A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
February 16, 2025 10:30 am
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Youth Sunday
Meditation
“My belief that God is love, that love is everything–our true destiny–sustains me.”
~ bell hooks
From There to Here: We Gather
Prelude
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 “<>.”
¨ The Call Emily LaDouceur, Reader
One: Good morning! Please join by rising in body or spirit for the call to worship!
We gather today to celebrate the voices of the young—voices full of passion, wisdom, and hope.
All: May we listen with open hearts and open minds.
One: Too often, youth are told to wait, to be silent, to learn before they lead.
All: But wisdom is not measured in years, and courage does not wait for permission.
One: When the young speak, may we listen. When they rise, may we support them. When they dream, may we help clear the path.
All: May we be a community that nurtures, uplifts, and walks together in faith and justice.
One: For transformation comes not just from those who have led before, but from those who are ready to lead now.
All: May we honor all voices, embrace new visions, and grow together in love. Amen.
¨ Opening Prayer Fhazaneh Jackson
¨ Hymn # 351 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry Borning Cry
1 I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.
2 When you found the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; You were raised to praise the living God, to whom you now belong. Should you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk ’till rising sun.
3 In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun. When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes, I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.
4 I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
¨ Prayer for Beloved Community Laeya Antares, Reader
One: God of love and unity, you call us to be a beloved community, bound together in justice, kindness, and peace.
All: May we walk in love and welcome all with open hearts.
One: Where there is division, let us be bridge-builders. Where there is pain, let us be healers.
All: May we create a world where all are valued and no one stands alone.
One: Let our words be gentle, our actions be just, and our hearts be open.
All: May we live as a beloved community, united in hope and love. Amen.
¨ Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on the journey of faith. Please turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace.
Word and Worship
Youth Presentation Rahab, The Brave Outsider
Scripture Reading Joshua 2:2-14 Opal Bailey
The king of Jericho was told, “Some Israelites have come here tonight to search out the land.” Then the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out the whole land.” But the woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they came from. And when it was time to close the gate at dark, the men went out. Where the men went I do not know. Pursue them quickly, for you can overtake them.” She had, however, brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax that she had laid out on the roof. So the men pursued them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. As soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut.
Before they went to sleep, she came up to them on the roof and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land and that dread of you has fallen on us and that all the inhabitants of the land melt in fear before you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.
As soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no courage left in any of us because of you. The Lord your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below. Now then, since I have dealt kindly with you, swear to me by the Lord that you in turn will deal kindly with my family. Give me a sign of good faith that you will spare my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them and deliver our lives from death.” The men said to her, “Our life for yours! If you do not tell this business of ours, then we will deal kindly and faithfully with you when the Lord gives us the land.”
Special Music Masters of War, adapted Bob Dylan Melody Youngblood
Youth Presentation Timothy, The Young Leader
Scripture Reading 1 Timothy 4:11-14 Opal Bailey, Reader
Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching.
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Special Music Kayla Allen
Youth Presentation Jeremiah, The Reluctant Messenger
Scripture Reading Jeremiah 1:4-8 Opal Bailey, Reader
Special Music Jesus, Jesus Noah Gunderson Melody Youngblood
Youth Presentation The Daughters of Zelophedad—Fighting for Justice
Scripture Reading Numbers 27:1-11 Opal Bailey, Reader
Then the daughters of Zelophehad came forward. Zelophehad was son of Hepher son of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, of the clans of Manasseh, son of Joseph. The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and all the congregation, at the entrance of the tent of meeting, saying, “Our father died in the wilderness; he was not among the congregation of those who gathered themselves together against the Lord in the congregation of Korah but died for his own sin, and he had no sons. Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father’s brothers.”
Moses brought their case before the Lord. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “The daughters of Zelophehad are right in what they are saying; you shall indeed let them possess an inheritance among their father’s brothers and pass the inheritance of their father on to them. You shall also speak to the Israelites, saying: If a man dies and has no son, then you shall pass his inheritance on to his daughter. If he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the nearest kinsman of his clan, and he shall possess it. It shall be for the Israelites a statute and ordinance, as the Lord commanded Moses.”
Special Music Kayla Allen
Elder’s Moment as our beloved elders 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.
Video Reflection
A chance to take in what we have heard.
Living Prayer
Call to Prayer Time
Ringing the Peace Bell Maxton Ponnie
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 Hold Us in Your Mercy Tom Conry Union Church Choir; Olivia Puckett, trumpet
Hold us in your mercy, bind us with your peace beyond our dreaming; and in your Kingdom only justice, like a river, over all.
1. Fragile, almost nothing at all, You know who we are and who we might be, how easily we give up our song; longing for some voice to break the silence we have fashioned with our own machines.
2. You have seen us counting our dead: You know who we are and who we might be. How evenly we order our graves; paving your creation with intentions we have fashioned with our own machines.
3. Clinging finally only to you, You know who we are and who we might be. How faithfully your story endures: sure of only that we remember.
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.
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Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Prayer for Community Laeya Antares
One: God of all ages, you have called the young to dream and the elders to share their wisdom. You have made us one family, woven across generations.
All: We celebrate the gifts of every age and stage of life.
One: When youth bring fresh energy and bold visions, may the elders encourage and guide them with love.
All: May we create a space where every voice is heard and valued.
One: When elders share their stories and lessons, may the youth receive them with curiosity.
All: May we learn from one another and grow together in faith.
One: Where there is wisdom, let it be shared. Where there is energy, let it inspire.
All: May we build a future together, strong in love and unity.
One: God, unite us in purpose, that young and old may work together for justice, for healing, for joy.
All: May we walk forward, side by side, hand in hand, as one community of faith. Amen.
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 #181 You Are Salt for the Earth, O People Bring Forth
1 You are salt for the earth, O people: salt for the reign of God! Share the flavor of life, O people: Life in the City of God!
Refrain: Bring forth the reign of mercy, bring forth the reign of peace; Bring forth the reign of justice, bring forth the City of God!
2 You are a light on the hill, O people: light for the City of God! Shine so holy and bright, O people: shine for the City of God!Refrain
3 You are a seed of the Word, O people: bring forth the reign of God! Seeds of mercy and seeds of justice, grow in the City of God! Refrain
4 We are a blessed and a pilgrim people: bound for the reign of God! Love our journey and love our homeland: love is the Kingdom of God!
Closing Comments Iris Bailey
Closing Song Rise Above Luna Melder Shaffer Please sing along when invited
Times are hard, things look bad
So much hate It’s so sad
There has to be a better way
We can heal all this sorrow now
Tomorrow can be a brighter day
If we can rise above and believe in love
Don’t be fooled by what you hear
Don’t be filled with hate and fear
There has to be a better way
Let’s be there for each other now
Tomorrow can be a brighter day
So let’s rise above and believe in love
What you say and what you do
Can change the world It’s up to you
There has to be a better way
We can find it together now
Tomorrow can be a brighter day
We have to rise above and believe in love
-music break-
It can start with you and me
Be the change you want to see
There has to be a better way
Let’s begin to rebuild it now
Tomorrow will be a brighter day
And we will rise above and believe in love
Times are hard, things look bad
So much hate It’s so sad
There has to be a better way
We can heal all this sorrow now
Tomorrow can be a brighter day
If we can rise above and believe in love
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 light the Peace Candle to honor CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Madison and Clark Counties, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children within the Family Court system.
These volunteers work to ensure that each child finds a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. To support CASA’s mission, individuals can become volunteers, participate in events, or make donations. For more information on how to get involved, visit their website at madisoncasa.org.
Closing Prayer Fhazeneh Jackson
Youth Actors/Singers
Dallas Connor
Laeya Antares
Jordan Brown
Esme Estridge
Rose Ramsay
Sadie Zimmerman
Evalyn Ferguson-Oles
Tyler Easton-Hogg
Iris Bailey
Opal Bailey
Maxton Ponnie
Telson Ponnie
Jace Stanley
Youth Director – Emily LaDouceur
Assistant Youth Director – Fhazaneh Jackson
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 Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein and our brothers and sisters at Ransom Baptist 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, and prayers that the cease-fire will hold.
¨ 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.
¨ 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.
¨ Kerry Jones, out of the hospital an recuperating at home from his stem cell transplant.
¨ Muse Watson, recovering at home from surgery
¨ Rev. Kent’s cousin, Kathy, undergoing chemotherapy for esophageal cancer.
¨ Teri VanPelt, with an ongoing respiratory infection.
¨ Ally Nurre, recovering from a recent knee replacement.
¨ Kelly Mehler, undergoing chemo-therapy in Lexington, and Teri as she cares and worries for him.
¨ Good friend of Betty Sarafin, Elsie Knappenberger, who has lost her oldest granddaughter, Fallon, to suicide, leaving behind 2 children, in Tulsa, OK.
¨ We’re sorry to share news of the passing of Annriette Stolte. A memorial service will be held in the fall, and we’ll share plans as known.
¨ The Blackburn family, at Dottie’s passing on Feb. 12, at age 96. Arrangements will be shared as known.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: Feb. 16 – Abigale Embry; 17 – Grace McKenzie; 18 – Lorilyn Howie-Kipphut, Brenda Campbell; 19 – Margie Pride; 20 – Renee Thornsberry; 22 – Ramona Culp; 23 – Nancy Shinn
Anniversaries: Feb. 18 – Lauri Eiselt & Susan Schmied
Cecelia McKinney’s 90th birthday will be Feb. 22!! She’d love cards from church friend: 406 Sea Gull Ct., Edgewater, FL 32141.
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know.
We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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