A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Pentecost Sunday 10:30 am
Meditation
And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit. ~Romans 8
From There to Here: We Gather
Prelude
Welcome
¨ Call To Worship Pamela Chabora, Reader
One: May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works– who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke.
All: I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being! May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord!
One: Bless the Lord, O my soul.
All: Praise the Lord! Come, Holy Spirit!
¨ Hymn #286 Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness SPIRIT
Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.
1 You moved on the waters, you called to the deep, then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep; and over the eons you called to each thing: “Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.”
2 You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand, and you goaded your people with a law and a land; when they were confounded by their idols and lies, then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.
3 You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill, then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still; and down in the city you called once again, when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.
4 You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams; our women see visions, our men clear their eyes. With bold new decisions your people arise.
¨ 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
Anthem Spirit, Come Down Mark Hayes
Spirit, come down like the days of old. Spirit, come down and fill my soul. Lord, I want to be used by You, to feel Your power in all I do. Now on the day of Pentecost the disciples of the Lord were in one place when suddenly from heaven on high came the sound of a mighty wind.
That mighty wind then filled the place, and the Spirit appeared like tongues of fire, it took control of everyone, filing them with power. Lord, I want to be used by You, to feel Your power in all I do.
Spirit, come down and fill my soul. There were people there from every land yet they heard God’s word in their native tongue, for the Spirit had helped them understand the mighty word of the Lord.
Scripture Reading Romans 8 :22-27
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Childrens 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 Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs–in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”
All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Sermon Wind, Water, and Flame Rev. Kent Gilbert
Invitation
Living Prayer
Offertory Gloria from “Mass in Time of War” Haydn, trans Liebergen
Glory to God forever, sing praise. Let all people live in peace today, let all know God’s blessings, let all know God’s blessings. We praise you, Lord. And we bless you, Oh Lord. We adore you, Lord. We give you glory, Lord.
Thanks be to you in the highest, we behold your glory, Lord, we behold your glory, forever. Lord, God we praise you, King of heaven, God and Father almighty Lord, God and Father, almighty Lord.
Only begotten Son of God above, Jesus, hear us. Lord, God in heaven, Lamb, most holy, Son of the Father.
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union
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Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
¨ 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.
Offering of Selves in Affirmation and Baptism
The rite of Baptism was adopted by Jesus himself as spiritual preparation for service to God. It symbolizes the cleansing of sin and a new beginning life with Christ. It is a testament and public witness of one’s commitment to follow the way of Jesus in service and in faith. Union Church recognizes all forms of baptism (Infant and Adult; sprinkling, pouring, and immersion) and affirms that God’s care is present to all who seek the Lord’s presence in this act. Persons seeking to be baptized make their promises as servants know to the church and the church in turn promises to be companions on their faith journey, to uphold them in Christian love, and to seek together the Kingdom and Kin-dom of God.
For Baptism: Those seeking to be baptized this morning are also welcome to come forward, and following the pastor’s guidance make a declaration of faith. They may then either be baptized here with water on the head, or may be fully immersed after service in Brushy Fork, where Union Church has baptized members for over 170 years.
For Affirmation of Vows: While Baptism is required of the Christian only once, many find it meaningful to renew their vows and reaffirm the dedication of their lives. All who wish to do so today are invited to come forward when invited and after our mutual promises will be anointed and blessed.
For Those Wishing to Unite With the Church in Membership: Union Church receives all followers of Christ and works with all who work with him! Those who are seeking companions on their faith road as well as a place where they may explore their spirituality, deepen their service, and contribute to God’s vision of the Beloved community, are welcome to come forward when invited. Members are asked if they will abide by our fellowship principles that welcome all, and use their time, talent and treasure, to support our mutual service as a church.
The congregation then promises to be such a family of support for those baptized, those reaffirming, and those joining, as Holy Spirit guides and graces us in loving embrace.
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.
Invitation to Partnership and Purpose
Today presents an opportunity to covenant together! All who would like to are welcome to join the church family – you will be received in joy.
Introductions
Questions for those Uniting In Membership
Questions for those Re-affirming and Being Baptized
Baptismal Prayer and Consecration
Act of Affirmations
Act of Baptism
¨ Congregational Blessings and Covenant of Welcome
And we, the members and faithful friends of this church, renewing our own covenant to God rejoice to welcome you to our care and celebrate God’s presence in your life. With you we promise to be a community seeking to boldly embody the life and ministry of Christ and to make the love of Jesus, the blessings of the holy spirit, visible and tangible to all.
We promise to watch over you in love, and pray that you, and we, may be true witnesses for Christ, a light in the world, and that we continue to increase in usefulness and joy in Christ’s service.
¨ Sung Response Amen, Amen!
From Here to There: Community Connections
Celebration of Graduates
Sam Franklin
Cavan Kobersmith
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
Rev. Heather Taylor, J.D., is Managing Director of Bread for the World, a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision makers to do all they can to pursue a world without hunger. Bread’s mission is to educate and equip people to advocate for policies and programs that can help end hunger in the U.S. and around the world.
Taylor oversees Bread’s public policy and program divisions in developing advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and communications strategies to inspire faith communities, policymakers, and partners to engage in Bread’s mission to end hunger.
She previously led organizations to increase access to legal and social services, as well as protect the rights and dignity of historically marginalized populations; secure the economic rights of women in Sub-Saharan Africa as a fellow at International Justice Mission, a Christian nonprofit seeking to protect people in poverty from violence by transforming justice systems; and twice served on U.S. delegations headed by the UN Commission on the Status of Women to promote women’s political participation in emerging democratic societies.
¨ Benediction
¨ Benediction Response #267 Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us Ebenezer
1 Come, O Spirit, dwell among us,come with Pentecostal power; give the church a stronger vision, help us face each crucial hour. Built upon a firm foundation, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone, still the church is called to mission that God’s love shall be made known.
2 We would raise our alleluias for the grace of former years; for tomorrow’s unknown pathway, hear, O God, our humble prayers. In the church’s pilgrim journey you have led us all the way, still in presence move before us, fire by night and cloud by day.
3 Come, O Spirit, dwell among us, give us words of fire and flame. Help our struggling voices praise you, glorify your holy name. Good Creator, Savior, Spirit, Three in One: what mystery! We would sing our loud hosannas now and through eternity.
Please remain in the Sanctuary, but move to fill the front rows for our annual Pentecost church family photo. Visitors and friends are ALL welcome!
A reception follows the service in the Community Room.
Baptisms at Brushy Fork will take place at 1 pm at 298 Harrison Rd. Parking is available at Pastor Kent’s house or at the Berea Dog Park. Please join us at the wooden bridge over the Creek.
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 the Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles; and our brothers and sisters at First Church of the Nazarene 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: Jan Hamilton, Betsy Hoefer, Dorie Hubbard, Lois Morgan, Sara Parker, Cheryl 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.
¨ Barb Taylor, recovering well at home from a stroke.
¨ NoraRuth Jenkins, recovering from two recent surgeries.
¨ David, a friend of Claudia Munson-Schrumpf, struggling with a rare autoimmune condition.
¨ Debby Gray, recovering from emergency surgery. MealTrain: mealtrain.com/trains/k0yrvr
¨ The Oliver/Robinson family at the death of Brandy Oliver Brown, at home, surrounded by family, after a 10-year cancer battle.
¨ For all those caring for others in their illnesses and needs: may God give them both strength and encouragement in this work of costly love.
¨ Congratulations to Brice and Meaghan Spencer-Catlett (daughter of Maureen and Bruce Spencer) at the birth of their baby Frances “Franny” Nora Catlett on May 5, 8 lbs even 21 inches long.
¨ Erikke Meadows’ mom, Prudy Meadows, who has COPD and is a possible lung begun cancer diagnosis.
¨ Lance, grandson of John and Peggy Coyne recently hospitalized with severe pneumonia from COVID
¨ Rev. David Jones and all the family, at the death of his mother, Norma Jones, of dementia and COPD, on May 15.
¨ Mim and Margie Pride, and all the family, at the passing of Sally Zimmerman, on May 15.
¨ The Guild family as Will continues his struggle with brain cancer and stroke. Rev. Kent will travel to support them this coming week.
¨ The Doring-Zook family. Susan’s uncle Don, has had a heart attack and complications. The family has had several hard losses recently.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Baptized today!!
Erikke Meadows
Maranda Weckman
Birthdays: Today, May 19 – Carla Baumann, Courtney Parrish; 20 – Lisa Vaughn; 21 – John Wernegreen; 22 – Gerrie Blanchard, Ann Rhodes; 23 – Martina Jackson; 25 – Al White; 26 – Carter Brownrobie
Anniversaries: May 21 – Dan Kotlow & Sharona Nelson; 22 – Paul & Patti Smithson
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected
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