A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
September 20, 2026 10:30 am
Meditation “When humans are ranked instead of linked, everyone loses.” ~ Gloria Steinem
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 “<>.”
¨ Invocation All We Need Is Here
All we need is here! All we need is here! God is among us, All we need is here!
¨ Call to Worship Diane Bailey, Reader
One: Friends, when our lives feel like one long, dry, and bleak road through difficult terrain…
All: How we hunger and thirst for better.
One: The company we keep and the way we travel matters. And God puts in unlikely places tables set for our strengthening.
All: Manna in the desert, a friend in need, a sudden movement of the Spirit that puts us right: on these oases we depend. And on the company of God, who gives us daily bread and light for the path forward.
One: It is God’s grace that feeds us even on the hardest road and longest journeys. Together we trust and move forward. Together we offer praise and prayers to the God who keeps us and strengthens us in every week. Let us pause in our wandering to stop and worship and be fed.
All: Amen!
¨ Hymn God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me Green Tyler
¨ Prayer of Approach & Confession
One: Let us pray…
Here we are, all on journey’s of possibility and peril. Your graces and wonder sustain us. Your teaching continue to guide and correct our navigation. Your love tends our wounds and lights our path.
All: Lord, we confess that we need your light to heal our brokenness; to restore our relationships; to show us the way; to cleanse and renew us; to enable us to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us most; and to receive the forgiveness that you give to any who come confessing their need of your light. Lord, we need that light. We hope and pray you will feed us and fill us with all we need to draw closer to you and to each other. Amen.
~ David Clowes, 40 Prayers for All-Age Worship: Prayers for Your Church or Small Group (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2020). Adapted
¨ 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.
Word and Worship
Anthem Temporary Home Simmons, Rouse Union Church Choir
Sometimes I feel like I’m just walkin’ around with my head with up in the clouds. I’m steady movin’, but I’m not gainin’ ground, headin’ the wrong way in the crowd.
Then I remember I’m not part of this world; I’m movin’ higher each day. Upward mobility sounds mighty good to me. I just can’t wait to get way.
I’ve got to remember I’m not here to stay. I’m looking forward to a brighter day. I’ve got to remember I’m not here for long. I’m livin’ in my temporary home.
If you are bothered by the problems of life, don’t you let them get you down. Just look to Jesus; you will not be denied. He’ll move you up to higher ground.
Don’t you forget that you’re a child of the King, that you’re an heir to His throne. You may not know just when, but He’s comin’ back again to take us to our happy home. In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore!
Scripture Reading Exodus 16:2-15
The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?”
And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him–what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.” Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites: ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.'” And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites: they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
The Lord spoke to Moses, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.'” In the evening quails came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.
~ 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 Matthew 20:1-16
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around, and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’
They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received a denarius. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius.
“And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
~ New Revised Standard Version, updated
Sermon Bread and Whine Rev. Kent Gilbert
Video Reflection
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 Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay; and our siblings at Liberty Avenue Baptist Church in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
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.
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.
For Reflection
Getting What We Need…
It’s hard to even know what we need. Life can feel so upset or topsy-turvy that it is hard to name what balance, what sustenance, what missing part we need to be whole. Prayer is an act of alignment at its best, so today, with breath and silence and maybe some distance from the turmoil, ask for alignment with what will help. Try to set aside what you THINK you need, and just create the open space.
· Open yourself to the “manna,” the previously unknown or unrecognized gift, that might be prepared for you. Breathe. Release.
· Open to what feeds your best self. In your prayers, then in your actions, set aside those things that do not. Breathe. Release.
· Open… and give thanks. If you need a reminder of some “sweetness” on the way, take a few flakes of sweet manna from the plates around the sanctuary today.
Let it be a reminder that your needs are not forgotten.
Equity, Equality and Generosity…
Studies show we have a greater sense of well-being when we feel generous, no matter what our financial situation might be. Sharing for the benefit of others is a particular balm for our souls. It can counter the demonic temptation to judge ourselves in comparison to others. Equality is sometimes defined as everyone getting the same thing, and Equity as everyone getting what they need (even if it’s different from their neighbor) to meet a common need.
What do you need today?
And what could you do to make the world more Equal, Equitable or Generous?
Where is God tugging on your sense of generosity?
Spend time with self and a few trusted companions being generous.
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 Words: St. Patrick, adapted Kent Gilbert Tune: Bunessan
Christ be beside me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me, my rock and my stay; Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me guiding my way.
Silent Prayer & Prayers of the Community Diane Bailey, Reader
One: Your mercy demands no documentation. Your care pierces equality with justice. We don’t have to be from the right place, or where the right clothes, or know the right people to receive from your hand our daily bread. You keep us alive, day by day, with hope that nourishes the soul and strength that wears away the terrors of our nights.
In this week to come, sustain all that is right and best for each one here, Lord of the vineyard, Lord of great work. Give us not what we deserve, not what we want, but all that we need to thrive. May we, in turn, be freed then to help others. May your generosity beget greatness in us, not envy, not greed, not resentment. You free us from that and call us “heirs.”
Your love is manna in our desert, and your care is our balm in Gilead. We pray in the name of the one who taught us to reach to you as…
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 O Young and Fearless Prophet Merionnydd
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
Dr. Margaret Flowers, Pediatrician, Activist for Universal Health Care
Dr. Flowers has stated that the phrase “that continuously runs through my mind is ‘To be silent is to be complicit.’ I cannot be complicit in the face of a healthcare industry that profits at the cost of human lives and in the face of an administration and a Congress that are too dysfunctional to stop this practice.”
Dr. Flowers walked away from the “art of medicine” because she was not allowed to give children the care they needed due to restrictions imposed by the health care industry. She joined Physicians for a National Health Program, becoming a congressional fellow and opening a chapter in Maryland.
Since leaving her practice, Dr. Flowers continues her role as an activist and has been active in the Occupy movement, Popular Resistance, and the Green Party. She hosts a weekly podcast called Clearing the FOG: Speaking Truth to Clear the Forces of Greed.
americanswhotellthetruth.org/portraits/dr-margaret-flowers/
The Joy of Welcoming New Members
Partnership & Purpose
Today presents an opportunity to covenant together! All who would like to are welcome to join the church family – you will be received in joy.
Questions of the Congregation and New Members
Covenant of Welcome
And we, the members and faithful friends 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.
From Here to There
¨ 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.
¨ Victims of the flooding in Nepal, that God might provide protection and consolation. One Great Hour of Sharing (our Palm Sunday Offering each year) is on the scene.
¨ 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.
¨ Healing prayers for Tom McClure, recuperating from recent complication s with knee surgery.
¨ Prayers for the family and dear friends of the Rev. Don Graham, who passed away in Illinois at the age of 93.
¨ Healing mercies for Rick Fulton who received his long awaited heart transplant at Vanderbilt on Sept 15. We pray that the next weeks and months will lead him to full recovery. We also give thanks for the life of the donor, whose loving gift in death makes possible another life.
¨ 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.
¨ For Mary McConnell and the extended family and friends, at the passing of her sister, Catherine.
¨ Denis Burton, recovering well from abdominal surgery at home.
¨ Mark Workman, struggling with heart issues.
¨ The family, friends and parishioners of Father John Curtis, formerly of St. Clare Church, and a long-time friend of the Union Church family, died Tuesday at 78. Obituary here: kerrbrothers.com/obituaries
¨ Amber Lawson, Deb & Terry Beishline’s daughter-in-law, diagnosed with breast cancer.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: Today, Sept. 20 – Sally Gastineau; 21 – Renee Wellinghurst; 22 – Chloe Groth; 24 – Claudia Munson-Schrumpf; 25 – Bryce Catlett; 26 – Stephanie Ryan
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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