A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Easter Sunday 10:30 am
Meditation
Bearing life and more fruitful than paradise, brighter than any royal chamber; thy tomb, O Christ, is the Fountain of the resurrection.
— Troparian, Orthodox liturgy
Welcome
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 with a “.
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!
From There to Here: We Gather
Bell Prelude Resurrection Dance S. Tucker Union Church Handbell Ensemble
The opening measures recall the Gregorian Chant Exsultet, or Easter Proclamation, traditionally sung for Easter Vigil before the entrance of the Pascal Candle. The music then gives way to an exciting, multi-metered expression of praise and celebration.
The Good News! Luke 24:1-12
¨ Call
One: This day is not like any other day.
All: This is the good news–the grave is empty, Christ is risen.
One: Today we take it all in.
All: The Light shines in the darkness and cannot be put out!
One: Today we are singing.
All: Today we are full to the brim.
One: Today joy cannot be contained.
All: This day is not like any other day.
One: Today the stone was rolled away. Today the women saw the empty grave. Today we know—death does not win. The bonds of sin and death are broken forever! Alleluia, he is Risen!
All: Christ is Risen indeed!
¨ Procession
¨ Hymn #233 Christ The Lord Is Risen Today Easter Hymn
¨ Passing the Peace
Building the Community: News that Connects Us
Announcements
Lighting the Justice Candle
“A lot of people don’t think of going out and picking up litter as a very fun hobby, but we really have a great time out together as a group,” said Mari Amber Melder Shaffer, head and founder of Berea Earth Warriors. Since 2021, she and a group of volunteers have been cleaning up parks in the local area, including in and around the Pinnacles. “We have removed over 3,000 pounds of garbage and furniture from Owsley Reservoir, which is where the city’s drinking water comes from,” added the eco-warrior. Her environmental group already has hundreds of members in Berea, volunteering to keep parks clean for everyone
They plan a fund raiser to assist with expenses incurred in their work with a Spring Retreat April 23-24 You can join Shaffer and the Berea Earth Warriors in a Spring Retreat on April 23rd and 24th in Owleyes Farm at 10981 Battlefield Memorial Highway (near the Pinnacles). Entry is $10 for each day and there is also the possibility to camp there for the night. At the end of the interview, Shaffer said this about the upcoming retreat, “We want to see everyone come out and have a great time with us at the Spring Retreat. We are going to have 15 bands, over 20 vendors, and working artists. We’re going to a yoga workshop, a guided plant hike, a hooping class, lots of food and just lots of exciting things going on. So, whether or not you’re an eco-warrior, we still want to see you out there because even just coming to our event helps support our calls and the restoration of Owsley Reservoir.” More information about Earth Warriors and their work is available on their facebook page as well as event information.
From an article written by Ulvi Gibaliyev of the Berea Torch.
Word And Worship
Music The Day of Arising
Reading Isaiah 65:17-25
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.
Scripture Acclamation #236 Halleluja Halleluja
Reading Lesson From Acts 10:34-43
Sermon Love Demands Rev. Kent Gilbert
Living Prayer
Ukrainian Troparion Sunday Troparion of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kyiv Chamber Choir & Mykola Hobdytch
In Orthodox traditions a Troparion is a short hymn proclaiming stories of praise. Often sung in cycles of 8, this example is from the “Paschal Troparia and Kontakia”, celebrating Christ’s rising from the dead:
‘Thou hast destroyed death by Thy Cross, Thou hast opened Paradise to the thief. Thou hast changed the lamentation of the Myrrbearers into joy, and Thou hast commanded Thine Apostles to proclaim that Thou, O Christ our God, hast risen and grantest the world the great mercy.
No longer can the dominion of death hold mortals, for Christ has come down and has shattered and broken its power. Hell is bound, and the Prophets rejoice with one voice, saying: The Savior has appeared to those who have faith. Come out, you faithful, for the Resurrection!”
Call to Prayer & Offering
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.
Offering Music Expansive Life Vaughan Williams
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union 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 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”)
You can also use US mail! Mail to: 200 Prospect St., Berea, KY 40403
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Litany for Easter Sunday
One: Lord Jesus, here are your disciples. We meet you even in the midst of confusion. Help us live into those questions for which there are no easy answers. Feed our faith with the assurance of your presence.
All: May we hear your voice in and through all the other voices we hear. May we find life even in our questions; blossom, even in our uncertainty.
One: Lord Jesus, here are your disciples. We meet you even amidst the tombs and stony places. Bring new life where we are worn and tired. Bring new love where we have turned hard-hearted. Bring forgiveness where we feel hurt and where we have wounded others. Bring joy and release where we are prisoners of ourselves.
All: May we let go of fear and embrace hope. Heal our broken places that we may share your resurrection joy.
One: Lord Jesus, here are your disciples, the body of Christ, your Church. We pray for your Church throughout the world and for that part to which we belong: that we may find both wisdom and strength to be your hands of mercy, of compassion, and right-relation.
All: Help us rise free of all that binds us; of all that divides us from one another. May we be liberated and united by the love of the resurrected one.
Our Lord’s Prayer adapted for the New Zealand Prayer Book by Jim Cotter (1988)
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be; Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.
From Here to There
If you would like to join the choir in singing the Hallelujah Chorus, please make your way to the choir loft, if able, as the hymn begins.
¨ Hymn What Love Demands Mark Hayes
Dedicated to the public health workers, medical personnel, chaplains, and front-line essential workers who answered love’s demands in a time of national pandemic. Dedicated to them by the people of Union Church, Berea, KY, in memory of Mr. Tom Warth, Dr. Richard and Ms. Judy Drake, and Ms. Mary Lou and Dr. Lester Pross.
1. What does it mean to love my neighbor? How can I live in harmony? Are you my brother or are you just another? When I look in your eyes, who do I see? I see you’re made in the image of God, uniquely gifted with the right to be loved. Neighbor or stranger, how may I serve you? What does love demand?
Chorus: Love is listening with heartfelt compassion, holding the lonely, wiping a tear. Love demands that I live in the moment to live in the question when the answer’s unclear. Love demands I seek what unites us releasing fear and whatever divides us. With God as my strength I will be the change I want to see. For that’s what love, that’s what love demands.
2. What can we do to stand for justice? What can we do so all are free? What can we do to end oppression, so all have the same opportunity? We will be God’s hands and welcoming arms. We’ll keep you safe from danger and harm. Homeless or helpless, how may we serve you? What does love demand? Love demands we do what we can. Take a stand. Lend a hand.
Chorus: Love is listening with heartfelt compassion, holding the lonely, wiping a tear. Love demands that we live in the moment, to live in the question when the answer’s unclear. Love demands we seek what unites us, releasing fear and whatever divides us. With God as our strength we will be the change we want to see. For that’s what love, that’s what love demands.
¨ Easter Blessing
¨ Benediction Response Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah G.F. Handel
Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth! The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of the Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!
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 Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine; and our brothers & sisters at Hays Fork Baptist Church in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
¨ Those affected by the Covid-19 virus, their families and friends living with fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, may God bring peace to all who love them; and our wider community as we cope with the new realities of living, including the now over 15,200 Kentucky residents, and 274 Madison County residents, who have died to date from Covid-19.
¨ Prayers for all the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty, and especially those in the city of Nikolaev where the family of former Berea International student daughter of Kevin and Carla, Yulia live. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason and respect for their own people’s lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ Ukrainian Refugees and Afghani Refugees
¨ All those feeling the oppression of depression and isolation. May God strengthen us all and build bridges to grace.
¨ 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.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Alva Peloquin, Loyal Jones, Lois Morgan, Jan Hamilton, Laura Robie, Dorie Hubbard, Betty Wray, Sally Zimmerman
¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound and those who care for them.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon.
¨ Sharona Nelson, facing a long recovery after surgery to repair a broken shoulder.
¨ Sharona’s husband, and a faithful bridge club member, Dan Kotlow, recovering from surgery at The Terrace.
¨ For the family and friends of Tom Frazier as they mourn his death.
¨ John McWilliams, at the death of his mother, Betty McWilliams.
¨ Claudia Munson-Schrumpf’s friend Claudia Williams of Modesto CA, at the death of her husband, Richard.
¨ Raymond Binkley, Betty Wray’s brother, aged 94, and in ill health.
¨ Meg Suters, recovering from a broken wrist.
¨ Important dates—if we haven’t got yours, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
Birthdays: April 19 – Madalyn Dodson; 20 – Howard Carlberg; 22 – Shirley Carlberg, Ella Garrett
Easter Lilies are Dedicated…
… in honor of
Jeff & Jennifer Melton by John McWilliams
Kent Gilbert, who so faithfully carries on despite difficulties by Peggy Patrick
Jason, Robin, Asa, and Eli Mehler and Lisarose, Grant, and Cole Galloway by Kelly & Teri Mehler
Joan Bates by the Bates family
Union Church staff by Hazel Morris
Union Church’s wonderful tech crew by Hazel Morris
… in memory of
Rosemary Deremo and Kathryn Hutton by Jeff & Reda Hutton
John Courter and Tom Hubbard by Jeff & Reda Hutton
Harvey & Janet Warner by Gail Wolford
Her brother, Ray Behrendes, and sister, Grace Behrendes, by Betty Hibler
Gary Dillon by Betty Sarafin
Margaret & John Dillon (Gary’s parents) and Ann Rohall Dillon (Gary’s aunt), by Betty Sarafin
Leann Kowalski by Betty Sarafin
Kevin Burke and Helen Lujin by Carla Gilbert
Wayne & Edith VanHook by Nancy Mullins
Tom Boyd, Kathleen O’Brien Moore and Robert Moore, Sr., by Joan Moore
Gloria VanWinkle by Vicki VanWinkle
Lafayette & Jimmie Kirk and Mickey Kirk by Tennant Kirk
Guy Patrick by Peggy Patrick
Stan, Betty and Greg Bolster by Steve & Sandy Bolster
John, Thelma and Davis Spearen by Steve & Sandy Bolster
Her brother, Dennis Smith, by Annie Sims
Patricia Parker Brunner by Gwen Hensley
George & Elsie Hardman by their daughters Joan and Sue
Jon Pickow, Peggy Barrett and Frank Hudson by Debbie Gray
John McWilliams, Sr., by John McWilliams
Marlene Payne by Dorie Hubbard
Tom Hubbard by Dorie Hubbard
Cecil Mink by Ellen Mink
Tom Frazier by Ellen Mink
Guy Patrick by Kelly & Teri Mehler
Betty McWilliams by John McWilliams
Luther Center, Tom Frazier, Mark Gailey, bell hooks, Tom Hubbard, Jennie Kiteck, Mary Miller, Peggy Pollard, AnnaLou Ritchie, Bob Shaffer, Barb Smith by Rev. Kent & Union Church Staff
Their mothers, Cynthia Roelofs and Shirley Mulder by Lyle & Laurie Roelofs
Bob Bates by the Bates family
Her parents, Luther & Mayme Morris and step-mother Macy Morris by Hazel Morris
Her brother, Jack Morris, and sister, Phyllis Morris Strunk by Hazel Morris
Her cousins, Bill Gene Smith and Evelyn Lakes Hays by Hazel Morris
Rev. William and Mary Binkley by Betty Wray
Frank Wray’s family by Betty Wray
Their grandmothers Helen Lujin & Marie Gilbert; their fathers, Frank Hultgren and Gib Gilbert; and Diana’s mother, Heidrun Hultgren by Kent Gilbert & Diana Hultgren
Kevin Burke by Kent Gilbert & Diana Hultgren
Coming Up!
Save the date! Second Annual Blessing of the Urban Farm
Earth Day, Friday, April 22!
Join us again this year as we gather at the Berea Urban Farm, 199 Adams Street, Berea to bless these gardens and all gardens. There will be music, readings poetry and good company. If you’d like to contribute please let Rev. Kent know.
Learn + Pray + Act
Having traveled to the Arizona-Mexican Border to observe the Wall and Immigration issues, I can truly say that being there was a powerful experience. Of course seeing the Wall had an impact, but even more so were the interactions with some of those across the border, waiting to cross into the U.S. While this Mission Trip will not be in the same area, you will note from the itinerary that there is ample opportunity to experience something about the situation which has troubled many for some time. Former Berea resident, now Tucson, and “outlier member” of Union Church has gathered folks from the Tucson Samaritans for the Mission and Service 3rd Wednesday Program on April 20th at 7 pm via zoom to share and answer questions you may have about their work and/or the upcoming Mission Trip. We are hoping to have a delegation of 4-7 for this unique opportunity to not only learn, but also offer presence and support to both the volunteers and the deportees.
We need to know your interest and possibility by Thursday at noon following the presentation. If you are unable to attend the presentation, and wish to go on the trip, please contact either Tennant Kirk or Carla Gilbert of the Mission and Service Board by Thursday at noon so that we may confirm that we will have enough folks to go .
At present, the cost is not fixed and will be determined by travel expenses. Plane fares are a factor. Mission and Service has allocated funds and others have made contributions to assist with expenses. (Of course more are welcome) And if you happen to have miles you would like to contribute, those are welcome as well. Prayerfully consider joining us either in person or in support of those who would like to go. — Rev. Carla
Tour of The Cincinnati Observatory April 23
Visit the Cincinnati Observatory April 23, leave at 11:45 from church. Visit begins at 2:30. The cost is $100 for a group of 15 ($7.00 per person if we have that many) To register, please contact Jeff Hutton at jeffp.hutton@gmail.com or leave a message at 859-237-4014.
Our calendar is still under (re)construction.
As Covid numbers have dramatically decreased, you’re invited to call the church office to schedule your group meetings. 859-986-3725.
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