A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Second Sunday of Advent 10:30am
Meditation “Only when we tap into the deep unspoken longings within us will we find the deep peace that begs to be taken seriously.” ~Kayla McClurg
From There to Here: We Gather
Hymn Sing Choose Your Favorites!
Prelude
Welcome and Invitation
¨ The Call
One: Prepare the way!
All: Deck the halls and light the candles.
One: Prepare the way!
All: Open the doors and sing a song of hope.
One: Prepare the way!
All: Make space in our hearts for a new kind of love.
One: Christ is coming.
All: Prepare the way!
¨ Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Veni, Emmanuel
O come, O Wisdom from on high, and order all things far and nigh; to us the path of knowledge show and help us in that way to go. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O shoot of Jesse, free your own from Satan’s tyranny From depths of hell your people save, and give them victory o’er the grave. Refrain.
O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in heart and mind. Make envy, strife and quarrels cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s Peace. Refrain.
Lighting the Candle of Peace: Repentance Can’t Wait Don & Rhonda Cardwell
The Advent Wreath tradition reaches back to pre-Christian northern Europeans who lit candles awaiting the winter solstice. By the 1500s, both Lutherans and Catholics had adapted the Advent Wreath as a devotional way to prepare for the coming of Christ, the Light of the World. Each week as we wait through Advent, we light a new candle representing an aspect of the light God intends for all people. This Sunday the candle of Peace is lit.
Prayer of Approach and Confession
One: Creator God— Not a day goes by when you do not invite us to be peacemakers and advocates, listeners and good Samaritans.
All: Not a day goes by when we are not asked to be a friend to a stranger and a neighbor to those in need.
One: Not a day goes by when we are not asked to be the people you call us to be, and yet, day after day, we lose sight of your hope for this world.
All: Forgive us for walking a different path, and grant us the strength to prepare a new way—Your way—here. Gratefully we pray, Amen.
Words of Assurance
¨ Passing the Peace
The Living Word Among Us
Special Music Canticle for Advent Lloyd Larson
Advent candles burn with reverence; their symbolic flames convey hope that comforts, hope that strengthens, hope fulfilled on Christmas Day. Through this season of our waiting, may our wisest prayers increase. May our lives display compassion, faithful to the Prince of Peace.
Come, hope, come pierce the long night. How lonely the vigil, how harsh winter’s chill. Come, peace, come heal and unite. We wait, watch and witness God’s promise fulfilled. Yearning, faithful hearts have gathered, waiting for the chosen One. Soon, oh soon, may joy embrace us, joy to welcome God’s own son.
Advent Candles tell the story; silent prophets, yet they say: “Love will crown the King of glory; Love divine comes Christmas Day.” Come, joy, restoring our sight. How lonely the vigil, how harsh winter’s chill. Come, love, redeem by your light. We wait, watch and witness God’s promise fulfilled.
Scripture Reading Isaiah 11:1-10
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall growout of his roots.The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see or decide by what his ears hear,but with righteousness he shall judge for the poor and decide with equity for the oppressed of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist and faithfulness the belt around his loins.The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the lion will feedtogether, and a little child shall lead them.The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. ~ New Revised Standard Version Updated
Children’s Moment Please join in singing as we bless children everywhere:
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.
Please note that Union Church services are livestreamed, including the Children’s Moment. A “no camera zone” is at the back of the balcony, behind the AV booth.
Scripture Reading Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. ”This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’ ”Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” ~ New Revised Standard Version Updated
Sermon Peace Can’t Wait Rev. Kent Gilbert
Responding to God’s Love in Communion
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.
Invitation to Communion
One: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts!
All: We lift our hearts in prayer.
One: Let us give thanks to God.
All: It is good and right to give God thanks and praise!
Communion Prayer
Sanctus O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Child of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
Communion Prayer
Words of Institution
One: We remember Jesus, who on the night before he died, took a loaf of bread, gave you thanks, broke it, and said,
All: “Take and eat; whenever you do this, remember me.”
One: Likewise, after supper, he took the cup, saying,
All: “This is the new covenant; remember me.”
One: Gracious God, Breath of peace, source of love, we pray for your Spirit.
All: Make us, while many, one. Make us, though broken, whole. Make us, despite death, alive.
One: And so we pray:
All: Come, Holy Spirit, come.
~ Communion Liturgy adapted from a resource by Alydia Smith, Program Coordinator, Worship, Music, and Spirituality, General Council Office of the United Church of Canada.
Serving One Another
All who seek the love of God are welcome at this meal and are invited to freely receive from it. You do not need to be a member of this church or any other, and persons of every age and understanding are welcome at this table.
When invited please come to one of the stations by exiting your pew to the left and returning by the right. At the head of the aisle, please take a piece of bread and a small cup. Eat and drink both and place your empty cup in the appropriate tray as you return to your seat.
If it is not convenient to come forward, the elements can be brought to your seat by signaling to the ushers at the head of the aisles. All the bread is gluten-free, and the cups are filled with non-alcoholic grape juice. If it is not your tradition or preference to receive, we hope you feel welcome to simply “participate by presence,” and are invited to join in prayers for the unity of the Spirit and the strengthening of all people in ways that fit your tradition.
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union
Our gifts help sustain this particular community of caring by sustaining the building, pastor 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 ministries.
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. Baskets are placed at the head and foot of each aisle for those who wish to make an in-person donation. Electronic donations can be made very simply and easily at: https//: www.easy tithe.com/union
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!
Prayer and Reflection Questions
The Hebrew word for “repent” means “to turn.” Literally, this means to return or change directions; metaphorically, this connotes radically changing your behaviors or perspective. In Matthew 3:1-12, the word used for “repent” stems from the Greek noun, metanoia, which refers to a transformative change of heart. The Hebrew word shalom, often translated as “peace,” speaks to completeness, wholeness, and restoration. Given these translations and connotations, what is the relationship between repentance and peace for you? What peace will you make this day or week? What impediments slow you? What would help? Ask for what you need in this task.
Offering Music Creation Will Be at Peace A.L. Page Pearl Marshall, handbells Based on Isaiah 11: 6-9
In the holy mountain of the Lord, all war and strife will cease.
In the holy mountain of the Lord, Creation will be at peace.
The wolf will lie down with the lamb, the cow and bear will feed.
Their young will play together; a little child will lead.
The leopard and goat will graze, the lion will feed on straw.
They will war no more
A child will lead them all.
Community Prayer in Poetry by Sarah Are Lorilyn Howie-Kipphut, Reader
Sometimes,
While the sky is still dark,
I slip sock feet into tennis shoes and go for
a walk.
Step by step
I ask my deepest questions,
While the sky lets go of its deepest dark blue.
Am I doing enough?
Ink to indigo.
Does my brother know how much I love him?
Indigo to navy.
Will my friends keep showing up?
Navy to royal blue.
Will we ever know peace?
Royal blue to gold.
And after a while, my pilgrimage must end,
So I turn apologetic feet toward home
And walk my repentance back toward the sun.
And once again, while I stand in sock feet and
tennis shoes,
God takes my breath away.
For once again,
The sky’s deepest void is now a watercolor
of light.
And I am reminded
That like the sky,
God touches everything.
And I am reminded,
That like the sky,
Nothing is so broken that it can’t be
painted gold.
In the morning light, there is peace.
Our Lord’s Prayer
All: 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: We Depart in Peace
Announcements
We share opportunities for Beloved Community and ways to serve.
Lighting the Justice Candle to Lead us Forth
CRISPAZ—Christians for Peace in El Salvador In the 1980s and into the ‘90s. El Salvador was embroiled in a 12-year civil war, funded largely by the United States, and in which over 75,000 civilians died. In response, three Christian peace and justice advocates traveled to El Salvador in 1984 and met with Salvadorans to propose a path to peace. The result was the founding of CRISPAZ, Christians for Peace in El Salvador, and the first CRISPAZ delegation traveled to El Salvador in 1985. The plea from Salvadorans to ”accompany us” has informed the mission of CRISPAZ ever since. Hosting delegations from the U.S. and elsewhere has remained a central feature of their work.
In 2004, fifteen members and friends of Union Church traveled on a CRISPAZ delegation to El Salvador to learn about the country’s history and struggles, to work on projects in our sister community of Valle Verde and to participate in a Habitat for Humanity build. Our delegation was led by Ann Butwell, 1987 Berea College alumna, who with her husband John Wright Rios had lived and worked in El Salvador for two years. Ann described the delegation as a kind of “reverse” mission. “I hope participants will allow their lives to be touched and changed … to return with a mission to strengthen our efforts for peace and justice”.
Hymn #117 Black Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates Truro
- Lift up your heads, O mighty gates; behold, the glorious ruler waits; the Sovereign One is drawing near; the Savior of the world is here!
2. Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple, set apart from earthly use for heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy.
3. Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to you, here, Christ abide! Let me your inner presence feel; Your grace and love in me reveal.
4. So come my sovereign, enter in! Let new and nobler life begin; Your Holy Spirit guide us on, Until the glorious crown be won.
Benediction
Postlude Steal Away to Jesus arr. Lloyd Larson Kasey Crockett and Jeremy Sturgill
Steal away home, I ain’t got long to stay here. My Lord, He calls me by the thunder. The trumpet sounds within my soul, I ain’t got long to stay here. My Lord, He calls my by the lighting. I ain’t got long to stay here.
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 (Link to World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer cycle. (union-church.org/ministries/prayer/). Let us hold the people of Myanmar & Thailand and our brothers & sisters at Kirksville Christian Church our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
¨ Prayers for all the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty. 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.
¨ The family and friends of David Sawyer, former director of the Students for Appalachia and other Berea College initiatives.
¨ Rita Barlow, still undergoing cancer treatment at UK
¨ BG and all the family, at the death of Maurice Hibbard on Nov. 21.
¨ Judith Singleton’s daughter, Stephanie, at the death of her partner, Barb.
¨ Matt Saderholm, recovering from an extensive surgery to remove a pituitary tumor.
¨ Jess Burton, her partner, Jake, and their little girl, Lila, who has serious gastric issues; and Jake, recovering from respiratory and other health issues.
¨ Doug Hindman now at The Terrace in Berea.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Jan Hamilton, Betsy Hoefer, Dorie Hubbard, Loyal Jones, Lois Morgan, Cheryl Payne, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie, Betty Wray, Sally Zimmerman
¨ Patsy Boyce, sister-in-law of Bob and Jean Boyce, undergoing chemotherapy.
¨ Michelle, beloved nurse at Morning Pointe, undergoing treatment for cancer.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy! Birthdays: today, Dec. 4 – Alva Peloquin; 5 – Jan Hamilton; 10 – Joan Moore
Anniversaries: Dec. 7 – Lisa Bosley & Reid Livingston
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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