Document 6568323
Transcription
Document 6568323
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 not on your cell phone! Please remember to put it on vibrate. ALL are welcome to this time and place of worship. Know that in this space you are welcome as you are and 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. Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online each Sunday at http://gablesucc.org/live. The Reverend Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor The Reverend Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling, Associate Pastor The Reverend Megan Smith, Associate Pastor 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 THE ORDER OF WORSHIP Our faith is over 2000 years old. Our thinking is not. October 19, 2014 11:00 a.m. CHILDREN’S SABAATH Live so that when children think of fairness, caring and integrity they think of you. ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr. * Please stand as you are able GATHERING MUSIC THE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Thank you for signing the red hospitality pad found in the pews and passing it around. Please use your smart phone to check in on Facebook and 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 http://gablesucc.org/live. Be sure to "like" us at http://facebook.com/mycgcc. You are most welcome to connect your smart device to our free wifi service. No password is required. CALL TO COMMUNITY I am a Promise Cherub Choir *THE CALL TO WORSHIP Ava Lorena Reyes Leader: We worship God with more than just our voices. People: We offer all that we can in praise of God’s name. Leader: So, clap your hands for God. People: (Clap twice) Leader: Stomp your feet for God. People: (Stomp twice) Leader will clap and stomp and the congregation will repeat as able Leader: And the people of God say… People: (Clap twice, stomp twice) ALL: Amen! 2 *HYMN Standing in the Need of Prayer Not my brother, nor my sister, but it’s me O God, Standing in the need of prayer Not my brother, nor my sister, but it’s me O God, Standing in the need of prayer It’s me, it’s me, it’s me O God, standing in the need of prayer. 2. Not the preacher, nor the deacon… 3. Not my father, nor my mother… 4. Not the stranger, nor my neighbor… *OPENING PRAYER Unison: Playful and loving God, we acknowledge that we have molded you into a grown-up and mature image. We have disregarded the youthfulness of your Spirit, calling us to be flexible and to enjoy all that your Creation has to offer. In this hour of worship, open our hearts and minds and help us to become like a child, so that we might experience the Kingdom of God. Amen *THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Leader: Friends, this is a place of welcome for all. May we express that welcome as we greet one another saying, “The peace of Christ be with you.” People: And also with you. You are invited to share the peace or words of welcome with those around you. PRESENTATION OF BIBLES Leader: So often we put our trust in what we know, or what we can figure out for ourselves. People: But God’s words are sweeter than honey; they will teach us to understand. Leader: Some of us depend on what people think of us, or the success of the things we do. Bible recipients: But the stories of what God has done are sweeter than honey; they help us understand. Leader: Others think that all we need is the right entertainment, one more toy, or a way to escape. 3 Bible recipients: But the words of God are sweeter than honey; they teach us wisdom. Leader: Still others think that money or property are all we need. Bible recipients: But the words of God are sweeter than honey; they help us feel close to God. People: May the words of God fill us with love and understanding, wisdom and faith! Unison: Let these words be written on our hearts, for nothing else is quite so sweet. Leader: Let us pray. God of all children, as we rejoice in the sweetness of your Word, we ask that you bless these Bibles today. Create in these children a hunger which only the sweetness of your Word can satisfy. Open their minds and hearts as they read them. This we pray in the name of Jesus our teacher, guide and savior. Amen. THE GIFT OF MUSIC Every Child’s a Promise Agape Choir Larson All children toddlers through 5th grade wishing to attend Sunday School hjare invited to leave during the Passing of the Peace to the Fellowship Hall. A CONTEMPORARY READING from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Sophia Caffrey There are infinite numbers between 0 and 1. There's .1 and .12 and .112 and an infinite collection of others. Of course, there is a bigger infinite set of numbers between 0 and 2, or between 0 and a million. Some ‘infinities’ are bigger than other ‘infinities.’ A writer we used to like taught us that. There are days, many of them, when I resent the size of my unbounded set. I want more numbers than I'm likely to get, and God, I want more numbers for Augustus Waters than he got. But, Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity. I wouldn't trade it for the world. You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful. A DRAMATIC DIALOGUE The Impatient Optimist Karis Knoll, Connor Smith, Katie Valdes and Jonah Wexler Middle School Youth 4 THE GOSPEL READING Matthew 19:13 – 15 Sophia Caffrey Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Friends, listen. God is still speaking. Thanks be to God. THE MORNING MESSAGE Birthing Stars Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling THE GIFT OF MUSIC Rock Me on the Water Josef Spencer, soloist Clay Ostwald, pianist Jackson Browne THE MORNING PRAYERS Leader: Almighty and loving God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts so that we might enter into common ground with Your divine and healing Spirit. People: Hear our prayer, O God. Leader: Good and gracious God, who loves all and forgets none, we bring to You our prayers for all Your children. People: Hear our prayer, O God. Leader: For all those who are suffering, troubled by grief or unable to rejoice in the wonders of living, we pray that Your Spirit lift them out of the despair that keeps them down. People: Hear our prayer, O God. Leader: For the infirm and the aged, for the lonely and the sad, we pray that You shine Your love over them so they may find joy in the smaller blessings of each day. People: Hear our prayer, O God. Leader: Listen to our individual prayers, O God, as we keep this moment of sacred silence… Amen. 5 THE PRAYER RESPONSE Light of the World Cantate Choir THE MOMENT OF MISSION Crawford Gail Burnaford, Just Peace Committee THE RECEIVING OF OUR MORNING OFFERING Offertory Music Lord, Listen to Your Children The Chancel Choir Medema *THE SINGING OF THE DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here below. Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen. *THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION Unison: All good gifts around us come from you, O God. You have given us life, and a new day to become your people. As you have blessed us, we desire to be a blessing to others through our gifts and pledges. Accept our offering, follow it with your Spirit so that it may promote peace and goodwill among all people. Please remain standing for the closing hymn. *THE BENEDICTION * SUNG BENEDICTION *THE POSTLUDE Dr. Greg Taylor, piano During the postlude, you are invited to come forward to the piano and enjoy the music. Following our service, please join us in the Fellowship Hall for some refreshments provided by the Women’s Fellowship. Visitors, we would LOVE to have you join us. 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]. 6 THE FLOWERS THAT GRACE OUR ALTAR THIS MORNING ARE GIVEN by Dr. Amarilis Gonzalez and Dr. Edilia Vivanco and their family in memory of Gilberto Gonzalez. THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS: Lois Legge, Head Usher; Peter McDougal, John Graham, Carol Krech, Lydia Acevedo, and Arnold Elguezabal. AFTER WORSHIP TODAY Hummus Festival in the Fellowship Hall with pita bread and falafel. Panel Presentation at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Denominational Responses to the Israel/Palestine Conflict FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE Your purchases empower artisans to work and build strong families and villages globally. Located outside the Fellowship Hall HOURS: Sunday: Noon - 2:00 p.m. Monday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. SPANISH LANGUAGE SERVICES Gables UCC - Ahora En Español Sundays at 1:00 p.m. in the Moye Chapel 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]. CHURCH NIGHT IN Each Wednesday Evening from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. $5 for adults / $3 for kids 12 and under Take-Out Available Come see old friends and meet new friends while gathering for a delicious dinner. 7 FAMILY PROMISE: THE NEXT STEP Monday Evening, October 20 at 7:00 p.m. A mother loses her job, a father is kept from working by an injury, a family is forced from their home by fire or natural disaster. Healthcare costs soar, public transportation is underfunded, affordable housing is almost impossible to find. These are the reasons why families now make up 40 percent of the homeless population, and why one out of every four homeless people is a child. In response to this crisis, a national organization called Family Promise seeks to bring the faith community together to help families regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity. In September, we had an introductory meeting about how Gables UCC and other congregations could create a Family Promise affiliate here in Miami to help keep homeless families intact as they work to get back on their feet. The success rate for clients of Family Promise is outstanding with nearly 80 percent of clients securing housing. It is an exciting and hope-filled project that joins with 6,500 congregations and 160,000 volunteers across the country in working toward a nation in which every family has a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future together. Please join us on Monday evening, October 20, at 7:00 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge to hear more about Family Promise and how Gables UCC and the larger interfaith community of South Florida can be engaged in this important ministry. With us will be Claas Ehlers, Director of Affiliate Services with the Family Promise national affiliate in New Jersey. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Laurie or Drew Sandbulte, our congregation’s liaison during this time of development and dreaming. CIRCLES OF DIALOGUE October 25, November 8, 9, & 22 Margaret Mead wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” For the fourth year in a row, the Board of Justice and Witness is helping our church change the world. Circles of Dialogue is designed to promote stimulating dialogue while also enjoying good socializing. We offer some food and drink with friends who are willing to learn and dialogue about a pressing justice issue – a winning combination. This year, the Circles of Dialogue will be about the immigration and refugee issues that our nation can no longer afford to ignore. To sign up, visit the Justice and Witness Table in the Fellowship Hall after Sunday worship or contact Meribeth Shank at [email protected]. 8 BACK ON TRACK Tuesday, October 21 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in 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 transition. The guest speaker for this Tuesday will be Jose Torres, Managing Partner of FranNet of South Florida, who will discuss the value of self-employment and options to traditional employment as well as how to make this transition minimizing risks and increasing the probability of success. It also covers how to succeed in the "age of going solo" and covers examples of entrepreneurship for executives and professionals. All are welcome. SPECIAL INTERFAITH SERVICES The MCCJ* Communitywide Service Pursuing Peace: A Common Path Sunday, October 26, 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary For the fourth year, the MCCJ Interfaith Clergy Dialogue will celebrate the diversity of the South Florida faith community through an interfaith service for peace. This is always a very inspirational program as people from a variety of faith communities and traditions here in South Florida gather together representing the beauty and strength of our diverse community while praying for peace together. The service will be led by clergy from many different houses of worship and will also feature choirs and music from various religious traditions including our own choir and clergy. The community is encouraged to attend. A reception will follow. *Historically known as the Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews, the nation’s oldest interfaith dialogue, it now includes ALL faith traditions. The Coral Gables Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary We will share together in gratitude for all our many blessings through the beautiful music, the spoken word, and prayers of our brothers and sisters of faith in this community. Please join us for this very special and beautiful service. 9 ALL CHURCH RETREAT Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. In our 24/7 culture, finding time to reflect on deeper things, to connect with other thoughtful and diverse people, and to just be a part of the church community is often difficult. We are really hoping that you will do just that for a little while on Saturday morning, November 1, for an All-Church Retreat at the Biltmore Hotel. All church members, 13 years and above, are invited from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in a beautiful conference room that the Biltmore Hotel is loaning us for the morning. There we will share some pastries along with opening devotions, conversation and reflection as we create together a new church mission statement. Our leader for the day is the Rev. Dick Sparrow, the former Minister and Leader of Church Life and Leadership of the United Church of Christ. While the adults and young people are creating a mission statement, all infants and children through age 12 are invited to be part of a morning program at the church with activities and fun for all. Afterwards, we will all gather for a BBQ in the church courtyard. You can then be on your way around 2:00 p.m. knowing that you had a great morning helping to articulate the mission of the church, and to enjoy the fun and fellowship of a warm and inviting church family. The cost is only $10 per adult (children up to 12 are free) or $25.00 per family. You must register and pay by Sunday, October 19 by either going to the sign up table in the Fellowship Hall or sign up online at http://gablesucc.org/all-church-retreat. Space is limited so don’t be left out! XYZ OUTING TO BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDENS Thursday, December 4; the Church Shuttle leaves at 9:30 a.m. On Thursday, December 4, join us for an outing at the beautiful Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Ft. Lauderdale. Built in 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a 35-acre estate and historic house museum. Following a guided tour of the Main House, we will take a tram tour of the grounds which boasts a mangrove swamp and coastal hammock providing habitat for a variety of fish, birds, and other wildlife. We will enjoy a box lunch on the estate. This is an easy tour. Walking isn’t difficult. The cost for the outing and lunch is just $20. Sign up after worship each Sunday at the XYZ table or by contacting Drew Sandbulte at 305.448.7421 ext. 150 or [email protected]. 10