A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 10:30 am
Meditation
“The truth of human freedom lies in the love that breaks down barriers.”
~ Jurgen Moltmann
From There to Here: We Gather
Prelude
Welcome
¨ Call To Worship Carla Gilbert, Reader
One: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end;
All: they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in God.”
One: The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
All: For the Lord will not reject forever. Although there be grief, God will have compassion according to the abundance of steadfast love.
One: So let us enter this hour in hope and in search of the live and love that comes from God’s willing heart.
¨ Opening Hymn #12 I Sing the Mighty Power of God Ellacombe
1 I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise, That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies. I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.
2 I sing the goodness of our God, who filled the earth with food, God formed the creatures with a word, and then pronounced them good. Oh, how your wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye, If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
3 On earth there’s not a plant or flower below, but makes your glory known, The clouds arise, and spread their showers, by order from your throne. All life is but a gift from you and ever in your care; Wherever people gather, you, O God, are present there.
¨ Prayer of Approach and Confession
One: In the silence of these moments we pause to confront ourselves and name to you the matters that prevent us from fully realizing your grace.
(Silence is observed for reflection)
All: We name things that prevent us from accepting ourselves, that keep us from accepting one another, that block us from reaching out to humankind and to creation. We abandon ourselves to you in trust; hear us, love us, and forgive us. Merciful One, hear our prayer. Amen.
~ Diane Zaerr Brenneman, Words for Worship 2 (Harrisonburg, VA: Herald Press, 2009)
¨ Words of Assurance
¨ 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.
Word and Worship
Scripture Reading 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.)
He said: Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
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 Mark 5:21-43
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?'” He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?”
But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him.
Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Sermon Lord of Life and Living Rev. Kent Gilbert
Video Reflection
Living Prayer
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.
Offertory
¨ Doxology Old Hundredth
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly host: Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost! Amen.
Prayer & Reflection Questions
Immersed in Care
Perhaps we all have something in common with the woman who finds Jesus in a crowd and the father desperately worried about his daughter: we need life. If there is something between you and true living–an illness of body or soul; a brokenness in your world that isn’t yet repaired; a grief that seems unrelenting–see if you can breathe into the boldness of Jesus’ grace for you. Ask for what you need, perhaps writing it out exactly or telling a dear one who can hold your need and your hope, and then seek that life and the one who can help you find it. Jesus doesn’t turn aside our needs but comes alongside to helping us “get up,” from all the low places.
Care for Others as Living Prayer
Because we are molding in divine images when we reach to others with compassion, we often find a realignment with our created, best self. Who might be the recipient of your compassion this week? How might your well-being be bound up in theirs? What gift do you already have that could bring blessing to one too often overlooked? Allow this living prayer to be a living blessing to you as care magnifies and isolation decreases.
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 an amount and a click.
¨ Baskets for checks or cash are located at the head of each aisle for those who wish to make an in-person donation.
¨ 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!
Silent Prayers and Prayers of the Community Carla Gilbert, Reader
Gracious God of small hands and yearning love, healer and sustainer, to you we reach and pray for restoration. Like those ill with no relief, some of us are hemorrhaging our strength, our good will, our ability to see past present trials. Some among us are numb and have been treated as though they are dead, cut off from the life you intend, the love they can offer, the joys of beloved community. In all this, and for all people, we ask that your presence and the healing touch of your Son hover close. As we reach, so may Christly power flow. When we feel deadened and defeated, send the sweet voice of Jesus to call our name and teach us to rise. You turn none away and leave none to the grave. Remember us when you feel even the slightest, hesitant touch at the hem of your mercy and love.
We pray as 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 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.
From Here to There
¨ Hymn #555 Here, Savior, in this Quiet Place Chatham
1 Here, Savior, in this quiet place, where anyone may kneel, I also come to ask for grace, believing you can heal.
2 If pain of body, stress of mind, destroys my inward peace, In prayer for others may I find the secret of release.
3 If self upon its sickness feeds and turns my life to gall, let me not brood upon my needs, but simply tell you all.
4 You never said “You ask too much, ”to any troubled soul. I long to feel your healing touch- will you not make me whole?
5 But if the thing I most desire is not your way for me, May faith, when tested in the fire prove its integrity.
6 Of all my prayers, may this be chief: till faith is fully grown, Christ, disbelieve my unbelief, and claim me as your own.
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
Today we remember and give thanks for the life work of Jurgen Moltmann, theologian and pastor, who died June 3 at the age of 98. Moltmann was drafted at sixteen by the Nazis to fight against the Allies toward the end of World War II. He surrendered to a British soldier and was put in various prison camps, the last being in Scotland. Like many of his fellow soldiers, he became disenchanted with German culture and was devastated by seeing photographs of Auschwitz and Buchenwald. Fortunately, he encountered a small group of Christians in the camp, and he was deeply moved by the kindness of Scots civilians while working with other prisoners to repair buildings damaged by the the war. He experienced a conversion to Christianity, with a profound appreciation for its significant emphasis upon hope. This led him to a life of service and reflection, becoming recognized as one of the most compassionate and influential theological thinkers after his book, “The Theology of Hope,” was published.
Church family member and friend, the Rev. Dr. Steve Rhodes remarked, “Even after his wife’s death as well as facing his own, in his final book, Resurrection to Eternal Life, Moltmann offers profound words of comfort and encouragement. For him, the resurrection of Christ is an ongoing event for the healing and enlivening of all creation: “The wonderful Orthodox Easter icon shows the resurrected Christ as the head of the new humankind, pulling Adam and Eve up out of the world of death with both hands.” Rest in peace and power, servant of God. Thank you for reflecting the Light in faith and grace.
¨ Benediction The God of Second Chances David Haas
Those who are able & willing are invited to fill the aisles as we sing the Benediction Response together. If you’re at home or in the balcony, you are part of the embrace too. The embrace is as wide as God’s love!
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 Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda and our brothers and sisters at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
¨ 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 in the Middle East.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Richard Bromley, Jan Hamilton, Betsy Hoefer, Dorie Hubbard, Lois Morgan, Sara Parker, Cheryl Payne, John Payne, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie.
¨ All those suffering from mental strain, trauma, and disease: may God soothe and heal all who are troubled.
¨ Members and Friends who need safer housing and income security.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ For all those caring for others in their illnesses and needs: may God give them both strength and encourage-ment in this work of costly love.
¨ Erikke Meadows’ mom, Prudy Meadows, with COPD.
¨ The Guild family as Will continues his struggle with brain cancer and stroke.
¨ Steve Boyce, at home.
¨ The Crowden family, at the death of Jackie Crowden.
¨ Kaitlyn Ferguson, one of our Connexions students, whose cousins were in a serious car accident. Raylen was killed; Reece has a brain bleed, and Lainey was also involved. Their parents are Jason and Michelle Paynter.
¨ Donna Lovell’s dad, Donald Reed, recovering from a broken leg after a bad fall.
¨ Laura Nagle, who broke her leg in a fall last week.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: June 30 – Patty Boyce, Mathew Parrish; July 2 – Delores Carpenter, Lauri Eiselt; 3 – Susie Ritchie; 4 – Phyllis Hughes, John Coyne; 5 – Sune Frederiksen; 7 –
Jessica Gowler; 8 – Kelly Mehler, Deb Beishline; Bernardo Scarambone; 9 – Maya Todd, Amy Williams, David Bellnier, Guin Castillo
Anniversaries: June 30 – Mathew & Courtney Parrish
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
Leave a Reply