to hang, bows to attach (they are already

made!), and some garlands to attach, and we would love to have

some extra hands to help out! Questions? Contact Marcia

Carothers at mcarothers@greenfieldhillchurch.com

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CHURCH

Women of the Church - The Fellowship Board warmly invites you to our

annual Christmas Silver Tea on Sunday December 3rd from 2 - 4 pm at the

home of Betsy Auray, 467 Redding Road. There is no cost to attend; however,

there will be an opportunity to make a donation to Operation Hope. Please

RSVP to the Church Office at 203-259-5596 or info@greenfieldhillchurch.com.

Also, if you would like to contribute a finger dessert or tea sandwiches, please

let us know at the Church Office (info@greenfieldhillchurch.com)!

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Deacons Christmas Concert will be held on Sunday, December 10th -

4pm in the Sanctuary followed by refreshments in the Parlor. Our

fabulous Wendy Gerbier will definitely get us all in the holiday spirit.

Be sure to save the date, you won’t want to miss it! (see page 13 for

more details)

Tree Lighting on the Green!! - The beautiful Christmas tree on

the green right next to the sanctuary will be lit on Sunday,

December 3rd at 5pm, this evening during a brief, quaint, New England-y service with our Jr. Choir singing to put us in the

Christmas spirit! (and after the lighting, feel free to walk right over to

the Memorial Room to join us for our wonderful Advent Dinner Worship and Wreath

Making... what a fantastic evening this will be!)

Advent Dinner Worship with Wreath-making Event! Kids and adults,

families and friends, please join us at 5:30pm. in the Memorial Room on

SUNDAY, December 3rd, to celebrate the first Sunday in Advent by

worshiping, having dinner, and making Advent Wreaths for your home! We

will have a special short worship, our house band, and our lovely traditions

surrounding the Advent Wreath! The cost for each wreath is $15 (includes

candles and oasis) Please let the Church Office know you are coming so we can

have plenty of materials on hand! (info@greenfieldhillchurch.com or 203-259-

5596)

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY NOTES

Needed: Folks to be our Advent Wreath Candlelighters and Greeters on

Christmas Eve: GHCC has a lovely tradition of inviting families and

individuals to participate during the Advent Season by lighting the Advent

candles during one of the Advent worship services. We are in need of

Candlelighters for some of our Advent Sundays, and our Christmas Eve services

(3, 5, 7, 9, or 11pm). ALSO NEEDED: Greeters for our Christmas Eve

Services (3, 5, 7, 9, or 11pm). If you would like to be part of this, you can

contact Erika Duffy (ebduffy6@gmail.com) It’s a wonderful family activity!

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We are seeking individuals who would be interested in

serving on any of the church boards starting in

2018. This is a great way to serve the church and

whatever talents you may have, we have opportunities

for everyone! The boards include: Adult Education,

Children & Youth Ministries, Communications, Development, Diaconate, Facilities, Fellowship,

Finance, Member Care, Member Involvement, Mission and Outreach. If you

have questions about the types of things any of these Boards do you can contact

Betsy Milicia at bmilicia@optonline.net or Becky Brown at

becky1967@optonline.net . Thank you.

DRIVERS WANTED!!! CIRI (Connecticut Institute for Refugees and

Immigrants) is looking for volunteer drivers to get refugees to critical places

they can’t get to by foot (Drs appts, health services, interviews etc.). Having

volunteer drivers will greatly take the strain off CIRI staff and interns, PLUS it’s

a great way to meet refugees and do something really valued. Time

requirements can vary. Mileage is claimable to CIRI. There are a few needed

steps to becoming a volunteer driver, but if you are interested, contact Alice

Moore at amoore@cirict.org and Alice will go thru it with you!

Go Globe Trotting with Alida and David ~ We

are starting to look more seriously into doing

something we have always toyed around

with…taking our congregation on the road! Before we start to chart the map, we

wanted to get a sense of what our community would be interested in. Since we

will always choose a destination that lends itself to our congregation and our

interests as a church, the first one we are thinking about is Oberammergau

Passion Play 2020, an event that takes place in Bavaria Germany every ten

years. Other ideas we have had is Reformational Germany, Israel, and many

others. But we would love to hear if any of this interests you! A member of our

church, Lauren Raps, has a travel business and will navigate this all for us so please reach out to her directly to communicate your interest, send suggestions

or get more information. Lauren@travelprospect.com 917.572.8545

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WORDS TO TODAY’S MUSIC

Words to ANTHEM by Don Besig and Nancy Price

Are we ready for the babe of Bethlehem to be born in a lowly stall? Are we

ready to greet the tiny little King who will come to save us all? Are we ready for

the star of Bethlehem to appear in the winter sky? Are we ready to follow

anywhere it leads, and let its light fill all our lives? REFRAIN: Prepare ye the

way for the King of Glory, once again proclaim the wondrous story.

God will send his own true Son, but will we know Him when he comes.

Are we ready for the song of Bethlehem to declare our Savior's birth? Are weready to join the angels as they sing and spread the news to all on earth?

REFRAIN

Are we ready for the Babe of Bethlehem, God's true and promised Son? Are we

ready to greet the tiny little King and will we know Him when He comes?

Words to Offertory by Paul Francis Webster

I’ll walk with God from this day on; His helping hand I’ll lean upon; This is my

prayer, my humble plea; May the Lord be ever with me.

There is no death, though eyes grow dim; There is no fear when I’m near to

Him; I’ll lean on Him forever, and He’ll forsake me never.

He will not fail me as long as my faith is strong; whatever road I may walk

along I’ll walk with God; I’ll take His hand, I’ll talk with God, He’ll understand.

I’ll pray to Him, each day to Him; And He’ll hear the words that I say. His

hand will guide my throne and rod and I’ll never walk alone while I walk with

God.

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CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 26, 2017

Sunday 9:00 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary

(11/26) 9:00 a.m. Church School in the Church House Classrooms

10:30 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary

Monday 7:00 p.m. Confirmation Meeting (in the Barn)

(11/28) 7:30 p.m. Church Council Meeting (in Church House Classroom)

Thursday10:00 a.m. Bible Study in the Library

(11/30) 6:00 p.m. SPF in the Barn

7:30 p.m. Bible Study in the Library

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Practice

Friday 9:30 a.m. Hanging of the Church Greens meet in Memorial Room

(12/1)

Saturday 5:30 p.m. Kids FREE Movie Night in the Memorial Room

(12/2)

Sunday FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

(12/3) 9:00 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary

9:00 a.m. Church School in the Church House Classrooms

10:30 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary

2:00 p.m. Women’s Silver Tea at the home of Betsy Auray

5:00 p.m. Tree Lighting on the Green next to the Sanctuary

5:00 p.m. JPF for our 6th and 7th Graders in the Barn

5:30 p.m. Advent Worship, Dinner, & Wreathmaking, Memorial Room

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GREENFIELD HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT Telephone: (203) 259-5596 Fax: (203) 255-4641

Website: www.greenfieldhillchurch.com email: info@greenfieldhillchurch.com

www.facebook.com/GreenfieldHillCongregationalChurch

OFFICERS: Rev. Dr. David Johnson Rowe, Pastor; Rev. Dr. Alida Ward, Pastor; Chris Shea, Church Council Chairperson; Debbie Noyes, Church Clerk; Amy Johnson, Treasurer.

STAFF: Roni Widmer, Office Manager; Sandra Shaw Murphy, Music Director; Sara Mastrony Hoefer, Junior

Choir Director; Marcia Carothers, Director of Christian Education; Susan Rippey, Nursery School Director; Jessica Campbell, Financial Manager; Amity Almond and Kelcey King, Assistant Treasurers; Sarah De Meneses, Accountant; Jim Zalenski, Sexton; Rachel Baumann, pastoral assistant.

CHURCH BOARD MEMBERS

Adult Education: Michael Moore, Chairperson; Linda Allegretti, Alice Horrigan, Rebecca Huselid, Edward Jordan,

Sandra Timmermann Children and Youth Ministries: Erika Duffy, co-Chairperson; Marc Power, co-Chairperson; Mike

Dwyer, Amanda Heyn, Andrea Muhlhauser, Anna Taylor Communications: Dave Hinkle, Chairperson; Michael

Fox, Lauren Raps, Nikki Wingate Development: Joe Holland, Chairperson; Tom Kreitler, Don Lord, Martha Lord,

Joanna Patterson, Adam Snyder Diaconate: Carole Lisi, co-Chairperson, Leonard White, co-Chairperson; Kim Baer,

Greg Bambach, Seth Baratz, Jason Dies, Mike Fedak, Jen Hinkle, Karin Keith, Carole Lisi, Blake Titrud, Ellen

Waugh Facilities: Carol McCullough, Chairperson; Pam Dies, Todd Flanagan, Andy Hoder, Mike Licamele, Gary

Rafsky, Dom Savino, Walt Siemon, Rob Steczkowski Fellowship: Amy Desel, co-Chairperson; Francine Jacques, co-

Chairperson; Dottie Baekey, Kathy Baratz, Cathy Fell, Chris Gulotta, Amy Hios, Heather Lajeunesse, Casey Mitchell,

Pamela Patterson, Lynne Taikowski, Christine Wegener Finance: Jerry Hood, co-Chairperson; Brad Orben, co-

Chairperson; Debbie Dies, LaWanza Holder, Matthew Innes, Amy Johnson, Ken Nelson, Aun Singapore, Chris

Tormey Junior Deacons: Maddy Abrahamson, Nicky Allen, Hannah Amendola, Grace Badger, Liam Ballou, Reid Brown, Max Chandler, Garrett Cutler, Shay Desmond, Samantha Dies, Natalie Dileo, Henry Durham, Ryan Eckert, Owen Edminster, Jack Flanagan, Ian Greenwood, Sam Hawley, Lucy Hermann, Katie Hinkle, Taylor Horrine, Henry Houghton, Carly Jones, Mary Keden, Justin Keith, Caroline Lacey, Julia Langeland, Caroline Lauf, Olivia Luther, Maddy Markham, Sarah McIlroy, Maggie McKeon, Ben Mellor, Allison Milicia, Connor Navin, Gillian Orben, Ted Orben, Charles Pearce, Alex Poulter, Emma Powell, Anna Ruppert, Peter Schwinn, Henry Selden,

Georgia Sharpe, Will Stearns, Alex Steele, Jack Vogel, Clay Wackerman, Alexandra Wagner, Michael Waugh, Kate

Wegener, Isabella Whelan, Amelia Yoder, Caroline Young Member Care: Wendy Savino, Chairperson; Nicki

Callahan, Sharon Jacobs, Shari Lovegrove, Eleanor Page, Margot Pearce, Sue Trischman, Elyse Tsou, Lisa

Vacheron, Betsey Young Member Involvement: Becky Brown, co-Chairperson; Betsy Milicia, co-Chairperson; Jen

Chandler, Tony Derbyshire, Glenn Horine, Jon Sabrowski, Adam Simon Mission and Outreach: Henry Bishop, tri-

Chairperson, Susan Hood, tri-Chairperson, Michelle Stearns, tri-Chairperson, Barbara Bishop, Jenny Day, John Fallon,

Murray Jacques, Meg Lowe, Laraine Petersen Church Council At-Large Members: Mike Howard, Mike Smith,

Bill Strittmatter Church Historian: Lynn Van Winkle Internal Auditor: Mark Durham.

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Dogwood Festival, Mike & Karen Mitri; Flowers, Lynn Davies; Ushers, Marcy Michaud; Church Housing

Representatives (Parish Court), Tony Derbyshire, Jerry Grace, Peggy Ruble; Memorial Garden, Lynn Davies;

Nursery School, Alison Lochridge; Fairfield East Delegate, Bill Carothers; Bridgeport Council of Churches,

Michelle Stearns; Human Resources, Cheryl Jones

CHANCEL CHOIR Bert Andren, Cary Andren, David Callahan, Lia Carter, Wendy Gerbier, Thomas Grant, Zoe Grosser, Rebecca Huselid, Sue Leiss, Donald Lord, Peggy McCain, Art McCain, Michael Moore, Jon Passmore, Melinda Reynolds, Beth Schaefer, Earlyne Seaver, Dianne Simpson, Bob Stilson, Michael Trnik, David White

CHURCH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS Amity Almond, Kim Baer, Meghan Baer, Katie Baiocco, Jennifer Bargas, Jessica Campbell, Sarah De Meneses, Dawn Dzurik, Scott Ettl, Betsy Ewing, Karen Fox, Mark Gilrain, Rachelle Giordano, Marjorie Glover, Ann Harvey, Amanda & Ted Heyn, LaWanza Holder, Katie Holland, Andra Horsch, Mary Janacek, Stacie Kenney, Bob & Molly King, Jen Lubarsky, Krishna Lynch, Mollie Milano, Andrea Muhlhauser, Rachel Parrish, Gwen Powell, Allyson Power, Lauren Raps, Jen Richard, Kirsten Sabrowski, Amanda Schmidt, Sarah Schunk, Skylar Smith, Kara Snyder, Kelly Spencer, Cate Steczkowski, Brenda Steele, Wendy Steinfeld, Marike Toothaker, Chris Tormey, Kelly Vogel, Ellen Waugh, Nikki Wingate, Michelle & Nick Wormley, Sara York, Kathy Wyckoff, Betsey Young