Congregational – United Church Of Christ

†

Gathered December 16, 1685

“No matter who you are, whom you love, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

THE FIRST CHURCH ________________________________________________________________________________________

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Morning Worship Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

October 17, 2021 8:30 & 10:00 AM

*If it is comfortable for you to do so, please stand

APPROACH TO GOD Let us keep silence as we prepare for worship.

MEDITATION “The greatest honor we can give Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love.”

Julian of Norwich

PRELUDE Voluntary, Op. 7, Nr. 8 J. Stanley

Andante staccato (1713 – 1786) Allegro Adagio Fugue

CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 104:1-2, 4, 24) Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Bless the Lord, O my soul! People: O Lord my God, I stand in awe of Your greatness. Leader: Your being is clothed with honor and majesty and robed in light. People: You stretch out the heavens like a tent, making the winds Your messengers, Leader: And fire and flame Your servants. People: How great are Your works, O God! Leader: In Your wisdom You created the earth and all that is within it. People: In thanksgiving, let us come before the Lord our God.

*HYMN “Are Ye Able,” Said the Master BEACON HILL

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION Leader: Let us approach the throne of grace through the mercies and merits of Christ our Lord. People: Our living God, You are very near to us in our joys and pains. Forgive us when we fail to thank You for all Your gifts. Have mercy on us when we turn our backs on You. Give us faith to see our life’s purpose and grant us courage to live it. Open our hearts to the needs of those who cry out from their misery or suffer in silence, that we may share with them Your healing compassion. Help us receive this gift, too, when we are in need. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A time of silence for personal confession

ASSURANCE OF PARDON Leader: Jesus is our high priest Who alone is holy, blameless, pure, set apart and exalted above the heavens. Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood and is able to save those who come to God through Him. In His name, I declare that you are forgiven. People: Thanks be to God.

*PRAISE #8/1 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee HYMN TO JOY

(10:00) THE CONGREGATION SINGS:

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, Drive the dark of doubt away

Give of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day.

GREETINGS

WITNESSING STEWARD Bill McIntyre

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS (10:00)

We welcome you with joy as partners in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share the hope and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. God grant that together we may continue to grow in God’s knowledge and love, and be witnesses of our risen Lord.

PROCLAMATION OF GOD'S WORD

SCRIPTURE READINGS Isaiah 53: 4-12 Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He

was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Mark 10:35-45 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

GRATIA TIBI Thanks Be to Thee T. Tallis (10:00) CHANCEL CHOIR (1505 – 1585)

ANTHEM Surely, He Hath Borne Our Griefs G. F. Händel (10:00) from “The Messiah” (1685 – 1759)

SERMON “Heaven Help Those Who Get What They Want” Rev. Dr. Andrew Armstrong

*HYMN In a Lowly Manger Born MABUNE (10:00)

RESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD CENTERING PRAYER (Unison) God of Majesty, we are surrounded by the abundance of Your gifts and touched by Your grace. Our words of praise do not match the wonders of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and prepare us for prayer on behalf of Your church and Your world. Amen.

PRAYER CONCERNS

SILENT PRAYERS and PASTORAL 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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

PRAYER RESPONSE Lead Me, Lord S. S. Wesley (10:00) (1810 – 1876)

OFFERTORY Gathered in God’s Love S. Pethel FIRST FOLK (*1950)

*THE DOXOLOGY #515 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 (Unison) Holy God, you have greater things in store for us than we could ever have for ourselves. Still, we fear giving ourselves over to you. Accept these gives as our next step in faithfulness. We look to your grace to guide us further in the way of Christ. Amen.

*HYMN God Will Take Care of You MARTIN

*BENEDICTION

The congregation is kindly asked to remain seated for the POSTLUDE.

BENEDICTUS Go Now in Peace D. Besig (10:00) (*1936)

POSTLUDE Postludium H. Schroeder (1904 – 1984)

OUR WORSHIP HAS ENDED; OUR SERVICE BEGINS

*************************************************************************

AV TEAM CAMERA CREW: Doug Brenner, Joe Glajch, Lee Hauenstein, Craig Neth, Don Smith-Weiss and Dennis Webster DEACON OF THE DAY: Kimberly Lynch HYMNS: Hymns for the Family of God, Pilgrim Hymnal, New Century Hymnal, CCLI#3034682 *************************************************************************

CHURCH SCHOOL AND CHILDCARE are offered at 10:00 AM on Sunday for infants through Grade 8. All children (3 years-7th grade) start in the sanctuary each Sunday with their parents. After the children’s message, students leave for their classes. The Ushers will be happy to direct newcomers to childcare and classrooms. *************************************************************************

PLEASE USE THE VARIOUS CARDS IN THE PEW RACKS TO HELP KEEP THE STAFF INFORMED OF YOUR PASTORAL NEEDS.

************************************************************************* HEARING AIDS AND LARGE PRINT OF HYMNS AND PRAYERS

ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

************************************************************************* HOSPITALIZATIONS - IF YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER IS HOSPITALIZED,

PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE.

************************************************************************* Have you remembered First Church in your will?

************************************************************************* MASK USE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED WHILE

INSIDE THE CHURCH BUILDINGS.

************************************************************************* JOIN US FOR LEMONADE AND FELLOWSHIP IN THE

COURTYARD FOLLOWING WORSHIP (WEATHER PERMITTING).

Christian Formation Today in the Sunday School October 17, 2021

Today is the 21st Sunday after Pentecost and the liturgical color is green.

Christian Formation thrives on the volunteer support of our Board, teachers, assistants and nursery care workers.

God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble meek and patient. ~Colossians 3:12

NURSERY CARE The church nursery opens at 9:45 AM to care for children (infants through age 2) during the 10:00 AM worship service. Nursery coordinators are on hand to greet parents and explain the procedure for checking in and picking up your child.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Preschool, K, 1 & 2 are learning the story of Noah. God keeps God’s promises.

3rd and 4th-graders are learning about the Bible and making symbol selections for their Bibles. Reformation Sunday is October 31st and both 3rd and 4th graders will receive Bibles on that day.

5th and 6th-graders will be learning about the Bible and why it was written.

MAD is learning about the sacrament of Communion.

BIBLE SUNDAY Grades 3 & 4 will come forward to receive their Bibles on Reformation Sunday, October 31. Fourth-graders who did receive Bibles last fall are invited to come forward this year to receive a second Bible. A Bible with a cloth cover and a rainbow bookmark will be at the altar for you.

Teachers and assistants for all classrooms and the nursery will be receiving NIrV Children’s and Study Bibles from Christian Formation.

CONFIRMATION

Class meets today in the Fireside Room at 11:30 AM.

CROPWALK - Sunday October 24: Confirmands & Mentors will join for the yearly Crop Hunger Walk in Nashua. Check out the details for this community event!

Registration is from 12:00-1:00pm at Temple Beth Abraham, 4 Raymond Street in Nashua

Kick off service begins at 1:00 and the walk should begin around 1:20 3.4 MILE WALK to be followed by BBQ and celebration!

BIBLES - On October 31 Confirmands learn about (and receive) the Bible.

SEND IN NEW COLLEGE ADDRESSES! Attention Parents! In order for our young people, who are away at college, to receive a care package, we ask that you please send your children’s current address to LeeAnne at lsteenhoek@tfcucc.org by October 17. Thank you.

CANDY FOR HALLOWEEN CARE PACKAGES On October 24, the MAD service group will pack and mail Halloween care packages to our young people who are away at college. Donations of wrapped candy are greatly appreciated. Leave your donations the marked bins at the courtyard entrance and on the windowsill near the Welcome Center by 10:00 AM on October 24.

Church Happenings and Outreach

First Church Holiday Fair Silent Auction online ENDS TODAY! https://www.32auctions.com/FirstChurchSilentAuction2

Check out all of the wonderful items and place your bids! All proceeds from the fair and the auction benefit the Dominican Republic Mission Trip in February 2022.

++++

Adult Winter Retreat - Marie Joseph Spiritual Center Biddeford Pool, Maine - January 21 – January 23, 2022

Rev. Andy Armstrong will lead the retreat with a theme around simplicity and sabbatical. This retreat is the perfect time for reflection, relaxation, prayer, worship, and fellowship. The cost for the weekend is $240.00 per person, and includes lodging for 2 nights and 5 meals. A non-refundable deposit of $120.00 per person is due ASAP with the balance due by January 7, 2022. Scholarships are available. To register, sign up at the Welcome Center, contact Sue Englander, or stop by the church office.

++++

“We didn’t start the Fire” Study Series with Rev. Andy - Billy Joel is right: “We didn’t start the fire. It was always burning since the world’s been turning.” Still, the flames are hot. In this series, Rev. Andy will look at the burning issues of the day with God’s help, scripture, music, culture and your participation in Christian love. This series continues on Wednesdays, through November 3, 7:00-8:30 PM. Sign up at the welcome center or online at https://forms.gle/UrfPaChWmMnLf2VD6 See the October newsletter for more information.

++++

Crop Walk 2021 - Sunday, October 24. This year’s Nashua Crop Hunger Walk plans call for an in-person event with numerous COVID precautions.

Registration is from 12:00-1:00pm at Temple Beth Abraham, 4 Raymond Street in Nashua

Kick off service begins at 1:00 and the walk should begin around 1:20 3.4 MILE WALK to be followed by BBQ and celebration!

Last year Nashua was ranked 12th in the nation for fund raising, so we hope to have another banner year for participation. Please contact Jay Darrin or the church office if you’d like to help with recruiting or would like materials to gather pledges for your walk.

The Thank You Project would like to sincerely express our gratitude and appreciation to First Church Nashua for your support and participation at our Water Walk held on September 18, 2021. We have raised a total of $15,041.00, Praise God! We still need $15,000.00 to complete our 4th Water Borehole in Achi (Ijeoma’s village) and present it to our folks as a Christmas present this year, 2021! Please keep us in your prayers and help us to spread the word about the vision and mission of Thank You Project to bless others with our blessings in this great country. www.thankyouprpject.org/donate/ Watch our story on Tuesday, October 19th on NH Chronicle on WMUR-TV at 7pm. Those out of the area can watch on wmur.com at 7pm. Spread the word! Thank you All! May God’s blessings continue to be upon us all as we work together to fulfill His divine will and purpose for humanity. Blessings! Charles Okorie

++++

Thanksgiving Baskets and White Dove Programs - As she has done for many years, Carol Butler will lead these very important outreach programs. Covid has caused her to think “outside the box” again for at least one more year. She will not hold sign-ups following church services. Anyone who is interested in participating in the Thanksgiving Basket program or the White Dove/Silver Dove program, or both, can contact Carol. Her contact information is in the church directory or you may call the church office. This will give her an idea as to how many families the program can take on. We will be doing gift cards for both programs as we did last year. As time goes on, those taking part will receive further information and deadline dates.

++++

Friends of First Music Annual Campaign – Our fundraising campaign for the 2021-2022 First Music Concert Series season is underway. Since the inception of the “Friends” our goal is to have all artist, program and running costs for the Series underwritten by these sponsors, so that ALL concert programs may be Free and Open to the Public. Please consider making a donation to the FRIENDS OF FIRST MUSIC. Simply send a check to the church office in your desired amount made out to FIRST MUSIC CONCERT SERIES with “Friends” in the Memo line! Thank you in advance for your generosity in Bringing the Joy of Music to the Gate City.

Giving Levels: Friends ($1-$99) Patrons ($100-$249) Subscribers ($250-$499) Sponsors ($500-$999) Benefactors ($1,000 +)

Name to be included in the season program booklet.

Contact any of the Music Committee members with questions: Eric Ruthenberg (Chair), Cyndy Carlson, Ellie Freeman, Heather Hochuli, Linda Marquis, David Hotham, Eric Myers, Joseph Olefirowicz (ex officio), Jennifer Summers.

++++

Be a volunteer at the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter! The Tuesday team serves dinner every week from 3:45-6:00 PM. Contact Patti Mullin for more information. The Friday team serves dinner on the 4th Friday of the month from 4:00-6:00 PM. Reach out to Cindy Staradub for more information. Contact information for Patti and Cindy is in the church directory or you may call the church office.

Friday Night at the Movies - October 29 - 7:00 PM: Our latest movie night tells the story of a youngster who may, or may not, be the reincarnation of a teacher. While his American parents try to deal with this possibility, which is explained to them by visiting monks from Tibet, the movie intercuts its modern story with a retelling of the life of Prince Siddhartha, who grew up to become the Buddha. Come join Rev. Jami on Friday October 29 for our first-in-a-year Movie Night. There will be plenty of popcorn and drinks and you are most welcome to bring a dessert to share. Please bring your mask and your curiosity about the religion of Buddhism. It’s sure to be a fun, educational, and entertaining evening. See you there!

++++

Bible, Friends and Coffee meets on Mondays, at 9:30 AM in Fellowship Hall. This year we are going to wrap our hearts and minds around what we are to believe today as Christians in 2021.

++++

Wednesday Morning Men’s Study meets at 8:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. This season we continue with reflections and discussions on Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

++++

Aspects of Christianity - In an effort to further feed the Spirit that is within each of us, First Church is making available small brochures that one may take home and keep. Each mini-brochure is based on one particular area of Christian concern, and consists of scripture and other helpful quotes on that topic. There are 34 different topics that are presented in this way. You will find these brochures displayed a few at a time on the windowsill opposite the Welcome Center. Please feel free to take one of the brochures, and an information sheet about the project. Each brochure has a black and white drawing that you may color if you like.

++++

Prayer Shawls – Please see the display of handmade prayer shawls near the Welcome Center. Crafted by the loving hands and hearts of parishioners, this ministry strives to bring comfort and healing to those in need and to those celebrating. Upon completion of each shawl, a final blessing is said before being sent to the individual. Prayer shawls bless recipients by knowing they are wrapped in loving prayers of healing and celebration from their fellow parishioners. This vital ministry is looking for more knitters. For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, speak with Karen Bianchi, Kay Potfora, or Rev. Jami.

++++

Make a joyful noise! We have openings for new choir members in all choirs. Please consider making a joyful noise and contact the Music Office for more information about membership in one of our many choirs.

++++

The First Church Thrift Shop is open on Thursdays, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. They are accepting donations of FALL & WINTER CLOTHING. Items needed: Boys’ and girls’ clothing up to size 14, baby clothes, women’s clothing (all sizes), costume jewelry, pocket books and accessories, small knickknacks. Leave your donations - clean and in good repair - in the marked bin in the courtyard lobby between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, or on Sunday morning. Contact Gale Cummings, Beth Bartlett or the church office with any questions.

Community Supper Planning at First Church - Rev. Andy along with community and church committee representatives are planning to establish a monthly community supper hosted by First Church. With the Front Door Agency and Family Promise families renting from First Church for transitional housing and even more families living nearby in our neighborhood, these meals will be a good way to further our mission, outreach and community building. We plan to secure food donations to support the meals with help from the Nashua Soup Kitchen. If you are interested in supporting the work of these community suppers at First Church please contact Rev. Andy, Erin Almeda or indicate your interest at the Welcome Center. Stay tuned for more information!

++++

Submit Prayer Concerns Online - Find the ‘prayer request’ button on the worship page for any prayer concerns you would like to share with Rev. Jami. You may also submit a confidential prayer by calling the church office.

++++

Sign up to receive First Church e-News to stay in touch with what’s happening at First Church. Contact Dianne at dsmigliani@tfcucc.org and she will add you to the list.

++++

Pulpit Flowers – If you would like to provide fresh flowers for the pulpit on Sunday morning, sign up on the chart located on the window sill near the welcome center or contact Sue in the church office to see what dates are available.

++++

This Week at First Church SUN OCT 17 8:30am In-Person Worship 9:15am Chapel Chimers, Shaw Chapel 10:00am In-Person Worship & Livestream, Radio Broadcast, Sunday School & Nursery Care 11:20am Joyful Notes, Shaw Chapel

11:30am Confirmation Class, Fireside Room 3:00pm First Music Concert, Sanctuary

MON OCT 18 9:30am Bible, Friends & Coffee, Fellowship Hall 5:30pm Home Health Hospice rehearsal, Sanctuary

TUE OCT 19 7:30am Adult Learning Center, Dining Room 10:00am Staff Meeting

4:00pm Victorian Handworks, Dining Room First Church at NSKS

5:30pm First Schola 6:30pm First Folk

WED OCT 20 8:00am Men’s Group, Fellowship Hall 6:45pm Chancel Choir 7:00pm Discussion Series, Dining Room

THU OCT 21 7:00pm Decibells, Sanctuary

FRI OCT 22 10:00am Organ practice, Sanctuary 4:00pm First Church at NSKS

SAT OCT 23 10:00am Organ practice, Sanctuary 11:00am Sisters in Sobriety, Dining Room

THE FIRST CHURCH STAFF

Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Andrew W. Armstrong, aarmstrong@tfcucc.org

Associate Minister for Congregational Care, Rev. Jami D. Boyle, jboyle@tfcucc.org

Interim Associate Minister, Rev. Andrew Gilman, agilman@tfcucc.org

Minister of Music, Joseph R. Olefirowicz, CAGO, jolefirowicz@tfcucc.org

Director of Christian Formation, LeeAnne Steenhoek, lsteenhoek@tfcucc.org

Church Business and Marketing Manager, Dianne Smigliani, dsmigliani@tfcucc.org

Secretary/Receptionist, Susan T. Englander, senglander@tfcucc.org

Sexton, Steve Buck, sbuck@tfcucc.org

Pastors Emeriti, Rev. James S. Chaloner and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey C. Evans

WELCOME A warm welcome is extended to all who are attending this worship service. A special greeting to those who

are visiting or worshiping here for the first time. Please sign the guest book in the back of the sanctuary or

fill out the visitor card found in the pew racks. Fill out the back of the card, and put it in the offering plate

or hand it to a minister, Usher or Deacon so we may acknowledge your visit. Join in the time of fellowship,

in Chapel Hall, following worship. If you have any questions about the life and ministry of First Church

please seek out the individuals wearing colored name tags; they are members of the various boards and

committees.

INFORMATION First Church was gathered on December 16, 1685 as The Church of Christ in Dunstable. On the same day

Thomas Weld was ordained and settled as minister of the church. The current building, built in 1894, is the

tenth building to house the First Church community. In 1961, the church entered fellowship with the United

Church of Christ. We welcome into our membership any who will own the covenant of First Church and

seek to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ in the community and world. Those interested in joining the

church should contact the church office for information. New members are received during worship in

November, February and May. The Sacrament of Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month

and the Sacrament of Baptism on the last. First Church is supported almost entirely by pledges. Every

member is expected to make a financial pledge according to their ability.

PASTORAL CARE Pastoral Care is available to all in need. Please keep the ministers informed of occasions of sickness, sorrow,

and joy. Let the church office know if you or family member or friend is hospitalized.

COMMUNICATIONS

If you have a change of address, phone number, or email address, please let the church office know so that

we may keep our records current.

All information for the weekly bulletin must be in the office by noon on Wednesday. All information for

the monthly newsletter must be in the office by 4:30 PM on the second Monday of the month.

All use of the building must be scheduled by the Secretary.

One Concord Street * Nashua, New Hampshire 03064 * 882-4861

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-noon & 1:00-4:00pm

Visit our web site at tfcucc.org - Find us on Facebook

THE FIRST CHURCH

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Give online. Scan the QR code to view

one of the giving options available.