Sunday at First Church: February 12 — Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

February 12, 2012
President Lincoln's Birthday

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: Lay Up Your Treasures in Heaven, Pepper Choplin

The Celebration Singers

Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Anthem: The Road Not Taken, Randall Thompson

The Senior Choir

Hymn: Gift of Love

Offertory: Allegretto, Frederic Chopin

Hymn: O God in Whom All Life Begins

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13 "When I was a child, I acted like a child...but then I gave up childish ways..... Faith, hope and love abide...the greatest of these is love."

Sermon: Growing Up is Hard to Do—The word "love," when we use it casually, can be soft, mushy, sentimental. The meaning of the Christian word "love" is anything but. The sort of love that Christianity aims to teach us means to make us grow up beyond our small egos, into the maturity of Christ-like love for others, for the world. This takes courage. And somebody to help us.

Church School: K-5 ~ Powerful Play with Linda Heidorn!

Youth Groups: P.I.G.'s – No meeting this week. Initiate's – 6 p.m. – 8p.m. – First Church

Second Hour This Sunday: Interim Discussion Number 5 — First Church and Its Building. How do we experience the building as a facility for our mission and ministries? What are the pluses and challenges associated with it?