Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Reign of Christ Sunday November 25, 2018
10:30 am
Meditation
“‘Dominion’ has been taken by some to mean total mastery and control, but Jesus spoke of and demonstrated God’s ‘kingdom’ as something quiet and internal–a fellowship of belonging. How can your life demonstrate your inner view of what it means to truly belong to the domain of God?” —Debbonaire Kovacs
From there to Here: We Gather
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 At the Name of Jesus (King’s Weston) David N. Johnson
The Call from To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue
One: May you listen to your longing to be free. May the frames of your belonging be generous enough for your dreams.
One: May you arise each day with a voice of blessing whispering in your heart. May you find a harmony between your soul and your life.
One: May the sanctuary of your soul never become haunted. May you know the eternal longing that lives at the heart of time.
One: May there be kindness in your gaze when you look within. May you never place walls between the light and yourself.
One: May you allow the wild beauty of the invisible world to gather you,
One: mind you,
Both: and embrace you in belonging.
One: Today as we gather on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, we reflect that too often we have walked without blessing until it is too late. We recall too many times where we have built walls where God put none. We confess those times,
and seek the better way. Today let us embrace in belonging to a more loving path, the path that Jesus walked with and for us. Our past failings are part of us, but they do need to define us. God forgives, frees, even at the very last moment, and gives us lives for gratitude and grace.
One: Won’t you rise and sing with us our opening hymn of thanksgiving and praise.
¨ Hymn Now Thank We All Our God (opposite) Nun Danket
¨ 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 hospitality.
The Living Word among us
Musical Meditation #421 We Gather Together Kremser
Hebrew Scripture Lesson Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 (p. 1047)
The writer illuminates the rule of God.
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 parents) 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.
Gospel Lesson John 18:33-38 (p. 1310)
As Jesus stands before Pilate for questioning, he informs Pilate that his kingship and kingdom are not of this world.
Sermon Truly, Truly: True Dominion Abigale Embry
Living Prayer
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.
Musical Meditation Choral Dorien Jehan Alain
Prayer in Action and Reflections
You are invited to reflect and pray, either in your pew or at one of the 4 stations. Some suggested prayer direction is printed and at the tables you visit. You are also free to choose to rest in private prayer, remaining with our own thoughts and in your pew.
What or who has “dominion” in your life? Do you have “dominion” over anything? If it does, how does dominion bring you closer to the “kin-dom” reflected in Christ’s life. If it doesn’t bring you closer, what will you do about that?
Have you ever felt isolated and left out? What helps you to feel a sense of belonging? How can you help foster a sense of belonging in others?
Bulletin cover art: “The icon does not make clear which side of the fence Christ is on. Is he imprisoned or are we? Through our cultural institutions and personal lives we all place barriers between ourselves and true happiness. We and our institutions also try to imprison Christ in various ways, to tame him and the dangerous memories he would bring us of our goals and ideals.” —Br. Robert Lentz, OFM, September 11, 2002
Our Offering
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.
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)
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
When invited, please join in singing “God Our Author and Creator,” page 530, Black Hymnal:
God our Author and Creator, in whose life we find our own, make our daily witness greater by our lives make your love known. Help us show how love embraces those whom fear and greed downtrod; in all yearning hearts and faces let us see a child of God.
Silent Prayers and Prayers of the Community
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
¨ Hymn #436 Black God of Grace and God of Glory CWM Rhondda
¨ The Sending and Blessing
One: And now may the peace and power of the risen Christ rest, rule and abide with you now and always!
All: Amen!
Postlude (please be seated) Now Thank We All Our God Sigrid Karg-Elert
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 East Timor (Timor Leste), Indonesia and the Philippines and our brothers and sisters at Ransom 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.
¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound: Ruth Butwell, Edith Hansen, Nancy Hindman, Loyal Jones, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin.
¨ Emily Spires, daughter of Randy Stone, continuing her treatment for breast cancer.
¨ John McWilliams in recent health concerns.
¨ Amy Williams and all the family, at the sudden death of her cousin, Patrick Melugin, of a heart attack while working in Afghanistan.
¨ Our Chancel Choir , in New York City until Tuesday.
¨ Ruth Butwell, with health complications at The Terrace nursing home.
¨ Mary Lou Wiese’s brother, with serious health concerns.
¨ Javier Clavere, who will have spinal surgery on December 11.
¨ Chrissy Cataldo and family, at the death of her father.
¨ For the victims of the fires in California, that we may be ready and able to respond with all needed aid for those who have lost all.
Welcome to Abigale Embry, a long-time member of our Union Church family and soon to be graduate of Louisville Seminary! Abby is bringing the word this morning while Rev. Kent is with our vocal choir in New York City. Abby is a graduate of Berea college and made her home in Berea for many years until her move to Louisville, where she serves as a hospital chaplain. She will graduate in December with her Master of Divinity degree and will pursue ordination in the United Church of Christ.
Today! Hanging of the Greens Nov 25 at 1:30. All are welcome to participate in decorating the Sanctuary. Many hands make light work! Cookies and hot cocoa for dessert!
New York, New York! Rev. Kent, Dr. Scarambone and members of the Chancel Choir are in NYC today preparing for their concert tomorrow night at Carnegie Hall. They will be debuting a new Christmas work by Mark Hayes with members of 9 other choirs from around the country and a full orchestra.
Sheltering Berea’s Homeless. Meeting Nov. 27, 7 pm at the Friends Meeting House. Come learn about the Room in the Inn (RITI) model of sheltering homeless people during the winter months! Churches & civic organizations are especially invited. Pamela Yancey of the successful RITI program in Bullitt County will present and answer questions. Participants will consider how they can get involved as a church or group, or as individual volunteers. All welcome!
Advent Begins Next Week! Advent is the beginning of a new church year. It is a time of waiting and preparation for the joy of Christmas. The color of Advent is dark blue to symbolize the night before the dawn of Christ. During this season we hear readings from the prophets and light a candle each Sunday at the beginning of worship symbolizing one of the gifts of the coming messiah. Join us for this special season of quiet before the joy of Christmas!
Danish American Christmas Celebration Dec. 2. Festive, family friendly fun for kids of all ages. 5:30 – 7:45 pm at Acton Folk Center. Santa’s workshops, caroling, live music, storytelling, refreshments, ris a la mande, live candles, Santa Lucia. Free admission. Donations accepted. Help us celebrate 25 years of a Berea tradition!
Handbells to Play for Annual Hospice Service, Dec 2. The Union Church Handbell choir has once again been asked to bring sounds of comfort and peace to those who have lost loved ones this year. The special hospice service is open to all who have lost family or friends, and to those supporting them. At the EKU Center for the Arts, 2:00 pm.
Union Church Budget Meeting December 9, after worship and lunch. Why Come to a Budget Meeting? The budget of Union Church is the very core of our ministry. It’s often not thrilling, but it is a theological document that tells you where our values are and how we’ve decided to act those out. As the gospel of Matthew reminds us, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Please attend this meeting to help decide where our hearts will be for 2019. Copies available in the vestibule on December 2.
Alternative Giving Market Dec. 16, 11-3 at Acton Folk Center. What to get that friend or family member for the holidays? Does your sister really need another sweater? Why not give alternative gifts this year that reach toward your loved ones’ hopes and dreams for a better world? Maybe what your friends and family really want for this year is health care, food and housing for those in need – or maybe disaster relief. Come and shop for that alternative gift for your loved ones.
Volunteers make this event a success!! Can you to make chili and cookies, set up from 10-1, clean up after the event, contribute funds for advertising? (send to Union Church, designate for Alternative Christmas ads). Call Annriette Stolte if you can help with these tasks, 986-9032 or annriette@ roadrunner.com
Christmas Caroling: Sunday December 16th at 4:00 pm. Help is needed to plan the details of this event. Please contact Laura (call or text) at 859-358-0106 or joyfulsunflower @gmail.com to volunteer your fun-planning skills!
St. Clare Christmas Basket Program! Each year we partner with St. Clare to help provide food staples and children’s gifts for the holidays. We have often gotten a corporate donation of toys from Hasbro, but they are unable this year. Thus, specific toys are in definite need. In the sanctuary each week from now until December 16, you will find information about how to provide food for families of various sizes. Your items, put into a cardboard box (or boxes), along with any toys or children’s books, do not need to be delivered to St. Clare until later in December. We will however, collect toys and food baskets here if you wish, or would like help transporting your items. If you wish to make a financial contribution in lieu of shopping yourself, here are the recommended donation amounts: 1-2 person family: $70; 3-4 person family: $95; 5-6 person family: $105; 7 + person family: $115
A more comprehensive list of toys will be sent out soon, but specific toys needed now include: Legos, Lincoln Logs, KNex, building blocks, Magnetix, tractors/ trucks/ cars, dolls and doll house furniture, play kitchen and food sets, puzzles, stacking toys, headphones, basketballs and soccer balls and jump ropes.
Adopt a Gift for Liberty Place Recovery Center Residents and Their Children. Liberty Place Recovery Center for Women is one of our Union Church Mission and Service projects as we support women who are making the courageous and difficult journey to freedom from addiction. While a resident of the recovery center, women are not able to work, so providing for themselves and for their families is always a factor. This year you can help by adopting a resident or their children for a Christmas present. Provide your name and contact information in the basket on the giving table at church, or send it to Dodie Murphy, dodiemurfmsw@yahoo.com or call 859-868-9622 and you’ll be provided with the specific sizes and needs of your resident or their children. Please write legibly so we can make a blessing!
Many thanks for helping make the season brighter for those most in need!
Dancers of all abilities and skills are enthusiastically invited to help us dance in the light on Christmas Eve. Dancers begin the service with slow and lovely music as we light the worship candles for the service. If you would like to join (no experience necessary), contact Carla Gilbert (859-985-1144 or 859-358-2962) . Rehearsals will be scheduled as soon as the group is assembled.
Have a Heart For Fellowship, Communication and Welcoming New Members? We Need 3! The Community Life and Growth Board of the church helps “outsiders” become “insiders” by helping Rev. Kent welcome new members, get people acquainted with each other for ministry and spiritual support, and oversees our website, social media, and media outreach (advertisements, banners, webcasts, etc). We need three people to help fulfill this vital work with our pastor. Is one of them you? Please contact Carla Gilbert of the Nominating Board: carla_gilbert@ windstream.net or call the church office!
Want to know more about economic justice efforts in Kentucky? Grace McKenzie attend a meeting on Dec 8th with Kentuckians for the Common-wealth 10:30-4:30 in Lexington or Frankfort (location TBD) and can invite a few other folks. Please email her at grace@kftc.org if you are interested in attending.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Plan now for Lenten experience: This year there will be a pre-Lent retreat for adults (ages 18+) on March 4-6 planned by Donna Eder and Carla Gilbert. The focus will be on Solitude and Sharing in Sacred Space and it will be held at the Loretto Community guest house, located 1 ½ hours west of Berea. We will be offering oppor-tunities for contemplation and spiritual sharing, many of which can be continued afterwards to deepen your Lenten experience. The cost per day for meals and lodging is $45 for a double room and $65 for a single room. Because space is limited to 9 people (plus Donna and Carla) and a one night’s deposit is required, we ask that you sign up if interested by Nov. 30th Contact Donna Eder (859-868-1142) donnajeder@gmail.com or Carla Gilbert (859-985-1144) carla_gilbert@wind-stream.net to register or if you have any questions about the retreat.
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.
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