A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost July 14, 2013
Welcome to this service of worship. We are glad that you are here today. You are invited to rise in body or in spirit as you are able and willing at points in the service marked like so *.
Hearing enhancement devices and large print bulletins are available in the vestibule. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers during the service.
Meditation
Compassion is of little value if it remains an idea. It must become our attitude toward others, reflected in all our thoughts and actions. And the mere concept of humility does not diminish our arrogance; it must become our actual state of being.
— The Dalai Lama, An Open Heart
Gathering to Worship
Welcome and Announcements
Processional Come, All You People (opposite) Uyai Mose
* Call to Worship
One: Justice has a song:
All: Love has a voice.
One: Compassion has a story:
All: This is what we tell and know in our worship together. Let us sing our story!
* Opening Hymn #21 Black God Reigns o’er all the Earth Terra Beata
* Prayer of Approach and Confession
Voices: Do you see me?
All: Holy One, forgive us for the times we have not truly seen our neighbor –whether that neighbor lives on our street, in our city or half-way around the world. Forgive us when we ask someone, “How are you?” but then do not wait to hear their answer. Forgive us when we do not pause to ask, “What can I do to help?” Slow us down, dear God, so that our hearts and minds might catch up to what our senses tell us. Encourage us, strengthen us, that we might hold our own worries more lightly – and thus be able to see others more fully. Amen.
* Words of Assurance
One: We may miss things, but our God misses nothing. God notes our choices and also our repentance and our turning. There is always room in God’s heart for change, for forgiveness.
All: Thanks be to God!
* 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
Message in Song Zion’s Walls (Revivalists Song) adapted by Aaron Copland
Todd Martin, soloist
Come fathers and mothers come, sisters and brothers come, Join us in singing the praises of Zion. O fathers don’t you feel determined to meet within the walls of Zion, We’ll shout and go round the walls of Zion.
God Speaking through the Hebrew Scriptures Amos 7:7-17 (p. 1085)
Amos is summoned by God to speak words of harsh judgment to Israel.
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 Fellowship Hall. Activity clipboards are available at the altar for older children.
God Speaking through the Gospels Luke 10:25-37 (p. 1247)
A man walks up to Jesus and asks him what he must do to inherit eternal life. In response, Jesus tells the story of the Samaritan who showed active mercy for a man in desperate need.
Sermon Movin’ On Down the Road Rev. Kent Gilbert
Song I’m Gonna live So God Can Use Me Traditional
1. I’m gonna live– so– God can use- me- Anywhere–, Lord, anytime! I’m gonna live– so– God can use- me- Anywhere–, Lord-, anytime!
2. I’m gonna work so…
3. I’m gonna pray so…
4. I’m gonna sing so…
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 Prayer and 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
Call to Offering
Offertory Simple Gifts Walter Pelz
* 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
* Closing Hymn When a Prophet Sings of Justice Genevan
* Benediction and Sending Forth
Postlude Postlude on Old Hundredth Paul Manz
____________________________
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 Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama and Nicaragua and our brothers and sisters at Berea Church of God 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 and all those who wait and worry for them.
* Teri Van Pelt, experiencing pain from stenosis in the cervical vertebra
* Nancy Jones, at The Terrace for therapy after being hospitalized with lung problems
* Gloria Johnson, retired Berea College campus minister, who has suffered a stroke. She is currently in a rehab facility in Georgia, making progress. She’d appreciate cards, to UNI Acute Health; 7560 Butner Rd; Fairburn, GA; 30213
* Ilmars and Faith Birznieks, at the death of their daughter, Laura Joy Birznieks Ewing, of viral encephalitis on June 29th. She is also survived by her husband, Dan Ewing, and son, Andrew Ewing.
* Krystal Creevy, who is having a difficult pregnancy
* Jerry Cooper, recovering from shoulder surgery on July 11
* Georgia Wartman, Alice White’s niece, participating The World Race Mission Trip. She begins in Guatemala, and will serve in 11 countries in 11 months.
* The father of Debbonnaire Kovacs, hospitalized with serious health issues
* Ed Poston’s sister, and the family, at her serious illness
* Rose Brandenburg, Larry’s aunt, at Kenwood Nursing Home in Richmond
* Edith Hansen, at The Terrace
* Shirley Dean, on hospice care for lung cancer
Carillon Concert 6:30 pm, tomorrow, July 15, Draper Quad. Javier Clavere, Berea College organist and carillonneur, and music faculty member, will play the John Courter Carillon. All welcome, no charge.
Newcomers gathering Wednesday! This week, we will have a gathering for newcomers interested in learning more about Union Church and what it might mean to be a member here. We’re meeting Wednesday night, July 17th at 7:00pm at the home of Kevin Burke and Carla Gilbert. If you’re interested, talk to Kevin or to one of the pastors and we’ll give you the details! Kevin: kevin_burke@windstream.net.
Explore Union Church! This is a place where your faith can grow and deepen! We are actively looking for those who would like to explore discipleship with Jesus in this congregation. YOU matter, and so does YOUR faith journey. If you’d like to join Union Church in pursing the way of peace, justice, and hope, please call, email, or Facebook either pastor, or call the church office. YOU are welcome here!
Bereans for Fairness Picnic! July 27, 4-7pm, Berea Memorial Park. Everyone is invited! Come out and show your support for Fairness. Celebrate the victories for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender equality across the country and other major grassroots actions for Fairness this year! Music, main dish and water will be provided. Bring a side dish to share, plates/silverware, lawn games and chairs or blankets to sit on. FEATURING MUSIC BY MITCH BARRETT! Special appearances by Union Church Members and Rev. Rachel. Contact: Kate Grigg at kate@fairness.org or 708-341-0916.
Wild Goose Festival August 8-11! You are invited to a festival that provides space for courageous, imaginative, and participative social justice work, creative expression, spiritual practice and astonishing music. The Wild Goose Festival will be August 8-11 outside of Asheville, NC. The Faith Development Board wants to encourage people to consider going this year. To get more information, check out www.wildgoosefestival.org or call Kim Kobersmith, 985-0185. Scholarship money is available through the Board for those who have a need.
Back Bay Mission Work Crew Needed We are currently recruiting this year’s Back Bay Mission Work Crew for September 15 – 21. All levels of building/repair skills will be put to use, as well as volunteers for the Daytime Drop-in Center for Homeless or the Food Bank. A tentative commitment is needed by mid-July in order to hold our place. Scholarship assistance is available and there are some plans for a fundraiser, as well. This is Back Bay Mission’s 91st year of serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast area and will be Union Church’s sixth service trip to Back Bay. Please contact Betty Hibler at 859-940-8735 or betty_hibler@berea.edu for more information and to reserve your spot.
Can you hand address some invitations for Rev. Rachel’s installation service August 18? We’re seeking several people for this task. They’ll need to be done by July 22. Call the office.
Calling artists! The Community Life and Growth Board is looking for someone who might like to help us design and order banners regularly for our signs on the front lawn. Frustrating software provided, but we’re open to other sources. Must be willing to meet deadlines. Rewards include great appreciation, extra stars in your heavenly crown, and possibly cookies. Contact Betty Hibler betty_hibler@berea.edu or Rev. Rachel for more info.
Can you make small Roman shades for the glass on the interior classroom and office doors to indicate that they are “in use?” Needed for the Pastors’ Offices, Conference Room and Office Classroom
Who likes pie? We do!! We’re looking for some cooks willing to provide pie for Rev. Rachel’s installation on Sunday, Aug. 18th. Look for a sign-up sheet in the back of the sanctuary, or contact Kevin at kevin_burke@windstream.net
Can you paint the 3rd floor bathrooms? We have the paint, we have the rollers & brushes, we just need YOU!
Worship Leaders Wanted and Needed… It’s easy, and you get to see the bulletin before everybody else!! See Carla Gilbert, or sign up on the back wall.
Lemonade on the Porch Volunteers Needed over the summer for Lemonade on the Porch — please sign-up on the Volunteer Bulletin Board on your way out of the sanctuary this morning. Kevin Burke will provide information and/or answer any questions you might have: 985-1144.
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