Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the

Church of Christ, Union

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

August 21, 2016 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

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      An Draigheann          Peadar ‘O Riada
*  Call to Worship
One:    The God of heaven has made a home on earth.
All:      Christ dwells among us and is one with us.
One:     The highest in all creation lives among the least.
All:      Christ journeys with the rejected and welcomes the weary.
One:     Come now all who thirst,
All:      And drink the water of life.
One:     Come now all who hunger,
All:      And be filled with good things.
One:     Come now all who seek,
All:      And be warmed by the fire of love.
*  Prayer of Approach and Confession
One:      Eternal God, maker of the skies above, lowly Christ, born amidst the growing earth, Spirit of life, wind over the flowing waters, in earth, sea and sky, you are there.
All:       O hidden mystery, sun behind all suns, soul behind all souls, in everything we touch, in everyone we meet, your presence is around us, and we give you thanks.
One: But when we have not touched but trampled your creation, when we have not met but missed you in one another, when we have not received but rejected you in the poor, forgive us, and hear now our plea for mercy.
*  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 The Snowy Path Mark Kelly
Hebrew Scripture Lesson Jeremiah 1:4-10
God tells Jeremiah not to be afraid to speak whatever God gives him to say.
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 Childrens 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 Lesson  Luke 13:10-17
Jesus heals a woman on the sabbath, violating a strict interpretation of rabbinic law.
Sermon       The Way of the Spirit: Response and Responsibility 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
*  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

*  Closing Hymn #451 Be Thou My Vision Slane
*  Benediction & Sending Forth
 Postlude (please  be  seated) Toccata on We’re Marching to Zion Gordon Young
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 US 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:
¨ For the healing of families, communities, and our nation wracked by violence and murder, may we be agents of transformation.
¨ Prayers and funds are rising for the flood victims in Louisiana. Over 40,000 homes damaged with many displaced families. Church World Service is assessing. Over and above offerings may be made to Union Church marked “Flood Relief”.
¨ Nine month old Ella Katherine Hood, having major cranial surgery tomorrow at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, for her family and doctors.
¨ Welcome to the world, Aibhlinn Kelly Murphy, daughter of Caitlin and Declan Murphy and granddaughter of Chery Ambrose!
¨ In celebration of Rev. Rachel’s birthday today!
¨ For Larry Brandenburg who underwent kidney stone surgery on Friday.
¨ For Loretta Mountjoy, recovering in Central Baptist hospital after heart valve replacement surgery.
¨ Gratitude from Jasmine Beltran and Elijah and Christopher Mullins for all the help and support in welcoming their new baby.
¨ Gary Dillon, undergoing chemo for lung cancer.
¨  Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound:  Edith Hansen, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin, Gloria VanWinkle.
¨ Toby Wilcher, recovering from broken bones at home, and for Shane Wilcher.
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.
Cowan Chapel Lighting Dedication, noon today.  Cowan Chapel is receiving new artisan lighting in loving memory of Chad and Janet Spring.
Made possible by their daughters and family, handmade glass fixtures by Michelle Weston will adorn a chandelier similar to those in the main sanctuary. The colors echo the varied blues of the stained glass windows and will provide much needed additional light for services and gatherings. Members of the Spring family will join us for a brief dedication ceremony.
Chad and Janet Spring were valued members of the Berea community. Chad, a retired Unitarian minister, and Janet, a powerful organizer for groups such as the League of Women Voters, retired to Berea after a life of service all over the country. Janet passed away in 1997 and Chad in 1998.
Next week Fourth Sunday New Membership Info: Come One Come All!  Each fourth Sunday of the Month anyone wanting to know more about Union Church or wanting to explore church membership, as well as new members who have not been able to participate in a previous meeting, are invited to come to the classroom two doors past the church after lunch for conversation with the Pastors and the Community Life and Growth Board.
New members will be received each Second Sunday of the month at the close of worship.  Next chance: September 11!
ABLE (Achieving and Building Life Equally) will meet on Tuesday, August 23 (and every 4th Tuesday), at 5:30pm in Room 101. ABLE is a support group/network for those who self-identify as differently-abled: to inspire, encourage, and empower one another, and to make Berea a more accessible community.
Church work day on Saturday, August 27. The Properties Board invites you to a work day starting at 9:00 am. Bring gloves and tools if you have them for weeding and mulching, sprucing up the grounds.
Youth Group is starting back on Wednesday night, Sept. 7, same night as the first Wednesday Nite Live supper of the year (potluck)! As usual, Youth Group will convene at 6:30pm after dinner upstairs in the youth room. We will meet until 8:00pm Any youth from the 6th to the 12th grade is very welcome to join us!
Furniture needed: There is a single momma in the community that has 6 kiddos. She has moved into a house and needs 3 dressers.
Board vacancies filled at Church Council August 19: Betsy Whaley to Community Life & Growth; Amy Williams and Carrie Jadud, to Worship Board. These elections will be affirmed at the next Congregational Meeting.
It was a downpour, as Rev. Rachel said, for her and Les and their expected SON last Sunday afternoon. The event was perfect — on time, the table overflowed with savories and sweets, the walls and poles were decorated with twinkling lights, silver garland and luminaria, and everyone who volunteered to help showed up and worked diligently. The theme, you ask? Why “twinkle, twinkle little star.”
Here’s who made it all happen: Decorations: Laura Nagle, Melissa Neal, Heather Richardson, and Alvera, Cadence and Colin Perman, and Jimmie and Noah (Nagle) Lewis. Bob Boyce and Kelly Mehler decorated the ceiling with the glowing white lights. Barb Smith, BJ Godby and Dodie Murphy set up the (almost) mile-long food table.
And in the early days of planning the shower Betty Hibler stepped up to volunteer herself and her elves for all the grunt work at the end of the party. The elves included Susie Ritchie, Bob Boyce, Gail Wolford, Mim Pride, Jane Mecham and Annriette Stolte. Wyndee Holbrook was the photographer and Sunni Walters took care of the trash gift wrap and ribbons, and the final tidy-upper was Lisa Shroyer.
A humongous shout of thanks to all of the volunteers for their generosity. If I’ve forgotten anyone I am so sorry. Please forgive me and let me know my penance. (Dodie)
Need your flu shot? RiteAid will offer flus shots here at church Sept. 18 & 25 right after worship.  12-4, room still tbd. They will bring insurance forms with them. $20 if not covered.
Join the Madison Singers starting Sept. 6—with new Union Church connection! The Madison Singers announces its 2016-2017 season with a new conductor, Dr. Stephen Bolster, and a new assistant conductor/ accompanist, Gabe Evans. The Madison Singers are the adult community choir sponsored by the Richmond Area Arts Council. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the Richmond Area Arts Center, 399 W. Water Street. No auditions are necessary and all singers in the community are welcomed to join the group. Tuition for fall semester is $65.00.  This includes the price of all of the music.
Register by calling 859-624-4242 or email debbie@artsinrichmond.org.
Alternatives to Violence Project Basic Workshop October 1 & 2. At Knapp Hall on Berea College Campus, email Berea.avp@gmail.com to register or visit avpusa.org for more info.