A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany February 23, 2014, 10:30 am
Meditation
“My home in Southern Indiana is a rolling green land abundant in limestone and the mysterious rocks called geodes. Geodes are so copious in this part of the state that we pile them in our gardens and think of them as commonplace. I am fascinated with these unassuming brown and grey stones that contain inside them a sparkling center of quartz crystals. They are surprising beautiful and a wonderful metaphor. They remind me to look deeper, because often within what may appear quite ordinary is a core of beauty and mystery.
Sometimes I will take visiting friends on muddy walks along the hills and hollows of my home pointing out the creek beds full of geodes. Often they confess that if I hadn’t pointed out these unadorned stones their presence would have been missed entirely. But once familiar with the signature lumpy look of geodes these friends begin to see the stones everywhere. This is how paying attention works.
At first I have to look quite deliberately to find the sparkling center of things, but eventually I begin to notice the patterns and come to expect the unexpected.”
— Carrie Newcomer, singer/songwriter, speaking of her song “Geodes.”
From There to Here
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude Adagio Op. 2, No 1 Ludwig van Beethoven
* Call to Worship
One: Draw near to God’s statutes, the Psalmist writes,
All: “So that we may observe them to the end.”
One: Let us be drawn into in the paths of God’s desires
All: So that we may delight in the richness of God’s life.
One: We come seeking to be holy and wholly the Lord’s.
All: So that Christ’s Spirit may perfect us for God’s realm!
*Hymn #277 Black Holy, Holy, Holy Nicaea
* Prayer of Approach and Confession
*Words of Assurance
One: Perfect love casts out fear, my friends, even our most adamant and persistent self-doubts. In God’s presence our sins are forgiven. By God’s grace we are called “beloved,” and sent to be makers of justice and joy.
All: Thanks be to God!
*Passing the Peace of Jesus 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.
The Word In our Midst
Anthem Precious Lord Dorsey, Carter
Union Church Choir
1. Precious Lord, take my hand lead me on, let me stand I’m tired, I am weak I am worn,
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light, take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.
2. When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone hear my cry, hear my call, hold my hand lest I fall….
3. When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone at the river I stand guide my feet, hold my hans….
Hebrew Scripture Lesson Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18
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, Little Church for children Preschool & under is available in the Nursery, downstairs off the Fellowship Hall, and Children’s Church, for grades K-3, takes place in the chapel. If this is your child’s first time attending Little Church or Children’s Church, please accompany them to fill out a registration form. Otherwise, children are welcome to follow volunteers to their worship spaces.
Gospel Lesson Matthew 5:38-48
Sermon Are You Kidding Me? Perfectionist Problems in the Kingdom of God. Rev. Kent Gilbert
Hymn of Response Sing for God’s Glory Lobe den Herren
Gifts Given for Love to Flow
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 good portion of our contributions flows out to aid to those in need via many external agencies. Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you.
Offertory Lobe Den Herren Arranged by J. Wayne Kerr
*Doxology Avery/Marsh
Connecting the Dots and Praying it Forward
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.
Silent Prayer and Prayers of the Community
Our Lord’s Prayer
One: Our Maker, our Mother,
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
* Closing Hymn We Rejoice to Be God’s Chosen Nettleton
* Benediction
Postlude Nettleton arr. Diane Bish
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 Germany and France and our brothers and sisters at Gloryland 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 and all those who wait and worry for them.
* AnnaKate McWhorter, having some health problems
* Jerry Cooper, recovering from a broken hip at Cardinal Hill. Cards can be sent to him at Cardinal Hill, 2050 Versailles Rd., Lexington, 40504. Visits welcome after 4:00 pm.
* Harry Piland, hospitalized with pneumonia
* Alice Jeannette Heckman, on hospice care
* Bill Baker’s cousin, Bruce Baker
* Charles Sisson, at Myrna’s death
* Ashley Cochrane’s mom, Mary Ellen Cochrane, recovering from double knee replacement
* Sandra Bastinelli, friend of Joan English, gravely injured in a skiing accident, showing improvement
* West Virginians facing the water crisis, and all companies whose practices affect human health and safety
* Peggy Coyne’s daughter’s future mother-in-law, Jan Dailey-Hosp, awaiting a lung transplant
* Teri VanPelt and Christine Ward. Teri just had surgery to try to control her back pain. Teri & Christine live at 111 Parker Lane, Berea
* Dick Drake, recovering from a fall at home
* Ethan Hamblin’s grandmother, Geraldine Sandlin, very ill with COPD
* Ruth Butwell, recovering well at home after hip replacement
* Judy Rowell , undergoing cancer treatment and doing well
* Greg Bolster, Steve’s brother, gravely ill with cancer
* Michelle Tooley, with recurrence of melanoma
* Dawn Manor, recovering from cancer treatment
* Naomi Brandenburg, Larry’s mother, recovering at home after hip replacement
* Rose Brandenburg, Larry’s aunt, at Berea Health Care Center
* Edith Hansen, at The Terrace
* Klara Welsh, at Berea Health Care Center
* Bernice Robertson, at Berea Health Care Center
Assisting in Worship
Worship Leader today is Doug Hindman.
Many thanks to Rob Hayden for serving as organist today and to Jenny Bromley for accompanying on piano.
Announcements
You Matter! Please Sign in, Check in on Facebook/Twitter and try a nametag! It’s hard to get to know people elsewhere, but we don’t want it that way at church. Use the pew folder in your row, passing it back when all have signed. Let’s all try to get to know each other better.
Today! Interested in exploring membership with Union Church? Each Fourth Sunday of the Month anyone wanting to know more about Union Church or wanting to explore church membership, as well as new members who have not been able to participate in a previous meeting, are invited to come to the classroom two doors past the church office immediately following worship for conversation with the Pastors and the Community Life and Growth Board.
Pancake brunch for Mardi Gras!!Next Sunday March 2: The Third Annual Mardi Gras Pancake Brunch will take place on Sunday, March 2, in the Community Room immediately following worship. The past two years the proceeds have helped support the delegations to Jamaica and El Salvador. This year the proceeds will assist the youth going to Passport Camp this summer. Pancakes (including gluten free) and all the toppings, plus sausage, juice and coffee will be on the menu. Suggested donation of $5.00/person with a maximum for families of $15.00. Brought to you by the Youth Groups and Community Life & Growth Board.
Clothing Swap, March 7, 6:00—7:30 , Community Room. Clean out your closet and bring everything you no longer want to the clothing swap. Donate $10 and take what you need from the piles. Fundraiser for Union Church Youth Group.
Union Church’s Annual Meeting will be March 16, after Worship & Lenten Lunch. If you are a chairperson of a Board or Committee, please get your Annual Reports to the office by March 3. Copies of last year’s Report are in the hallway outside the church office,a nd several years’ worth are emailable if you’d like to see what’s been done in the past. Thanks!
Living with Alzheimer’s For Caregivers: Late Stages. In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. Join us and hear from professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late stage Alzheimer’s and their families. This program will take place at the Madison County Cooperative Extension Office located at 230 Duncannon Lane, Richmond from 1pm-4pm on Wednesday, March 12th. To register, call 1-800- 272-3900 or email infoky-in@alz.org. This program was created especially for family caregivers, so please no professionals.
FREE Tax Preparation!!!! Did you know that families and individuals who make under $52,000 are eligible to get to get their taxes done for FREE? There is a location for this service on Berea’s campus open to students, staff and the community. To schedule an appointment call Tracy Featherly at (859) 985-3276 and if you have any questions, ask Grace McKenzie. (P.S. This site can also help you complete your FAFSA if you are interested in going to college.)
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