October 21 Bulletin, Bread for the World Sunday

A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost                       October 21, 2012

Meditation

Each year, churches and private charities provide thousands of tons of food to hungry people around the world. Here in the United States, thousands of soup kitchens staffed by church volunteers serve hot meals to hungry families. However, only 5 percent of the food provided to hungry people comes from these private sector efforts.

Every day, nearly 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes. That’s one child every five seconds. In the United States, nearly one in five children lives in a family that struggles to put food on the table.

We have the knowledge and resources to end wide­spread hunger both in the United States and abroad. But our nation’s decision makers must be persuaded to lead the way in changing policies and allocating resources to end hunger. By making our voices heard in Congress, we make our nation’s laws more fair and compassionate to people in need.

                                                          —www.bread.org  Publication, 2012

Gathering to Worship

Welcome and Announcements
* Call to Worship

One:     We gather rejoicing in the abundance of creation;

All:      we gather knowing that too many still hunger and thirst.

One:     We have hope today because Jesus taught a new way to love and serve one another.

All:      We gather to practice our hope and inspire our service.

One:     Today we rejoice. Today we hope. Today we act. Let us worship with our words and deeds in Christ’s name.

* Opening Hymn  Awake, Awake Morning Song
*Prayer of Approach and Confession  (read silently)

Lord, how we scramble to be first, and how we long to be important! We confess that our focus on self has drawn us from focus on you, and from focus on the healing and hope you would have us proclaim. When we have spoken up for ourselves, but been silent on behalf of others in need, we diminish your work and damage our hearts. We ask now for both forgiveness and wisdom: help us transform ourselves that we may transform the world by your grace.

Reflection: Jesus proclaims that if we want to be great, we must be slaves of all. Are there times this week when you have more been “served” than been “of service? How might restitution be made if it is needed. What transformation in self might you offer in the service of others?

* Words of Assurance

One:    In Christ we are forgiven and shown a new way.

All:      Thanks be to God.

* 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    Come, All Who Thirst  Cherubini/Hopson  Union Church Choir

Come, all who thirst, come to the waters.  You, who have no money, buy and eat without a price. Listen, come to me and your soul shall live. My love is ever true.

Hebrew Scripture Lesson                       Job 38:1-7,34-41

Job has been demanding a hearing with God, and in this reading God speaks, although it is hardly the response Job was seeking.

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 on level 1a in Presser.
Gospel Lesson                  Mark 10:35-45
Jesus tells the disciples that everything they do for the sake of the good news will earn them blessings now and into the future.
Sermon    “Give Us This Day…”    Rev. Kent Gilbert
Stewardship Moment and Song   Kanisa Litanjengua  tr. Jorge Lockward
Prayers of the People
A Litany for An Offering of Letters

One:     We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us;

All:      That’s why we must love and care for each other.

One:     For those who are underemployed and unemployed;

All:      We pray O God.

One:     For families, especially children, who go to bed hungry;

All:      We pray O God.

One:     For those fleeing conflicts around the world ;

All:      We pray O God.

One:     For the members of Congress who will receive our letters;

All:      We pray O God.

One:     For the president and vice president of the United States;

All:      We pray O God.

One:     For all our brothers and sisters;

All:      We pray for them.

One:     If we have all we need and see someone in need;

All:      Grant us compassion so that we might be instruments of your love for the world. Amen.

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  Variations on “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” R. Haan
* Doxology             Avery/Marsh
*  Prayer of Thanksgiving (unison)
Lord our God, You are the word become flesh. As you are, so we should be. We pray our words and your Spirit will touch the hearts and minds of our elected leaders to provide a circle of protection around those programs that benefit the most vulnerable people at home and around the world.
Now, let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength, our model, and our Redeemer.
In your name, we pray. Amen.

Walking Forward in Faith

* Closing Hymn      The Church of Christ  Wareham
* Benediction and Sending Forth             
Postlude   Rigaudon         Andre Campra
_____________________________
*  Those who wish to  may stand
Especially in our prayers:

• 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. She is at Cardinal Hill for rehabilitation.
• Those in harm’s way in the service of our country
• 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
• Thomas Mack
• 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, back at Morning Pointe
• Jerry Workman, who moved to Cardinal Hill, Room 226, for rehab on Thursday.  Visitors are welcome after 4:00 pm.