A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Proper 12 of the Season after Pentecost 10:30 am
Meditation
…this isn’t a contest but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.
~ Mary Oliver, Praying
From There to Here: We Gather
Welcome
Welcome to this service of worship! 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! During the service, you are invited to rise in body or in spirit, standing or sitting, at points in the service marked “<>.”
¨ The Call Vivi Reynolds, Reader
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak. ~ Mary Oliver, Praying
¨ Hymn #508 Prayer Is the Soul’s Sincere Desire St. Agnes
1. Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,
uttered or expressed;
The motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.
2. Prayer is the simplest form of speech
that infant lips can try;
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
the Majesty so nigh.
3 Prayer is the contrite sinners’ voice,
returning from thoughtless ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, “Behold, one prays!“
4 No prayers do humans make alone;
The Holy spirit pleads,
And Jesus on the eternal throne
For sinners intercedes.
5. O Christ, by whom we come to God,
the Life, the Truth, the Way;
the path of prayer you too have trod:
Christ, teach us how to pray.
¨ Prayer of Approach and Confession Look Away
This powerful prayer poem was written by the Rev. Betsy Whaley, moderator of Union Church.
¨ Words of Assurance
One: God’s steadfast love is unshaken and resolute for you.
God answers your cry and will increase your strength of soul.
Though you walk in the midst of trouble, God preserves you against the wrath of enemies within and without; and stretches over with healing hand mighty to deliver you.
God’s steadfast love for you in unshakeable and God will not forsake you or any who seek to do what love demands.
All: Thanks be to God for a love like that. Amen!
¨ Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on the journey of faith. Please turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace.
Word and Worship
Scripture Reading Genesis 18:20-32
Then the Lord said, “How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me, and if not, I will know.” So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham came near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake.”
Abraham answered, “Let me take it upon myself to speak to my lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” Again he spoke to him, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” Then he said, “Oh, do not let my lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there.”
He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” He said, “Let me take it upon myself to speak to my lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” Then he said, “Oh, do not let my lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.”
~ New Revised Standard Version , updated
Children’s Moment as the children return to their seats we sing:
May God’s blessings 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.
Scripture Reading Luke 11:1-13
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” So he said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, may your name be revered as holy. May your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.” And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything out of friendship, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
“So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asked for a fish, would give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asked for an egg, would give a scorpion? If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
~ New Revised Standard Version, updated
Sermon Talking Small, Living Large Rev. Kent Gilbert
Video Reflection
A chance to take in what we have heard and reflect together.
Living Prayer
Call to Prayer
Ringing 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.
Embodied Prayer
You are invited to reflect and pray at the candle tables. You may also choose to source the essential ingredient of solitude and private prayer, remaining with your own thoughts in your pew.
For Prayer & Reflection
If You’re Ever Stuck…
If you’re ever stuck on how to pray, don’t think to hard. Don’t worry about fancy words. Don’t worry about where you are. Just send out anything that comes and ask for whatever you need. Anne Lamott say only three prayers are need: “Help,” “Thanks,” and “Wow!” What are you listing in those categories right now? (P.S.: “I’m Sorry” might be a subcategory of “Help.” Anything there?) What feels most urgent? Breathe deep and make your connection. Trust the love coming your way.
What Are We Bargaining FOR?
Bargaining with God (and each other) is a long-standing tradition. Abraham reminds God of mercy in his bargaining for the lives the people in Gomorrah. In doing that he wasn’t seeking his own benefit, but trying to represent a need of those facing God’s wrath.
* Have you stood in such a position?
* What gave you permission or the strength to speak up?
* As you pray this week, you may be thinking of others who need an advocate.
* What will you ask for on their behalf?
* What can you offer to important needs right now?
Offertory
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union
A community of caring relies on support. Your recurring or one-time donation will make a ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need.
¨ Use your smart phone or computer and go to www.easytithe.com/union. No registration required, but registering once makes future generosity simply entering an amount and a click.
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¨ Give by Text. Text an amount to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering”).
¨ Give by Mail to: 200 Prospect St., Berea, KY 40403.
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
¨ Doxology Gathered Here in the Mystery of This Hour Phil Porter
Reprinted with permission using OneLicense #A-723786
Silent Prayer and Prayers of the Community Vivi Reynolds, Reader
Lord, we know prayer is no time for small talk from small people. We come on the big matters, on urgent errands of mercy and hope. We come without perfect phrases or fancy degrees. We come because we are desperate, some of us, and because we yearn to be connected to you and the embrace of your presence in our need. Every day we need that. Every day the world wears away some part of us, the abrasions scraping away at our souls. But when we get to be with you, that and so much more is added back.
We are searching, we are knocking, we are aching to get what is needed for this day and to offer something good to our children when tomorrow comes. We are hoping, we are yearning, we are striving to do honor to our elders who have blessed us in their time. So help us feast on doing what is right, and starve away all the harm of this world. Keep us and all of your creation safe from stupidity of our own making or the evil intent of others.
And in all things receive our love and thanks for the beauty of this place, of these stars, of the good earth and the healing waters. Your company means everything to us, and we pray for it like Jesus taught us, reaching to you as…
Our Lord’s Prayer
Our Maker, Our Mother, and Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; Thy kin-dom 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 kin-dom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
¨ Hymn #520 Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ Sursum Corda
1. Eternal Spirit of the living Christ,
I know not how to ask or what to say;
I only know my need, as deep as life,
and only you can teach me how to pray.
2. Come, pray in me the prayer I need this day;
help me to see your purpose and your will,
where I have failed, what I have done amiss;
held in forgiving love, let me be still.
3. Come with the vision and the strength
I need to serve my God, and all humanity;
fulfillment of my life in love outpoured;
my life in you, O Christ; your love in me.
From Here to There
Community Connections
Announcements
We share opportunities for Beloved Community and ways to serve. Please see the listing of church & community events, prayers, and notices in the pages following the service.
Lighting the Justice Candle to Lead us Forth
We light this candle for the Kentucky Waterways Alliance and all the volunteers who work to protect, restore and celebrate Kentucky’s rivers, lakes, and streams. Their goal is to ensure clean and safe water for drinking, swimming, boating, fishing, and wildlife habitat now and in the future. They established and manage Kentucky Aquatic Resources Fund created to provide a sustainable source of funding for aquatic ecosystems in Kentucky. They won an 8 year long court battle to ensure there will be no more valley fills from coal mines under generic nationwide permits. In addition , the Alliance works with the U.S. Forest Service to protect the Red River Gorge and implement practices which will protect Kentucky’s only National Wild and Scenic River, the Red River.
The Berea Arts Council is hosting a fund raiser on August 1. The folk/rock band, Mud Pi, with our own Robert Rorrer will perform. Admission if free but donations are requested.
¨Benediction
¨ Benediction Response Send Down the Fire M. Haugen
Reprinted with permission using OneLicense #A-723786
Our Prayers for Others
¨ 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 (World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer cycle: union-church.org/ministries/prayer). Let us hold the people of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; and our siblings at Gethsemane Baptist Church in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ Dave Reilly’s nephew, Herb Post, ill with kidney cancer that has spread to his lung.
¨ Charlie Hoffman, with cardiac issues.
¨ Carla Gilbert, and the entire family, at the death of her sister, Helen Lujin. Helen is the mom of Rev. Kent’s cousin, Kathy, who is being treated for esophageal cancer.
¨ All the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason & respect for their own peoples’ lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ All those affected by the devastating losses in the current conflict, and starvation of those in Gaza.
¨ We pray for our country, and those who are directly affected by the actions and inaction of our government to address the needs of its people and the world.
¨ Prayers for those undergoing cancer treat-ments. We give thanks for the doctors, nurses, and other scientists working to help them.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Jerry Cooper, Jan Hamilton, Betsy Hoefer, Dorie Hubbard, Susan Kramer, Lois Morgan, Sara Parker, Cheryl Payne, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie, Theresa Scherf.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: Today, July 27 – Silas Montgomery; 29 – Barbara Frederiksen; 31 – Sharona Nelson; Aug. 2 – Erikke Meadows
Anniversaries: Today, July 27 – John & Ramona Culp
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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