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d 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. 2 *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. 3 *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 4 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 5 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. 6 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 LaurieH@gablesucc.org. 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 RonM@gablesucc.org. 7 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 MeganS@gablesucc.org to register. 8 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. 9 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 meribeths@earthlink.net. 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 vgyvonne@gmail.com. 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 DrewS@gablesucc.org. 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! 10 CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL UCC STAFF DIRECTORY Ministers All Members of the Church Pastoral Staff The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor LaurieH@gablesucc.org ext. 116 The Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling, Associate Pastor GuillermoM@gablesucc.org ext. 117 The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor MeganS@gablesucc.org 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: MarkH@gablesucc.org ext. 120 RonM@gablesucc.org ext.121 GregT@gablesucc.org ext. 155 JanetH@gablesucc.org 305-444-9792 Support Staff Anthony Cabrera, Cantaté Choir Director cabreraa25@att.net Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant AliceF@gablesucc.org ext. 127 Kris Coney, Sound Technician info@gablesucc.org Ashley Levin, Cherub Choir Director Ashlevin93@aol.com Chely Llorens, Wedding & Baptism Coordinator ChelyL@gablesucc.org ext. 112 Tony Prinzi, Print Room Manager & Reception Coordinator TonyP@gablesucc.org ext. 100 Dennis Rodrigues, Business Manager DennisR@gablesucc.org ext.130 Drew Sandbulte, Administrative Assistant DrewS@gablesucc.org ext.150 Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry AlexS@gablesucc.org ext.151 Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director awoods@cushmanschool.org Maintenance and Custodial Team Rene Dominguez, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE! 11