Third Sunday of Easter
April 10, 2016 10:30 am
Meditation
“The practice of love offers no place of safety. We risk loss, hurt, pain. We risk being acted upon by forces outside our control.”
— bell hooks
From there to Here
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 Nothing but the Blood of Jesus arr. R. Mallory
Union Church Handbell Ensemble
* Call to Worship
One: Beautiful are the works of God!
All: Beautiful also are the skins of God’s people!
One: Beautiful is the mind of god!
All: Beautiful also are the hopes of God’s people!
One: Beautiful is the heart of God!
All: Beautiful also are the souls of God’s people!
One: God made the heavens and the earth!
All: To God be the glory for the things God has done.
ad., Trinity UCC, Chicago
* Opening Hymn #402 De Colores De Colores
(v. 1 in Spanish, then 1& 2 in English)
* Prayer of Approach (unison)
We welcome the dawning of your colorful world and pray for the scales of sleep and sorrow to fall from our eyes. Holy Maker of all peoples, all things, bringer of hope and wholeness, feed us so we can feed others with your love. Amen.
* Passing the Peace of Jesus 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 joy.
The Word in our Midst
Anthem Sing Alleluia Gordon Young
Union Church Choir
Sing alleluia! Praise the Lord in heaven above!
Lesson from Acts of the Apostles Acts 9:1-20
Children’s Moment
As the children return to their seats or move to children’s church, 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, children grades K-5 are invited to Children’s Church, which takes place in Cowan Chapel. Otherwise, children are welcome to visit the Children’s Worship Center, where there are toys, books, and drawing materials for children (or parents) who would like help staying present in the service. For children preschool & under, care is available in the Nursery, downstairs off the Community Room. Please pick up your children in the Chapel or Nursery after the service.
Gospel Lesson John 21:1-19
Sermon Persecution to Proclamation Rev. Kent Gilbert
Gifts Given For Love to Flow
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 to those in need via many external agencies.
This can now be done online or by text to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering” to contribute to the ongoing ministries, or add “youth,” or “missions” or designation of your choice to benefit one in particular.)
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Offertory Easter Triumph C. Dobrinski
Union Church and Guest Ringers
* Doxology Avery/Marsh
Praying it Forward
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.
Silent Prayers and Prayers for the Community
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
Introduction and Invitation to Membership
Union Church is a vital and growing family of faith, a home to those committed to the way of Christ’s sacrificial love and service. All who feel led to join will be received in joy, and are welcome to come forward during the Closing Hymn. Thanks be to God for these ministers among us.
* Closing Hymn #173 Tu Has Venido a la Orilla Pescador des Hombres
* Questions of the Congregation and New Members
* Covenant of Welcome
And we, the members of this church, renewing our own covenant to God and to each other, do now heartily welcome you to our fellowship, promising to watch over you in love, and praying that you, and we, may be true witnesses for Christ, a light in the world, and continue to increase in usefulness and joy in his service.
* Benediction & Sending Forth
Postlude (please be seated) Symphony No. 6, Intermezzo C.M. Widor
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 China, Hong Kong, and Macao and our brothers and sisters at Grace Baptist Church in your hearts, and pray for them.
Please also hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week:
¨ Refugee families and individuals seeking shelter and safety, and all who are working to provide it: May God magnify our efforts.
¨ Laura Robie, recovering at home from knee replacement surgery
¨ Andy Blyth, recovering at home
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound: Edith Hansen, Nancy Jones, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin
¨ The family and friends of George Oberst, at his death
¨ Sheila Johnson, facing breast cancer
¨ Marlene Payne and her family
¨ Kelly Ambrose and family
¨ Terry Allen Watts, NoraRuth Jenkins’ cousin
¨ Cindy Saylor’s friend Genny Bryant, who has colon cancer.
¨ Loretta Mountjoy, recovering from surgery at home
¨ Jerry Cooper’s daughter, Debbie diagnosed with breast cancer
¨ Jillean McCommons, feeling a lot of stress and anxiety
¨ Alvera Perman’s new niece, Avery Stallard, born at just over one pound, and now fighting infection
¨ Jessica Spencer and family, at the loss of her grandmother, Hazel Graybeal
¨ Les Pross, recovering from surgery at St. Joseph Hospital, main
¨ For all discerning the way forward in difficult circumstances, may God’s light lead and guide
Special Reception for Gabe Evans on the completion of his Master’s Recital immediately after service, in the Community Room.
Join the church today. Union Church is a vital and growing family of faith, a home to those committed to the way of Christ’s sacrificial love and service. All who feel led to join will be received in joy! New members are received every second Sunday of a month. YOU are welcome here!
Organ Recital tonight, 5:00 pm As part of the Union Church Concert Series, two of Campbellsville University’s finest organ students will be presenting a joint organ recital. Both Colleen Ames and Steven Adams are students of Dr. Robert Wesley. Works include composers such as J.S. Bach, Bedard, Vierne, and many others! Admission is free!
SaraCare Celebration Friday, April 15, 6-10: spaghetti supper ($5) & silent auction in the Community Room , concert in the sanctuary (free, donations cheerfully accepted)! SaraCare is a memorial fund honoring Sara Elizabeth Kennedy, who passed away from Rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 18 on March 23, 2005. Funds raised assist children and their families during hospital stays and medical treatments.
Art Exhibit in Pross Gallery through April 30 Yes! A Tribute to Michelle Tooley Fiber Art by Ann Butwell in the Pross Gallery off the Community Room. Stop by to take a peek at the pieces Ann created in Michelle’s memory and to celebrate resurrection!
The artwork embeds symbolism of the Guatemalan quetzal soaring above our heads, Michelle speaking truth to power in her work for social justice and peace, and friends encircling her with love and song.
You will have an opportunity to take one of the textiles home with you at the end of the month, and leave a sliding-scale donation to one of Michelle’s favorite causes.
All Y’All Faith Day: Earth Day Adventure Journaling Saturday, April 23, 11:00 – 3:00 Everyone is welcome to a time of experience and reflection as we contemplate, revel in, and celebrate God’s creation!
Meet at church at 11:00. Everyone will make a sack lunch and then choose their own adventure. Choices can include gardening in the church’s raised beds, walking around the College campus, striking out for Anglin Falls, and more. You may strike out on your own, but are encouraged to join a small group to share with along the way. Go with your journal, a booklet full of suggestions, and your lunch. We will gather back at church at 2:30 to share our insights, reflections, drawings, and prayers with each other.
We will have paper available if you do not have your own journal. Event will be held rain or shine! Questions can be directed to kim.kobersmith@gmail.com or alveralisabeth@yahoo.com.
April 24th, lunch to support Katosi Women Development Trust after Worship. We will cook a Ugandan meal for the congregation, in part to thank the church for its previous support, and in part to share about the current project, the development of a community center for the organization.
Katosi Women Development Trust is a network of women in southern Uganda working towards a positive future for Ugandan women through sustainable economic development, agriculture, water, and sanitation programming. The network is made up of 18 groups, and a total of over 485 members.
Margaret Nakato, the director of KWDT, is coming for a visit to Kentucky to share the mission of the organization and to raise funds for a community center.
ALMOST last call for the New Church Directory! Your photo, address, phone, email address, anniversary, or birthday(s)needed —please send that info on as well: office@union-church.org. Thanks!
Lost & Found — the items from the kitchen are moving to the shelves in front of the office. If you brought something for a potluck and it didn’t come home with you, please pick it up in the next 2 weeks.
Concert Choir’s Annual Spring Concerts on April 16 and 17 The Berea College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, Stephen Bolster conductor, will present their annual spring concerts in Gray Auditorium on Saturday evening, April 16 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, April 17 at 3:00 p.m. There is no charge for admission. Both concerts carry Berea College convocation credit. The choirs will be accompanied by Lindsay Clavere on the piano.
Host families in Madison County needed for Chinese students from Aug 12th – 27. The students range from ages 10-16 and most of them come from middle class family in Beijing. This is a terrific opportunity to share in the Chinese students’ experience, create memories and build lifelong friendships, enrich your entire family as you learn about the culture of your new “kid.” All the students have insurance and their own expanse money. You will provide 2 meals a day & room. There is a stipend paid to host families to cover expenses.
Email chinesehomestay@hotmail.com.
How to Modify Your Home for Aging or Living with a Disability Saturday, April 16th – 2:00 – Fellowship Hall, First Christian Church.
Mike Carter, Universal Design Specialist, helps people understand how to make changes in their homes that allow them to continue to live at home. Learn from an internationally recognized expert about practical and affordable ways to rethink your living space in a way that supports healthy living.
Free event sponsored by Berea Home Village – promoting an environment and network for healthy aging in place.
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