WELCOME RINGING OF THE CHIMES PRELUDE OPENING WORDS. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending tune: Austrian Hymn

Transcription

1 WELCOME RINGING OF THE CHIMES PRELUDE OPENING WORDS Knoblauch One: Although pain and misery abound in this world, God s loving kindness has no limit. One: Entangled in oppressive systematic societies, We seek to witness the liberating energy of the Spirit. One: When lost in the struggle for justice, May the teachings of Jesus be our guide. *HYMN NCH 565 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending tune: Austrian Hymn

2 Today at Peace Church School at 9:45, age 3-12th grade. Beginners through 5th grade on the lower level, confirmation in room 23, Stepping Stones (sr. high) in room 20. Adult Education at 9:45, in the Sanctuary. Today, Scott Guerrero, Finance Team Leader, will host the Adult Education sessions to present our purposed 2015 church budget. This session will allow for questions and discussion leading up to our Annual Congregational Meeting today immediately following the second service in the sanctuary. * LITANY Knoblauch One: God, maker of all creation, we gather before you today giving thanks for the whole world. One: In the face of injustice and oppression, too often we look away. Give us the courage needed to embrace our discomfort. One: As we gather recognizing all of the privilege we have been blessed with, May we seek to further your kindom in your ongoing ministry in the world. Amen *RESPONSE This Little Light of Mine source: traditional Worship Activities for Children Activity sheets and crayons are available in the narthex., just behind the Welcome Table. The activity sheets are coordinated with the scripture readings and offered for both younger and older children. Please see an usher if you need any assistance. Shepherds at the 11am Service We are pleased to offer a supervised play time for preschool-age children following the Children s Story. How it works: Following the story, children gather with Naomi & a volunteer in the narthex (just outside our sanctuary) and walk downstairs together. To help us keep our children safe, we ask adults to sign children in (either before the service, ask an usher for the clipboard, or before they go downstairs, see Naomi in the narthex). Parents are always welcome to escort the children downstairs and stay as long as you wish. Once signed in, children stay with the adults in the Red Room. At the close of worship, adults meet children in the Red Room (lower level) and sign them out. The Shepherd Room is a tree nut and peanut free zone. MOMENT FOR MISSION: CHURCH WORLD SERVICE 8:30 Gail Saxton 11:00 Betsy Reznicek READING FROM THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION 1 Corinthians 9:15-23 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this so that they may be applied in my case. Indeed, I would rather die than that no one will deprive me of my ground for boasting! If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel. For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God s law but am under Christ s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

3 One: Whether we understand what is written in the Bible as fact, metaphor, myth, or story, let us appreciate the wisdom contained in these words. CHILDREN S STORY Following the story, young children are encouraged to remain in worship with their parents, or they may choose to go to the nursery (birth-3) or to Shepherds (11am: ages 4-6), a playtime in the Red Room downstairs. SPECIAL MUSIC 8:30AM "I Will Joyfully Sing" source: Mary McDonald Chancel Choir 11:00AM Healer of Our Every Ill source: Marty Haugen Folk Choir SERMON Flexibility and Humility Nick Knoblauch *HYMN NCH 576 For the Healing of the Nations Tune: Westminster Abbey Epiphany at Peace and The Rainbow Fish Tree This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Rainbow Fish Tree at Peace UCC. It began in Epiphany 1999 in response to the murder of Mathew Shepherd in October of 1998: Matthew Shepard had just been murdered in Laramie, Wyoming. Hung on a fence to die on October 12, The call to both tolerance and moral outrage fell onto the parched soil of a people shocked by the power of hate. Seeds buried deep in our souls were watered, sprouts already churning as we gathered for worship on Sunday, October 18, On an otherwise uneventful Sunday morning, our student pastor, reeling from Matthew Shepard s horror, shared his moral outrage with the congregation. That evening we had an impromptu gathering where we prayed and we cried. We were unified in our outrage, horrified by the intolerance of hatred, even more by the tolerance of intolerance demonstrated by those who called themselves Christian. Enough is enough, we said. Enough is enough. Our silence was broken. The spirit of our Rainbow Fish Tree our quirky little Epiphany tradition was born that week. Maybe someday the long awaited reign of God will blossom so fully that we will no longer need the Rainbow Fish Tree. A day when no one is excluded or isolated or lonely. But until then we will hang ribbons in the shadow of the Rainbow Fish as we re-covenant with God and one another to live in tolerance. - Katherine HawkerSelf This year s Sunday themes are: 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. PASTORAL PRAYER January 11: Black Lives Matter January 18: Economic justice January 25: Equal marriage February 1: Transgender Lives Matter February 8: Conflict and War You can read the history of the Rainbow Fish Tree in its entirety by visiting our website: about-us/stories/rainbow-fish-tree/

4 In Our Prayers 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. TABLE PRAYER AND INVITATION TO THE TABLE 8:30AM Peace UCC- Who Are We? Whether you are considering membership or just want to learn more about our congregation, you are invited to attend our "Peace UCC-Who Are We?" sessions hosted by Al Schon, one of our Pastoral Associates, February 15, February 22, and March 1 (Sundays) at 9:45am. If you are not able to attend all of the sessions, please understand we welcome you at any which fit your schedule. Sessions will be held in Room 21 on the upper level at the west end of the Education Wing hallway. Kathy Cormack, our New Member Coordinator, may be reached at (314) or by kathycormac@gmail.com to answer any of your questions. 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 this bread, 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 guests, saying, This is the bread of life, symbol of my 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 guests, saying, This cup symbolizes 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. Come, Holy Spirit, come. The Congregation is invited to come forward by the center aisle, partake of the bread (gluten free wafers are on the table) and juice, and light a candle in prayer, and place an offering in the plates beside the table. You may also give electronically from the pews by scanning the QR code to the right. Catch the eye of a table host if you would prefer to be served at your seat.

5 We are invited to share our tithes and gifts to support the work of this community in the service to God. Peace Salaam Shalom RESPONSE Please remain seated source: Emma s Revolution This refrain will be sung in a round, and we invite you to sing in whichever group you choose PRAYER OF DEDICATION UCC Worship Ways All: God of all that is, all we have, all we are we give. We give these gifts as we reach across the thresholds of our concerns. We give these gifts, knowing that they will give so much more. Through Jesus Christ. Amen. ANNOUNCEMENTS RAINBOW FISH TREE LITANY The Rainbow Fish Tree is an Epiphany tradition for our congregation. After Christmas, the tree in our sanctuary is decorated with a bright Rainbow Fish. For several weeks during the season of Epiphany we focus on the barriers that keep us from one another, and prevent us from living in the Beloved Community into which Jesus invites us. Following the Ribbon Prayer, we process to the front during the closing hymn and place ribbons on the Christmas Tree in symbolic commitment to a new world. One: We celebrate God s vision of Beloved Community, where all people have access to the things that make for abundant life. We thank God that all lives matter, and that the most vulnerable are singled out for special care. One: We affirm that love is the defining quality of relationship, not gender or orientation, and that those of uncommon gender identity are no less children of a loving, compassionate God, equally made in God s image. Grant us wisdom and courage to advocate for those who have been silenced. One: All: CELEBRATION OF GIVING 11:00AM Give us moral insight, and a willingness to live it out. In renewing our commitment to God s shalom, and recognition of God s presence on our journey, we hang our ribbons on the Rainbow Fish Tree as a symbol of our commitment. Making An Impact on Conflict The Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ voted to divest from all companies profiting from the occupation of the Palestine Territories by the State of Israel at their 147th annual statewide conference on Friday (October 2014). According to the Hartford Currant, The divestiture resolution states: Past General Synods have identified the Israeli Occupation of Palestinian land and its human rights abuses committed therein to be a major source of conflict and have called for the end of construction and expansion of settlements, and that Palestinians in the West Bank have lived since 1967 under Israel military occupation which subjects them to many human rights abuses. It calls for the Connecticut Conference to divest any Consolidated Trust Fund holdings in companies profiting from the occupation of the Palestinian Territories by the state of Israel, listing Caterpillar Inc., Motorola Solutions, Hewlett-Packard Development and several other companies as examples of those that would be affected by the action. Steven Jungkeit, senior minister of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, acknowledged Thursday that the resolution would be controversial, but said that his congregation proposed it after members made numerous trips to Israel and Palestine through the years. 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 donations to Peace UCC and to our Mission Moment of the month, Church World Service.

6 Valentine Card Sale for Church World Service *HYMN For Everyone Born source: Brian Mann The Servant Team, Quilters and Artists and many children and youth have all worked together to bring you our annual Valentine Cards Sale. Today in the narthex you can buy a Valentine Card for a $5 donation to Church World Service. Church World Service (CWS) was born in the aftermath of World War II in A number of denominations came together to form an agency "to do together what none of us could hope to do as well alone." Today CWS works with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. Volunteers Needed Today Volunteers are needed to take down the Rainbow Fish Tree, today, after the annual meeting. Many hands make light work! Please see Nancy Reiter for more details. Multigenerational Learning Hour: Flood Stories Sunday, Feb. 22, 9:45am. Fellowship Hall. All ages welcome for a potentially soggy morning! Wade with us through the waters of the ancient flood stories. Scripture for the day relates to the story of Noah. What do you know about the story? And what does it tell us about our faith? In our tradition of Whether we understand what is written in the Bible as fact, metaphor, myth, or story, let us appreciate the wisdom contained in these words, join us to explore the texts of flood stories of other cultures and faiths. The current will be swift during our time together! We ll gather, talk about the flood stories and do an activity. Boat captains are lined up for the morning, to lead our activity groups. The results of our event will leak into the 11am worship! Ride the wave! *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE Congregational Meeting TODAY immediately following the second service. The agenda includes Team reports, the 2015 church budget, and elections for the Governing Body and the Peace Foundation. Child Care is available in the crib room.

7 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. Next Meeting: February 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 chore around the church. Next Meeting: February 16. Moms Group Romance and relationships will be the topic of Moms' group on Friday, Feb 20 at 9:30. Please call Dee Ban ahead of time if you need childcare. ( ) The Peace UCC Quilters and Artists will meet next on the morning of Thursday, February 12 from 9-11 a.m. in Room 21 at church. We will be working on prayer quilts. You need not be a sewing expert to join us! We do simple hand sewing and enjoy good fellowship at our meetings. For more information, contact Gail Saxton at or acsaxtonjr@aol.com. The Peace UCC Bridge Group The Bridge Group will meet at 6:30 pm on Sunday, February 15, at the home of Carol Crooks, 817 N. Forest Ave., We welcome new players at whatever level, but please let Carol know if you can join us by telephoning her at Mary Martha Circle- On Wednesday, February 11, 12:30-2:30pm, The Mary Martha Circle will meet. Bring a sandwich. Dessert, chips, and beverages will be furnished. Nick Knoblauch will be our guest and will share about his recent experiences in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Lent at Peace UCC This year, Nick Knoblauch, our contextual education student from Eden Seminary, will lead a Sunday evening series on the apostle Paul. We will gather in the narthex at 5pm for a soup supper, followed by the discussion in the sanctuary until 7pm. Sundays, February 22-March 22. A Wednesday evening series is also being offered at First Congregational Church of Webster Groves UCC, on Wednesdays February 25-Mach 25. Pastor David Denoon will lead a series called Going, Going God for Grown-ups (4G). A soup supper will start at 6pm, followed by study at 6:45pm and will conclude at 8pm. A children s class, Milk and Honey Cooking School, will run concurrent with the adult class. Ash Wednesday Service at 7pm at Peace UCC, with participation from First Congregational Church of Webster Groves UCC and Sts. Clare and Francis Ecumenical Catholic Community. Maundy Thursday Service at 7pm at First Congregational Church of Webster Groves UCC, with participation from Peace UCC. Easter Vigil at Peace UCC from 8pm on Maundy Thursday until 7pm Good Friday. Good Friday Service at 7pm at Peace UCC. Easter Morning at Peace UCC: 6:43am Sunrise service on the lawn 8:30am Worship 11:00am Worship THIS WEEK AT PEACE UCC SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 TODAY 8:30am Worship Service 9:45am Coffee Fellowship Adult Education Confirmation Stepping Stones (sr. high) Church School 11:00am Worship Service 12:30pm Room Reserved D. Kelly 2:00pm Korean Drumming Circle 5:00pm Woodcarvers 7:00pm Narcotics Anonymous 8:00pm WGMC set-up MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 9:30am 6:00pm WGMC Valentine Party Caring Ministry of Sts C&F TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 1:30pm 7:00pm WG Nature Study Book Club Music Committee WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 12:30pm Mary Martha Circle 1:00pm Staff Meeting 2:00pm Noteworthy Music Strings School 6:30pm Children s Choir Rehearsal THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 9:00am Quilters and Artists 9:00am AARP Tax Prep 11:00am Committee on Ministry 4:00pm Room Reserved D. Kelly 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 7:00am Sts C&F Contemplative Prayer SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 10:30am Narcotics Anonymous 11:30am Youth Choir 5:00pm Sts C&F Worship For a complete calendar visit : 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 , and/or LicenSing.org.