A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Third Sunday of Advent 10:30 am
Meditation
People say the problems of the world are too big to make a difference, but surely those people have forgotten the fruit that grows from one little seed. ~ Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed from “Harvest”
From There to Here: We Gather
Prelude When God’s Time
There Is No Rose
Carol of the Advent
Welcome
Welcome to this service of worship! 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! During the service, you are invited to rise in body or in spirit, standing or sitting, at points in the service marked “<>.”
Meditation Chant/Song Desiree Scarambone
Scripture Reading Isaiah 58:9-12
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.” If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your needs in parched place and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. ~New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (Friendship Press, 2021)
Lighting the Candle of Joy
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 JOY is lit.
Reading by Candlelighters Jeff & Jennifer Melton
One: In a weary and worn world, how do we begin again? Where do we start?
All: Let us start small. Let us begin with what is right in front of us. Let us do the good that is ours to do, and let us do it with joy!
One: Yes, let us begin with joy. Today we light the candles of hope, peace, and joy.
All: May these lights remind us of what could be. May these lights inspire action. May the warmth of these lights fill us with joy.
One: May it be so! Let us pray…
¨ Prayer of Approach and Confession (unison)
Liberating God, There are days when the world can feel like it’s crumbling. There are days when we doubt that we can make a difference.
We ask ourselves, what could these two hands do? What could my one voice say? Shake us all free of our paralysis and self-doubt.
Remind us that we are not called to fix everything but
remind us that we are not whole if we address nothing.
Forgive us, for we often forget both things.
We are called to do the good that is ours to do. Help us do that which is ours. With hope in our hearts, peace in our thoughts, and a fire in our bones, we pray for joy. Amen.
¨ Words of Assurance
One: Friends, no matter how many times we lose momentum, doubt our own ability, or tell ourselves that the problems of the world are simply too big,
God sees what we cannot. God calls us by name, surrounds us in grace, gives us work to do and ways to do it, and invites us to begin again. Trusting in this good news, join me in proclaiming these words of forgiveness:
All: We are loved. We are forgiven. We are invited to do the good that is ours to do. Thanks be to God for every new beginning. Amen.
¨ Hymn #109 With Joy Draw Water St. Columba
1 With joy draw water from the spring; salvation’s living well. The Holy One is in your midst; glad praises sing and tell!
2 A shoot has sprung from Jesse’s tree; of God the chosen One. A branch of knowledge and of truth; a gift of love has come!
3 With love the poor will be received; the proud will turn aside; and faithfulness will be a path, and the righteousness a guide!
4 The wolf shall lie down with the lamb; the calf and the lion play, God’s peace shall dwell within the land; a child shall show the way!
5 With joy draw water from the spring; salvation’s living well. The Holy One is in your midst; glad praises sing and tell!
¨ Passing the Joy
All are invited to greet fellow worshippers and offer a sign of joy. You may simply share where you have seen glimmer of joy this week, or where you are seeking one.
Word and Worship
Anthem Isaiah the Prophet
Children’s Moment
as the children return to their seats we sing:
May God’s blessings 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.
Scripture Reading Luke 3:7-18
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin 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.” And the crowds asked him, “What, then, should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So with many other exhortations he proclaimed the good news to the people. ~New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (Friendship Press, 2021)
Sermon Do the Good That Is Yours to Do Rev. Kent Gilbert
Reflection Oh Jesus, Grant Me Hope
A chance to take in what we have heard.
Living Prayer
Ringing 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.
Embodied Prayer
You are invited to reflect and pray at the candle table. You may also choose to source the essential ingredient of solitude and private prayer, remaining with your own thoughts in your pew.
Affirmation of Faith for the Third Sunday of Advent
John the Baptist’s followers once asked him, “What shall we do?”
Church, knowing the state of the world, what is your answer?
In the Spirit of Jesus Christ, we say:
Do not be discouraged by the weight of the world.
Instead, hold fast to hope.
Roll up your sleeves.
Feed the hungry.
Tend the garden.
If you have two coats, give one away.
Do the good that is yours to do.
In doing so, you will see God.
For this we believe: small acts of love can make a difference.
Amen.
Offertory He Comes to Us arr. John Ferguson Berea Classic Chorale
He comes to us as one unknown, a breath unseen, unheard; as though within a heart of stone, or shriveled seed in darkness sown, a pulse of being stirred. He comes half-seen, a falling star across the sky of night within the heart. He comes to us in sound of seas, the ocean’s fume and foam; yet small and still upon the breeze, a wind that stirs the tops of trees, a voice to call us home. He comes by flesh and blood and birth in love to bear within our mortal frame a life, a death, a saving Name, for every child of earth. He comes when faith is grown; believed, obeyed, adored; the Christ in the Scriptures as yet unseen, but not unknown, our Savior and our Lord.
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union
A community of caring relies on support. Your recurring or one-time donation will make a ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need.
¨ Use your smart phone or computer and go to www.easytithe.com/union. No registration required, but registering once makes future generosity simply an amount and a click.
¨ Baskets for checks or cash are located at the head of each aisle for those who wish to make an in-person donation.
¨ Give by Text. Text an amount to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering”).
¨ Give by Mail to: 200 Prospect St., Berea, KY 40403.
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
¨ Doxology Old Hundredth
To God all glorious heavenly Light, To Christ revealed in earthly night, To God the Spirit now we raise Our joyful songs of thankful praise. Amen.
Silent Prayers & Prayers of the Community
Loving God, on those days when the world feels like it’s on fire, when we have reached the end of our rope, remind us to reach for you, to light candles, and to fight to hold onto threads of joy.
Remind us that we can make a difference, that we ARE making a difference with you in every act of rebuilding that which has been broken.
When the weight of the world overwhelms us, remind us that change always comes from “small acts of great love.”
With hope in our hearts, we roll up our sleeves and strive to do the good that is ours to do.
With joy and thanksgiving in our hearts, we reach to you with the words your son taught us to pray…
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.
¨ Hymn Do the Good That’s Yours to Do lyrics: Anna Strickland Music from Piae Cantiones, 1582
From Here to There
Community Connections
Announcements
We share opportunities for Beloved Community and ways to serve. Please see the listing of church & community events, prayers, and notices in the pages following the service.
Lighting the Justice Candle to Lead us Forth
Today we honor Dennis Jacobs, member of the St. Clare Catholic Church Community. Dennis is the primary coordinator of the Christmas Basket Program with which Union Church partners. No one at St Clare can remember how long the program has been going (He says it was started when Fr. Beiting was the priest which is many years ago. Fr. Beiting also founded Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) in 1962.
Meijer grocery store does the shopping for the food with donated funds, which provides food to serve a family and guests – not only for the holidays but into January as well. Parents who come for the baskets also shop for toys and books which have been donated. Thus many are blessed due to his work. YOU are invited to share the JOY of helping our neighbors – there’s still time to donate using the QR code in the bulletin, or by bringing toys or books to the church office.
The Joy of Welcoming New Members
Partnership & Purpose
Today presents an opportunity to covenant together! All who would like to are welcome to join the church family – you will be received in joy.
Questions of the Congregation and New Members
¨ Covenant of Welcome
And we, the members and faithful friends of this church, renewing our own covenant to God and to each other, do now heartily welcome you to our fellowship, promising to watch over you in love, and praying that you, and we, may be true witnesses for Christ, a light in the world, and continue to increase in usefulness and joy in his service.
¨ Benediction
¨ Benediction Response Let There Be Joy on Earth Courtney, Miller
Those who are able & willing are invited to fill the aisles as we sing the Benediction Response together. If you’re at home or in the balcony, you are part of the embrace too. The embrace is as wide as God’s love!
Poinsettias are given
In honor of ….
Kent Gilbert & Diana Hultgren and Carla Gilbert by Nancy Adams
Our church staff
In memory of….
Harold W. Hensley by Marty & Gwen Hensley
Pat Brunner by Marty & Gwen Hensley
George & Elsie Hardman by Joan English
John & Betty McWilliams by John W. McWilliams, Jr.
Betty & Arlen by Teresa Dickson
Tom Parker by Sara, Tina, Jason, Iris and Opal
Richard Howard Bromley by Jenny Bromley
Julia Marriott Bartlett by Jenny Bromley
Patricia Price Bartlett by Jenny Bromley
Richard James Bromley by Jenny Bromley
Joe & Dot Lovell by John & Donna Lovell
Herbert & Lucille Reed by John & Donna Lovell
Guy Patrick by Peggy Patrick
Chip’s parents, A.C. & Kathryn Williams Bailey by Chip & Diane Bailey
Diane’s parents, Willard & Shirley Flaugh by Chip & Diane Bailey
John & Marlene Payne by Deborah Payne
Jim Wesley by the Lakes Family
Irene & Lafayette Kirk
Joseph Adams by Nancy Adams
Helen and Ervin Connelly by Anne Marie Grisanti
Aloma Earles by Anne Marie Grisanti
Robert Menefee, Maxine Menefee and Liz Anderson Menefee by Laura and David Menefee-Greene
Tom Hubbard by Dorie Hubbard
Marlene & John Payne by Dorie Hubbard
Kathryn Hutton and John Courter by Jeff & Reda Hutton
Rosemary Deremo & all their cats & dogs by Jeff & Reda Hutton
Marie Gilbert, Helen Lujin, Kevin Burke, Gib Gilbert by Kent Gilbert & Diana Hultgren
Frank Hultgren & Heidren Hultgren by Kent Gilbert & Diana Hultgren
Husband Kevin Sean Burke by Carla Gilbert
Parents Helen Lujin & Carl Lujin brother Carl Jr. by Carla Gilbert
Steve Boyce, Richard Bromley, Betty Jean Hall, Phyllis Hughes, David Oldham, John Payne, Barbara Prairie, Betty Wray and Sally Zimmerman by Rev. Kent and the Union Church staff
As a gift from Michael Bowling
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 (World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer cycle: union-church.org/ministries/prayer. Let us hold the people of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and the Mainland of China; and our brothers and sisters at Bearwallow Pentecostal Holiness Church in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
¨ Mary Ellen Sarafin, Betty’s sister, suffering from cirrhosis.
¨ 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 affected by the devastating losses in the current conflict in the Middle East.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Jerry Cooper, Jan Hamilton, Betsy Hoefer, Dorie Hubbard, Susan Kramer, Lois Morgan, Sara Parker, Cheryl Payne, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie.
¨ All those suffering from mental strain, trauma, and disease, ands those who care and worry for them:: may God soothe and heal all who are troubled.
¨ Members and Friends who need safer housing and income security.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ The Guild family as Will continues his struggle with brain cancer and stroke.
¨ Dottie Blackburn is in The Terrace for rehab. Cards welcome. 1043 Brooklyn Blvd., Berea.
¨ Charlie Hoffman, having a heart procedure later this week.
¨ Teresa Dickson, with Covid. Thankfully, her symptoms are very mild.
¨ Susan Doring-Zook, recovering from 2nd and 3rd degree burns on her hand.
¨ Annie Hill, recovering from a broken leg after a fall last week here at church. If anyone would like to help support them through her recovery, you’re invited to make a donation to the Emergency Assistance Fund.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: today, Dec. 15 – Mary K. Kaufmann, Opal Bailey; 16 – Thana Connelly; 17 – Joan English, Laura Wick; 18 – Jeff Pool; 21 – Pam Chabora; 22 – Maria Hartz
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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