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The Bath Church
United Church of
Christ
Founded 1818
X
The Eighteenth
day of November in the Year of our Lord 2007
THANKSGIVING
SUNDAY
The Eleventh
Sunday of Kingdomtide
8:30 & 11:00
O’clock |
|
+ Order of
Worship +
November 18,
2007
WELCOME AND WORDS OF COMMUNITY
INTEREST
Welcome to The Bath Church on
this Thanksgiving Sunday. We come before God with grateful hearts for
God’s many blessings seen and unseen. We especially welcome those who are
guests with us today. We look forward to giving you a "Welcome Bag" as you
leave the sanctuary so that you can become better acquainted with us.
Thank you for coming to worship, and we hope that you will join us each
Sunday.
PRELUDE: In the Bleak
Midwinter arr. Susan Geschke
- As the Prelude
begins, let us with silence prepare our hearts for worship -
p
CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 100
Leader: Make a joyful noise
to the Lord, all the earth.
People: Worship the Lord
with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
Leader: Know that the Lord
is God. It is he that made us, and we are his;
People: We are his people,
and the sheep of his pasture.
Leader: Enter his gates
with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
People: Give thanks to God,
bless his name.
All: For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all
generations!
p
HYMN OF PRAISE: Come, Ye Thankful People, Come No. 721
p
COMMUNITY PRAYER:
Most Gracious God, the
seasons come and go; and once again another seedtime and harvest have not
failed. The fruits of the earth have been gathered that they might meet
the needs of your children. We offer you our thanksgiving and pray that
you will feed our souls with the Bread of Life through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
In silence we bring
our prayers of confession….
p
SILENT PRAYER • WORDS OF ASSURANCE • PASSING GOD’S PEACE: "May the peace
of Christ be with you."
p
RESPONSE: Give Thanks No. 359
Give thanks with a grateful
heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because he’s given Jesus
Christ his Son.
And now let the weak say "I
am strong," let the poor say "I am rich," because of what the Lord has
done for us. Give thanks!
SCRIPTURE READING:
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 OT pg. 168
ANTHEM: A Festival Psalm
150 R. Vanderuliet, Jr.
THE CHILDREN’S MOMENT (After
which children age six and under may leave for childcare)
p
HYMN OF PREPARATION: Now Thank We All Our God No. 14
SERMON: Celebrating the
Bounty of God’s Goodness Rev. Mark Frey
THE OFFERING OF OUR TITHES AND
GIFTS
THE OFFERTORY MUSIC:
Prière à Notre-Dame L. Boëllmann
ANOINTING FOR HEALING: Come
forward for yourself or another.
p
THE DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER No. 34
PRAYER CONCERNS AND
CELEBRATIONS
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S
PRAYER ("sins")
p
HYMN OF COMMITMENT: Let All Things Now Living No. 22
p
THE BENEDICTION AND BLESSING
Our tradition is to hold
hands during the singing of the Benediction.
Go now in peace, never be
afraid.
God will go with you each
hour of every day.
Go now in peace, in faith,
and in love.
p
POSTLUDE: Come Ye Thankful People Come J. Mansfield
p All that are able are invited to stand.
PARTICIPANTS TODAY
Clergy: Rev. Mark
Frey (preaching), Rev. Jim Cunningham
Lay Leader: (8:30)
Craig Beaumont
Children’s Moment:
Rev. Cunningham
Music: Debbie
Heubeck, Music Ministries Director; Jeff Sonoda, Organist; Prelude: Prime
Time Chimes
Acolytes: (8:30)
Avery Dakota, Noah Dakota; (11:00) Matthew Parker, Steven McDevitt
The altar cornucopia
arrangement is offered by the Altar Guild in thanks to our great and
beneficent God for all blessings abundantly bestowed upon us.
A THANKFUL HEART CAN THRIVE IN
ALL FAITHS – The men and women of the Akron Area Interfaith council
invite you and your family to offer this prayer of thanksgiving at your
thanksgiving table this year. We invite you to join us in working for a
world where all seek peace, respect and justice. We are all God’s children.
"O Creator and God of All, We give thanks for all that we have. For our
food, we give thanks. Help us to remember those who are hungry. Instill in
us the goal to feed all of your people. For our friends, we give thanks.
Help us to remember those who are alone. Instill in us the care to bring
others into our circle. For our job, we give thanks. Help us to remember the
jobless. Instill in us the resources to find jobs for all. For our health,
we give thanks. Help us to care for those with health needs. Instill in us
the focus to provide all with needed health care. For the beauty of nature,
we give thanks. Help us to remember that we are stewards of creation.
Instill in us the wisdom and will to care for our planet. When we sit to
rest and think that all is well, stir us up to know that your work is not
done. Instill in us the heart to love all as we serve all. Amen."
Written by Dr. Michael A.
Petrochuk (Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church) ) and the other members of the
Akron Area Interfaith Council
LARGE PRINT
BULLETINS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE USHERS
WE ENCOURAGE
PARENTS TO USE OUR NURSERIES: We have two nurseries, both located on the
2nd floor. Room 209 is for infants through 18 months and Room 207
is for toddlers 18 months to 3 years (for your child’s safety, a pager must
be used while your child is in child care). Children 4 years through 1st
grade may go to the Care Room after the children’s moment. It’s located on
the second floor in Room 204. If at any time you need assistance, please
speak to one of the ushers.
BIRTHDAYS:
November 19: Catherine Ford,
Carl Meador
November 20: Kallen Bowers
November 22: Mildred Steiner,
Denny Swigert
November 23: JR Rudgers, Jill
Martin, Spencer Haught
November 24: Josh Cox, Katie
Hanus, Robin Anselm, Lisa Martin
November 25: John Orr
ANNIVERSARIES:
November 18: Helen & Lowell
Fifer
November 19: Joan & Chuck
Mockbee, Stephanie & Jack Kuentz
November 20: Jackie & Andy
Bettick
November 22: Chris & George
Leidy
November 24: Sara & Bill
Schwager, Shari & Bob Whitfield
 A
Stephen Ministry Congregation
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Room to
Worship, Serve and Grow
OFFICE HOURS:
MONDAY – FRIDAY: 9:00 AM TO 4:30 PM |
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BLOOD PRESSURES will be
taken today at 9:45 in the family room.
ADULT FORUM for NOVEMBER:
TODAY- "Learning
How to Relax: A Demonstration." Do you have to learn to be tense.
No, it just comes with life. Unfortunately, not so with
relaxation. Come, learn about and experience a relaxation technique
with Rev. Jim Cunningham.
ADULT DRIVERS NEEDED
TONIGHT Nov. 18th (6:30-8pm) for the Sr. High Scavenger
Hunt to benefit the Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s Food Pantry. If
interested, contact Adam Marquette
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN BY THE
NUMBERS
As of 11.13.07.....
45% of pledges are in.
Amount pledged to date is
50% of our campaign goal = $1,094,000
Average pledge is $7442.00;
the median pledge is $2000.00
30% of pledges received are
for $5000 or more.
To meet our goal of $2.2
million, the remaining 55% of pledges must average $6178.00.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN BY THE
HEART
Bath Church is an
investment in our future. What we give will come back to us in
countless ways.
As members of Bath Church,
we can be proud of the contributions we make.
25% of our giving goes to
missions! We have a reputation for our fine Christian Education and
Youth Programs.
Our music ministry touches
the lives of all our members, from choirs to musicians to sound
technicians and the congregation that enjoys the weekly hymns and
regular musicals and concerts. Samaritans visit shut ins, the
breadwinners and the prayer shawl ministry delivers love and warmth to
those in need of extra prayer support.
The Parish Nurse provides
programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle, including flu shots and
blood pressure checks monthly.
The Stephen Ministry
provides trained Stephen Ministers to support us when we need it the
most. Women's Christian Fellowship provides a myriad of activities that
provide social events and raise money for the activities of the church.
And there is so much
more.....
Bath Church and its message
of Christ's love and hope provides the foundation for our lives.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE:
The Akron Area Interfaith Council invites us to an Interfaith
Thanksgiving Service, Wednesday, November 21 at 7:00pm at
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on West Market Street. This is a great
opportunity to share with other religious traditions in giving thanks.
BATH CHURCH BRASS CHOIR
is playing at the Tree Festival, Saturday, November 24 at 11am at
the Knight Center in downtown Akron. |
MEMORIAL GARDEN BRICKS:
Weather permitting on Sunday, November 25 at 10:00am, Rev Frey
will set the bricks for:
Karen Licklider, Tony
Jordan, and Fred Bleichrodt in the Garden behind Fellowship Hall. This
time is open to all who wish to attend.
WCF CRAFT NIGHT on
Friday, November 23 from 5:00pm to midnight. Come join us in
Fellowship Hall as we make Christmas cards (40) for the Christmas
baskets that we make every year for our homebound friends.
REMEMBRANCE: On
Sunday, November 25 during both services of worship, we will
remember those of our church who have died in the last year. This has
become a tradition for us at Memorial Day and on the last Sunday of the
church year, before Advent.
ADVENT WORKSHOP will be
held Sunday, November 25 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.
Crafts will be on display for sign ups in the Narthex on Nov. 11 & 18.
Craft tickets may be purchased at the display tables. Extra tickets will
be available at the Workshop. A potluck supper will begin at 4:30pm (we
provide pizza, lemonade, milk, water & utensils) and the crafts begin at
5:30pm with the hanging of the greens and a carol sing at 7:00pm.
Everyone is welcome at this Bath Church traditional way to welcome in
the Advent Season. We will have babysitting this year! Craft leaders are
still needed to lead crafts that we provide. Please contact Betsy
Painting (330.334.1718) or Connie Carpenter (330.665.9052) if you can
help.
NOVEMBER IS YOUTH RETREAT
MONTH!
Sr. High Retreat (9th-12th
grades) Friday thru Sunday, November 30-December 2 Camp Buckeye
Retreat Center…Camp fires, great food, tons of fun. If you’re
interested—join us!!! Retreat forms have been sent out. SR. HIGH
RETREAT permission forms are due today!! If you need a form, contact
Adam or go to
www.bathyouthministry.blogspot.com
NEEDED: GREENS for our
WREATHES
We need a source for greens
for the outdoor wreathes. We have a crew to cut greens Saturday
morning, November 24. If you have greens, please call the church or
Rev Frey.
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
is set for Saturday, December 1 at the Akron City Women’s
Club. Babysitting will be available and there may be a possibility of
carpooling.
Tickets will be on sale
November 18 & 25 in the Narthex.
EVENING WOMEN’S GROUP
Join us for a last minute ‘get caught up’ for Christmas with the Evening
Women’s Group. On Thursday, December 13 at 7:00pm in the Hospitality
Room you can bring your gifts to wrap, cards to address or your gift
list and finish your shopping. Babysitting will be available if needed,
just let us know. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share and
let’s enjoy some good company while finishing up our Christmas tasks.
RSVP to Lisa Martin at 330-665-2232 by Tuesday, Dec. 11. |
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NEXT WEEK: November 25, 2007
The Reign of
Christ Sunday
Rev. Frey
preaching: “Celebrating the Fullness of Christ”
Colossians 1:11-26
Remembrance of
Those Who Have Died |
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ALL CHURCH CHRISTMAS DINNER:
We are planning to hold
our All Church Christmas Dinner in Fellowship Hall on
Sunday, December 2nd at
5:30pm.
The church will provide the entrée and beverages. We are looking for
people to sign up TODAY for the Christmas dinner! We also need some
volunteers to prepare beverages and serve the entree, and we need a
clean-up crew after the event. Please watch for sign-up opportunities
or contact the Church Office.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH: The Bath Church is one of
three host locations for the Akron Symphony Orchestra's performance of
Handel's "Messiah". The performance will be at 3 PM on Sunday, December
2nd in our Sanctuary. A limited number of tickets (500) are available
for this concert and Bath Church members have an early opportunity to
purchase seats. All tickets are $20 (no discounts apply). Tom Clark will
be selling tickets in the Narthex for the next 2 Sundays (Nov 18 & 25)
between services. You may pay by cash, check or credit card. Tickets are
also available thru the Akron Symphony Ticket office. Additional details
are available at AkronSymphony.org.
WCF CHRISTMAS BASKETS will be assembled on
Tuesday, December 4 from 7:00-9:00pm. If you see anything when you’re
out and about that may be a good item to include in the baskets for our
elderly, please pick it up and you will be reimbursed (questions,
contact Gayle Phelps 330-239-6609. Items that we have purchased in the
past are pencils, pens, hard candies, calendars, large print books, and
hot chocolate packets.
SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING: Bath Church will once again "ring
the bell" for the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign. We need
individuals, couples and families to volunteer for a one hour shift on
Saturday December 8th. We will be at Sam's Club in Montrose from 9 AM
until 9 PM. We would like at least 2 people at each shift. A sign up
sheet is in the Narthex. If you have questions, please contact chairman
Alex Balogh.
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LADIES!!
Please take a few minutes to complete the brief WCF survey that is being
distributed this weekend between services. We'd like to know what would
be of interest to you, the women of our congregation. Although we have
programs and events in place already, there's always room for
improvement! Please place your questionnaire in the survey box that's
located in the Narthex. UNICEF BOXES may be turned in to the Christian
Education Office or your Sunday School classrooms anytime in November.
Thanks for helping kids around the world.
ACME RECEIPT BOXES OUT: Save your Acme Store receipts from
September through March to help our youth programming. Boxes are out in
the narthex areas.
MUSIC LEADERS NEEDED for our Sunday School music program (K – 3rd
grade). Please contact Connie Claes at 330.666.3520, ext. 17.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE: Please join us in trying to collect 500
food items to donate to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s Food Pantry. We’ll
take the food to the church after Thanksgiving – when the pantry is
pretty bare. Boxes are in place on both floors for your donations of:
canned meats & tuna; sugar & flour; ketchup & mustard; dinner box mixes;
cake mixes & frosting; and instant vanilla & chocolate pudding mixes.
CHRISTMAS ALTAR POINSETTIAS will be available for purchase as
memorials this Advent season. Ladies of the Altar Guild will be
available after worship in the Narthex to take orders on Sundays,
November 25, December 2 and 9. The cost of the double stem is $12 and
the triple stem is $15.75. |
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 The
Giving
Tree
Sharing
God’s
Love
Christmas season is
around the corner and the “Giving Tree” committee is again asking for
your support. We will be asking congregation members to choose one or
more tags from the tree for Akron area individuals in need. The tree
will be available before and after Sunday worship November 25 and
December 2 in the Narthex. Gifts are to be retuned to the Community
Room before or after Sunday worship, December 9. This year we hope to
donate 323 gifts.
The following seven
agencies will receive a Merry Christmas from Bath Church.
1.
Battered
Women’s Shelter – This agency helps provide emergency shelter, support,
and court services for domestic violence victims.
2.
Akron
Pregnancy Services – This agency helps provide education and support for
teens, women, and men who are dealing with unplanned or difficult
pregnancies.
3.
D. Bruce
Mansfield Center – This agency specializes in treatment for adults, age
50+ who face challenges of alcohol and drug problem. Services include
hospital, consultants, counseling, and outpatient programs.
4.
H.M. Life
Opportunity Services. They provide help to the adult homeless who have
children and also a history of substance abuse. The goal is
self-sufficiency.
5.
Open-M -
This is a neighborhood ministry that helps inner city Akron persons by
providing a Food Pantry and a free medical clinic. This non-profit
organization also tutors children and helps families emerge from
poverty.
6.
Access,
Inc. – This agency provides emergency shelter for homeless women and
their children with a transitional program.
7.
Ready,
Set, Go – This agency provides assistance to families that are no longer
on welfare, but in need of support during this transitional time.
This is a wonderful
program and your continued support is greatly appreciated.
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