Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 3, 2019  10:30 am

Meditation
“When love awakens in your life, in the night of your heart, it is like the dawn breaking within you. Where before there was anonymity, now there is intimacy; where before there was fear, now there is courage; where before in your life there was awkwardness, now there is a rhythm of grace and gracefulness; where before you used to be jagged, now you are elegant and in rhythm with yourself. When love awakens in your life, it is like a rebirth, a new beginning.”
― John O’Donohue,  Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

From there to Here: We Gather

Welcome & Announcements
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 “ ”.”
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!
Prelude Deep River arr. Adolphus Hailstork
The Call from 1 Corinthians 13
¨  Hymn #61 Black  Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost Anderson
¨  Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on this day! You are invited to turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace and hospitality.

The Living Word among us

Anthem Spirit, Come Down Mark Hayes  Union Church Choir
Spirit, come down like the days of old. Spirit, come down and fill my soul. Lord, I want to be used by you, to feel your power in all I do. Now on the day of Pentecost the disciples of the Lord were in one place when suddenly from heaven on high came the sound of a mighty wind. That mighty wind then filled the place, and the spirit appeared like tongues of fire. It took control of everyone, filling them with power. There were people there from every land, yet they heard God’s word in their native tongue, for the spirit had helped them to understand the mighty word of the Lord.
Epistle Lesson              1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (p. 1396)
This is Paul’s great “hymn to love.”
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 the Children’s Moment, children kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to Children’s Church in Cowan Chapel. They are also welcome to stay in the service if they prefer. The Children’s Worship Center in the back of the sanctuary has toys, books, and drawing materials for children (or parents) who would like help staying present in the service. For children preschool age & under, care is available in the Nursery, downstairs in Room 104 off the playground.
Gospel Lesson  Luke 4:21-30 (p. 1232)
Jesus preaches in Nazareth, his home synagogue, and his sermon causes an uproar.
Sermon The Shape of Love Rev. Kent Gilbert

Responding to God’s Love in Communion

¨  Invitation to Communion
One: God be with you!
All: And also with you!
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to God.
One: Let us give thanks to God.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
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
Communion Prayer
One:     Covenanting God, you with a word spoke the world into being, gathered it into light and dark, sea and land, minerals and organisms.  You breathed life into the blood beating through every creature, and you called it Good.
One:     As our blood ran hot, so did our tempers and our temptations, and we turned from your loving embrace to destructive ways.  You called us back, you gave us consequences, you forgave us, and still we faltered. Ultimately, you made with us a covenant that your people would have you as their God always, no matter what.
One:     In your greatest act of generosity, you emptied yourself into human flesh, walked among us in the dirt and dust, taught and laughed and sang and felt. You called us to follow in your footsteps. Then, you gave up your life, in order that we might know the power of your resurrection, the power of your everlasting love. We give you thanks and praise for your grace as we sing of your glory:
Sanctus Please join in Singing:
Words of Institution
One:    We remember that on the night before he died, Jesus sat at table with his friends, took bread, blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying:
All:     “Take and eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
One:     After supper he took the cup of wine and, after giving thanks, gave it to them and said,
All:    “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and many for the forgiveness of sins.  Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
One:     God of the new covenant, bless these gifts of bread and juice. As we take them into our bodies, may our souls be transfused with your love, our spirits renewed once more in your grace. Amen.
A Chance for Generosity: Offering Baskets in the Aisles
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.
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)
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Receiving Strength for the Journey: The Bread and Cup
We will share the elements today by intinction, which means dipping the bread in the cup. If it is not convenient to come forward, the elements can be brought to your seat by signaling to the usher. All the bread is gluten-free, and the chalices are filled with non-alcoholic grape juice. Children of every age are welcome and encouraged to come forward, too.
Prayer in Action and Reflections
Offering baskets are placed in the aisle, and can also be brought to your seat.
Some suggested prayer direction and today’s Call are printed below. You are also free to choose to rest in private prayer, remaining with your own thoughts and in your pew.
You will find baskets of “Love Is…” hearts around the sanctuary. You are invited to choose a new heart each week. As you hold it, consider how God is putting this word within you. Over the weeks, decide whether to keep each heart, share it, make something out of it, give it away…
In the back corner, our Community Sharing Table still and always needs food, warm hats, etc. Right now, we are asking for old glasses to donate to Lions Club International to help those in need.
Read Psalm 71:1-6, p. 695 in pew Bible. The psalm speaks to us of God being with and in us from our birth. In what way do you experience that in your life? In what ways are you leaning on God now? In what ways would you like more support?Read Jeremiah 1:4-10, p. 887. God said, “I put my words within you.” How is that living in you today? What word will you take with you as your strength? God has placed it within you…how can you draw on it?Take a moment to inventory the shape of your love: the love you give, the love you receive. What are the characteristics of your love language? What love will you put into the world when you leave the building today?
The Call
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end. 
Love never dies.
from 1 Corinthians 13
As we draw back to our seats, you are invited to join in singing:
Holy Spirit, Come to Us Taize
Blessing for Those Who Will Receive at Home
Members who have been designated to carry communion to those who could not be with us this morning are invited forward at this time. The elements from our meal will go with our blessing and prayers for our continued unity in the Spirit. If you would like serve by taking communion to others, you are very welcome to do so and are invited to volunteer with the Nurture and Care Board members or by contacting the pastor.
 Prayer of Thanksgiving
One:   In love and for love, you come to us:
All: Patient, kind, neither rude nor arrogant.
One: We sit and stand her thankful, with hearts overflowing to see you clearly and walk in the light you cast. For all we have received:
All: We give you thanks! Amen!

From Here to There

¨  Hymn#50 Black  I Sing the Praise of Love Almighty St. Petersburg
¨  The Sending and Blessing
Postlude (please be seated) Wade in the Water arr. Calvin Taylor
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 Andorra, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Vatican City and our brothers and sisters at Mt. Zion Christian Church in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
Prayer requests to be printed may be sent to the office anytime before 10:00 am Fridays.
¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon. 15,000 are now detained in the US.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound:  Edith Hansen, Nancy Hindman, Loyal Jones, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin.
¨ Emily Spires, daughter of Randy Stone, continuing treatment for breast cancer.
¨ Andrea Wescott, due to have surgery for cervical cancer on February 4.
¨ Barbara Frederiksen, recovering from  intestinal surgery.
¨ Those who are without homes and safe places.
¨ Gabe Barlow, awaiting tests and results for cancer in Seoul, South Korea.
¨ Barb Smith, recovering from brain surgery.
¨ George Mountjoy, recovering from knee replacement surgery at the VA Hospital.
¨ Teri VanPelt, recovering from knee replacement surgery at Berea Hospital.
¨ Tonya, Judith Singleton’s daughter-in-law.
Congregational Conversations next Sunday at 1:30 and Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30.  Next steps in our Strategic Plan!
Next Week: new members welcomed! As a family of faith committed to boldly and creatively embodying the life and ministry of Jesus, we would like to join with YOU. We’d like to be a context and inspiration for your own spiritual path, and work with you to make your heart, your world, your life more peace-filled and joy-full. Next Sunday there will be an opportunity to covenant together. No prior action on your part is required, but if you have any questions at all, we’d like to help. Working together, we want to make God’s love visible and real to all.
Do you like snacks? Do you like helping your friends enjoy snacks? If so, you’re in luck. We are looking for two more people to join the Sunday Morning Hospitality Team to set up / clean up the coffee and treats in the parlor. There are openings the first and third Sunday of the month. It would be a great opportunity for a family to serve together — snacks are fun! Contact Laura Nagle for more information. (Call or text: 859-358-0106 or joyfulsunflower@gmail.com)
Worship is work we do together! You Can Help! If you can read, or carry, or welcome you are helping! If you have suggestions for names we might light the Justice Candle for, you are a gift! If you can help straighten the pews and hymnals after service, or share the names of those who need prayer, or sing with joy, you are lifting our work together to a new level. Sharing on facebook or twitter might be a good way to bring someone a little inspiration! To volunteer, or submit names for prayer or justice work, please call the office or email Rev. Kent. You can also submit these on the church website, a great place to stay connected.
Zen Meditation every weekday, 8:00 am. Join us for 20 minutes of unstructured quiet meditation in beautiful Cowan Chapel, on the Scaffold Cane Road side of the church.
Mondays at 6:30 pm, Cowan Chapel. David Parks will offer Zen teaching: Meditation, Koans, Conversation, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Cowan Chapel.
Alzheimer’s Education Event Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2-3 pm, at the Madison County Cooperative Extension Office, 230 Duncannon Ln., Richmond. Learn the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia, the stages and risk factors, current research, resources and treatments available. Registration  1-800-272-3900.
Potluck Wednesday! Come to Wednesday Nite Live (WNL)! The Union Church community gathers for a simple supper at 5:45 pm, September through May, in the Community Room (basement level, handicap accessible by ramp near the playground) a potluck this week – first Wednesdays of the month. After a few announcements, recognition of birthdays and prayer, it’s supper time! No need to call ahead – you, your friends, neighbors, college students, visitors to Berea, are welcome to come for food and fellowship – whether once, once in a while, or every week. After supper:
· Youth Group (grades 6-12), 6:30 pm. Want to know more? Contact Chris McKenzie, Youth Director at mckenziec@berea.edu.
· Handbell Choir rehearsal, 7 pm. Want to know more? Contact Pearl Marshall, Handbell Director at pmarshall@union-church.org.
· Occasional presentations & discussions around mission work and hot topics. Watch bulletins and email announce-ments for info.
Thursday Noon Bible Study. Meet with Rev. Carla in the Classroom at noon to reflect upon the Scripture for the week and issues of the day.
Thursdays — our Music Director, Bernardo Scarambone, will teach a very basic music reading class right before choir (5:45 pm). Everyone is welcome to join them — no pressure to stay for choir – but you’d be welcome!
Kentucky Council of Churches Prayer in Action Days: 9:30 a.m. in the Capital Annex. The KCC will host a 9:30 a.m. gathering at the Capitol Annex in Room 171 on the following Tuesdays during the General Assembly to pray for legislators and hear about an issue of concern. Afterwards, participants may attend committee meetings and visit legislators. Topics are:
· Feb. 5: Tax Reform
· Feb. 12: Criminal Justice
· Feb. 19: Voting Rights
· Feb. 26: Gun Violence
· March 5: Death Penalty
· March 12: Environment
You can watch live prayers in action events at the Kentucky Council of Churches Facebook page, and find out more on the KCC website www.Kycouncil ofchurches.org. To express your concerns to elected representatives, committees or officials call 800-372-7181.
Beyond: Encaustic Sculpture. Exhibit by Michelle Hayden at Mill & Max Contemplative Arts Gallery, 385 S. Mill St. Lexington. The show closes on the 14th. Gallery is open Feb. 2 & 9, from 12-3 or by appointment. Email gallery director Karl Lindstrom at millandmaxgallery @gmail.com.
Union Church is participating in Room in the Inn! Union Church will participate as one of the “Inns” every Sunday night until the end of the season (likely March 10) and we are looking for volunteers who can help with things like

• cooking a meal or cleaning up afterwards;
• moving supplies from one location to another;
• doing laundry;
• spending the night at church with our guests on the nights they are here.

Whether it’s just once, once a month or once a week, we can use your help.  Call Joan Moore 859-302-5582 for laundry and other tasks or Mary Lou Wiese 260-571-4959 for food and meals.
The Census Bureau is hiring now and up to the 2020 Census. You must be 18 years old or older, a US citizen, have transportation, an email address, internet access to apply (you can use a computer here). Pay is $14 an hour + 58 cents a mile driven for the job. Part time, flexible hours. Paid training for 3-5 days.  2020census.gov/jobs