Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the

Church of Christ, Union

January 15, 2017       10:30 am 

Meditation
I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.
                 — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.                       

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 Great Is Thy Faithfulness J. Raney
¨  Call to Worship
One: In the midst of a world where people hunger and thirst . . .
All: Come worship a God who feeds the hungry.
One: In the midst of a world where people are abused and oppressed . . .
All: Come worship a God who calls for compassion and justice.
One: In the midst of a world filled with wars and rumor of war . . .
All: Come worship a God who desires nothing less than peace for the world.
One: In the midst of a world where facts fail and words twist…
All: Come worship a God who IS light and truth.
One:      In the midst of a world of spiritual emptiness… come worship a God who gives life meaning and purpose.
All:       Let us give glory to one who shifts mountains and plants the oaks of righteousness.
—Adapted from Sacraments and Seasons:  Peacemaking Through Worship from Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
¨  Opening Hymn #2 Glory, Glory Hallelujah Glory, Glory
¨  Prayer of Approach and Confession (unison)
Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong.
We have lived for ourselves and apart from you.
We have turned from our neighbors and refused to bear the burdens of others.
We have ignored the pain of the world and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed.
In your great mercy, forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our Savior.
—Book of Common Worship, p. 54 © 1993,    Westminster/John Knox Press
¨ Words of Assurance
 One: Come, dear friends and receive God’s grace; “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” (MLK, Jr).
God’s love is light and forgiveness; God’s light clears the way and shines through the dark. In Christ’s name, forgiven and free, may you be a bearer of such Light.
All: 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 The Lord Is My Shepherd arr. Lloyd Pfautsch Union Church Choir
The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He leads me in the paths of righteousness. I will fear no evil for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me.
Epistle Lesson 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
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.
Hebrew Scripture Lesson Isaiah 49:1-7
Sermon Too Light a Thing 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  Allegro from Concerto No. 1 arr. G. Blake
¨   Doxology To God all glorious heavenly light; Old Hundredth
To Christ revealed in earthly night; To God the spirit now we raise Our grateful hymn of thankful praise. Amen.  

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 Prayers and Prayers for the Community                    
Our Lord’s Prayer      
One:        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.

From Here to there

¨   Closing Hymn   The Summons John Bell
¨   Benediction
¨   Benediction Response #570 We Shall Overcome    We Shall Overcome
 Postlude (please be seated) Processional in F Major M. Kellner
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 stateless persons and migrants, and our brothers and sisters at Big Hill Pentecostal Holiness 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 and murder, may we be agents of transformation.
¨ Refugees around the world.
¨ Prayers for our country as we transfer power to our new president and congress.
¨ Prayers of solidarity and support for those made most vulnerable by the recent elections. May the people who follow Jesus follow him to the stranger, the outcast, the foreigner, and the destitute.
¨ 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!
 
Announcements
You Matter! Please Sign the Register, 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.  Let’s all try to get to know each other better.
Interested in exploring Scripture? Join the Sunday morning group at 9:30 am in the classroom. Learn in depth about the scriptures we will read that day in worship, AND Thursday noon Bible Study discusses the readings for the upcoming Sunday. All welcome!!
Learn more about the church next week. Come One Come All!  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 , are invited to come to the Classroom two doors past the church after worship for conversation with the Pastor and the Community Life and Growth Board.
New members will be received each Second Sunday of the month at the close of worship. 
Flying Solo, Union Church’s Widows’ Group, meets monthly for widows/widowers.. If you are interested, you are invited to contact Debbonnaire Kovacs 859-779-0793.  The group meets the third Tuesday of each month, at 1 pm, in the Wayside Room.
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).
The poinsettias are ready to go home! If you’d like to pick yours up, they are in the hallway leading to the office (not labelled). They are going to their final reward early in the week if not claimed
Dodie Murphy still can’t drive and needs rides to the grocery, post office and US Bank. Please call if you have time to transport her. 859-200-7277.
The Sunday bulletin is available at the church website, union-church.org, the farthest right blue button. Read along as you watch the service!
There will be a Womens March in Lexington January 21, 2-3:30 pm, Fayette Circuit Courthouse, 120 N. Limestone.
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:
Jan. 17 Responsible Lending
Jan. 24 Voting Rights
Jan 31 Tax Reform
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
Glenna Rice has a new address and would love to be in touch with Union Church friends:
Bellingham
1615 E. Boot Road  Apt B223
West Chester, PA  19380
Her phone # is (610) 429-2174