Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
All Saints Sunday
November 3, 2019 10:30 am
Meditation
Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: to melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; and to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; to rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude; and then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.
— Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
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 In Bright Mansions Above arr. K. Buckwalter
Union Church Handbell Ensemble; Bernardo Scarambone, piano
Celebrating Reunion and Renewal
In July we released Pastor Kent Gilbert from his service for a 4-month period of pilgrimage, rest, and reflection. In his absence we prospered under the leadership of Rev. Nate Craddock. Rev. Kent has now returned and we mark his return with prayers and thanksgiving.
Acclamation
Moderator: God is at the beginning and end of all our journeys which are ever ongoing. Here we pause to mark our journey and give thanks to God for what is past, for what we have learned, and for all that is yet to come.
All: Bound by Love, we share God’s care and challenge. Offering and receiving welcome, we become Christ to one another. Blessing our path and traveling ever on, we reach beyond ourselves to share the lives of others and touch a wider world.
Moderator: Today, this community comes together to recommit to our mutual work as we celebrate Rev. Kent’s return, and commemorate the pilgrimage of the congregation during this time.
All: We have come from journeys of our own to a place where journeys meet, cross, and part, seeking common ground amongst our different gifts, always mindful of God with us.
Moderator: Rev. Kent Gilbert, are you willing to return to us now, bringing with you the fruits of your journey, the challenges of your struggles, and the love of God which speaks inside you? Will you speak the truth in love to us, help us grow in our ministry and again minister with us as servant and leader?
Rev. Gilbert: With all my heart, and by God’s grace, I will journey with you.
All: Reverend Kent, we joyfully receive you again and welcome your guidance and leadership on our journey of faith. We pray that our work together will serve the Lord with gladness.
Exchange of Symbols and Gifts
¨ Hymn #383 Black Come, Let Us Join with Faithful Souls Azmon
¨ 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.
During the Passing of the Peace or after receiving Communion later during the service, you are invited to come by the ofrenda and light a candle in remembrance of loved ones past.
The Living Word among us
Anthem Resounding Alleluias arr. D. Linda McKechnie
Union Church Choir, Handbell Ensemble & Orchestra
All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and let us sing, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, thou silver moon with softer gleam! Oh, praise him, oh, praise him! Alleluia!
For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name O Jesus be forever blest, alleluia!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise him all creatures here below, praise him above ye Heavenly host, praise Father, son and Holy Ghost! Oh praise him! Alleluia!
Epistle Lesson Ephesians 1:11-23 (p. 1422)
The writer to the Ephesians writes eloquently of the greatness of the lordship of Christ over the church.
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 Luke 19:1-10 (p. 1264)
Jesus calls out and restores the path to right living for Zacchaeus in the town of Jericho.
Sermon The End of the Beginning Rev. Kent Gilbert
Living Prayer: Remembering Life
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
As the music begins to play, the Stephen Ministers will bring forward candles representing the light of God held in God’s creation, people, and places. Please pass these candles over and over as our remembrance continues.
Silent Prayers and Prayers of the Community
One: Remembering All Saints Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate and remember those in our lives who have gone before us. Their presence in our community has contributed to and shaped our work, our life, character and story.
One: We remember those whose faithful witness proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ in words loud and soft, in actions great and small.
All: We gather before God, and remember the saints who have told the stories of God’s people, and witnessed to their faith in times gone by.
[The Peace Bell will be rung as the names of members of the church who have died in the past year are read. In addition, we hold in our prayers the memory of each and every loss suffered by members as we commend them to God. As a name or relationship is read, whoever is holding a candle at that moment is invited to raise the candles high before passing it on.]
We remember:
Ruth Oakes Butwell
Yvonda Center
Lynn Cook
Richard Drake
Dorothy “Dot” Kindel
M. Judy Rowell
Charles Maurice Wesley
One: We remember those known in our lives who have died in this last year. Please stand momentarily if you have lost a grandmother or grandfather in this last year. Your mother or father. A spouse or partner. A child. A brother or sister. An aunt or uncle. Another close relative. A classmate, teacher or mentor. A dear friend. A member of your work or school community.
One: We hold space for our sorrow, but let us not grieve as those without hope. The Spirit intercedes for us, and Christ is Lord of the Living and of the dead. For all the saints who went before us, who have spoken to our hearts and touched us with your fire, we praise you, O Lord.
All: They will hunger no more and thirst no more, and every tear shall be wiped from their eye.
Responding to God’s Love in communion
Invitation to Communion
One: The Lord be with you!
All: And also with you!
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Communion Prayer
One: All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things.
You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind.
Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; and so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we sing with joy:
Communion Sanctus #793 Holy, Holy, Holy Please join in singing, first in Spanish, then English
Communion Prayer
One: Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise.
Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering.
Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.
We thank you that on the night before he died for us, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said:
All: “Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
One: After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said:
All: “Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
One: And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ:
All: Dying, you destroy our death. Rising, you restore our life.Christ Jesus, come in glory!
One: Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and cup that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope and love, of justice and joy.
Giver of Life, draw us together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us with all your people Into the joy of your heavenly banquet.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator In voices of unending praise.
All: Blessed are you now and forever. Amen.
One: And now, as Jesus taught us, we are bold to say:
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.
One: Holy food for a holy people: come share in the life and love of Christ Jesus!
A Chance for Generosity: Offering Baskets in the Aisles
Offering baskets are placed in the aisle, and can also be brought to your seat. 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 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!
Serving One Another
All who seek the love of God are welcome at this meal and are invited to freely receive from it. We will share the elements today by intinction, dipping the bread in the cup. When invited please come to one of the stations by exiting your pew to the left and returning by the right. If it is not convenient to come forward, the elements can be brought to your seat by signaling to the usher. All the bread is gluten-free, and the chalices are filled with non-alcoholic grape juice.
You are also invited to light a candle in memory of loved ones at the ofrenda after receiving communion.
Please sing when invited: #27 Black From All That Dwell Below the Skies
Blessing for Those Who Will Receive at Home
Members who have been designated to carry communion to those who could not be with us this morning are invited forward at this time. The elements from our meal will go with our blessing and prayers for our continued unity in the Spirit. If you would like to serve by taking communion to others, you are very welcome to do so and are invited to volunteer.
Prayer of Thanksgiving (unison)
Saint-making God, you have welcomed us at your banquet and fed us with your love. You have called us to run with patience, to be faithful through the turning seasons, and to join you in healing this world. Help us each day to be your people and to live lives of uncommon faith and love. Amen.
Liturgy of Release for Rev. Nate Craddock
Moderator: Our worshiping family is constantly changing. Loved ones come and go in our community’s life. It is important and right that we recognize these times of passage, of endings and beginnings. Today we share the time of farewell with the Reverend Nate Craddock, whose term of service as our Sabbatical Pastor has come to an end.
Rev. Nate: Today I thank the people of Union Church, its officers and boards, its staff, its people, and its friends for the love, kindness, and support shown to me and my family during these past four months. I ask for your understanding and forgiveness for mistakes I have made and for expectations I have not met. I am grateful to God that so many here have graciously accepted my leadership. With deep joy I recall the many things we have been able to accomplish in such a short time. As I leave, I carry the good memories of this extraordinary community.
People: We receive your gratitude and we offer you our forgiveness. We express our thanks for all accomplishments and for your time among us. Forgive us our shortcomings. Your influence in our lives will not leave us, even though you depart from us as our sabbatical pastor.
Rev. Nate: I forgive you and I accept your gratitude, trusting that our time together, and our parting, are pleasing to our loving God and to the Risen Christ we are called to serve.
Moderator: Do you, the members and friends of Union, now release the Reverend Nate Craddock as your Sabbatical Pastor? Do you offer your encouragement and support to him in the next step in his journey as a minister in Christ’s Church?
People: We do, with God’s help.
Moderator: Do you, Nate, release the people of Union from their pastoral relationship with you?
Rev. Nate: I do, with God’s help.
Moderator: Let us pray.
All: O God, whose everlasting love for us all is trustworthy, help each of us to trust the future which rests in your care. Bless Rev. Nate and those whom he will serve next. The time when we were together here in your name saw laughter, tears, disappointments, triumphs and many, many graces. Guide us as we hold close these cherished memories, and receive our thanks for his service among us. Help us now also to move in new directions of blessing, until you bring us back together in your feast of life. We ask all this in Christ’s name. Amen.
Presentation of Thanks and Blessings
We are so deeply grateful for the insight, spiritual guidance, and faithful service of our Sabbatical Replacement Pastor these last four months. We hope for a long and prosperous ministry for Rev. Nate in the years to come!
From Here to There
¨ Hymn #299 For All the Saints Sine Nomine
On the last verse, the congregation is invited to follow the pastor, processional cross and the lights of life to the Memorial Garden where the names of those we are remembering will be blessed by God’s creation. The sending and blessing will take place there.
- For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who to the world their steadfast faith confessed,
Your name, O Jesus, be forever blest,
Alleluia! Alleluia! - You were their rock, their refuge, and their might;
You, Christ, the hope, that put their fears to flight;
‘Mid gloom and doubt, you were their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia! - Still may your people, faithful, true and bold, Live as the saints who nobly fought of old, And share with them a glorious crown of gold. Alleluia! Alleluia!
- Ringed by this cloud of witnesses divine, We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet in your love our faithful lives entwine. Alleluia! Alleluia!
- And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and faith grows strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
In the Garden
¨ Music
¨ Blessing and Sending Forth
Sending Music Goodbye for Now, but Not Forever
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 Oceania: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (Maohi Nui), Kanaky, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and our brothers and sisters at Berea Friends Meeting, 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.
¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound.
¨ For Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon. 15,000 are now detained in the US.
¨ In thanksgiving for those students, teachers, parents, lawmakers, and citizens who are witnessing and working to end gun violence in our society. May laws that help be passed; may hearts that are broken be healed; may all who are in danger be kept safe.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound: Alva Peloquin, Edith Hansen, Joyce Henderson, Nancy Hindman, Jennie Kiteck, Mary Miller.
¨ For those who are without homes and safe places, that we may work together for solutions.
¨ Dean Jacobs, Mary Lou Wiese’s brother, recovering at home.
¨ Patty and Steve Boyce, as Steve continues healing.
¨ Toby Wilcher, recovering from surgery on her fibula and ankle, injured in a fall. She’s now in rehab, anticipating coming home next week.
¨ Rev. Rachel Small Stokes, whose installation at Immanuel UCC in Louisville will be Nov. 10, 3:00 pm.
¨ The family and many friends of Jimmy Lou Jackson, who passed away early Wednesday morning.
¨ Joanne Moore, friend of Hazel Morris, with health concerns.
Announcements
Berea College Concert Choir & Chamber Singers Fall Concert today at 3:00 pm, Gray Auditorium. The Union Church Choir will make a special guest appearance, directed by Rev. Nate!
Today: International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. The annual prayer service to pray for persecuted believers around the world will be held at River of Life Church (590 Mt. Vernon Rd.) at 6:00 pm. You are welcome to join in this interactive experience, both adults and children, as part of the body of Christ, connected to all believers. I Corinthians 12:26 If one member suffers, all suffer.
Many thanks to those who pledged their 2020 giving last week! To date, 50 pledges have been received, for a total of $181,533. If you didn’t get a chance to pledge, it’s not too late! Use a card in the pew, or pledge online at union-church.org.
VOTE! Election Day is Tuesday. Call the office tomorrow if you need a ride to your polling place and we’ll get you there!!
First-Wednesday-of-the-Month Potluck Wednesday, Nov. 6. Let’s share a meal and fellowship! Gather at 5:45 pm in the Community Room.
Alzheimer’s Workshop November 6, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon. All are invited to attend Legal & Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia with Scott Collins. This program will give valuable information to families and individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia about how to plan for legal and financial needs. Elder law attorney Scott Collins will address issues such as power of attorney, guardianship, and handling the finances and property of a person with dementia. Registration required, call 1-800-272-3900, Madison County Cooperative Extension Office, 230 Duncannon Lane, Richmond.
Visit Red Bird Mission Sat., November 9 The Mission and Service Board has scheduled a visit to the Red Bird Mission campus to hear about all their wonderful work. We will assemble to car pool from church at 8:45 a.m. We have an hour and a half tour and then we will stop for lunch. We anticipate returning to Berea by 3 or 3:00.
November 13: A Second Work Trip to Pineville, KY with ACEky:
Where: In the church building that’s being transformed into a youth and outreach center in Pineville.
What: Much painting to be done, as well as pre-paint taping; carpet squares to be laid.
When: Wednesday, November 13. Carpooling from Church parking lot at 8:15 a.m.
Bring lunch and water, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on!Questions or to confirm: Contact Betty Hibler, M&S Board, 859-940-8735.
Inmates at the Madison County Detention Center are in need of books. They are only allowed paperbacks delivered directly from Amazon. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a book or two, please send $10 or $20 to the church (offering plate, mail, or easyTithe. If writing a check, put MCDC in the memo line) and we’ll place the order from the office. Rev. Nate has a list of requested titles. Thanks so much.
Berea Faith Community Outreach (BFCO) is seeking a coordinator for the Frank Gailey Transient Emergency Assistance Fund. This is a volunteer position. This person would be responsible for working with vendors, agents who offer assistance to those in need, training agents to use the tracking system, and reporting to the BFCO Board. A complete list of the responsibilities are available upon request. Computer and communication skills are a must. Please contact Dave Kobersmith at kdkobersmith@gmail.com or 859-302-0575 if you are interested or would like more information.
Coming Up – Mark Your Calendars
Sunday, November 17 Youth Group fundraiser lunch right after worship. Rev. Kent will fill us in on his sabbatical adventures and experiences! Please come support our youth and welcome Rev. Kent back.
Saturday, November 23 Celebration of Giving 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Acton Folk Center. (Previously known as Alternative Christmas Market). Local non-profits can reserve a table by contacting: cheyenne @sustainable berea.org. Instead of another sweater or tie, give a donation to your favorite non-profit in your loved one’s name. Union Church organizations (e.g. Youth Group) can reserve a table for no charge, as we are one of the sponsors of the event. If you would like to volunteer, contact Tennant Kirk or Betty Hibler.
Sunday, December 8 Annual Budget Meeting after Worship. Why Come to a Budget Meeting? Our budget 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 yearly meeting to help decide where our hearts will be for 2020.
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