A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost July 20, 2014, 10:30 am
Meditation
“Up until the parousia, the church will always be a mixed bag of good and evil; it should not play God by trying to justify itself completely through purges and Inquisitions….The definitive separation must be left to the last judgment; it is the church’s part to preach repentance and practice patience.”
—John P. Meieir
From there to Here
Welcome & Announcements
Prelude Prelude and Fugue in F Major J.S. Bach
* Call to Worship
One: Rise up, lift the veil of mourning, and let us gather to worship.
All: Surely the Lord is in places we do not expect.
One: Bidden or not bidden, God is present. Let us be present to the author of justice, the maker of life. Let us worship God.
* Hymn #366 Black God of Our Life Sandon
* Prayer of Approach and Confession
One: God of all humanity, Your people come to You in prayer. Remind us of Your calling to be your passionate, gracious and faithful servants in the world. When we forget our own history and story,
All: Forgive us.
One: When we do not welcome the stranger,
All: Forgive us.
One: When we do not honor our neighbor,
All: Forgive us.
One: When we deny the humanity of any person,
All: Forgive us.
One: When our passion turns to persecution, our anger turns to animosity and righteousness turns to wrath,
All: Forgive us.
One: When we repay evil with evil with our minds, hearts or hands,
All: Forgive us. Be with your people in our passionate actions of faith, have mercy on us when we falter and renew our spirits for the journey. Amen.
by Bruce Reyes-Chow, immigration specialist working with imprisoned children on the US border
* Words of Assurance
* 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.
Breathing in The Living Word
Hebrew Scripture Lesson Genesis 28:10-19a
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.
Gospel Lesson Matthew 13:24-30
Sermon In the Weeds Rev. Kent Gilbert
Being and Becoming One
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
Our Lord’s Prayer
One: Our Maker, our Mother,
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 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 Largo in G G.F. Handel
* Doxology Avery/Marsh
From here to there
* Closing Hymn #569 Black Touch the Earth Lightly Tenderness
* Benediction
Postlude Trumpet Tune N. Bowden
____________________________
* Please rise in body or in spirit
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 Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela and our brothers and sisters at St. Thomas Lutheran 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 service of our country, and those who wait and worry for them
*Our church family members in nursing homes: Edith Hansen, Klara Welsh, Bernice Robertson, Nancy Jones, Mary Miller, Virginia Piland, Averill Kilbourne, Ann Thomasson, Alva Peloquin
*Charlie Smithson, Paul’s brother, battling multiple myeloma.
*Janet Dailey-Hosp, who had a lung transplant on June 11, and the early recovery is going very well. Prayers also for the generous family that turned their tragedy into new life for others
*The Orwig family, at Elizabeth’s death. A service will be held here in Berea on August 30
*The family of Harriet Marsh, at her death. A service will be held July 26 at 10:00 am, White’s Memorial Presbyterian Church
* Sarah Rousey, Dana’s mother-in-law, who has broken some bones in a fall
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. Use the pew folder in your row, passing it back when all have signed. Let’s all try to get to know each other better.
Mid-year Financial Giving statements are available! See Patti Smithson in the office after church.
Beginning August 10, Sunday morning worship in Cowan Chapel! While the sanctuary flooring is being renovated, services will be held in Cowan Chapel. Because the chapel is small, There will be TWO services per Sunday, one at the usual 10:30 am, regular time, and one at 7:00 pm. We encourage those who like to “sleep in” to attend the evening service. More details to follow.
Fourth Sunday Membership Info Session 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 who have not been able to participate in a previous meeting, are invited to come to the classroom two doors past the church office immediately following worship for conversation with the Pastors and the Community Life and Growth Board. Light refreshments will be offered and you are invited to pick up coffee or tea in the parlor on your way through the hall. Childcare will be offered downstairs as needed; please contact the church office the prior week if you would like this service. New members will be received each Second Sunday of the month at the close of worship. Those joining may choose to attend the Fourth Sunday meeting prior to or after becoming members, whichever is more convenient.
Invitation to Singers The Berea Classic Chorale is open to new singers for its 2nd season. Interested singers are asked to schedule a 10-minute slot for a voice check. Please contact conductor Larry Brandenburg for a time. He will meet singers in the Choir Room of Union Church Mondays, Aug. 4 and 11 and Sunday, Aug. 10 – all from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. The Chorale rehearses on Mondays from 7 – 9 pm, beginning Aug. 18. The Fall Concert is set for Sunday, Nov. 23. Contact Larry at brandenburg_40403 @roadrunner.com or 859-353-2866.
Amazon Smile When you can’t shop local for what you need, many turn to Amazon.com. Here’s a way to help locally even if you have to shop online. Amazon supports charities with a special program called “Smile.” By registering and choosing Union Church as your charity, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases the ministry of the congregation. While each contribution might be small, it all adds up, and your purchases can support the mission of peace and justice we all care so much about.
Already an Amazon customer? All you have to do is put “smile” before “amazon.com” in the address bar of your favorite browser, like this: https://smile.amazon.com/. Either sign in or register, and when prompted for the charity of your choice, pick “Church of Christ Union” in Berea. That’s it! There’s no cost to you, you can still use your Amazon Prime benefits, and Amazon will remember that you are a Smile user and help you maximize your contribution. However you choose to support good work, thank you!
Donate ONLINE or by TEXT, Now or Anytime! For online giving, Union Church uses EasyTithe, a completely secure contribution system. You can use Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express Credit and Debit Cards, or an E-Check from your checking account. Scan the code here to go right to the website on your smartphone,
or visit www.union-church.org and click on the Donate button for instructions. You do not need to register to make a donation (just choose “Quick Give” ). If you do register, your information will be securely stored making future visits faster and giving you full control of your giving reports. Credit card processing does cost the church about 3.1% of your transaction. ACH (E-Checks) only incur a 1% fee. Please use whichever is best for you, but if you can, consider adding a little additional to help cover the bank fee!
Give By Texting 859-448-3403: Yes! You can give using your web-enabled phone. Text any amount to 859-448-3403. The first time you do–and just the first time–you’ll get a link to associate your phone and enter your securely stored credit or debit card. It doesn’t go on your phone bill, but only to a card you specify. After that, all you need to do is text the number with an amount and any designation. It’s fast and easy! Of course, like every credit card transaction the church pays a 3.1% fee. If you can include that little extra bit, it will make a big difference!
Examples: Text “$50.00” to contribute to today’s offering. Text “$200.00 Capital Campaign” to contribute to a building pledge, or substitute the designation of your choice (youth, missions, BFCO, etc. Amounts texted without a designation will automatically go to the Annual Ministry Budget and all giving will be included in your annual giving records.
Altar Flowers needed…..There’s a sign-up sheet on the back bulletin board to bring flowers for worship. Nothing fancy needed—if you have something pretty in your garden, you are welcome to share.
Mini-Bazaar Saturday, August 23 10 am until 2 pm. Baked goods, jams & jellies, treasures, rummage, household items, books, baskets, plants…all kinds of items needed to sell (not clothing). Please price your items (in 25-cent increments, please). Check the sign-up sheet on the back bulletin board for ways to help!
Clean Power Atlanta Trip Come join your fellow Kentuckians on a bus trip to Atlanta to fight for a brighter future by urging EPA to take a strong stance on carbon pollution and climate change! On June 2nd President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a historic plan to cut carbon pollution and stop the worst effects of climate disruption. The Clean Power Plan is our nation’s first major action to cut dangerous carbon pollution from our largest polluters, 30% by 2030, and will help spur a clean energy economy that can drive down electricity bills and create hundreds of thousands of dependable jobs.
This is the beginning of what could be the biggest climate fight in US history. On July 29th, EPA will host the first of just four national hearings on the proposed Clean Power Plan in Atlanta.
Let’s show the world that the southeast is ready for serious action to stop climate disruption! Transportation, food, lodging provided; leaving the 28th and on the day of the hearing (July 29th) there will be several events, including a press conference, a rally, and a people’s climate march! Come speak your piece on why Kentucky needs strong carbon pollution protections and have a great time with friends and allies in Atlanta! Would you like to attends? Contact Nick or Rust Mullins for more info at nrmullins@roadrunner.com.
Invitation to fundraiser – Join a celebration of 40 years of working to end violence in central Kentucky! The Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center (BRCC) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and the BRCC needs supporters to help end violence now, more than ever! Be part of the celebration, and support the organization, by attending the Black and White Ball on Saturday, September 20 at 8 p.m. at the Castle Post in Versailles. The event will include a live band and dancing, live and silent auctions, special recognition of individuals and organizations that have supported this work during the past 40 years, and more! All proceeds benefit survivor services and prevention education. Tickets to the event are $100 per ticket. You can purchase e-tickets online, or you can purchase paper tickets from Ashley Cochrane mashleycochrane@gmail.com For more information about the Ball and ways you can get involved, to purchase tickets, or to learn about the BRCC, visit: http://bluegrassrapecrisis.org/
Rental house needed: Laura Wick and Sean Perry are looking for a place to rent or house-sit in town, or arranging a labor trade if someone has a space that needs cosmetic or other minor repairs. Laura is hoping to cut way back on her car use by staying in town (currently, they live 25 min from Berea). Please contact Laura at 859-358-6885 or via email at laura.m.wick@gmail.com if you have info or a space for rent/ housesitting/ labor trade.
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