WELCOME TO WORSHIP! •No matter who you are or where you are

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.
As followers of Christ, we are compelled by the Gospel to seek reconciliation and
wholeness in a world that is all too often an unloving place.
Therefore, whether you are gay, straight, or in-between;
whatever your country of origin or ancestry;
whether you are a believer, a doubter or a seeker;
in Christ’s love, we welcome you, so that by the power
of the Holy Spirit we can work together to
usher in God’s Reign of justice, peace, and mercy.
•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
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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP
Our faith is over 2000 years old.
Our thinking is not.
May 3, 2015
11:00 a.m.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
We are leaves of one branch, the drops of one sea, the flowers of one garden.
~ Jean Baptiste Lacordaire, 19th century
*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 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.
PRELUDE
Sepia Panorama
The Coral Gables Congregational UCC Community Arts Program
ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
One:
Here in this place, there are no foreigners,
Many:
for all are welcome in God’s house.
One:
Here in this worship, there is only acceptance,
Many:
for love is the language of faith.
One:
Here in our lives, there are no divisions,
Many:
for God dwells in each of us.
One:
Come, let us worship in unity and love.
Please remain standing for the opening hymn
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*OPENING HYMN
All Are Welcome
Marty Haugen
Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live,
A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace;
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions;
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
Where all God's children dare to seek to dream God's reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness and a symbol of God's grace;
Here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat:
A banquet hall on holy ground, where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space;
As we share in Christ the feast that frees us:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
*OPENING PRAYER
ALL:
All are welcome in this place, and we especially welcome you O God.
Fil us with your Spirit, a spirit of openness. Help us to hear, with
every cell of our being, your still-speaking voice. Amen.
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
Leader:
Let us embrace our differences, knowing that God made us just as we are.
Let us welcome the stranger and the familiar by 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 through high school wishing to attend Sunday School are
invited to leave during the Passing of the Peace and go to the Fellowship Hall.
THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Bourbon Street Jinglin’ Jollies
The Coral Gables Congregational UCC Community Arts Program
ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble
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THE EPISTLE WITNESS
Acts 8:26-40
Jorge Casas, reader
Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that
goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went.
Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the
Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and
was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the
Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard
him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He
replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit
beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.’
The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about
himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this
scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the
road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to
prevent me from being baptized?’* He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them,
Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip* baptized him. When they
came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw
him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as
he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he
came to Caesarea.
Friends, listen. God is still speaking!
Thanks be to God!
THE CHORAL RESPONSE
From this House
Allaway
Anthony Cabrera, soloist; Seth Woods and Chuck Bryant, percussion
THE MORNING MESSAGE
The Rev. John Vertigan
THE ANTHEM
Blessed Assurance
The Vocal Ensemble
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arr. Nancy Wertsch
THE MORNING PRAYERS
Invitation to Prayer
Instrumental Call to Prayer
Timbrel and Dance
The Handbell Choir
Kevin McChesney
At this time you are invited to text your prayer requests to Pastor Laurie at 305.968.6482.
Prayers of the People
SUNG PRAYER RESPONSE
THE RECEIVING OF OUR GIFTS
Offertory Music
Cotton Club Stomp
The Coral Gables Congregational UCC Community Arts Program
ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble
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*PRESENTATION OF GIFTS AND THE SINGING OF THE DOXOLOGY
Please stand as you are able
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:
God, our Creator, through your love you have given us these gifts to
share. Accept our offerings as an expression of our deep thanks and
signs of our concern for those in need. May they be transformed into
genuine acts of compassion and ministry to others. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN
Come, O Fount of Every Blessing
Come, O Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing your grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of endless praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount; I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unfailing love.
Here I pause in my sojourning, giving thanks for having come,
Come to trust, at every turning, God will guide me safely home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God,
Came to rescue me from danger, blessed body, precious life.
O to grace how great a debtor, daily I am drawn anew!
Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to you.
Prone to wander I can feel it, wander from the love I’ve known;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for your very own.
*THE BENEDICTION
Following the benediction please be seated for the postlude
THE POSTLUDE
Total Jazz
The Coral Gables Congregational UCC Community Arts Program
ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble
Following worship this morning, please join us for refreshments and a chance to say hello
to one another in the Fellowship Hall. 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 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 or membership, please
contact Pastor Laurie at 305.448.7421, ext.116, [email protected], or text her at
305.968.6482.
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: Lois Legge, Head Usher; Coleen Atkins, Annika
Grant, Dawn Thompson, Felipe and Ann de las Pozas.
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
in der Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
Wir nehmen Sie gerne auf in unseren E-Mailverteiler:
[email protected]
THIS AFTERNOON: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
We are pleased to partner with the local ACLU chapter of South Florida, as they offer the
final session of three-part forum presentation on the prison conditions in the state of
Florida. Today, at 3:00 p.m., an elite panel of experts will discuss the death penalty and
show how it really works, or not. The forum is moderated by Katy Sorenson, former
Miami Dade County commissioner and a leading activist who will help us understand the
issues surrounding the death penalty and what we can do about it.
This event is free to the public.
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BACK ON TRACK
Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 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. This week we are pleased to welcome guest speaker Kathy Dolbow
Doran, author of Necessity is the Mother of (Re)Invention, which provides a roadmap
consisting of eleven survival tactics for Baby Boomers in career transition. She is also
beginning a five-week workshop focused on helping Baby Boomers in career transition
create a living while searching for a job. In each of the following interactive one-hour
sessions, a specific topic will be addressed such as: You are Here, You are NOT Alone,
Take Stock, Design Your Life and Share Your Story. The workshops will take place from
6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m., before the regularly scheduled meetings on May 5, May 19, June
16, July 7 and July 21. All are welcome!
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.
NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 10
A Special Celebration
On this day we honor ALL the women in our lives who “mother” us in countless ways as
teachers, aunts, neighbors, babysitters, etc. Celebrate those women in your life by
bringing them to a pancake breakfast at the church from 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. (A
freewill donation will be gratefully received for the work of the youth program).
Then during the 11:00 a.m. service, our children’s and youth choirs with members of the
Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, will present The Purim Superhero from the children’s book
by Elisabeth Kushner about young Nate and his dilemma about what costume to wear for
the Purim celebration at his Hebrew school. He is aided in the process by his two dads,
Daddy and Abba, and his sister, Miri. This is a commissioned work that is part of the
Miami Gay Men’s Chorus five-year initiative to commission and produce works directly
geared for children on themes of self-esteem, anti-bullying, tolerance and the affirmation
of individuality.
Make your mother happy…join her for church.
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MOTHER’S DAY OFFERING OF LETTERS
NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 10
Gables Congregational UCC is a partner congregation with Bread for the World, an
organization that stands in a long biblical and prophetic tradition of those who speak out
boldly in defense of people who are poor, hungry and consigned to the margins of
society. By changing policies, programs, and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to
persist, we provide help and opportunity far beyond the communities where we live.
On Sunday, May 10, we will hold a Mother’s Day Campaign Against Hunger. Following
worship, all church members and friends are invited to participate in Bread for the
Worlds’ Annual Offering of Letters, urging Congress to renew our federal government’s
major child nutrition programs including those for school meals and the WIC nutrition
program for pregnant and new mothers along with their small children.
In honor of your mother, grandmother, or other special women in your life, we invite you
to write a letter to President Obama and/or to your elected legislatures on behalf of so
many mothers who struggle every day to feed their families. In turn you will receive a
card to be given to your mother or special woman which says, “In your honor, I have
sent letters to the President of the United States and to my congressional leader urging
them to renew support for helping mothers around our nation and around the world to
feed their children. Happy Mother’s Day!” We can end hunger in our time, but everyone
must do his or her part. For more information about Bread for the World and how you
can play a part in helping to end hunger, visit http://www.bread.org.
ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Sunday Mornings from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in Havighorst Lounge
The History of Making the Bible
Join us as we view lectures from The Teaching Company and share information from text
sources as we reflect on the making of the Bible. Childcare will be provided.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Monday, May 11 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Library
We gather in the church library to create beautiful prayer shawls to share with members
of our church family who are ill. You do not have to know how to knit or crochet –
someone will teach you. If you are looking for a ministry of care for others, this may be
it. Come and help wrap someone in God’s love by creating a beautiful prayer shawl.
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CALLING ALL FUN-LOVING AND ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE
Join us as we explore South Florida
The Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera Art 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 at the Museum
Café, Carafe, and Concert
Thursday evening, June 18 5:30 p.m.
The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. as we board the church shuttle for a delectable
dinner at a premiere restaurant in Coral Gables. We return to the church and to your
reserved seat for a performance of Israeli cellist Amit Peled, acclaimed as one of the most
exciting instrumentalists on the concert stage today who will be playing on Pablo Casals
cello, a Goffriler ca. 1733, personally handed to Amit Peled by the Maestro’s widow,
Mrs. Marta Casals Istomin. During intermission, come to the chapel for a cup of coffee
and a bite of dessert. The entire evening is only $40.00.
RSVP to Drew Sandbulte at 305.448.7421 ext. 150 or [email protected].
FAMILY PROMISE HOMELESS MINISTRY
Thursday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Open Door UCC
A mother loses her job, a father is kept from working by an injury, a family is forced
from their home by a 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. 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.
We are now ready to venture deeper into this beautiful ministry and mission. During the
past year, we have hosted four organizational meetings, acquainting us to Family Promise
as an organization and to begin the process of dreaming into reality a Family Promise
affiliate right here in Miami-Dade. On Thursday, May 14, we will gather with other
congregations to continue building this reality. We will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Church
of the Open Door UCC at 6001 NW 8th Ave., Miami 33127. If you wish, we will carpool
from the church at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to learn more about Family Promise
and/or volunteer your time and talent please contact Pastor Laurie (305-448-7421 ext.
116), Drew Sandbulte (ext. 150), or Larry Silvester ([email protected]) who are our
congregation’s liaison to Family Promise during this time of development and dreaming.
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JUST PEACE WORLD CAFÉ WORKSHOPS
Sundays, May 17 and 24 12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. in the Moye Chapel
Dr. Elton Skendaj, church member and UM professor, will facilitate a two part workshop
on being a Just Peace Church. What does this mean as we face new and old challenges of
violence and oppression in the U.S. and the world? The workshop will be interactive in a
World Café format. On May 17, we will explore our foundations as a Just Peace Church.
On May 24, we will explore implications for ethical engagement as Christians to build
peace in our communities and the world. We hope to come up with several action plans
for particular just and peace issues. A light lunch will be provided. Childcare is available.
DIG OUT THOSE TAP SHOES
Gables UCC’s Got Talent
Friday, June 5 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Moye Chapel
Attention singers, actors, jugglers, hog callers, baton twirlers, poets, story-tellers, and all
the talented people of the church: the Gables Congregational UCC’s Got Talent Coffee
House, Season Six, is back. Contact Ron Morgan at [email protected] to sign up. All
members of all ages are welcome to participate in this event, and all are encouraged to
attend. We will provide the coffee and beverages. Audience members are asked to donate
desserts and fruit. This fun event is being hosted by the Board for Congregational Life.
INQUIRER’S GATHERING
Sunday, June 7 at 12:15 p.m. in the Library 12:15 p.m. in the Library
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 believe that faith requires tenderness and courage, a kind of big love that is
committed to changing people’s lives…ours and others…
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.
Come if you would like to inquire about becoming a member. Come if you just want to
inquire more about who we are, what we stand for, and what we believe. This gathering
will also give you a chance to meet some of our members and staff and give us an
opportunity to meet you. Childcare and a light lunch will be provided. Contact Pastor
Laurie at [email protected] or 305.448.7421 ext. 116 for more information.
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COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAM (CAP)
2015 Summer Concert Series
Begins Thursday, June 4
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents!
Our Community Arts Program (CAP) 2015 Summer Concert Series begins June 4—and
runs 8:00 p.m. every other Thursday, through August 13—in our sanctuary. Join us
for June 4 opening night! This will be an unforgettable journey, when select members of
the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JALCO) present an evening of jazz greats. The
concert will be packed with the music and composers who defined jazz and catapulted it
to the “Great American Art Form.” This also begins an exciting CAP affiliation between
Jazz at Lincoln Center and the CAP Miami Jazz Institute. Opening for JALCO members
will be the CAP ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble, fresh from its performance on the Jazz at
Lincoln Center stage and the 2015 Essentially Ellington Festival. CAP Summer Concert
Series tickets range from $30-$50 in advance. Call 305.448.7421, ext. 120 for more info
and to reserve your seats! Tickets and info will soon also be available online at
www.CommunityArtsProgram.org.
THE ELEPHANT RETURNS TO WORSHIP THIS SUMMER
Has there ever been something you wanted to know about your faith, but were afraid to
ask? Well, this is your chance to ask tough questions about the Bible, church, ethics, or
life and get an honest and personal answer back from Pastor Laurie. Maybe it’s a topic or
issue that we tend to sweep under the rug or ignore in order to keep the peace, avoid
disagreement, or maybe even change… kind of like that proverbial elephant in the room
or, in this case, in the Pew.
Over the past six years, Pastor Laurie has
answered questions concerning Palestine and
Israel, atonement, angels, the afterlife and
even one in 2010 about whether LeBron
James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade were
really the “New Kingdom” as the Miami
Herald declared. (For the record, she said
yes). E-mail, write, or call Pastor Laurie, or
go to the Gables UCC Facebook page and
leave your question. She just might preach on it! Then join us after worship for the
Sermon Feedback Café. Have a little lunch and a conversation with Pastor Laurie about
her sermon for the day. We will meet at 12:15 p.m.in Havighorst Lounge.
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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
Kris Coney, Sound Technician
[email protected]
Allen Feldman, Pew Organizer
Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant
[email protected] ext. 127
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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