Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the

Church of Christ, Union

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany        

Science & Technology Sunday

February 5, 2017         10:30 am 

Meditation
It is important for scientists to be aware of what our discoveries mean, socially and politically. It’s a noble goal that science should be apolitical, acultural, and asocial, but it can’t be, because it’s done by people who are all those things.
Science is very important to me, but I also like to stress that you have to be well-rounded. One’s love for science doesn’t get rid of all the other areas. I truly feel someone interested in science is interested in understanding what’s going on in the world. That means you have to find out about social science, art, and politics.       
— Mae Jemison, Peace Corp Physician, First African American Female Astronaut

From there to Here

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 Suite on Afro-American Hymn Tune, II. Improvisation on Latimer  C. Callahan
¨  Call to Worship
One: Called to be light,
All: we would carry God’s hope into the shadows of the world.
One: Called to be salt,
All: we would enhance the lives of those around us, with joy.
One: Called to love with all our heart and mind, our body and spirit
All: we would seek knowledge in all places, celebrating God’s wonders, extending our wisdom with science, with faith, and with one another. Let us worship God! —Thom M. Shulman
¨  Opening Hymn #411  Praise the Source of Faith and Learning Procession
¨   Prayer of Approach and Confession 
 One: God, you call us into being and seek to call us from aimlessness and sin. You set before us the hope of true devotion, too often diverted into empty ritual. We make few our days of contrition, but make many the days we ignore your command to cease injustice, free those oppressed, live lives of loving-kindness.  
All: Forgive us, God of curiosity and wonder, for the ways we have wasted our time, our talents, and our treasure. We have valued entertainment more than knowledge and opinion more than wisdom. Help us fast from all our greeds; abstain from all mistreatment: of others, of self, of your world, of knowledge meant to liberate and empower.  
One: We would keep a true fast, faithful to the loving care and just treatment you intend for all people. We have not always done your will. We have not always followed your way.  We turn to you and ask your forgiveness in order that our worship might be every day, every moment.   
All: Help us, Holy One, to evolve and to change and to seek you wherever you are to be found. Show us the path so that we will no longer live aimlessly but with purpose, called and prepared to give blessing and honor, glory and power unto you.
¨  Words of Assurance
One: All who seek shall know the presence of God. If we have been broken, so too can we be mended. In forgiveness God moves faster than the speed of light. In mercy, quantum leaps of grace occur. All who confess are forgiven and offered a new way!
All: Thanks be to God! Amen!
¨  Passing the Peace of Jesus 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 joy. 

The Word in our Midst

Anthem Praise the Lord arr. Hopson Union Church Choir
Praise the Lord, sing a new song. Tell God’s salvation, tell it day to day, shout the glory, shout it to all.  Let the heavens be joyful, earth be glad; let the roaring sea give forth its praise; field and mountain join the song. All together sound the joyful praise.  
Hebrew Scripture Lesson               Isaiah 58:1-12
Isaiah calls God’s people to righteous action.
Children’s Moment                        
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.
Gospel Lesson Matthew 5:13-20
Jesus calls his followers to shine.
Sermon Children of Light and Dark Rev. Kent Gilbert

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.
This can now be done online or by text to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering” to contribute to the ongoing ministries, or add “youth,” or “missions” or designation of your choice to benefit one in particular.
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Offertory  For the Beauty of the Earth M. Hayes
¨  Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. New Doxology
Praise God, all creatures here below. Praise God, above ye heavenly host: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.

Being and Becoming One

¨  Invitation to Communion
One:     Lift up your drooping hands and weak knee, raise up your faint hearts.
All:     We lift them up to God.
One:     Let us give thanks to God.
All:      It is right and good to give thanks and praise: God is Good!
One:    All the time! All the time,
All:    God is Good!
Communion Prayer
One:    Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ invites to this table all who love him, who desire to lead a life worthy of God’s name, and who seek to love neighbor and self, stranger and kin alike.  Jesus Christ prays for us, hopes “we might all be one”; so as we come to this table, may we be refreshed to work for peace in our communities, with justice and righteousness for all humanity.
One: By this meal may we recommit ourselves to love whom Jesus loved, work for that which Jesus hoped, and give our lives in loving sacrifice for those whom he served.
One: That we might all be one in this room; that we might be salt and light in his name, all are welcome at this table. You need be a member of this church, or of any church to find a welcome here. The bread and cup are for the strengthening of the body, mind, and spirit. All who come will be fed. In this time of prayer, may the work of God be our joy and desire. Please join us as we pray.
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 Prayers and Prayers of the Community
One:     Creator God, we give you thanks in all times and places.  We give thanks as your people created in your image. We give you thanks for Jesus Christ, the unshakable example of what it means to be fully human and fully holy.  You showed us that to be your people means to work for peace, to relish harmony, to strive for justice, and to worship in spirit and truth.  You showed us that you are never satisfied as long as one of your children is without dignity, honor or freedom.  No one is free unless everyone is free.
All: We know the truth, and the truth has set us free.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God through Jesus Christ; not life or death, not the principalities and powers of this world, not hatred, racism or any other ungodly, artificial division.  Nothing on this earth can change the face of God’s love for any and all who dwell in creation.
One:     Therefore, because we are children of a loving God, we lift our eyes to heaven and praise the one who made us in God’s holy image:
Communion Sanctus                     Please join in singing
Words of Institution
One: On the night of his great trial and betrayal, Jesus took bread and gave thanks to you.  He broke the bread and shared it with his friends, saying: “Take and eat, this is my body, given for you.  Do this, always remembering me.”
All:      We remember your coming into the world, your life, your death, your rising, and the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit to sustain and strengthen us.
One:     Come, Holy Spirit, upon us and upon this bread.
All:      Fill and surround us with your power and presence.
One:   In the same way, Jesus took the cup after supper and gave thanks to God. He shared it with his friends saying, Drink from it, all of you.  This is the new covenant in my blood poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin.
All:      Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us in time of trial and deliver us from evil.
One:     Come Holy Spirit, bless this bread broken like our world, and bless this cup, filled with the sweetness of your redeeming love. May we be one in your spirit, united with one another in fellowship seeking and serving your love.
Serving One Another
All who seek the love of God are welcome at this meal and are invited to freely receive from it.  We will share the elements today by intinction, dipping the bread in the cup. When invited please come to one of the stations by exiting your pew to the left and returning by the right. 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.
Communion Song # 181 You Are Salt for the Earth Bring Forth
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.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
One: Great God who bends the arc of the universe, We thank you for this meal of remembrance and hope. Help us to never again lose sight of the One in whose image we are created: black and brown and beige and all beloved.  Bind us together with an undying love for each other.  May our love for one another not only bring us unity; may it also show the world our witness that we, your children of many colors, many nations, many identities and experiences, may be a light to the world and salt of the earth for those seeking your face.

From Here to There

¨   Closing Hymn #576 For the Healing of the Nations Westminster Abbey
¨   Benediction
 Postlude (please be seated) Suite on Afro-American Tunes, I., Fanfare on McKeeC. Callahan
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 Andorra, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, and Vatican City and our brothers and sisters at Emmanuel Baptist Church in your hearts, and pray for them.      
Please also 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.
¨ The healing of families, communities, and our nation and world, wracked by violence; may we be agents of transformation.
¨ Prayers of solidarity and support for those made most vulnerable by the recent elections. May the people who follow Jesus follow him to the refugee, the stranger, the outcast, the foreigner, and the destitute.
¨ Those affected by the recent bans on refugee resettlement, and for those impacted by the travel bans imposed on Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, Sudanese, Libyan, Yemeni and Somali visitors
¨ Abby Embry’s brother, Adam, a kidney cancer survivor. Spots have been detected in his lungs, and the family is awaiting biopsy results.
¨ Reid Singleton and Stephanie Singleton, children of Judith Singleton, both facing difficult medical procedures
¨ Deborah Payne, in Uganda to establish clean water facilities
¨ BJ Godby’s mother, who is very ill in Georgia, and her father, who is caring for her
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound:  Ruth Butwell, Edith Hansen, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin, Gloria VanWinkle.
¨ Prayers for those suffering colds, pneumonia, and flu. Care for self is also care for others: rest, wash your hands, and heal!
¨ Loretta Mountjoy, who is now home but still very ill.
Announcements
Join the church next week! 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! New members are received every second Sunday of a month. YOU are welcome here
 TODAY – Protest against the recent presidential travel ban, and in support of refugees, at the Fayette County courthouse from 2-4 pm.
Do you like working with numbers? Prowling around old buildings? Planning parties? Working with kids? Wonder what it’s like to serve on one of Union Church’s Boards? Come to a meeting after worship today to talk about it. Meet with Nominating Board members in the Classroom Room near the office to find out more — no commitment, just explore where your gifts may be helpful!
BURJ Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 pm, Community Room. Berea United for Racial Justice will meet Tuesday, all welcome.
Resisting Inequality: Labor and the Church in the Gilded Age, Speaker at Berea College Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30 pm, Room 218 Frost Building at Berea College.
Happy Anniversary, Rev. Kent! Weds. Feb. 8, 5 pm — would you like to help plan a celebration for Rev. Kent’s 20th anniversary at Union Church? Come to the Conference Room near the office.
Lunch Bunch Thursday – Cooking for One or Two? Join the Lunch Bunch, Feb. 9. Several members cooking for just themselves or one other decided to create a fellowship lunch with the opportunity to share new recipes and swap techniques for good eating. Everyone, young and old, cooking for just a few are invited to lunch on February 9, 12:00 pm in the Community Room. Bible Study will be at 1 pm on Lunch Bunch days. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday.
RSVP is needed so we can cook the right amount! Please call the church office (986-3725) by Tuesday to let us know how many are coming. Bring friends and recipes!
Gabe Evans will present a faculty organ recital on Friday, Feb. 10, Gray Auditorium, 8:00 pm.  The program will contain works of J.S. Bach, L. Boellmann, T. Dubois, and many others.  
Valentine party Could you use a little sweetness and beauty in your life? Faith Development is hosting an All Y’all Faith Day Valentine party on Sunday, Feb. 12th after church. We’ll have chocolate, poetry, and art making. All ages are invited!
Help Wanted.  We have an ongoing need for volunteers to help with Sunday services.  Can you be a worship reader, greeter, coffee angel, etc.?   For details go to the church website, union-church.org and click on “Volunteer” near the upper right corner (or talk to Doug Hindman).
Woman’s Industrial needs some new crafts and new blood! You’re invited to come join them on Friday mornings at 9 am in the Community Room.
Free tax prep by IRS certified volunteers! For more information or to register please call  800-378-3778.  
The Sunday bulletin is available at the church website, union-church.org, the farthest right blue button. Read along as you watch the service!
Kentucky Council of Churches is hosting Prayer in Action Days at the State Capitol each Tuesday during General Assembly to pray for government officials and act on behalf of Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., these are the topics:
Feb. 7 Justice Reform/Restorative Justice
Feb. 14 Gun Violence
Feb. 21 Healthcare/Disabilities
Feb. 28 Death Penalty
Mar. 7 Environment/Energy
Mar. 14 Immigrants/Refugees
Sustainable Berea Gathering February 21, 6:30 pm. First Christian Church. A gathering of members and others to celebrate the accomplishments of 2016 and fine-tune our plans for increasing Berea’s resilience in 2017. Hear updates on the Berea Urban Farm, Victory Garden Blitz, Bee Friendly Berea, and Urban Agriculture District, then discuss the way forward in a small planning group. Bring your ideas for making Berea a more sustainable community, and your appetite for home-baked pie. Everyone welcome.
3-14 Pi Day Pie Auction for Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. In our Community Room March 14, 6-8 pm — fundraiser and friend-raiser! Rev. Kent will be the auctioneer.