September 1, 2013 - Peace United Church of Christ

WELCOME AND RINGING OF THE CHIMES
PRELUDE
OPENING WORDS
source: Seasons of the Spirit
One:
We who have risen to embrace this day,
Two:
we who are weary in body and spirit,
Many:
all are welcome in this sacred place.
One:
We who know the abundance of life,
Two:
we who are left impoverished by harsh realities,
Many:
all receive a sustaining measure of God’s love.
One:
We who are strong in mind and soul,
Two:
we who are challenged by illnesses of many kinds,
Many:
all are whole in the Spirit of God.
One, Two: Come, for you have a place of honor in the heart of God.
*HYMN
September 1, 2013
Welcome Guests…
If you are new to Peace United
Church of Christ, we have
created a name tag for you. It is
located in the narthex on a hook
labeled “Recent Guests”. If you
do not have a name tag, please
sign up at the Welcome Table to
have one made the following
week.
We are so glad you are here!
*An asterisk next to a section
means that we stand in body or in
spirit for this part of the service.
“Welcome”
source: Mark A. Miller
UCC Statement of Faith
We believe in you, O God, Eternal
Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ
and our God, and to your deeds we
testify:
You call the worlds into being,
create persons in your own image,
and set before each one the ways of life
and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people
from aimlessness and sin.
*LITANY
source: Seasons of the Spirit
Confession
One: When we do not look beyond our institutional walls,
Many: forgive us, O God.
One: When we withhold and restrict the grace of the sacraments,
Many: forgive us, O God.
One: When we imagine ourselves to be more valuable than others,
Many: forgive us, O God.
One: When we think only of self-maintenance,
Many: forgive us, O God.
One: When we do not live as your people,
Many: forgive us, O God.
Assurance
*RESPONSE
“I Will Trust In the Lord”
source: trad.
You judge people and nations by your
righteous will declared through
prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth,
our crucified and risen Savior,
you have come to us
and shared our common lot,
conquering sin and death
and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit,
creating and renewing the church of
Jesus Christ, binding in covenant
faithful people of all ages, tongues, and
races.
You call us into your church
to accept the cost and joy of
discipleship, to be your servants in the
service of others, to proclaim the
gospel to all the world
and resist the powers of evil,
to share in Christ's baptism and eat at
his table, to join him in his passion and
victory.
You promise to all who trust you
forgiveness of sins and fullness of
grace, courage in the struggle for justice
and peace, your presence in trial and
rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm
which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power
be unto you.
Amen.
READING FROM THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION
Luke 14:1,7-14 (The Message)
One time when Jesus went for a Sabbath meal with one of the top leaders of
the Pharisees, all the guests had their eyes on him, watching his every move.
He went on to tell a story to the guests around the table. Noticing how each
had tried to elbow into the place of honor, he said, “When someone invites
you to dinner, don’t take the place of honor. Somebody more important than
you might have been invited by the host. Then he’ll come and call out in front
of everybody, ‘You’re in the wrong place. The place of honor belongs to this
man.’ Red-faced, you’ll have to make your way to the very last table, the only
place left. “When you’re invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then
when the host comes he may very well say, ‘Friend, come up to the front.’
That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I’m saying is, If
you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your
face. But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than
yourself.” Then he turned to the host. “The next time you put on a dinner,
don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people
who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the
misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be—and experience—a
blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be
returned—oh, how it will be returned!—at the resurrection of God’s people.”
One:
May we be struck by the wisdom of these words
and marked by hearing them.
The rose on the altar this morning is
in loving memory of Pravin Arora.
Many: For within them lies meaning.
SPECIAL MUSIC
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
John Ylvisaker
Paul Huppert
CHILDREN’S STORY
Children are invited to come to the Chancel Steps to share a story.
Following the story, young children are encouraged to remain in worship with their
parents, or they may choose to go to the nursery or to Shepherds (a play time in the
Red Room downstairs).
11:00AM BAPTISM : MILES DENNIS ECKERT
INVITATION
QUESTIONS FOR THE PARENTS
CONGREGATIONAL AFFIRMATION
One:
Do you who witness and celebrate this sacrament promise your
love, support, and care to this child being baptized as he lives and
grows in this Christian community?
Many: We promise our love, support, and care.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
One: Do you believe in God the Source, the fountain of life?
Many: I believe in God.
One: Do you believe in Christ the Servant , embodied in Jesus of
Nazareth and in the church?
Many: I believe in Christ.
One: Do you believe in the Spirit the Guide, the liberating wellspring of
life?
Many: I believe in the Spirit.
BAPTISMAL PRAYER
ACT OF BAPTISM
PRAYER OF DEDICATION (UNISON)
God of wonder and grace,
we thank you for your love revealed here this day
as this community, these parents, and this child
come together making covenant promises.
We pray that this community will have the grace
to uphold the promises made here this day,
providing a safe shelter of your love in which this child may grow
and play. We pray that these parents may continue to feel the
sweet wonder of your presence so transparent here today.
We pray that this child will bask in your love as he makes his
own journey through this life. Amen.
*HYMN (11:00AM)
“I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”
(words to the right)
SERMON
“It’s in There”
source: Ylvisaker
Bob Molsberry
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were
but a child,
with a faith to suit you well;
I’ll be there in case you wander off
and find where demons dwell.
When you heard the wonder
of the Word,
I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise
the living God,
to whom you now belong.
Should you find someone to
share your time and you join your
hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses
rhyme from dusk 'till rising sun.
In the middle ages of your life,
not too old, no longer young,
I'll be there to guide you
through the night,
complete what I've begun.
When the evening gently closes in,
and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been
with just one more surprise.
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
*HYMN
Adult Education
9:45-10:45 A.M.
During the rest of the Sundays
this summer, we will gather for
conversation, coffee, and
community in the library across
from the Pastor’s office. Topic:
The United Church of Christ
“Statement of Faith.” We will
continue to unpack the theology
of this document and identify the
diversity in our own varied
perspectives.
“All Are Welcome”
tune: Two Oaks
Words: Marty Haugen
*
Come join us!
Save the Dates:
September 4, 6:30pm
Children’s Choir (Pre-K-6th grade)
September 5, 7pm
Chancel Choir Practice
September 7, 11:30am
Youth Choir (7th-12th grade)
September 8
Rally Day! Please join us at noon
for a potluck in Fellowship Hall.
September 15, 9:45am
Church School resumes.
Register online at:
www.peaceuccstl.org/churchschool
September 15, 9:45am
Parents Group resumes, organizer
position is open.
PASTORAL PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Believing that each joy and/or concern expressed is indeed a prayer, after
each expression, the worship leader will say: Loving God. And the people
may respond: Hear our prayer.
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
COMMUNION
In Our Prayers...
Lil Lau and Nancy Reiiter
3440 Macklind Ave
St. Louis, MO 63139
Being legally married today in
Rhode Island!
Michael Cristiani
4 Arbor Road
St Louis, MO 63132
INVITATION
PRAYER
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
DISTRIBUTION
The Congregation is invited to come forward by the center aisle,
partaking of the bread (gluten free wafers are on the table) and juice, lighting a
candle in prayer, and placing an offering in the plates beside the table. Catch the
eye of a table host if you would prefer to be served at your seat.
COMMUNION SONG
“Plenty of Bread”
source: Haugen
Carol Tag
648 Oakwood
St. Louis, MO 63119
Peter & Ruthild Kronberg*
c/o 13190 South Outer 40 Rd
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Lorene Jost*
Laclede Groves LSS
723 S Laclede Station Rd
St. Louis, MO 63119
Annalea Kayar*
10954 Kennerly Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
* Unable to attend.
Finance Update
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Through July 31 our General Fund
is operating at a deficit of $4,159.
The primary reason for the deficit is
that envelop giving is $12,278 less
than budget. We've closed some of
the gap by teams being very careful
how they spend money and income
from the Foundation has exceeded
budget. If you are running behind
on your pledge giving now would be
a good time to catch up. The
Building Fund has a deficit of
$52,946. We still expect to receive
$17,000 in outstanding pledges, but
that will leave us a balance of
$35,000 that we will need to raise to
pay off the debt. If you have
questions see Scott Guerrero or call
him at 314.968.2807.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*HYMN
“The Summons”
source: John Bell
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE
Bulletin recycling: Though we invite you to take your bulletin home to review the
prayers and opportunities throughout the week, if you choose to leave your bulletin
after the 8:30am service, place it in the basket and we will use it again. Bulletins
placed in the basket after the 11:00am service will be recycled.
Notes: Sources for words, images, and music are noted where available. Permission to
reprint music and words from sources other than The New Century Hymnal is granted
under OneLicense.net, license no. A-704973, and/or LicenSing.org.
Peace Groups—opportunities for Fellowship, Learning and Service
MEN’S BREAKFAST - We meet at 8:00 am on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the
Steak and Shake at Elm and Watson Road. Please join us. Next Meeting: September
12
JOB JAR - We meet at the church on the first and third Mondays of the month. Join
us at 9:15 am for coffee, fellowship, and a few chores around the church. Please note
we will not be meeting on September 2, in observance of labor day.
MARY MARTHA CIRCLE– On Wednesday, September 18, 12:30-2:30, the Mary
Martha Circle will meet in the Fireside Room. Bring a sandwich. Dessert and
beverage will be provided. Our program includes sharing about summer activities and
greeting our new Contextual Education Student, Renia Ueno.
THE PEACE UCC BRIDGE GROUP—We will meet on Sunday, September 29, at
7:00 pm at the home of Marilyn Stavenger, 514 Angenette, 63122. Please let Marilyn
know by September 22 if you will/will not be playing with us: 314-965-7596 or
mstavenger@aol.com . All are welcome to play with this relaxed, casual group!
THE PEACE UCC MOM’S GROUP- Moms' Group meeting Friday September 27 at
9:30am. Moms of all ages are invited to come chat, laugh, and eat cookies. We might
get around to planning topics for this year...or not...Please call Dee Ban (965-1191)
ahead of time if you need childcare.
THE PEACE UCC QUILTERS AND ARTISTS- The Peace UCC Quilters & Artists will
meet from 9 – 11 a.m. the morning of Thursday, Sept. 12 in Classroom #21 at
church. We'll be putting the finishing touches on the flowers that we have been
making for the Sept. 15 sale to benefit the World Wide Fistula Fund, as well as a
Project Linus Quilt. Anyone who enjoys crafts or easy hand sewing, or just good
fellowship, is warmly invited to join us. For more information, contact Gail Saxton
at 314-821-7917 or acsaxtonjr@aol.com.
The prayer quilts that our group makes are available to any church members or
friends when a special need for prayer arises, such as a serious illness or bereavement.
The quilt is passed around the congregation during Sunday services. Each
worshipper says a prayer for the person in need, then ties one of the strings on the
quilt as a symbol of that prayer. The quilt is later presented to the person in needs as
physical sign of our church's love and concern. If you are aware of someone who
might need the encouragement of a prayer quilt, don't hesitate to speak to one of our
pastors about it.
Got Compassion? Want More?
Compassion Cultivation Training with Dr. Wall
Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) is an innovative program developed by
Stanford University Medical School’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research
and Education (CCARE). The course runs on Monday evenings for 8 weeks from
September 16 through November 4, from 7-9 PM, at Peace United Church of Christ
in Webster Groves. The program is designed to enhance your capacity for compassion
using psychological insights originating in centuries-old meditation techniques
developed in Tibetan Buddhism, but the course is completely secular and grounded in
modern neuro-scientific research.
Register online at: www.peaceuccstl.org/got-compassion-want-more/
THIS WEEK AT PEACE UCC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1-TODAY
8:30am Worship Service
9:45am Coffee Fellowship
Adult Ed
New Member Session
11:00am Worship Service
12:00pm New Member Reception
2:00pm Korean Drumming Circle
5:15pm Castlewood Support Group
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
The church will be closed in observance of
Labor Day.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
8:00am WGMC Babysitting Co-op
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
1:30pm Staff Meeting
6:30pm Children’s Choir
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
6:30pm Dance Lessons
7:00pm Chancel Choir Practice
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
5:00pm WGMC: Resale Event Set Up
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
8:30am WGMC Resale Event
11:30am Youth Choir Rehearsal
5:00pm Sts C&F Worship
For a complete, up to date
calendar visit our website:
peaceuccstl.org