Weekly Bulletin - Coral Gables Congregational United Church of

THE SYMBOLS OF LENT
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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 not on your cell phone!
Please 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, 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 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
CLI License # 11282912
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March 29, 2015
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Our faith is over 2000 years old;
Our thinking is not.
11:00 a.m.
PALM/PASSION SUNDAY
*Please stand as you are able
PLEASE NOTE: This morning our Lenten journey continues, a season once described
as a time to “wipe our feet” before entering the glory of Easter. To mark this holy season,
each Sunday we have lifted up a symbol of Lent as a way to reflect and meditate on the
Passion of Jesus. May this Lenten season bring us to a deeper understanding of our
church year.
PRELUDE
Rejoicing
G.F. Handel
Jim Hacker and Adam Bookspan, trumpets; Dr. Greg Taylor, organ
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Matthew 21:1-11)
Leader:
ALL:
Leader:
ALL:
Leader:
ALL:
The shocking thing about the story of Jesus is that it turns common
wisdom on its head. It is not the story of a child born in a palace to rich
powerful parents, but a child born in a stable to a poor carpenter and his
wife. And when, having preached all around the countryside, he decided
that he would ride into the local capital city, Jerusalem, he didn’t ride on a
fine powerful horse, but on a donkey – the lowliest beast of burden, in
solidarity with the poor and oppressed of the city.
Hosanna to the heir of the house of David.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
The people had heard he was coming and gathered at the side of the road
and threw down palm branches on to the road in front of him
Hosanna to the heir of the house of David.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Despite the fact he knew he was likely to be going to his death, at the
hands of the civil and religious authorities in Jerusalem, he rode unafraid
Hosanna to the heir of the house of David.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
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Leader:
ALL:
In following him, let us also show our solidarity with the poor and
oppressed of this city
Hosanna to the heir of the house of David.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN All Glory, Laud, and Honor
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Please be seated following the hymn.
BLESSING OF PALMS
by Jan Richardson
Alba Abrams, reader
This blessing can be heard coming from a long way off.
This blessing is making its steady way up the road toward you.
This blessing blooms in the throats of women
springs from the hearts of men
tumbles from the mouths of children.
This blessing is stitched into the seams of the cloaks that line the road,
etched into the branches that trace the path,
echoes in the breathing of the willing colt,
the click of the donkey’s hoof against the stones.
Something is rising beneath this blessing.
Something will try to drown it out.
But this blessing cannot be turned back, cannot be made to still its voice,
cannot cease to sing its praise of the one who comes along the way it makes.
ANTHEM
Hosanna!
The Children’s and Chancel Choirs
Christine Gregor
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
Leader: On Palm Sunday, Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem not as a warrior but
as a messenger of peace. Like him, may we be messengers of peace in
this place, in our families, in our community and in the world. Let us
begin by extending his peace to one another by saying, "The Peace of
Christ be with you."
People: And also with you.
You are invited to share greetings of welcome and peace with those around you.
All children and youth through 3rd grade wishing to attend Sunday School
are invited to exit to the Fellowship Hall during the passing of the peace.
THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Ride On, King Jesus
The Chancel Choir
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arr. Wertsch
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 or Twitter 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 OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
Offertory Music
The Holy City
Charmyn Kirton, soloist
THE MORNING PRAYERS
HYMN
My Song is Love Unknown
You may remain seated for the hymn
Continued on following page
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Adams
POETIC REFLECTION
Where Once
Where once…
feet that danced
through the streets
of Jerusalem
welcoming the Messiah
now softly pad
the back alleys
in search of shadows;
hearts that leapt
with joy at the sight
of David's true son
are thrown out
with Golgotha's
garbage;
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Thom Shuman
hands that wrapped
a new born son
in bright bands of cloth
now shroud
his broken body
and lay him
gently,
tenderly,
softly
in death's manger.
where glad hosannas
rang out
there is now
only
the silent
weeping
heart
of
God.
CHORAL ANTHEM
Who Is This?
Chancel Choir with Madeline Neely, viola
THE PASSION STORY AS RECORDED IN MARK 14: 1 – 15:20
Ruth Nunez and Richard Walters, readers
Drew Sandbulte, dancer
CLOSING HYMN
Were you
Were you
Oh! Sometimes
Were you
Were You There
Please remain seated
there when they crucified my Lord?
there when they crucified my Lord?
it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
there when they crucified my Lord?
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John Ferguson
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they laid Him
Were you there when they laid Him
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble,
Were you there when they laid Him
in the tomb?
in the tomb?
tremble, tremble.
in the tomb?
Please remain seated for the benediction and postlude
BENEDICTION
Leader:
This worship does not end with words of benediction,
for this worship service does not end.
People:
As people of faith we know that the story does not end –
cannot end – with death.
Leader:
And so we depart with the story unfinished, to contemplate,
to wonder, and to wait.
People:
We return during the week
to continue our waiting and our wondering,
and, ultimately,
to rejoice in the story of resurrection.
POSTLUDE
O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Madeline Neely, viola; Dr. Gregory Taylor, organ
Haan
Following our service, please join us in the Fellowship Hall for our
annual Palm Sunday potluck.
Visitors, we would LOVE to have you join us.
A WARM AND CORDIAL WELCOME TO ALL GUESTS!
If you are visiting us today, 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, please
contact Pastor Laurie at 305.448.7421, ext. 116 or at [email protected].
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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.
THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS THIS MORNING: Lois Legge, head usher; Annika
Grant, Peter Knezevich, Ann and Felipe de las Pozas, Carol Krech, Sue Burdick, Sofia
Larraz, and Coleen Atkins.
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].
GERMAN LANGUAGE CHURCH
Contact [email protected] to sign up for our mailing list.
FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE
Just in Time for Easter
Innovative Easter dinner table centerpieces from Lenca women artisans of Honduras.
Columbian design pottery eggs and water vessel pieces now 15% off.
Check out wonderful new items from the growing “All Blessings Flow” spiritual center.
Your purchases empower artisans to work and build strong families and villages globally.
Unique and Special Gifts ~ Located outside the Fellowship Hall
JAZZ CONCERT THIS AFTERNOON
The Community Arts Program ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble
4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
The Community Arts Program (CAP) ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble goes back to the “Big
Apple” in May, as a finalist performing in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington.
You are invited to a free send-off concert this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. in the Church
Sanctuary. Joining the Community Arts Program ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble will be the
Frost Studio Jazz Band from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. A
wonderful afternoon of inspiring music by Duke Ellington and other jazz greats.
Donations gratefully accepted. Bring your family and friend. All are welcome!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A VERY SPECIAL HOLY WEEK
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Thursday Evening, April 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary
We gather to recall the betrayal, desertion, and eventual death of Jesus as he sought
justice for the world. As the sun sets, we gather in the rustic beauty of our sanctuary to
recall the Passover Feast when the twelve disciples were with Jesus in the Upper Room
for the last time. Through the Sacrament of Holy Communion, scripture lessons, and the
gradual extinguishing of the lights, we will remember the Passion of our Lord. This
service, which has become very meaningful to so many, begins and ends in silence. A
light, soup supper will be served before the service at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. A
freewill offering for the supper will be gratefully received. Child care is available.
GOOD FRIDAY INTERFAITH GATHERING
Friday, April 3, 2014
Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Following God in Love…and War?
9:00 a.m. Kosher & Halal Breakfast in the Courtyard
9:30 a.m. – Presentation in the Chapel
It is our goal on this day to break down the old walls of separation that Good Friday has
often built and lift up Jesus’ call for justice and respect for others, as we gather for an
interfaith breakfast in our beautiful Courtyard with a program to follow in the Chapel.
This year we are so pleased to welcome as our speaker Dr. Amanullah De Sondy,
Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Miami, where he connects the study of
religion to the key themes of gender, ethnicity, race, and pluralism. He will speak to the
theme “Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Following God in Love…and War?” Dr. De
Sondy has studied Arabic and Islam in France, Jordan, and Syria and has particular
interest in Urdu and Punjabi poetry, or ghazals. This event is co-sponsored by the Florida
International University Department for Religious Studies and Gables UCC. This free
event is open and welcoming to all.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
12:15 p.m. -1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
It has been said that you can’t have Easter without Good Friday. Only when our hearts
break open with compassion for the One who suffered can we truly appreciate the new
life represented by Easter. Joining us will be the clergy and members of Riviera
Presbyterian Church. All are welcome for this very moving service.
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Kids, get ready for the annual
SATURDAY EGG-STRAVAGANZA
EASTER EGG HUNT and CRAFT PARTY
(Toddlers through 5th grade)
Saturday, April 4, 2012 ~ 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Fellowship Hall and Church Grounds
There will be crafts, food, and lots of family fun.
ENTRANCE FEE: MINIMUM OF 1 CANNED GOOD PER PERSON!
Egg Hunt Locations:
Toddlers-Young 3 year oldsCatalonia Avenue Playground
Pre-K 3-Kindergarten
Main Preschool Playground on Columbus Blvd.
1 st -5 th Graders
“A Timed” Egg Hunt on the Church Green (corner of Malaga & De Soto)
Don’t forget to bring your own basket.
CALLING ALL FUN-LOVING AND ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE
Brunch at Crazy About You
Thursday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m.
Enthusiasts rave about the amazing atmosphere at this Brickell Area restaurant with a
“super-view” of the bay from the ample terrace. $20 per person.
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit at the NSU Art Museum Ft. Lauderdale
Thursday, May 14 ~ Leave church by shuttle at 9:30 a.m.
$25 includes tour and lunch
To make reservations for either event, call Drew at 305. 448.7421 ext.150 or
[email protected].
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PARENTING CLASSES OFFERED
Stop wasting your patience! Take the stress out of parenting! This seven week parenting
course (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) will change your lives. A free
introductory session is offered Wednesday, April 1, from 6:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The
regular
classes
begin
April
15
from
6:00
to
8:00
p.m.
Please register in advance with Pastor Megan Smith.
Some of the topics which the course will cover:
 Reducing the stress of parenting
 Child development and its role in parental expectations
 Understanding children’s behavior
 How to speak so children will listen the first time
 How to build self-esteem, not self-entitlement
 Conflict resolution and problem solving
 Numerous parenting skills for any situation
The classes are led by Cathy Radziewicz who has been working with young children and
their parents since 1984. As the lead teacher at The Family Center preschool, she taught
children from infancy through age 5, advised parents, and conducted parenting classes.
Come and experience this patient, compassionate, knowledgeable leader who will guide
you through a program that will affect not only your relationship with your children but
also with your spouse, family and friends. This seven week course includes two hour
sessions of lecture, video examples and discussion, the textbook, additional weekly
handouts and Cathy emailing you three times per week with support for the week’s
“homework.” The cost of this is $350 for one parent or $550 for a couple. Testimonials
from other parents are available upon request.
COMING IN MAY: THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE OF THE UCC
The Annual Meeting of the Florida Conference of the UCC is going to be held right here
in Coral Gables on the weekend of May 1 – 3. It is going to be a wonderful weekend as
representatives from the 100 UCC congregations across Florida will gather for business,
worship, fellowship, workshops, and service. The festivities include the installation of
our new Florida Conference Minister John Vertigan and a presentation by the General
Minister and President of the UCC, Geoffrey Black. There are many ways you can
participate including attending the many activities and events of the meeting and/or
volunteering your time. We will need ushers, greeters, servers, hospitality, and
cookies! If you can volunteer, please let Drew know at [email protected].
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COMING IN APRIL
GAY PRIDE
Sunday, April 12
On this day, there are two locations for worship: You are invited to festive worship as
usual at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel or 11:00 a.m. in our beautiful historic Sanctuary, or you
are invited to worship in the beauty of the outdoors on South Beach as we share the good
news of an inclusive welcoming gospel message with those who are gathering for the
annual Gay PRIDE parade. For those wishing to worship on South Beach, please join us
at 11:00 a.m. on the public-domain green space between 10th and 11th streets on Ocean
Drive. The church shuttle will leave at 9:30 a.m., and will return after the parade, which
begins at 12:00 noon. To reserve a seat, contact Ron Morgan at [email protected].
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO…MOTOWN
Sunday, April 19 during the 11:00 a.m. worship
Be with us for a unique celebration of resurrection joy using the music of Motown,
known as the sound that changed America. Motown, the first African-American-owned
record label to reach widespread national acclaim, helped break down the racial divide by
offering up beloved songs that people of every race, nationality, and culture enjoyed.
Music from such artists as Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, Michael Jackson, The
Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and the Commodores will be
performed by local professional musicians under the direction of our own producer,
composer, and performer of multiple platinum and Grammy award-winning records, Clay
Ostwald. This will be a Sunday to never forget. So put on your dancing shoes and join us
for a service of soul-stirring, dance-provoking, happiness-inducing music.
NEW MEMBERS WILL BE RECEIVED SUNDAY, APRIL 19
If you don’t want to check your mind at the church door…..
If you know that God’s love embraces all people, no matter who they are…
If you want religion with relevancy…
If you’ve wished for an open and embracing community of faith to nurture your spirit,
grow your faith, and raise your children…
Then we warmly invite you to help us build the family of Gables UCC.
Contact Pastor Laurie at [email protected] or 305.448.7421 ext. 116 for more
information.
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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]
Kris Coney, Sound
[email protected]
Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant
[email protected] ext. 127
Ashley Levin, Cherub Choir Director
[email protected]
Alexandra Levin, Agape 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
Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry
[email protected] ext.151
Maintenance and Custodial Team
Rene Dominguez, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez
Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
3010 De Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, Florida 33134-6317
Phone: 305.448.7421
www.gablesucc.org
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