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Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ

October 7, 2018

Meditation “It is not that some of the Gospels are missing some of the years of Jesus’ early life

but that ‘all the years are missing until the story of Jesus begins – as it does in all four gospels – with the baptism of Jesus.’”

~ The First Christmas, by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan

Welcome The Bell is Rung Prelude Toccata in A by Domenico Paradisi Call to Worship (From Crashing Waters at Creation v.1-2; modified)

Crashing waters at creation ordered by the Spirit’s breath, first to witness day’s beginning from the brightness of night’s death.

Parting water stood and trembled as the captives passed on through, washing off the chains of bondage--- channel to a life made new.

Come, All! let us worship in the Spirit’s breath this creation, this water, this freedom in God we share.

*Opening Hymn NCH #493 O Jesus, I Have Promised

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Unison Prayer (From Crashing Waters at Creation 3-4; modified) Cleansing water once at Jordan closed around the One foretold. Opened to reveal the glory ever new and ever old.

Living water never ending, Quench the thirst and flood the soul. Wellspring, Source of life eternal, Drench our dryness, make us whole.

Cloud of witnesses, surrounding us all… drench our dryness, make us whole.

Assurance of God’s Love Passing of the Peace Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9. 12 (KJV Modified) Afterward I was led again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.

Then I was brought out of the house by way of the gate northward, and led about the way without - unto the other gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.

And when the leader of mine had the line in hand, we went forth eastward, measuring a thousand cubits, and I was brought through the waters; the waters were to the ankles.

Again the leader measured a thousand cubits, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again, a thousand cubits were measured, and I was brought through; the waters were to the loins.

Afterward a measure of another thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.

And my leader said unto me, “Son of Humanity, hast thou seen this?” Then the leader took me and caused me to return to the brink of the river.

Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.

Then said my guide said unto me, “These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

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“And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.

“And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to God’s mouth, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.”

Baptism and Christening Ceremony for Jeffrey David Langlan

Musical Praise Dear Little Child of Ours from Emmanuel by Dorothy Lee Hausske, sung by Laura and Jeff Baptism Ceremony Fr. Frank Pizzarelli and Pastor Ray Bagnuolo

Baptism is a time of intimacy. It is a time when we recognize that the God of love, the God beyond all creeds with all their truths, cares about each of us so much that we are accompanied by God every step of the way on our journey.

Baptism is a time when we recognize that to be fully human, we need two things—

God and a community --

to love us and support us in our lives, walking beside us, talking with us, teaching us, guiding us and marking our paces.

It’s a time when we commit ourselves as a community – on behalf of a world – in welcoming a child into our midst; determined in making the Earth safe for every child so that each one will learn how to live without fear, living instead, with love, walking in God’s ways as Jesus taught his disciples, welcoming the stranger, and working for God’s justice and peace in all the ways we may know and have yet to discover.

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Addressing Jeffrey’s Parents, Laura and Jeff: Like all of us, in order to grow toward wholeness, toward grace and gracefulness, toward gentleness and faith, Jeffrey will need as much honesty, as much truth and as much faithfulness as those near to this child can give him.

Therefore, as his parents, will you share yourselves as fully as you can with Jeffrey, showing Jeffrey in word and in action where you find God in the world, and will you do what you can to help Jeffrey find God deep within? Will you?

Addressing Jeffrey’s Godparents, Lorraine and Chris:

Will you be near these parents, supporting them, encouraging them, loving them and will you join them in the awesome yet wondrous task of helping Jeffrey find God within? Will you?

Addressing Jeffrey’s Maternal Grandparent, Jeannie and Jeff & Remembering Jeffrey’s Paternal Grandparents, Dotty and Jay:

Will you be near these parents, supporting them, encouraging them, loving them and will you join them in the awesome yet wondrous task of helping Jeffrey find God within? Will you?

Addressing the Congregation:

Will we work to provide for Jeffrey and through Jeffrey all earth’s children, a family of faith, where among doubt and faith, laughter and tears, prayers and shouts—Jeffrey and all children may find strength, warmth, and friends to trust dreams and visions with? If so, will you please say, “Yes!” And lift your affirmation by standing if you may.

Let us pray…

God of abundant grace and beauty, this morning our prayer is for Jeffrey and through Jeffrey, for all earth’s children - that in all we do as individuals and all we do together as a community that we may never betray this child’s trust, dampen this child’s hope, or discourage this child’s dreams. Help us to provide a space and a community that embodies love so that all children growing in our midst will be loving. Help us to be kind so they will learn kindness. Help us to be faithful so they will learn how to embody faith with their hearts, minds, hands and feet. Help us as a community to weave a tapestry of love, tolerance, caring, and hospitality for all, so that Jeffrey need never be afraid and supported by a web of justice and love. Bestow your grace and love on Jeffrey, Laura, Jeff their family gathered, on us, and on all who dwell on this small planet of ours, and give us each inner strength and peace and patience for the journey ahead. Amen.

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Baptism

By what name will you baptize this child?

Jeffrey. Incarnation of earth, stardust and God’s breath, I baptize you in the name of the God who created you, who redeems you, who sustains you—

One God, a holy, leading, and loving spirit—but One God.

This is Jeffrey!

If you are willing to try to make the world safe for Jeffrey and for all earth’s children, would you please stand and sing with all your hearts and voices: *Hymn NCH #352 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry Homily A Time for Visions Ray Bagnuolo Prayer for Others and Ourselves

Now, we invite you to prayer, sharing if you wish, your joys and concerns as I come to you with the microphone. We also invite you to write your joys and concerns on one of the prayer cards you will find the pew and placing it in the collection basket during the offertory. May we hear your joys and concerns?

Let us pray the prayer Jesus taught the disciples to pray. Musical Praise River In Judea by Linda Marcum and Jack Feldman Invitation to Give

Friends, thank you for helping us to share God's love by your caring for others and by your presence here. We are grateful to you for all the ways you participate in the work of our ministry and for the gifts you bring. Above all, we are most grateful you chose to join us today. And so, we welcome your offerings at this time, and we invite you to place your prayer and information cards in the basket, as it comes around. Thank you.

Offertory All *Doxology

We praise thee, O God, our Redeemer, Creator; in grateful devotion, our tribute we bring. We lay it before thee, we come and adore thee, We bless thy holy name, glad praises we sing. Amen.

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Holy Communion - An Invitation to the Table for All

Communion Prayer

God be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God. Let us give thanks to God Most High. It is right to give God thanks and praise. Invitation to the Table

Jesus said: “I am the bread of life. You who come to me shall not hunger; you who believe in me shall never thirst.”

In company with all who hunger for spiritual food and radical hospitality, we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the sharing of this life-giving bread.

Liturgist Prayer

It is indeed right, always and everywhere,to give thanks to you, Creator God. You are our Divine Path,
the path of wind, sea, earth, fire and more. You are the Universe’s guarantee; the Bringer of Justice and Love; Freedom and Love;
 Love – for Jeffrey and us all. Let us remember these things with every meal, in every gathering, without ceasing.

Remind us often, how beauty, spirit and goodness abound in our midst - because of your presence; enlivening and stirring the “cloud of witnesses” that guides is here now.

And so, we turn to Jesus and his words to the disciples at that final meal;
 the Seder where Jesus revealed you once more by his words and his actions:

Friends, see Jesus, now…
Breaking the bread, giving it to his disciples and saying:

 “This is my body, given up for you in more ways than you can imagine, here together again, on the edge of unimaginable eternity.

“Whenever and wherever you do this, remember me.
Remember what I have taught you.Love and teach others, 
as I now and forever love and teach you.”

And after he blessed and shared the bread, Jesus lifted a cup, and again gave thanks to God, whom he called Abba.
And, he said to the disciples…

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Church Covenant (Sung in Unison)

In response to God’s love, we covenant with each other to be faithful to the demands and inspiration of the eternal spirit, revealed in the event of Jesus Christ; to accept and respect each other with love and concern in our worship and witness; to reach out with the courage of our convictions in the cause of justice, liberation and equality for all; In this, we covenant to keep the ultimate promise; “I care, I am with you.”

Sharing of the Elements: These are the gifts of God for the people of God. Servers’ Communion Responses: The Bread of Life ~ The Cup of Blessing Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank you, God, for inviting us to this table, remembering your active presence in our lives. We are grateful and continuously thirst for the new and right spirit of this communion with you today, tomorrow and every day. Guide us always, as we embrace you and all those who have gone before us. Amen.

Announcements Closing Hymn NCH #448 Take My Life, God, Let It Be Ray Benediction and Sending Forth Bell is rung several times. Postlude Sailing by Christopher Cross

Please join us for hospitality and our talkback time. All are welcome.

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Announcements! Bible Jam on Mondays and Tuesdays

Mondays at 11:45 AM; and Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Vestry

Bible Jam is Off for this Monday. We will meet on Tuesday, at 7:00 PM

Emmanuel!! Please help in selling JOURNAL ADS in support of Emmanuel! Easy to do! You can take out an ad for yourself, for your family, your favorite pet or for your favorite cause! Let's make this the best journal ever! Ads start at $25! And, remember, Performance Dates are: Friday and Saturday November 9 & 10 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, November 11 at 3:00 PM

Greater Sayville Food Pantry Every month The Greater Sayville Food Pantry provides food, information, referral and support services to approximately 150 individuals and families in need in Oakdale, Sayville, W. Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point and Bohemia. Food donations are always needed and welcomed (no animal food, please). The Greater Sayville Food Pantry at 47 Gillette Ave., Sayville, NY 11782 Phone: (631) 244-8375 Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30am- 12:30pm or bring donations to Sunday Services! Phantom Fundraiser – October 26, 2018 Noel Ruiz Theatre in Oakdale, Friday, October 26th at 8:00PM Sunday, October 7th is the last day to order tickets for this great night out together! Tickets are $32.00 each and include refreshments beforehand at 7:00PM. Contact Tom Wolf at 631-472-0398 to reserve and hold tickets for you. We have prime seats reserved for us and we look forward to an enjoyable night of entertainment and fellowship. Donations of finger food and raffle baskets for the pre-show gathering are also being accepted. Please see Kathy Leis or Linda David if you'd like to contribute. Prayer Shawl Ministry - Thursdays If you have any interest in knitting or learning to knit - this is for you! And, we can use as many knitters as possible to keep up with the need for prayer shawls. Contact Sue Lanchantin or see Ray for more information. We'd love to have you join us! Thank you to all who knit and love and laugh for others!

Share in the Light Our trustees have approved the installation of new lighting for the chancel and front of the sanctuary. This will ensure that all our worship and production experiences will be able to be viewed “in the best light” in our sanctuary and livestream broadcasts. You are invited to become a “light-bringer” in contributing to the cost of approximately $8000. To date, we have received contributions of $2500! Every little bit helps. If you are in a position to make a

contribution, please do so, designating it as “Light-Bringer”! Most important, is that you are here. That is the most important contribution of all. Thank you. Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser – October 20, 2018 On Saturday, October 20, 2018 a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for Sharing a Meal will be held at the Bluestone Tavern, 21 Main Street, West Sayville. The breakfast includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and a beverage of your choice (coffee, tea or juice). The breakfast is from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Tickets are $10. Please see Jerry Avolio or Gini McLaughlin at coffee hour for tickets or call them at 631-363-6696. Thank you! Many Hands Make Light Work! Saturday, October 27, 2018 It’s that time, once again for the Fall All-Church Clean-up! Join us for breakfast and lunch & a bit of work for volunteers of all sizes and abilities! Saturday, October 27 from 9:00 AM (Breakfast) - 2:00 PM, Thanks for your help!

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Can you help? You are invited to share in the ministry and mission of our church by: Signing up for leadership responsibilities on Sunday, continuing to provide food in support of Sayville Food Pantry, volunteering to run our slides and video each Sunday, joining the choir, leading a children's message, volunteering for Sharing a Meal, participate in our Prayer Shawl Group, attend Bible Jam... And there are more ways your help would be welcome. Looking for a chance to become involved and serve? Just let us know! Stop & Shop Cards are available at coffee hour each week. They make great gifts and are great way to purchase your groceries while supporting Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ. Newsletters: Are you receiving our weekly newsletters: eChimes and Justice Chimes Newsletters? Let us know: ray@sayvilleucc.org. eChimestv.com!

You can watch our service live or afterwards by going this link: www.echimestv.com.

Church Calendar: Visit our calendar online at www.sayvilleucc.org for updates and changes Calendar Bible Jam Mondays at 11:45 AM; Tuesdays at 7:00 PM (V) Monday, 10 8 – Bible Jam is Off Choir Practice Wednesdays at 5:30 PM (S) Prayer Shawl Ministry Thursdays at 10:00 AM (V) Senior Exercise Tuesdays at 9:00 A.M.; Thursdays at 12:15 P.M. (V) Congregational Leadership & Life Meetings Elder Meeting Monday, October 8 at 7:00 PM (V) Trustees Meeting Monday, October 15 T 7:00 PM (V) 2019 Stewardship Pledges Stewardship Pledges for 2019: October 7 – November 12. Budget Committee First Meeting for 2019 Budget; Thursday, November 15 (V) Full Deacon Board Meeting Monday, December 10 at 7:00 P.M. (V) Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, December 16 following worship. Affiliates Sharing a Meal Mondays through Thursdays at 5:30 P.M. (FH) Inishfree School of Irish Dance Most Fridays at 3:00 P.M. (FH) Recovery Meetings Mondays 7:30 PM NA (FH) Tuesdays 7:30 PM CODA (V) Wednesdays 7:30 PM AA (FH) Wednesdays 7:30 PM SCA (L) Thursdays 6:45 PM NARANON (V) Saturdays 11:00 AM NA – Serenity in Sayville (FH) Special Events Theater Evening Phantom! October 26. Save the Date! Fall Clean-up Day Saturday, October 27 from 9:00 AM (Breakfast) - 2:00 PM Fall Festival Pow-wow Sunday, November 4 Mid-term Elections Tuesday, November 6 Emanuel Performances November 9, 10 & 11 (S&V) Cocoa & Carols/Miracle on Main Saturday, November 24 Victorian Tea November 30, December 1, December 2 (S & V) World AIDS Day Saturday, December 1 First Sunday of Advent December 2

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Be sure to visit our website at www.sayvilleucc.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sayvilleucc

Remember to leave a comment and "Like Us" on Facebook!

Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ

For more than a century and a half, Sayville's Congregational Church has served families on the South Shore and been a voice for the progressive Protestant

tradition. A member of the United Church of Christ since it was established in 1858, today we continue to celebrate God's love, to speak for the oppressed, and to welcome those seeking a spiritual home. To learn about membership, please

speak with any deacon.

Today’s Leadership Setting of the Table – Pat Mahar Liturgist – Craig Tisman-Hicks Music Director – James Higgins

Greeter/Ushers – Mary Hocking and Gail Acker Hospitality – The Conrads

Projectionist Team – Open for Help Building Close-up – Open for Help

We invite you to be Sunday Stewards! You can do it! J

Please contact Heather in the office, Sue Lanchantin, or see the calendars in the Vestry hallway to get signed up!

Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ

Middle Road, Sayville, NY 11782 churchadmin@sayvilleucc.org

www.sayvilleucc.org; www.facebook.com/sayvilleucc Heather Corcoran, Church Administrator; eChimes Editor Ray Bagnuolo, Pastor ray@sayvilleucc.org -- (Cell/Text)

Thank you for being with us today.

Peace. Shalom. Salaam. For the ways of peace are many. “Namaste”

Please contact Heather if you have questions or need any additional help.