A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Third Sunday of Advent 10:30 am
“Find out where joy resides,
And give it voice
Far beyond singing.
For to miss the joy
Is to miss it all.”
~ Robert Louis Stevenson
From There to Here: We Gather
Hymn Sing Choose Your Favorites!
Meditation Chant/Song Kindle a Flame John Bell
@1987, Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc., agent Reprinted with permission using OneLicense #A-723786
First Reading Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11 Pamela Chabora, Reader
“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion– to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
“They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.”
~ New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (Friendship Press, 2021)
Lighting the Candle of Joy
As its name implies, Advent is a time of new understandings, of awakening, and of expectation and of beginnings. We start not in the bright lights of Christmas cheer, but rather in the NEED that calls for this longed for child. We start in the shadows, learning their shape, and tracing the presence and promise of God that leads from “shadow” to “living love.” Today we examine the shadows around Joy.
Reading by Candlelighter Iris Bailey, Emily LaDouceur
One: The journey of Advent is part of a sacred arc for us, one that moves from “shadows” of sin and fear, to the “kindled light” of Christmas. Throughout Advent we seek to understand the shape of these shadows and God’s presence and promise among them.
One: The God who loves justice and who has promised to put an end to wrong-doing is surely the source of greatest joy. The restoration promised by the prophet Isaiah is both personal and communal: from individual prisoners and patients in need of healing, to the liberation of entire societies of the mind-numbing entangled oppressions we experience. Even while suffering may continue, the promise and presence of God changes hardships into “hallelujahs”. As we move ever closer to the kindling of the Christ candle, we have passed the candles of HOPE and PEACE and now JOY to lighten the dark and show us the way. Let us pray:
Prayer from the Shadows
One: Holy one, we who gather know brokenness. We know the captivity of body and soul, and we know what it is to mourn.
All: We pray for the day of jubilation you intend. We pray for all who suffer a garland instead of ashes!
One: When we have wallowed too long in despair, and made discontent the currency of our every transaction, let new righteousness spring up within us! Let repair and not ruin be in our hearts and on our lips.
All: Forgive us, and reshape our shadows into the true Joy of your coming Christ.
The Candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy are Lit
One: Your love makes the wounded whole and raises up the former devastations of our lives.
All: You have kindled Joy in us, O Lord of Light. Grant that we may share the flame for all. 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 of the Joy
As we pass greetings, this day all are invited to speak of anything and everything that is a source of joy in the shadows.
Word and Worship
Special Music I Wonder as I Wander arr. C. Dobrinski
Union Church Handbell Ensemble Susie Ritchie and Maureen Spencer, percussion
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 Lesson Luke 1:46b-55
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
~ New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (Friendship Press, 2021)
Sermon Shaping Joy from Shadows Rev. Kent Gilbert
Video Reflection
Living Prayer
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.
Offertory On This Day Earth Shall Ring arr. S. Nelson
Susie Ritchie, Maureen Spencer, percussion
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 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!
Prayer Stations
For those who wish, Prayer stations are available for meditation, action, and reflection during this time:
Joy from Shadows Art Prayers: use provided tools to make visual prayer from tempera art board on the table to the left of the dais.
Light in the Darkness: votive candles are available to light for those prayer needs being held in the Light of God’s hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
Dance Corner: Find room to move in the rear “garden side” corner for kinetic prayer. Art work graciously provided by Jennifer Elam.
Children’s Corner: Activities, coloring materials, and play for children of all ages in the “Tavern side” rear corner.
¨ Doxology At the conclusion of our Offertory and Prayer, please join in singing and return to your seats:
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.
Community Prayer Pamela Chabora, Reader
Come upon us, Lord, and bring your spirit of joy and liberation. We place our hopes in you and find our peace there. Your love calls joy out of trial, elation out of endurance. For all who walk in the shadows of this world, lend your strength to their recovery of clear sight and strong hearts.
We lift all who suffer to you, God of compassion, and ask for healing in bodies, minds, spirits, and communities. Prepare us for all that lies ahead, Lord; teach us to bring joy from shadow and make us ready to receive again your child of promise and delight. This we ask in the name of the one who taught us to pray…
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
Hymn My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout Star of the County Down Rory Cooney
My soul cries out with a joyful shout
That the God of my heart is great
And my spirit sings of the Wondrous things
That you bring to the ones who wait
You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight
And my weakness you did not spurn
So from east to west shall my name be blest
Could the world be about to turn?
My heart shall sing of the day you bring
Let the fires of your justice burn
Wipe away all tears for the dawn draws near
And the world is about to turn!
Though I am small, my God, my all, you
Work great things in me
And your mercy will last from the Depths
Of the past to the end of the age to be
Your very name puts the proud to shame
And to those who would for you yearn
You will show your might
Put the strong to flight
For the world is about to turn
My heart shall sing of the day you bring
Let the fires of your justice burn
Wipe away all tears
For the dawn draws near
And the world is about to turn!
From the halls of power to the fortress tower
Not a stone will be left on stone
Let the king beware for your
Justice tears ev’ry tyrant from his throne
The hungry poor shall weep no more
For the food they can never ears
There are tables spread, ev’ry
Mouth be fed
For the world is about to turn
My heart shall sing of the day you bring
Let the fires of your justice burn
Wipe away all tears
For the dawn draws near
And the world is about to turn!
Though the nations rage from age to age
We remember
Who holds us fast
God’s mercy must deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp
This saving word that out forebears
Heard is the promise which holds us bound
‘Til the spear and rod can be
Crushed by God
Who is turning the world around
My heart shall sing of the day you bring
Let the fires of your justice burn
Wipe away all tears
For the dawn draws near
And the world is about to turn!
Reprinted with permission using OneLicense #A-723786
Community Connections
Announcements
We share opportunities for Beloved Community and ways to serve. Please see the listing of church & community evens, prayers, and notices in the pages following the service.
Lighting the Justice Candle to Lead us Forth
Bringing joy out of the shadows…. ZeroV, formerly the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, is the statewide coalition dedicated to creating safe lives and thriving futures for survivors of intimate partner violence and their children.
ZeroV believes that a world safe for survivors is safe for everybody. Creating this world is the shared responsibility of our coalition, communities, and Commonwealth. As Kentucky unites against violence, our work will persist until the violence in our state is ZERO. ZeroV, along with Kentucky’s First lady, Britainy Beshear, organized a Gift Drive for families associated with ZeroV this year. More at zerov.org
Partnership and Purpose: Welcoming New Members
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
Reprinted with permission using OneLicense #A-723786
Postlude O Come Rejoicing arr. H. Morris Kim Kobersmith, flute
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.
¨ 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: Jan Hamilton, Betsy Hoefer, Dorie Hubbard, Lois Morgan, Sara Parker, Cheryl Payne, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie, Betty Wray, Sally Zimmerman.
¨ Rita Barlow, receiving care at home.
¨ All those suffering from mental strain, trauma, and disease: 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.
¨ Jeannette Davidson, having health problems.
¨ Prayers for graceful transitions for Amy Williams, relocating to Sacramento, CA; and Dorie Hubbard, to New York City.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: Today, Dec. 17 – Joan English, Laura Wick; 18 – Jeff Pool; 21 – Pamela Chabora; 22 – Maria Hartz; 23 – Ben Whaley-Jones
Anniversaries: Dec. 22 – Annette & Aidan Broadbridge
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
Poinsettias are given
In memory of …
John & Betty McWilliams by John McWilliams
Robert Chabora by Pam Chabora
Mary Sue & Hugh Bosley by Lisa Bosley
Guy Patrick by Peggy Patrick
Loyal Jones and Bill Stolte by Debby Gray
Kevin Burke by Carla Gilbert
Helen & Ervin Connelly by Anne Marie Grisanti
Aloma Earles by Anne Marie Grisanti
Betty Amann by Teresa Dickson
A.C & Kathryn Bailey by Chip & Diane Bailey
Willard & Shirley Flaugh by Chip & Diane Bailey
George & Elsie Hardman by Joan English and Sue Hardman Zimmerman
Marie Gilbert, Helen Lujin, Kevin Burke, Gib Gilbert by Kent Gilbert & Diana Hultgren
Frank Hultgren & Heidren Hultgren by Kent Gilbert & Diana Hultgren
Maurice Hibbard, Doug Hindman, Loyal Jones, Joyce Mosher and Tom Parker by Rev. Kent and the Union Church staff
In honor of …
Jeff & Jennifer Melton by John McWilliams
Our beloved and hard-working church staff
Annriette Stolte by Debby Gray
Union Church Board members, Officers and volunteers in the ministry of Union Church, by Rev. Kent and the grateful church staff
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