A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Third Sunday after the Epiphany January 27, 2013
Meditation
From infinite longings Finite deeds arise…
But in these dancing tears, What is often withheld can be found: Our strength.
—Rainer Maria Rilke, Book of Images
Gathering to Worship
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude The Mountains Shall Sing (Isaiah 55:12) Dale Wood
* Call to Worship
One: On this day, which is holy, we gather,
All: not alone, but as Christ’s body; as ones who would suffer together, we gather.
One: On this day of celebration, we gather,
All: not in isolation, but in community; as those who would care for one another, we gather.
One: On this day of joy, not mourning, we gather,
All: not with empty hands, or empty hearts, but as those baptized in grace’s tears, we gather.
* Opening Hymn #177 Black God of Change and Glory Katherine
* Prayer of Approach and Confession
One: Rock of our salvation, we know the faults we have tried to hide from you and others. We continue to show a lack of caring towards the same people over and over. We are convinced that some, including ourselves, have gifts that are more important than those of others. We can find it difficult to suffer with another.
All: Redeemer of all people, forgive us. You stir the deep soil of our souls so those seeds of grace planted so long ago might begin to flourish. You water and tend us, so we might grow into shade trees of hope and peace for those who wander alone, hopeless, afraid. You fill us with your wisdom so we might work to change the landscape of our world, so all might know the wonder, the life, the joy brought to us by Jesus the Christ.
(Silence is observed.)
* Words of Assurance
One: God’s Spirit rests upon us. It is the spirit of forgiveness, not judgment; the spirit of grace, not condemnation; the spirit of welcome, not exclusion.
All: Today, and in all the days to come, God’s Spirit is with us. Thanks be to the One who is our joy and strength! 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 The Acceptable Year Alfred V. Fedak
Union Church Choir
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
To give to them that mourn a garland for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of their tears, the garment of praise for their spirit of heaviness, that they may be called mighty oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. This day in your midst are these words fulfilled.
Epistle Lesson 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a (p. 1396)
The combined gifts from God allow wholeness in the community.
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 4:14-30 (p. 1231)
Jesus’ public ministry begins in Nazareth.
Sermon “Ooo! Wait. Oh…OH!” Rev. Kent Gilbert
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 How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord (Repton) Robert J. Powell
If you are moved to join in fellowship and mission with this church family , please join the ministers at the front as we sing the Doxology.
* 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!
* Prayer of Thanksgiving
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.
* 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.
* Closing Hymn #60 Black O Spirit of God O Heiliger Geist
* Benediction Hymn Blessed Be the Tie that Binds Dennis
Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Postlude Psalm 19 Benedetto Marcello
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* 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 Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and our brothers and sisters at the Rocky Mountain Holiness 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
* Wilma Barrett, client of Hope Hounshell, who has had very invasive surgery & reconstruction to address cancer in her nose
* Barbara Frederiksen, healing at home. Her doctor anticipates that she can return to work in mid-April
* Paul Wells, facing heart valve replacement surgery in the near future
* 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 Gina Chamberlain Next week: Steve Rhodes
Announcements
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.
Coffee & Fellowship in the Parlor! All are invited to stay after worship and enjoy fellowship and coffee or juice in the Parlor (formerly Dialogue Center) . This will also be an opportunity to make yourself a new name tag if you have lost or misplaced yours — but if it is gathering dust on your dresser at home, please bring it — or better yet — wear it to church. The Worship Board and Community Life and Growth Boards are simplifying the name tag process and hope that we can facilitate getting to know names as well as faces. The Parlor is the room right behind the pulpit area (it looks BEAUTIFUL after the renovation). We’ll also be taking photos and updating information for the new Directory to be printed in February. There’s a draft available for you to review and make any changes you’d like to. Thanks!!
New Community Choir Starting! Director of Music Ministries Larry Brandenburg is organizing a new community-based mixed chorus – Berea Classic Chorale. Organizational meetings are planned for tonight — Sunday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Choir Room. Interested singers are encouraged to come to either of these meetings. The choir will rehearse on Monday evenings at Union Church in preparation for a Spring Concert (TBA). The choir will sing a variety of great choral music, with an emphasis on unaccompanied works. Music from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, plus 20-21st century compositions will be well represented. Smaller works from the Romantic period, folk-based songs, hymns, spirituals and world music will “round out” the programming. If you are a choral singer, come check us out. If you know others that would be interested, please spread the word.
Calling all parents of youth group-age kids (6th-12th grade) Meet Chris and Grace McKenzie after church TODAY in the Wayside Room to discuss plans and dates for the Spring semester. Even if your youth hasn’t been involved in youth group in the past, feel free to come and find out what’s in store!
Music Faculty Showcase! This afternoon, at 3:00 pm, all are invited to Gray Auditorium for a music faculty showcase, featuring special musical guests and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Benjamin Britten.
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 to building shelves.
Handbells will begin Wednesday Jan. 30! We will “break open” the handbell cases and begin ringing again Wed. night following dinner—at 7:00 pm. This is a great time for new ringers to indicate your interest in knowing more about handbells and/or “jumping right in” with us. We have “lost” a couple of ringers who have moved away…so we have spots to fill. As I did last fall, I will offer basic handbell training to beginners who would like to try it out. Advanced music reading skills are not required. Ability to count to 4 and some basic coordination are far more important! Please let me know of your interest so that we can develop of plan to fold you into the group in the most comfortable way. I would also like to explore the possibility of handbell ringing for children and youth. Those in 4th grade up are invited to consider this musical opportunity. Watch the Music Box in Consider for details. Larry
New, New-ish, Potential member of Union Church? Come to Betty Hilber’s home at 7:00 pm, after Wednesday Nite Live supper on February 6 to visit and explore membership.
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! If you need a form, ask Jenny Bromley or we can email you one from the office.
Get Ready to ShakeOut Mission and Service Board invites you to participate in “The ShakeOut.” Kentucky is earthquake territory so FEMA is organizing this drill on Feb 7 so we can all practice what to do. For details and resources go to www.shakeout.org/centralus.
How We Roll: Union Church is a community working together with a variety of gifts from helping to collect the offering to swinging hammers for neighbors in need. YOU matter and your help makes our ministry. On Sundays the Worship Board may “tap” you and ask if you could pass out bulletins, the Properties Board saved us thousands on maintenance costs with “coffee & repair” parties… Thank you for these and the many other ways that small gifts of your time make visible a wider love. Thanks for saying “yes!”
Need a few binders? We have some binders of various sizes and plenty of hanging file folders available if you can use them — we got new file cabinets and changed our filing system and old bulletin storage methods. You want ‘em? Come and get ‘em, 8-5, Monday—Friday.
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