Sunday at First Church: The Fifth Sunday of Easter

The Lesson of the Branches
and the Vine

The mission of First Church is to engage and support people in worship, learning, fellowship, and service, so that all may find in our community the Spirit of the living Christ. We are an Open and Affirming Church:  All are welcome into the full life of our community regardless of their race, age, gender, nationality, marital status, economic situation, mental or physical ability, or sexual orientation. 

  Interim Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Brenda Pelc-Faszcza preaches, and worship begins at 10 am. Child care is provided.

First Church of Christ,
Congregational  (UCC)

190 Court St.
Middletown, CT

                                               Music

Prelude:   Yankadi
                The African Drumming Ensemble
Hymn:      Bring Many Names
Anthem:   Keep Your Lamps spiritual, arr. Andre Thomas
                The Celebration Singers & the Senior Choir
Offertory:  Oh Praise Our God,  Heinrich Schutz
                The Senior Choir
Hymn:      Let Us Talents & Tongues Employ, Linstead
Hymn:      Sent Forth by God's Blessing
Postlude:   Yankidy, The African Drumming Ensemble

Scripture Reading:  John 15:1-8

Sermon: Who We Are and Where We Live. There are various ways we might answer, if we were to be asked, the question of who we are and where we live: name, age, address, nationality, birth order, hobbies, occupation. But seen through the gospel lens, none of those is ultimate. Jesus says we are all branches of one vine, rooted in the same source, no matter what else is true about us. How does knowing that change our sense of identity and location?

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be served.

Church School: K-5 ~ Communion/Special Music

2nd Hour Annual Meeting: Hear Ye, Hear Ye! The 344th Annual Meeting of The First Church of Christ, Congregational will convene following worship this Sunday, May 6, 2012. All church members are called to be present! At such time we will receive reports from Officers, Boards and other Committees for the good of the church. We shall also elect new officers and board and committee members and conduct other business.