A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost November 18, 2012
Meditation
“The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” —H. U. Westermayer
Gathering to Worship
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude Sarabande (from Suite pour le piano) Claude Debussy Liza DiSavino, guest pianist
* Call to Worship
One: Come, let us give thanks to God.
All: We gather together to praise the One who strengthens the weak and hears the prayers of the forgotten.
One: Come, let us give thanks to the Christ.
All: We gather together to sing of the One who calls us to serve those who are empty, who hunger, who are alone at this time of year.
One: Come, let us give thanks to the Spirit.
All: We gather together to exalt the One who prompts us to love, not only our family and friends, but the guest among us.
* Opening Hymn Now Thank We All Our God (opposite) Nun Danket
* Prayer of Approach and Confession
One: Before God, with the people of God, I confess to my brokenness: to the ways I wound my life, the lives of others, and the life of the world.
All: May God forgive you, Christ renew you, and the spirit enable you to grow in love.
One: Amen.
All: Before God, with the people of God, we confess to our brokenness: to the ways we wound our lives, the lives of others, and the life of the world.
One: May God forgive you, Christ renew you, and the spirit enable you to grow in love.
All: Amen.
* Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on this day. Please turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace.
Hearing the word
Anthem How Excellent is Your Name Robert Wetzler Union Church Choir
O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, The moon and stars you set in their places, What are we, that you are mindful of us? And crown us with glory and honor. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name! (Psalm 8:1, 3-5, 9)Hebrew Scripture Lesson 1 Samuel 1:4-20
Hannah prays to the Lord, and her son Samuel is born.
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.
After Children’s moment our youngest members may return to their seats, go to the nursery in Knapp Hall Room 102 (Nursery is in the back left corner when entering the front of Knapp—ushers will be glad to direct you), or participate in Children’s Church at Knapp Hall.Gospel Lesson Mark 13:1-8
Jesus seems to echo the prophetic and apocalyptic literature which sees the “present age” as a time of suffering.
Sermon “Born of Despair” Rev. Kent Gilbert
Prayers of the People
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 Kiyosato, Japan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.Silent Prayers & Prayers of the Community
Our Lord’s Prayer
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.
Offering Our Gifts
Offertory O God, Accept My Heart This Day (Song 67) Gibbons/Willan
* Doxology Avery/Marsh
* Prayer of Thanksgiving
Walking Forward in Faith
* Closing Hymn Now Is the Time Approaching Webb
* Benediction and Sending Forth
Postlude Now Thank We All Our God (Nun Danket) J.S. Bach
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* Those who wish to may stand
Especially in our Prayers
¨ Those in harm’s way in the service of our country
¨ Greg Bolster, brother of Steve, who is suffering painful abdominal complications related to his long-term cancer treatments.
¨ David Spearen, brother of Sandy Bolster, recovering from partial amputation of a leg due to severe diabetes.
¨ Abi Dietz, Berea College senior and friend of Willie Dodson and many others, who was badly injured in a car accident.
¨ Edith Hansen, at The Terrace nursing home
¨ Shirley Dean, on hospice care for lung cancer
¨ Iris Brandenburg’s mother, Leuella Cawood, ill at home in Bristol, TN
¨ Robin Perjon, childhood friend of Joan English, whose husband, Thomas Mack, has died
¨ Ruth Wesley, very ill at home. Cards welcome, to 215 Peachbloom Hill
¨ Hamdy Kemp’s address has changed to 3217 Mist Lake Court, Lexington, KY 40515, and cards are very welcome.
¨ Jean Huffman, at Morning Pointe
¨ Larry Shinn, recovering from a fall
¨ Alvera Perman, at the death of her mother
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