Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the

Church of Christ, Union

Epiphany Sunday   January 6, 2019  10:30 am

Meditation
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among [brothers] To make music in the heart.
—Howard Thurman,  The Mood of Christmas, 23

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 Variations on OLD HUNDREDTH  J.C. Bach/Austin Lovelace
The Call A Psalm of Longing Edward Hayes 
¨  Hymn  What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright (opposite) Puer Nobis Nascitur
¨  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     The Work of Christmas   Dan Forrest         Union Church Choir
 When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations; to bring peace among brothers, to make music from the heart.
Hebrew Scripture Lesson Isaiah 60:1-6 (p. 877)
“Arise, shine, for your light has come!” proclaims the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel who are in the darkness of exile.
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   Matthew 2:1-12(p. 1138)
Matthew tells the story of the Magi, the strange visitors from the East, who came to worship the baby Jesus.
Sermon Scholars of the Way 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.
One:     Friends, we may not have traveled as far as the magi.  We may not bring gifts befitting a king or queen.  Yet before this sacred feast and within the arresting presence of the Christ, we are left with the same choices: to return to our homes unaffected or to be changed forever by the piercing light of ingathering love.
Let us now still our hearts and sit with mystery and with grace.
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:     Gracious God, who quickens the faith that brought Magi from the east, who kindles the hope that brought captives from exile, and who inspires the love that brings strangers together, we thank you for the light that guides all who are searching for your way.
One:     When we faltered, when we lost that path, you sent prophets and teachers, some poor as shepherds, others wise as Magi to aid us on our journey.
One:     We give you great thanks for the light that shines through Jesus,  who is true light and the bright morning star, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, to whom we sing for joy.
Sanctus                                                                                     Please join in Singing:
Communion Prayer
One:     We give thanks that Jesus dwelled amongst us, and not just those who were ready, or well-to-do, or educated, but spent his life in the company of common folk, seeking and speaking of your love.
One:     On the night when he was betrayed, Jesus took bread and, when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,
All:    “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
One:     In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,
All:       “This cup is the new covenant of my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
One:     God of all, awake to the dawning light of this Epiphany season, we gather around your table, mindful of both consequence and conviction.
One:     For this unveiling, this seeing, cannot leave us the same as we were.  The gods we have clutched, and the dominions of self-service we have built, fall and dissolve into shallow trivialities alongside the deep ways of humility and mercy, that is the gift and ministry of Christ in our midst. Come then, O Holy One.  In the breaking of this bread;
All:   be our nourishment and generosity.
One:  In the sharing of this cup;
All:  be our joy and courage on the hard paths homeward.
One:     Claim our vision,
All:    enflame our hearts for a renewed and just world
One:     and be a true and guiding light for all.
All:  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
You are invited to reflect and pray, either in your pew or at one of the stations. Some suggested prayer direction is printed on the bulletin insert. Today, you will find baskets of stars on the tables where the offering baskets are placed. You are invited to draw out a star with a meditation word on it and take it with you for your year ahead. Allow your prayers to be guided by this word: how can it shine more brightly in your life? How is this word a challenge to you? If this word is a “gift” to whom will you bear it? You are also free to choose to rest in private prayer, remaining with our own thoughts and in your pew.
As you breathe in and out, or walk to receive communion, take a moment to hold in your mind some of your “Shining Stars,” the principles and people who guide you. With each breath, with each step, offer a small prayer of gratitude for these lights.Epiphany means “manifestation” or “appearance.” As you pray, pay attention to what is manifesting in and for you at this time. What has appeared as a surprise or in a surprising way?Like the scholars in the gospel of Matthew, each of us is endowed with gifts. Lacking gold or frankincense or myrrh, what would you offer to a further the way of peace and wholeness for you and for the ones you love? What “prayer in action” could you make this week to begin to realize your hope? If you have drawn a star from one of the baskets, meditate on the word written there. Imagine the light from that word as a beacon star for your year. How will your steps change, if this is the star you are following?
As we draw back to our seats, you are invited to join in singing:
We Three Kings of orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star O star of wonder, star of night. Star of royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
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
All:  In your service we arise and shine, O Lord of light and truth. We thank you for this meal together. In all that we seek, in all that we share, may the star of your Christ be our guide. Amen.

From Here to There

¨  Hymn #159 Black As with Gladness Those of Old Dix
¨  The Sending and Blessing
Postlude (please be seated) I Saw Three Ships arr. S. Eithun & L. Lamb Pearl Marshall, Handbells
A Psalm of Longing
My spirit hungers for your love,
O Divine Maker of hearts,
for the taste of your joy
and the aroma of your peace.
May this time of prayer
fill me with the whisper of your presence
and let me feel the touch
of your hand upon my heart.
How I long for the depths of your love,
to know your quiet constancy,
the feast of your friendship
that feeds me without end.
Oh, how my soul longs for you.
You elude all names we give you
and dwell beyond the grasp of brilliant minds.
Your essence pulses within every atom
yet extends beyond the far frontiers of space,
unscanned by the strongest telescopes.
Awaken me to your presence,
now, in this moment,
in my heart.
—Edward Hayes
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 Iran, Iraq and Syria and our brothers and sisters at Berea Evangelistic Center and Bethlehem Lutheran 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.
¨ Les Small Stokes, who will be ordained here this afternoon, that her ministry may be loving, long, and always pleasing to God.
¨ Emily Spires, daughter of Randy Stone, continuing treatment for breast cancer.
¨ Mary Lou Wiese’s brother, Shelton Dean Jacobs, receiving treatment for glioblastoma.
¨ Andrea Wescott, awaiting results of biopsies and tests.
¨ Tonya, Judith Singleton’s daughter-in-law, diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.
¨ Laura Robie, recovering from her second knee replacement.
¨ 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.
¨ For our newly elected and returning lawmakers at the city, state, and national level: that they, too, may be wise in which stars they follow, and bear the gifts of just and good governance to their respective places of service.
Announcements
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.
Special Epiphany Service today: Also called Three Kings’ Day, Epiphany celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. The feast commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, and thus Jesus’ physical manifestation to the Gentiles. It is also the proverbial “12th Day of Christmas.”
Today at 4pm! Ordination of Leslie Small Stokes. The congregation is invited to share in this consecration to ordained ministry! The service will be followed by a reception. Please feel free to bring a fingerfood dish to make it a festive occasion.
Wednesday Night Live Supper is a POTLUCK Jan. 9!! Special guest, Caux Scholar Marissa Morales. Marissa is a senior undergraduate student majoring in nursing at Berea College. She has an interest in promoting public health specifically within low income populations and populations of people of color. She has been recognized for her service through the Homer A. Porter, Jr. Citizen-Servant Emerging Leader Award as well as the Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King Award for her efforts to educate others on the layers of diversity and inclusion. She will be discussing her experiences in Caux, Switzerland as a participant of the Caux Scholars Program. During the year of Ms. Morales’s participation, the Caux Scholars Program accepted 24 students from 22 countries. The program focuses on educating scholars about justice and peacebuilding. Our own Michelle Tooley was a passionate supporter of the work of Caux Scholars.
What Next Union Church? Help Discern and Decide, Jan 13 & 16. Last summer our congregation met in homes to ask, “What is God calling and empowering us to do next?” The ideas were collected and in September Church Council appointed a vision group to discern values expressed and propose possible actions. Next Sunday afternoon 1:30-3:00pm will be the first of two chances for a church “Family Meeting” to hear what the Vision Team found, see where we are, where we are feeling called, and prayerfully craft some 1-3 year goals. An additional opportunity will be held Wednesday, Jan 16, 6:30-8:00pm, following our regular dinner.
Please Sign up to Read Scripture or to Help Greet and Usher!  Please use our electronic sign up system at union-church.org, and click on “Volunteer.” You can pick a date that works for you!  OR you can also call the office and we’ll get you on the lists.
Have a Heart For Fellowship, Communication and Welcoming New Members? We Need 3! The Community Life and Growth Board of the church helps “outsiders” become “insiders” by helping Rev. Kent welcome new members, get people acquainted with each other for ministry and spiritual support, and oversees our website, social media, and media outreach (advertisements, banners, webcasts, etc). We need three people to help fulfill this vital work with our pastor. Is one of them you? Please contact Carla Gilbert of the Nominating Board: carla_gilbert@ windstream.net or call the church office!
LOOKING AHEAD:
Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center is seeking volunteers to support survivors of sexual violence. Volunteers answer a 24-hour hotline, meet survivors at regional hospitals, give out information and referrals, and are trained in crisis intervention and advocacy. Training held at Union Church in January & February. Applications due by Jan. 17. Visit www.ampersand.org/volunteer.
4th Annual Union Church Handbell Ensemble Retreat, Saturday, January 18, 9:30am – 3:30pm(-ish) at the home of Laura Nagle, 306 Center St. Each year we get together over MLK weekend to get a good start on the music for the Spring Festival. We also eat, laugh, play games, and just enjoy each other’s company. YOU are very welcome to join the group. You don’t need to know how to read music!  This would be a great time to jump in. Rehearsals begin again on January 2.
Pre-Lenten Retreat for adults (ages 18+) on March 4-6 led by Donna Eder and Carla Gilbert. The focus will be on Solitude and Sharing in Sacred Space, held at the Loretto Community guest house, located 1 ½ hours west of Berea. We will be offering opportunities for contemplation and spiritual sharing. The cost per day for meals and lodging is $45 for a double room and $65 for a single room. There is space for a few more—if interested, let us know soon. On January 15 we will open the registration to the public. Contact Donna (859-868-1142) or Carla (859-985-1144). Our email addresses are: donnajeder@ gmail.com and carla_gilbert@ windstream.net.