A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Second Sunday after the Epiphany January 20, 2013
Meditation
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Gathering to Worship
Welcome and Announcements
Hymn Sing Choose your favorites!
Prelude Lord, I Want to Be a Christian arr. Diane Bish
¨ Call to Worship
One: God calls us out of our isolation to join hands with sisters and brothers, strangers and friends in this community of faith.
All: God calls us out of our confusion to speak to us with a Word of Life and to inspire us as the Spirit may choose.
One: God calls us out of our differences to acknowledge our common wealth, our common heritage, our common cares.
All: God calls us endowed with a variety of gifts to know and celebrate the same Spirit.
One: We are many in thought and deed but one in Spirit as we are called and blessed in worship together. Let us sing God’s praise now and always!
¨ Opening Hymn #604 Black Hush, Hush African American Spiritual
¨ Prayer of Approach and Confession
One: Listen now to some of the voices that keep us from being whole:
Voice 1: I have nothing to offer.
Voice 2: I like things the way they are and don’t see any reason to change.
Voice 3: I don’t want to care because I might get hurt.
Voice 1: I’ve worked harder than anyone else to get where I am.
Voice 2: I can’t make a difference anyway.
Voice 3: I’ve never received what I wanted, so I don’t need to go out of my way for anyone else.
(Silence is observed.)
One: These voices do not call from the Spirit and divide us from God and one another. Let us pray:
All: O God, we acknowledge that our attitudes can form barriers to your grace. Help us to be open to your Spirit within and among us, so that we may use what you have given us to proclaim your steadfast love.
(Silence is observed.)
¨ Words of Assurance
One: God takes delight in you and rejoices over you. God’s limitless love has the power to turn the troubled waters of resentment and fear into the wine of grace. Let us receive and celebrate this good news!
All: Thanks be to God!
¨ Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on this day. Please turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace.
Hearing the word
Anthem Blessed Are They Who Walk in the Pathways of Peace John Carter
Union Church Choir
Blessed are they who walk in the pathways of peace
The fruit of the Spirit is found in the pathways of peace.
Blessed are they who cry for peace.
Blessed are hearts that sigh for peace.
Blessed are they who walk in the pathways of peace.
Blessed are they who trust in the promise of peace.
The joy of the Spirit is rich with the promise of peace.
Blessed are they who strive for peace.
Blessed are hearts alive for peace.
Blessed are they who trust in the promise of peace.
They shall be called God’s children; they shall be called God’s own.
They shall reign in his kingdom with peace as the cornerstone.
Blessed are they who sing out the gospel of peace.
The power of the Spirit will bring out the gospel of peace.
Blessed are they who dare for peace.
Blessed are the hearts in prayer for peace.
Blessed are they who sing out the gospel of peace.
Epistle Lesson 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (p. 1395)
Paul speaks of the many gifts, but one Spirit, of the body 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 Children’s Moment, child care for ages kindergarten & under is available in the Nursery, downstairs off the Community Room, and Children’s Church for kids ages 5-8 is available in Room 104. The activities provided acquaint the children with the structure of the regular service in a way that engages them and encourages their participation. Children’s Church is staffed by Anna Kate McWhorter, and parents who wish to accompany their children are very welcome.
Gospel Lesson John 2:1-12 (p. 1281)
Jesus’ first sign performed at a wedding in Cana.
Sermon “What Has That Got To Do With Us?” Rev. Kent Gilbert
Prayers of the People
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 Kiyosato, Japan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Silent Prayers & Prayers of the Community
Our Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts
Offertory Deep River arr. Wilbur Held
¨ Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise God all creatures here below; Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
¨ Prayer of Thanksgiving
Walking Forward in Faith
¨ Closing Hymn # 593 Black Lift Every Voice and Sing Lift Every Voice
¨ Benediction and Sending Forth
Postlude We Shall Overcome arr. D. Byron Arneson
_____________________________
¨ Those who wish to may stand
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 Algeria, Libya and Tunisia and our brothers and sisters at the First Baptist Church at Middletown in your hearts, and pray for them. Please also hold these concerns in your prayers today and throughout the week.
¨ Those in harm’s way in the service of our country
¨ The families of those killed in Connecticut, and victims of violence everywhere
¨ Wilma Barrett, client of Hope Hounshell, who has had very invasive surgery & reconstruction to address cancer in her nose
¨ Barbara Frederiksen, healing at home. Her doctor anticipates that she can return to work in mid-April
¨ Paul Wells, facing heart valve replacement surgery in the near future
¨ Mary Miller, longtime member and friend of generations of Union Church’s children, has moved to a nursing home in Indiana. She would love to hear from Union Church friends: Rm. 111; Waters of the Dune Lands Nursing Home; 110 Beverly Dr.; Chesterton; IN; 46304
¨ A memorial service will be held for Jean Huffman on Tuesday, January 22, at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond.
¨ Cole Warren, who had knee surgery on January 18
¨ Renee and Billy Wellinghurst at the birth of Whitney Louise, born at 25 weeks on December 8, weighing 1 pound, 7 ounces. Please hold the family in prayer as Whitney faces some serious health challenges.
¨ Abi Dietz, who is now in rehab in Philadelphia. Cards may be sent care of her mom, Georgina Bard, 403 Edge Hill Rd., Glenside, PA, 19038
¨ Edith Hansen, at The Terrace
¨ Shirley Dean, on hospice care for lung cancer
¨ Ruth Wesley, very ill at home. Cards welcome, to 215 Peachbloom Hill
Assisting in Worship
Worship Leader today is Duncan Blount
Announcements
You Matter! Please sign in on the Pew folders which will be passed in your row, with the last person taking out the sheet and placing it in the offering plate. Thank you.
Special service tomorrow, 9:15 am, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day in the Sanctuary. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., African-American civil rights leader, was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. A Baptist minister and peace activist, Dr. King was a voice for equal rights for African Americans and others. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1983, his birthday was designated a national holiday in the United States, observed on the third Monday in January.
On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered a pivotal speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The words, which have come to be known as the “I Have a Dream” speech, inspired the crowd of more than 300,000 people who made the march on Washington to advocate for civil rights. Dr. King spoke fervently of a day when all God’s children would join hands and walk together as sisters and brothers.
Coffee & Fellowship in the Parlor today and January 27! All are invited to stay after worship on January 20 and 27 and enjoy fellowship and coffee or juice in the Parlor (formerly Dialogue Center) . This will also be an opportunity to make yourself a new name tag if you have lost or misplaced yours — but if it is gathering dust on your dresser at home, please bring it — or better yet — wear it to church. The Worship Board and Community Life and Growth Boards are simplifying the name tag process and hope that we can facilitate getting to know names as well as faces. The Parlor is the room right behind the pulpit area (it looks BEAUTIFUL after the renovation). We’ll also be taking photos and updating information for the new Directory to be printed in February. There’s a draft available for you to review and make any changes you’d like to. Thanks!!
Singers, come sing with us, and bring a friend! We’ll be singing Shape Notes this Sunday from 4:00 to 5:30. We’ll try the newly refurbished Parlor (formerly Dialogue Center) this time and see how our voices sound there. The Parlor is on the right as you head toward the sanctuary, where the chairs and books are stored.
Coffee, Bagels, and Church Fixes – Tuesday 8:30-Noon – Come join for whatever time you can in fellowship and helping with minor repairs, etc. There will be job opportunities for people of all skill levels — from cleaning to building shelves.
Wednesday Night Live! WNL got off to a great start this past Wednesday with over 50 folks enjoying food and fellowship. The program this week is Lara Mack with the Central Appalachian Prisoner Support Network (CAPSN), who will bring us up to date on the work of this organization. Willie Dodson, Union Church member and Berea College student is an active member of the organization, to which our Mission &Service Board has given support. Everyone is welcome, members, friends, and newcomers. Please join us!
Burns Supper January 25!! Come Celebrate the completion of our new Community Room with an evening dedicated to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. Songs, Poetry, Toasts, and a delicious Scottish Dinner await, complete with the redoubtable Haggis. All to benefit our upcoming Mission Trip to El Salvador. Friday, January 25, at 6:00 pm in the Community Room. Please contact the church office or Kevin Burke at 985-1144 to attend. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear/see Pastor Kent wax eloquent in brogue about a sheep’s stomach! The evening’s dinner is provided however if you wish to toast with other than water or coffee bring your favorite sparkling grape or apple juice. Donations will accepted with gladness throughout the evening. (Suggested donation $20/person)
Calling all parents of youth age kids (6th-12th grade) Meet Chris and Grace McKenzie after church on Jan. 27th in the Wayside Room to discuss plans and dates for the Spring semester. Even if your youth hasn’t been involved in youth group in the past, feel free to come and find out what’s in store!
Interested in the Mission Trip to El Salvador? The Mission Board invites you to give it some thought. Fill out the interest form and bring or send it to the office, along with your deposit of $100, and a delegation member will be in touch! If you need a form, ask Jenny Bromley or we can email you one from the office.
Get Ready to ShakeOut Mission and Service Board invites you to participate in “The ShakeOut.” Kentucky is earthquake territory so FEMA is organizing this drill on Feb 7 so we can all practice what to do. For details and resources go to www.shakeout.org/centralus.
How We Roll: Union Church is a community working together with a variety of gifts from helping to collect the offering to swinging hammers for neighbors in need. YOU matter and your help makes our ministry. On Sundays the Worship Board may “tap” you and ask if you could pass out bulletins, the Properties Board saved us thousands on maintenance costs with “coffee & repair” parties… Thank you for these and the many other ways that small gifts of your time make visible a wider love. Thanks for saying “yes!”
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