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

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany 

February 4, 2018  10:30 am 

Meditation   
A free bird leaps on the back of the wind
and floats downstream till the current ends
and dips his wings in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
—Maya Angelou from “Caged Bird”

From there to Here

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 Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child Anna Laura Page
¨  Call to Worship
One: Weary? Worried? Wondering?
All: Come and find welcome!
One: This is a place of strength and renewal. We’re not here to impress, but to be restored. God is good!
All: All the time!
One: All the time!
All: God is good! Let us worship the God who sustains us with justice and joy!
¨  Opening Hymn #22 Sing Praise to God, Who Has Shaped Lobe den Herren
¨  Prayer of Approach and Confession
All: We cannot hide from you, Everlasting God, even if we were to go from one edge of creation to the next.  You speak to us of compassion, but the ways in which we treat others show we have not been listening.  You explain your hopes to us, and we act as if we don’t have a clue as to what is going on.  We run as fast, and as far, from you as we can, and wonder why we have no energy to follow Jesus’ paths.
One: Yet you search for us in all the deserted places to which we flee. You are the Never-wearied God, and you take us by the hand to show us the way to life with you.  
All: You heal our broken hearts so we can offer them to others.  You fill us with your strength so we can bind ourselves to Jesus, our Savior, following him to serve all of your children. Hear our sorrow at our shortcomings. Forgive us, and set us right.
[silence is kept]  
¨ Words of Assurance
One: Have you not been listening? In case you haven’t heard, God never tires out, nor is there is an expiration date on God’s forgiveness.  God is ever with us, ever healing us with mercy, and ever strengthening us for service! When one turns from sin, then and there is God’s forgiveness.
All: If God numbers the stars, surely our names are known by the One who loves us and offers us grace. This is indeed good news for all! Thanks be to God.  Amen.
¨  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 joy. 

The Living Word among us

Anthem On Eagle’s Wings arr. Mark Hayes
Union Church Choir
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand.
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in His shadow for life,
say to the Lord, “My refuge, my rock in whom I trust.” The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear; under His Wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield.
You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come. For to His angels He’s given a command, to guard you in all of your ways, upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand.
Hebrew Scripture Lesson               Isaiah 40:21-31 (p. 852)
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 adults) 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 Mark 1:29-39 (p.1192)
Sermon Take This Hand Rev. Kent Gilbert

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        Let Us Break Bread Together arr. Marvin Gaspard
¨  Doxology  To God all glorious heavenly light; Old Hundredth
To Christ revealed in earthly night;
To God the spirit now we raise
Our grateful hymn of thankful praise. Amen.

Being and Becoming One

¨  Invitation to Communion
One: God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift our hearts in prayer.
One: Let us give thanks to God.
All: It is good to give God thanks and praise.
One:    As we come to this table, we are reminded that this is not the table of this congregation, nor is it the table of any particular denomination. It is the table of Jesus Christ, the family feast of the whole people of God.
One: All who seek to be nourished and sustained in the journey of faith and long to live justly and in peace with their neighbor, are welcome here. You do not need to be a member of this church or of any church.
One: So come, all of you.  Come not because you must but come because you may.  Let us eat and drink together for our strengthening for the witness of love over hate, for healing over hurt, for “heart work” over hardness. To prepare let us unite ourselves in 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.
Silent Prayer
Communion Prayer
One: O God, you strengthen the powerless and renew those who wait in you. In despair and delight alike, you bear us up and give us vision from the eagle’s lofty view.
One: You are the Creator of the earth who stretched out the sky like a curtain and sent down rain, clothing the mountains in green. You gathered your people from exile, healing the broken hearted and binding their wounds.
One: You came among us, as one of us, in your child Jesus the Christ, sharing our weakness in order to save us. Healing the sick and casting out demonic powers, he proclaimed your mercy and peace, intended for all. Turning his back on the acclaim of the crowds, he faithfully followed your call  all the way to death on a cross.
One: You raised him up  and promised that all who trust in him will rise up with wings like eagles and run the race without ever growing weary.
       ©2003 Nathan Nettleton www.laughingbird.net
One:      Therefore, Lord we join with the millions and millions in every generation who know that you are our life, our living, our love. We sing our praises alongside sinning saints and saintly sinners, joining the song of blessing:
Sanctus                   John Bell
Words of Institution
One:    Gathered around this table we remember another, one surrounded by Jesus and his friends in an upper room.
One:    We remember that when Jesus ate with his friends, he took a loaf of bread and, after blessing it, he broke it and gave it to them saying:
All:     “Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. As often as you eat it, remember me.”
One: Then, he took a cup, and after giving thanks, passed it to his friends, saying:
All:   “Take this and drink. This is the cup of  God’s promise poured out for you. As often as  you drink it, remember me.”
One:     Let us pray…..Loving God, creative Power, blessing your name, we seek your Spirit.  Come to us and bless these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ; the sign and seal of our forgiveness in him, our strength in times of trouble, and a sign of our walk and witness.
One:     As we eat and drink together, make us one in and with the heart of Christ.
All: Amen.
Serving One Another
All who seek the love of God are welcome at this meal and are invited to freely receive from it.  We will share the elements today by intinction, dipping the bread in the cup. When invited please come to one of the stations by exiting your pew to the left and returning by the right. If it is not convenient to come forward, the elements can be brought to your seat by signaling to the usher. All the bread is gluten-free, and the chalices are filled with non-alcoholic grape juice. 
Blessing for Those Who Will Receive at Home
If you would like serve by taking communion to others, you are very welcome to do so and are invited to volunteer with the Nurture and Care Board members or by contacting Pastor Kent.

From Here to There

¨  Closing Hymn #472 Precious Lord, Take My Hand Precious Lord
¨  Benediction & Sending Forth
Postlude (please be seated) Allegro Maestoso G.F. Handel
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 Andorra, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Vatican City and our brothers and sisters at Big Hill Pentecostal Holiness 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.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound:  Ruth Butwell, Edith Hansen, Nancy Hindman, Mary Miller, Alva Peloquin, Gloria VanWinkle.
¨ Neighbors and friends in fear of ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) raids in our area, and for DACA students and their families. May we all strive for a safe and respectful path forward to be good neighbors.
¨ Dan Rohrer, who is suffering from a severe liver disorder.
¨ Loyal Jones, who recently moved to Arcadian Cove.  His address is Apt. C11, 532 Cady Dr. Richmond, 40475.
¨ Judith Singleton, recovering from her recent illness, and for her daughter, Stephanie, undergoing a difficult immunotherapy for her Multiple Sclerosis in New Mexico.
¨ Hazel Morris’ cousin, Bill, diagnosed with bladder cancer in Florida.
¨ BJ Godby, recovering from ankle surgery at home.
¨ For Toby Todd, BJ Godby’s father, recovering from a fall in Georgia.
¨ Renee Wellinghurst’s father-in-law, Dave Wellinghurst, diagnosed with glioblastoma after surgery for a brain tumor.
¨ Gary Dillon, significant other of Betty Sarafin, critically ill with cancer.
¨ Carol Shaffer, due to have shoulder replacement surgery on Feb. 4
¨ For Luke Woodie, recovering from bile duct cancer surgery.
¨ For Steve and Patty Boyce as Steve is suffering a number of complications and infections.
¨ The family and friends of Dwight Blackburn, former member of Union Church, who passed away in Louisville January 12. A service will be February 17, 2 p.m., at First Christian Church.
¨ The people of Immanuel United Church of Christ, who will soon receive their new pastor, and Rev. Rachel and her family as she assumes this new role.
Announcements
Here at Union Church:
You Matter! Please Sign the Register, Check in on Facebook/Twitter and try a nametag! It’s hard to get to know people elsewhere, but we don’t want it that way at church.  Let’s all try to get to know each other better.
Join the church next week! 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! New members are received every second Sunday of a month. YOU are welcome here!
 Celebrate Rev. Rachel Luncheon Today After Church! We are commending our associate pastor for her extraordinary work and service at Union Church. Rachel began September 1, 2012. She will conclude her service with us next Sunday in order to become the Designated Pastor of Immanuel United Church of Christ, in Louisville, KY.  
Rachel’s Departure: What to Expect, Part 2. Rev. Rachel’s last Sunday will be February 11 before she departs to pastor in Louisville. In the short term Church Council has directed that we hire a person to help Rev. Kent with pastoral care needs, and a person who will assist with Community Life and Faith Development details, each approximately 10 hrs per week.
Next, Church Council has formed a Long Range Planning Task Force. They’ll be helping design some ways we can pray and plan together about next steps, including how God is calling us to serve our community now, and best ways to do that. That’ll include thoughts about how to craft staffing to meet that need, as well as how to organize ourselves for that work.
Rev. Kent will also need our support. Not for himself alone, but also all of us supporting one another in loving and consistent ways: it’ll be a great help if we can be especially attentive to caring for our sick or sad friends, and it’ll help us all if you can be as diligent as possible about your volunteer positions, board assignments, and other service. We want to serve well, and we’ll need all hands doing their best work! Let’s make sure we are BEING the church, not just coming to church.
Sign up to Read Scripture or to Help Greet and Usher! Many hands make our worship meaningful. Worship board is actively seeking volunteers willing to read scripture, help share prayers, greet friends and guests, take up offering or serve communion. By using our electronic sign up system, http://signup.com/go/xkdVtB, you can pick a date that works for you and get reminders! You can also call the office and we’ll get you on the lists.
Spring Preachers… Think you’ve got a Gospel word in you that the congregation needs to hear? Would you like to be one of the congregational voices as we move into Lent and Easter helping us discern what God is calling and empowering Union Church to do now? We’d like to hear it! One Sunday a month through the spring Rev. Kent will help lay preachers bring the word. At this point we need 5, and all will be required to attend a practical training session, submit an outline of their ideas and work with the pastor on designing other worship elements. Contact Rev. Kent as soon as possible so we can evaluate and plan. No prior experience is necessary.
WNL needs you, you souper cook! Sign up to bring soup in February or March !
Stephen Ministry is recruiting for another training class. Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay caring ministry where trained and empowered lay caregivers- called Stephen Ministers- provide high-quality, confidential, accepting, compassionate care to people who are hurting. The training for new Stephen Ministers will start in mid-April and continue through the summer until late August or early September. Informational meetings about Stephen Ministry will be held at 12:30 PM after church on Sundays February 18th and 25th. There will be another informational meeting on Wednesday February 21st right after the Wednesday Night Live meal. You can pick up an application at one of the informational meetings, the church office, or contact Jeff From jeff.from@gmail.com. Interviews for applicants will be conducted in March.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration to becoming a Stephen Minister. 
Congratulations and Great Thanks to Joan English, Office Administrator. February 1, 2018 marked 25 years of service to Union Church! When Joan came, she was part-time support to Rev. Charley Murray. An expression of our appreciation is being planned for later in the month.
Lent Begins February 14! Lent is the 46 days prior to Easter, celebrated by Christians since the 3rd century as a time of penitence, reflection, and service to others. The original 40 days of prayer and fasting representing the 40 days Christ prayed in the desert, was supplemented later with 6 Sundays that were mini-celebration days of Christ’s ministry. Lent begins this year on February 14 with a service of the church called “Ash Wednesday.” Plan to join us that Wednesday for a simple service to mark our prayer work during this holy period.
Visiting scholar in Berea College’s Religion Department to speak in Union Church sanctuary Feb. 15, 3 pm. Born in 1946, in Kakamas, Northern Cape, South Africa, Rev. Dr. Allan Aubrey Boesak is a theologian, humanitarian, prolific author and tireless advocate for social justice. Since gaining international acclaim for his doctoral dissertation, “Farewell to Innocence,” nearly four decades ago, Boesak has emerged as one of the world’s preeminent authorities on liberation theology.  During the 1980s he worked alongside Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela to lead efforts against apartheid and promote reconciliation. Free and open to all.
Annual Reports due March 1. If you are the chairperson of a Board, please get your Annual Report to the office by March 1. Email is fine, no need to format it. If you’d like to see a couple of previous years’ reports to use as a guide, just email me and I’ll send to you . Thanks — Joan
The multi media ministry of Union Church is a vital function in the life of the  congregation. Besides providing sound and video support for Sunday morning services as superstar volunteers, many other special events allow the technicians to earn money by working  weddings, Berea College events, and even some of our own events.
      Do you have an interest in multi media? After a year of Marty Hensley and myself, Jack Marshall, perfecting the new system, we are ready and willing to train whoever might be interested. 
  No prior experience is necessary! We will train you in everything you need to know about all of the multi media assets that are around our beloved Church. We hope to build 4 to 6 teams consisting of two people each. This is a great thing for families to participate in together, and  can be taught to anyone between nine and 99 years old! 
  Email Jack Marshall at jack.a.marshall @gmail.com or text him at 859-200-2679 if you are interested. 
  Come hang out with the balcony crowd! It’s a lot of fun. 
Have you seen the sign-in book we use to record new members’ joining dates and attendance at meetings? It’s been missing and we need it back! Maybe someone accidentally took it home or tucked it somewhere for safe keeping? It’s black padded leather, about 8 1/2 x 11.
In the community:
Images of Japan to be presented today, Feb. 4, 2:00—3:00 pm at the Berea branch of the Madison County Public Library, free, open to all. Images of Japan, is a 30-minute slide show of photo-graphs by members of Madison County’s delegation to our sister city, Hokuto City.  Rev. Kent Gilbert, vice-president of the Madison County International Committee, will give an overview of the program’s 30-year history. Members of the October 2017 delegation will share some experiences and answer questions. The program is housed at Kiyosato Educational Experimental Project (KEEP), located in the mountains of the Yamanashi Prefecture west of Tokyo.  Delegates visited city hall, schools, churches, temples, gardens, museums and artists’ studios and galleries. They also participated in the annual Yatsugatake County Fair which honors the program’s founder, Kentuckian Dr. Paul Rusch.Photographs include Mt. Fuji and other landscapes, local craft galleries, Erin-ji Temple and gardens, dance and music performances by school children and adults and County Fair people, crafts and food. 
Liberty Place Valentine Party Feb. 14. Dodie Murphy and Chelsea Saylor are having a Valentine’s Day party for 108 women at Liberty Place, the women’s recovery center in Richmond. To donate cakes, cookies, brownies or candy, please call Dodie at 859-868-9622. Thank you!
Berea Home Village volunteer orientation. If you would like to become a volunteer to help our Berea Home Village members remain in their beloved Berea homes, this volunteer opportunity might be for you. We are offering a volunteer orientation on Thursday, February 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Saint Joseph Berea boardroom. Lunch will be provided. Katie Heckman, Executive Director, Berea Home Village 859-985-0099.
Save the Dates! July 16-20. Berea Leadership Experience will hold its camp for kids to learn skills of conflict resolution, media literacy, mindfulness, and appreciation of nature the week of July 16th -20th, 9 am – 2 pm for kids in incoming grades 2-8. We are also seeking sponsors for scholarships and other financial donations to make this camp possible for as many people as possible. Sponsorships are $60 to cover one student. Checks can be made or online donations can be designated to Union Church, memo line “Berea Leadership Experience.” Thank you!