Sunday, July 4, 2021, Worship Bulletin and Prayer Concerns

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

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 10:30 am 

Meditation

 “True patriotism is not worship of our nation but rather, in the light of our worship of the God of justice, to conform our nation’s ways of justice.” ― Robert McAfee Brown

From There to Here: We Gather

Gathering Music  

Welcome

The Call Steven Charleston

What would I give you if it were mine to give? I would give you quiet courage, the steadiness beneath your feet when you face whatever lies ahead on your course through life. I would give you a glad heart, the center of joy, the sense of balance in all you say and do. I would give you the bright vision, the clear view of what you hope, the invitation to keep drawing closer to what you dream.

I would give these for they are what I need as well. Quiet courage, a glad heart, a bright vision. These three gifts I will keep praying for: for me, for you, for all of us who have set sail on this timeless sea together. May we each have these gifts of the Spirit, in just the right way we need them, at just the right moment we need them most. And may they empower us to sail on, sail on toward the light of dawn.

Passing of the Peace Please remain seated.

Hymn#594 Black O Beautiful, Our Spacious Skies Materna

Lighting the Justice Candle

On July 4, as we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is traditional  to recognize and honor the Founding Fathers.  Sometimes we even hear about the influence of Founding Mothers such as Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Dolly Madison, and, most recently, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. But there is one Founding Mother that most know little about.   Today we light this candle to honor Esther de Berdt Reed, Founder and President of the Philadelphia Ladies Association in1778.  Her publication, “The Sentiments of an American Woman”, was a call to arms that sparked a group of prominent women in a campaign for donations that ultimately raised over $300,000 to support the Continental Army.   In the article, Esther equated American women to patriotic heroines throughout history saying that American women were determined to offer real help, not just “barren wishes”.   She cleverly defused objections to any impropriety of these efforts by implying that opposition was unpatriotic.    She lead the by organized canvassing of every street in Philadelphia and expanded efforts to New Jersey. 

It was said that ” Even “the meanest ale house” did not escape their net, and men were harassed until they contributed in the name of their wives or sweethearts.” One enthusiastically canvessor stressed that through their gifts American women would “greatly promote the public cause, and blast the hopes of the enemies of this country” by demonstrating the people’s unanimous support of the war.

Esther urged others to copy the Philadelphias, predicting that “the women will reinspire the war; and ensure, finally, victory and peace.”

The Living Word Among Us    

Special Music How Firm a Foundation Michael Larkin, Union Church Orchestra arr. Scarambone 

Epistle Lesson 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Children’s Moment                     Please join in singing as we bless children everywhere:

May God’s blessing 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. 

Gospel Lesson               Mark 6:1-13

He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Sermon The Weakness of Power and the Power of Weakness  Rev. Kent Gilbert

Living Prayer

Call to Prayer and Offering

A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/unionOur 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 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”)

You can also use US mail!  Mail to: CPO 2105, Berea, KY 40404

Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!

Offering Hymn #576 For the Healing of the Nations Westminster Abbey

Accompanied by the Union Church Orchestra

Offertory 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.

Responding to God’s Love in Communion

Invitation to Communion

One: The Lord Be with you!

All:   And also with those you cherish.

One:  Lift up your hearts!

All: We lift them to the Lord.

One: Let us give thanks to God!

All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

One: Gathered in the light of God’s care let us open ourselves to hope and healing.  Friends at home, if you have a candle with you let’s light it now.

Communion Prayer 

You, who breath the world into being each day, have done so for all of history. We are made of your will and nurtured by your creation. Woven into the web of life, you set human beings to steward your care. Men and Women more able to hear and remember this call become our prophets. As you guided Abraham and Sarai, Moses and Miriam, and all the wise of our past, so you call to some now with words of challenge and blessings. As we gather, we gather in the presence of those who have gone before, and in anticipation of the word that is yet to come, breaking forth in communion with you.

We, your Holy Vessels, were fired in the kiln of love until we shined with your light. Susceptible to shattering, we find ourselves broken, unable at times to remember your promise of repair. You remind us time and again that, though broken,  we are held in your presence and made whole by your grace.  And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Sanctus Land of Rest

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might; heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest.

Words of Institution

One:      On the night he was betrayed, Jesus sat with his disciples and broke bread. He blessed it, lifted it up, and spoke these words:

All:       “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

One: Then, after supper was over, he took the cup and blessed it, and said:

All: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

One: Remembering you as we come to the richness of your table, we cannot and we do not forget the rawness of the world and the cry of the poor. We cannot take bread and forget those who are hungry. We cannot drink and forget those who are thirsty. Help us feed others as we are fed, and reject the temptation to self-satisfaction. 

Prayers of the Community  

Remembering the struggles of all people to be free and to be counted whole, our prayer this day to you, O God, is humble and simple. Help us be worthy in your sight. Help us live rightly, love rightly, act rightly, speak rightly, and care for others in ways not just acceptable, but honorable to the way of your Christ. Where we have forgotten compassion as people or as nations, transform us. Where we have blinded others so they could not see our own faults, restore right sight and just practice. Put a new heart within us as we praise you for the gifts of our living. You have blessed us all and your blessing is magnified with your name when blessings are shared. So as one nation, one people, one faith, one beloved community: help us be worthy in your sight. That all our actions in public squares and private homes might sing of your unending impartial love, and all people of the earth may share the life-blood of justice and joy as love demands.  This 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 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

Benediction

Postlude Stars and Stripes Forever Union Church Orchestra

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 Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda and our brothers and sisters at Pilot Knob Missionary Baptist Church in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.

¨ All those seeking a new and just society and those fearful that they will be supplanted, may God open their hearts and include them in grace.

¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Alva Peloquin, Loyal Jones, Jennie Kiteck, Mary Miller, Lois Morgan, Jan Hamilton

¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound and those who care for them.

¨ Tom Hubbard, and Dorie as she navigates his care and her own health challenges.

¨ Robert Rorrer, celebrating continuing success with chemotherapy.

¨ Sally Hindman, recovering from shoulder surgery.

¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.

¨ Laura Robie, in her move to Lexington.

¨ Bill and Annriette Stolte, as they settle in after their recent move to Chattanooga. New Address: 579 Alexian Way #417; Signal Mountain,, TN 37377

¨ Steve Parsley, Clem Pearson and the family and friends of Heather Richardson, at her death on Monday.

¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon.

¨ Those affected by the Covid-19 virus, their families and friends living with fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, may God bring peace to all who love them; and our wider community as we cope with the new realities of living, including the over 7200 Kentucky residents, and 112 Madison County residents, who have died to date from Covid-19.

¨ Important dates—if we haven’t got yours, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOneGo!

Birthdays coming up this week: Today, July 4, Phyllis Hughes; July 5, Sune Frederiksen; July 7, Jessica Gowler; July 8, Kelly Mehler, Bernardo Scarambone, Joseph Mecham; July 9, David Bellnier, July 11, Vera Garrett

Anniversaries this week: July 8, Craig & Kala Shearer