All posts by Office

Sermons and Music, Uncategorized

bulletin for 3/29

Williston Federated Church

United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ – Federated 1899

An Open and Affirming, Reconciling Congregation

Mission Statement

Our church is a community which seeks, welcomes and gathers people to share the Gospel  of God’s love, enables people to find fullness of life through Jesus Christ, goes into the world to live lovingly and justly as servants of  Christ, and responds actively to human need.

Welcome To All Who Worship Here!

Fifth Sunday of Lent – March 29, 2020 ~ 9:30 A.M.

GREETING

CALL TO WORSHIP               Ashley Dubois, Lay Leader, Williston Federated Church

One:  Gracious and Most Merciful God, we gather in our separate  homes–distant physically, but spiritually together in this new way to worship you.

 All:   Lord, help free us from that deep aching need for a sense of normalcy  and instead fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we might wake up and  see You coming to us in new ways.

 One:  Great Physician, like your disciples long ago we cry out:  if only you could have come sooner; if only we had been better prepared; if only we had known, this would not have happened.

 All:   Lord in your mercy, clear our minds from the need for a sense of control over things, so that we might remember in times such as this    you are indeed with us in mysterious ways, still offering abundant life  to all.

 One:  Healer of Nations, in the midst of despair and sadness, remind us of your greatness, so that we might focus our attention on your peace, on your      teachings, and on your Glory.

 All:   Lord in your mercy, help us to let go of fears of the known and unknown, so that we might be unbound and rise again to be your light  to a world in need. AMEN.

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE

SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

One:   Peace be with you All:      Also with you

PRAYER OF THE DAY (from Psalm 130)

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.  Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!  If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. Hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.

TIME WITH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

SCRIPTURE                                John 11:1-45

  John 11:1-45 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Death of Lazarus

            11 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister             Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with     her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus,[a] “Lord, he       whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to          death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through        it.” 5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6 after having            heard that Lazarus[b] was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

                    7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to             him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there    again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk             during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. 10 But those who     walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” 11 After saying this, he told them,   “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” 12 The             disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” 13 Jesus,             however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring             merely to sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 For your sake I am       glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Thomas, who was      called the Twin,[c] said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Jesus the Resurrection and the Life

                    17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus[d] had already been in the tomb four             days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles[e] away, 19 and many of the       Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha            heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at             home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have    died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise           again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and    the life.[f] Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who       lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes,      Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah,[g] the Son of God, the one coming into the    world.”

Jesus Weeps

                    28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her             privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she got       up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 The Jews who were with her in the house,             consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they             thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came where Jesus   was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my       brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came   with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34 He said,    “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus began to         weep. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not      he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus Raises Lazarus to Life

                    38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was      lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man,    said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus             said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of           God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I         thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for     the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came       out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus     said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

The Plot to Kill Jesus

                    45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did,      believed in him.

 PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.  Amen.  

SERMON             “Bound”                           Pastor Paul Eyer

A PRAYER FOR HEALING

One:     Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.”           At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the    global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

All:      Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health             through quality medical care.

One:    Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from    helping one another.

All:      Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that             knows no borders.

One:    Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

All:      Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your             eternal peace.

One:    Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend             them from illness and despair. May they know your peace…

All:      And for all of us, in place of our anxiety, give us your peace.  In the name of the             Great Physician, Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.

CELEBRATIONS  AND CONCERNS/ PRAYER REQUESTS

Your prayer requests can be sent through Williston Federated Church Facebook page at Facebook.com/WillistonFederatedChurch to send that request via email to WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE                  

Pastor:      Lord of Life and Love,

Congregation:  Hear our prayer.

SILENT MEDITATION

THE LORD’S PRAYER (unison)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever.  Amen.

OFFERING   

(mail in your offering or get started with our online giving it’s easy!  If you’re interested in setting up automatic withdrawals to make your gifts, please contact Matt Bliss who can invite you to set up an account with our online church membership software called Realm.  When logged in, select the “Giving” menu on the left hand side and the “+ Give” button on the next screen.  Then, enter your giving details and payment information to set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account.  Select one of the pledge accounts (e.g. Pledge Jul xxxx to Jun xxxx).  Frequency should be set to monthly on the 15th.  You can follow the same process to make one time contributions too.  If you have any questions, contact Matt Bliss at blisswm@comcast.net.  Thank you for your generosity!)

OFFERTORY

“Leaning In:  A Prayer of Intention” by Christopher Grundy

(pre-recorded music shared with permission © 2018 Christopher  Grundy, all publishing rights reserved. Permission given to congregations to play this recording during worship or education programs, and to stream online.)

                                                                                                                                                       *Presentation of Gifts:                                                                            

We give thee but thine own, What e’er the gift may be:
All that we have is thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from thee. 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

O God, may our gifts bring hope and healing, peace and plenty, in your name and in your love. Amen.

THE LIFE AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH (visit us thru ZOOM)

          –“virtual” coffee hour/fellowship time via Zoom following worship  today

—  remote meeting of Music and Worship Committee via Zoom on Wednesday, April 1 at 5:30 p.m.

—  congregation-wide check-in via Zoom on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m.

CLOSING HYMN “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”  

(led remotely by Martin and Donna Sue Hain)

BENEDICTION

Liturgical resources:  The Prayer for Healing is adapted from “A Coronavirus Prayer” by Kerry Weber, America:  The Jesuit Review, March 30, 2020 issue, found at https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/02/coronavirus-prayer?fbclid=IwAR2X3JutwA-U8xeOfrC38ihieWH6m-z5jv7SwG-0G0tJW-ITAZFF9Zcpf4E, accessed on 20 March 2020.  “Leaning In:  A Prayer of Intention” by Christopher Grundy shared with permission © 2018 Christopher  Grundy, all publishing rights reserved. Permission given to congregations to play this recording during worship or education programs, and to stream online.  The Prayer of Dedication is adapted from  “A Liturgy for worship in a time of pandemic (Lent 5-A)” by Thom Shuman, “ Lectionary Liturgies” found at http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/, accessed on 26 March 2020.

This Week and Beyond at WFC

week of 4/19/20

This Week and Beyond at WFC

Prayers

In addition to prayers offered during our worship services, prayer requests may still be sent to Pastor Paul via email at pastoreyer.gmail.com. These prayers will then be lifted in prayer by the pastor throughout the week.  (If you would like to submit prayer requests to be shared during our online worship service, please send those requests to WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com or post them as chat comments during our video live-stream of our worship service on Facebook Live on Sunday.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good News in Challenging Times!

 Williston Federated Church has received financial support from the U.S. government via the Paycheck Protection Program, part of the CARES Act to support our economy during the coronavirus pandemic. While the program is structured as a loan, the loan is forgivable provided we meet certain requirements, which we are confident we can do. The funds will be used for payroll and for utilities costs. More information will be available as further details are known, but this loan/grant will greatly assist the church as we meet our expenses through the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

 The application for this funding was approved by the Official Board prior to submission of the application, and reconfirmed by the Official Board at its regular meeting on April 14.

 Due to the pandemic, the annual Stewardship Campaign, scheduled to begin on Palm Sunday, has been delayed, as has the development of an operating budget for 2020-21. The Finance Committee is working with the Official Board and Pastor Paul to consider best approaches to ensuring the financial stability and integrity of the church moving forward. The faithfulness of the members of the congregation in continuing to support the church financially, to the best of their ability, in these difficult times, is essential. The federal relief is most welcome, but is temporary, as all funds must be spent within eight weeks.

 The doors of the building are temporarily closed, but the church is open and running, and requires our continuing financial support to serve our congregation, our neighbors, and the wider world. Together, we will overcome this crisis. Thank you.

Bruce Wyatt

Chair, Finance Committee

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Looking Inward During Lent  During Lent (continuing through Holy Week in April) you are invited to spend time in prayerful reflection, contemplation or meditation.  Other Lenten practices include fasting, self-examination, confronting our sins, repentance and alms giving.  Prayer and study suggestions are available in the Gallery to help get started or to add meaning to this quiet time.  The sanctuary is always open weekdays from 7:30am to 5:30pm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

HAND SANITIZERS

If anyone needs some hand sanitizer we have small, 4 oz. bottles for you.  We’ve made up these small bottles from a stock pile supply that the Membership Committee has on hand.  The bottles were prepared with sterile technique and can be delivered to you.  Please let Melissa Delisle know if you need some. 

Thursday morning prayer:

Thursday mornings at 8am there will be a zoom gathering for silent prayer and Bible discussion.  The session begins with a brief reading and then 20 minutes of silence.  A picture and participants will appear on the screen.  After 20 minutes a bell will ring 3 times.  Then the Bible passage of  the day will be read three times.  Participants will talk of the part of the passage that touched them or had questions or special meaning.  The gathering will end at about 9am with the Lord’s Prayer also known as the Our Father.   The code is 395 928 9957.

Questions call Donna Fellinger 802 355 1700.

INVITATION TO THE WILLISTON  FEDERATED  CHURCH  LABYRINTH 

As you look for ways to be physically and spiritually renewed while maintaining appropriate “social distancing,” the labyrinth at the church is an option you might want to consider.  Members of the Williston Federated Church have constructed an outdoor labyrinth for the use of friends and community people who may be looking for an opportunity for outdoor meditation or prayer.

The labyrinth walk is outlined by bricks and the walking is done on the grass

path between the bricks.  All are invited to take a few minutes to walk the labyrinth at anytime.                     

This is a ‘seven circuit’ labyrinth.  The centuries old practice involves walking

the path to the center, sitting for a while and then following the path back to the beginning. 

May your socially-distant spiritual reflections on the labyrinth be a source of inspiration at this time.

Faithfulness in Difficult Times— Your Financial Support of Our Church

We hold in our prayers all those, in our community and throughout the world, affected by COVID-19. And we pray for recovery and eventually a vaccine. While our daily thoughts and actions focus on our families, our health, our work and our neighbors, let us also remember that we are part of a faith community. Our church is such a force for good, as demonstrated in so many ways. 

In recent weeks, we maintained our faithfulness as we worshipped and fellowshipped together online, using live stream video (via Facebook) and videoconferencing (via Zoom). The mission of Williston Federated Church continues to be lived out, albeit in different ways. And the church needs to continue to meet its expenses— for staff, utilities, and essential services.  Please continue your financial support of Williston Federated Church. If you have pledged for this year, are you up-to-date? If you give through the offering weekly, but cannot come to church, please continue your giving.

Delivering our gifts as part of the worship service is an important part of our liturgy. But now please consider mailing your support to the church office. Even better, consider making your gifts electronically through your checking account. 

If you’re interested in setting up automatic online withdrawals, please contact Matt Bliss who can invite you to set up an account with our online church membership software called Realm.  When logged in, select the “Giving” menu on the left hand side and the “+ Give” button on the next screen.  Then, enter your giving details and payment information to set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account.  Select one of the pledge accounts (e.g. Pledge Jul xxxx to Jun xxxx).  Frequency should be set to monthly on the 15th.  You can follow the same process to make one time contributions too.  If you have any questions, contact Matt Bliss at blisswm@comcast.net.  Or you can complete a hard-copy registration form (posted on the church Facebook page on March 15) and mail it to the church c/o Matt Bliss.  

Our prayers, individually and collectively, are critical at this time. So are our actions. Our financial support of the church will ensure our ability to serve as a beacon of light in dark times.

Thank you for your gifts of time, talent and treasure,

Your Finance Committee

Ruth Painter’s passing
Williston Federated Church grieves the passing of one of its saints, Ruth Painter.  Ruth made that final journey from this life to the next on April 11, 2020 at the age of 92.  Ruth’s impact on the life of this church will continue for years to come.  She was described by Sue Leister as our “patron of peace” because of her faithful dedication to that cause.   If you wish to send greetings to Ruth’s family, her daughter Audrey can be reached via the following contact information:  Audreycoty@gmail.com        802-256-4655  Audrey and Lee Coty     253 Falls Brook Rd., Stowe, VT 05672

This Week and Beyond at WFC 3/29/20

“Prayer requests may still be sent  via email to pastoreyer.gmail.com. These prayers will then be gathered and lifted in prayer by the pastor throughout the week.”  Also for prayers during this worship service, send that request via email to WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Faithfulness in Difficult Times— Your Financial Support of Our Church

We hold in our prayers all those, in our community and throughout the world, affected by COVID-19. And we pray for recovery and eventually a vaccine. While our daily thoughts and actions focus on our families, our health, our work and our neighbors, let us also remember that we are part of a faith community. Our church is such a force for good, as demonstrated in so many ways. 

In recent weeks, we maintained our faithfulness as we worshipped and fellowshipped together online, using live stream video (via Facebook) and videoconferencing (via Zoom). The mission of Williston Federated Church continues to be lived out, albeit in different ways. And the church needs to continue to meet its expenses— for staff, utilities, and essential services.  Please continue your financial support of Williston Federated Church. If you have pledged for this year, are you up-to-date? If you give through the offering weekly, but cannot come to church, please continue your giving.

Delivering our gifts as part of the worship service is an important part of our liturgy. But now please consider mailing your support to the church office. Even better, consider making your gifts electronically through your checking account. 

If you’re interested in setting up automatic online withdrawals, please contact Matt Bliss who can invite you to set up an account with our online church membership software called Realm.  When logged in, select the “Giving” menu on the left hand side and the “+ Give” button on the next screen.  Then, enter your giving details and payment information to set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account.  Select one of the pledge accounts (e.g. Pledge Jul xxxx to Jun xxxx).  Frequency should be set to monthly on the 15th.  You can follow the same process to make one time contributions too.  If you have any questions, contact Matt Bliss at blisswm@comcast.net.  Or you can complete a hard-copy registration form (posted on the church Facebook page on March 15) and mail it to the church c/o Matt Bliss.  

Our prayers, individually and collectively, are critical at this time. So are our actions. Our financial support of the church will ensure our ability to serve as a beacon of light in dark times.

Thank you for your gifts of time, talent and treasure,

Your Finance Committee

~~~~~~~~~~~~

March Madness has been cancelled.  Please stay tuned for our next 5th Sunday Mission Outreach Opportunity.

The Rummage Sale has tentatively been rescheduled for April 24-25.  More information will be available closer to that date.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heifer International

The Annual collection for Heifer International began Sunday March 1 and will continue until Sunday April 19.  Donations have traditionally been placed in Heifer coin banks.  These banks will be available when entering the sanctuary and in or near the Fellowship Hall.  ‘Calendars’ describing the work of Heifer are also available with the banks.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Looking Inward During Lent  During Lent (continuing through Holy Week in April) you are invited to spend time in prayerful reflection, contemplation or meditation.  Other Lenten practices include fasting, self-examination, confronting our sins, repentance and alms giving.  Prayer and study suggestions are available in the Gallery to help get started or to add meaning to this quiet time.  The sanctuary is always open weekdays from 7:30am to 5:30pm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Scripture    John 4:3-42      (Pg 94-95 New Testament pew Bible)

Anthem       “Seek Ye First”

Greeter:  Rick and Barb Bristol

Coffee: Ruth and Charlie Magill

Usher:  Mike Moran and Ursula White

Scripture:  Ginger Isham

Week of  March 15, 2020

  • Tuesday, March 17 ~ 6:00pm Vitality Group
  • Wednesday, March 18 ~5:30pm Music and Worship; 6:00pm Pastor Staff
  • Thursday, March 19 ~8:00am Centering Prayer; 5:30pm Soup and Scripture; 7:00pm Choir Rehearsal
  • Friday, March 20~ 7:00am Men’s Bible Study
  • Sunday, March 22~ 9:30am Worship

Name tag Reminder 

Please remember to wear your name tag on Sunday morning.  This is helpful not only for guests but for long time members as well.  No, not everyone knows you by name.  If you need a name tag, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. Membership Committee is considering transitioning from our current pin back name tags to magnetic ones in the near future.  This will alleviate some concerns about pins damaging clothing.  Your thoughts & suggestions are welcome. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Book Club and Pot Luck Night

Book Club will meet on Monday, March 23 in the Church Fellowship Hall.  We will be discussing the  book  ’News Of The World’  by Paulette Jiles.   Jane Stickney will hostess the April meeting at her hone at 32 Hickory Hill Rd on Thursday April 30.     We will discuss  ’ Born A Crime:  Stories from a South African Childhood’  by Trevor Noah.   Contact Lois Mason if you plan to attend the March meeting and Jane Stickney if you plan to attend the April meeting.

~~~~~~~~~~ 

Soup and Scripture! 

Please join us for Adult education during Lent on Thursdays, (continuing through April 2) from  5:30 to 7:00pm. There will be a soup supper served on these evenings.  The study, led by Pastor Paul, will focus on the Book of Acts and the Letters of Paul found in the New Testament.  A primary resource for this study will be the Great Courses Video series featuring Professor Bart Ehrman.

~~~~~~~~~~

 Dinner at Dismas House

Please consider offering dinner to the residents and staff at Dismas House, Burlington on March 17, 2020, for a six o’clock meal time.  A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board, entrance hallway.  Questions can be directed to Peet Grobler (802)881-9007 or Carol Wyatt (802)876-7950.  Thank you for considering this meaningful volunteer opportunity.  Missions and Social Concerns Committee.

~~~~~~~~~~

Postponed until Further Notice …..

Women’s Breakfast March 14th & Bedding Drive with Guest Speakers from Sleep in Heavenly Peace 

Calling all women. Please save the date for the Annual Women’s Breakfast March 14th 8:30 -10:30 AM in Fellowship Hall. Our guest speakers will be Bob Brosseau, Dan Parot & Mike Lemieux from the Chittenden County Chapter of Sleep In Heavenly Peace. A sign up sheet for planning purposes is on the bulletin board. We encourage you to bring a friend and come hear the inspiring story of three friends who had a vision and have made a huge difference in our community. As part of our women’s breakfast event, please consider teaming up with a friend to purchase new twin sheets, blankets, comforters or pillows. If you can’t attend the breakfast but would like to donate bedding, there will be a box on the table near the entrance to Fellowship Hall through March 14th. For more information speak to Carol Burbank or Carol Bouchard.

 ~~~~~~~~~~

 Come Teach Sunday School

Share your spiritual gifts – Help transmit our faith to the next generation!

  • At WFC, we want kids to feel welcome, valued, and secure when they come to church.  We want them to learn about God’s love and how Christ’s teachings can help them be good little people!  Teachers are needed to lead a lesson only seven times over the course of one year. 
  • Can you help?
  • If your answer is YES – or even maybe – then please
  • talk with Jenny Rousseau to find out more.    Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~

Looking Inward During Lent 

During Lent (continuing through Holy Week in April) you are invited to spend time in the sanctuary for prayerful reflection, contemplation or meditation.  Other Lenten practices include fasting, self-examination, confronting our sins, repentance and alms giving.  Prayer and study suggestions are available in the Gallery to help get started or to add meaning to this quiet time.  The sanctuary is always open weekdays from 7:30am to 5:30pm.

~~~~~~~~~~

We Welcome All

We, the Williston Federated Church, declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming, Reconciling congregation. With God’s grace, we seek to be a congregation that includes all persons, embracing differences of sexual orientation, gender, marital status, age, mental and physical ability, as well as racial, ethnic, or social-economic background. We welcome all to share in the life and leadership, ministry, and fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in our congregation. (Open and Affirming/Reconciling statement adopted by the Williston Federated Church congregation in 2006.)                                                                             

 ~~~~~~~~~~

 Heifer International

The Annual collection for Heifer International began Sunday March 1 and will continue until Sunday April 19.  Donations have traditionally been placed in Heifer coin banks.  These banks will be available when entering the sanctuary and in or near the Fellowship Hall.  ‘Calendars’ describing the work of Heifer are also available with the banks.

~~~~~~~~~~

A New Opportunity for Prayer

You are invited to participate in a newly-created prayer group that will meet on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the choir room.     Please join us for this meaningful time of deepened spiritual connection.

~~~~~~~~~~

Photos Available

For your enjoyment, a photo album with photos of our 150th Anniversary Celebration was created.  It is located on the table near the Fellowship Hall. Take a few minutes to take a peek.  These professional photos were taken by Stephen Mease. If you would like to purchase prints of these photos, go to the following link …..

~~~~~~~~~~

March Madness/Fifth Sunday Mission, Ministry & More March 29th

 Sign up on the bulletin board to participate in one or more mission opportunities on March 29th after a brief worship: preparing sandwiches for the homeless; volunteering at the Habitat Restore; participating in a prayer walk around the village; traveling tea party; making Easter cards for our card ministry; stocking shelves at the Williston Food Shelf and participating in a Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bunk Bed Build happening Saturday, March 28th.  Sponsored by the Membership Committee.

~~~~~~~~~~

JUMP Personal Care and Household Cleaning Supply Drive

Imagine having to go without a toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, or household cleaning supplies in order to afford food for your family. For many people in Chittenden County this is exactly the decision they confront on a monthly basis. But thanks to JUMP, the Joint Urban Ministry Project, these folks can obtain personal care and household items by simply stopping by the First Congregational Church in Burlington. The items most needed include: toothbrushes, deodorant, hand and body lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, dental floss, razors and shaving cream as well as all purpose cleaner, “Spic and Span” or Lysol, dish soap, and sponges. Collection boxes will be on the tables outside Fellowship Hall throughout the month. Thank you for helping our most vulnerable community members maintain dignity and stay healthy. From your Mission and Social Concerns Committee

Events, Join Us, Local Missions, Uncategorized

what’s on the menu….

Welcome To All Who Worship Here!

Pentecost Sunday – May 31, 2020, 9:30 A.M.

GREETING

CALL TO WORSHIP                                          Ashley Dubois, Lay Leader                                                                             Williston Federated Church

One: No great flowing fabrics of red hanging from sanctuary ceilings, yet this is still the day we celebrate Grace’s breath shattering the shutters of our hearts.

All: On this day, wherever we are, in whatever way we come to this worship service, may we continue to let the Spirit of new life breathe upon us!

One: We will continue to speak of God’s love and the Spirit’s peace for all.

All: So that even apart, people will know they are not alone.

PRELUDE Carol Schein

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE

SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

One: A spark is all we need on this day, Imaginative God, to glow within our quarantined aloneness

All: so that we can signal to all those around us you are bringing to life and grace to us, and to the whole world.

One: A word—just a word on this day—Poet of Pentecost, so that we can be the voice of all those forgotten by the world,

All: so that we can be the warmth to melt all the hearts frozen by greed and blinded by bigotry, so that we might speak and display your good news to everyone we meet. Amen.

ANTHEM “Amor Vincit Omnia” by Pepper Choplin

the Williston Federated Church choir

conducted by Martin Hain

Cindy Thurston, accompanist

a from the Steeple Benefit Concert on May 5, 2018

TIME WITH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

SCRIPTURES Acts 2:1-21 Joe Maloney

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Peter Addresses the Crowd

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION (Psalm 19:14)

All: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.

SERMON “Together in One Place” Pastor Paul Eyer

HYMN “Spirit of the Living God” Songbook84

Sing three times

(led remotely by Martin and Donna Sue Hain)

(copyright license CCLI #176957 and #20480319)

CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Pastor: Lord of Life and Love,

Congregation: Hear our prayer.

SILENT MEDITATION

LORD’S PRAYER

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Donna Sue Hain and company

OFFERING

OFFERTORY Carol Schein

(If you’re interested in setting up automatic online withdrawals, please contact Matt Bliss who can invite you to set up an account with our online church membership software, Realm.  When logged in, select the “Giving” menu on the left hand side and the “+ Give” button on the next screen.  Then, enter your giving details and payment information to set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account.  Select one of the pledge accounts (e.g., Pledge Jul 2020 to Jun 2021).  Frequency should be set to monthly on the 15th.  You can follow the same process to make one time contributions too.  If you have any questions, contact Matt Bliss at blisswm@comcast.net.  Or you can complete a hard-copy registration form (posted on the church Facebook page) and mail it to Matt Bliss at the church.  Credit card contributions can be made on the church website at steeple.org. )

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (unison)

Blow the dust off our fears, Generous Spirit, so we might be an even more giving people.  Blow the dust off our gifts we think are so paltry, so we might realize how they can bring hope and life to others.  Blow the dust off our mistaken views of others, so we might see them as our sisters and brothers, ready to grace us, even as we may bless them with these offerings.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.

LIFE AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH

–“virtual” coffee hour/fellowship time via Zoom following worship today

–Music and Worship Committee meeting on Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom

–Centering Prayer on Thursday, June 4 at 8:00 a.m. via Zoom

–Caring Circle on Thursday, June 4 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom

–“Keeping Connected During COVID”check-ins on Thursday, June 4 at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. via Zoom

–online Sunday worship services via Facebook on Sunday, June 7, 9:30 a.m.

CLOSING HYMN “Spirit of the Living God” Hymnal #539

(led remotely by Martin and Donna Sue Hain)

(copyright license CCLI #176957 and #20480319)

BENEDICTION/BLESSING

Liturgical resources: The Call to Worship, Prayer for the Day, and Prayer of Dedication are adapted from “Lectionary Liturgies” by Thom Shuman found at lectionaryliturgies@blogspot.com.

This Week and Beyond at WFC

In addition to prayers offered during our worship services, prayer requests may still be sent to Pastor Paul via email at pastoreyer.gmail.com. These prayers will then be lifted in prayer by the pastor throughout the week. (If you would like to submit prayer requests to be shared during our online worship service, please send those requests to WillistonFederatedYouth@gmail.com or post them as chat comments during our video live-stream of our worship service on Facebook Live on Sunday.)

~~~~~~~~~~

Mark Your Calendars! Our Annual Congregational Meeting will take place following worship on June 14, via Zoom

Access to church building – please note

In an effort to ensure health and safety, the Official Board has closed our church building to everyone except the Daycare, their clients, and church staff. It is understood that other people need to have limited access to the building for a variety of reasons. We are asking that those who want access contact Tony Lamb at 802-343-1544.

Access is limited to the North Williston Road entrance. Those entering are expected to take their temperature before entering and not enter if they have a fever or do not feel well. They are also expected to wear a mask, to use the hand sanitizer located inside the door, and to “social distance” at all times. They should use the hand wipes on the door knobs when leaving.

As the statewide restrictions are eased we will be engaged in ongoing conversations about how and when (gradually) to open our spaces.

Remember that the building is closed but the Church is open, carrying out ministry in support of God’s work in the world.

For more information contact Tony Lamb at 802-343-1544.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Student Needs:

I’m writing with specific requests for two UVM students who are currently being supported by colleagues at the Mosaic Center for Students of Color (MCSC). We are reaching out to see whether you might know of any folks within your congregations or networks that might be able to provide assistance.

A Nigerian female identified student faces homelessness when she has to leave the residence hall. She has no money and is also food insecure.

A USA male senior of color, whose mother lived abroad, can’t get home after graduation due to closed borders. He lives off campus and will need housing at the end of his lease. He is seeking possible housing.

Please let me know if you know, and/or learn, of any possibilities for either of these students.

Thanks for your time and consideration,

Laura

Rev. Laura C. Engelken

Director of Interfaith Education & Engagement

UVM Interfaith Center

Phone 802.656.4703 | laura.engelken@uvm.edu | www.uvm.edu/interfaithcenter

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The University of Vermont, Interfaith Center, 400 South Prospect, Burlington, VT

Apart but Still A Part

How have you engaged with WFC during these last two months? It seems so long ago that we were in the sanctuary together. Since then, we’ve celebrated Holy Week remotely, connected by Zoom for “check-ins,” small groups, and committee meetings, and worshiped each Sunday via Facebook Live. We’ve kept in touch with one another, offering support, comfort, and a human touch, however remotely. We’ve continued our community ministries, notably the Williston Food Shelf and Dismas House. In short, we remain the church we have been, even in challenging circumstances.

The Lord is our rock and our refuge, and we have faith and confidence that we will carry on God’s work during and beyond this pandemic. Now more than ever, the church is a beacon of light in what can seem deep darkness. Through our Stewardship Campaign, we all have a role in making sure we can continue the many ministries of Williston Federated Church in the coming year.

This Sunday we will have a “special guest” during the offertory— make sure you tune in!

And next week you will receive a letter asking for your advance commitment to support our Ministry Funding Plan, or 2020-21 church budget. We ask that you give your prayerful consideration to this.

Thank you!

Your Finance Committee

~~~~~~~~~~

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!
Williston Federated Church is creating a Production Team dedicated to the continued production of our services and live broadcasting. If you’re interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Melissa Delisle (mdelisle0304@gmail.com) to find out more!  

~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday morning prayer (note change in time!):

This Thursday morning at 8am there will be a zoom gathering for silent prayer and Bible discussion.  Please check the meeting time every week the time may be temporary.  The session begins with a brief reading and then 20 minutes of silence.  A picture and participants will appear on the screen.  After 20 minutes a bell will ring 3 times.  Then the Bible passage of  the day will be read three times.  Participants will talk of the part of the passage that touched them or had questions or special meaning.  The gathering will end at about 10am with the Lord’s Prayer also known as the Our Father.   The code is 395 928 9957.

Questions call Donna Fellinger 802 355 1700.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is information about the “Wednesday Wellness” program offered by the Vermont Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  Thanks!

An important and meaningful series of FREE online programs offered by the Vermont Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness takes place each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.  See the details below: 

Join NAMI Vermont for Wellness Wednesdays! 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont) invites you to participate in their new Wellness Wednesday series! This weekly virtual event will highlight inspirational messages of hope, bring awareness to mental illness, and provide information and resources to our community.  These events are free of charge and open to the public.

For more information about this and other upcoming webinars, including the link to Wednesday’s video presentation, visit https://namivt.org/education/in-our-own-voice/. Or contact us at program@namivt.org. #NAMIWellnessWednesdays 

Audience: Any community member.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS EVENT!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~

Your Church Needs You

The Nominating Committee has begun the process of inviting folks to serve on one of the various church committees for the 2020-2021 fiscal year which begins July 1st. Now, more than ever, I think we are reminded that our church community plays a vital role in our lives and our response to the needs of our community and the wider world. We are asking that you prayerfully consider where God is calling you to serve. Most committees meet monthly and many take a break in the summer. Terms can be from 1-3 years. Committees include: Official Board, Trustees, Pastor Staff Relations, Finance, Education, Membership, Music & Worship, Missions & Social Concerns, Youth Ministry, Nominating and Parsonage. Two other opportunities are Auditor & Recording Secretary. If you have questions, please speak to a member of the Nominating Committee: Rebecca Dubois, Donna Goodheart, Carol Bouchard or Pastor Paul. Stay safe!