Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
First Sunday of Advent
December 1, 2019 10:30 am
Meditation
The Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian Christian leader in Bethlehem, has said “in this land we have too much religion, but not enough faith.” While it can definitely be a force for conflict perpetuation and violence, it can also be an animating force for good. The question that comes to my mind is the one often posed by my friend Chris Seiple of the Institute for Global Engagement — “Can the best of faith defeat the worst of religion?” —Todd Deatherage , Telos Foundation
From there to here: we Gather
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 O Come, O Come arr. Jan Sanborn
Prophetic Reading Isaiah 2:1-5 (p. 810)
In beautiful poetry, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming reign of God, the return of Israel to its land, and the realization of justice in the land.
Advent Wreath Lighting The Light of Peace Jennifer Melton
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.
¨ Hymn #101 Black Comfort, Comfort, O My People Psalm 42
¨ Passing the Peace of 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 hospitality.
The Living Word among us
Anthem In Our Day of Thanksgiving Donald Busarow
Union Church Choir
- In our day of thanksgiving one psalm let us offer for the saints who before us have found their reward; when the shadow of death fell upon them we sorrowed, but now we rejoice that they rest in the Lord.
- In the morning of life, and at noon, and at even, He called them away from our worship below; but not ‘til His love, at the font and the altar, had gird them with grace for the way they should go.
- These stones that have echoed their praises are holy, and dear is the ground where their feet have once trod; here they confessed they were strangers and pilgrims, and still they were seeking the city of God.
- Sing praise, then, for all who here sought and here found Him, whose journey is ended, whose perils are past; they believed in the Light, and its glory around them, where clouds of earth’s sorrows are lifted at last.
Contemporary Reading Advent Poem #2 by Teryn O’Brien
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 Children’s Moment, children kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to return to their seats. The Children’s Worship Center in the back of the sanctuary has 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 in Room 104 off the playground.
Gospel Lesson Matthew 24:36-44 (p. 1179)
Jesus speaks of the time being short, of the time being full, and warns of the unexpected incursions of God into our lives.
Sermon On the Edge of Peace Rev. Kent Gilbert
Responding to god’s Love in Communion
Invitation to Communion
One: God 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 right to give God thanks and praise.
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 of the Community
Communion Prayer
One: You have entered this place, O God, and in your holy shadow heaven tangles with earth in the bread and cup, and in the promise of Spirit poured into flesh.
One: Come now, God, as you once came to us in a stable in Bethlehem. Come now and be with us in the bread of Christ’s body, in this world that hungers and waits for truth, that hopes with open eyes for the way to clear. With all creation poised on the edge of redemption we pray, and yearn, and sing the praises of the angels:
Communion Sanctus Please join in singing:
One: Come now, God. As once your Spirit poured forth life upon the earth and poured a just peace into the mouths of the prophets, come now and pour the wine of Christ’s lifeblood for us in this moment, waiting for renewal.
Women: Be present that even in anxiety we may wait in deep peace:
Men: in the silence of power and the power of silence;
Piano side: in the throne rooms of the rich and the shanties of the poor;
Bell side: in overfed communities and in underfed souls;
One: Gather up Peace in this bread and cup. Break open the good news of your incarnation on the stretched budgets, and on frantic families; raise up your peace in the chaos of governments, and the pains of those who suffer. We are on the edge. Bring us to the center of your depth.
One: Even when the world was not peace filled for Jesus—on the very night he was betrayed—he continued to feed others with strength and vision. We remember that he sat with his friends, took bread and blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them saying,
All: “This is my body, given for you. Remember me when you eat of it.”
One: After supper, he took a cup, offered you thanks, and gave it to his disciples saying,
All: “This is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for the forgiveness of sin. Whenever you share this cup, remember me.”
One: Come now, Holy Spirit. Gather up the good news in this gathering of your people. Come now, God. Where we have eaten the bread of anxiety, nourish us now with the bread of promise given form and purpose in a small child born in our midst. Humanity is waiting, working for life. Make your advent of peace here in our hearts.
Serving Each Other
All who seek the love of God are welcome at this meal and are invited to freely receive from it. We will share the elements today by intinction, dipping the bread in the cup. When invited please come to one of the stations by exiting your pew to the left and returning by the right. If it is not convenient to come forward, the elements can be brought to your seat by signaling to the usher. All the bread is gluten-free, and the chalices are filled with non-alcoholic grape juice.
Acts of Reflection and Prayer
Advent is a deeply reflective time in the church year: a chance to slow and deepen. Some resources for reflection and prayer are provided. You are free to use these prompts as you find helpful, and use the space for your thoughts, drawings, or prayers.
Visual Meditation: Consider the front cover, a photograph from Afghanistan. What calls to you for transformation in this image? What personal weapons will you transform? How would this change you?
Edges: If you are on the edge of something right now: what is it? What peace do you seek and yearn for? Breathe deeply and invite a spirit of Peace to come into you with each breath. Fill yourself with this gift from God. Simply hold your worries in the bath of this light. Allow some of it to dissolve as you exhale each time.
For those who wish to make living prayers in action, there are stations in the corners of the sanctuary. Before or after coming forward for communion, you are welcome to visit these places of prayer described below.
In whatever prayer manner you adopt, please hold the concerns of those listed, and those you know about, in God’s peace-giving light.
At the Peace Bell: Make a prayer for the peace you need. Ring the bell to send your prayer into our hearts and the world.
Living Prayer Through Community Sharing: Sign ups are here for our Christmas Basket Program in concert with St. Clare Catholic Church. Also, if you have brought an offering for the Food Bank or socks and underwear for those experiencing homelessness, you may leave it there. Even if you brought nothing, leave your blessing on all the items and names as a prayer of fulfillment.Children’s Living
Prayer Corner: Each week, help tell the Christmas story by adding characters and elements from our Advent Calendar, made especially for Union Church by Debbonnaire Kovacs and Jeff Hutton.
Prayers from the Edge: In the front corner you will find a quiet space where you may remember those people and circumstances that are on the edge of peace. Candles are provided for you to light as you stand, kneel or sit to pray.
A Chance for Generosity: Offering Baskets in the Aisles
Offering baskets are placed in the aisle, and can also be brought to your seat. 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 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)
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Please sing when invited: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, v.1
O Come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here, until the son of God appears.
Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Prayers for Those Who Will Receive at Home
Members who have been designated to carry communion to those who could not be with us this morning are invited forward at this time. The elements from our meal will go with our blessing and prayers for our continued unity in the Spirit. If you would like to serve by taking communion to others, you are very welcome to do so and are invited to volunteer.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
All: This table: it is peace in our worry, a holy mountain where none can hurt or destroy your love. We dwell in thanksgiving and abide in your word made flesh. May we shape the sharp edges of lives into plowshares, planting the vision that welcomes every child to a place at your table. In Christ’s name: Amen.
From Here to There
¨ Hymn People, Look East (opposite) Besancon
¨ The Sending and Blessing
Postlude (please be seated) Joy to the World, the King Is Come arr. Jan Sanborn
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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 Myanmar and Thailand and our brothers and sisters at Dreyfus Church of Christ, in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
Prayer requests to be printed may be sent to the office anytime before 10:00 am Fridays.
¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound.
¨ For Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon. 15,000 are now detained in the US.
¨ In thanksgiving for those students, teachers, parents, lawmakers, and citizens who are witnessing and working to end gun violence in our society. May laws that help be passed; may hearts that are broken be healed; may all who are in danger be kept safe.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound: Alva Peloquin, Edith Hansen, Joyce Henderson, Nancy Hindman, Loyal Jones, Jennie Kiteck, Mary Miller, Tom Warth.
¨ For those who are without homes and safe places, that we may work together for solutions.
¨ Dean Jacobs, Mary Lou Wiese’s brother, approaching the end of life.
¨ Patty and Steve Boyce, as Steve continues healing.
¨ Toby Wilcher, recovering from surgery on her fibula and ankle, injured in a fall.
¨ Joanne Moore, friend of Hazel Morris, with health concerns.
¨ Shirley Carlberg, Hattie Parks and all the family, at the unexpected death of Shirley’s brother, Bill Parks. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Carlson, and their child, Mika.
¨ Kelly Mehler, recovering from liver surgery.
¨ EJ Stokes and all the family at the death of James Frank Kyle, Sr., EJ’s grandfather.
¨ Berea College graduates as they prepare for mid-year commencement next Sunday.
Announcements
Hanging of the Greens: Please help decorate the sanctuary this afternoon from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. We could use some cookies for our hard working elves, too. Might you have some greenery in your yard you can bring? Your boughs from evergreens, holly, magnolia or a whole evergreen to cut up will beautify the sanctuary! Also, it’s poinsettia time! Use the slip in your bulletin or order at the website—union-church.org, under the “Donate” tab.
26th Danish American Yule Fest, 5:30 – 7:45 pm this evening at the Russel Acton Folk Center, 212 Jefferson Street. Santa’s workshop, live music, food, candy, drinks, Santa Lucia, story-telling, community. Free admission, donations accepted. Sponsored by the Folk Circle Association.
Potluck Wednesday!! First Wednesday-of-the-Month Potluck at 5:45 pm in the Community Room. Bring a dish and come on down! Students—you are our guests, no need to bring anything.
Let’s Finish the Year in the Black—here’s one way: Giving Tuesday is December 3. Be the Good in the World! Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving. It’s a powerful opportunity to engage your employees and community in the causes that matter to them, while fostering a purpose-driven culture. Because in a time when we all need to see more good in the world, with you, people can be the good. Watch for details in the announcements tomorrow!
December 8, Annual Budget Meeting after Worship, in the Sanctuary. Why Come to a Budget Meeting? Our budget is a theological document that tells you where our values are and how we’ve decided to act those out. As the gospel of Matthew reminds us, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Please attend this yearly meeting to help decide where our hearts will be for 2020. 2020 Budgets and Budget Policy available today in the vestibule and back hallway.
Can you help out by offering rides? Drivers are badly needed to help Nurture & Care get church family members to appointments. If you can help—often or occasionally— please call Mary Lou Wiese at 260-571-4959.
St. Clare Christmas Basket Program! Each year we partner with St. Clare Catholic Church to help provide food staples and children’s gifts for the holidays. In the sanctuary, on the Community Sharing Table, you will find information about how to provide food for families of various sizes, including a shopping list. Your items, put into a cardboard box (or boxes), along with any toys or children’s books, do not need to be delivered to St. Clare until December 20. We will collect toys and food baskets here if you wish, or would like help transporting your items. If you wish to make a financial contribution in lieu of shopping yourself, here are the recommended donation amounts: 2 person family: $70; 4 person family: $80; 6 person family: $100; 8 person family: $115.
Christmas gifts for Liberty Place. If you signed up to give a gift to a woman in recovery at Liberty Place, please bring it in a gift bag or box with the number on the outside by December 8.
The 6th Annual “Little Quilt Show and Silent Auction” sponsored by the Friends of the Madison County Public Library is now hanging at Berea and Richmond Libraries. The 42 small quilts and one doll are available for viewing and bidding on the Madison County Public Library website. Friends of the Library support library programs and staff who in turn provide services to the community. Visit either branch to see the quilts, and place your bid online.
Church Family News
Dec. 6 & 7, Estate Sale at the Wesley home, 215 Peachbloom Hill. Beginning at 8:00 am.
Tennant Kirk is retiring! All are welcome to celebrate her on December 16, between noon & 1:30 at the Middletown GEAR UP Middletown offices.
Coming Up – Mark Your Calendars
Sunday, December 15 Christmas Play during worship!; Berea Classic Chorale Concert, 2:30 pm, sanctuary.
Saturday, December 21 Longnight Service, 7:00 pm, Cowan Chapel
Sunday, December 22 Christmas Caroling right after worship – Watch for details.
Tuesday, December 24 Candle-lit Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 pm in the sanctuary (finger food supper to follow) and 11:00 pm in Cowan Chapel
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