Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the

Church of Christ, Union

Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost

November 13, 2016

10:30 am

Meditation
We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves.”
― David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

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 “t.”
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  Prelude in G Major, BWV 541 J.S. Bach
* Call to Worship
One:    O sing to our God a new song, for God is faithful and greatly to be praised!
All:     Shout for joy to the Almighty, all the earth.  Let us rejoice in God’s care.
One:      Over the course of our lives, we can have many places we call home.
All: We are grateful for the home we find in schools, and the people who populate those schools.  We are grateful for the home we find in churches, and the congregations, and ways of doing and being, that give them life.
One: So we thank You, O God, for what is old and what is new.  Everything we have and everything we are comes from Your hand.
All: We thank You for our experiences of home and reunion, and the opportunities we have to be in familiar settings.  We thank You for remembering us.  We stand in Your mercy this morning; Your salvation makes all things possible.
Those who traveled to Berea: Be present with us, O God.
Those who live in Berea: Receive our praise, High Holy One.
All: Let the seas resound and everything in them, the world and all who live in it.  Let the rivers clap their hands, let the hills of Kentucky sing together for joy.
*  Opening Hymn #403 My Hope Is Built on Nothing  Less Solid Rock
*  Prayer of Approach and Confession
*  Words of Assurance
*  Passing the Peace of Jesus 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 Word in our Midst

Anthem The Road Home Stephen Paulus
Berea College Homecoming Choir, Courtney Flege, soprano, Stephen Bolster, conductor
Tell me where is the road I can call my own, That I left, that I lost so long ago. All these years I have wandered, oh when will I know There’s a way, there’s a road that will lead me home?
After wind, after rain when the day is done, As I wake from a dream in the gold of day, Through the air there’s a calling from far away. There’s a voice I can hear that will lead me home.
Rise up, follow me, come away is the call, With love in your heart as the only song; There is no such beauty as where you belong, Rise up, follow me, I will lead you home.
Hebrew Scripture Lesson Isaiah 65:17-25
Children’s Moment 
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, or are welcome return to their seats or visit the Children’s Worship Center, where there are toys, books, and drawing materials for children (or parents) who would like help staying present in the service. For children preschool age & under, care is available in the Nursery, downstairs off the Community Room.
Gospel Lesson  Luke 18:1-8
Sermon   “Have You Sent your Knee-Mail Today?” Andrew Baskin
Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind, they took the time and prayed for me.
I’m so glad they prayed , I’m so glad they prayed , I’m so glad they prayed for me.
My mother prayed for me, had me on her mind,
She took the time and prayed for me…..
The preacher prayed for me had me on his mind,
He took the time and prayed for me…

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  In Thee Is Gladness arr. D. Wood
* Doxology We give thee but thine own, what e’re the gift may be, Schumann
        All that we have is thine alone, a trust, O God, from thee!

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 Prayers and Prayers for 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.

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 #85 I Woke Up this Morning Woke up this Morning
*  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.
*  Benediction & Sending Forth
*  Benediction Response Irish Blessing Bob Chilcott
Berea College Homecoming Choir Stephen Bolster, conductor
May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you ever in the palm of his hand.
Postlude (please  be  seated) Suite Gothique, Mov. IV, Toccata L. Boellman
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 The Indian Ocean islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives and our brothers and sisters at Dreyfus Church of Christ in your hearts, and pray for them.
Please also hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week:
¨ The healing of families, communities, and our nation and world, wracked by violence and murder, may we be agents of transformation.
¨ Refugees around the world.
¨ In honor of Veterans Day, in remembrance of those who served their country with honor and especially those who gave their life in its service.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound:  Edith Hansen, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin, Gloria VanWinkle.
¨ Prayers of solidarity and support for those made most vulnerable by the recent elections. May the people who follow Jesus follow him to the stranger, the outcast, the foreigner, and the destitute.
¨ Ruth Butwell, who will have heart surgery this week.
¨ Those suffering health difficulties this week. May God heal body and spirit.
¨ Elizabeth Barrett, suffering seizures.
¨ Dottie Blackburn, suffering from severe sciatica.
¨ Blake & Rachel Cathron, with a very sick baby.
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.
Join the church today! 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! New members are received every second Sunday of a month. YOU are welcome here!
Welcome to Berea College alumni, friends & families!  It’s always a joy to share worship together!
Today, 5 pm: Journey for Justice: Reconciliation, Solidarity and the Legacy of Sandra Bland. A conversation with Rev. Hannah Bonner, featuring the UK Black Voices Choir. Tonight, 5-7 pm at  Central Baptist Church, Lexington, 10 Wilson Downing Rd.
Tomorrow: Open Forum on the illegal dumping of radioactive material in the Estill County Blue Ridge Landfill last year. Estill County High School in Irvine, 7:00 pm. All are welcome.  Representatives of the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet & the Cabinet for Health & Family Services will be present.
Bloodmobile Tuesday, Nov. 15,  11-5, Community Room!.
Medicare and Healthcare.gov Information Sessions, Nov 16: Karen Hoskins, a certified insurance specialist, will host a Medicare information session at 4pm in the office classroom. Open enrollments for drug coverage, supplemental plans, etc. are confusing, and this session will help you decipher the options. A special session for those using HealthCare.gov will be held at 6:30pm, reviewing options in this open enrollment time, and helping you find the best plan now that Kynect has been eliminated by the governor. Absolutely NO obligation, this is strictly an information opportunity.
LBGTQIA Safe Space gathering for sharing and support. Wednesday Nov. 16, 7:00 pm, Wayside Room. This is not a religious group, but a general support group. The group meets every 1st and 3rd Weds.
Thursday Lunch Bunch, noon, Nov 17: Please Join Us! Cooking for one? Have a great recipe to share or a tip for others doing the same? We’re starting a Lunch Bunch to provide fellowship and cooking tips for the small and single person household! This Thursday, chef Shirley Carlberg will cook two recipes. You get the free food and the recipes to take home (bring some empty food containers for left overs, too!) Bible Study will be held at 1:00 pm. This is not just for church members. All comers, all ages, all are welcome. We’ll need to know you are coming by 5pm, Tuesday Nov 15.  If interested, please RSVP to Union Church 986-3725!
Next week: Alternative Giving Christmas Market November 20 – 12-2. Once again we will host the Alternative Giving Christmas Market after church Sunday, including a soup and bread fundraiser lunch for BFCO (BURR, Food Bank, etc).  Come and get your choice of several homemade soups and take time to shop for the perfect gift for your family and friends.
The perfect gift is often the one that reflects our hopes and dreams for our community and world and with many community-wide nonprofit organ-izations, there is something for everyone.   If you want to include a display for nonprofit that you are supporting, you can contact Gina Chamberlain at jakeberea@ yahoo.com or Jessica Holly at jessicadholly@hotmail.com
Volunteers to assist in providing the soup, bread and cookies/treats are needed along with assist in serving and clean-up.  If you are able to assist in any of these tasks, please contact Gina Chamberlain jakebera@yahoo.com.
Madison Singers Concert November 20, 3:00 pm Shaker Songs and Other American Hymn Treasures. Enjoy the wonderful sounds of early American hymns, Shaker songs, folk hymns, and modern hymn arrangements Sunday, November 20, 3:00 p.m., at First Christian Church on Main Street in Richmond. This concert is guaranteed to begin your Thanksgiving week in a positive way. Tickets are $10.
Dr. Stephen Bolster directs, Gabe Evan accompanies.
Thanksgiving Service Opportunity. Each year the Berea Ministerial Association works with a group in Richmond to bring Thanksgiving meals to people in our community who otherwise wouldn’t have one.
Arrive at First Christian Church’s parking lot (206 Chestnut St) at 10am on Thanksgiving Day.  Bring a cooler if you have one, so that the meals can stay hot.  They’ll give you a few names and addresses (and maps!) of people to deliver to, and then you deliver the meals with love and a smile. Most folks are finished delivering by noon.
Would You Like to Receive a Thanksgiving Meal? Home Meals Delivery is partnering with the Fire Department to ensure that everyone who needs a Thanksgiving meal in Berea gets one. To request a meal, call Diana Ackerman, 859-661-5101, the week before Thanksgiving and give your name, number of people, and address.  Happy Thanksgiving!
Hanging of the Greens November 27, 2:00 pm. Hot cocoa, singing, decorating….many hands make light work! Thee are tasks to be done inside and out, for every ability. Come on and let’s beautify on the first Sunday of Advent!
In the Pross Gallery: An exhibition to honor the Wylie sisters:  Sally Wiley, Ruth Eschbach, and Martha Pride.  The exhibition will be up for the first three weeks of November, all art/artifacts are for sale and all proceeds will go to Missions.
Youth Group Fundraiser this fall in partnership with Equal Exchange, a fair trade chocolate and coffee company. Our Community Life & Growth Board purchases the coffee used for church coffee hours, WNL and other events from Equal Exchange.
The money we raise will be used for getting youth to camp next summer at “Passport Choices” in North Carolina.   Thank you all for your support!