NIANTIC COMMUNITY CHURCH
An Open, Affirming, Reconciling congregation of the
United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church
A Heritage of Faith since 1719 • Each Member a Minister
“Whoever you are;
wherever you are on life’s journey:
you are welcome here.”
April 22, 2012 • 9:00 & 11:15AM
The Second Sunday of Easter
FOR YOUR REFLECTION
Caminante, no hay camino. Se hace camino al andar.
Wayfarer, there is no way. You make the way by walking.
from "Proverbios y cantares XXIX" [Proverbs and Songs 29]
by Antonio Machado
WE GATHER AS THE CHURCH
PRELUDE
“How Brightly Shines the Morning Star”
Buxtehude
SHARING OF PARISH ACTIVITIES
Those in each pew closest to the center aisle will please begin passing the Friendship Pads so
that everyone has an opportunity to indicate their presence here today and make a note of any
messages. Prayer requests will be collected during the second hymn.
A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION
Please greet those around you, wishing them “peace” or “the peace of Christ.”
INTROIT
“Chanson”
Handbell choir
RECEIVING GOD’S WORD AND CHRIST’S LIGHT IN OUR WORSHIP
Kenneth Lowenberg
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Unlock your hearts — God wants to come in.
Many: Open your lives — God needs a home.
Swing wide all the doors — God’s children need shelter.
Easter rolls the stone — and nothing can be shut anymore. Alleluia!
 HYMN #62
“All Creatures of Our God and King”
Verses 1–5
LASST UNS ERFREUEN
RESPONSIVE PRAYER CONFESSION
One: We have forgotten who we are.
We have alienated ourselves from the unfolding of the cosmos
We have become estranged from the movements of the earth
We have turned our backs on the cycles of life.
Many: We have forgotten who we are.
We have sought our own security
We have exploited for our own ends
We have distorted our knowledge
We have abused our power.
We have forgotten who we are.
Now the land is strained, stressed, and barren
And the waters are poisoned
And the air is polluted.
We have forgotten who we are.
Now the forests are dying
And the creatures are disappearing
And humans are despairing.
We have forgotten who we are.
We ask forgiveness
We ask for the gift of remembering
We ask for the courage to change.
We have forgotten who we are.
(Reflection in silence)
ASSURANCE OF GRACE
We often forget, but our God of life and new life always remembers: we are beloved
children of the promise. God keeps calling us back to a deep connectedness with all
that nourishes our souls and our bodies. As often as we acknowledge our
forgetfulness and sin, God forgives us and renews us. Trust in this: in Jesus’ name,
you are forgiven.
Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (trespasses)
WE PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL IN WORD
A THOUGHT FOR YOUNG MINDS
 HYMN #562
“Jesus, Lord, We Look to Thee”
Verses 1, 2, 4, 5
SAVANNAH
Prayer requests will be collected; Children (PreK–5th grade) attending Church School during
the 9AM service may leave as we sing the hymn.
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 John 3:1-7
Reader: Let us prepare ourselves for the Word of God as it comes to us in the reading
of Holy Scripture.
People: Our hearts and minds are open.
SERMON
“Living in the Light”
WE RESPOND IN PRAYER AND FAITH
CALL TO PRAYER
One: God be with you.
Many: And also with you.
May the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts.
Christ is our peace, our light, and our hope.
Let us pray.
PRAYERS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SILENT PRAYER
A LITANY FOR HEALING
One: To bring new life to the land
To restore the waters
To refresh the air
We join with the earth and with each other.
John A. Nelson
To renew the forests
To care for the plants
To protect the creatures
We join with the earth and with each other.
To celebrate the seas
To rejoice in the sunlight
To sing the song of the stars
We join with the earth and with each other.
To recall our destiny
To renew our spirits
To reinvigorate our bodies
We join with the earth and with each other.
To recreate the human community
To promote justice and peace
To remember our children
We join with the earth and with each other.
All: We join together as many and diverse expressions of one loving mystery, for the
healing of the earth and the renewal of all life. In the name of the Risen Christ, the
Word of God that enlivens creation: Amen!
OFFERTORY
Leader: We have so much cause to give thanks! For God’s Word that sustains us; for
the spirit of this gathering that welcomes us; for music that uplifts us; for the call to
serve that enriches us; for the promise of the kingdom that inspires us — and most of
all, for the Risen Christ who appears among us. Let us give generously, as we are
able, to God’s mission through our church, and try this: as you place your gift in the
offering plate say to yourself, “Thank you, God!”
Let us gather our gifts with grateful praise, and offer them to God’s purposes.
RECEIVING TITHES AND OFFERINGS
THE MUSICAL OFFERING
(9:00AM)
(11:15AM)
“O Sing a Song of Jesus”
(Adult Choir)
“From God I Will Not Turn”
 DOXOLOGY
Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship God in humbleness,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
Praise the Creator, praise the Son,
Butler
Buxtehude
LASST UNS ERFREUEN
and praise the Spirit, Three in One!
O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
 UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION
God of Life and Resurrection, with these gifts we praise you. You are the heart
of all that lives; you are the breath of renewal; you are the power of harmony
and delight. May our gifts be a blessing to those who seek hope and grace.
May we live as joyful stewards, sharing deeply from the bounty you have
placed into our care. In Jesus’ name; Amen.
 HYMN #306
“The Strife Is O'er, the Battle Done”
 BENEDICTION AND THREE-FOLD AMEN
POSTLUDE
VICTORY
(Hymnal, 898)
“Crown Him with Many Crowns”
Linker
Please remain seated in silence during the Postlude
before going out to serve as Christ’s representatives in the world.

WELCOME TO NIANTIC COMMUNITY CHURCH!
A Heritage of Faith since 1719, and an Open, Affirming, Reconciling congregation,
Niantic Community Church is a federated congregation of the United Methodist Church
and the United Church of Christ. It is also a welcoming home to people from a great
variety of church backgrounds and life experiences. Your presence here today is a gift to
us! We hope you will feel God’s Spirit here today through our worship and fellowship.
If you are a visitor, we invite you to sign our guest register by the rear entrance to
the sanctuary. “Welcome” information packets, children’s bulletins, and toys are also
available. Our services are recorded each week. You may listen to sermons online: from
the home page of our website, click on the “Sermon Archive” link. CD recordings are
also available by calling the church office (739-6208).
Please set cell phones and pagers to silent mode
(unless you’re expecting a call from Jesus)
Assistive Listening Devices, Large Print Bibles, Bulletins,
and Hymnals are available. Please ask an usher for
assistance!
Today’s Worship Leaders
9:00AM
11:15AM
Ushers: Doris Beebe, Carl Putnam,
Ushers: Sue Anglim, Anne Davis
Mary and Bruce Brailey
Worship Leader: Paul Helvig
Worship Leader: Ned Ruete
Preacher: Pastor John A. Nelson
Parish Host: Kay Whritner
Flowers have been placed in the sanctuary to the Glory of God, by the Deacons
 All who are able may stand at these times
Call to Worship adapted and reprinted by permission of the publisher from Before the Amen: Creative
Resources for Worship, ed. Tirabassi and Tirabassi, © 2007 The Pilgrim Press. Prayer of Confession adapted
from Interfaith Declarations and Worship Observance Resources; The North American Conference on
Religion and Ecology; 5 Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
Litany of Healing adapted from webofcreation.org.
Ministers: All Participants in the Life of the Congregation
Worship & Music
Caring & Community
Organist & Music Director: Dr. Paul Althouse
Director of Handbell Choirs: Lynne Floyd
Directors of Children’s and Gospel Choirs:
Lee Wilkerson & Nikki Rollins
Sound Engineers: Dick Robinson & Ron Deziel
Community Minister: Patty Chaffee
Parish Nurse: Marie LaTourette
Holding the Parts Together!
Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin
Church Officers: Cindy King, president; Joanne
Education & Youth
Moore, vice-president; Carole Glenn, clerk;
Christian Education & Youth Minister:
Linda Leavens, treasurer, Liz Kuchta,
historian
Russell Kirby
Financial Secretary: Judy Layden
Children’s Center Director: Kathy Tiller
Bookkeeper: Sandra Kuchta
Librarian, Newsletter Editor: Jennifer Datum
Pastor and Teacher: The Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson
OCCASIONS FOR SERVICE, WITNESS, AND PRAYER
In Our Prayers:
We gladly list joys and concerns, and typically print them for four weeks
after they are offered in worship. (Prayer requests may be renewed at any time.)
New Concerns:
Alma Pestana, lung cancer • Barbara,
recovering from brain surgery • Brant’s
mother, breast cancer • Amy Beth, severe back
pain • For guidance in finding employment.
Continuing concerns:
For the family of Trayvon Martin, whose death
again reveals the scourge of racism • For an
end to the bloodshed in Syria.
Traveling mercies for family and friends •
Bud, Alma, Dan, Aunt Lyla, & Conner •
Cyndie Ratzer, heart surgery • Jimmy Clarke,
recovering from surgeries • Bret, whose
chemotherapy has stopped working • Michael
(son of Jane Milardo) badly injured in bicycle
accident • Avi, child hospitalized with auto
immune kidney & lung disease • Gregg
Anglim, knee replacement surgery • Ron
Hathaway, knee surgery • Families dealing
with divorce • Eleanor Carr • Karen Deziel,
recovering from back surgery.
Families and individuals struggling
economically • Women who are victims of
domestic violence
Tony Fergione; Paul Harper; Matt Liebal;
Craig McCauley; Thomas Miller; J.P. Neilson;
Brian Perchal; Zachary Peters; Peter Rondeau;
Caitlin Strauhal; Stephen Weiss.
All those serving or living in war or conflict
zones around the world, particularly in Iraq,
Afghanistan, Colombia, Gaza, Georgia, India,
Pakistan, and the Sudan.
Family & Friends
who have passed away:
John B. “J.J.” Stinson • Stirling Danskin
Jeffrrey Bourgeois • Billy Adams
Mark Waterman • Katherine Redmiles
Georgia Spieth • Sharon Appelman
Junius Stubbs • Donna Magee
Servicemen and service women who have lost
their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan
We thank God for their lives, and offer prayers
of comfort and support for family and friends
who mourn their passing.
Thanksgiving for
Ministers of our Church:
The homeless and the hungry: God, help us to
remember that homelessness and hunger
anywhere is our burden, as well.
Christian Outreach Committee: Amy Agles;
Anne Davis; Kathy Liebal; Bette Mahon; Sandy
Spencer; Doris Beebe; Laurie Castronova;
Cathleen Donovan; Luane Lange; Laureen
Pierandi McCarthy

Praise and Celebration:
In treatment for cancer:
Jean Stamm, terminal cancer • Frank and Al,
cancer treatment • 10-yr old Jake, leukemia •
Barb McGarriety, breast cancer • Cousin Bill,
with prostate cancer • Doris Curtis • Ed
Painter • Clara Ball — and their families,
friends, and caregivers.
For the family gathering to celebrate the life of
Mildred Rand (Diana Spranklin’s
grandmother) • New church members! •
Successful surgery, good recovery, and
support from church family • Blessings for
Mark and Holly, new parents • Corey and
Brittany, married on March 25th • Birth of
grandson for Kathy & George • For all those
bold enough to follow God humbly toward
their goals and dreams!
Friends and family now serving our country in the
armed forces: Scott Basham; Greg Balsmeier;
Robin Bourne; Josh Earnhart; Matt Fergione;
IF YOU HAVE A PRAYER REQUEST OR WOULD LIKE A PASTORAL VISIT, be sure to let us know by
calling the church office (860-739-6208) or emailing Pastor John at
jnelson@nianticcommunitychurch.org. Sometimes we don’t find out about an injury or
illness or other need until long after — so please call!
WE ALSO HAVE AN ON-GOING PRAYER CHAIN. To add a prayer request to the Prayer Chain
please send an email to prayers@nianticcommunitychurch.org, or call the church office (860739-6208).
DID YOU KNOW that owning all of your assets jointly might result in paying Federal estate
taxes that might be avoided through proper estate planning? Ask your tax advisor and have
your advisor add the Church to your estate-plans as a beneficiary.
WANAKEE QUARTERS CONTEST: The contest is over and the winner has been notified. The
big reveal is TODAY so make sure to be there and enjoy the event. The winner will perform
his/their challenge during coffee hour. What will it be? We could possibly have a Song &
Dance by two self-proclaimed "worst singers" — or all shout "for it’s 1, 2, 3 strikes you're
OUT" as the organ plays — or count down to a pie being tossed into an awaiting face — or
get the giggles looking at a Neon Green beard. What will it be???? "You must be present to
win" being part of the fun!!
THANK SO VERY MUCH to the Pastor Parish Relations Committee for providing pizza and
dilly bars for Youth and youth parents Sunday night! Mmm! We are grateful and also
thankful for what you do for our church.
NEXT SUNDAY MORNING, April 29th. Worship Services at 9 & 11:15am; 10:00-11:00am
"Between Hour Café;" 10:15am Adult Sunday School. Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching.
Scripture readings: Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18.
2012 FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL statements are available in the narthex. In an effort to save
postage please remember to take yours with you when you leave worship. If you have any
questions, please call Judy Layden (739-6741)
INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED WITH OUR LABYRINTH MINISTRY? Our group meets on
Thursday, April 26th to learn about facilitating a walk. If you want to learn more about being
a labyrinth minister, or facilitating a monthly walk, please join us at 7:00 p.m. Or call Patty
Chaffee at 739-6208.
RUMMAGE SALE, Saturday April 28th, 9:00-12:00. Sponsored by WCSA. Donations for the
sale can be dropped off at the church beginning April 22. (Please do not donate computers,
rugs, furniture, skis, exercise equipment, car seats or typewriters.)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY! This summer’s VBS will take place
from July 9-13, and we are accepting registrations now! You will find a link (“Sign up for
Vacation Bible School”) on our church website, NianticCommunityChurch.org—find more
information and even a preview.
CALL TO UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST MEMBERS OF NCC: the Spring Meeting of the CT
Conference will take place on May 12. Our church's UCC delegates will be away that day -so we're looking for others to represent Niantic Community Church. You'll hear
inspirational speakers and get a look at how we are connected to many Christians doing
good ministry. Interested? Please contact Pastor John.
SAVE THE DATE: Women's Fellowship Spring Dinner is planned for May 11th at 6:30pm. All
women of the church are invited! More information to follow.
FIFTH ANNUAL WALK FOR THE HOMELESS IN NEW LONDON--April 29th. The proceeds from
this event provide critical financial support for the work of the New London Homeless
Hospitality Center. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Jackie Thurnauer at 860-439-1573
or volunteercoordinator.nlhhc@gmail.com for more information.
TINA BELMONT, RN (a nurse with the VNA who has a ministry with the homeless and spoke
to us in church) requests small hair combs, Ensure and/or Boost, deodorant and sun screen
in addition to the toiletries and socks that you have so generously donated.
PROM DRESS DONATIONS: Laurie Castronova is collecting gently used prom dresses for the
New London High School Prom Expo April 29th. These dresses will be given to students
who might not otherwise be able to afford a dress for the prom.
THE LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE would like to Thank all who helped in the 'God's Garden' last
Sunday. Our grounds look super thanks to all your loving care.
PLEASE HELP Zachary Deziel finish his Boy Scout Eagle project at the Old Stone Cemetery if
you have an electric cement mixer he can borrow. Thank you. 860-739-8063.
HONOR MOTHERS, CHANGE THE WORLD. This Mother’s Day you can honor your mother – or
grandmother, daughter, aunt, godmother, or any woman in your life with a gift to Heifer
International. Your donation will help continue our work in ending hunger and poverty
while raising struggling families into sustainability. Make your donation today, and then
choose a card from Heifer’s website to honor your special person. Thank you for joining
Heifer in bringing hope to mothers and families around the world. For more information:
www.heifer.org/mom; 1-800-698-2511.
DESTINY AFRICA, a children's choir from Uganda, will perform on THURSDAY, APRIL 26TH,
6:30PM at Park Congregational Church in Norwich. Choir members are 10- to 16-year-old
boys and girls who are orphans from Uganda. Despite the trauma in these children's lives
from surviving in a country torn apart by civil wars and losing their parents to violence,
diseases, and poverty, the children share their talents and hope for a better world. Children
and their families attending the performances will learn about the culture and life in
Uganda, and will be directly impacted by the choir members' inspiration and hope. Visit
www.DestinyAfrica.org for more information.
THIS WEEK AT NIANTIC COMMUNITY CHURCH
We are a community of Christians:
learning God’s ways; sharing God’s love;
extending God’s peace and healing grace to all.
SUNDAY APRIL 22
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25
9:00am Worship Service
9:30AM Disciple I (Fellowship Room)
10:00-11:00AM “Between Hour Café”
7:00PM Labyrinth Ministry (Parish Life Office)
10:15AM Adult Church School—Kiva
7:30PM NA (Dining Hall)
Presentation (Fellowship Room)
11:15AM Worship Service
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
1:00PM Live Well Workshop (Fellowship Rm)
6:00PM Shoreline Food Pantry (Dining Hall)
th
th
5:00-7:00PM Youth Fellowship-6 -12 (Dining
7:00PM Adult Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Hall, Multipurpose Room)
8:00PM AA (Dining Hall)
7:00PM Women’s Fellowship Book Club
(Fellowship Room)
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
2:30PM New London Soup Kitchen Meal
MONDAY APRIL 23
Preparation (Kitchen)
6:30PM Men’s Choir (Sanctuary)
2:45PM Youth & Adults leave for Wanakee
7:00PM PPRC (Fellowship Room)
Mission Trip
7:00PM Personnel (Multipurpose Room)
7:00PM Nurturing Faith (Parish Life Office)
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
9:00AM New London Soup Kitchen Meal
TUESDAY, APRIL 24
Preparation (Kitchen)
7:15AM Breakfast Bible Study (Niantic Diner)
9:00AM-NOON Rummage Sale (Dining Hall)
5:30 PM Children’s Choir (Sanctuary)
10:00-11:00AM AA (Multipurpose & Fellowship
NO Youth Bells (Multipurpose Room)
Rooms)
6:15 PM Gospel Choir (Sanctuary)
7:30
PM AA (Dining Hall)
7:00PM Boy Scouts (Dining Hall)
7:30PM AA (Dining Hall)
7:00PM Prayer Shawl (Fellowship Room)
8:00PM
Adult Bells (Multipurpose Room)
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS BULLETIN!
Niantic Community Church
170 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, CT 06357 • Phone: 860-739-6208
Fax: 860-739-8308 • E-mail: NianticCommChurch@sbcglobal.net
www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
Church Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30-Noon