OUR WELCOMING STATEMENT

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June 7, 2015 9:30 am Lay Lector Kristin Bowen Acolyte Mary Cleary Greeters & Ushers Middle-Schoolers & Kim Finney Offering Steward Carrie Mershon Nursery Care Sandi Wilson Sound System Mary Wilson,

1 June 7, :30 am Lay Lector Kristin Bowen Acolyte Mary Cleary Greeters & Ushers Middle-Schoolers & Kim Finney Offering Steward Carrie Mershon Nursery Care Sandi Wilson Sound System Mary Wilson, Isaac Grimm Coffee Hour Hosts Amy Ball, Judy Lane Communion Stewards Evie Appel, Lisa Bradley Rose Brockhouse, Mary Mohl Kirkwood United Church of Christ 1603 Dougherty Ferry Road Kirkwood, MO Website CHURCH STAFF Betsy Happel, Pastor Donna Bay, Administrative Assistant Merry Keller, Director of Music Ministry Ron Bryant, Accompanist MINISTERS The Whole Congregation Phone (314) Facebook us OUR WELCOMING STATEMENT Kirkwood United Church of Christ is called by God to be an open, diverse and caring community of Jesus disciples. In following Christ s commandment to love one another, we welcome all who wish to share in the fellowship, membership, leadership, worship, ministry, sacraments, rites, responsibilities 1 and blessings of our faith community. As we affirm that every person is a child of God, no one is excluded, regardless of race, ethnic or socio-economic background, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, nationality or faith background. We are an Open and Affirming congregation.

2 ORDER OF SERVICE *All who are able, please stand Hearing assistance is available, please see an usher No matter who you are, or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here! Those seated on the aisle, please fill out the welcome sheet on the clipboard in the pew rack, and pass it to the next person. Request: the last person to sign, please put the sheet in the offering plate. Thank you. Welcome Prelude *Call to Worship What do we fear? Murders and riots; Losing our job; finding a lump; Our child going off to war; The words there s been an accident; New beginnings; final good-byes; That things will change; That things will never change. Our list could go on and on. What is our response to our fears? We come to worship inviting God to bring light to these dark questions. *Opening Hymn God of Change and Glory Page 5 & 6 *Call to Confession *Prayer of Confession We come before you, O God, not only to acknowledge our fears, but to confess that when we are afraid we behave in unhealthy and hurtful ways toward others, and distance ourselves from you. Silence Forgive us, and help us to center our lives in you. In Christ s name we pray. Amen. *Assurance of God s Pardon Children s Time Betsy 2

3 Scripture Reading 1 Samuel 8:4-20 A responsive reading Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations. But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, Give us a king to govern us. Samuel prayed to the LORD, and the LORD said to Samuel, Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now then, listen to their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them. So Samuel reported all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots; and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his courtiers. He will take one-tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and his courtiers. He will take your male and female slaves, and the best of your cattle and donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves; but the LORD will not answer you in that day. But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; they said, No! but we are determined to have a king over us, so that we also may be like other nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles. Music for Reflection Message Fear and Consequences Moment for Mission Habitat for Humanity Bob Steen Invitation to the Offering Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy. - Dale Carnegie May we be moved: out of ourselves, into the world, filled with God s call toward generosity. Offertory *Doxology Doxology #780 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ in whom God s grace we know; praise Spirit, with us evermore; one God, triune, whom we adore. Amen. 3

4 *Prayer of Dedication O Holy God, bless these offerings, given in gratitude for the courage, grace and hope you share with us all. May your dreams for this world be so. Amen *Song of Response Lead Us From Death to Life Page 7 & 8 Sacrament of Holy Communion Invitation to the Table Come to this table Where Jesus broke bread with wary disciples on the night he was arrested. Where people of the early church shared a meal and remembered, even though it was forbidden. Where people in hospital beds, feeling life slipping away, eat their own last supper. Where we bring our own fears and uncertainties, trusting in the transformation that will be found here. Communion Prayer Words of Institution Lord s Prayer 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. Sharing of Bread and Cup Everyone is welcome to take communion, regardless of church affiliation or no affiliation. Please hold the bread and cup until all have been served so that we may eat and drink together. Gluten-free wafers have been provided in each basket. *Prayer of Thanksgiving We thank you for inviting us to this table where we have known this life-affirming meal. Strengthen our faith; increase our love for one another; and send us forth joyfully with your praise on our lips. Amen. *Hymn of Recession I Come With Joy Page 9 *Blessing and Commissioning Postlude 4

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6 Copyright Notice - All Music provided in this bulletin is used by permission of CCLI #

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10 EVENTS SPONSORED BY KUCC GUEST PREACHER: DAVID MEHL Sunday, June 14 th On Sunday, June 14 th, we will welcome Rev. Dr. David Mehl as our guest preacher during worship. David is a KUCC member, and has served since April 2013 as The Director of Planning and Development for Interfaith Partnership (IP) in St. Louis. INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP (IP) is a collaborative, 30 year old not-for-profit that brings together the vibrantly diverse St. Louis religious communities for education, community service, celebrations and robust partnerships. IP is connected with 30 regional faith groups and with businesses, educational, arts and health care institutions, government and service entities -- to advance interreligious understanding and action across the region. Prior to joining the Interfaith Partnership staff, David served as a minister for more than three decades in congregations of the United Church of Christ in New England and St. Louis. He is currently a member of the Conference Council of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, United Church of Christ, serving as Vice Moderator, Chair of the Conference Minister Search Team and General Synod delegate. David, and his spouse, Lynne Seacord, live in Kirkwood, and have four young adult children and one marvelous son-in-law. We hope you ll join us during worship on June 14 th! SEEKING A SUNDAY MORNING NURSERY ATTENDANT KUCC is looking for a non-kucc-member to work in the nursery every Sunday morning. KUCC pays $50.00 for each Sunday worked. Hours are 9:00 am - Noon. Do you know someone 18 years or older, who might be interested in applying for this position? Contact Deb Humphrey at debhumphrey@sbcglobal.net. WEAR YOUR COMMA SHIRT TO CHURCH! On June 21, the Sunday before PrideFest, everyone who has one is encouraged to wear their rainbow comma t-shirt to worship at KUCC! Let s show support for our members participating in PrideFest the next weekend, June 27 & 28, by all wearing our rainbow comma t-shirts. This will also help demonstrate to any visitors KUCC s deep, widespread, & ongoing commitment to our Welcoming Statement of affirming all of God s children equally. DEMONSTRATE KUCC S WELCOMING SPIRIT! Have you felt welcomed into the life of KUCC? Want to share that good word with other people who may be longing for that same feeling? Help spread the good news of the extravagant welcome of our UCC churches by helping at PrideFest! The St. Louis area s Open & Affirming UCC churches (KUCC is one of them) host a booth at the St. Louis PrideFest, & walk in the PrideFest Parade, & volunteers from the churches staff both activities. WE NEED KUCC FOLKS to help with this effort. You will be working with people from the other ONA churches, letting visitors know that we ONA churches truly welcome everyone. This year PrideFest is Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, in downtown St. Louis around the Soldiers Memorial. At the booth, open both days, we provide information to anyone interested, & help children make buttons that depict their family, emphasizing that we affirm ALL families, however they are comprised. We provide free candy & water, so lots of people stop in. It is very exciting to tell people that we are churches that TRULY welcome them into the full life & leadership of our churches. The parade is Sunday June 28, at 12:00 noon, and only ½ mile long. In the parade we have UCC banners & flags, throw beads, & aim to have a large presence letting people know about the UCC. We need MANY people in our parade unit, of all ages, as a testimony to the diversity of our churches & our welcoming spirit. 10

11 Here are two opportunities to share with others the joy and sincerity of our welcoming presence. Sign up to volunteer in the booth by contacting Ron Hill, Volunteer Coordinator, at or Sign up to walk in the parade by contacting George Sirios at Each will need your name, church, cell phone number (for late notifications) and (for additional information as the event approaches.) Questions? See Mary or Tom Rich. Update from Kirk Care In a letter received recently, the president of Kirk Care thanked KUCC for its contributions to the food pantry and shared the following information. In the past 3.5 years, Kirk Care has provided 3,100 food deliveries and supermarket vouchers, 725 families with limited utility assistance and 40 families with limited housing assistance. Today Kirk Care is experiencing a potentially bad situation. Two years ago food requests were 70 to 80 per month. Now the number is over 110 per month. Previously, the overflow in food donated for the Christmas distribution along with on-going contributions, have carried the pantry well into the summer. Today donations are barely covering the demand. In the summer, with no school lunches, our requests typically increase and donations typically decrease. Please continue to support Kirk Care by placing nonperishable food items in the Kirk Care basket in the gathering area. A list of foods needed can be found on the bulletin board. You can also make a donation using the forms available on the bulletin board or by writing a check to KUCC and indicating it is for Kirk Care. For more information about Kirk Care (or to make on-line contributions) go to or contact one of the Mission and Outreach Team leaders Judy Kamper (jkamper@sbcglobal.net) or Emily Kuttenkuler (ekuttes@gmail.com). ADULT ED: VICTORY & PEACE OR JUSTICE & PEACE? Living the Questions - June 7, 14, 21, 28 10:45am This DVD-based study, part of the Living the Questions curriculum that KUCC so often uses, features John Dominic Crossan and explores the juxtaposition of Roman Imperial Theology and the Kingdom of God. Contents include: Justice & the World: What is the Character of Your God? History & Jesus: What is the Content of Your Faith? Worship & Violence: What is the Purpose of Your Prayer? Resurrection & Community: What is the Function of Your Church? John Dominic Crossan is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at De Paul University and generally acknowledged to be the premier historical Jesus scholar in the world. He has written twenty books and is a former co-chair of the Jesus Seminar and chair of the Historical Jesus Section of the Society of Biblical Literature. Starting on May 31 and proceeding for 8 weeks through June and July, we will view this compelling series of Crossan s teachings and follow with discussion. Class will be held in the theatre. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - July 6-10 Calling all volunteers for Vacation Bible School! Come and join us for a week of fun at G-Force Vacation Bible School, July 6-10, 2015, from 9-12 every day! We are looking for volunteers to help in all areas, including crafts, science, storytelling, recreation, snacks, and group leaders. While we would love to have you for the whole week, we realize that this might not always be possible so sign up for the days you are available. Youth entering grades 6-12 are welcome to help as well. Please sign up on the poster in the Gathering Area! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING MINISTRY/HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - June 13 th Last year we rehabbed the inside of a home in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood for Stephani Z. and her family. On June 13, you can join other UCC congregants landscape its yard. We will be tilling the soil, grading it, laying sod and planting trees/bushes/flowers. If you bring a roto-tiller, it will speed things up. We start work at 7:45 AM and will be finished before 3:30 PM. The address is 3047 Thomas St., Saint Louis, MO Contact Bob Steen with questions at , Register at (Minimum age:16 years) Hope you can join us. 11

12 OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST KIRKWOOD, RACE AND THE CHURCH June 6 th As we observe the recent events of Baltimore, Ferguson and more, it s easy to look away, avoid conversations and isolate ourselves even from those living within or close to our own neighborhoods. How can we respond and engage with those who have different cultural experiences? How can we live intentionally? Please join Greentree Community Church as we host a panel discussion about race and culture. We desire to learn how we can better steward the gift of diversity within Kirkwood and St. Louis. All are welcome! Saturday, June 6 th at 6:00pm North Kirkwood Muddle School Cafeteria, Manchester Rd., Kirkwood, MO greentreechurch.com *************************************************************************** KUCC CALENDAR OF EVENTS *Names in italics with an asterisk are community groups which use our facilities. BETSY - VACATION Pastor Betsy will be on vacation June During that time Rev. Dr. David Mehl will be on call for pastoral care concerns. David can be reached via cell phone at (314) SUNDAY, JUNE 7 9:30 am Worship/Communion 10:30 am Coffee Hour 10:30 am Stewardship & Finance 10:45 am Adult Ed MONDAY, JUNE 8 10:00 am Al-Anon* 7:00 pm SLAA* 7:00 pm COSA* TUESDAY, JUNE 9 11:15 am Al-Anon* 6:00 pm Yoga* 7:00 pm Recovering Couples Anon.* 7:30 pm Church Council WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 5:30 pm SIA* 6:30 pm Al-Anon* THURSDAY, JUNE 11 11:15 am Al-Anon FRIDAY, JUNE 12 9:30 am Teaching Music Together* 12:30 pm Men s Prayer Lunch at Ruby Tuesday s SUNDAY, JUNE 14 9:30 am Worship 10:30 am Coffee Hour 10:45 am Adult Ed 12

Unclean Spirit, Revisited

February 1, 2015 9:30 am Unclean Spirit, Revisited Lay Lector Judy Lane Acolyte Annika Gabel Greeters & Ushers Middle Schoolers & Kim Finney Offering Stewards Emily Kuttenkuler, Carrie Mershon Nursery