A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Transfiguration Sunday February 10, 2013
Meditation
O Lord, refresh our sensibilities. Give us this day our daily taste. Restore to us soups that spoons will not sink in, and sauces which are never the same twice, Raise up among us stews with more gravy than we have bread to blot it with, and casseroles that put starch and substance in our limp modernity. Take away our fear of fat, and make us glad of the oil which ran upon Aaron’s beard. Give us pasta with a hundred fillings, and rice in a thousand variations.
Above all, give us grace to live as true folk — to fast till we come to a refreshed sense of what we have and then to dine gratefully on all that comes to hand.
Drive far from us, O Most Bountiful, all creatures of air and darkness; cast out the demons that possess us; deliver us from the fear of calories and the bondage of nutrition; and set us free once more in our own land, where we shall serve thee as thou hast blessed us — with the dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine.
—Robert Farrar Capon
Gathering to Worship
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude Fairest Lord Jesus arr. Daniel N. Johnson
* Call to Worship
One: From a cloud, and in a crowd, God speaks to us.
All: Calling us to be lovers of justice, to share hope with the broken.
One: On mountaintops, and in neighborhoods, Christ calls to us.
All: With a word, and with wonder, molding us into who we are.
One: On the playground, and at the workstation, the Spirit whispers in our hearts,
All: gathering up our fears, as well as our dreams, and offering them to God.
One: Come, let us worship God.
* Opening Hymn #182 Black We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding Hyfrydol
* Prayer of Approach and Confession
One: Sometimes we wait for God to astound us with whirlwinds of wonders, while God silently offers us grace. God waits to forgive us, so let us hold nothing back, but place our trust in the One who listens to our prayers and answers us with mercy. Join me as we pray, saying…
All: We admit that we are often afraid to come near you, Glorious Creator, for if we do, you might see our faces distorted with anger as we speak hurtful words, or grow ashen with fear of those who are different, or flush from the depths of our desires. We can spend so much time concerned with ourselves, that we are closed to the faces etched with loneliness, hollowed out by hunger, overshadowed by hopelessness.
[A brief silence is observed.]
One: You reveal the mystery of your grace, Holy One, by pouring out mercy upon us. As you come close to listen, may we speak your love to all around us. As you call us into your presence, you send us out to do your justice, which brings hope to the world. This we pray in the name of Jesus the Christ, who is our love and justice.
[A brief silence is observed.]
* Words of Assurance
One: On mountaintops and in valleys, in our hopes, and in our hearts, God knows us better than we know ourselves, and God forgives us when we cannot forgive ourselves.
All: By God’s mercy, we are forgiven; by God’s mercy, we are made whole; by God’s mercy, we are equipped to serve others. Thanks be to God. Amen.
* Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on this day. Please turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace.
Hearing the word
Anthem Go Up to the Mountain of God Michael Helman
Union Church Choir
Go up to the mountain of God where Christ transfigured shines as the morning star. Gaze in awe and wonder upon the beauty of Jesus the Lord: Alleluia.
Go up to the mountain of God and speak with prophets Moses, Elijah. Join with all the angels and saints in praising the incarnate Word: Alleluia.
Go up to the mountain of God and hear the loving Father proclaiming: This is my beloved Son. Hear hi word and follow his way. Alleluia.
Go up to the mountain of God. And there renew your faith in the Son of God. May your life of faith reflect the light of Christ to the world. Alleluia.
Epistle Lesson 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 (p. 1405)
Paul contrasts the glory of Moses with the glory of Jesus.
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 Children’s Moment, child care for ages kindergarten & under is available in the Nursery, downstairs off the Community Room, and Children’s Church for kids ages 5-8 is available in Room 104. The activities provided acquaint the children with the structure of the regular service in a way that engages them and encourages their participation. Children’s Church is staffed by Anna Kate McWhorter, and parents who wish to accompany their children are very welcome.
Gospel Lesson Luke 9:28-43 (p. 1244)
The true glory of Jesus is revealed.
Sermon Out in the Light Rev. Kent Gilbert
Hymn #176 Black “Silence, Frenzied, Unclean Spirit” Authority
Prayers of the People
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 Kiyosato, Japan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Silent Prayers & Prayers of the Community
Our Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts
Offertory O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair (Deo Gracias) Paul Manz
* Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow Lasst Uns Erfreuen
Praise God all creatures here below;Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Walking Forward in Faith & Receiving New Members
Introduction and Invitation to Membership
Union Church is a vital and growing family of faith, a home to those committed to the way of Christ’s sacrificial love and service. All who feel led to join will be received in joy. Thanks be to God for these ministers among us.
* Closing Hymn #1 Black Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise St. Denio
* Questions of the Congregation and New Members
* Covenant of Welcome
And we, the members 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.
* Blessing the Way of Gina Chamberlain
With deep feeling, we commend you to your life and work in other places, taking with you our strong support and sincere prayers.
All: Go forth into the world!
Piano Side: In peace!
Bell Side: In love!
Piano: To teach!
Bell: To learn!
All: Go forth into the world!
Piano: To preach!
Bell: To pray!
Piano: To heal!
Bell: To comfort!
All: Go forth into the world!
Piano: To build!
Bell: To plant!
Piano: To grow!
Bell: To thrive!
All: Go forth into the world to love and serve the Lord.
* Benediction Response In God’s Hand Deborah Payne
Postlude Salutation on “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” Alice Jordan
_____________________________
* Those who wish to may stand
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 Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands and our brothers and sisters at the Galilee Baptist Church in your hearts, and pray for them. Please also hold these concerns in your prayers today and throughout the week.
¨ Those in harm’s way in the service of our country
¨ Mary Miller, longtime member and friend of generations of Union Church’s children, has moved to a nursing home in Indiana. She would love to hear from Union Church friends: Rm. 111; Waters of the Dune Lands Nursing Home; 110 Beverly Dr.; Chesterton; IN; 46304
¨ Renee and Billy Wellinghurst at the birth of Whitney Louise, born at 25 weeks on December 8, weighing 1 pound, 7 ounces. Please hold the family in prayer as Whitney faces some serious health challenges.
¨ Abi Dietz, who is now in rehab in Philadelphia. Cards may be sent care of her mom, Georgina Bard, 403 Edge Hill Rd., Glenside, PA, 19038
¨ Edith Hansen, at The Terrace
¨ Shirley Dean, on hospice care for lung cancer
¨ Ruth Wesley, very ill at home. Cards welcome, to 215 Peachbloom Hill
Assisting in Worship
Worship Leader today is Annette Dangerfield
Announcements
Joan English, office administrator, will be away Feb. 15-22. If anyone can provide some staffing support the 19th-22nd, please call or email the office (nothing fancy — answering the phone, taking messages, that sort of thing). Shifts are 9-12 noon and 1-5. Thanks!
You Matter! Please sign in on the Pew folders which will be passed in your row, with the last person taking out the sheet and placing it in the offering plate. Thank you.
Strike Up the Band for Mardi Gras! TODAY at Union Church, right after worship! All are invited to a scrumptious Pancake Br/Lunch and Fixins’ right after church services, with the proceeds going to provide scholarships for a service team to go on a Mission Trip to El Salvador. The team will help build an internet center to serve four schools near La Mora in the Municipalidad of Suchitoto. We will renew our long-term relationships in the area. The food will be good, the company great and some fun activities going on. Suggested donation: $15 for adult lunch, $5 for children or $20 per family, as you are able. College students are welcome and may donate as you are able.
Cool Youth Group project needs some help! After we have the materials, the youth group is going to work with Barb Taylor and anyone else who would like to join to make bean bag chairs for their room and we are looking for donated items. Feel free to bring items you have in your house or buy some cool fabric if you prefer.
We will need:
· old grocery sacs for stuffing the bags, I know you have some in your house
· pieces of fabric that are at least 1 yard, preferably larger
· old bean bag chairs that you have at your place and want to get rid of– even if they are breaking, we can put a new outer layer on them!
Please place items in the senior high room on the third floor or give them to a youth to take upstairs for you!
“Building a Better Berea” All are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Berea Human Rights Commission Community Welcome Reception on Tuesday, February 12 from 6:00 to 7:30pm at Berea Coffee and Tea (124 Main Street, Berea), featuring musical guest The Down Home Divas! This event is free and open to the public. It will be an opportunity to meet members of the Human Rights Commission and City Council and discuss the future of human rights in Berea. For more information, contact Kate Grigg at kate@fairness.org or 708-341-0916.
Come to “I Love Mountains Day 2013” on February 14! Please join Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC) for a march and rally at the state Capitol on Thursday, February 14. People from all across Kentucky working to end mountaintop removal will gather at the Kentucky River Bridge 12 noon for a march to the state Capitol (flat route of .6 mile). The march will be followed by a rally on the Capitol steps and delivery of “I Love Mountains” valentines to Governor Beshear – a message to our Governor that we need his leadership now to end mountain top removal and to move toward a better energy and economic future!
There will be Madison County carpooling. Those going for the march should plan to leave about 10:30. Those wishing to participate in citizen lobbying between 9:00 and 12:00 should plan to leave about 8:00 to meet in Capital Annex Room 111 for a packet of lobby materials and an orientation to citizen lobbying. For more information call Beth Bissmeyer at 314-2044 or visit http://kftc.org/events/i-love-mountains-day
Workshop this coming Saturday (16th)—From Broken Pieces, One Whole: A Hands-On Workshop for Healing and Growth, Come and experience communion “from the ground up,’” as we grind our own grain, make our own unleavened bread, crush our own grapes for juice, and share all the feelings and all the deep metaphors that float to the surface. At Debbonnaire Kovacs’ home, 773 Big Hill Rd. Contact her at 859-779-0793 or debbonnaire@debbonnaire.com
Wednesday Night Bible Study in Lent The Adult Bible Study meeting Wednesday evenings at 6:30 will begin a new program February 20, 2013: Evolution of the New Testament. We will study the New Testament books as we believe they were chronologically written, starting with Paul’s 1 Thessalonians. The model for the program is a new book by Marcus Borg, Evolution of the Word, The New Testament in the Order the Books Were Written.
We will begin the study with an overview of Paul: his life and thoughts as they related to the risen Christ. Then, we will introduce each book considering the events and thoughts of the particular time the book was written, followed by the reading of the book. Join us in the Office Classroom for this highly realistic look at our New Testament. For thoughts and inquiries call Bob Berger, 986-7507.
Coffee, Bagels, and Church Fixes – Tuesday 8:30-Noon – Come join for whatever time you can in fellowship and helping with minor repairs, etc. There will be job opportunities for people of all skill levels — from cleaning organizing old bulletins to building shelves.
Looking to send some toys to a good home? The preschool Sunday School class is in need of families’ outgrown preschool toys. Please leave donations in Room 102. Contact Tina Parker at 985-8719 with questions.
Interested in the Mission Trip to El Salvador? The Mission Board invites you to give it some thought. Fill out the interest form and bring or send it to the office, along with your deposit of $100, and a delegation member will be in touch! Then, be sure your passport is up to date. If you need a form, ask Jenny Bromley or we can email you one from the office. Deadline to commit is March 1.
Need to get into your attic? Need some spring cleaning? Having problems understanding your new phone? Need someone to get your flowerbed ready for the Spring? A youth can do it! In the upcoming months the youth will be working hard to raise money for their trip to Passport Choices in Wyngate, NC. If you need assistance with any task, no matter how big or small, call Chris (678-982-1731) or Grace Mckenzie (205-451-7444). Be ready to estimate the number of youth you will need, what supplies you have and if you need us to bring any, and how long the project will take.
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