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

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

October 27, 2019                10:30 am

Meditation
When I was a youngster, I wanted to go out running among the mountain peaks And when, between two summits a gap appeared, why not leap across the chasm? Led by the angel’s hand all my life long This is what happened, this, exactly.    — Dom Helder Camara

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 Poco Allegretto Cesar Franck
The Call   Simon Ortiz
Standing again within and among things, Standing with each other as sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, grandmothers and grandfathers—the past and present generations of our people, Standing again with and among all items of life; the land, rivers, the mountains, plants, animals, all life that is around us that we are included with, Standing within the circle of the horizon, the day sky and the night sky, the sun, moon, the cycle of seasons and the earth mother which sustains us, Standing again with all things that have been in the past, that are in the present, and that will be in the future we acknowledge ourselves to be in a relationship that is responsible and proper, that is loving and compassionate, for the sake of the land and all people; we ask humbly of the creative forces of life that we be given a portion with which to help ourselves so that our struggle and work will also be creative for the continuance of life, Standing again, within, among all things, we ask in all sincerity, for hope, courage, peace, strength, vision, unity, and continuance.
¨  Hymn #538 Black Standing at the Future’s Threshold Hyfrydol
¨  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        Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy      arr. Larry Shackley
Charity is like an unsung anthem harmonizing everything we see. A gift can be a work of silent witness, remembrance, reverence, unsought forgiveness, intention, labor, time, philanthropy. The worth is measured only by redemption, yielding nothing but the grace to be. — Nicholas Gordon
Lesson from the Psalms Psalm 84:1-7 (p. 707)
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 18:9-14 (p. 1262)
Jesus tells a parable about two people who went to the temple to pray.
Sermon An Altar in the World Rev. Nate Craddock
Countdown to Community Extravagant Generosity And CareMary Lou Wiese

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.
Acts of Reflection and Prayer
Some resources for reflection and prayer are provided. You are free to use  – or ignore –  these prompts as you find helpful. In whatever prayer manner you adopt, please hold the concerns of those listed, and those you know about, in God’s peace-giving light.
In what ways have you, like the sparrow in Psalm 84, found a nest for your heart at the altar in the household of God? How can you invite others to nest in God’s heart, too?Breathe deeply and quietly. Ask yourself honestly: when have you justified yourself by what you do or have done? When have you humbled yourself before God? What emotions arise from these memories?What could you do for God and others with $500,000? $500? $1? How can you give away love and happiness with no money at all?
Collecting of Pledges
As music plays, you are invited to come forward to the altar and place your completed pledge card in the bowl. If you need some assistance in taking your card forward, please ask a neighbor or an usher for help. As you depart from the central altar, take a river stone with you, and use it to build an altar in the world.
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!
Please sing when invited: Rejoice, You Pure in Heart  (tune #55, black hymnal)
Bright youth and seasoned age, strong souls and spirits meek,
raise high your free exulting song, God’s wondrous praises speak.                Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing.
Praise God who rules all worlds; the risen Christ adore.
Praise God the Spirit, Holy Fire, one God for evermore!                                  Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing.
Pastoral Prayer and 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

¨  Hymn #417 Black This is a Day of New Beginnings Beginnings
¨  The Sending and Blessing
Postlude (please be seated) A Mighty Fortress J.C. Bach
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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  Canada and the United States of America  and our brothers and sisters at White’s Memorial Presbyterian 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.
¨ 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.
¨ Steve Boyce, who is recovering at home.
¨ Toby Wilcher, who broke her fibula and ankle in a fall. She’s had two surgeries and is now in rehab in Lexington.
¨ The family and friends of Judy Rowell, who died on October 15. A service will be held Saturday, November 2, at 1:00 pm in the sanctuary. Reception to follow in the Community Room.
Announcements
 Loose Change Challenge – let’s fill up the jar!! Rev. Nate has challenged us to check the sofa cushions, check the car seats, check wherever you can for loose change to fill up the jar in the sanctuary this morning!
Stay after worship for our Celebration Meal!! Come down to the Community Room for a delicious barbeque feast in celebration of Community! Rev. Nate will draw the lucky winner of the Participation Challenge and make the announcement at lunch.
Next Sunday we will welcome Rev. Kent back to Union Church, and lovingly release Rev. Nate to his work in other places.  AND we will be using a Latin American tradition called the Ofrenda to celebrate All Saints Day (La Dia de los Muertos). You are invited to bring a picture of a loved one who has passed on, or flowers, or any other remembrance you would like to share.
Don’t forget the time change! Next Sunday, Nov. 3, we “fall back” and set our clocks to an hour earlier. The good news is, if you forget, you will be early, not late!
Many thanks to Jeffrey Carpenter of Berea’s Arts Accelerator Program for offering a delightful card-making workshop last Sunday, Oct. 20. It was a fun time together! Teens, adults, and young children joined together to create beautiful and original care cards to be sent to members and friends of Union Church. Special thanks to Laura Nagle and Chris McKenzie for encouraging children and youth in our church to take the lead in caring for others. If you know of someone who might enjoy a special card in his/her mailbox, any time, please let the Nurture and Care Board know.
Witness for Peace Southeast will be in Berea on Wednesday, October 30, and will be speaking at the “Peace and Pizza” lunch event at the Appalachian Center on campus from 11:45 to 12:45 p.m.  This year they are hosted by the Berea College Peace and Social Justice Program. All are welcome.
Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia Nov. 2 A group from Union Church will meet at 7:30 am to carpool together to the 9th annual Markesbery Symposium in Lexington. Clinicians and researchers from University of Kentucky and other institutions will come together to share current findings, trends and the latest updates on dementia, particularly as related to Alzheimer’s Disease and healthy brain aging. Light breakfast served. Registration for this free event is appreciated, but not required: 859-323-2997 or: Markesbery Symposium
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 is 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.
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. Program will be at the Madison County Cooperative Extension Office , 230 Duncannon Lane, Richmond.
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.
Do you get the church’s Monday announcements? If you’d like to, please send your email address to office@union-church.org. We send the bulletin announcements and other news.
Dodie Murphy is trying to supplement her social security benefits by making small “structions” — deconstructions and reconstructions — using photographs and inexpensive costume jewelry. She could use donations of small frames (5×7 and smaller; 4×6 and smaller work best) and costume jewelry. Thank you for considering. You can phone her (number is in the directory), text her (preferred) or email her at dodiemurphywriter @yahoo. com.

    Coming Up – Mark Your Calendars

 Wednesday, November 6
First Wednesday-of-the-Month Potluck! Laurie White, Chair of the Community Board of Room In The Inn, will be our guest speaker at the November 6 potluck. She has data to share from last year — the inaugural year of RITI in Berea — as well as “storytelling from the folks we grew to know and care for.”  All are invited.
Berea College Christmas Concert ticket sales will “go live” online. Watch for an email with the link. Tickets are $5 and will only be available online. Concert is Dec. 6 and 7, 7:30 pm.
Saturday, 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.
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.