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

Third Sunday of Easter

May 5, 2019    10:30 am

Meditation
Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!” You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.    —from Psalm 30

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 “ ”.”
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 Crown Him with May Crowns/Rejoice the Lord Is King arr. M. Hamm
The Call “How Do I Love Thee?” Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
¨  Hymn #223 Black  What Wondrous Love Is This Wondrous Love
¨  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

Anthem Among the Lilies
Debbonnaire Kovacs, Pearl Marshall, Robert Rorrer, Paul Smithson
They left my Lord among the lilies, for death had come to claim its own; within a new-made tomb they laid Him, and left Him there to sleep alone.
They left my Lord among the lilies; their hearts were filled with grief and pain, and downward fell the burning teardrops–They knew not He would live again.
They set a seal among the lilies; ‘Twas Pontius Pilate’s stern decree; they placed a watch in vain to keep Him, for angels came to set Him free.
They sought for Him among the lilies, said, “Who will roll the stone away?” “He is not here, for He is risen!” they heard the herald angel say.
No more He sleeps among the lilies, fair flow’rs created by His hand; He dwells today and intercedeth for me, in Heaven’s happy land.
Chorus: Among the lilies–their spotless beauty speaks of the purity of One who died; the great Creator came forth with power to be my ris’n Redeemer, glorified.
Lesson from Acts Acts 9:1-20 (p. 1330)
Saul, the church’s chief prosecutor, is confronted by the risen Christ and becomes the church’s great missionary to the Gentiles.
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 Children’s Church in Cowan Chapel. They are also welcome to stay in the service if they prefer. The Children’s Worship Center in the back of the sanctuary has toys, books, and drawing materials for children (or parents) 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 John 21:1-19 (p. 1314)
The Risen Christ appears to his disciples on the beach and speaks to them of his abiding love for them as well as their responsibility to follow him.
Sermon Blinded by Love Rev. Kent Gilbert

Responding to God’s Love in Communion

Invitation to Communion
One: God be with you!
All: And also with you!
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to God.
One: Let us give thanks to God.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
One:     Jesus sat with all sorts, the many different colors of humanity, but mainly those excluded, and broke bread.
One:     So along with everyone the world has turned its back on, along with everyone hungry, and everyone hungry for justice and truth, along with everyone abused as stranger and foreigner, along with everyone who does not fit “normal,” along with everyone who questions, doubts, and even denies, along with every prejudice that has ever been flung, along with every one made poor by others’ riches, you, you and I, are welcomed at this table. A place has been prepared on the beach for us.
One:     Come let us break the fast together with 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 city, Hokuto-shi, Japan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Silent Prayer and Prayers of the Community
One:      Lord, whose power we see in the rising tide, the bursting net, the irrepressible spring: we know you by many names and meet you in many rooms.
One:      We remember that the arc of your hope is for the healing of hearts, and the transformation of nations. Your prophets preached justice, your teachers showed us ways in the wildernesses of our fears, and your Christ broke even the bars of death to give life to our living, dying, and living yet more in your light.
One: For this and for the many wonders particular to each of us, we give you thanks and join our praise with the eternal chorus singing always:
Sanctus
Words of Institution
One: Here at this table of grace and wonder, where the simple gifts you have prepared are set aside for sacred use, your Spirit is poured out upon them and your children gathered in this place of prayer.
One:    We remember that when Jesus ate with his disciples that he took a loaf of bread and, after blessing it, he broke it and gave it to them, saying,
All:    “Take, eat. is my body, given for you. Every time you do this, remember me.”
One: Then he took a cup and, after giving thanks, passed it to his friends, saying:
All: “Drink. cup that is poured out for you is the promise of God, made in my blood. Every time you drink it, remember me.”
One: We remember later how at breakfast, when it seemed they had forgotten, Jesus asked…
All: “Do you love me?”
One: And when Peter responded yes, we remember that Jesus asked him to “feed my lambs” and he came back to himself.  As we eat of the bread broken for us, we may come back to ourselves as well, made one in the body of Christ, one in his love for others.
One: As we drink deeply from the cup of peace, may we be filled with the joy of your company, and hearing the cries of those around us, be strengthened to serve them with your hope and justice.
All:     By this meal, remind us how to love what you love, to serve whom you serve, and feed those whom you tend. By the power of your holy spirit: Amen.
A Chance for Generosity: Offering Baskets in the Aisles
Offering baskets are placed in the aisle, and can also be brought to your seat. Our gifts help sustain this particular community of caring by sustaining the building, pastors and staff, and all the materials that make our ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need. In addition, a good portion of our contributions flows out to aid those in need via many external agencies.
Many friends give online, and you can use your smart phone or computer and go to www.easytithe.com/union. You don’t have to register to make a contribution, but if you do, it can make future generosity that much easier. You can even give by text! Text to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering)
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Receiving Strength for the Journey: The Bread and Cup
All who seek the love of God are welcome at this meal and are invited to freely receive from it.  We will share the elements today by intinction, dipping the bread in the cup. When invited please come to one of the stations by exiting your pew to the left and returning by the right. If it is not convenient to come forward, the elements can be brought to your seat by signaling to the usher. All the bread is gluten-free, and the chalices are filled with non-alcoholic grape juice.
Acts of Reflection and Prayer
Some questions for reflection prayer are provided below. You are free to use  – or ignore –  these prompts as you find helpful. In whatever prayer manner you adopt, please hold the concerns of those listed and those you know about in God’s peace-giving light.
Three times Peter is asked “do you love me?” and three times is told “act on it, then.” Who is asking you about love? What action do you need to take? What divine help do you need to pierce your heart?
Even in Saul’s confusion and distress, there is help. What help do you need in yours? Who has come to you to help open your eyes, your heart, your life? What are you doing about it in response?
Prayer Corner Gather around the fire where Jesus cooked for his disciples. Peter, especially, was fed and absolved, then charged and changed. Be fed here. Consider how you are being changed and called to act in Love and Service.
Bell Corner On the table there are headbands that can be used as blindfolds. Put one on and prayerfully consider blind spots or scales over your eyes. What would it take for the scales to fall away and give you new sight?
Community Sharing Table The food bank is especially in need of baby formula right now. If you didn’t bring any today to “feed our lambs,” you may still take some there at any time during the week.
When invited, please join in singing the familiar chorus: Alleluia!
Blessing for Those Who Will Receive at Home
Members who have been designated to carry communion to those who could not be with us this morning are invited forward at this time. The elements from our meal will go with our blessing and prayers for our continued unity in the Spirit. If you would like serve by taking communion to others, you are very welcome to do so and are invited to volunteer with the Nurture and Care Board members or by contacting the pastor.
 Prayer of Thanksgiving

From Here to There

¨  Hymn #249 Black Peace I Leave with You, My Friends       Peace, My Friends
¨  The Sending and Blessing
Postlude (please be seated) Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah   arr. Marilyn Hamm
___________________________
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 India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and our brothers and sisters at the  Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.

Prayer requests to be printed may be sent to the office anytime before 10:00 am Fridays.
¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound.
¨ For Victims of Disasters around the country and around the world, that God’s people may be angels of mercy to them.
¨ For Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon. 15,000 are now detained in the US.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound: Edith Hansen, Nancy Hindman, Loyal Jones, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin.
¨ For those who are without homes and safe places, that we may work together for solutions.
¨ For God’s guidance as the church undertakes our 3 great loves.
¨ Berea College graduates, whose commencement is this afternoon!
¨ For Michelle Hayden’s sister-in-law in her treatment for cancer.
¨ Marie, great-great niece of Dorie Hubbard, battling cancer at 4 years old.
¨ Tonya, Judith Singleton’s daughter-in-law, sick with a bacterial infection.
¨ Don Jiskoot, friend of the congregation, who has had a stroke.
¨ Mary Lou Wiese’s brother, Dean Jacobs, having pain and seizures associated with new clinical trials.
¨ Thomas Chapman and all the family, at the death of his brother, Charles.
¨ Shane, Luke, and all the family of Rochelle Combs Seals, at her death, after a long battle with cancer.
¨ Shelia Sexton, recently helped by the Frank Gailey Fund.
Announcements
Next Week: new members welcomed! As a family of faith committed to boldly and creatively embodying the life and ministry of Jesus, we would like to join with YOU. We’d like to be a context and inspiration for your own spiritual path, and work with you to make your heart, your world, your life more peace-filled and joy-full. Next Sunday, and every second Sunday of the month, there will be an opportunity to covenant together. No prior action on your part is required, but if you have any questions at all, we’d like to help. Working together, we want to make God’s love visible and real to all.
We want to celebrate our graduates!! We will recognize our high school graduates next week— May 12. Please let us know if you are graduating so we can be sure to honor you! (Contact Laura: joyfulsun flowergmail.com or 859-358-0106 — call or text).
Sabbatical News: The Sabbatical Replacement Team has been hard at work. We’ve had five applicants for the interim position, and the Team has chosen to interview three. This will happen in the very near future. Rev. Kent’s sabbatical will begin July 1, and in his absence we, as a church, will work on plans and projects in service to our 3 Great Loves. (see p. 9)
Memory Keepers May 7, 7:30 pm, Wayside Room. Pls note switch to Tuesdays. Memory Keepers is a support group for those caring for loved ones with memory loss. They now meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 pm in the Wayside Room. For more information or resources call Doug Hindman at 582-5806 or Carla Gilbert at 985-1144.
Ramadan Begins today! Our Muslim friends and neighbors will start the holy season of Ramadan at sunset which will last for four weeks until Tuesday, June 4. The festival is considered to be the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is a time of reflection, prayer and fasting. Ramadan celebrates the moment in which the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad, in accordance with Islamic belief. Between sunrise and sunset every day, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity. While fasting is the practice during the day, it is a time of sharing special meals with family and friends at night when the sun goes down. Ramadan is also a time to be especially generous and kind, and to refrain from all kinds of vices like lying or trash-talking. If you have friends or co-workers who are celebrating Ramadan a traditional greeting is “Ramadan Mubarek!” which means “Happy Ramadan!” We wish our neighbors and friends deep peace and profitable reflection in this holy month.
Members one of another: We know we’ve got several members and friends without immediate family in Berea. Just in case of emergency we’ve made some half-sheet Emergency Contact forms, if you’d like to fill one out. If you so desire, fill the card out and just place in the offering basket face down. The blanks will be in a couple of spots around the building, too. We’ll keep your info in a locked drawer in the office.
Summer’s coming! May 8 is the last WNL & Youth Group meeting before a summer break. May 12 is the last Children’s Church of the season. Is your group taking a break to come back renewed and refreshed in the fall? Let us know in the office—thanks!
May 8 Author Talk and Lunch with Derek Penwell. Outlandish: An Unlikely Messiah, A Messy Ministry and the Call to Mobilize.  May 8, 11am-1pm. First Christian Church, 206 Chestnut Street, Office wing, basement level. RSVP to 859-986-4553  to order lunch or bring your own brown bag.
Rev. Derek Penwell is a colleague and friend of Rev. Mark and Lisa Caldwell-Reiss from seminary days. With his congregation, Douglas Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Louisville, KY, he engages in activist and prophetic ministries that fight injustice in their city and in our state. He speaks and writes in plain language while working from an extensive academic foundation.
Help Wanted: the broadcast crew needs 6-8 people willing to commit to one Sunday per month running the sound system and video broadcast of the service. This is a two-person job and we currently have no backup when one of us is unavailable. Experience is always welcome, but unnecessary. We’ll be happy to train you. There is also the potential for income if you are willing to work special events. Anyone interested please see Marty Hensley at the sound booth in the balcony for a very brief meeting after service on Sunday, May 19, OR email him at  kf4ebc@gmail.com.
Harvesting Hope: Drivers needed to pick up women in Richmond and bring them to Berea for the Harvesting Hope Opioid Addiction Job Training Program with Sustainable Berea.  Morning trips are at 11:30 am on Mondays & Wednesdays,  and 8:30 am Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. Afternoon return trips are around 3:30 and 4:00 pm.  If you can do one or two trips per week, (or more!) that would be a great help! Contact Cheyenne at:  859-893-4590  or email:  cheyenne@sustainable berea.org.
The Census Bureau is hiring now and up to the 2020 Census. You must be 18 years old or older, a US citizen, have transportation, an email address, internet access to apply (you can use a computer here). Pay is $14 an hour + 58 cents a mile driven for the job. Part time, flexible hours. Paid training for 3-5 days.  2020census.gov/jobs.