A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Second Sunday of Advent 10:30 am
Meditation
“When will you be back?” What we really mean is — “I can’t go through life alone. Please don’t let me go through life alone.” ~ Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed from “When Will You Be Back”
From There to Here: We Gather
Prelude
Hymn Sing Choose Your Favorites!
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 Malachi 3:1-4
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight–indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like washers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness.
Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord, as in the days of old and as in former years.
~New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (Friendship Press, 2021)
Lighting the Candle of Peace
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.
Reading by Candlelighters Emily LaDouceur, Maxton Ponnie & Telson Ponnie
One: In a weary and worn world, how do we begin again? Where do we start?
All: Let us begin together. Let us begin arm in arm. Let us begin by holding each other up, instead of tearing each other down. Let us begin with words of peace.
One: Yes, let us begin with peace. Today we light the candles of hope and peace.
All: May these lights remind us of what could be. May these lights mark a new beginning. May peace flow like a river, and may it start with us.
One: Arm in arm, hand in hand, side by side. May we begin again. Let us Pray as we do…
¨ Prayer of Approach and Confession
One: I have tried to make my own way. I have tried to lace my own shoes, to build my own house, to kindle my own faith. I have said a thousand times, “turn back,” as if I am fine on my own. But the days are long and I am forgetful. I need your help. Remind me lest I forget again.
All: We will remind you of this everlasting truth: You are not alone. Where you go, God goes. You are held in grace. Trust in this good news.
One: Thanks be to God! I remember. I believe.
All: We, too, need help. We, too, have tried to make our own way. We have tried to lace our own shoes, to build our own houses, to kindle our own faiths. We have said a thousand times, “turn back,” as if we are fine on our own. But the days are long and we are forgetful. We need your help. Remind us, lest we forget again.
One: I will remind you of this everlasting truth: You are not alone. Where you go, God goes. You are held in grace. Trust in this good news.
All: Thanks be to God! We remember. We believe. Alleluia! Amen.
¨ Hymn #104 We Hail You God’s Anointed Ellacombe
- We hail you God’s anointed, the long-awaited One! Hail in the time appointed, your reign on earth begun! You come to break oppression, to set the captive free; to take away transgression, and rule in equity.
- You shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth; and joy and hope like flowers, spring in your path to birth. Before you on the mountains shall peace, the herald, go, and righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow.
- The wise shall bow before you and gold and incense bring; all nations shall adore you, and praise all people sing; to you shall prayer unceasing and daily vows be said, your realm is still increasing, with you, O Christ, as head.
- O’er every foe victorious, you on your throne shall rest; from age to age more glorious, all-blessing and all-blessed; The tide of time shall never your covenant remove; your name shall stand forever, your changeless name of Love.
¨ Passing the Peace
All are invited to greet fellow worshippers and offer a sign of peace. You may simply share where you have seen glimmer of peace this week, or where you are seeking one.
Word and Worship
Special Music Follow Your Heart Anita Lerche
In the stillness my inner voice speaks to me so gently, so soft. I am ready to let go and follow your lead
Follow your heart, it knows the way, let go of any fear, let go, let go. Dive into the unknown and explore that love so strong leading you all the way home.
Like a flower you embrace me with the sweetest touch making me feel safe and warm.
You are the star meant to shine day and night so bright, so bright. You are the star.
Children’s Moment Nu erdet Juligen “Now It’s Christmas Again”
(Traditional Scandinavian Christmas song)
Lyrics (Danish)
Nu’ det jul igen og nu’ det jul igen
og julen varer li’ til påske
Nej det’ ikke sandt, nej det ikke sandt,
for ind imellem kommer fasten
Lyrics (English translation)
Now it’s Christmas again, and now it’s Christmas again,
and Christmas lasts ’til Easter.
No it’s not true, no it’s not true,
because in between comes the fast (during Lent).
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 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'”
~New Revised Standard Version: Updated Edition (Friendship Press, 2021)
Sermon Peacing it Together: We Can’t Go Alone Rev. Kent Gilbert
Special Music Let Go Anita Lerche
Special Music Let Go Lyrics & Music, Anita Lerche
A new day, a new beginning, it is never too late to let your light shine bright. Kiss a flower, see it bloom. Let go of any fear and nothing can hold you back Let the flame in the fire guide you all the way. See it burn, feel the heat warming you up from inside. Breathe, smile and let go. Let go of any fear and nothing can hold you back Love is your guide, the flame is inside leading you all the way every day of your life. Spread your wings it is time to fly up high in the sky; Ooh…… Let go of any fear and nothing can hold you back.
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.
Words make worlds when we can’t see them with our eyes. Words keep hearts open and affirm our deepest aspirations to hope, to peace, to joy, and to love.
Each week as we end one year and enter whatever the new day brings, we are sharing Affirmations of Faith for reflection and prayer. Sometimes we need the reminder! Sometimes the words make the nebulous more real. Sometimes words help us begin…
Affirmation of Faith for the Second Sunday of Advent
I believe in a with-us God:
a God who walks with us in the valley,
dances with us on the mountaintop,
sings with us through the night
and rejoices in the morning.
I believe that this with-us God
wired us for relationship,
saying to creation on the very first week,
“Humans should not be alone.”
Let us strive to live like the Trinity–
connected, united, and centered.
We believe in the power of community.
We commit to learning each other’s names.
We choose to journey with each other.
And we remember that no one can go through life alone.
Thanks be to God, for lighting our way.
Amen.
Words help us begin, but the worship of God involves our whole being. This season we are exploring visual prayers through the artform of quilting. Quilts take small, sometimes rejected, pieces and stitch them into magnificent new patterns. Like our lives and prayers they are layered, and bound together with small acts of intention. A special quilt design for each week of our Advent and Christmas season will be on the front of the bulletin. This week’s quilt is “From the Three” by artist Lisle Gwynn Garrity. You can read more about it in the Advent Devotional found in vestibule.
Special banners in the sanctuary mark the season as well. The four Advent Banners near the organ were designed by Rev. Kent and brought to life by church quilters Rita Barlow, Ramona Culp, Joyce Fields, and Debbonnaire Kovacs. Light from behind illuminates important symbols each week related to preparing for Christ’s coming.
You can spend time in God’s presence through these pieces, and those in the art display in the Pross Gallery (near the community room) by attending to what captures your eye in each piece. Trace the use of colors and theme.
Do these resonate in the way you are stitching together the pieces of your life?
What needs to come together to make you whole. What are the images evoking in you and for you?
Allow your heart and mind to piece together a prayer garment of comfort and durable care for yourself as you pray with more than words.
Offertory You’ll Never Walk Alone Rodgers & Hammerstein Anita Lerche, vocalist
When you walk through a storm hold your head up high and don’t be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown;
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone.You’ll never walk alone.
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.
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¨ Give by Text. Text an amount to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering”).
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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 and Prayers of the Community Lorilyn Howie-Kipphut, Reader
Holy God, we know that we cannot go through life alone.
We give thanks for the friends who know us, the families, who claim us, and the church who welcomes us.
We lift up to you anyone who has ever felt disconnected; anyone who has felt invisible in a crowded room or distanced from their family by choice or circumstance. We lift up anyone who doubts their worth and encounters barriers to meaningful connection.
Remind us that with you, we are never truly alone. We are seen. We are loved. We are known and celebrated.
With grateful hearts, we now reach to you in the words we were taught…
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 #110 Now Bless the God of Israel Forest Green
1. Now bless the God of Israel who comes in love and power, who raises from the royal house deliverance in this hour. Through holy prophets God has sworn to free us from alarm, to save us from the heavy hand of all who wish us harm.
2. Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear, that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year. And you, my child, shall go before, to preach, to prophesy, that all may know the tender love, the grace of God most high.
3. In tender mercy, God will send the dayspring from on high, our rising sun, the light of life for those who sit and sigh. God comes to guide our way to peace, that death shall reign no more. Sing praises to the Holy One, O worship and adore.
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
Peace and the Peacemakers Today we renew our commitment to true Peace on Earth, and celebrate a few of the many heroes who have dedicated their lives, and in many cases lost their lives in pursuit of worldwide peace.
Among the many we lift up a few: Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Malala Yousafzai, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Mother Teresa, and others too numerous to list here. A single quote from Mother Teresa: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” May we go and do likewise, as Jesus told us.
”Benediction
¨ Benediction Response Let There Be Peace 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!
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 Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and our brothers and sisters at St. Thomas Lutheran 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.
¨ Bella Wescott (daughter of Rob and Andrea) recovering from adenoid surgery.
¨ Lydia Kitts, hospitalized in ICU with double pneumonia.
¨ Prayer request received online: for LT’s adult son with mental health issues.
¨ Rev. Kent and Diana, at the sudden death of their sweet dog, Gracie.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Graduations! Sophie Gravel has graduated from Landmark College with her Assoc. Degree!
Cansas Dowell will graduate from Berea College with a degree in Biology and a minor in music. She plans to pursue music and become a CMA.
Birthdays: Dec. 8 – Jackson Napier, Susan Jones English, Cynthia Hicks; 10 – Joan Moore; 13 – David Jones, Shane Wilcher; 15 – Mary K. Kaufmann, Opal Bailey; 16 – Thana Connelly
Anniversaries: Dec. 12 – Eric Dodson & Deborah Martin
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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