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United Church of Christ

AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CONGREGATION

 
         6  Methodist Hill      Essex, CT 06426     (860) 767-8097 ~ Fax: (860) 767-7855
 
 
 
 

 
 
Worship


"Worship is the core experience of the gathered church.  In worship we remember who we are, where we have come from, how God wants us to be, and where the Spirit leads us.  Worship is the time and place to find comfort and courage, the time to deepen commitment, the time to give thanks.  It is a time of praise and prayer and a time to hear the Word of God from scripture and preaching."

  -Peter Granby AHCC

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

(late September-late June)

8:00 a.m.
In the Chapel- a shorter service without music
9:55 a.m.
Our tower bell rings to call all to worship.
10:00 a.m.
Service of Worship Begins in the Sanctuary
this is a full length service with special music

Special Worship Services

Sunday worship is a time for the community to gather together to sing, pray, meditate, and reflect on scripture. It is also a time to celebrate the sacraments. We celebrate Holy Communion the first Sunday of each month. All those who wish to live in relationship with God are invited to participate with us in this sacrament. We practice an open table which includes our children. Baptism is also a sacrament which occurs in the midst of worship. Please talk with a pastor to set up a date for either child or adult baptism

Children and youth are encouraged to worship with their parents and adult friends each Sunday. Families come into worship together and then children up to grade eight are released to church school classes after opening worship and a Children’s Moment. On Communion Sundays children return to worship prior to the sacrament of communion so they can participate. On Family Sundays everyone remains in worship for the entire worship experience.

OASIS - Sundays at 5:00 pm (late September to late June)

Worship to sustain and shelter for those who find Sunday morning worship difficult, due to travel, sports, work or a need to rest at home. Come as you are for 30 minutes of refreshment. Communion is served every week.

 

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Special Worship Services:


THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY SERVICE
A time to give thanks for God’s great goodness. A Community Thanksgiving service - Usually the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving at 5:00 PM. Choir members may join the ecumenical choir which rehearses at 6:00 PM at the host church.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES

Come hear again the Christmas story in Scripture and Song.
Held on Christmas Eve in the Sanctuary.
5:30 PM – Family Service; simplicity is the key
7:30 PM – Lessons and Carols with Senior Choir.
Visiting friends & family are welcome to join the choir in this candle light service.

11:00 PM - Short, Intimate candle light service


ASH WEDNESDAY
A service of penitence and prayer as we begin our journey into Lent.
Held on Ash Wednesday at 7:30 PM.
At 6 PM the Trustees invite everyone for supper in fellowship hall.

ECUMENICAL LENTEN MUSIC MEDITATIONS
A time for personal prayer and reflection during Lent, with music provided by local organists.
Wednesdays 12:15 – 12:45 PM (watch for more details)

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE

Maundy Thursday – 6:00 PM - Supper in fellowship hall.

                          -- 7:30 PM – Service in the sanctuary.
We remember Christ’s Last Supper as we share Holy Communion and observe other rituals such as Tenebrae.


GOOD FRIDAY
Held on Good Friday – 7:00 PM. – We remember Christ’s crucifixion

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN SINGS
Held on Sundays to be announced throughout the year.
Our 10:00 AM worship is enhanced by hymns chosen by the congregation. Come early as we begin at 9:45 AM for some informal hymn singing.

FAMILY SUNDAYS
We believe worship is for persons of all ages. Some Sundays are earmarked “Family Sundays” which means that children are encouraged to remain in worship for the entire 10 AM service. We are all important models in teaching the children of this congregation that worship is important in our lives. The whole Christian community is responsible for welcoming our children and youth and helping them develop a sense of belonging in the worship life of the Church. Watch the church bulletin for details.

YOUTH CHOIR MUSICAL SERMON
Sundays to be announced in bulletin.

YOUTH SUNDAY in Spring (TBC)
Come and be led in worship by members of our youth programs.

ATS / YETS Travel and Service
ATS - Adult Travel & Service
YETS - Youth Experience in Travel & Service

Thanks to the wonderful planning group there are several Travel & Service activities in the works. Watch the monthly newsletter "Passages" for more details or contact Delcie Mosley, 767-1403 or e-mail her at mosley@sbcglobal.net.

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