A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the CHURCH OF CHRIST, UNION
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 13, 2015, 10:30 am
Meditation
The cross is not random suffering, but necessary suffering. The cross is not suffering that stems from natural existence; it is the suffering that comes from being Christian. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
FROM THERE TO HERE
Prelude Prelude in G Major J.S. Bach
* Call to Worship
One: The heavens are telling the glory of God!
All: Without words or speech they proclaim God’s joy!
One: The heavens are telling the glory of God!
All: In the rising of the sun to its setting, the ways of God revive the soul.
One: The heavens are telling the glory of God!
All: And we are here to do the same! May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O God, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen!
—inspired by Psalm 19
*Opening Hymn #35 Black O Mighty God O STORE GUD
*Prayer of Approach & Confession
One: God, we humble ourselves now in confession:
All: We want to be followers of Jesus, but we do not always want to follow Jesus. We don’t even want to listen when the conversation turns toward darkness and death. We prefer to indulge ourselves. We are eager to put down our crosses. We cling tightly to our lives. We grasp at worldly rewards.
One: Holy and loving God, forgive all of our thoughts and actions that would protect us from the path of Christ.
– written by Joanna Harader
* Words of Assurance
One: God’s words and actions are never careless; in sending Jesus Christ to the world, God offers a model and a companion, a source of ever-flowing love and acceptance and wisdom. In Christ we are forgiven all our failings, and given strength to start again.
All: Thanks be to God! Amen!
* Passing the Peace of Jesus 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 joy.
THE WORD IN OUR MIDST
Anthem Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us Gluck
Union Church Choir
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care; In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Epistle Lesson Proverbs 1:20-33
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 Children’s Moment, children grades K-3 are invited to Children’s Church, which takes place in the Cowan Chapel. Otherwise, children are welcome to follow volunteers to the Children’s Worship Center, where there are toys, books, and drawing materials for children (or parents) who would like help staying present in the service. For children preschool & under, care is available in the Nursery, downstairs off the Community Room. Please pick up your children in the Chapel or Nursery after the service.
Gospel Lesson Mark 8:27-38
Sermon The Biggest Loser Rev. Rachel Small Stokes
GIFTS GIVEN FOR LOVE TO FLOW
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 to those in need via many external agencies.
This can now be done online or by text to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering” to contribute to the ongoing ministries, or add “youth,” or “missions” or designation of your choice to benefit one in particular.
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Offertory Cantus Invenilis V. Stephenson Union Church Handbell Ensemble
*Doxology Avery/Marsh
PRAYING IT FORWARD
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 inJapan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Silent Prayers and Prayers of the Community
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
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 during the Closing Hymn. Thanks be to God for these ministers among us.
* Closing Hymn #198 Black Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER
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.
* Benediction & Sending Forth
Postlude (please be seated) Psalm 19 “Heaven Declares God’s Glory” B. Marcello
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*Please rise in body or in spirit as you wish
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 the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and our brothers and sisters at Whites Memorial Presbyterian Church in your hearts, and pray for them.
Please also hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week:
* Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound: Edith Hansen, Nancy Jones, Mary Miller, Averill Kilbourne, Alva Peloquin
* Former president Jimmy Carter
* Rev. Lee Hubbard, dedicated servant to the Berea community, who entered the wider life early Friday Morning after years of love and service. Lee served for over 17 years as chaplain to the Woman’s Industrial program of the church after he retired as a United Methodist pastor. Services are pending.
* Marlene Payne, hoping to come back to Berea this week from her time at UK hospital.
* For those holding family and loved ones in their hearts.
*For Naomi Schulz and the Congregation for Reconciliation as God brings them together as pastor and people at her installation and ordination service this Saturday.
Marlene Payne now has a CaringBridge site for those who would like to leave greetings and keep informed. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marlenepayne
Wednesday Night Live is back! We will gather at 5:45 for supper.
Here is a schedule of a typical Wednesday Night Live:
5:15 Joyful Noise Choir (for kids ages 4-1st grade) meets in Room 104
5:45 Announcements and Prayer before dinner
6:00 Dinner served!
6:30 Jubilee Choir, (for kids 2nd-5th grades)
7:00 Handbell choir rehearses; Other short-term classes and studies are offered
It’s not too late to join our musical ensembles! If you’re interested in either group, please contact Gabriel Evans at gevans@union-church.org.
Choir: Thursdays from 6:15-7:45pm.
Handbell Ensemble: Wednesdays from 7:00-8:15pm.
Childcare is provided for both rehearsals.
Wednesdays at 7 – New Class Taught by Rev. Kent and Rev. Rachel continues: Big A** Themes of the Bible!
Ever felt like you could use a good overview of the Good Book? Big Ass Themes of the Bible is for you! This four session short course will leave you grounded, growing, and hopeful as we look at the BIG themes of God’s love that run through the 66 books of the scriptures. (Didn’t know there were 66 books? Perfect! You’ll fit right in!) Rev. Kent and Rev. Rachel will explore:
This week: Week 2: Creation! The Bible proclaims God the ultimate material girl who made and is making all things. Why is this important?
BRING: If you have a Bible, bring it! If you don’t, you can use one of ours!
September 14: The third season of the Chorale begins at 7:00 pm – NEW SINGERS are invited! Those interested in joining us are asked to visit with director Larry Brandenburg for a brief (and painless) voice check in the Choir Room tonight from 7 – 8 PM. No prepared music required. Rehearsal are at 7 pm on Mondays.
The featured work for this Fall is Vivaldi’s “Gloria” (with chamber orchestra). If you enjoy choral singing, don’t miss out on this exciting season.
Bloodmobile Tuesday Sept. 15, Community Room. Bring ID.
Sept. 19: Naomi Schulz Ordination and Gift: Naomi Schulz, member and former intern, has completed her studies and been called to be pastor of the Congregation for Reconciliation in Dayton, OH.
We have gotten her the gift of a preaching robe of her very own. Any who would like to contribute to the $350 cost are invited to make a check payable to Union Church, with “Naomi Ordination” in the memo line. You can also contribute online or via text! If you would like to attend with Rev. Kent, please call the office so we can arrange rides.
ABLE meets Sept. 22, 5:30 pm You are welcome at the next ABLE meeting! ABLE is a confidential group for those who self-identify as differently-abled: to inspire, encourage, and empower one another, and to, as a community, support making Berea and its surroundings more accessible. An opportunity to share successes, challenges, and resources. ABLE – Achieving and Building Life Equally!
ABLE meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of every month in the community room
Accessible entry to community room: enter via the door at the very back of the church near the playground; pass through nursery room; turn right and head up ramp.
Volunteers are needed to help host Safe Haven at Union Church when Tornadoes threaten. Call Alison Szecweyk at 859-302-6996.
Library Fundraiser! Make a small quilt based on a favorite book! Contact Rita Barlow at lashleybarlow@gmail.com for details.
Special Call to Help Feed Our Neighbors: Did you know that many Bereans will face an extra challenge in feeding their families this September? As Kentucky’s EBT system (formerly known as “food stamps”) makes changes to its calendar, some families will have to find ways to feed their children for a week longer than usual.
You can make a financial contribution to the FRYSC, and staff will convert your dollars into filling meals for families who are facing food shortages. Your donation is tax deductible.
Write a check to Berea FRYSC and be sure to mark “family meals” in your memo line. You can mail that check to Berea FRYSC, 3 Pirate Parkway, Berea, KY 40403. Call Jenny Hobson at 893-1075 or email jenny.hobson@berea. kyschools.us
In conjunction with the United Nations, this year, United Church of Christ has proclaimed Sunday September 6th – Just Peace Sunday. Union will join First Christian and several other local congregations and various nonprofits in hosting a community wide celebration of peace. Special church services on the topic of peace are being planned in congregations. Services at Union start at 10:30 AM. All invited.
Activities will begin right after church, with an old fashioned church “Picnic for Peace” on the Union front yard. Members and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and a lawn chair plus invite neighbors and friends to share in the fun. Music will be provided by a number of local musicians including Sparrow Hawks band, AJ & Liza, Mitch Barrett and Andy Blyth.
Guided meditations in Cowan Chapel start at 12:30pm. Booths for 25-30 organizations will be open from 1-4 pm to encourage building bridges through partnerships.
This year’s theme is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” highlighting the importance for all segments of society to work together for peace.
The formal program begins at 1:30 with keynote speakers including Dr Lyle Roelofs, President of Berea College; Nadia Al-Kahab Rasheed, M.D. and Board of Central KY Council for Peace & Justice; Dr Meta Mendel-Reyes, Chair Div IV, Professor Peace & Justice Studies at Berea College; Jim Scheff, Director of KY Heartwood and Frack Free Foothills and Steven Connelly, Mayor of Berea A Transition Town
The Loyal Jones Appalachian Center will be open from 1-4 PM and host short speeches/conversations on the topic of Building Bridges for Peace, with stage shared by several BC students and local storytellers/poets with music provided by local musicians.
Peacecraft, a local, non-profit merchant specializing in Fair Trade items. Employee Jennie Hoshal co-chaired this event and works hard for economic justice. Peacecraft will host family music, kids crafts, and face painting.
“Peace to Go” food will be available from Main Street restaurants. Please take a minute to thank those who are volunteering for peace!
Foundations for peace are dependent on initial partnerships at the local level between governments, civil society, the private sector, faith-based groups and other non-governmental organizations. In simple terms peace starts at home with the security and dignity of our citizens in our local community and includes; developing a culture of peace through education, economic and social development, respect for all human rights, equality for men and women, democratic participation, tolerance and solidarity, communication and promoting international peace and security.
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