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STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | 10:00AM

Jan Van Eyck The Ghent Altarpiece

You will be able to find the live stream on FCC's Facebook and YouTube pages or on the FCC website:

• http://youtube.com/FirstCongregationalChurchofHouston • https://www.facebook.com/firstconghouston/ • http://www.fcc-houston.org

Join Rev. Jonathan Page for the in-person service at 10am in the Park. Bring Your Own Drum!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PRELUDE Improvisation M.J. Gallop

RINGING OF THE CHURCH BELL

WELCOME Rev. Jonathan Page

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HYMN Be Thou My Vision

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PRAYER SCRIPTURE Luke 20:27-40 Daniel O’Connell Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man[a] shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.” Jesus said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.” Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” For they no longer dared to ask him another question.† CHILDREN’S MESSAGE “Heaven is a Wonderful Place” Kelly Stevens

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SUNG RESPONSE Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil

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SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 15:35-55 Rev. Jonathan Page But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And as for what you sow, you do not sow the body that is to be, but a bare seed, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. Not all flesh is alike, but there is one flesh for human beings, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. There are both heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one thing, and that of the earthly is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; indeed, star differs from star in glory. So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven. What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die,[d] but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”†

SERMON “Christianity in the 21st Century: The Hereafter” Rev. Jonathan Page

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HYMN In the Bulb there is a Flower

PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD’S PRAYER (using debts/debtors)

Our Creator, 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.†

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STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Daniel O’Connell BRING FORTH OUR GIFTS AND OFFERINGS Daniel O’Connell The preferred method of giving electronically is through Zelle. Zelle is available through most major bank apps under transfers and incurs no additional fees to either the donor or FCC for the gift. To use Zelle enter the following charity address: financialsecretary@fcc-houston.org and include your name and fund you are contributing to. [Please make multiple transfers if you are contributing to multiple funds.] If you are visiting FCC, reach out to Rev. Jonathan Page (jon@fcc-houston.org) to learn more about the church and its ministries. He would be happy to meet with you via Zoom, Skype, or over the phone.

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HYMN May God Bless and Keep You

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OUR MISSION

Welcome all into an inclusive community; Seek to follow Jesus’ teachings; Search for more truth and light; Support one another on our faith journeys; Strive for peace and justice.†

BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Nimrod from Enigma Variations Elgar

Coffee, Tea, and Conversation Following Worship Services Today Via Zoom We will be having a virtual Coffee, Tea, and Conversation following service each Sunday. Here is how to join. Click on the link below and enter the password beneath the link. If you don' have Zoom, you can download it at https://zoom.us/download. To join by phone dial +1 346 248 7799 and enter the Meeting ID.

To join in The Lord’s Supper via Zoom, click: Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86165554923?pwd=WXFheEQzakV5Q1ZvV1BScUlDUDljdz09 Meeting ID: 861 6555 4923 Passcode: 547066

WORSHIP NOTES: THE BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS TODAY WERE DONATED BY Krysia Lynes to thank AA for their good work in our community. MUSIC COPYRIGHT INFO: All music is reprinted under permission of our OneLicense.net account #A-727634.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Verita Duncan (Robin Stilwell’s friend); Cynthia Blackwell (Janice Van Derbur’s friend); Mary Thomas (Mona Rhines’ friend); Vrian Shirk (Carlene Shirk’s son); Mary Lynn, Paul, Natalie, and Anthony Byrd and family of Ruth Lee; Erin Roberts; Charlie Smith (Chuck Smith’s father); Phyllis Hengst (Jane Bradbery’s dear friend); Jennifer Schafer (Michael Schafer’s daughter-in-law); Aida Leticia Morales Serrano (Anna Serrano’s sister); Dana Muñoz and her family (Janice Van Derbur and Linda Noyes’ good friends); Joe Leap (Ed Hennig’s son-in-law); Billy Garza (Guillermo Garza’s father); Voelkel family (Naomi Black’s friends); Dr. James Hollis (Michael Schafer and Ellen Benninghoven’s good friend); Chris (Paola’s friend); Donna Shelley (Carlene Shirk’s cousin); Paul Radelat (Jill Radelat’s father); Joe King (Michael Schafer and Ellen Benninghoven’s friend); Ginger and Ron Korolak (Janet Rexroad’s friends); Erin Hutchinson (Nancy Murdock’s friend); Tiffani Murphy (Heather Davis’ friend); Melissa Murry; Becky and Murry Witcher (Janet Rexroad’s dear friends); Jary Earl (Jim Earl’s sister-in-law); Lucy Maves (Jessica Seff’s friend); Diane Brahm; Claire Cardwell; Leon Wehunt (friend of John and Linda Fosseen); Larry Edmondson (Sarah Garrison’s father); Dianne Bub; E.G. “Jay” Ruoff (Jamie Strong’s father); Nancy and Bob Been (Naomi Black’s friends); Jennifer Chapin

† As an inclusive and open faith community, we attempt to convey gender neutral images, terms, and language of God. However, some hymns, anthems, and scriptures from the past will not be changed.

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(Robin Stilwell’s friend); Dr. William Riley (dear friend of Michael Schafer); Fran Smith; Frances Davis (Mary Harper’s friend); and all of those who are unable to be with us today.

FORMING OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH FCC SUNDAY SCHOOL Godly Play Story are shared via YouTube Today, we heard the Godly Play story of the Communion of Saints. Unlike when we are in the classrooms, all ages are welcome. The video can be found on FCC’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB1ODaC8jgRMD5KZVA7cL_A Sunday School Resources: Coloring sheets for the Lectionary readings this fall now through November 22. https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:62e2e833-05a9-4ee3-af42-12fffd4b824a#pageNum=1

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CLASS TODAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, AT 7PM VIA ZOOM The focus text will be Matthew 25:14-30. We will affirm the risks and joys inherent in following Jesus through the lens of Matthew’s parable of the talents. The resource sheet can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gztxRUCOolaO31aY69lLbRbCXskQIK_d/view?usp=sharing For next week, text will be Matthew 25:31-46. Prompted by Jesus’ parable of the sheep and goats, we will discern how Jesus may be treated with compassion today. The resource sheet can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DSALf_tqhzRL5Q6thActo1Xw_O2iMYgK/view?usp=sharing

Time: This is a recurring meeting Sundays at 7pm Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85633892742?pwd=UEw0blVsYzFhR2MyR1VVY0FyNmlNZz09 Meeting ID: 856 3389 2742 Password: 803121 Dial in: 346 248 7799

CHILDCARE FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES are not being provided at this time to keep exposure groups as small as possible during COVID-19.

NEXT WEEK: Sermon: “Those Lamps” – Rev. Jonathan C. Page preaching Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

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BRING YOUR OWN DRUM! WORSHIP SERVICE IN-PERSON OUTDOORS TODAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, AT 10AM IN THE PARK Even though we won't be singing today, we can make a joyful noise together. If you are attending the in-person service at FCC and you have your own drum, percussion instrument, or some other sort of noise maker, bring it with you and be led in a rhythmic group drumming experience. Grab your mask, bring your own lawn chair, and practice social distancing. Contact MJ Gallop at mj@houston.org with questions.

CIS BOARD MEETING TODAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, AT NOON VIA ZOOM The November meeting of the Church in Society Board (CIS) will be held today at noon (following Coffee, Tea, and Conversation). We invite all who are interested to join us on Zoom link below. The mission of the CIS Board is to raise awareness, educate, and engage FCC members in matters of social justice in our community. For more information contact Robin Stilwell (713.702.9448 or stilwell.robin@gmail.com) or Roxanne Taylor (rstaylor50@gmail.com). FCC Houston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting:

Topic: CIS Board Meeting Time: Nov 8, 2020 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83856830465?pwd=MWVHa21BTWtCbkpiby90L3FtbHpFQT09 Meeting ID: 838 5683 0465 Passcode: 467440 Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kl35sywm3

SETTEGAST HEIGHTS VILLAGE (SHV) THANKSGIVING COLLECTION DEADLINE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Thanksgiving is around the corner! As in many years’ past, FCC will be contributing grocery gift cards so the families at Settegast Heights Village (a UCC-owned low income apartment community) can enjoy a festive and healthy Thanksgiving meal. To donate, please send your contributions directly to FCC at financialsecretary@fcc-houston.org via Zelle or mail a check and indicate “SHV Thanksgiving” on memo lines for both options. Contact German Amador at Amador.german.jr@gmail.com with any questions.

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NOON MID-WEEK PRAYER SERVICE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AT NOON VIA FACEBOOK At noon on Wednesdays, Rev. Jonathan Page will lead a brief prayer service using Facebook Live. To attend the service, go to the FCC Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/firstconghouston). We look forward to seeing you there!

MUSIC AT THE MEETING HOUSE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, AT 5:30PM IN THE PARK

FIESTA FRIDAY! FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 7PM The FCC Hospitality Board invites you to join your friends or make new friends at Fiesta Fridays! Join us for happy hour IN THE PARK so we can all raise our glasses and toast to staying connected during this time of crisis in the world. So, fill your cooler with a bite to eat, a beverage, bring your lawn chair and mask, and head over to FCC to see you friends and meet new people! Contact Diane Foote at dfoote52@yahoo.com or Phyllis Roberts at phyllis_roberts@hotmail.com.

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FCC FALL WORKDAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 8:30AM-12:30PM Our FCC family takes great pride in our campus ‘home’. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT in order to maintain our grounds and buildings. We will tackle THE LIST of tasks that have accumulated. CHORES ARE MORE FUN WITH FRIENDS. Join the team and help check off some large and small projects. Lots of hands will make for great progress. If you have heavy clippers, yard gloves or just a willing heart to help, we will provide tools. Let’s keep FCC “Pretty as a Postcard”. Join us at 8:30am for coffee. Please park on the Brogden Street entrance or at City Hall. Contact: Peggy Boston with questions at peggyboston1@yahoo.com.

IT’S TIME TO ORDER YOUR POINSETTIAS! Each Christmas season, we garnish the Meeting House with beautiful poinsettias. This year’s process will be a little different due to COVID-19. Each plant is $11 again this year, and we would like to shower the Meeting House with poinsettias. To place your order, click on the following link: https://www.fcc-houston.org/flowers/, submit your form, and payment instructions will be emailed to you. You will be able to use Zelle (preferred), Online Giving Option, or mail a check. The plants will be delivered to each donor during the Thanksgiving holidays. Deadline to order is November 22. Contact Jane Bradbery at office@fcc-houston.org or call 832-367-0717 with any questions.

START COLLECTING TOYS FOR MAM'S CHRISTMAS SHARE!! Watch Sunday’s bulletins for more details coming soon on collecting toys and donations for MAM (Memorial Assistance Ministries)!

MISSIONS: BACK BAY MISSION (BBM) MEMORIAL WALKWAY HONORING MARY SUE FAIRCHILD DEADLINE EXTENDED FCC worked with Back Bay Mission to develop a plan for a “memorial walkway” to be both a fundraiser for BBM and a way to honor the many supporters of BBM’s mission. Mary Sue Fairchild (as well as her husband Bill) were FCC members and long-time supporters of BBM. FCC provided “seed money” to initiate this fundraiser in memory of Mary Sue. If you are interested in buying a brick for the walkway as a way to raise needed funds for BBM, the link below will send you to the site for buying a brick for the walkway. Please help us pave the way to a stronger future and provide opportunities for those we serve. To place a brick order please visit: www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/backbaymission.

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This YouTube video explains how to order a brick and make a donation. Also, some of the details on brick and donation options are also shown below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26MvYyXZesA&blm_aid=9660455 If you still have questions or need more information on this fundraiser, please feel free to contact the BBM staff at 228-432-0301 or backbaymission@backbaymission.org.

ADVENT FESTIVAL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 11AM ON CHURCH LAWN To get ready for advent and to spend some time with each other, we are planning to have an Advent Festival on the FCC lawn. We will be making Advent Wreaths for our homes and decorating a Christmas Tree on the Church lawn. We are hoping to use materials gathered from our natural environments and garden – so if you can delay pruning your holly, yupon, pine, and magnolia until closer to that time, we would be very grateful for those materials. We would also be very pleased with long grasses, dried flowers, vines, and/or pinecones that you may collect over the course of the coming weeks. Contact Krysia Lynes at krysia@fcc-houston.org.

UPDATE ON THE FCC BENEVOLENCE FUND FCC’s Benevolence Fund is still available for financial emergencies. The application process is confidential and brief. During the COVID-19 crisis we have dispersed over $13,000 to more than 25 recipients. We have assisted individuals and families, both inside and outside the church, for items such as rent assistance and essential living

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expenses. We are also pleased to acknowledge several substantial recent donations. Please contact German Amador – Chairperson at amador.german.jr@gmail.com.

MAM NEEDS YOUR HELP! The Resale Store and warehouse have reopened for clients and are very short on volunteers. They also need pantry donations, furniture, and houseware donations for the Resale Store. See below for more details how to help.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DURING COVID-19 Here are the current volunteer opportunities, for working to assist in the Houston community during 2020 and Covid. Contact Carlton at jcarltoncook@gmail.com and Chuck at chuckstilwell58@gmail.com if you know of any volunteer activities during this time, and/or if you are interested in being on a “FCC volunteer” email distribution list. Current Opportunities: There are opportunities which relate to an increase in food distribution to those in need, as well as other non-food opportunities. All opportunities described below have been vetted by someone with FCC, and those requiring their volunteers to interact with others must carefully follow social distancing protocols, with masks and gloves required when working with others. There are several NON-CONTACT Opportunities (e.g., mask-making), as well. Here are some options for volunteers, with current opportunities in BOLD below: Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) – MAM needs your help! The Resale Store and warehouse have reopened for clients and are very short on volunteers. Volunteers are urgently needed to sort and tag merchandise, stock shelves and racks, and assist with sales. The Resale Store was closed for many months, resulting in a serious loss of revenue to fund client programs. Now that we are open, we continue to see customers. The store’s continued viability is vital to MAM’s ability to keep helping families in need. You can help! They are asking each congregation to provide four to six volunteers for ONE THREE-HOUR SHIFT between now and the end of the year on these days and times:

• Thursdays, 5-8pm • Saturdays, 9am to noon • Saturdays, 1-4pm

MAM is following all safety protocols – masks and sanitizer are provided, social distancing is practiced, and the number of shoppers allowed in the store is controlled to avoid crowding. Volunteers may request to limit their service to areas not frequented by the public. A signup link and calendar is provided here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B45A4A92EA7F85-fall1. If you have any questions please contact volunteer coordinator Stephanie Tippitt at stippitt@mamhouston.org. MAM needs pantry donations! As they are seeing more clients needing family assistance, there has been a rise in demand for pantry donations. These are the items that they are requesting:

24 Chicken Lunch Packs 24 Trail Mix / Nuts 24 Protein Bars 24 Fruit Strips 12 Laundry Detergents 12 Anti-bacterial Spray Cleaner 24 Dishwash Soap

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Any donations you can bring will be most gratefully received! If you bring them to the MAM services wing between 10 and 4 on weekdays, you may have to ring the buzzer but someone should be at the reception desk to help. Or you can bring donations to the donation door to the left of the Resale Store and just let them know it’s for the pantry. MAM also needs furniture and houseware donations for the Resale Store! Your donations will magically turn into store proceeds that fund 37% of MAM’s programs and services to help families in need. You can bring donations to the MAM donation door at 1625 Blalock Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays between 10am and 3pm; or, especially for furniture, you can call and MAM will send a delivery truck to pick it up and haul it away! Baker Ripley – Baker Ripley is hosting food distribution fairs at various locations in Houston. They will have two to three per week through October and “need as many volunteers as we can get to prepare food bags and distribute to neighbors directly into the trunks with no contact.” These opportunities and one other, with details and schedules can be found at this link: https://volunteer.bakerripley.org/recruiter/501/OppDetails/1848/COVID-19-Food-Distribution/ ECHOS (Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services) – ECHOS is a Houston based non-profit in Southwest Houston that provides a wide range of health and social services as well as a food pantry for immigrant and low-income communities. FCC supports ECHOS with funding. Since Corona began, ECHOS is overwhelmed somedays, and needs volunteer. So, if anyone is looking for volunteer opportunities please check in with us. To volunteer at ECHOS go to http://echos-houston.org/support-echos/. This news video provides a good picture of ECHOS food pantry service: https://abc13.com/covid-covid19-coronavirus-echos/6135467/ Kids’ Meals, Inc. - Kids’ Meals, Inc. serves poverty-stricken children across the city. Normally, they deliver about 3,000 meals each weekday. Now, there is so much demand that they recently dropped off nearly 7,000 meals in one day. Volunteers are needed to work in the warehouse, in the “kitchen” preparing meals, or as delivery drivers. Also, you and your family can make kids’ lunches in the comfort and safety of your own home! Instructions for this opportunity are here: https://kidsmealsinc.org/wp-content/uploads/PAGE-2-DIY-Lunch-Pack-Instructions-7-13-20.pdf and https://kidsmealsinc.org/wp-content/uploads/DIY-Bag-Decorating-Instructions-1-1-20-1.pdf. For more information or to sign up as a Kids’ Meals volunteer, go to https://kidsmealsinc.org/take-action/volunteer/ or contact Carlton Cook at jcarltoncook@gmail.com or 713-705- 1947. Conveniently, you can sign up for a volunteer time slot on their online calendar. Heights Interfaith Food Pantry (https://himfoodpantry.org/home/volunteer/) Volunteer opportunities are available at different times every week. Once you sign up as a volunteer, they have a convenient Sign Up Genius online to schedule your service times. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4da8ad2ba0f49-adminstrator Guillermo Garza has been volunteering there. Houston Food Bank is crowd sourcing delivery drivers to get food to hungry people: https://crowdsourcerescue.com/campaigns/home/190?scope_campaigns=190. Contact Krysia Lynes at krysia@fcc-houston.org with questions. Masks Needed - Face masks are needed by several organizations, particularly for children. If you are willing and able to make, find, or buy masks, please contact Chuck Stilwell at (chuckstilwell58@gmail.com, 406-491-1129) or Robin Stilwell (stilwell.robin@gmail.com or 713-702-9448). We can provide several mask patterns for those who have the will and skill to sew some. Here is a photo below from volunteer opportunities of FCC members and friends:

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Doug Hummel and Guillermo Garza at Heights Interfaith Food Pantry.

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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HOUSTON

10840 Beinhorn Road - Houston, Texas 77024 Phone: 713.468.9543 | www.fcc-houston.org

The Reverend Jonathan C. Page, Senior Minister | jon@fcc-houston.org Krysia Lynes, Director of Christian Education | krysia@fcc-houston.org

M. J. Gallop, Minister of Music | mj@fcc-houston.org Stevie Berryman, Director of Handbells

Jane Bradbery, Office Administrator | office@fcc-houston.org Gary Wurl, Financial Secretary | financialsecretary@fcc-houston.org

Richard Heustess, Bookkeeper | rheustess@aol.com Terry Smith, Wedding Coordinator | weddingcoordinator@fcc-houston.org

Maggi Tucker, Minister of Music Emerita | hymnal@fcc-houston.org

Church Officers: Moderator: Anne Amador | anamador@earthlink.net

Vice Moderator: Pat Rickey | patrickey2@att.net Treasurer: Shawn Gleason | shawnpgleason@gmail.com

Clerk: Denise Zoch | darz@singindog.com Board of Christian Education: Naomi Black | naomih.black@gmail.com Board of Communications: Sydney Isaacs | sydneyrisaacs@gmail.com Board of Church in Society: Roxanne Taylor | rstaylor50@gmail.com

Board of Deacons: Lynette Ross | mlynetteross@gmail.com Board of Hospitality co-Chair: Diane Foote | dfoote52@yahoo.com

Board of Hospitality co-Chair: Phyllis Roberts | phyllis_roberts@hotmail.com Board of Missions: Chuck Stilwell | chuckstilwell58@gmail.com

Board of Trustees: Tom O’Neill | twoneill@hotmail.com At-Large Members:

John Fosseen | fosseen@sbcglobal.net Eric Toskey | daddyeric@me.com

UCC Delegates: Doug Bernard | doug.bernard@live.com

Jane Holland | jdh9231@gmail.com Darlene Jones | djones8740@aol.com

Krysia Lynes | krysia@fcc-houston.org Sue Earl | jearl8925@sbcglobal.net

In case of emergencies, contact Rev. Jon Page at 203-815-3816.

FCC is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. We joyfully welcome everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.