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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.
 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.
November 9, 2014
11:00 a.m.
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
~ Frederick Douglass
* Please stand as you are able
GATHERING MUSIC
Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician
THE WORDS OF 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.
THE PRELUDE
Make a Joyful Noise
The Bell Choir
Kevin McChesney
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader:
Out of the blue,
People:
God comes to us.
Leader:
In the midst of turmoil,
People:
The words of Jesus speak to us.
Leader:
As darkness closes in,
People:
The Spirit lights a way.
Leader:
When times are tough and everything goes wrong,
People:
God can be enough.
Leader:
When questions arise and answers are scant,
People:
The Spirit is wise.
Leader:
Let us raise our voices in praise of the God who loves and redeems us.
ALL:
May our praise be loud and strong.
Please remain standing for the Opening Hymn.
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*HYMN
De Colores
De colores, de colores
se visten los campos en la primavera.
De colores, de colores
son los pajaritos que vienen de afuera.
De colores, de colores
es el arcoíris que vemos salir,
Y por eso los grandes amores
de muchos colores me gustan a mí,
Y por eso los grandes amores
de muchos colores me gustan a mí.
Sing of colors, sing of colors
that over the hills in profusion are springing
Sing of colors, of the birds
that fly outside my window their canticles singing;
Sing of colors, in the rainbow’s
bright colors God’s promise of hope we recall;
Sing of colors that make up the earth
and give thanks to the God who created us all.
Sing of colors that make up the earth
and give thanks to the God who created us all.
*OPENING PRAYER
ALL:
Good and Loving God, you are God to the laborers and the scholars,
to the rich and the poor, to the leaders and the followers, to the
conservative and the progressive. Unite us in this hour of worship that
we might all praise your name, lifting the prayer Jesus taught us …
*THE LORD’S PRAYER (spoken)
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
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*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.
All children toddlers through 5th grade wishing to attend Sunday School are invited to leave
during the Passing of the Peace to the Fellowship Hall.
THE SCRIPTURE READING
Ecclesiastes 3:1– 9, 11–13, 15
Kathleen Hutchinson
For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
God has made everything suitable for its time; moreover God has put a sense of past and
future into our minds, yet we cannot discern what God has done from beginning to end. I
know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and enjoy themselves as
long as they live; that they all should eat, drink and be merry. I know that whatever God
does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; That which
is, already has been; that which is to be, already is; and God seeks out what has gone by.
THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Stars
Mark Hart, soloist
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Schönberg
THE EPISTLE READING
Romans 12: 1-2 from The Message
Olivia Graham
So here’s what I want you to do, with God’s help: Take your everyday, ordinary
life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it
before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you
can do. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without
even questioning it. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from
the inside out. You’ll be transformed beyond your culture. Readily recognize
what God wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around
you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out
of you, and develops well-formed maturity in you.
Friends, listen. God is still speaking.
Thanks be to God.
THE HYMN OF PREPARATION
Spirit of the Living God
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
THE MORNING MESSAGE
The Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling
CHORAL RESPONSE
He Never Failed Me Yet
Charmyn Kirton and Greg Jackson, soloists
Robert Ray
THE WITNESSING STEWARD
Tim Knoll, Church Moderator
THE RECEIVING OF OUR MORNING OFFERING
Invitation
Offertory Music
Great is the Lord
Ron Morgan, organ; Greg Taylor, piano
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Smith/Hustad
*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
ALL:
Receive our gifts this day, O God; for we have made a pledge to assist
monetarily and to continue on giving by loving you and our neighbor
through our words, actions, and deeds. Amen.
THE RECEIVING OF NEW MEMBERS
INTRODUCTIONS AND OPENING WORDS
COVENANT OF THE NEW MEMBERS
WORDS OF THANKSGIVING
*COVENANT OF THE CHURCH FAMILY
* WELCOME BY THE CONGREGATION
We welcome you with joy into the common life of this church. We promise you
our friendship and prayers as we support one another in the work to which we
feel called: striving for peace and justice among all people, protecting and
restoring the integrity of all God's creation, and bringing hope to those most
vulnerable. Amen.
*PROCLAMATION
Tim Knoll, moderator
*THE BENEDICTION
*THE SUNG BENEDICTION
Alleluia
As we end our service, you are invited to join hands with your neighbor as an expression
of our unity in Christ and lift them up in glory to God on the second verse of Alleluia.
*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.
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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].
IN OUR PRAYERS…We remember all those places of war, violence and unrest, as we
continue to pray for peace for all people around the world. A lighted candle on the altar
table symbolizes our prayers for peace.
FLOWERS THIS MORNING ARE GIVEN by a church member in honor of
America’s Veteran’s from 1776 to 2014.
THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS: Coleen Atkins, head usher; Dawn Thompson, Janet
Copeland, Michael Flegel and David Dangler
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. – 5:00 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
Each Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the Moye Chapel
Son Bienvenidos
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].
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TODAY: ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCIL
Sunday, November 9 at 3:00 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge
An Ecclesiastical Council is an official gathering of laity and clergy from local UCC
congregations to authorize a candidate for ordination as a minister in the United Church
of Christ. This afternoon, we are so pleased to have church member Yosladis (Yoly)
Izquierdo-Yglesias come before us and share her faith pilgrimage, theology, and her
understanding of the United Church of Christ. Following her presentation, those present
will determine Yoly’s fitness for ordained ministry. Born and raised in Cuba, Yoly has a
compelling story of commitment and devotion to her Christian faith in spite of many
trials and struggles. This is an important occasion in the life of our church and all
members of the congregation are encouraged to attend.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Monday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library
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, this may be it. Come and help wrap someone in God’s love
by creating a beautiful prayer shawl.
CELEBRATE MARTINSTAG
Our German church community cordially invites all children age kindergarten through
fifth grade and their parents to participate in a very special German tradition called
Martinstag, or St. Martin’s Day. This occasion is named after St. Martin, who is said to
have shared his heavy cloak with a beggar in need of some warmth. Thus was born the
tradition of children carrying lanterns around on the feast of the saint in honor of this
noble deed.
On Tuesday evening, November 11, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., the children, their
parents, and interested others are invited to commemorate Martinstag. The festivities
begin in the Sanctuary with a short play. Following which, a processional will take place
around the church with lanterns and the singing of traditional German songs. The evening
ends back in the Fellowship Hall as all the children receive a Breadman, a traditional
German treat. Cost is $4.00 per Breadman. Please contact Pastor Megan at
[email protected] to register.
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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
IN GRATITUDE TO OUR VETERANS,
THEY ARE INVITED TO HAVE A FREE DINNER THIS WEDNESDAY.
Come see old friends and meet new friends while gathering for a delicious dinner.
SISTERS ON SOJOURN
Saturday, November 15 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the Church Library
All women, regardless of age, are invited to join in this relaxed and easy-going group
with no rules, no dues, no officers. We are just women gathering together to hear each
other’s stories, provide support and encouragement, and to occasionally learn something.
This month, we are looking forward to welcoming back our Muslim sisters for a
conversation around women and faith. A continental breakfast is provided, so roll out of
bed, throw on your jeans, and be with some sisters on the journey.
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
PLEDGE SUNDAY
Join us as we gather with grateful and generous hearts for our annual Pledge Sunday, as
we live out our gratitude for all that has been given to us. Our theme this year is
#ChurchBecoming, as we look toward a new decade of being a vital, meaningful,
compassionate church for the 21st Century. During our morning worship, you are invited
to bring your pledges and offerings to support and shape the ministry of our church in
2015. All members will receive a special booklet and pledge card this week.
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.
CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
Friday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel
Join us for another beautiful offering of the Candlelight Concert Series, produced and
performed by our Parish Musician, Dr. Greg Taylor. In the candlelight of Moye Chapel,
Greg will bring us a beautiful piano recital which is free and open to the community.
Please mark your calendar and join us for a magical evening of exquisite music.
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CIRCLES OF DIALOGUE
November 22
This year, the Circles of Dialogue are 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].
GERMAN LANGUAGE CHURCH PRESENTS…
German Christmas Market
Saturday, November 29 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Fellowship Hall
If you enjoy German traditions like Octoberfest and the St. Martin Lantern Parade, you
will love our authentic German Christmas Market. Support our German ministry and
enjoy traditional German food, Gluehwein, German crafts such as advent wreaths and
German music performances. Shop from a variety of vendors, purchase raffle tickets for
great prizes, and let the kids partake in craft activities. Admission is free. Interested
vendors should contact Yvonne Visser-Guerrero at [email protected].
XYZ OUTING TO BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDENS
Thursday, December 4; the Church Shuttle leaves at 9:30 a.m.
All our spirited and adventurous seniors (55 years old and above…or frankly,
anyone) are invited to 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 boast 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].
CANNED FOOD NEEDED
Almost every day, individuals and families from around the city come to our church
seeking help. Could you please help? You may drop off food items at the receptionist
desk where they will help fill our food pantry and the stomachs of those in need.
Especially needed are pull-top cans of fruit, vegetables, soup, tuna fish as well as cereal,
mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, rice, beans, spaghetti and sauce, and crackers.
We would also appreciate plastic or cloth grocery bags. Thank you!
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CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL UCC STAFF DIRECTORY
Ministers
All Members of the Church
Pastoral Staff
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor
[email protected] ext. 116
The Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling, Associate Pastor
[email protected] ext. 117
The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor
[email protected] ext. 119
Program Staff
Mark Hart, Exec. Dir. of the Community Arts Program
Dr. Ronald Morgan, Director of Music Ministries
Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician
Janet Hiles, Director of Early Childhood Center
To contact Early Childhood Center, please call:
[email protected] ext. 120
[email protected] ext.121
[email protected] ext. 155
[email protected]
305-444-9792
Support Staff
Anthony Cabrera, Cantaté Choir Director
[email protected]
Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant
[email protected] ext. 127
Kris Coney, Sound Technician
[email protected]
Ashley Levin, Cherub Choir Director
[email protected]
Chely Llorens, Wedding & Baptism Coordinator
[email protected] ext. 112
Tony Prinzi, Print Room Manager & Reception Coordinator
[email protected] ext. 100
Dennis Rodrigues, Business Manager
[email protected] ext.130
Drew Sandbulte, Administrative Assistant
[email protected] ext.150
Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry
[email protected] ext.151
Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director
[email protected]
Maintenance and Custodial Team
Rene Dominguez, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez
WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE!
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