Sunday at First Church: February 5 , the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Come Worship in the Warmth
of the Parish Hall

Contribute to
the Souper Bowl of Caring

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

During the coldest months of the year, we worship in our Parish Hall, entering through a "back door" on the left side of the church. This year, worship services will remain in the Parish Hall through March 11th. 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 and child care is provided.

Music
Prelude: A Festive Intrada, Cynthia Dobrinski
The Heart in Hand Bell Choir
Hymn: In Christ There is No East or West
Offertory: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, arr. Charles Maggs
The Heart in Hand Bell Choir
Hymn: I Come with Joy
Anthem: Let Us Break Bread Together, arr. Leland Sateren
The Senior Choir
Hymn: Help Us Accept Each Other

Scripture Reading: Galatians 3:23-38 (“In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek…”) ; John 17:20-26 (“That they may all be one..”)

Sermon: A Communion Story. There are a variety of ways in the world that Christians practice Communion, and some of them may challenge us more than others. But by whatever method, our coming together to the Table is meant, each time, to reconstitute us as the Body of Christ: to make us one again, across all the divides that we can think of. In this, the sacrament means to help us do the same in life – to come together in, from, and to one Source, “across all ages, tongues and races.” As in worship, so in daily life: liturgy is not only an experience in itself, but also practice in what we strive for in all of life.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be served.

Church School: K-5 ~ Communion and Special Music

SOUPER BOWL of CARING collection TODAY. Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat.

In Romans 12:13 we are told: "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." This congregation certainly obeys that command. On Super Bowl Sunday, we will join with other churches, schools and organizations across the country to fight hunger and poverty with the Souper Bowl of Caring. It is a grassroots, faith-based crusade against hunger. All donations received will be given to St. Vincent de Paul Place to continue their effort in feeding the hungry in Middletown.