Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

A “Share Your Music” Sunday

July 29, 2018

10:30 am 

Meditation
“We can grow good wheat and make good bread only if we understand that we do not live by bread alone.”
—Wendell Berry

From there to Here: We Gather

Welcome & Announcements
Welcome to this service of worship!  During the service, you are invited to rise in body or in spirit, standing or sitting, at points in the service marked “t.”
Please sign in using the pew folder, passing it back down the row so all can greet one another by name, and place the sheet in an offering plate. We’re glad you’re here!
 Prelude Pennies from Heaven Arthur Johnston & Johnny Burke
Betty Sarafin
Oh every time it rains it rains pennies from heaven. Don’t you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven? You’ll find your fortune fallin’ all over town. Be sure that your umbrella is upside down. Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers. It you want the things you love you must have showers so when you hear it thunder don’t run under a tree. There’ll be pennies from heaven for you and me.
 The Call   
¨   Hymn #561 When In Our Music Engelberg
 Prayer for Approach, Confession & Release
Guide Me, O, Thou Great Jehovah
Stanley and Susan Kramer
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land. Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more.  I am weak but Thou art mighty.  Hold me with Thy powerful hand. Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountains whence the healing waters flow; let the fiery, cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through. Strong deliverer be Thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside. Bear me o’er the swelling current; land me safe on Canaan’s side.  Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee. Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee.
¨   Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on this day! You are invited to turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace and hospitality.

The Living Word among us

Epistle Lesson Ephesians 3:14-21 (p.1424)
The writer to the Ephesians prays that the baptized might “have the power to comprehend … the breadth and length and height and depth” of the love of Christ.
Children’s Moment                                as the children return to their seats we sing:
May God’s presence guard, protect and guide you.  God bless you, God bless you. Our savior’s loving arms be ever ’round you. God bless you, God bless you. 
Following the Children’s Moment, children kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to stay in the service or visit the Children’s Worship Center in the back of the sanctuary, which has toys, books, and drawing materials for children (or adults) who would like help staying present in the service. For children preschool age & under, care is available in the Nursery, downstairs in Room 104 off the playground.
Gospel Lesson  Mark 6:35-52 (p. 1201)
Jesus and a small boy unlock the miracle that feeds thousands, and the disciples marvel in incomprehension of Jesus’ work.
Sermon In the Tall Grass Rev. Kent Gilbert

Living Prayer

Ringing of the Peace Bell
The Union Church Peace Bell was created by Jeff Enge in honor of Union Church member Carl Eschbach (1904-1998).  A twin bell hangs in Berea’s sister province in Japan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Acts of Reflection and Prayer
Offered here is a time to connect prayer and action in a time of reflection. Use the printed questions if you desire. Our hope in this time is that together we may pray as we are led, respond as each is called, and reconnect with the Spirit of God who holds us dear.
Musical Meditations So Thou Art to Me K. Lee Scott
Larry Brandenburg, tenor; Gabriel Evans, organ
As the bridegroom to his chosen, as the king unto his realm, as the keep unto the castle,  as the pilot to the helm, (Refrain) So art thou, Lord,  to me.
As the fountain in the garden, as the candle in the dark, as the treasure in the coffer,  as the manna in the ark.
As the music at the banquet, as the stamp unto the seal, as the medicine to the fainting, as the wine cup at the meal.
As the ruby in the setting, as the honey in the comb, as the light within the lantern, as the mother in the home.
As the sunshine in in the heavens, as the image in the glass, as fruit unto the fig tree, as the dew upon the grass, So art thou, dear Lord, to me.
O Happy Day Edward Rimbault
Bradley Vilanacci, saxophone; LaRee Jacobs, piano
Our Offering 
What better reflection on today’s scripture than turning our resources into community service?  Working together we can feed and care for so many, and that is our bold intent. In giving, we receive. In receiving, we steward. In stewarding we offer to individuals, families, and groups the encouragement of a loving community. Your gift helps change the narrative of scarcity into a proclamation of abundance for the need. Thank you for all you do.
When invited, please join in singing the familiar chorus: Alleluia!
Community Prayer & Our Lord’s Prayer
One: Our Maker, our Mother, and …
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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:                                 
 For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.  Amen.

From Here to There

¨  Hymn #347 Black  Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ Linstead
¨  The Blessing and Sending
Postlude (please be seated) Trumpet Tune Nicholas Bowden

Prayer in Action Reflections

Use these meditations during worship or anytime during the week. Space is provided for you to write notes, to reflect, or draw responses.
Enough is Enough: In our spiritual lives we can simultaneously feel underfed and “fed up” with all that is on our shoulders. Hold in the eye of your prayers (and perhaps listing here) how you feel underfed; and now the things you have have too much of:
 
Making the Big Small:  What insight do you gain from how Jesus handles these conditions in today’s gospel? How is God poking/prodding/challenging you? How could you sit your challenge on the grass? Or, what could break open abundance in the face of scarcity in your situation? If you like, allow God to hold that thought with you until a plan comes together.
 
Not By Bread Alone: Ephesians is Paul’s meditation on being “rooted in love” in all ways.  Love is active, powerful in reciprocity, always greater than the sum of its parts. As you pray, reflect on the ways you radiate love in community, especially the ways it is more than just bread. As you pray, practice breathing in what is needed, and exhaling what you have to offer. Feel yourself becoming part of something bigger and greater.
 
Be Gentle With Bread: At home today, could you make the ordinary (like bread, or a meal) holy?  How would you do it if you could?
Especially in our prayers
Each week we join millions of Christians who pray for one another through the ecumenical prayer cycle and, locally, the Berea Ministerial Association’s prayer cycle. Let us hold the people of Republic of Congo, Gabon, SaoTome and Principe and our brothers and sisters at the Living Waters Sanctuary our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
¨ Jennifer Shelton, former church family member & nursery worker, injured in a car wreck July 3. 
¨ Blessings on the union of church members David Bellnier and Laura Howard, who were married here yesterday!! May God grant them a long and happy life together!
¨ The Ngabwema Family, our adopted refugee family from the Congo! That God will help us help them with all they need for a full and safe life in Lexington.
¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound: Ruth Butwell, Edith Hansen, Nancy Hindman, Loyal Jones, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin
¨ Dan Rohrer, who is suffering from a severe liver disorder.
¨ Dave Wellinghurst, receiving treatment for glioblastoma.
 
Prayer requests to be printed may be sent to the office anytime before 10:00 am Fridays.
 
Office Help Needed, August 6-8, possibly 9: Joan English, Office Admin, will be away  picking up her parents, George & Elsie Hardman, in Florida and bringing them back here to live perma-nently. If you can cover the office on one or part of those days, it would be much appreciated! We may ask for help unloading the POD when it gets here, too, around Aug. 15. Prayers welcome as the family settles into a new routine.
The Ngabwema Family Sends Their Thanks!!  Thanks to your donations of money and furniture all 7 members of the Ngabwema family are sleeping on beds in their new apartment and have dishes, lamps, and cooking pots. Charlsa Hensley, Shane Wilcher, Sayer and Dave Kobersmith, Paul Jacobs and Pastor Kent delivered and set up furniture from Union Church on Tuesday. As we know how we can help them adjust, we’ll share more!
MealTrain organized for the Garrett family at the birth of Vera! Contact the office for the link or sign up at https://mealtrain.com/20vm3q
New Church Directory Coming and we NEED YOU! We’re trying for a print date of earliest September. If you will send us your photo and info (names, addresses, birthdates, anniversaries, email addresses and phone numbers), you can save us a phone call! Kiddo gone off to school? Gotten hitched? Maybe you’d like to opt out of the Directory? Send to office@union-church.org. Thanks.
Sometimes our church members need help. If you have a skill you are willing to share, please email the information to dodiemurfmsw @yahoo.com. It will be printed on a page in our new church directory for folks to contact you directly. Thanks for consider-ing! Possible categories (include your own skill if it’s not listed):

• Yard work –planting, weeding, watering
• Making a meal
• Babysitting
• Baking
• Driving to appointments
• Running errands
• Grocery shopping
• Doing laundry, ironing
• Mending or hemming
• Writing thank you notes
• Lending books, DVDs or CDs
• Typing
• Computer software/hardware instruction, repairs
• Small plumbing jobs

Our Piano Is Back And Better Than Ever! Thanks to everyone’s generous donations our sanctuary piano is completely refurbished and better than ever! The $4400 includes the rebuilt action and the addition of special humidity regulating equipment. Everyone “played” a part. 🙂 Thank you!! If you adopted a key, your thank you gift will be coming soon!
Healing Arts Retreat Saturday, September 15, 8:30-5:30. Led by Donna Eder, this year retreatants will enjoy the centering and meditative movement of calligraphy, brush painting (bamboo), and Tai Chi. Chinese brush work is an ancient tradition which strengthens “chi,” while promoting sensi-tivity and an appreciation for simplicity. Advanced registration requested online at union-church.org or by calling the Union Church office, by September 8. Please bring a suggested $20 materials fee to the retreat (can be waived).  Adults only. 
Paul Jacobs is available for moving and hauling jobs:  Call him at 859-358-5499.
Babysitter needed: Lois Morgan’s neighbor, Allison, needs a sitter for three girls 3, 5 and 7 beginning August 9 (when school starts) from 2:30 – 5 pm four days a week. Call Allison at 595-3680.
Can You Help With Special August 5 Coffee Hour? Kent & Diana’s first wedding anniversary will be celebrated at an after-worship Coffee Hour August 5, in the Community Room. We’ll also celebrate our newly wed church members, David Bellnier and Laura Howard (married yesterday). If you can bake something gluten-free for this joyful event, please call Barb Smith at 859-582-0368. Thank you!
Rescheduled — Community Hymn Sing August 5, 2:00 pm, Cowan Chapel. Did you know that singing with others releases endorphins in our brains that promote a sense of well-being and community connectedness? Come see, hear, sense, and feel for yourself! All ages welcome! 
Hymn Favorites on Handbells Sunday, August 12, 2:00 pm.
Kentuckians For The Commonwealth Annual Membership Meeting “Claiming Our Commonwealth: Creating Kentucky’s Beloved Community” August 3-5 at Berea College. To register: kftc.org/events/2018-annual-membership-meeting
Please Sign up to Read Scripture or to Help Greet and Usher!  Please use our electronic sign up system, http://signup. com/go/xkdVtB, where you can pick a date that works for you and get reminders!  OR you can also call the office and we’ll get you on the lists.