A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
October 4, 2026 10:30 am
Meditation The purpose of the laws of the Torah is to promote compassion, loving-kindness and peace in the world. ~ Moses Maimonides (1135-1204, Spain)
From There to Here: We Gather
Prelude
Welcome
Welcome to this service of worship! 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! During the service, you are invited to rise in body or in spirit, standing or sitting, at points in the service marked “<>.”
Words and prayers and songs are from the Christian Tradition around the world
Special welcome to our guests from Hokuto, Japan, and their mayor, the honorable Oshiba Kunihiko. Yōkoso, sonkei suru gesuto no minasama. All We Need Is Here.
¨ Invocation
All we need is here! All we need is here! God is among us, All we need is here!
¨ Call to Worship Sue Peterson Blyth, Reader
One: To you, God of creation, we rise this morning to sing a new song of praise; to live a new life in your wider Love.
All: A song of trees planted by streams of living water,
One: A song of mountains clapping their hands for joy,
All: A song of cities delighting in heavenly harmony,
One: A song of people that were lost and have been found.
All: For the earth is the Lord’s and we shall be glad in it!
~ The people of Pitt Street Uniting Church, Sidney, Australia, Prayers Encircling the World
¨ Hymn Yamaji Koete Golden Hill
Please sing verse 1 in Japanese, then verses 1-3 in English, then v. 3 in Japanese
Words: Sugawo Nishimura 1903, trans. Paul Gregory 1981 @1983 Music: Amzi Chapin 1805
¨ Prayer of Approach & Confession #544 If I Have Been the Source of Pain Camacua
Please sing verse 1 in Spanish, then v. 1-4 in English
1. Si fui motivo de dolor, O Dios;
si por mi causa el debil tropezo;
si en tus caminos yo no quise andar,
perdon, O Dios!
1. If I have been the source of pain, O God,
If to the weak I have refused my strength,
If in rebellion I have strayed away,
Forgive me, God.
2. If I have spoken words of cruelty:
If I have left some suffering unrelieved;
Condemn not my insensitivity;
Forgive me, God.
3. If I’ve insisted on a peaceful life,
Far from the struggles that the gospels brings,
When you prefer to guide me to the strife,,
Forgive me, God.
4. Receive, O God, this ardent word of prayer,
And free me from temptation’s subtle snare;
With tender patience lead me to your care.
Amen, Amen.
¨ Words of Assurance Come, Bring Your Burdens to God South African English Trans: Barbara Clark, Mairi Munro, Martine Stemerick
Come, bring your burdens to God (3x). For Jesus will never say no.
¨ Passing the Peace
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on the journey of faith. Please turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace in every language: Salam (Arabic), Shalom (Hebrew), Mir (Ukrainian and Russian), Fred (Danish), Shanti (Bengali), Ngêmba (Kikongo), Pau (Catalan), Nvwatohiyadv (Cherokee), Heiwa (Japanese), Bariş (Turkish), Alaafia (Yoruba), Paz (Portuguese and Spanish). For more visit: columbia.edu/~fdc/pace/
Word and Worship
Special Music Celtic Dance on “Pleading Savior” arr. Sondra K. Tucker
Laura Nagle and Robert Rorrer, handbells; Kim Kobersmith, flute; Bernardo Scarambone, piano
Scripture Reading Psalm 19 Mayor Kunihiko Ōshiba, Mayor of Hokuto, Japan Nagisa Mitsumori, translator
The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens and its circuit to the end of them, and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect one’s own errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. ~ New Revised Standard Version, updated
Children’s Moment as the children return to their seats we sing:
May God’s blessings 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.
Scripture Reading Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Then God spoke all these words, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth. “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. “Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female slave, ox, donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking, they were afraid and trembled and stood at a distance and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen, but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, for God has come only to test you and to put the fear of him upon you so that you do not sin.”
~ New Revised Standard Version, updated
Sermon Breaking the Law By Keeping It Rev. Kent Gilbert
Video Reflection
Responding to God’s Love in Communion
Invitation to Communion
Ringing of the Peace Bell Mayor Kunihiko Ōshiba
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.
Communion Prayer #341 Great Spirit God Lacquiparle
Dakota Hymn was written by Joseph R. Reville. It was translated by Sidney H. Byrd, who recalls “This hymn was sung by thirty-eight Dakota [Native] Indian prisoners of war as they went to the gallows at Mankato, Minnesota, on December 26, 1862” following sham trials of the Dakota War.
Great Spirit God: verses 1 and 2
1. Great Spirit God, the things which are yours are numerous and great. The heavens above you set in their place, and earth received its form by your hands. The ocean depths respond to your will, for you can do all things.
2. Your will, mysterious and so strong, brings growth to all the earth. Food for our souls and clothing to wear, are like your cup that blesses and fills. Provide for us each day of our lives sufficient for our needs
One: For your care of all creation everywhere, and for your provision to us and to all peoples of the earth:
All: We give you thanks.
Great Spirit God: verses 3 and 4
3. You gave your law to Adam and Eve, forebears of humankind. That law I disobeyed with my sin, and now I suffer pain and disgrace. Jesus, express your mercy to me, and pay for all my sins.
4. That day you came to dwell on the earth, bringing us all great joy! The nations scattered over the world, to them you gave the light of all life. O Jesus, O Compassionate One, we offer praise to you.
One: You sent us prophets, apostles, teachers, and mentors who have changed us, and taught us your ways.
All: And you sent us Jesus to challenge and change us, to comfort and call.
Great Spirit God: verses 5 and 6
5. Your sacrament entrusted to us, Jesus, now share with me. Your bread of life and drink for our souls, which you have offered, purify now. Sanctify minds and bodies to you; restore us by your love.
6. “Take now my flesh as food for your soul,” these are your words, O Christ. “Take my shed blood and drink from my cup, that it may serve to strengthen your faith.” Entrance into your door I desire; Jesus, now my plea.
One: Jesus, we receive this bread and this cup from your hands.
All: This we do in remembrance of you.
Great Spirit God: verse 7
7. Your plan for our salvation, O God, grant to my sinful soul. Beyond the heavens is your great abode; all goodness is secure in your hands. This life divine which you gave to me is one that has no end.
Serving One Another
All who seek the love of God are welcome at this table and are invited to freely receive from it. By tradition, unfermented grape juice is used in the cup on Sunday mornings. If it is not convenient to come forward, the elements can be brought to your seat.
Living Prayer
Call to Prayer
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. Next week, let us hold the people of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela; and our siblings at West Side Baptist Church in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
Embodied Prayer
You are invited to reflect and pray at the candle table. You may also choose to source the essential ingredient of solitude and private prayer, remaining with your own thoughts in your pew.
Offertory
A Chance for Generosity: easytithe.com/union
A community of caring relies on support. Your recurring or one-time donation will make a ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need.
¨ Use your smart phone or computer and go to easytithe.com/union. No registration required, but registering once makes future generosity simply entering an amount and a click.
¨ Baskets for checks or cash are located at the head of each aisle for those who wish to make an in-person donation.
¨ Give by Text. Text an amount to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering”).
¨ Give by Mail to: 200 Prospect St., Berea, KY 40403.
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
¨ Doxology I’ll Shout the Name of Christ Who Lives Tune #234 Philippine Folk Melody
Once more we shout our joy and praise to one we love, who throne is grace, Whose way is Life, whose Word gives Peace. Christ’s steadfast love will never cease.
Community Prayer of Thanksgiving Sue Peterson Blyth, Reader
One: Eternal and Gracious one, though we live in a world of need,
All: Here we have tasted your goodness and hungered for a world more just.
One: Though afflicted by brokenness and division,
All: Here we have heard your call to be a people of healing community.
One: Though daily we touch our limits,
All: Here we have received the fullness of your grace.
One: Send us forth, O God,
All: In faith, in hope, and in love. Amen.
One: We pray in the name of the one who taught us to reach to you as …
~ from the United Church of Canada
Lord’s Prayer
Our Maker, Our Mother, and Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; Thy kin-dom 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 kin-dom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
¨ Hymn Make Me a Channel of Your Peace Prayer of St. Francis
From Here to There
Community Connections
Announcements
We share opportunities for Beloved Community and ways to serve. Please see the listing of church & community events, prayers, and notices in the pages following the service.
Lighting the Justice Candle to Lead us Forth
Paul Rusch was a Kentuckian, from Louisville, who went to Japan in 1925 to help rebuild the Tokyo Y.M.C.A. in the wake of the Great Kanto Earthquake. In a remarkable 54-year odyssey, Rusch was a college instructor, Episcopal missionary, prisoner of war, army intelligence officer, promoter of American football in Japan, and founder of the Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project (KEEP) in 1938. Rusch often challenged the conventional attitudes of the day, standing against racist animosity toward Japanese and Japanese Americans, working to convince army commanders to see Japanese Americans not as members of a particular race, but as individuals and fellow Americans.
After the war Rusch returned to Japan. As a champion for the rural poor in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, Rusch later transformed KEEP and its famous mountain lodge Seisen Ryo from an Episcopal training camp for youth into a center for rural development and agricultural innovation, introducing new farming methods, state-of-the-art machinery, and American livestock that were new to the highland farming communities of Japan. Declaring that his mission was to uplift Japan’s rural poor through food, health, faith and hope, Rusch inspired many Americans to lend their support to a nation once considered a bitter wartime enemy.
He fervently believed global peace could be achieved through agricultural abundance and the elimination of hunger. ~ adapted from a biography by Andy MacDonald
¨ Benediction
¨ Benediction Response All We Need Is Here
All we need is here! All we need is here! God is among us, All we need is here!
Our Prayers for Others
¨ All the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason & respect for their own peoples’ lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ Those in danger in the continuing war in Iran. For the leaders of nations to set aside assassination and warfare in favor of just, diplomatic solutions to conflict.
¨ We pray for our country, and those who are directly affected by the actions and inaction of our government to address the needs of its people and the world.
¨ Our neighbors experiencing housing and food insecurity.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ The children and staff of Samuel’s Kids School and Orphanage in Uganda.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Dorie Hubbard, Susan Kramer, Hattie Parks, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie, Theresa Scherf.
¨ In thanksgiving for all those who offer help to others in their need. Ambassadors of God’s grace and goodwill are so needed and appreciated.
¨ Kari Howie, Lorilyn’s sister-in-law, receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer
¨ Denis Burton, recovering well from abdominal surgery, at home.
¨ Mark Workman, struggling with heart issues.
¨ Misty Phillips, recovering from surgery last week.
¨ Jessi Montgomery, our Director of Development, recovering from an awful bout of pneumonia and Covid.
¨ Amber Lawson, Deb & Terry Beishline’s daughter-in-law, continuing treatment for breast cancer.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: Oct. 7– Laurinda Pool, John McWilliams, Cory Szewczyk; 8 – Eric Dodson, Landon Connelly, 11 – Matt Jadud, Jack Cates, Katie Basham; 12 – Gene Daniels
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
Leave a Reply