Our regular services of worship are held each Sunday at 10:00am in the sanctuary of our church. There is ample parking space in the lot behind the church, and the sanctuary is wheelchair accessible. The service itself is an hour-long, and features hymn-singing, special music provided by the choir, and a “Children’s Sermon,” in addition to three scripture lessons and sound Biblical preaching and prayer. Prayer requests are welcomed each Sunday from all who attend.
We have a blended congregation, with an average attendance of 58 people, and have a style that is perhaps best classified as “low church;” that is, there is no incense or kneeling, and it’s both pleasantly didactic and interactive. Neither laughter nor congregational “amens” are rare in our services. Worship is always a time of renewal and refreshment for us.
After our services, we have a time of fellowship with coffee, juice and light breakfast snacks such as cookies and donuts. This, too, offers those who attend an opportunity to catch up with each other and share celebrations and concerns.
Our church school runs concurrent with worship, however, even the littlest members of our congregation begin worship with us before leaving for their Sunday instruction after the Children’s Sermon. As all baptized members in the family of Christ are welcome to receive Communion in our tradition, the children return to church to receive Communion with us on our Communion Sunday, which is typically the first Sunday of each month.
Depending on the Church Calendar, special Services of Worship are held throughout the year, and some of our Sundays feature special events such as baptisms, congregational celebrations, and recognitions. Because we actively participate in the Syosset/Woodbury Interfaith Clergy Group, ecumenical and interfaith Services of Worship are also held at various times throughout the year.
It would certainly be our pleasure to have the opportunity to worship with you. We do hope that you will join us.
OUR CHOIR:
Choir Rehearsal Before Worship: Choir rehearsals our held every Thursday at [8:00 pm] in the Church sanctuary. Can you sing?
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The Church School takes a brief hiatus until Rally Day, September 13th. We are grateful for the new children who have entered our program and for the devoted teaching staff of Sandy Allecia, Virginia Lemanczyk, Fay Paquette and substitute Sue Kuchenbrod. Thank you for sharing your faith with our children and the time and preparation this task requires. Enjoy your summer!
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Prayer Service December 27, 2009
THE COMMUNITY CHURCH
OF SYOSSET
An Open and Affirming United Church of Christ
36 Church Street, Syosset, NY 11791-2605
Tel: 516-921-2240 • Fax: 516-677-0437
Website: www.communitychurchofsyosset.org
Welcome to our worship service this morning. If you
are worshipping with us for the first time, we hope you
will return often (and please sign our Guest Book in
the narthex).
As an “Open and Affirming” congregation in the
United Church of Christ, we extend our welcome to all people—those of every color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, economic status, marital status, age, and ability—into the full life and ministry of our congregation.
CHURCH STAFF
Pastor – The Rev. Sean B. Murray
Ministers to the World – All the Congregation
Director of Music – Tamara Pilosov
Administrative Assistant – Mary B. Petersen
Sexton – William Rodriquez Vera
SERVICE NOTES
Greeter – Joan Reisacher
Lay Participant – Ginny Kowalski
Ushers – Helen Kaiteris and Alice Kristian
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COFFEE HOUR: Please join us for coffee and goodies following
our worship service downstairs in the Community Room. Ginny Lemanczyk is our hostess this morning
CHURCH OFFICE is closed until January 5.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Please join us for our next Forum on Sunday, January 10th, immediately following our worship service. Pastor Murray will present and lead us in a discussion of his doctoral project which, as many of you know, concerns the history of the Community Church.
CHOIR REHEARSAL meets every Thursday at 8 PM
WINTER COATS NEEDED: Once again we are collecting winter coats and jackets for the needy. Please if you have either a coat or jacket that you no longer wear please bring it to church to help those less fortunate.
RED BUCKET: The Long Island Council of Churches Food Distribution Center sent the following request of their needs: Canned vegetables, soup, canned fruit/vegetables, 100% fruit juice, pasta, rice, complete pancake mix, instant oatmeal, grits, dry cereal, canned beans, canned tuna/chicken, salmon, canned stew, nuts, peanut butter, jelly, dry milk, parmalat, soup, shampoo, toiletries.
FLOWER CHART: Our new Flower Chart for 2008 is posted in the sanctuary on the door to the church office. Please help defray the cost of altar flowers each Sunday by donating to the Altar Flower Fund for any occasion. The cost is only $20 – if everyone signed up for one Sunday it would cover the cost for the year!
SUPERMARKET DOLLARS FUNDRAISER: Don’t forget to purchase your King Kullen gift cards during coffee hour. The church needs your support.
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OUR PRAYER LIST
Please join us in offering prayers for continued healing and
peace for…
Vincent Albanese, Marcia and Larry Atlas, Diane Becker, Russ Bird, Tom Cassidy, Carla Castellano, Chuck Cotrell, John Dahlberg, Bruce Davito, Robert DiCandia, Beth Ann Dragone, Walter Dryer, Fran Elligers, Joyce Esposito, Katie Ferrara, Irving Finker, Tracy Friedman, Howard Goldstein, Tristen Jacob Isserles, Barbara Jaccoma, Jane Jackson, Marilyn Jones, Gail Kraeuter, Bill and Helen Kupec, Joyce Leineke, Cami McCormick, Ellen MacDonald, Al Meyer, Michael, Louise Miller, Mary Neale, Bill Reckman, Clara Sawyers, Schoggins Family, John Seeke, Rona Seperson, Rebecca Sheehy, Steve Tell, Robin Waslin, Steven Waslin, and Alvin Williams.
If you know of someone who should be added to our list, please be sure to jot his or her name in the White Book.
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FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 27, 2009
10:00 AM
PRELUDE
(Please maintain a respectful silence during this time)
RINGING OF THE BELL
CHORAL INTROIT
CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Rejoice in God who is our life and salvation.
The time of jubilation has come.
Many: A child has been born to us, the Son of God has come. The Almighty has set out our garments of grace.
One: All shall see and behold God’s beauty.
The family of Christ shall be radiant with hope.
Many: Let us clothe ourselves with the gifts of heaven
that righteousness and peace may abound.
One: Our God reigns in all creation, and makes his wonders
known. The Holy Child has come to deliver us.
Our Christ shall lead us in celebration and victory.
ALL: Praise and glory to God in the highest.
Peace to all on earth.
The Lord is in our midst
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: Joy to the World No. 143
WELCOME
INVOCATION
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PROFESSION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
ANTHEM
CHILDREN’S TIME
*SHARING GOD’S PEACE
SCRIPTURE LESSONS: *1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (OT p 246)
*Colossians 3:12-17 (NT p 201))
*Luke 2:41-52 (NT p 59)
SERMON: “Dress in the Gifts from Heaven”
*HYMN OF RESPONSE: While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks
No. 154
(vv 1, 3-4, 6)
OFFERING AND OFFERTORY ANTHEM
*DOXOLOGY:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CELEBRATIONS
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OUR PRAYERFUL RESPONSE:
*Call for Prayer Requests and Concerns
*Pastoral Prayer
*The Prayer of Our Savior :
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
*Silent Prayer
*Choral Response
*RECESSIONAL HYMN: What Child Is This No. 162
*PASTORAL BENEDICTION
UNISON CHORAL BENEDICTION: Go in Peace No. 445
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.
Celebrate and share the joy! Celebrate new life!
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.
RINGING OF THE BELL
POSTLUDE
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OUR PRAYER LIST
