A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost 10:30 am
Meditation
“Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving.”
~ Madeleine L’Engle
Prelude Variations on “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” David N. Johnson
Welcome
Welcome to this service of worship!
From There to Here: We Gather
¨ The Call Diane Bailey, Reader
One: The word came in a vision. “Do not be afraid. In times of continued trials I am your shield; your reward shall be great. When you wonder whether what you have is all that will be, Go outside. Look toward heaven and count the stars if you are able. So shall be your blessings.”
With these words, the Lord spoke to Abram and Sarai 3 millennia ago, and yet they shape our present, and even how we move ahead in the years to come. The blessings of God call from both past and from future, and they call to us now. Let us worship the God whose truth spans history and who’s covenant embraces us still. ~ adapted from Genesis 15:1-6
¨ Hymn #377 Black Forward Through the Ages St. Gertrude
¨ Prayer of Approach and Confession Carla Gilbert, Reader
One: Gentle and holy God, we acknowledge to you, to one another, and to ourselves that we are not what you have called us to be. We have stifled our gifts and wasted our time. We have avoided opportunities to offer kindness, but have been quick to take offense, We have pretended that we could make no contribution to peace and justice in our world and have excused ourselves from risk-taking in our own community. Have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and help us to live our lives differently, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose call to follow haunts our every prayer. Amen ~ Maren Tirabassi
¨ Words of Assurance
¨ Passing the Peace
Building the Community: News that Connects Us
Announcements
Lighting the Justice Candle
Nichelle Nichols (December 28, 1932 – July 30, 2022) was an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her portrayal of Nyota Uhura in Star Trek and its film sequels. Nichols’ portrayal of Uhura was groundbreaking for African American actresses on American television. From 1977 until 2015, Nichols volunteered her time to promote NASA‘s programs and to recruit diverse astronauts, including women and ethnic minorities. Former NASA astronaut Mae Jemison has cited Nichols’ role of Lieutenant Uhura as her inspiration for wanting to become an astronaut
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., personally encouraged her to stay on the series after she resigned after the first season to pursue Broadway roles, saying she “could not give up” because she was playing a vital role model for Black children and young women across the country, as well as for other children who would see Black people appearing as equals, going so far as to favorably compare her work on the series to the marches of the ongoing civil rights movement. This response by King left Nichols speechless, allowing her to realize how important to the civil rights movement her role was, and the next day she went back to Roddenberry’s office to tell him that she would stay. When she told Roddenberry what King had said, tears came to his eyes. Nichols asked Roddenberry for her role back and Roddenberry took out her resignation letter, which he had already torn up.
Word And Worship
Epistle Lesson Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, p. 1472 Diane Bailey, Reader
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
Our First Story of Faith Diane Bailey
Please join in singing:
May God’s blessing 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.
Gospel Lesson Luke 12:32-40, p.1252 Don Cardwell, Reader
‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
‘Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
‘But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.’
Our Second Story of Faith Don Cardwell
Visual Reflection
Living Prayer
Call to Prayer and Offering
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.
Offering Music Air (Larghetto) G. F. Handel
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union
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 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”)
You can also use US mail! Mail to: 200 Prospect St., Berea, KY 40403
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Community Prayer Diane Bailey, Reader
Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit through loving your creation and our sisters and brothers. Open our hearts in compassion and hear us as we pray the words Jesus taught us…
Our Lord’s Prayer
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
¨ Hymn #369 Black Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning Keep Your Lamps
¨ Benediction
Postlude Allegretto Fanny Mendelssohn
(you are welcome to be seated and enjoy the Postlude)
Cover image: Shaw Butte School Mosaic, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shaw_Butte_School_Mosaic,_2012_-_panoramio.jpg – Chris English.
Our Prayers for Others
¨ 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 Cameroon, Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea and our brothers & sisters at Living Waters Sanctuary in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
¨ Those affected by the Covid-19 virus, their families and friends living with fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, may God bring peace to all who love them; and our wider community as we cope with the new realities of living, including the now over 16,400 Kentucky residents, and 288 Madison County residents, who have died to date from Covid-19.
¨ Prayers for all the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty, and especially those in the city of Nikolaev where the family of former Berea International student daughter of Kevin and Carla, Yulia live. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason & respect for their own peoples’ lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ All those seeking a new and just society and those fearful that they will be supplanted, may God open their hearts and include them in grace.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Alva Peloquin, Loyal Jones, Lois Morgan, Jan Hamilton, Laura Robie, Dorie Hubbard, Betty Wray, Sally Zimmerman
¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound and those who care for them.
¨ Congrats to Betsy Hoefer returning to McCready Manor from her lengthy rehab.
¨ Sue Peterson Blyth’s family in the death of her aunt in Kansas. Comfort and travel mercies for them all.
¨ Keith Gilbertson, suffering from a serious illness of unknown origin. May God’s healing come swiftly.
¨ The families and friends and for all the emergency responders to the floods in our Eastern counties: that safety return, that homes be rebuilt, that all needed help will come.
¨ Joy Frazier, who moved to be nearer family – 3660 Central Ave. #250; Columbus; IN; 47203
¨ Breana Lovins, prayers for healing. Request received online
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon.
¨ Hazel Morris, being treated for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
¨ Raymond Binkley, Betty Wray’s brother, aged 94, and in ill health.
¨ Michelle, beloved nurse at Morning Pointe, undergoing treatment for cancer.
¨ Jess Burton & Jake Graber and their little girl, Lila, who has serious gastric issues.
¨ Dan & Donna Brewer, recovering from injuries sustained in a car wreck.
¨ Important dates—if we haven’t got yours, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
Birthdays: Today, August 7 – Truman Fields; 12 – Teri Mehler; 14 – Alice White
Anniversaries: August 12 – Jen Eich & Amy Schill; 13 – Marty & Gwen Hensley
Announcements
Children are welcome in the service, or you can stay with them in the nursery.
No Nursery Attendant while we are in the “Red.” We’re keeping an eye on it, as is everyone! As soon as it’s safe, we’ll go back to offering nursery care during services.
Response to Devastating Floods
Our hearts are breaking for our brothers and sisters in Eastern Kentucky with the devastating floods this week. Tens of thousands of people throughout several counties have lost everything including family members. Evacuation continues and more rain is expected next week.
The Mission and Service Board is quickly responding to this desperate need by donating $1000.00 to the Appalachian Kentucky Crisis Fund. We urge the congregation to match this amount.
You can help with a designated gift through Union Church or choose either of the following relief efforts:
Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Crisis Fund at bit.ly/AppCrisisAid
EKY Flood Relief https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief
Handbells at the Tavern!
Susan, Pearl, and other friends will be ringing for passers-by in the Boone Tavern lobby Sunday, August 14, 5pm-7pm. We’ll be playing an array of folk and classical music using just 8 bells at a time. All are invited to come and listen for a few minutes. The intimate setting has allowed some wonderful conversation with visitors as we ring familiar tunes. If you are so inclined, we even offer opportunities to join in the ringing!
We would love to see you!
Opportunities to Serve
The Nominating Board is looking for members of the Union Church community to serve on these Boards:
· Faith Development
· Mission & Service
· Nurture & Care
· Pastoral Relations position filled!
Please call/email the church office or email/text Rachel Lakes (859.582.6646, rachel.robertslakes@gmail.com) for more information or to express interest.
Memorial Service for Jennie Kiteck
A service will be held August 13 for Jennie Kiteck who died January17, 2022. Music begins at 1 pm; service at 2 pm. All welcome.
Celtic Festival August 18-21!
Union Church supports the Berea Celtic Festival with Concert and Special Service
The Berea Celtic Service will once again hold a festival concert at Union Church on Saturday, August 20, and Union Church will host a special Celtic Worship Service on Sunday morning, August 21 with guest harpeist, Jeni Balcom. There are many other events and there are still volunteer spots open if you’d like a wonderful experience and the chance to promote some great music. Call Sune Frederiksen at 859-248-0690 . Even a single hour or two volunteering is a great help!
Coming Up!
August 21, 1 pm – Mission & Service Board report on their trip to the US Border. At church, room tbd.
Madison County is in the CDC’s RED range regarding Covid cases. These are the protocols we’ll follow:
· Congregants recommended to stay up to date with vaccinations.
· Stay home when sick. Follow KY state quarantine and isolation guidance.
· Indoor mask use with N95, KN95, or surgical mask is required.
· No choir, no Nursery Attendant
· Masked and distanced groups of up to 25 can meet in the community room and up to 50 in the sanctuary. All other meeting spaces closed. If you have a meeting scheduled in-person, it’ll have to move to the Community Room for the duration.
· Balcony closed for seating.
· Cleaning is necessary between groups.
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