Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union

Fourth Sunday of Lent     March 11, 2018  10:30 am 

Meditation
“I used to believe thinking was the highest function of human beings.    …I now realize loving is our supreme function.  The heart precedes the mind.”  —Lois Wilson,Co-founder of Al-Anon Family Groups

From there to Here

Welcome & Announcements
Welcome to this service of worship!  During the service, you are invited to rise in body or in spirit, standing or sitting, at points in the service marked “ ”.”
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!
¨  Prelude Rhosymedre Ralph Vaughn Williams
¨  Call to Worship
One: Friends, there are few certainties in our world and we don’t gather here in certainty of belief, of outcome, or of gain.
All: We don’t gather in certainty. We gather in Trust.
One: Trust that despite trials and tribulations, God’s light leads and shapes us. Trust that we are stronger together, aiding one another and sharing burdens. Trust that even in the wilderness of dangers and deceptions, the truth of abundant grace is near.
All: We gather to let the Spirit guide us as we worship and pray.
¨ Opening Hymn #410 If You But Trust In God to Guide You Neumark
¨  Prayer of Approach and Confession
As we consider what needs to change in our lives we ask our selves hard questions. This Lent you are invited to engage these questions from Kentucky poet, Wendell Berry from his work “Questionnaire.” Both literally and figuratively, in the silence of truth, consider what the Spirit might be calling you to know, change, or acknowledge in your life.
From Questionnaire:
In the name of patriotism and
the flag, how much of our beloved
land are you willing to desecrate?
List in the following spaces
the mountains, rivers, towns, farms
you could most readily do without.
One: We ask for your direction, your patience, your love and the strength to make changes that matter.
All: Forgive us and place a new heart within us.
¨  Words of Assurance
 One: The poet reminds us:
“It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work and when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings.”
God is with you, knows the justice and mercy you need, and will help you practice resurrection.
All: Thanks be to God!
¨  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 and joy. 

The Living Word among us

Anthem If My People Don Wyrtzen
Union Church Choir

1. When we walk before the Lord in faithfulness each day, when we bow before His Word, His statutes to obey, He promises to hear, He promises to heal, and He promises to bless and to forgive. If my people, who are called by name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2. In allegiance to His name all idols will break, when we spread abroad His fame, our nation may awake, He promises to heal, and He promises to bless and to forgive. If my people, who are called by name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Hebrew Scripture Lesson              Numbers 21:4-9 (p. 173)
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 the Children’s Moment, children kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to Children’s Church in Cowan Chapel. They are also welcome to stay in the service if they prefer. The Children’s Worship Center in the back of the sanctuary has toys, books, and drawing materials for children (or adults) who would like help staying present in the service. For children preschool age & under, care is available in the Nursery, downstairs in Room 104 off the playground.
Sung Psalm 107 Robert Rorrer, cantor p. 693
The Psalms were originally musical compositions. During Lent we will pray the psalms in musical form with congregational responses. Please sing the response when invited.
Gospel Lesson John 3:14-21 (p.1282)
Sermon Empire of Disbelief Rev. Kent Gilbert

Praying it Forward

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, 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.

GIfts Given for Love to Flow

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        Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley Anna Laura Page
¨  Doxology   

From Here to There

Introduction and Invitation to Membership
Union Church is a vital and growing family of faith, a home to those committed to the way of Christ’s sacrificial love and service. All who feel led to join will be received in joy, and are welcome to come forward during the Closing Hymn. Thanks be to God for these ministers among us.
¨  Closing Hymn #605 As Moses Raised the Serpent Up Morning Song
¨  Questions of the Congregation and New Members
¨  Covenant of Welcome
And we, the members of this church, renewing our own covenant to God and to each other, do now heartily welcome you to our fellowship, promising to watch over you in love, and praying that  you, and we, may be true witnesses for Christ, a light in the world, and continue to increase in usefulness and joy in his service.
¨  Sung Benediction             Bless the Lord, My Soul    Taize
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 Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and our brothers and sisters at Farristown Baptist Church in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
Prayer requests to be printed may be sent to the office anytime before 10:00 am Fridays.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound:  Ruth Butwell, Edith Hansen, Nancy Hindman, Loyal Jones, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin
¨ Dan Rohrer, who is suffering from a severe liver disorder.
¨ Judith Singleton, and her daughter, Stephanie.
¨ Renee Wellinghurst’s father-in-law, Dave Wellinghurst, diagnosed with glioblastoma after surgery for a brain tumor.
¨ Gary Dillon, significant other of Betty Sarafin, critically ill with cancer.
¨ For Luke Woodie, recovering from bile duct cancer surgery at home.
¨ Steve Boyce, recovering at home.
¨ The family of Gloria VanWinkle, who passed away on February 13. We will celebrate and honor her life at a service on March 17, at 2 pm, in the sanctuary.
¨ Jennie Kiteck, recovering from colon cancer surgery.
¨ For those affected by violence in every form. May God soothe their spirits and heal them of all that harms them. May we be healed, too, of our complacency, of unhelpful habits of thought, deed, or speech, and of our unawareness so we can become agents of change and grace for a more beloved community.
¨ Alejandra Sanchez’s sister in El Salvador, Marco Amalia Sanchez, suffering the final stages of cancer.  Alejandra would like our prayers for Marco and the family.
¨ Tom Hubbard, with heart complications.
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.  Let’s all try to get to know each other better.
We Want to Join YOU! Membership Sunday Next Week! As a family of faith committed to boldly and creatively embodying the life and ministry of Jesus, we would like to join YOU. We’d like to be a context and inspiration for your own spiritual path, and work with you to make your heart, your world, your life more peace-filled and joy-full. TODAY there will be an opportunity to covenant together. No prior action on your part is required, but if you have any questions at all, we’d like to help. Working together, we want to make God’s love visible and real to all. Please let us join with you!
Let’s Do Lunch! Join us for 5 Sundays of lunch after church! This is a chance to get to know that new person you haven’t said hello to; it’s a chance to catch up with younger friends and surrogate grand parents. Lenten Lunches build community and are places for holy conversations. Suggested donation $5, or ½ hour of help cleaning up! Bring a friend! Today’s Menu is black beans & rice, salad and dessert! 
Stone Soup Uke Group meets TODAY! Looking for some community joy? The Stone Soup Uke Group is now meeting at Union Church on the second Sunday of each month from  1:30- 3:30 in Room 101 on the lowest level – handicap accessible. You don’t have to know a thing about music – we sure don’t! We are a bunch of beginners who are learning this thing together. You can check out a Ukulele from the library to try it out. Come at 1:00 if you want some help tuning and learning the basics. Kids are welcome. No pressure, just fun. See you on March 11th! Contact Laura with questions: joyfulsunflower @gmail.com
Psalm Retreat today, March 11, Quaker Meeting House 4-8 pm. Join members of all Berea Churches for a spirit filled conversation with God through the Psalms. Led by Rev. Mark Caldwell-Reiss of First Christian, the retreat will be at the Quaker Meeting House (newly renovated!) 4pm-8pm on Sunday, March 11. Bring a potluck dish to share for a wonderful afternoon of scripture, conversation and food. 
Things you will need: 

• Please bring a covered dish for a meal that we will share as part of our time together.   
• Bring a bible, paper and pencil for notes.

     This is a workshop all about Psalms. During our time together we will explore the different types of psalms and their
background. We see how the psalms have been a part of the church’s prayer life over the centuries. The workshop is designed so you will find ways to express your faith and prayer through the Psalms of Scripture.  You will have time to compose your own psalms of praise, lament, pilgrimage and thanksgiving. 
Stephen Ministry applications due today, March 11. Stephen Ministry is recruiting for another training class. Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay caring ministry where trained and empowered lay caregivers- called Stephen Ministers- provide high-quality, confidential, accepting, compassionate care to people who are hurting. The training for new Stephen Ministers will start in mid-April and continue through the summer until late August or early September. You can pick-up an application at the church office or contact Jeff From jeff.from@gmail.com. Interviews for applicants will be conducted in late March. Thank you for your prayerful consideration to becoming a Stephen Minister.
Songfarmers’ Gathering March 16, 5:30 pm., Community Room. See poster, page 12.
Next Saturday, March 17, 2 pm, we will honor and celebrate the life of Gloria VanWinkle. The service will be followed by a reception in the Community Room. Finger Food is needed. If you can, please bring it Saturday morning or before the service.
Fundraising Concert March 17: The Pennyloafers will join the Berea College Concert Choir in a fundraising concert for 2018 Balkans International Tour Saturday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Berea Baptist Church.
Annual Meeting next Sunday, March 18, after lunch & worship. Each year in the spring, all members and friends of the church gather for a meal and important conversation. After worship on March 18th we’ll share the 165th such gathering of Union Church and we’re hoping you’ll make time to come.
This year at annual meeting we have several items of business to consider and discuss:

• A report on our revised budget
• A Proposal for how to do a Long Range Plan and Discernment Process, including how to make future staffing decisions
• Renewal of our Covenant with Habitat for Humanity
• Election of new Officers and Board Members
• A chance to bring up new business and proposals for consideration

We will have lunch after service and then begin our meeting. If you have been nominated for an office or board, it’s especially helpful for you to be present. See you there!
Dances of Universal Peace March 18, 3:30 pm, Community Room.  Led by Carla Gilbert.
Time to order Easter lilies! You can do that online or using the slip in the bulletin — $15 each. We’ll pick them up and arrange them, you can take them home after the season.
Bridge Club starting! We are starting a social (not cut-throat) bridge club Friday or Saturday afternoon, as suits the group. Please call Doug Hindman at 582-5806 if you’re interested.
Post Pictures for The Lent Photo-a-day Project! One theme per day, and you can post them and share using hashtag “#UCLent2018”. Use the same code in facebook’s search box to view these visual prayers.
Berea United Methodist Church invites everyone to their Lenten Lunch series, Wednesdays at noon a their Parish House on Fee St. Lunch & a speaker, no charge. Schedule on the back bulletin board.
Official Record Book Still Missing :(. Have you seen the sign-in book we use to record new members’ joining dates and attendance at meetings? Did you look in your car? What about at home? It’s been missing since November and maybe some-one accidentally took it home or tucked it somewhere for safe keeping? It’s black padded leather, about 8 1/2 x 11. Help!
Please Sign up to Read Scripture or to Help Greet and Usher!  Please use our electronic sign up system, http://signup.com/go/xkdVtB, where you can pick a date that works for you and get reminders!  OR you can also call the office and we’ll get you on the lists.
Berea Leadership Experience for Youth, July 16-20. Berea Leadership Experience will hold its camp for kids to learn skills of conflict resolution, media literacy, mindfulness, and appreciation of nature the week of July 16th -20th, 9 am – 2 pm for kids in incoming grades 2-8. We are also seeking sponsors for scholarships and other financial donations to make this camp possible for as many people as possible. Sponsorships are $60 to cover one student. Checks can be made or online donations can be designated to Union Church, memo line “Berea Leadership Experience.” Thank you!
Prayer in Action:

Help Abolish The Death Penalty!

There are countless arguments for and against the death penalty. In an imperfect world where we can never be sure we have ever got the “worst of the worst” is it ever justified to take a life?
We must challenge the notion of “an eye for an eye” and here are some reasons why.

• Social scientists have been unable to prove any deterrent value in the death penalty.
• Further, studies have shown consistently that it is more costly for a state to condemn a criminal to death, due to the constitutional safeguards that must be observed, than it is to imprison that criminal for the entirety of his or her life, without parole until their natural death.

Additionally, some police science professors have begun to argue that the implementation of a capital sentence may, in fact, result in a corresponding rise in the murder rate. The example of the state taking a life, no matter how carefully, apparently desensitizes people to the value of life, and implies that killing another human being is an appropriate solution to a problem. Murder rates tend to rise in the immediate aftermath of an execution.
Even families and friends of victims are of different views on the value of the death penalty and whether it contributes to healing their hurt and loss, and its consequences for the social order and peace.
In summary, the following points have been made by social scientists, legal experts, and social ethicists regarding capital punishment:

• that capital punishment has been proven to be unfairly administered to the poor, the uneducated, those who cannot afford private legal counsel, and on the basis of the race of both the criminal and the victim;
• that the American Bar Association has called for a moratorium on the administration of capital punishment until such inequities can be removed, • that there is no proven deterrent value to the death penalty;
• that the death penalty is more costly, financially, to the state than incarcerating the prisoner for life; that capital punishment is an irremediable punishment;
• and that there may be a concomitant rise in the murder rates of a state in which the death penalty is administered.

Therefore, by these measures alone, capital punishment, as it is currently applied, is not just and equitable, and therefore does not enhance the upbuilding of a just and caring society.
(Excerpt taken from KCC’s Death Penalty Policy Statement)
What you can do:

• Please take action and ask your State Representative to Pray! For God’s guidance to live together in ways pleasing to God and caring for our responsibilities as a state and as civil communities.
• Call the Legislative Message Line 800-372-7151 and leave a message for “all house leadership” to support House Bill 155which calls for the abolition of the death penalty. The bill has members of both parties supporting it, but we need to get at least 11 of the 20 members on the Committee to vote YES to move House Bill 155 to the House floor for a debate and vote on the issue.