Weekly Bulletin - Coral Gables Congregational United Church of

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Welcome to Worship!
 No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome in this United Church of Christ congregation.


Large-print bulletins, hearing devices, and cough drops
are available from the ushers.
Nursery and pre-school care is available during worship if you wish.
 God is calling you today, but probably not on your cell phone!
Please remember to put it on vibrate if you are expecting an emergency call.
 ALL are welcome to this time and place of worship.
Know that in this space you are welcome as you are, for who you are.
Together we celebrate all of God’s children – young, old and in-between;
male, female and in-between; gay, lesbian, straight and in-between;
the assured, the doubting, and the in-between;
the optimistic, the cynics, and the in-between;
the foolish, the wise, and the in-between.
The Reverend Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor
The Reverend Megan Smith, Associate Pastor
The Reverend Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations
The Reverend Dr. Richard J. Bailar, Pastor Emeritus
Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
3010 De Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, Florida 33134-6317
Phone: 305.448.7421 ~ www.gablesucc.org
CCLI License # 11282912
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SPIRIT SUNDAY AND THE INSTALLATION OF
THE REV. AARON LAUER
AS ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR EMERGING GENERATIONS
September 18, 2016
11:00 a.m.
Our faith is over 2000 years old
Our thinking is not.
THE ORDER OF WORSHIP
Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected
to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power
and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings
a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives.
~Brené Brown
*Please stand as you are able.
GATHERING MUSIC
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you for signing and passing the red hospitality pad found in the pews.
Please use your smart phone to check in on Facebook; let your family and friends know that you
are at Coral Gables Congregational UCC.
Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online
each Sunday at www.Gablesucc.org/live.
Be sure to “like” us at www.facebook.com/mycgcc.
You are most welcome to connect your smart device to our free Wi-Fi service.
INSTRUMENTAL CALL TO COMMUNITY
Christians, We Have Met to Worship
The Bell Choir
*CALL TO WORSHIP
The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Come let us be together in WORSHIP.
We come to learn how to be more CARING.
Come and find WELCOME.
We come to celebrate and affirm our DIVERSITY.
Come and experience NURTURE.
We come to work for JUSTICE.
Come and be part of the FAMILY.
We come to be with GOD.
Please remain standing for the opening hymn.
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Kevin McChesney
*OPENING HYMN
Wonderful Words of Life
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*OPENING PRAYER
ALL:
O God. whose purpose spans the ages, we thank you today for connections.
We believe that because you have first loved us and all others, including the
beauty of all creation, that we are connected to the whole of which we are a
part; sharing the responsibility for caring and lifting each other up; and
protecting and distributing these beautiful resources with justice so that all
may have enough. We thank you for relationships and pray that we may
become better at nurturing, protecting and growing them in love and
understanding as you have done with us. But most of all we thank you for
our connection with you and for the many ways you inspire us, offer us hope,
and bring us together in the bonds of unity. To you be all honor, glory and
praise. Amen.
*SUNG RESPONSE
Halle, Halle, Halle
Continued on following page.
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from the Caribbean
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
Leader:
Friends, regardless of who we are, what we believe or do not believe, or the
names by which we identify ourselves, we are one in God. Let us express
this unity by offering the peace of the living Christ as we say to one
another, “Peace be with you.”
People:
And also with you.
You are invited to share words of welcome and peace with those around you.
THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Tell Me the Story
Cherub, Agape, and Chancel Choirs
Joel Raney
All children 2nd grade and younger wishing to attend Sunday School
are invited to exit to the Fellowship Hall following the Gift of Music.
INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE
Dr. Greg Taylor, piano
LESSON
Genesis 1
As interpreted by The Message
The Rev. Aaron Lauer (Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations) in English:
First this: God created the Heavens and Earth—all you see, all you don’t see. Earth was a
soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God’s Spirit brooded
like a bird above the watery abyss.
Daniel Morales (Minister for Diversity) in Spanish:
God spoke: “Light!” And light appeared.
God saw that light was good and separated light from dark.
God named the light Day, God named the dark Night.
It was evening, it was morning—
God saw that it was good.
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Pastor Joachen Pajunk (German-Language Church Pastor) in German:
God spoke: “Sky! In the middle of the waters; separate water from water!”
God made sky. God separated the water under sky from the water above sky.
And there it was:
God named sky the Heavens;
God saw that it was good.
The Rev. Yoli Izquierdo-Yglesias (Spanish-Language Church Pastor) in English:
God spoke: “Separate! Water-beneath-Heaven, gather into one place;
Land, appear!” And there it was.
God named the land Earth. God named the pooled water Ocean.
God saw that it was good.
God spoke: “Earth, green up! Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants,
Every sort of fruit-bearing tree.” And there it was.
Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties,
And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts.
God saw that it was good.
Daniel Morales (Minister for Diversity) in Spanish:
God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky!
Separate Day from Night. Mark seasons and days and years,
Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.” And there it was.
God made two big lights, the larger to take charge of Day,
The smaller to be in charge of Night; and God made the stars.
God placed them in the heavenly sky to light up Earth
And oversee Day and Night, to separate light and dark.
God saw that it was good.
Pastor Joachen Pajunk (German-Language Church Pastor) in German:
God spoke: “Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life!
Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!”
God created the huge whales, all the swarm of life in the waters,
And every kind and species of flying birds. God saw that it was good.
God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Ocean! Birds, reproduce on Earth!”
God saw that it was good.
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The Rev. Yoli Izquierdo-Yglesias (Spanish-Language Church Pastor) in English:
God spoke: “Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind:
cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds.”
And there it was: wild animals of every kind,
Cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug.
God saw that it was good.
Daniel Morales (Minister for Diversity) in Spanish:
God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature
So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle,
And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.”
God created human beings; God created them godlike,
Reflecting God’s nature. God created them male and female.
God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air,
for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
The Rev. Aaron Lauer (Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations) in English:
Then God said, “I’ve given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth
And every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food.
To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes,
I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.”
And there it was.
God looked over everything God had made; it was so good, so very good!
GIFT OF MUSIC
Joy and Elation
The Bell Choir with Katie Martinez, flute
Cynthia Dobrinski
It’s All About Connection
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner
REFLECTION
CHORAL RESPONSE
The Gospel Ship
The Vocal Ensemble
Your journey won’t be long if you live a life of song.
Gwyneth Walker
MORNING PRAYERS
You are invited to text your prayer requests to Pastor Laurie at 305.968.6482.
CHORAL PRAYER RESPONSE
Baba Yetu
A Swahili Adaptation of the Lord’s Prayer
Anthony Cabrera, soloist; Seth Woods, percussion
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Christopher Tin
THE SHARING OF OUR GIFTS
Invitation
Offertory Music
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)
Alex Woods, soloist; Seth Woods, percussion
Hillsong United
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
THE SERVICE OF INSTALLATION FOR THE REV. AARON JAMES LAUER
AS ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR EMERGING GENERATIONS
Raul Hernandez, Chair of the Associate Pastor Search Committee
After careful consideration, prayer, and reflection, we the Search Committee are pleased to stand
with Aaron Lauer, as he is duly installed as the Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations of
Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ. We continue to offer him our support, our
prayers, and our love.
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Margaret Roles, Moderator of Coral Gables Congregational UCC:
Coral Gables Congregational UCC, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has indeed called
Aaron Lauer as its pastor and teacher and respectfully requests that the Eastern Region install
him in the ministry among us, according to the faith and order of the United Church of Christ.
The Rev. Dr. Raymond Hargrove (Eastern Regional Minister):
The Eastern Region has reviewed the request of Coral Gables Congregational UCC and we are
pleased to install Aaron as your pastor and teacher.
Installation is the action of a region or association of the United Church of Christ in cooperation
with a local church. Installation confirms and celebrates the covenantal relationship among a
local church, its pastor and teacher, and the United Church of Christ. Installation is a sign that
these covenantal partners are committed to share mutually in the mission of the United Church of
Christ and of the ecumenical community.
Coral Gables Congregational UCC has declared that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it has
called Aaron Lauer to minister in this place as associate pastor and teacher and that it now
receives him as appointed by God for this ministry. The Eastern Region of the Florida
Conference of the UCC has declared that he has met all the necessary conditions for installation
to this office.
The Rev. Dr. Raymond Hargrove:
Aaron, seeing that you are called to ordained ministry by the grace of God and that this church
has been led to call you as associate pastor and teacher, are you willing to enter this covenant
with its members who are one in Christ with us in the Eastern region of the Florida Conference?
The Rev. Aaron Lauer:
I am willing, and I promise to serve this church faithfully, preaching and teaching the word of
God, administering the sacraments, and fulfilling the pastoral office, according to the faith and
order of the United Church of Christ.
The Rev. Dr. Raymond Hargrove:
Members of Coral Gables Congregational UCC, will you rise in body or spirit, and affirm your
covenant with your pastor and teacher?
Members of the Coral Gables Congregational UCC:
We, the members of this congregation receive Aaron as our associate pastor and teacher,
promising to labor with him in the ministry of the gospel and to give him due honor and
support.
The Rev. Dr. Raymond Hargrove:
Will all other members of the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ also rise in
body or spirit, and offer your blessing on this new covenant.
All United Church of Christ Members in the Florida Conference:
We offer our prayerful blessing and loving support to Aaron and to this congregation as
they enter into this covenant. May you find together the excitement of new discoveries and
new creations, building together a faithful and faith-filled community where love, joy, and
peace abounds!
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The Rev. Dr. Raymond Hargrove:
In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of the Eastern Region of the Florida Conference of the
United Church of Christ, I declare that Aaron Lauer is duly installed as associate pastor and
teacher of Coral Gables Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ.
*HYMN
In the Midst of New Dimensions
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*BENEDICTION
The Rev. Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations
*POSTLUDE
Dr. Greg Taylor, piano
Following our service, please join us in the Fellowship Hall for a potluck luncheon.
Visitors and guests, we would LOVE to have you join us.
Then join us in the Chapel after lunch at 12:45 p.m. for some rousing games of Scrabble
led by our very own Scrabble champion Lesley Salas. There are prizes!
Be sure to check out the newly renovated Early Childhood Center, our preschool across the street
on Columbus Boulevard. Teachers will be available to show you their rooms.
A WARM AND CORDIAL WELCOME TO ALL GUESTS
If you are visiting with us for the first time this morning, we welcome you. We are grateful we
have found each other. And if somehow there is something in you, some still small voice seeking
a place to live out your faith, to ask important questions, and to serve beyond yourself, we invite
you into our community. For more information about the church or membership, please contact
Pastor Laurie at 305.448.7421, ext. 116 or at [email protected].
FLOWERS THIS MORNING ARE GIVEN by Aileen and Ingrid in celebration of sharing life
together for 40 years and being married for one year.
THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS: John Carson, head usher; Anabel Alvarez-Cole, Matthew
Cole, Sofia Larraz and Lois Legge.
SPANISH-LANGUAGE SERVICES
Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel
Led by The Rev. Yoli Izquierdo-Yglesias and Danny Morales
If you are part of a Spanish-speaking family or seeking to worship and sing in Spanish, come and
join us for a service bridging the Latin experience with a progressive theology. There is music,
prayers, community building, and refreshments.
GERMAN-LANGUAGE WORSHIP
For German language friends and family who wish to be part of a community that worships,
celebrates, and commemorates traditional events in German. For information, e-mail
[email protected] or to sign up for the mailing list.
STAY IN TOUCH
Once a week or so, Pastor Laurie e-mails a pastoral letter, Laurie’s Lines, to all members and
friends, filling them in on the week’s events, any special concerns that have arisen, and general
church business. If you would like to be included, contact Ron Morgan at [email protected].
MIDDLE SCHOOL SEPTEMBER FOOD DRIVE
Bring your bags of non-perishable food items to be weighed and donated by our young people.
At the end of the month, we will send our donations to Feeding South Florida’s food warehouse
and stock our own food pantry here at the church.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTREACH
September is Sock Month!
This year our children and youth will be supporting The Lotus House Women’s Homeless
Shelter located in Overtown. September is Sock Month. Please bring in a pair of socks or two in
infant though women’s sizes. A collection box will be in Fellowship Hall. Please drop off your
items through the month. Thank you for being a blessing!
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Monday, September 19 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Catalonia Guesthouse
1210 Catalonia Avenue, Coral Gables
We gather to create beautiful prayer shawls to share with members of our church family who are
ill or grieving or maybe even celebrating a special event. You do not have to know how to knit or
crochet – someone will teach you. If you are looking for a ministry of prayer and care for others
(with fun and fellowship in the process), this may be it. Come and help wrap someone in God’s
love by creating a beautiful prayer shawl.
BACK ON TRACK
Tuesday, September 20 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Havighorst Lounge
Back on Track is a faith-based, career-support organization offering spiritual, motivational, and
practical techniques and best practices to individuals in various stages of career challenges and
transitions. This week we are celebrating our third anniversary! Join us as we reminisce about the
last three years of Back on Track, share refreshments, and discuss plans for upcoming meetings.
Please join us if you have found Back on Track helpful. All are welcome!
IT’S BACK! CHURCH NIGHT IN
Each Wednesday Evening
Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
$6 for adults; $4 for kids 12 and under
Is there anything better than having a delicious meal (no cooking or clean-up required), sharing it
with interesting and fun people, and then enjoying, if you wish, an after-dinner opportunity to
sing, ring, learn, or just hang out over a good cup of coffee? Well this is an evening for you! This
Week’s Menu: Citrus Baked Fish, Mashed Potatoes, Cinnamon Baby Carrots, Spinach Salad
Bar, Oatmeal Cookies.
FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE
Miami Fair Trade MarketPlace is located outside Fellowship Hall.
We are now in our ninth year of supporting women and families across the globe
through our products with a purpose.
Store Hours: Sunday: 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
A SPECIAL CALLED TO CARE EVENT
A Morning of Support for Women Living with Cancer
Saturday, September 24 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon in the Church Library
Join us for a little breakfast, a lot of caring, and the sharing of insights and support for those
living with cancer or who have gone through the journey. Refreshments will be served.
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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT EDUCATION
Religion of the Concrete Spirit: A Critical Concept for Our Time
Led by The Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Holmes Jr.
Sundays, September 25 - October 30
9:45 a.m. -10:45 a.m. in Havighorst Lounge
The current religious landscape of America is characterized by plurality, disillusionment with
religious institutions, the continual rise of unchurched, and the threat of radicalization. American
culture is also facing increasing violence, social division, and political conflict. To address these
issues we need what famed theologian Paul Tillich called a “Religion of the Concrete Spirit.”
Such religion is depicted as a concrete movement of the Spirit, a facilitation of the experience of
the Holy, and a fight of God against religion within religion. Tillich began development of this
concept toward the end of his life but did not give it a completed form. In this six week course,
we will explore a “religion of the concrete spirit” for our time.
Dr. Holmes Jr. is Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Florida Memorial University,
Miami, Florida. He also serves as Associate Pastor of Christian Education at New Birth Baptist
Church. He has a Masters of Theological Studies from Christian Theological Seminary and a
Ph.D. from St. Thomas University. Childcare and light refreshments provided.
CONFIRMATION
Begins Sunday, September 25
Confirmation is the program by which young people in eighth or ninth grade prepare to make an
informed decision about their own personal faith and commitment to the church. Classes are
generally held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday mornings. If you have not yet signed
up or would like more information, please contact Pastor Aaron.
PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS (POP)
Sunday, September 25 following 11:00 a.m. Worship
If you have children, infants – 5 years of age, and want to find a place to meet other families
while the kids have fun, then Parents of Preschoolers of Gables UCC is the group for you. We
will gather at the Early Childhood Center Playground (across from the church) following the
11:00 a.m. worship for lunch and playground fun. Bring sandwiches for your family and a dish
to share. Drinks will be provided. For more information contact Pastor Megan.
TRANS-SUPPORT
Sunday, September 25 12:15 p.m. at Pastor Laurie’s Home
If you are part of the trans community or wish to provide support and care to those who are
transitioning or have taken the journey, join us for a luncheon on Sunday, September 25 at
12:15 p.m. at the home of Pastor Laurie. Lunch will be provided. For more information please
contact Danny Morales, Minister of Diversity, at [email protected].
CALLING ALL FUN AND ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE
Let’s Head to the Florida Keys!
Lunch at the Pilot House Restaurant in Key Largo
and a visit to the Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery in Islamorada
Thursday, September 29; Shuttle leaves church at 10:00 a.m.
To register, contact Drew Sandbulte at [email protected] or 305-448-7421, ext. 150.
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MISSION TRIP REVIEW
Sunday, September 25 from 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Havighorst Lounge
During the summer, twelve members of Gables UCC headed to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi,
Mississippi. Back Bay Mission, a community ministry of the United Church of Christ, meets the
urgent needs of those suffering from poverty and its effects while building pathways to social
justice. Mississippi is the poorest state in the nation. Poverty rates in the neighborhoods that
Back Bay serves range from 31% to 46.5%. These rates are even higher for children. Back Bay
Mission serves the poorest among them.
While there, we worked on building a new home and repairing others, assisted in the food pantry
which offers emergency assistance to the hungry, and worked in the Micah Day Center which
provides a safe and hospitable place for homeless and low-income people to connect to vital
services. Come hear more about our work and adventures next Sunday. Then, mark your
calendar for June 17 - 24, 2017 when we will be heading back to Back Bay.
P.A.C.T. (PEOPLE ACTING FOR COMMUNITY TOGETHER)
Listening Sessions
As part of our work with PACT, we are coming together in small groups to share stories about
the problems facing us and our communities. This will help us discern which issues PACT will
work on in the coming year. You have three opportunities to join us:
Thursday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Lisa LeSueur (410 Rosaro Ave)
Sunday, October 2 at 12:30 p.m. at the home of Aaron Lauer (1207 Malaga Ave)
Thursday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Larry Silvester (730 Coral Way)
Please RSVP for these important gatherings with Aaron ([email protected], 651.252.7544)
NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
How often do you greet someone each Sunday but have no idea of their name or don’t recognize
a family and wonder who they are? We are excited to announce that we have requested the
services of Lifetouch Church Directories to prepare a new Pictorial Album. It will contain color
portraits of all our church families and friends with their names as well as some candid pictures
of our activities, and a directory of updated addresses, e-mails and phone numbers. The pictorial
directory will help you to know each other and build stronger unity and closer fellowship.
Each family photographed will select a pose for the directory, and receive a FREE 8x10 portrait
and a church directory. For your convenience, you will be able to view your portraits within
minutes from having them taken. There is NO OBLIGATION, however, you will have the
opportunity to order portraits, just in time for Christmas cards and/or holiday gifts.
If you are a generational family (e.g. grandparents, daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren),
consider signing up together and having a generations picture taken along with your individual
family pictures. You can also bring a pet to reflect your personality in the photo. We are also
putting together a small business directory as part of the sign-up process. If you have a business
or offer services or products, let your church family know.
There will be a sign-up table in the Chapel after the 9:00 a.m. service and in the Fellowship Hall
after the 11:00 a.m. service. Please take a moment to sign up for a photo session TODAY.
WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE!
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