A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost June 23, 2013
Meditation
“And now there is merely silence, silence, silence saying all we did not know.” –William Rose Benet, from Starry Harness
Gathering to Worship
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude Variations on Holy Manna Raymond Haan
Call to Worship
One: God meets us where we are in this place. We come to learn, we come to praise, we come to question.
All: Some come in anger or grief; some in joy.
One: We come with certainty, we come with fears and doubts.
All: And so we gather.
One: And God meets us where we are. Here we worship, here we ask, tell, listen, strive, receive, offer, and celebrate. God meets us all where we are. Let us worship God.
* Opening Hymn #12 Black I Sing the Mighty Power Ellacombe
* Prayer of Approach and Confession (unison)
All: I want to speak the truth that I see, but I am afraid: I am afraid to name the trouble. I am afraid that someone will look to me for answers. I am afraid that I will be blamed for what doesn’t work.
I am tired: too tired from carrying my own burdens to pick up somebody else’s; too tired of trying to help when others don’t even seem to see the need; too tired of being told, “no.”
“You can’t.” “You’re wrong.” “You don’t belong here.”
One: Holy One, help us to face our fears. Hear our frustrations and our hurt.
All: Nurture and nourish us with your tender balm.
One: Encourage us once more to speak truth; extend help; and walk your ways into the world. Amen.
* Words of Assurance Based on Romans 8:38,39
One: Friends, recall God’s good news: nothing can separate us from God’s love: not nations, not powers, not fears, not injustice, nothing in all of creation.
All: We are loved – we are forgiven. 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
Special Music Thee Will I Love Craig Courtney
Merry Kay Winter, soloist
Thee will I love, my Strength, my Tower, Thee will I love, my Joy, my Crown,
Thee will I love with all my power, In all Thy works, and Thee alone;
Thee will I love, till the pure fire Fill my whole soul with chaste desire.
I thank Thee, uncreated Sun, That Thy bright beams on me have shined;
I thank Thee, who hast overthrown My foes, and healed my wounded mind;
I thank Thee, whose enlivening voice Bids my freed heart in Thee rejoice.
Thee will I love, my joy, my crown, Thee will I love, my Lord, my God;
Thee will I love, beneath Thy frown, Or smile, Thy scepter, or Thy rod;
What though my flesh and heart decay? Thee shall I love in endless day!
God Speaking through the Hebrew Scriptures 1 Kings 19:1-15a (p. 436)
Elijah the prophet has his life threatened by wicked queen Jezebel, and flees to Mount Horeb where God speaks in the stillness.
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 8:26-39 (p. 1241)
Jesus encounters a tormented man and rebukes the demons within him, restoring him to health.
Sermon On Sound and Fury Rev. Kent Gilbert
Hymn #553 Black There Is a Balm in Gilead Balm in Gilead
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
Offertory Duo (Suite in the Second Tone) L. Clerambault
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 #306 Black The Church of Christ, in Every Age Wareham
* Benediction and Sending Forth
Postlude Trumpet Tune R. Haan
____________________________
* All are invited to rise or rise in spirit as you are able and willing
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 Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay and our brothers and sisters at St. Clare 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 the service of our country and all those who wait and worry for them.
* Rev. Rachel and Our Service Delegation in El Salvador, as they travel back home
* The family of Scottie Saltsman, Richmond resident active in the Fairness Movement, who has lost his battle with cancer
* Stephanie Woodie, recovering from total knee replacement surgery
* Jackie Carrier, an enthusiastic participant in Grow Appalachia gardening project, who is suffering from breast cancer
* Eric Cooper’s cousin, Christopher Gooden, awaiting a lung transplant
* Rose Brandenburg, Larry’s aunt, at Kenwood Nursing Home in Richmond
* Bill Stolte, recovering well
* Edith Hansen, at The Terrace
* Shirley Dean, on hospice care for lung cancer
Announcements…
You Matter! Please Sign In, Check in on FB/Twitter and Try a Name Tag! 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, and whether you are a first time visitor or a long-time member, a name tag helps everyone connect the dots. Mobile phone users can also check in on FaceBook and Twitter.
Save the Date!! Rev. Rachel’s Installation will be August 18, 3:30 pm!!
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.
Wheelchair Needed…The church is looking for a wheelchair or two to assist our members in need at the church or loan to folks when a wheelchair is needed. After construction we could not find the ones we had. Please contact the office or Dave Kobersmith if you can help out.
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!
Fairness Picnic July 27 – Save the Date! Bereans for Fairness will host a picnic on Saturday, July 27 from 4-7 pm at Memorial Park on Jefferson St in Berea. Come out to show your support for Fairness and join in the festivities. Watch for more information or contact Kate Grigg at kate@fairness.org or 708-341-0916.
“Instead, speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15)… You are invited to be a delegate to the 2013 Kentucky Council of Churches October 24 & 25. The theme is Civil Dialogue. The place is Kentucky Dam Village State Park in Gilbertsville, KY. Brochures are available in the office if you’d like to consider attending, or you can visit the website at www.kycouncilofchurches.org.
Now is the time to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity! You can help build (no experience necessary)! It’s an amazing experience to serve others and help build affordable housing! Volunteers are needed in Richmond, Berea and Winchester! Help these families make their dream of homeownership a reality!
- Uniquca Abrams -1021 Isaac Drive, Richmond- new construction
- Future Winchester Partner family -119 Cook Avenue, Winchester-complete renovation
- Clerisa Johnson – 205 Arledge Court, Berea-painting and a porch
- Deconstruction – 201 Adams, Berea-ReStore working to get items for ReStore
Call Wendy 859-625-9208 to schedule volunteer time!
Tuesday Church Fixes: Come One Come All… Tuesday 8:30-Noon – Come join for whatever time you can in fellowship and helping with minor repairs, etc. There will be job opportunities for people of all skill levels. Thanks to our Properties Board for helping organize several projects, including mounting bulletin boards and mulching the playground.
Help a Ugandan Student Fly to Berea! David Nakabaale, son of one of the many women Union Church has supported through Katosi Women Development Trust has been accepted to Berea College! Now he needs to get here. David comes from a single parent family on the shores of Lake Victoria. His mother, a leader in the community, is HIV positive and supports a number of fostered children with her dollar-a-day income. David would not be able to afford a plane ticket without the support of his new Berea family. Please consider contributing to his travel fund through an account set up at the church called “Foreign Student Support.” We’re half way to our $1600 goal!
Photo Exhibit Highlights Environmental Health Issues for Kentucky Women
What: The exhibit titled “Burden of Proof: Living with Toxic Chemicals,” features portraits of three grassroots activists who are advocating for policies that would reduce women’s exposure to toxic chemicals.
When: Thursday, June 28 at 12 noon
Where: The Cornerstone Art and Events Gallery in Frankfort, KY
Who: Kentucky photographers captured images of three Kentucky women who link their health problems, or that of their families, to environmental root causes. The exhibit is designed to help convey their stories on film and foster dialogue with Kentuckians on the need for industry and policy action that can improve our health.
Elizabeth Crowe, executive director of the Kentucky Environmental Foundation (KEF), believes the exhibit will help raise awareness about the subject. “These women are claiming their rights to both a healthy body and a safe environment for their kids and grandchildren,” she says. Elizabeth will give a short presentation during the event, on the common chemical exposures we face and what safer solutions exist, followed by informal dialogue on what community members, agencies and legislators can do together to bring about those solutions in Kentucky.
The event is open to the public and will feature a light luncheon. Admission is free, but KEF will gladly accept donations to help cover meal expenses. “Burden of Proof” is sponsored by KEF and was made possible through a grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women. Please RSVP to Annette Dangerfield at (859) 986-0868 or at intern@kyenvironmentalfoundation.org.
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