Tokyo Union Church

The Baptism of the Lord

January 11, 2004 at 8:30 & 11:00 am

Prelude      “Prelude on ‘Fairest Lord Jesus’” by B. Ferguson

We welcome you to Tokyo Union Church.  Please sign the pew registry.

(11:00) Introit                                                                                                          Sanctuary Choir

*Call to Worship      Liturgist:  Spencer Robinson

Leader:    God, who created you, says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

People:  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior.

Leader:    Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.

People:  Let all the nations gather together, and let all the people assemble, May the Lord bless the people with peace.”

*Opening Hymn 361 “How Firm a Foundation”

*Prayer of Confession – in unison

We come O God,
To lay down our mask,
To surrender our pretenses,
To disarm our defenses,
To dismiss our excuses, and to simply accept your saving grace.

*Words of Assurance – Titus 3:5

God saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of God’s own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit.

*Congregational Response - Hymn 225 “Praise the Lord” (verse 1)

Praise the Lord!  Praise, you servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord!  Blessed be the name of the Lord
From this time forth and forevermore.  Praise the Lord!  Praise the Lord!

*Sharing of the peace

(11:00) Moments for Missions - The Alpha Course                                             John Visher, elder

The First Scripture Reading                                                                 Isaiah 43:1-7 (OT p. 672)

Lectors:  (8:30) Mike Stanley  (11:00) Paul Fukuda

Good News for Kids (Through Grade 4)   (8:30) Russell Gesling  (11:00) Pastor Bruce Sloan

(Preschool-kindergarten ages may go to the 2^nd floor classroom at this time.  Nursery care for children ages 0-2 is provided on the first floor throughout the whole service.)

Hymn 492      “Baptized in Water”

The Second Scripture Reading       Luke 3:15-22 (NT p. 60)

Sermon         “Belonging To God”                                  Pastor Bruce Sloan

Prayers of Intercession (Praying today for MAC/DARC, Japan)                          Sally Robinson
The Lord’s Prayer – Ecumenical (Hymnal p. 16)

GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

(8:30) Meditative Music                                                                                    Junko Sasaki, organ

(11:00) Anthem                    “Praise Be to Thee” by Palestrina                                  Sanctuary Choir

*Presentation of Tithes and Offerings – “Give Thanks”

Give thanks with a grateful heart; Give thanks to the Holy One;
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His son.  (Repeat)
And now let the weak say, “I am strong;”  Let the poor say, “I am rich,”
because of what the Lord has done for us.  (Repeat)          Give thanks!

(8:30) Holy Communion

 The Lord be with you.                         And also with you.

 Lift up your hearts.                             We lift them to the Lord.

 Let us give thanks to the Lord our God           It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 Hymn 356     “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (Tune: Hymn355)

Expressions of fellowship

In the name of the Lord, we warmly welcome all visitors and newcomers.

Please join us for the Coffee Hour in the Lobby after the service, so we can greet you personally.

(11:00) SAyonara Blessings - Murton Family

*Closing Hymn 540     “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”

*Benediction

*Congregational response (All respond:  Amen.)

(Following the 11:00 am service, the Prayer and Healing Ministry Team will be available at the front of the sanctuary for persons desiring prayer.)

POSTLUDE         “Postlude” by J. Nixon                                                                               

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*standing as able

MAC/DARC, Japan:  MAC/DARC operates 52 substance abuse rehabilitation centers throughout Japan.  Recent projects include establishment of a women's rehabilitation center in Sendai and a halfway house in Akita as well as implementation of a rehabilitation program in prisons.  MAC/DARC is also involved in awareness programs in local schools.

Pastor Craig is preaching at West Tokyo Union Church today.

Today’s Communion:  (8:30) John Mullins, Premoj Thomas      Ushers:  (8:30) Gesling Family  (11:00) Dee & Monte Walker      Nursery:  (11:00) Akiko Kawamata      Greeter:  (11:00) Hiroshi Matsuno      Coffee Hosts:  Kingdom Come Kids      Flowers:  Hannah Yoshimura, donated by Sumbung Family, for all families in Indonesia.

Baptism Preparation Classes for adults begin today, at 9:30 am, in Pastor Bruce’s office.  Please contact the Pastors if you would like to join the class.

Donators of Poinsettias:  Please take home the poinsettias today. 

Young Adults’ Bible Study:  Today, 5-7 pm, at Manse.  Please bring your Bible and drink/snack.

KOINONIA Newsletter (Feb. issue) Deadline:  Jan. 15.  Sunday bulletin Deadline:  Every Tuesday.

The Young Adults will be meeting this Friday, Jan. 16 at 7 pm for dinner and a movie.  Please join us for a good time!

All are welcome this Saturday, Jan. 17 at 6 pm, in the Fellowship Hall for Games Night.  Let the games begin!

Christian Education Kick-off Sunday:  Next Sunday, Jan. 18 at 9:45 am, in the sanctuary.  Please come learn more about all the exciting Christian education opportunities at TUC this spring. 

The Installation of the associate Pastor:  Next Sunday, Jan. 18, in the 8:30 & 11:00 am worship services.  Please join us for the celebration of Pastor Craig Hunter’s installation.

THE NEW MEMBERS' CLASS:  Next Sunday, Jan. 18 at 12:30 pm in the 2nd Floor Classroom.  All persons interested in membership at TUC are invited to attend.  For more information, please contact the Membership Elder, Tom Rudzinski (042-740-9683, thomasr@gol.com) or the church office.  If this time is inconvenient for you please email Tom to set an appointment for membership.

New Alpha Course starting January 27 at 7 pm.  Come along and invite your friends to the Introductory Supper on Tuesday, Jan. 20.  For more details visit the TUC website or call Mark at 090-1739-6585.

 

Serving next Sunday      Communion:  (8:30) Carol McMunn, Jean Pengosro      Ushers:  (8:30) Postema Family  (11:00) Jody Fuller, Premoj & Sajeeve Thomas      Lectors:  (8:30) Scott Carroll  (11:00) Russell Gesling  (Readings: Isa. 62:1-5; Ps. 36:5-10; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; John 2:1-11)      Nursery:  (11:00) Rebbeca Carson      Childcare:  TBA      Greeters:  (11:00) Premoj & Sajeeve Thomas      Coffee Hosts:  TBA      Flowers:  Michiko Yaegashi (arrangement), Thomas Family (donation)

CONGRATULATIONS to Satarupa Banerjea on the birth of Sagnik Banerjea (3,170g) on 12/25/2003, and to Garnette & Ickford Archer on the birth of Matthew Archer on 12/30/2003.  Both mothers and babies are doing well.  The rosebuds are placed in the chancel in celebration of their births.

Pledge envelopes are ready to be picked up in the lobby for those who submitted a pledge form.

The Prayer Chain is a group of people who are contacted by email, fax or phone to pray for the leaders & ministries of TUC and for any prayer requests we receive during the week.  Contact Lori Samp at tucprayer@yahoo.com.au.

Women’s Conference:  “Worshipping through the Arts,” Jan. 23-25, 2004, in Amagi Sanso, Izu Peninsula.  Dr. Mary Oyer, will focus on the poetry and music of hymns.  See the details on the bulletin board.  For more information, contact Joyce Magee (Phone/Fax: 0144-72-3408, mageeg@ains.tomakomai.or.jp)

Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) is accepting applications for the Telephone Counselors Training Program that starts in late January 2004.  No prior counseling experience is needed, but applicants must be fluent in English and over 21.  See the bulletin board and/or visit their website http://www.telljp.com.

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TOKYO UNION CHURCH was founded in 1872 and is an ecumenical and international congregation of English-speaking Christians.  The word “union” is used to indicate that the membership is composed of Christians from many churches and nationalities who are united through a common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  The members of Tokyo Union Church bring the richness of their own Christian heritage and experience into our worship, study, fellowship, and service.  Tokyo Union Church is independent and financially self-supporting; it is a member of the National Christian Council of Japan.  Our Vision:  A diverse community of growing committed Christians in the heart of Tokyo, sharing the light of Christ with all nations.

This week at tuc (Details on bulletin boards in lobby.)

Jan. 11 (Sun)   8:30/11:00/12:30    Worship
9:30 am              Adult Baptism Class
1:30 pm              Outreach Mtg. (Library)
5:00 pm              Young Adults’ Group Bible Study (manse)

Jan. 12 (Mon)      Church Office Closed (National Holiday)

Jan. 14 (Wed)     
3:00 pm              Admin. Mtg.

Jan. 15 (Thu)       Koinonia Deadline
9:30 am              WS Board Mtg. (Library)
6:30 pm              Choir Rehearsal
7:30 pm              Prayer Group Mtg. (2F)

Jan. 16 (Fri)         
7:00 pm              Young Adults’ Group Activity (outside)

Jan. 17 (Sat)        Alpha Training Day
6:00 pm              Games Night (B1)

Jan. 18 (Sun)  
8:30/11:00/12:30    Worship

9:30 am              Adult Baptism Class
9:45 am             Christian Education Kick-off (Sanctuary)
12:30 pm            Sharing Class - English (Library)
12:30 pm           New Members’ Class (2F)
2:00 pm             Council Mtg.

Tokyo Union Church:   7-7, Jingumae 5-chome Shibuya-ku, Tokyo  150-0001
Tel: (03) 3400-0047    Fax: (03) 3400-1942
E-mail: tuc@gol.com   URL: http://www.tokyounion.org/

Pastor: Bruce Sloan (pastor@gol.com)

Associate Pastor: Craig Hunter (astpastr@gol.com)

Sanctuary Choir Director: Takamichi Shiozawa

Today’s Organist: Junko Sasaki

Student Intern: Zimin Valte

Office Manager: Megumi Naito

Receptionist/Secretary: Miri Shinoda

Financial/Accounting Manager: Masanori Hara

Facilities Manager: Kazunori Higuchi

Preschool Director: Pat Haines

Acting President of the Congregation: Carol McMunn

Women’s Society President: Deb Hibbard

Women’s Society Reception: Tel: (03) 3400-0942

Preschool Office: Tel/Fax: (03) 3400-1579
admin@tucpreschool-kindergarten.com

 

 

TUC Altar Guild

1st Meeting - January 16th @ 1:00 p.m.

Our new TUC Altar Guild will hold its first meeting on Friday, January 16, at 1:00 p.m.  All who feel God’s call to this ministry are invited to come and begin the process of learning and serving together as a team.  During the winter months, the Altar Guild will plan to meet weekly as we train and organize ourselves into various sub-committees such as Housekeeping and Furnishings, Communion and Baptismal Preparation, Special Services Preparation, Linens Care, and Needlework.  Later, we will plan to meet on a monthly basis.  Participation in the Altar Guild requires no special talent or experience – only a dedication of one’s heart and hands to working behind the scenes in service to God and to our worshiping community.  Comprehensive training will be provided.  

What is an Altar Guild?

An Altar Guild is a group of friendly, dedicated people who share a special bond in their commitment to preparing the church sanctuary for worship throughout the year.  The primary focus of our new TUC Altar Guild is loving concern for the worship environment of TUC.

What do Altar Guild members do?

Serving as part of the Worship and Music ministry team, members of the Altar Guild will be charged with preparing the sanctuary for worship services.  They will select and care for the communion vessels, altar linens, worship banners, and other sanctuary furnishings.  They will prepare the bread and the wine for Communion.  Altar Guild members will fill, polish, replenish, clean, wrap, wash, iron, design, paint, and sew, each according to his or her gifts.  And finally, we hope that the Altar Guild will be active in teaching and enhancing the understanding of Christian worship among members of our congregation.

For more information, please contact Joy Albrecht via e-mail at albrecht@gol.com or by phone at 3453-8664.