STIR UP OUR HEARTS, O LORD

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT November 27 , 20 1 1

ROCKY HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Es tab l i shed 1 7 27

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The F r i end ly Church a t the Cente r An Open and Af f i rming Communi ty

Rocky Hill Congregational ChurchRocky Hill Congregational ChurchRocky Hill Congregational ChurchRocky Hill Congregational Church

United Church of ChristUnited Church of ChristUnited Church of ChristUnited Church of Christ

Sunday, November 27, 2011 10:00 a.m.

Order of Worsh ipOrder of Worsh ipOrder of Worsh ipOrder of Worsh ip We welcome all and extend a special greeting to our guests; our service is enriched by your presence! Join us in Chapin Hall for fellowship time after worship. The Welcome Table in Chapin Hall offers information about the church and members who can answer your questions. Hearing devices and large-print bulletins are available for worship – ask an usher. Nursery care is always available downstairs in Room 4.

God Gathers Us for Worsh i pGod Gathers Us for Worsh i pGod Gathers Us for Worsh i pGod Gathers Us for Worsh i p

We lcome and announcements The Rev. Donna K. Manocchio

Please include your full address and phone number as you sign our friendship registration pads, and please wear your nametags. All announcements should be written down and given to the usher or pastor prior to worship.

Pre lude Please use the prelude as a time for personal prayer and preparation of your heart for worship.

“Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” setting by Johann Gottfried Walther

Scr i p tural A ff i rmat i on Selections from First Thessalonians

Welcoming an Advent Visitor A visitor brings us words of hope to stir up our hearts

*Call to Worship Meghan D. Young

Leader: The Spirit and the church cry out: People: Stir up our hearts, O Lord! Leader: All those who await the birth of Jesus pray: People: Stir up our hearts, O Lord! Leader: The whole creation pleads: People: Stir up our hearts, O Lord!

L i gh t i ng th e Advent Wrea th ( see insert)

*H ymn

“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” Pilgrim Hymnal 103

Message for Ch i ldren o f A l l Ages Meghan D. Young

The Sacrament o f Bap t i sm (see insert)

Children’s Recessional (Children are invited to depart for S.P.I.R.I.T. Church School)

“We Will Keep a Place For You” by John Corrado

*Un i son Pra yer Deacon Stephanie Heneghan

Almighty and All loving God, as we begin this season of Advent, remind us again that in the midst of our darkness you are bringing us peace to calm our anxious spirits and hectic lives. Turn our hearts again toward you. Make us ready to receive your Son, our Savior. Slow our pace, and give us the blessing of knowing your peace in our souls and spirits. All this we ask this in the name of Jesus, our Emmanuel. Amen.

*Gloria Acclamation

God Shares Words o f Love and L i f eGod Shares Words o f Love and L i f eGod Shares Words o f Love and L i f eGod Shares Words o f Love and L i f e

A Read i ng from Scr i p ture Mark 13:24-37

We Respond to God ’ s WordWe Respond to God ’ s WordWe Respond to God ’ s WordWe Respond to God ’ s Word

Anthem “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” setting by J. S. Bach

The Choir

Sermon “Stay Awake!” The Rev. Donna K. Manocchio

*H ymn

“Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” Pilgrim Hymnal 109

Sharing of Joys and Concerns (We invite your oral prayer requests – keeping the request brief and identifying the first name for the pastors. Trust that God knows the details of the need.)

P ra y er o f th e P eople and The Lord ’ s P ra y er 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.

Offer i ng I n v i t a t i on For those who have already given their offering, Giving Cards are available in your pew so that all may participate in giving back to God with joy and gratitude.

Offer tory Anthem “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

setting by David Ashley White

*Doxology

* Pra yer of Ded i ca t ion

We Go Forth to Love and ServeWe Go Forth to Love and ServeWe Go Forth to Love and ServeWe Go Forth to Love and Serve

*H ymn During the Advent season, our third hymn will be a Christmas carol acknowledging the reality that we celebrate Christ’s birth in the world 2000 years ago even as we await his birth again in our hearts.

“Go Tell It on the Mountain” New Century Hymnal 154

*B ened i c t i on

* B ened i c t i on Response New Century Hymnal 107 (verse 1)

*Post lude “Hark, the Glad Sound!”

setting by Paul Manz

(*Please rise in body and in spirit) Gree ters Grace Cole, Cheryl Hummel

Hosp i t a l i t y Mary Dean, Chris Palazzolo

Head Usher John Calcagni

The flowers on the altar this morning are given in honor of Grace Kathryn Hoffman’s baptism by the Coleman, Fulda and Hoffman families.

The 2nd flower arrangement this morning is given in loving memory of

Bill Holmes by Joan Tennyson.

Next WeekNext WeekNext WeekNext Week

SecondSecondSecondSecond Sunday in Advent Sunday in Advent Sunday in Advent Sunday in Advent Mark 1:1-8

“Prepare the Way” Meghan D. Young

Nov 28 Lisa Fell Kade Lamontagne

30 Gael Curtin Ryan Pirre

Dec 01 John Hoffman Billie Charamut

02 Arthur Weil Anita Watson Joseph Kunzelman

03 Liz Cardello Jennifer Courtemanche

This Week at RHCCThis Week at RHCCThis Week at RHCCThis Week at RHCC November 2November 2November 2November 27777 S unda ySundaySundaySunday 5:00pm Advent Family Night Chapin Hall

November 2November 2November 2November 28888 MonMonMonMondayda yda yda y

5:30pm Yoga with Lynn Chapin Hall 7:00pm Women’s AA Chapin Hall 7:00pm Bowling 7:30pm Bell Choir Loft

November 2November 2November 2November 29999 T uTuTuTu esda yesda yesda yesda y 9:00am Community Meeting Chapin Hall

November November November November 30303030 WednesdayWednesdayWednesdayWednesday 9:00am Quilters Room 6 9:30am Community Meeting Fiorilli Room 12:30pm Bible Study Fiorilli Room 5:30pm Advent Class Chapin Hall 7:00pm Lessons and Carols Choir Loft 8:00pm Adult Choir Choir Room

DecDecDecDecember ember ember ember 1111 T hursda yThursda yThursda yThursda y 5:30pm TOPS Chapin Hall 8:00pm Men’s AA Chapin Hall

DecDecDecDecember ember ember ember 3333 S a turda ySaturda ySaturda ySaturda y 8:30am Yoga with Lynn Chapin Hall 9:30am Yoga with Lynn Chapin Hall 2:00pm Memorial Service Sanctuary

Calling All Coupons!! RHCC, UCC will be collecting coupons to support the "5Loaves/2Fishes" project started by Donna Gagnon. Collection boxes will be located outside the church office, and in Chapin Hall. Bring your coupons in any time and they will be clipped and distributed for use in 3 different ways:

1. Local Food Pantry Needs 2. Care Packages for Troops Serving Overseas 3. Humane Society and Animal Shelters

Coupons and circulars of all kinds are welcome and can used for many purposes. No need to cut them out. We will do that for you!

Food pantry needs commonly include: Canned tuna/chicken, Beef stew, Juice boxes, Granola bars, Canned fruits, Rice, Soup, Potatoes, Peanut butter, Jelly, Pasta sauce, Paper products, Dry pasta

S.P.I.R.I.T. Corner:

S.P.I.R.I.T. Faith Nurture Ideas

These faith nurture ideas coordinate with the weekly session plans for church

school. We hope you will join us in learning, teaching, and growing together!

Here’s what we’re learning about this week…

COME JOIN THE CIRCLE: Unit 2 – Luke’s Christmas Story

Review: Luke 2:1-40. Take a moment to read the Christmas story (you might

even want to start with Luke chapter 1), so that we might remember what we

are waiting for and why we are preparing our hearts for this Advent. What do

you hear that is new this year? What always warms or challenges your heart in

this scripture passage that we hear every year? How will you respond in Hope,

Peace, Joy, and Love this Advent?

Faith Sharing. Talk about the Bible story children and youth explored this week.

Here are some ways to nurture faith at home based on this week’s story. (1)

Take some quiet time to reflect on the voices of hope you encounter in your

life. Write a thank you note to God for the places and people in whom you find

hope. (2) Spend time as a family reading together your favorite Advent or

Christmas story. What makes it your favorite story? What about its message

brings this season to life for you? (3) Plan a way your family can bring someone

hope this week. There are so many possibilities. Be creative and open your

hearts!

A Prayer For The Week. Open our hearts to Joy and Hope, O God. Help us to

find it in your world, and bring it to all who are in need of its presence. Amen.

Join the Fun – Get involved with S.P.I.R.I.T.

Join us as a Learning Center Guide, Shepherd, or Safe Church Volunteer. Come

join the Circle, have some fun, and walk in faith with us! Sign-Up in Chapin Hall

or contact Meghan Young (meghan@rhccucc.org) for more information.

Youth Group – TODAY!

Join us for lunch bunch today from 11:30 AM - 1 PM. ALL 6th-12th graders are

welcome. Both groups will eat lunch together, and then the Junior Youth Group

(6th-8th Grade) and the Senior Youth Group (9th-12th Grade) will meet separately

for activities and discussion. See Meghan Young for more information.

Youth Night In – Friday, December 2nd, 5 PM – 9 PM

Join us at the church for dinner, hot cocoa, holiday games, a movie, and

cookie baking. Open to ALL 6th-12th Graders. As always friends are welcome.

Email Meghan@rhccucc.org to let us know you’re coming.

PARENTS:

Church school ends at 11:15 AM.

Please pick-up your children at the following locations.

(So that the children may focus through the end of their class, we ask that you

do not look through the classroom windows, and that you wait for the teacher

to end class by opening the classroom door.)

CLASS PICK-UP LOCATION

Pre-K & K

HANDS ON

RM. 23

Christian Education Hallway.

1st & 2nd

Grade

FOOD & PEOPLE

Youth Room

Ground Floor of Church.

3rd

Grade

COMMUNITY LIFE

RM. 22

Christian Education Hallway

4th & 5th

Grade

FUN & GAMES

RM. 24

Christian Education Hallway

6th-8th

Grade

SHOW & TELL

RM. 25 & RM. 27

Christian Education Hallway

ADVENT GATHERINGADVENT GATHERINGADVENT GATHERINGADVENT GATHERING TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT ----Sunday, November 27Sunday, November 27Sunday, November 27Sunday, November 27 thththth , 5 PM , 5 PM , 5 PM , 5 PM –––– 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM

Join us for a pot-luck dinner, crafts, and worship as we wait in

anticipation during the season of Advent for the birth of Jesus Christ.

This is an ALL ages event for the entire church family and friends.

Please signPlease signPlease signPlease sign----up in Chapin Hall or email up in Chapin Hall or email up in Chapin Hall or email up in Chapin Hall or email Meghan@rhccucc.orgMeghan@rhccucc.orgMeghan@rhccucc.orgMeghan@rhccucc.org to let us to let us to let us to let us

know you are coming.know you are coming.know you are coming.know you are coming.

SCRIP-SURE:

Today is the deadline for pre-Christmas scrip orders. Cards ordered by

today will be available for pickup next Sunday, December 4. Order forms

may be left in the scrip box in Chapin Hall, or emailed to Dave Hall

(treasurer@rhccucc.org) by midnight tonight. Cards for local groceries

and CVS are already in inventory and available for purchase today from

Gail Hall.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Remember or Honor Loved OnesRemember or Honor Loved OnesRemember or Honor Loved OnesRemember or Honor Loved Ones

With Christmas PoinsettiasWith Christmas PoinsettiasWith Christmas PoinsettiasWith Christmas Poinsettias

They will adorn the sanctuary for worship on

Christmas Sunday, December 18. The cost is $12.00 per plant.

Ordering deadline is Monday, December 12th Please fill out the information below and mail to Joan Diaz (see address below)

Given by: ____________________________________________________________ Daytime Telephone number: _____________________________________________ Dedication ( “in loving memory of...” , “in honor of...”, etc.): 1. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. ___________________________________________________________________

Please select: [ ] I will pick-up my plant after worship on Sunday, December 18. [ ] Use my plant to decorate the church through Christmas. [ ] The Deacons may give my plant to a Shut-in or homebound member.

Make your checks payable to: Joan Diaz with “Poinsettia” in memo line and mail to:

15 Thistle Down, Cromwell CT 06416.

You may call Joan with questions at 860 613-2889.

Rocky Hill Congregational Church United Church of Christ

Open and Affirming Statement Because we believe that all people are created in God’s image and thus are blessed and loved equally by God, and because love is a unifying and strengthening force within our Christian Faith,

We, the members of the Rocky Hill Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, hereby declare ourselves an Open and Affirming Christian community, actively expressing Jesus’ inclusive embrace of all people.

We welcome all who seek to follow Jesus, including persons of every age, gender, race, national origin, faith background, marital status and family structure, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, mental and physical ability, economic and social status, and educational background, to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings and joys of our church family.

Jesus teaches us to welcome all God’s children into God’s covenantal community. As we grow together in faith and love, we will strive to celebrate the diversity in which God has created us. Approved by congregational vote June 2009

Ministry Team

Ministers: All the members of the church Senior Pastor: The Reverend Donna K. Manocchio donna@rhccucc.org

Acting Associate Pastor: Meghan D. Young meghan@rhccucc.org Acting Director of Christian Education: Meghan D. Young

meghan@rhccucc.org Pastor Emeritus: The Reverend Arthur C. Weil

Director of Music: William Kanute music@rhccucc.org Church Office: Carol Harvey office@rhccucc.org / 860 529-4167

Webmaster: Dave Hall webmaster@rhccucc.org Church Website: rhccucc.org

Visit us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/rhccucc

L i gh t i ng th e Advent Wrea th

T h e F i r s t S u n d a y o f A d v e n t S t a y Aw a k e !

N o v emb e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 1 Please use this Advent wreath prayer at home and for your own reflection and meditation.

Response: (Choir sings once, then Congregation sings once with Choir)

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel! And in our hearts forever dwell!

Leader: The darkness has long been upon us. We long for the light – the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation.

People: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!

Leader: The light has not yet come. We wait and watch for the dawning of God’s glory. This one candle casts its light into the darkness. It reminds us to stay awake and watchful,

for the Promised One will come to us at an unexpected hour!

We light the first candle.

People: How we long for the Light of your presence, Holy God! Guide us from the night of our hopelessness

and lead us with joy toward the dawning of your new day. Amen.

Response: (Choir sings once, then Congregation sings once with Choir) Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel! And in our hearts forever dwell!

At its deepest level, Advent is an invitation to give up our search and let ourselves be found by the God who came among us as a child, by the God who comes into our hearts, by the God who will meet us in every future. In the search, in the finding, in the daily living of our lives, we have already been found and loved by the God who is with us always, even to the end of the ages. – Joseph Pagano

t à{Ü|ÄÄ Éy HOPE The Christmas Story in Word and Art

Wednesdays, November 30th & December 14th 5:30 -7:00 PM

Dinner & Advent Faith Formation Join us for A Thrill of Hope: The Christmas Story in Word and Art. Through short video segments this faith formation program presents the familiar story of Christmas as told in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Each scripture passage is illustrated and interpreted in the stunning artwork of John August Swanson along with commentary by some of America’s premier Biblical scholars. Families are encouraged and welcome. Separate programming provided for children 5th grade and younger.

Sign-Up in Chapin Hall or email Meghan@rhccucc.org.

Festival of Nine

Sunday, December 4 at 4 PM

Featuring: Senior Choir, Children’s Choir and Bell Choir

Reception following in Chapin Hall

“And the Angel Said…”“And the Angel Said…”“And the Angel Said…”“And the Angel Said…” Ecumenical Women’s Advent RetreatEcumenical Women’s Advent RetreatEcumenical Women’s Advent RetreatEcumenical Women’s Advent Retreat

A simple supper, contemplation, A simple supper, contemplation, A simple supper, contemplation, A simple supper, contemplation,

conversation & creative expressionconversation & creative expressionconversation & creative expressionconversation & creative expression....

Monday, December 5, 2011, 5:30 Monday, December 5, 2011, 5:30 Monday, December 5, 2011, 5:30 Monday, December 5, 2011, 5:30 ---- 8:30 PM, $15/pers 8:30 PM, $15/pers 8:30 PM, $15/pers 8:30 PM, $15/personononon

Franciscan Urban Center at St. Patrick Franciscan Urban Center at St. Patrick Franciscan Urban Center at St. Patrick Franciscan Urban Center at St. Patrick ---- St. Anthony Church St. Anthony Church St. Anthony Church St. Anthony Church

Registration forms available in Chapin HallRegistration forms available in Chapin HallRegistration forms available in Chapin HallRegistration forms available in Chapin Hall

L i gh t i ng th e Advent Wrea th

T h e F i r s t S u n d a y o f A d v e n t S t a y Aw a k e !

N o v emb e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 1 Please use this Advent wreath prayer at home and for your own reflection and meditation.

Response: (Choir sings once, then Congregation sings once with Choir)

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel! And in our hearts forever dwell!

Leader: The darkness has long been upon us. We long for the light – the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation.

People: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!

Leader: The light has not yet come. We wait and watch for the dawning of God’s glory. This one candle casts its light into the darkness. It reminds us to stay awake and watchful,

for the Promised One will come to us at an unexpected hour!

We light the first candle.

People: How we long for the Light of your presence, Holy God! Guide us from the night of our hopelessness

and lead us with joy toward the dawning of your new day. Amen.

Response: (Choir sings once, then Congregation sings once with Choir) Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel! And in our hearts forever dwell!

At its deepest level, Advent is an invitation to give up our search and let ourselves be found by the God who came among us as a child, by the God who comes into our hearts, by the God who will meet us in every future. In the search, in the finding, in the daily living of our lives, we have already been found and loved by the God who is with us always, even to the end of the ages. – Joseph Pagano

t à{Ü|ÄÄ Éy HOPE The Christmas Story in Word and Art

Wednesdays, November 30th & December 14th 5:30 -7:00 PM

Dinner & Advent Faith Formation Join us for A Thrill of Hope: The Christmas Story in Word and Art. Through short video segments this faith formation program presents the familiar story of Christmas as told in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Each scripture passage is illustrated and interpreted in the stunning artwork of John August Swanson along with commentary by some of America’s premier Biblical scholars. Families are encouraged and welcome. Separate programming provided for children 5th grade and younger.

Sign-Up in Chapin Hall or email Meghan@rhccucc.org.

Festival of Nine

Sunday, December 4 at 4 PM

Featuring: Senior Choir, Children’s Choir and Bell Choir

Reception following in Chapin Hall

“And the Angel Said…”“And the Angel Said…”“And the Angel Said…”“And the Angel Said…” Ecumenical Women’Ecumenical Women’Ecumenical Women’Ecumenical Women’s Advent Retreats Advent Retreats Advent Retreats Advent Retreat

A simple supper, contemplation, A simple supper, contemplation, A simple supper, contemplation, A simple supper, contemplation,

conversation & creative expressionconversation & creative expressionconversation & creative expressionconversation & creative expression....

Monday, December 5, 2011, 5:30 Monday, December 5, 2011, 5:30 Monday, December 5, 2011, 5:30 Monday, December 5, 2011, 5:30 ---- 8:30 PM, $15/person 8:30 PM, $15/person 8:30 PM, $15/person 8:30 PM, $15/person

Franciscan Urban Center at St. Patrick Franciscan Urban Center at St. Patrick Franciscan Urban Center at St. Patrick Franciscan Urban Center at St. Patrick ---- St. Anthony Church St. Anthony Church St. Anthony Church St. Anthony Church

Registration forms available in Chapin HalRegistration forms available in Chapin HalRegistration forms available in Chapin HalRegistration forms available in Chapin Halllll