Meditation based on scriptural readings from Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, and Mark 1:9-15.

Begin the Lenten Journey for 2012 as a community of faith, sharing together in worship.

Children will begin in the sanctuary today and there will be a Time with Children in the service.

7:00     Worship and Holy Communion in the Sanctuary.

Psalm 51:1-17; Isaiah 58:1-12; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

The scriptures of the day are 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9.

Children will go directly to chapel today.

When healing comes to us we are grateful and sometimes awestruck. Healing doesn’t mean curing, but it does mean some things change for the better.  Today in worship we will explore the witness of 11Kings 5:1-14 and Mark 1:40-45 on the topic of healing.  There will be a time with children in worship before they are dismissed to their  Sunday School classes.

What is it that sustains us in life?  What do we need to renew and recharge ourselves?  The sermon time will focus on Jesus’ answer to this question.  Also in gathering for communion we find sustenance in sharing the sacrament together. The scriptures for worship today are Psalm 147:1-11, 20c and Mark 1:29-39.  Children will go directly to Sunday school today.  Grade 7 and 8 will come to the sanctuary in time for joining in communion.

To whom do you listen? What is the authority in your life? The lectionary texts for this Sunday are Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, and Mark 1:21-28.  Find out how the bible addresses these questions and what bearing they might have on your life. There will be a time with children in worship today before they are dismissed to their Sunday School classes.

Today’s lectionary texts take us to Jonah, the reluctant prophet and to the call of the disciples of Jesus, who go immediately to follow him.  Where do you find yourself on the journey of faith?  Come and worship, reflect on Gods call to each of us, and to our church.  The scriptures for the day are Jonah 1:1-3, 3:1-5,10 and Mark 1:14-20. Children will go directly to Sunday School today.

The Annual meeting of First Church will be held in the sanctuary directly after worship.

January 8  Epiphany Sunday, “Arise, Shine, for your light has come!”

             Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12

January 15  Baptism of Jesus Sunday

Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 

January 22  Jesus calls the first disciples

Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20

January 29  With Authority

Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111,1Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1: 21-28

Annual mid-winter Ladies-only

 Fireside Gathering

Friday evening, February 10th 

^{6:30 – 9:00 PM}

^{in the}

Houghton Room at First Church

(Snow date Saturday, February 11th)

In lieu of an admission charge, we will be having a

“Silent Auction”

Please bring one item  for bidding-

old or new, foodstuffs, Christmas gifts you don’t need, etc.

All proceeds will directly benefit the Sunday School

and Youth Programs at First Church.

Come enjoy an evening of fellowship and fun –

We look forward to seeing you there!!

Please RSVP by Feb. 6th to:

Linda Davis  at  davisfarmers@comcast.net  /(978-563-1773)

Some folks are reluctant to pledge because they fear that something may happen that will prevent them from living up to their commitment , but they contribute every week that they are in church.  The committee would like to encourage those people to consider making a pledge.  A pledge is just that and if things do not work out people will understand.  From a financial management perspective it is much better to know what might happen than to be the dark.

             The New Member Joining Sunday will be in March. Please contact Pastor Nancy if you would like to be part of the classes.

             Registration for September 2012 will be held on Thursday, January 12 and Friday, January 13 at 9:00 AM in Room 2 of the First Church.  Registration on January 12 is limited to members of First Church and to siblings of former students. Registration on January 13 is open and all are welcome.

The Preschool offers two and three day programs for three, four and five year olds. Children must be three years of age by December 31, 2012 to register.  For more information or to arrange a visit, call the Director, Linda Greene at 978 422-8256 or 978 422-6293.

•  Jan. 26, Thursday,  7 -7:45 p.m.
•  Confirmation Class to attend the Deacon’s meeting

• Jan 29, Sunday 11:30-12:30
•   Meet in Room 2 for discussion about life in the church: sharing our gifts of time, talent, treasure.
•  

             Coordinators are  Jed and Mary Lindholm, Chris Roy and Kevin Moulton.  Please let Kevin know  if you have any concerns or questions.  For more information please call Kevin Moulton at 978 422 3405, e-mail kmoulton1@verizon.net or call the church office at 978 422 6657.

You can also help by donating to the silent auction – gift cards, a stay at your vacation home, gourmet meals and artwork are very popular; but any item, large or small, would be greatly appreciated.  Contact Nancy Miller or Jenn Colburn to donate.  Come join us for a delicious meal and an evening of family fun!