*HYMN NCH #32 "God of the Sparrow" Tune: Roeder

Transcription

1 PRELUDE WELCOME OPENING WORDS Maren C. Tirabassi One: Let us gather together in thanksgiving to God. For God has made us and the earth that nurtures us. One: Let us gather together in gratitude for one another. For we are the bearers of divine blessing for the earth and its people. All: Let us praise God; let us join hands; let us reach out in care and courage so that the goodness of life may be for all God s children. Amen. *HYMN NCH #32 "God of the Sparrow" Tune: Roeder *PRAYER OF INVOCATION Maren C. Tirabassi O God, our joy and our comfort, we gather in your name to give thanks for all the gifts of this day. Our spirits abound with your gift of joy. Of all the many things we have received from your hand, the flame of joy is the most precious. We have also come to this hour of prayer bearing in our hearts the sorrows of our world. Comfort us with your presence that we may be strengthened to continue to proclaim your goodness and deliverance in all the earth; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

2 Today s Learning Hour Church School: PreK- Room 16A, 9:45a.m. K-5th- Room 12A, 9:45a.m. 6th-12th- Room 20, 9:45a.m. Elementary OWL (Our Whole Lives) begins at 9:30a.m. in Room 21. This is the last session of the series. We give thanks for the children and families that committed and participated in this class, and for the trained OWL facilitators who made a safe space for learning about sexuality and so much more. The Elementary OWL Facilitators are: Laurel Koepf-Taylor, Katie Huffmann, Amy O Brien, Carla Grundy. Sue Ulmer also served as substitute. Peace Talks 9:45 in Room 23. Whether you are considering membership or just want to learn more about our congregation, you are invited to attend our continuing "Peace UCC-Who Are We?" hosted by Al Schon, one of our Pastoral Associates on 11/20, 11/27 (Sundays) at 9:45a.m. in Room 23. Please know that if you are unable to attend all sessions you are still welcome to join whichever sessions you are able. Lori Winter, our New Member Coordinator, may be reached at (xxx-xxxx) or by jimloriwinter@aol.com to answer any of your questions. Good Questions The Good Questions class will conclude the conversation on "Covenant" today at 9:45a.m in Room 24. We give thanks to all who have participated in this series, and to the Fishers Team for providing chapter summaries each week. We will begin our Advent Study. See details below. Learning Hour on November 27: Good Questions begins the Advent Study: The Messiah by Walter Brueggemann. Christians have claimed from the beginning that Jesus was the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. In this study, best-selling prophetic author and former Peace UCC member, Walter Brueggemann tackles the questions: What were these expectations? Did Jesus fulfill them? Copies of this curriculum are available in the church narthex. Church School for children age 3 grade 12; 9:45a.m. Peace Talks, 9:45a.m., Room 23. *RESPONSE "Goodness is Stronger than Evil " Desmond Tutu/John Bell A READING FROM THE HEBREW TRADITION God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Psalm 46, NRSV One: For the marvelous blend of fact, myth, poetry, and story that is in scripture, we give thanks. May the Spirit open us to the wisdom we most need to hear. CHILDREN S TIME AND CELEBRATION OF THOSE IN OUR PEACE FAMILY FOR 50 YEARS OR MORE Following the story, young children are encouraged to remain in worship or they may go to the nursery (birth-3).

3 SPECIAL MUSIC 8:30 "For the Beauty of the Earth" Ann Laura Page Handchimes 11:00 "Now Thank We All Our God" Felix Mendelssohn Multigenerational Choir arr. Hal H Hopson SERMON Keith McDevitt, Student Pastor Some of the lyrics for the songs sung during the sermon are located through the bulletin in the side columns. *HYMN NCH#366 "God of Our Life" Tune: Sandon r The Twenty-First Time Monk & Neagle Nowhere to live, nowhere to fall he used to have money, but he's wasted it all. His face is a photograph burned in my mind, but I pretend not to see him for the twenty -first time. He sleeps under stars, that's all he can afford His blanket's an old coat he's had since the war He stands on the corner of Carter and Vine But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time. He may be a drifter, he's grown old and gray But what if he's Jesus and I walk away? I say I'm the body and drink of the wine but I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time. She's twenty-nine but she feels forty-eight She can't raise three kids on minimum wage She's cryin' in back of the welfare line but I pretend not toes her for the twentyfirst time She may be a stranger trying' to get through the day but what if it's Jesus and I walk away? I say I'm the body and drink of the wine but I pretend not to see her for the twenty -first time. This is a call for a change in my heart I realize that I've not been doing' my part when I needed a Savior, I found it in Him He gave to me, now I'll give back to them Drifter or stranger, Daughter or son I'll look for Jesus in every one 'cause I am the body and drink of the wine and I'm thankful there's more than the twenty-first time. PASTORAL PRAYER

4 In Our Prayers 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. LORD S PRAYER Heavenly Parent, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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 yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen. CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION 8:30AM Church School Invites You! The Church School students and teachers will be hosting a Multi-Generational Advent Basket craft time between services on December 4th in Fellowship Hall. We invite all to join us as we make cards and crafts to fill the Advent Baskets that will be distributed to the home bound of the congregation. There will also be cookies and hot chocolate to keep up our crafting strength! The baskets truly are a beautiful gift that comes from the congregation. And while you are there crafting and filling baskets, we'll let you know where you can sign up to be one of the carolers who go with Darcy to deliver these baskets in person! We would especially love to have kids go with us! See you there! New Exhibit in the Fireside Art Gallery The Peace UCC Fireside Gallery welcomes the artwork of Jim Herz. Jim s mother was an artist and Jim had long felt the urge to try it for himself. Seven years ago he began taking classes at the community college and discovered his preference for colored pencils. Thank you, Jim, for sharing your talent with us! If you would like to show your art work in the Fireside Art Gallery, please contact Gail Saxton (xxxxxxx) or Brenda Detrick ( xxxxxxx). INVITATION AND REMEMBRANCE Liturgist: Liturgist: All: based on our Theological Assumptions Come, Holy Spirit, and move among these elements assembled at this Table. Through this sacrament, transform our hurt into healing, our fear into faith, and death into life. As the grain, sown in hills and valleys, is harvested, and now becomes one in the loaf, so we, scattered, diverse, separated and isolated from one another, hear your invitation to become one body around this Table, the center of our life together. As this juice, grown in vineyards under the sun, fills the cup, may we be filled and refreshed by this meal, and strengthened to respond to your call to reach out in compassion to all living things. In sharing this meal we remember. We remember meals Jesus shared with friends and enemies, outcasts and marginalized, fearful and earnest. He took the bread and, giving thanks, blessed it and broke it and shared it with his friends as a symbol of his sacrifice. As we share the bread today, we eat it as those who seek to follow Jesus. After the meal, Jesus took the cup. Giving thanks, he shared it with his friends, symbolizing a new relationship with God, a relationship of partnership founded on grace. As we share the cup, we seek to experience that grace in which Jesus lived fully. Come, Holy Spirit, come. Bless this bread and bless this fruit of the vine. Bless all of us in our eating and drinking that our eyes might be opened, that we might recognize the risen Christ in our midst, indeed, in one another.

5 The Congregation is invited to come forward by the center aisle, partake of the bread and juice, (gluten free bread and chalice available) and light a candle in prayer, and place an offering in the plates beside the table. If you prefer to give electronically, please scan the QR code to the right. Catch the eye of a table host if you would prefer to be served at your seat. CELEBRATION OF GIVING 11:00AM We are invited to share our tithes and gifts to support the work of this community in the service to God. RESPONSE "Peace, Salaam, Shalom" Emma's Revolution Please remain seated Thankful Foster, Bayer Sager, Page Some days we forget to look around us Some days we can't see the joy that surrounds us So caught up inside ourselves We take when we should give CHORUS So for tonight we pray for What we know can be And on this day we hope for What we still can't see It's up to us to be the change And even though we all can still do more There's so much to be thankful for Look beyond ourselves, there's so much sorrow It's way too late to say, I'll cry tomorrow Each of us must find our truth We're so long overdue CHORUS Bridge Even with our differences There is a place we're all connected Each of us can find each others light PRAYER OF DEDICATION Margaret Gay MacKinnon Godfrey God, you who have everything, we bring our offering and come into your presence. How amazing! This is your generosity to us we can share with you in the giving and receiving of gifts. May these be blessed for their uses and may we be blessed by the joy of not-holding-on. Amen. HOW WILL WE DO GOD S WORK IN THE WORLD THIS WEEK? Scan and Give Supporting the work of this church has never been easier. Just scan the QR code with your smartphone and you can make a donation to Peace. Want to be in the know about Peace UCC? Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter. Text KNOWPEACE to to get started.

6 Our Whole Lives Grades 10-12: Our Whole Lives (OWL): Sexuality Education for Grades helps high school youth gain the knowledge, life principles and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. It puts sexuality into the context of values and personal responsibility, helping them manage social pressure and advocate for equality. It provides an opportunity to bring values and integrity to the real-life issues. Peace UCC will offer OWL for Grades beginning in January. A parents meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 4 at 5:30p.m. (room: TBD) so you can learn about the materials, subjects, and expectations. Also, a great time to get your questions answered. This meeting is for parents only, not participants, and refreshments will be served. For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Karen Driskill: driskill.karen@yahoo.com or Keith McDevitt: kmcdevitt@eden.edu Freedom School Fundraiser On Sunday morning December 11, the Peace UCC Quilters will be selling some of their handmade flower pins. All proceeds will benefit the Freedom School which will take place at Peace next summer. For a $5 donation, you can stock up on some great stocking stuffers for the ladies in your life! HYMN NCH # 391 "In the Midst of New Dimensions" Servant Team: The Christmas Fund Peace UCC has completed 4 of the 5 United Church of Christ special offerings for 2016: Our Church's Wider Mission, One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need, and Strengthen the Church. They are all important in our dedication to Outreach and Support of The United Church of Christ (National, Conference, and Local). Our final special offering of 2016 begins Sunday, November 27 thru December 18. The Christmas Fund offerings are used to support retired clergy & lay employees: Supplementing monthly pensions - 64% Supplement quarterly health premiums - 19% Christmas "thank you" gifts - 9% Emergency grants active or retired clergy & lay - 4% Last year, 2015, we collected $1128. The Servant Team asks that we think of all the clergy persons and office workers we know and love, that that are or will be retired or even may need emergency support this year. Then, give generously and make our offering for $1500. *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE All are welcome to share a meal together in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11 o'clock service. The menu includes: lasagna, salad, bread, dessert and beverages. A gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian option will also be available. Please join us! 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 8:30a.m. service, place it in the basket and we will use it again. Bulletins placed in the basket after the 11:00a.m. 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 , and/or LicenSing.org.

7 Peace Groups opportunities for Fellowship, Learning and Service Men's Breakfast We meet at 8:00 a.m. on the 2nd Thursday of the month at First Watch, 220 W Lockwood Ave. Job Jar We meet at the church on the first and third Mondays of the month. Join us at 9:15a.m. for coffee, fellowship, and a few chores around the church. Next meeting: November 21 Moms Group The Peace UCC Moms Group will gather in the Fireside Room on Friday, December 16th, 9:30-11:30a.m., to share fellowship and conversations around Advent. Call Dee Ban ahead for time (xxx-xxxx) if you need childcare. The Peace UCC Quilters & Artists will meet next on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 9-11 a.m. on Room 23 at church. We will be working on flower pins for our December 11 sale. Anyone who enjoys crafting with simple hand sewing or glue is most welcome to join us! Hanging of the Greens and Photos with Santa Saturday, November 26 1p.m. 3p.m. Hanging of the Greens All are welcome to join the Worship Team for the Hanging of the Greens on Saturday, November 26, from 1p.m. 3p.m. There will be wreaths to hang and trees to decorate to prepare the sanctuary for the season of Advent. Many hands will make light work. All are welcome! Santa Claus is Coming to Peace Skip the long lines at the mall and save money too, by enjoying a nice visit with Santa in the Fireside Room at Peace UCC. Individuals and families of all ages and configurations, are invited to be photographed with Santa while enjoying some homemade hot cocoa and Christmas cookies on Saturday, November 26, 1p.m. 3p.m. All are welcome! Bring a friend. There is no charge for this event, photos will be shared electronically. Traditional and gluten-free cookies provided. Reclaiming the Holy in Holidays All are welcome at a retreat to reflect together on the stressors that the Holidays often bring, with ideas and practices of selfcare to help us to remain faithful in the midst of the chaos. The day includes a time of personal reflection with the use of multi-sensory prayer stations where you will be invited to open yourself to the holy that is ever-present in our lives. Spiritual Directors, Devoree Crist and Susan Ulmer (Peace Member), Leaders November 30, 9am to 3pm.cost $30.payable to: Pallottine Renewal Center Old Halls Ferry Rd, Florissant, MO, Registration forms in manila envelope on Peace bulletin board COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORM.DUE NOVEMBER 23 SEND TO ABOVE ADDRESS WITH CHECK Home Sweet Home Trivia Night : Saturday, December 3 Home Sweet Home is St. Louis' first major furniture bank, founded by Peace member Betsy Reznicek. Home Sweet Home will be hosting their 1st Annual Trivia Night in support of their continued mission to give families a sense of pride by providing basic household furnishings to improve their lives. Join us from 6 pm - 10 pm for fun night of trivia at Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO Bring some food, some drinks, and your friends and put your trivia skills to the test. There will be raffle drawings, silent auction items, 50/50, Heads or Trails, and Mulligans for purchase! Teams will consist of 8 people. Cost of entry $160 for 8 people, or $20 a piece. To register, trivianight@homesweethomestl.org with the names of all participants, including a team captain. Please send checks payable to: Home Sweet Home 2653 Locust Street St. Louis, MO If you are interested in helping to sponsor the Home Sweet Home trivia event or have any questions regarding the event, please contact trivianight@homesweethomestl.org. THIS WEEK AT PEACE UCC SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 TODAY 8:30a.m. Worship Service 9:30a.m. Elementary OWL, Room 21 9:45a.m. Coffee Fellowship 9:45a.m. Good Questions, Room 24 9:45a.m. Church School, lower level 9:45a.m. Peace Talks, Room 23 9:45a.m. Youth Group, Room 20 11:00a.m. Worship Service 2:00p.m. Korean Drumming 5:30p.m. OWL Jr. in Sanctuary 5:30p.m. Adult OWL in Room 24 7:00p.m. Narcotics Anonymous MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21 1:00p.m. 6:30p.m. WSSL Euyrthmy Sts C&F Faith Sharing TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 8:30a.m. 1:00p.m. 6:00p.m. Walking Group WSSL Euyrthmy Governing Body WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 1:00p.m. 1:30p.m. 2:00p.m. 4:30p.m. 6:00p.m. 7:00p.m. 7:00p.m. WSSL Euyrthmy Peace Staff Meeting Noteworthy Music School for Strings Paul Huppert Children s Choir Room 24 reserved for John Panhorst La Leche League Sts C&F Parish Council in Room 21 7:00p.m. Refuge Recovery Meeting, Room 20 (A Buddhist Path to Addiction Recovery) THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 The Church office is closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 The Church office is closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 10:30a.m. Narcotics Anonymous 11:00a.m. Youth Choir 1:00p.m. Hanging of the Greens 3:00p.m. Sts C&F in Room 24 5:00p.m. Sts. Clare and Francis Mass For a complete calendar visit: Sprouts of Peace Reminder: Sprouts of Peace will meet next on Saturday, December 3 at 2:00-4:30 at Peace UCC. If possible, children should wear their Sprouts shirt and name tag. Sprouts of Peace is an interfaith program for children. For more information, please see the Sprouts of Peace pamphlets in the church narthex.