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

Pentecost

June 9, 2019    10:30 am

Meditation
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. — Psalm 104:33

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 The Royal Music for Fireworks Overture Handel
The Call   L.R. Knost
Get up off of your knees. Come out of your churches your mosques, your temples. God can hear your prayers for peace, justice, and hope in this broken world just fine while you’re out creating peace, working for justice, and giving hope to this broken world.
When are we finally going to realize that humanity is the solution to inhumanity? When will we finally understand that we are all drops of the same ocean, hurting together, healing together, hoping together?
So don’t just pray for hands to heal the hurting. Pray with your hands that are healing the hurting. Don’t just pray for arms to help the helpless. Pray with arms that are helping the helpless. Don’t just pray for feet to respond to need. Pray on feet that are responding to need. Don’t just pray for someone to do something. Be someone who does something. Don’t just pray for answers. Be the answer.
¨  Hymn #64 Black  Fire of God, Undying Flame Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland
¨  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
Anthem   Amazing Grace John Newton, arr. John Coates,Jr.
Union Church Choir

1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found;was blind, but now I see.
2. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
4. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.​

Scripture Lesson Acts 2:1-21
On the day of Pentecost, with a mighty wind, the Holy Spirit shakes the foundations where the followers of Jesus gathered and thus the church is born.
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 are welcome to return to their seats. 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.
Epistle Lesson Romans 8:14-17
We do not pray on our own, says Paul. Fortunately, the Spirit helps us to speak as beloved children of God.
Sermon Be the Answer Rev. Kent Gilbert

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 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.
Meditate on the intersection of peace and power, both in your own life and in the world. What keeps you in balance, riding the two like waves.
As you sit quietly, look inside and see what is on fire. Is there is a spirit of urgency on some aspect of your life? Is something a burning joy or passion? As you breathe through your prayers, is there an expression or new avenue for your fire you are being called to?
“Come Holy Spirit” has been an ardent prayer across the centuries. The dove, symbol of the spirit, can be raucous or murmuring, swift or still. For what do you need the Spirit to come in you? In the world? Be specific in your imagination. Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Prayer Corner Pray for the Holy Spirit to enter you, bring you peace, and lift you up to new life.
Bell Corner Table Here and in other places in the sanctuary you will find folded doves. You are invited to take one home with you, inviting the Dove of peace and power into your life.
Community Sharing Table We always have some neighbors in need. Remember that this is a good time of year to share garden produce, taken directly to the food pantry. It and BUURR are always accepting food and funds.
Children’s Fire Children can find headbands with “flames” on them. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring fires of love and joy into you.
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:
Let there be Peace on Earth, and let it begin with me; let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God, our creator, children all are we. Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be  the moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow: to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth and let  it begin with me.
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 #270 Black Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song Bridegroom
Introduction and Invitation to Membership
Union Church is a vital and growing family of faith, a home to those committed to the way of Christ’s sacrificial love and service. All who feel led to join will be received in joy, and are welcome to come forward when invited. Thanks be to God for these ministers among us.
¨  Questions of the Congregation and New Members
¨  Covenant of Welcome
And we, the members of this church, renewing our own covenant to God and to each other, do now heartily welcome you to our fellowship, promising to watch over you in love, and praying that  you, and we, may be true witnesses for Christ, a light in the world, and continue to increase in usefulness and joy in his service.
¨  The Sending and Blessing
Postlude (please be seated) Bourree         Handel
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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 Botswana and  Zimbabwe and our brothers and sisters at the Blue Lick Missionary 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.
¨ 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.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound: Edith Hansen, Nancy Hindman, Loyal Jones, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin.
¨ For those who are without homes and safe places, that we may work together for solutions.
¨ Mary Lou Wiese’s brother, Dean Jacobs, having pain and seizures associated with new clinical trials.
¨ Tom Warth, recovering at home after a hospital stay.
¨ Dick Drake, recently moved to the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond.
“Judy Rowell, recovering at home.
Announcements
Today: new members welcomed! As a family of faith committed to boldly and creatively embodying the life and ministry of Jesus, we would like to join with YOU. We’d like to be a context and inspiration for your own spiritual path, and work with you to make your heart, your world, your life more peace-filled and joy-full. Today, and every second Sunday of the month, there will be an opportunity to covenant together. No prior action on your part is required, but if you have any questions at all, we’d like to help. Working together, we want to make God’s love visible and real to all.
Today is Pentecost, the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming on the disciples, and the birth of the church!
Concert, potluck supper June 19! The Charles Wesley Singers are performing a concert here at 7 pm on June 19. Potluck supper at 5. The Charles Wesley Singers is the liturgical choir at Damascus United Methodist Church in Damascus, MD. The group of 55 singers includes 6th – 12th graders and shares music of many genres and traditions. The concert features songs about heaven and the Promised Land, including Alice Parker’s Kentucky Psalms and the Gospel anthem Goin’ Up Yonder.
The choir tours every year and, since 2006, has been accompanied by a chamber orchestra from the Academy of Saint Cecelia. All are invited to join us! No charge, offering taken for local agencies.
Coming Up: There will be a half-day calligraphy retreat led by Donna Eder on July 6th from 9:00-12:00 in the Union Church classroom. Bring whatever supplies you can and I will have extras of everything we might need. We will spend some time on semi-cursive and cursive scripts as well as formal script. Contact me at: donnajeder@gmail.com or 859-868-1142 if you plan to attend. (No fee.)
Save the Date: June 30 Come to Worship, meet our Sabbatical Replacement Minister, Rev. Nate Craddock, and then join in a picnic at Rev. Kent and Diana’s after church to welcome Rev. Nate and family.
Arrive around 12:30 p.m., bring a dish to share, along with picnic plates,  utensils, and cups, lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Then stay around for Stream Clean-up at 2:30 p.m. or to continue visiting and/or to help with clean-up.
Grilled beef, veggie burgers and hot dogs, buns and condiments provided, along with drinks.
Footwear for Stream Clean-up: old sneakers, crocs, or waders, wear  clothes you won’t mind getting wet. Garbage bags, gloves, and instructions will be provided. Bring a “grabber” if you have one.
Rain Location (hopefully not needed): Community Room at the Church.
Door Mural Exhibit rescheduled for next week, due to bad weather.

Regular Events Happening all Summer—you’re Invited!

Zen Meditation every weekday, 8:00 am. Join us for 20 minutes of unstructured quiet meditation in beautiful Cowan Chapel, on the Scaffold Cane Road side of the church.
Zen Teaching Mondays at 6:30 pm, Cowan Chapel. David Parks will offer Zen teaching: Meditation, Koans, Conversation, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Cowan Chapel.
Thursday Noon Bible Study. Meet with Rev. Carla in the Classroom at noon to reflect upon the Scripture for the week and issues of the day.
Fridays – Bridge Club, 1:30 pm in the Classroom. Call Doug Hindman, 582-5806 if interested.
First & Third Sundays, 1:30 pm in the Parlor ShapeNote Singers. Shape notes are a music notation designed to facilitate congregational and community singing. The notation, introduced in late 18th century England, became a popular teaching device in American singing schools.
Fourth Sundays – Learn More About the Church. Enquirers’ Class for new members, prospective members, or those just interested in learning what Union Church is about. Meet in the Classroom after the worship service.
First & Third Tuesdays Memory Keepers, 7:30 pm, Wayside Room. Memory Keepers is a support group for those caring for loved ones with memory loss. For more information or resources call Doug Hindman at 582-5806 or Carla Gilbert at 985-1144.
Fourth Tuesdays – Psalm Study, 4:00 pm, in the Classroom.

Summer Music

June 13 at 6:30pm – Intergenerational Handbell Practice (1st grade through adults)
Sunday, June 16 – Intergenerational Handbell Anthem
Summer Choir and Hymns w/ Handbells starts June 23.
Bernardo is looking into starting a Union Church orchestra! Please see the gold bulletin insert to indicate your interest, and the other side to share your ideas about Union Church’s music program.