THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
PRELUDE: "Let All Things Now Living" -- by K. Davis
Laura Moorhouse
GREETING AND TIME FOR CENTERING AND SILENCE
From our scattered, unfocused lives, and circumstances we come, O God, to become again a community of prayer and service. Help us to claim and center our spirits, so that we may be more tuned to your divine Spirit. Help us to bring before you all those concerns for which we need to offer prayer, trusting that in your grace and your own time, our prayers will be answered. Amen
WELCOME:
Sheena Crews
*CALL TO WORSHIP
(Psalm 40 1-10)
Leader: I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.
People: He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Leader: He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and trust in Him.
People: Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud or to those who turn aside to false gods.
Leader: Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened.
People: I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart. Leader: I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.
People: Come, let us trust, let us obey, and let us worship the Lord!
*OPENING HYMN: "O Worship The King" -- Chalice #17
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
*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION
All: Holy Spirit, we invite you into our presence. Speak to our hearts, for we are ready to receive your word. Guide us in the fullness of your grace and show us the path that you have chosen for us.
Hide us, O God, from the distractions of this world, and keep us in your perfect peace. As we humble ourselves before you, help us to see ourselves as you see us.
Help us to care for the poor, sick, and weak among us. Help us to love as you love. We ask all these things in Jesus Christ your Son.
Amen.
HEBREW BIBLE READING: Isaiah 53:7–8
Heidi Palmer
*MIDDLE HYMN: "I Love To Tell The Story" -- Chalice #480
Sermon Scripture: Acts 8:26-39
Sheena Crews
MESSAGE: “Following the Divine Assignment"
Sheena Crews
SERMON RESPONSE: "As The Deer -- by M. Nystrom
Laura Moorhouse
JOYS AND CONCERNS
Heidi Palmer
*PASTORAL PRAYER/THE LORD’S PRAYER THE 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, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
OFFERTORY
Jonathan Orr
OFFERTORY ANTHEM: "My Tribute" -- By (A. Crouch
Laura Moorhouse
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures here below
Praise God for all that love has done
Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Sheena Crews
*CLOSING HYMN: "God, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing" Chalice #439
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Heidi Palmer
BENEDICTION
Sheena Crews
POSTLUDE: "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" -- by W. Williams
Laura Moorhouse
* All who are present in the sanctuary and are able, please stand.
Our thanks this morning to Sheena Crews for leading this morning’s service, and to Laura Moorhouse for our music. All music licensed by OneLicense & CCLI, or is in the public domain.
Parts of the liturgy are adapted and reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Connections Worship Companion. Copyright 2023. Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=48287
Our Ordained Partners in Ministry:
Reverend Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister, and President of UCC
Reverend Darrell Goodwin, Executive Conference Minister
Reverend Margret Hofmeister, Area Conference Minister
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Men’s Retreat -- Reel Faith: The Hero’s Journey with Jesus: The Third Annual UCC Men’s Retreat is happening November 20th – 22nd at Wisdom House in Litchfield, CT. Join men from across the state in an exploration of the spiritual journey of Christian faith through the lens of science fiction and fantasy films. With thoughtful conversation, scripture and personal reflection, Rev. Todd Shipley will connect moments from several films that uncover the sacred journey unfolding within and around us. For more information, contact Greg Pings or David McKinnis at [email protected] or sign up at https://bit.ly/FEAMensRetreat.
Free Concert Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.: Join the Danbury Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of music inspired by distant places and legendary tales. The program features the exciting final movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by Lina Elwood, winner of the Danbury Music Centre’s 2026 Student Concerto Competition. Violinist Joana Genova will be featured in Vladigerov’s spirited Bulgarian Rhapsody Vardar. The DSO will ALSO perform Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, a colorful orchestral masterpiece inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights.
Thrift Shop Volunteers: Join our friendly crew and see why our thrift shop is one of the best shopping experiences in Danbury! We’re open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We have a particular need for bi-lingual volunteers.
Prayers Work: Join Our Prayer Chain: We invite you to stay connected through prayer. Join our email prayer chain to share your joys and concerns, and to pray for one another as a community. Sign up here https://fcdanbury.activehosted.com/f/57 Or send an email to Sheila Vetter at [email protected] Let’s stay in touch and take time to pray a little more together.
Lapel Pin Fundraiser: For $5, proudly wear the United Church of Christ's vision of "A Just World for All" with a sturdy lapel pin. Proceeds will fund our ministries. See Heidi Palmer or call the office at 203-744-6177.
Free Inspirational Reading: Free books, booklets and The Upper Room are available in the Narthex and the Johnson Foyer. Use these resources for yourself, or give them to family, friends and neighbors courtesy of Guideposts and us!
Join Us for Coffee Hour: Right after the Sunday service in the workroom or under the red maple (weather permitting) for a time of fellowship with one another.
AA Meetings: Held on the third floor every Wednesday evening, at 7 p.m.
The West-Conn Toastmasters: Next meeting is on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 PM. All are welcome and the first meeting is free.