Please be observant to the date on this bulletin.  
It was updated on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 09:00 PM and
 is the previous Sunday's Bulletin:

M Y S T I C

C O N G R E G A T I O N A L

C H U R C H

United Church of Christ

Organized in 1852 at Mystic, Connecticut

CHURCH VOCATIONS SUNDAY

February 28, 2010

8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

February 28, 2010  -  8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. 

Welcome!  We’re glad you’re here today!  For more information about our church, please see our brochure in your pew.  You are invited to return the enclosed information card to share your contact information and/or your pastoral needs;

and you are welcome to sign our guestbook at the rear of the sanctuary.

Infant/toddler childcare is in Room 2 from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m.   Children Pre-K to 8^th grade may proceed to their classrooms after Children’s Message.

GOD’S PEOPLE GATHER

MEDITATION:  Lives of great significance begin with a spark – a nudge – a gesture.    ~ John Furlong, CEO, Vancouver Organizing Committee, 2010 Olympics

PRELUDE  (a time for silent reflection)      

GREETINGS and ANNOUNCEMENTS    Rev. Ann Aaberg  

One:  This is the day our God has made!

All:    Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

INTROIT (10:00 am)

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)            Based on Psalm 27                  

One:      The Lord is our light and our salvation.

All:      Whom shall we fear?

One:  The Lord is the stronghold of our lives.

All:      Of whom shall we be afraid?

One:  Be strong and let your hearts take courage.

All:      We see the goodness of God in our living.  Let us worship the Lord!

*HYMN #543 (Blue Hymnal)  Blessed Assurance

*OPENING PRAYER (unison)

Hope beyond all human hope, you promise light and salvation in the midst of darkness and despair, and promise redemption to a world that will not listen. Gather us to yourself in tenderness, open our ears to listen to your word, and teach us to live faithfully as people confident of the fulfillment of your promises. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray this way…

*LORD’S PRAYER

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.

*GLORIA PATRI

Glory 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.

PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS

RECOGNITION of STUDENT in DISCERNMENT   Jacquelyn M. Phillips

Lydia Blacker, Moderator

Rev. Jack Shackles, Jr., Chair, Committee on Ministry

New London Association, Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ

Hugh McGee, Moderator and Presenter

Mystic Congregational Church

*HYMN #404 (Red Hymnal, 10:00 am)  Take My Life and Let It Be

PASTORAL PRAYER

Prayer cards are provided in your pew if you would like to make a prayer request.  They will be collected during the prayer.  Please pass your blue card toward the center aisle for collection.

SUNG RESPONSE #569 (Blue Hymnal)

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

SCRIPTURE    Philippians 3:17-4:1 (Pew Bible, N.T. page 198)    

INTERLUDE (8:00 am)

ANTHEM (10:00 am)  Senior Choir

SCRIPTURE    Luke 13:31-35 (Pew Bible, N.T. page 77) 

SERMON    “Killing Prophets”  Rev. Ann Aaberg

MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION

GOD’S PEOPLE RESPOND

CALL TO GIVE OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS  

OFFERTORY                

*DOXOLOGY          

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN #560 (Blue Hymnal) Leaning on the Everlasting

*OUR COMMON COMMISSION

Let us go forth into the world in peace, being of good courage, holding fast to that which is good, rendering to no one evil for evil, strengthening the faint-hearted, supporting the weak, helping the afflicted, honoring all persons, loving and serving the Lord, and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

*BENEDICTION

*CONGREGATIONAL AMEN 

*POSTLUDE    

*All who are able, please stand.

a

Flowers

In memory of

former Members of Women’s Fellowship

a

NOTES OF PARISH LIFE

ALL-CHURCH BIRTHDAY PARTY IS TODAY! 12 Tables!  12 Cakes!  Following the 10:00 a.m. service in the Parish Hall.  Happy Birthday to you!

AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS  Throughout the season of Lent you are invited to come forward to the front of the sanctuary and write your own special prayer(s) on one or more of the cards available at the foot of the cross and to tuck them under the cord anywhere on the cross as a symbol of turning your concern over to Jesus.  You will also find an array of small polished stones there which you are invited to take with you and carry as a rememberance that Jesus carries our burdens and is with us always as Comforter and Guide. 

LENTEN MENU A few hard copies of the Lenten Menu are still available to aid in your Lenten journey.  The Menu is also now available on the church website.   Questions about selections may be directed to Pastor Ann.

THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE   is looking to fill vacancies for the upcoming year.  It's a great way to get to know your fellow members, and serve the good work of the Church.  Please let us know what Committee might appeal to you!  Contact any committee member.  Thank you.  Laurel Butler and Tod Schaefer, Co-Chairs.

THE HISPANIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE asks you to remember our students at the First Hispanic Baptist Church during this season of Lent by contributing to the long standing tradition of support for the education of their youth.  Pink envelopes are provided in each pew for easy designation to this fund. Any amount of support will be greatly appreciated.

SCRIPTURE BEFORE SUPPER  A weekly Bible Study hour led by the Pastor continues every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Library.  Reading for March 2^nd:  The Gospel of Matthew, Chapters 26-28.

LENTEN MENU SELECTION Join MCC member and yoga instructor Lynda Hewitt in our Parish Hall on Thursday evening, March 4, at 7:00 p.m. for a time of gentle and quiet yoga - an excellent way to use the body to reach the soul.  Mats provided. 

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER will be celebrated THIS FRIDAY, March 5^th, at 9:30 a.m. at the Old Mystic Methodist Church.  The theme developed by women of Cameroon is "Let all who have breath praise God".  Women from area churches will lead the liturgy with the Rev. Claudine Crooks, pastor of Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church as the special speaker.  Social time will follow.  All are welcome. This is the only observance being planned in the greater New London area.

YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THE NURSERY on March 7 would be greatly appreciated!  If you can help, please see Kathy Kerns.

“STAYING HEALTHY:  PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND SPIRITUALLY AS WE AGE”   will be the topic of the Women’s Fellowship Meeting on Tuesday, March 9.  Dr. Ron Bowen, the noted gerontologist is the guest speaker.  The program in the parish hall begins at 9:15 a.m. with healthy–but delicious– refreshments.  Come and bring a friend!

ARE YOU AN A-S-K-A-B-L-E ADULT?  Stick by your home phone on Sunday evening, March 14, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. to find out!  Our youth will be phoning you from our Youth Space seeking your support for our revitalized youth program!  The lines are open!

CURIOUS ABOUT MEMBERSHIP?   A special information session will be held in the library on Sunday, March 14, following the 10:00 a.m. service for all who are interested in exploring membership in the Mystic Congregational Church.  Bring your questions!

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that children attending the Pre-K Sunday School in the Noah's Ark Room be signed in each Sunday.  This is our record of attendance in the event of an emergency.  Thank you.

CHILDREN'S LENTEN MENUS and OGHS boxes are available in the Narthex.  The collection date for OGHS is March 14^th.  Children have been told about giving a penny to God if someone gives them a dime, 2 pennies if they receive a quarter, and so on.  Perhaps you would like to help them with that at home this Lent.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUT OF THE COUNTRY LATELY?   Our second Armchair Travel Night is being planned for Friday, March 26^th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall.  Two members with South American experience are ready and another one or two are needed to round out the evening.  The emphasis is on your reactions to the culture and contact  with people rather than a National Geographic type picture presentation.  Last year was such fun that the sentiment was "Let's do
this again".  Please contact Gladys Reynard (xxx-xxx-xxxx) and share your travel memories.

THE CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES OFFICE HOURS ARE Sunday through 4 P.M. on Wednesday.  If you need to reach Kathy Kerns after that, please call her at xxx-xxx-xxxx.  Thank you.

CROCK POT COOK-OFF RECIPES are here!  The three prize-winning recipes from the January 24^th Crock Pot Cook-off are now available.  You may get your copy from the Children's Ministries bulletin board outside the nursery.  Enjoy!

TELL YOUR FRIENDS – POSITIONS AVAILABLE!  Mystic Congregational Church is currently seeking people to fill 2 positions:  Children’s Ministries Director beginning 6/1/10, Temporary Administrative Assistant beginning 4/1/10 until 10/15/10, and a part-time Sexton to begin immediately.  Usually, the most effective method for finding employees is by word-of-mouth.  So tell your friends to visit our website at www.mysticcongregational.org for details and tell them “there’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place!”

DONATIONS FOR FOOD, HOUSEHOLD & HEALTHCARE ITEMS  are continually collected and then taken to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center or the Groton Human Services Food Lockers.  Food stamps do not cover diapers or other sanitary supplies so those items are welcomed as well. 

OUR CHURCH WEBSITE is currently being evaluated by The Board of Trustees and we are seeking individuals with working knowledge of website design, maintenance and functionality.  If you or someone you know would be interested in assisting us in refreshing and redesigning our Church's internet website, please call Bob Phillips at (xxx)xxx-xxxx.

SHARE YOUR MUSICAL GIFT  We are inviting those with musical mastery to share their gifts.  We welcome and encourage involvement from our members in the music of our church.  We invite any of our church members who are gifted musically to share their talents in a church worship.  If you would like to share your talent one Sunday, contact Trish Dehls or a Music Committee member.

COVENANTAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK are for the First Congregational Church of Norwich (Rev. William Dunlap, Pastor), and our partner churches Dongbu Sun-lin in South Korea and First Hispanic Baptist Church of New London.

PRAYER CHAIN  The Prayer Chain is active!  A group of 15 of our fellow parishioners have gathered around this important ministry.  If you have a prayer concern which you feel could be helped by the prayers of this group, let them know. To put the Prayer Chain in motion for you, call Lynda Hewitt at (xxx)xxx-xxxx, or Pastor Ann through the Church Office, (860)536-4259 Ext.112.  All prayer requests are held in the strictest confidence.

HEARING SYSTEM  Please be aware that a system for the hearing-impaired is now available in the Sanctuary.  Questions?  Please ask the Deacons.

CONTACTING PASTOR ANN 

Confidential Voice Mail at any time:  (860)536-4259 Extension 112

Email:  ann@mysticcongregational.org

Pastoral Emergency:  (xxx)xxx-xxxx

MORNING MINISTRY

 Ministers:                                    All Members of the Church

 Pastor:                                        Rev. Ann M. Aaberg

 Director of Music:                       Trish Dehls

 Director of Children’s Ministries:        Kathy Kerns

 Parish Care Coordinators:           Jane Donnel & Lauren Watson

 Nursery Attendant:                     Kathy Graham

 Hospitality:                                 Betsy Van Winkle & Candy Wood

 Flowers:                                      Hetsy Bisbee

 Acolyte:                                      Meghan Talbot

 Scripture Reader 8 a.m.:              Jack Leary

 Scripture Reader 10 a.m.:            Meagan Dreher

 Deacon:                                      Alan Greener

 Ushers 8 a.m.:                             Jack Leary & Joanne Lukaszewicz

 Ushers 10 a.m.:                           Fred Deichmann, Hugh & Pam McGee

 Trustees:                                     Russ Cumming, Sandy Dolan

Our Mission Statement:  To joyfully bring the Christian principles of faith, hope and love to all through quality worship, education, fellowship and outreach.

CHURCH CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK

Sunday, 2/28      8:00 & 10:00 am    - Worship Services

                9:15-11:15 am     - Nursery Care (Room 2)

                10:15 am             - Regular Sunday School

                11:00 am            - All-Church Birthday Party (Parish Hall)

                11:15 am             - Junior & Cherub Choirs Rehearsal

                11:45 am             - Confirmation Mentors Only (Library)

Monday, 3/01     Meals on Wheels

                3:00 pm               - Parish Care Co-Captains (Pastor’s Office)

                6:30-9:00 pm      - AA (Parish Hall)

                7:00 pm               - Tutoring (First Hispanic Baptist Church)

Tuesday, 3/02     9:30 am   - WF Board (Library)

                9:30 am               - Staff Meeting (Pastor’s Office)

                5:00-6:00 pm      - Scripture Before Supper (Library)

                6:15 pm               - Bell Choir (Music Room)

                7:30 pm               - Senior Choir (Music Room)

Wednesday, 3/03             6:30 pm   - Nancy Peterson Story Hour at Shelter

                7:00 pm               - Council (Library)

Thursday, 3/04  7:00 pm  - Lenten Yoga (Parish Hall)

                7:00-9:30 pm      - AA (Youth Space)

Friday, 3/05        Meals on Wheels

                            9:30 am  - World Day of Prayer Service

                      (Old Mystic Methodist Church)

Saturday, 3/06     No Church Event

END