Sunday at First Church: The Third Sunday of Advent

God's Timing, and Not Our Own

Sunday, December 11
10 a.m.

First Church of Christ,
Congregational (UCC)
190 Court Street
Middletown, CT

Advent — Our season of learning again to watch for how unexpectedly God does things.

Worship begins at 10 a.m. with our Interim Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Brenda Pelc-Faszcza. First Church is an Open and Affirming church. No matter where you are in life's journey, you are welcome. Sunday school meets during worship. Child care is provided.


Music

Prelude: Pat-A-Pan, arr. Jason Krug
The Heart in Hand Bell Choir

Hymn: Gentle Joseph, Joseph Dear

Anthem: What Cheer? William Walton
The Senior Choir

Hymn: My Soul Gives Glory to My God

Offertory: What Is This Lovely Fragrance? Arr. Cathy Moklebust

Hymn: People Look East

Postlude: On This Day Earth Shall Ring, arr. Michael Mazzatenta


Scripture Reading: Luke 1:39-55

Sermon: When It’s Time.

In the narratives of Luke, Elizabeth and Mary are going to have babies. The timing is odd and unexpected for both of them. This seems to be how God works, reversing all the norms and expectations, as Mary sings in her Magnificat. “God has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name.” How often our own glimpses of holiness seem to depend on our capacity to go with reversal -- to let God’s timing be God’s timing, and not our own.

Sunday School: Powerful Play – Walk to Bethlehem