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

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost August 16, 2015, 10:30 am

Meditation
Kindle, O Lord, in our hearts, we pray, the flame of love which never ceases, that it may burn in us and give light to others.
May we shine forever in your temple,
set on fire with that eternal light of yours which puts flight to the darkness of this world; in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

— St. Columba, the Irish missionary who landed on Iona in 563 and started a program of welfare and evangelism which led to the Christianizing of Scotland and far beyond. The Celtic Church, of which he was an abbot, was particularly keen to revere God in the life of the world and the process of human life.

From there to here

Prelude     Josephine’s Waltz        Jeni Balcom, harp, and Simone Westerkamp, fiddle
*  Call to Worship              I Sing as I Arise Today            Seed of Life   Larry Brandenburg
I sing as I arise today!  I call on my Creator’s might: the will of God to be my guide, the eye of God to be my sight. The word of God to be my speech, the hand of God to be my stay, the shield of God to be my strength, the path of God to be my way.  Alleluia, alleluia!    
*  Opening Hymn #273      Praise with Joy the World’s Creator   Lauda Anima
*  Prayer of Approach & Confession  
One:     God be with us on this Thy day.
All:      Amen. To us, and with us, on this Thy day.
One:     Amen.  It is clear to be seen of us, since we came into the world, that we have done much to deserve Thy wrath.
All:      Grant us forgiveness, Thou God of all.
One:     Amen.Grant us thine own forgiveness, thou merciful God of all.
All:      Amen. Anything that is evil to us, or that may witness against us where we shall longest be, illume it to us, obscure it to us, banish it from us, root it out of our hearts: Ever, evermore, everlastingly.
One:     Ever, evermore, everlastingly.
All: Amen

From “God be with Us” a prayer collected in the highlands by Alexander Carmichael c. 1900

* Words of Assurance  
*  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

Special Music       Brendan Tonra’s      Jeni Balcom, harp, and Simone Westerkamp, fiddle
Hebrew Scripture Lesson                       1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
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, children are welcome to return to their seats or follow volunteers to the front entrance of the sanctuary to 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 age & under, care is available in the Nursery, downstairs off the Community Room.
*  Gospel Acclamation       Christ Be Beside Me    Bunessan
Christ be beside me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me, king of my heart.
Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me, never to part.
Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, Christ all around me, shield in the strife.
Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising, light of my heart.
Christ be in all hearts thinking about me, Christ be on all tongues telling of me.
Christ be the vision in eyes that see me, in ears that hear me Christ ever be.
Gospel Lesson                  John 6:51-58
Sermon     Grit & Grist for Grace     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              The Swan      Jeni Balcom, harp, and Simone Westerkamp, fiddle
*  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 inJapan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Silent Prayers and Prayers of 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.

*  Closing Hymn  #451       Be Now My Vision      Slane
*  Benediction & Sending Forth
Postlude (please be seated)         Toccata in G  T. Dubois
____________________
*  Please rise in body or in spirit as you wish
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 Canada and the United States and our brothers and sisters at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in your hearts, and pray for them.
Please also hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week:
* Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound:  Edith Hansen, Nancy Jones, Mary Miller, Averill Kilbourne, Alva Peloquin
* Former president Jimmy Carter, diagnosed with cancer
* Marlene Payne and her family, in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The cards and letters are much appreciated. Thanks to those who participated in the Meal Train for the family!
* Loriel Warren, recovering at home from spinal surgery. Thanks to the Meal Train participants!
* Deborah Martin, recovering at home from lung surgery
* Walter Holbrook, Mitch’s father, who is very ill, in Georgia
* Sune Frederiksen has received an honorary title: “Move The World Goodwill Ambassador” from The National Danish Performance Team sponsored by the Danish Gymnastics and Sports Associations
* Friends and family of Rob McDonough of Somerset, NJ, a decades-long family friend of Dodie Murphy & her family
* Anna Kate McWhorter is starting seminary at Wake Forest! Her new address is 4295 Brownsboro Rd., Apt. #2. Winston-Salem, NC, 27106.
Announcements 
You Matter! Please Sign the Register, Check in on Facebook/Twitter and try a nametag! It’s hard to get to know people elsewhere, but we don’t want it that way at church.  Let’s all try to get to know each other better.
Welcome Berea Celtic Festival participants and attendees!  Union Church is pleased be a sponsor of this festival of music and culture.
WOW!!! The results of the Dobby Sock Drive are …. 301 pair of socks!!! AND some financial contributions. Thank you so very much!!
Check out the flower chart on the back bulletin board — sign up to bring some pretties from your garden, florist, special occasion, etc.
The Faith Development Board invites you to lunch today: Rekindle the Spirit following worship service to join the conversation. We want to take time to share our vision for the future and hear where you want to go.  Together, we will go boldly in to future of our faith development! The discussion will take place in the Community Room downstairs, and a snack lunch will be provided. Topics to be discussed will include, but will not be limited to: changes to children’s church, family faith days and opportunities to further the mission of the Faith Development Board.  We look forward to seeing you and hearing what you have to say!
Achieving and Building Life Equally Are you interested in joining together to create a Berea support group for those of us who self-identify as differently or uniquely able, or identify as disabled? This includes anyone who may be coping with a chronic or long-term illness, or dealing with an injury or illness that impacts daily life. If interested, let’s meet on August 19 at 6:00pm in the Community Room at Union Church. This could become a regular get together, an opportunity for friendship and sharing in a confidential setting.
We, in ABLE (Achieving and Building Life Equally), work hard to be strong and fearless. We succeed in life with creativity. We are not ‘less than,’ we are equal in the world.
Musical Notes: Union Church Music Ministries Picnic August 20, 6 pm at Rev. Kent’s house, 298 Harrison Rd.
Thinking about joining the Choir? Or the Bell Choir? Want to know more? Come to this picnic and meet choir members, music staff, bell folks—bring your family! Burgers, hot dogs and drinks provided. Bring a side or dessert to share. RSVP to Sharona Nelson by August 16—sharonanelson@gmail.com
We Want YOU! Choirs are Starting Back Up! Come Join!
August 26, 7-8 pm Union Church Handbell Ensemble
     August 27, 6:15—7:45  pm  Union Church Chancel Choir
Share-YOUR-music Sunday! August 30  ~  Sanctuary This is an opportunity for
vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles to share the music of their hearts in worship.
If you would like to provide music for this special service, please fill out the sign-up sheet in the ivory brochure and turn it in by today.
We will need this information well in advance so we can craft an inspired, and smooth-running worship service, as well as an efficient sound-check schedule.
Please contact Gabe to coordinate additional practice times.
Church Bazaar, Sat. August 29!  Raffles! Bake sale! Food on the lawn! Live music! Junque! Bring donations to the former Nursery off the Community Room. Baked goods, jams,  welcome too.
Church member with an opportunity! Toby Wilcher has gotten an Individual Development Account from the KY Domestic Violence Association that will provide her with a matching grant to get a car. Please call her at 859-353-2901 if you have any info, advice, tips, cheap cars, etc. Thanks for your help!
If you’re a member of Kroger Community Rewards, you must re-enroll sometime during the month of August. That can be done at www.Kroger.com/communityrewards. Prefer phone? In August, enrolled supporters that need help re-enrolling can call 1-800-KROGERS, Option #3, for assistance. Also, any new supporters can also call 1-800-KROGERS, Option #3, for assistance in enrolling the first time if needed.
bell hooks: Artist of the month at the Madison County Public Library.  bell is the Distinguished Professor in Residence in Appalachian Studies at Berea College. She is known for her writing but did you know she is also a painter?
bell is the August artist of the month at the Madison County Library-Berea location. This is a partnership between the library and the Berea Arts Council!
bell will also be speaking at the library on August 30th at 2:00pm about the bell hooks Institute that opens on September 1st!  Mark your calendars now for this exciting free event!
Special Call to Help Feed Our Neighbors: Did you know that many Bereans will face an extra challenge in feeding their families this August and September?  As Kentucky’s EBT system (formerly known as “food stamps”) makes changes to its calendar, some families will have to find ways to feed their children for a week longer than usual.
You can make a financial contribution to the FRYSC, and staff will convert your dollars into filling meals for families who are facing food shortages. Your donation is tax deductible.
Write a check to Berea FRYSC and be sure to mark “family meals” in your memo line.  You can mail that check to Berea FRYSC, 3 Pirate Parkway, Berea, KY 40403.  Call Jenny Hobson at 893-1075 or email jenny.hobson @berea.kyschools.us
Volunteer for the Bazaar!  We are trying a new scheduling system for church events: VolunteerSpot.Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps (there is also an app for smartphone and tablet users called “Volunteer Spot Clipboard”):
1) Click this link to see our Sign-Up on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/81ScT4
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot.
Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Jack Marshall at jack.a.maarshall@gmail.com