A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
First Sunday of Lent 10:30 am
Meditation
No matter how far we wander,
no matter how lost we feel,
God’s grace is full to the brim.
It overflows in desert places.
It finds us where we are and
it covers us in mercy.
— Rev. Sarah Speed
From There to Here: We Gather
Gathering Music
Welcome
Pastoral Call to Confession and Release
Singing Together We Are Listening, Lord
This time is Yours. We are Yours. We are listening, Lord. You are here. We are here. We are listening, Lord. You are love – You will speak. You are wise; We are weak. Lord, Your will is our will. We are listening, Lord.
Prayer for Illumination Ruth McLain Smith and Alice White, Readers
One: God of the wilderness places in our lives, it can be hard to hear you in the desert. It can be hard to hear you in the city, in the midst of our calendar reminders, rush-hour traffic, and notification alerts.
One: It can be hard to hear you, so we ask: make everything quiet. Pause the chaos. Still the rushing. Ease our racing thoughts. Give us ears to hear your Word for us today which promises that even in the desert you are full to the brim. We are listening. We ache for your good news. Gratefully we pray, amen.
Singing Together We Are Listening,, Lord
Passing the Peace
Building the Community: News that Connects Us
Lighting the Justice Candle
Today we light the Justice Candle to honor Dr. Paul Farmer, co-founder and chief strategist of Partners In Health (PIH). Dr. Farmer and his colleagues at PIH pioneered novel, community based treatment strategies to deliver high-quality health care in resource-poor settings. He also wrote extensively on health, human rights, and the consequences of social inequality. Dr. Farmer passed away unexpectedly in Rwanda on February 21, 2022.
Hymn #292 Breath on Me, Breath of God Trentham
1. Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that as you love, so I may love, and do what you would do.
2. Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure, until my will is one with yours to do and to endure.
3. Breathe on me, breath of God, fulfill my heart’s desire, until this earthly part of me glows with your heavenly fire.
4. Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I never die, but live with you the perfect life of your eternity.
Reprinted with permission using OneLicense #A-723786
The Living Word Among Us
Hebrew Scripture Lesson Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Alice White, Reader
When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, ‘Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.’ When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall make this response before the Lord your God: ‘A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.’ You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.
Children’s Moment Please join in singing as we bless children everywhere:
May God’s blessing 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.
Sung Psalm Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 p. 681
The psalms were originally musical compositions. During Lent we will pray the psalms in musical form with congregational responses. You are welcome to sing the response when invited.
My Refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to God, “My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Because you have made God your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. R
For God will command God’s angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. Those who love me, will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. R
Gospel Lesson Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Sermon Full to the Brim: Even in the Desert Rev. Kent Gilbert
Kyrie Ukranian Orthodox Monondy of the XVth Century
From Here in the Sand Rev.Sarah (Are) Speed
You’ve been here before. I squeeze that truth like an orange in my hands, willing some form of comfort to run out, roll down my wrists, calm these aching nerves.
You’ve been here before— in the wilderness, in the desert, in the place where nothing is what it seems and everything is sharp.
You’ve been here before so surely you know how hard it is to hold tight to what is real in the middle of a storm.
But because you’ve been here before,
I will stand tall.
I will sing songs of the river, from here in the sand.
I will sing songs of the river, into the wind.
Responding to God’s Love in Communion
Invitation to Communion
Jesus has always been one to invite.
He said, “Drop your nets and follow me.”
He said, “Let the little children come.”
He said, “Stand up from your mat, you are healed.”
Jesus has always been one to invite, and that has not changed.
So friends, you are invited to this Table. Each and every one of us—with our doubts,
our fears, our scars, our joy, our dreams, our hopes, our questions—we are invited to
God’s table.
And here we will be met. Here we will be fed. Here we are given a taste of an expansive
life that is full to the brim with love, overflowing with joy.
So come.
Not because you must, but because you can.
Come. You are invited. This Table is for you.
Call to Prayer and Offering
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.
Communion Prayer
Sanctus
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God most Mighty Heaven and Earth are full of your Glory. Full to the brim, your blessings over flow: Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in your name, Lord Blessed is the one bearing messages of peace. We join with all creation, singing praise forever: Hosanna in the Highest.
Words of Institution
Offering Music Ukranian National Anthem Union Church Orchestra
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union 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 portion of our contributions flows out to aid those in need via many external agencies.
Many friends give online, and you can use your smart phone or computer and go to www.easytithe.com/union. You don’t have to register to make a contribution, but if you do, it can make future generosity that much easier.
You can even give by text! Text to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering”)
You can also use US mail! Mail to: 200 Prospect St., Berea, KY 40403
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Community Prayer Ruth McLain Smith Reader
God who knows us, we are amazed by you. Your love never runs out, your hope never runs dry, your joy never gives up. We wish that we could be more like you in that way.
In a world that loves scarcity, your abundance is shocking.
In a world that knows fear, your joy is compelling.
In a world that knows anxiety, your peace is captivating.
We long for these things.
So today we ask you—be with us on the hamster wheel.
Be with us when compassion fatigue rears her head.
Be with us when stress makes it hard to breathe.
Be with us when self-doubt pushes in close.
Be with us when exhaustion becomes constant or when loneliness becomes our
primary language.
Be with us, and show us the way to the life you long for us.
Show us a life of expansive faith.
Show us a life of overflowing joy.
Show us a life of absorbing beauty.
Show us a life of engrossing purpose.
Show us a life that is as honest, and rich, and meaningful as the one Jesus led.
And until that expansive and holy day, we will continue to gather at this Table.
Until that day we will continue to look for you in our midst.
So pour out a double portion of yourself onto this bread and cup so that we might
catch a glimpse of your goodness.
God, we are amazed by you. Your love never runs out, so bring that never-ending love here.
Together 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 # 205 Forty Days and Forty Nights Heinlein
1. Forty days and forty nights you were fasting in the wild; forty days and forty nights tempted, and yet undefiled.
2. Shall not we your sorrow share and from worldly joys abstain, fasting with unceasing prayer, strong with you to suffer pain?
3. Then if Satan on us press, flesh or spirit to assail, victor in the wilderness, grant we may not faint nor fail!
4. So shall we have peace divine: holier gladness ours shall be; round us, too, shall angels shine, such as served you faithfully.
5. Keep, O keep us, Savior dear, ever constant by your side; that with you we may appear at the eternal Eastertide.
Reprinted with permission using OneLicense #A-723786
Benediction
Artist’s Statement: Temptations by Hannah Garrity Inspired by Luke 4:1-13
Paper lace “Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’
When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.”
(Luke 4:12-13, NRSV)
In this image, concentric circles depicting the temptations that Jesus meets in the wilderness radiate outward. A crown and swords echo the power of kings that the devil offers to Jesus. Steeples point outward between the swords.
“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Jesus quotes scripture in verse 12 of this Luke passage. And yet, the devil continues to test. Nails in the center foreshadow Jesus’ death on the cross.
“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” I depicted this story within the structure of a stained glass window. Where in our religious structures do we find temptation winning the day? Where do our selfish actions fall on this temptation continuum? May we see the abundance before us, dispelling the desire for more.
—Hannah Garrity
Words for this service were Adapted from a prayers and poetry by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Used by Permission.
Come to Virtual Coffee Hour!! Zoom link — Join https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387600761
OUR FELLOWSHIP PRINCIPLES:
“Union Church welcomes all followers of Christ and works with all who work with Him; respecting each person’s conscience; working by love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.”
Save the Date! Annual Meeting March 20, 3 pm
¨ 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 Ireland; United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; and our brothers and sisters at Emmanuel Baptist Church in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
¨ Prayers for all the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty, and especially those in the city of Nikolaev where the family of former Berea International student daughter of Kevin and Carla, Yulia live. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason and respect for their own people’s lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ All those feeling the oppression of depression and isolation. May God strengthen us all and build bridges to grace.
¨ All those seeking a new and just society and those fearful that they will be supplanted, may God open their hearts and include them in grace.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Alva Peloquin, Loyal Jones, Lois Morgan, Jan Hamilton, Laura Robie, Tom & Dorie Hubbard, Betty Wray, Sally Zimmerman
¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound and those who care for them.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon.
¨ Those affected by the Covid-19 virus, their families and friends living with fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, may God bring peace to all who love them; and our wider community as we cope with the new realities of living, including the now over 14,000 Kentucky residents, and 250 Madison County residents, who have died to date from Covid-19.
“Sharona Nelson, facing a long recovery after surgery to repair a broken shoulder.
¨ Raymond Binkley, Betty Wray’s brother, aged 94, and in ill health.
¨ Tom Hubbard now being cared for by hospice at Kenwood in Richmond.
¨ The family of George Hardman, Joan English’s dad, who passed away March 3; cared for by the angels at the Compassionate Care Center.
¨ Important dates—if we haven’t got yours, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
Birthdays: March 7 – Tom Frazier, 8 – Betsy Hoefer, 11 – Terry Scherf, 12 – David Shroyer
Anniversaries : March 10 – Karl & Triss Holland, Reid & Mandy Connelly; 13 – Renee Wellinghurst
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