A W. ll are invited to come down to the Social Room for refreshments and conversations following the service.

Transcription

1

2 T hank you for worshiping with us this morning. We extend a special welcome to our guests and ask that you complete a blue or yellow visitor s card and place it in the offering plate. I n the pew racks, are folders with information about the various aspects of the service. If you are visiting, please feel free to reach out to someone sitting near you and ask them questions about the service. Many of our visitors ask us about the time of offering. This is a time in our service when we respond to God s gifts of love by offering the gifts of our lives. For many of us, this is when we make a financial gift towards the ministries and programs of our church. We also use this time to ask God how we might use the gifts of our hands and hearts in sharing God s love. If you are visiting, there is no obligation to give a financial gift. We are just glad you are worshipping with us. A W T ll are invited to come down to the Social Room for refreshments and conversations following the service. e ask that you please silence your cell phones during our worship service. here is much information about the church in this bulletin. For more information on our history, programs, and recent photos, you can go to our website: Donate online by scanning this code: T hank you.

3 EVANGELICAL REFORMED CHURCH United Church of Christ - An Open and Affirming Congregation September 20, th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30 a.m. The numbered hymns are from the Black Hymnal All who are able may stand. Chimes Concert at 10:00 a.m. from Trinity Chapel s steeple Greetings and Announcements Prelude Children of the Heavenly Father Cambridge Handbell Choir arr. Cathy Moklebust Call to Worship Leader: Jesus challenges us in today s gospel: People: Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all. Leader: Then Jesus took a little child and put it among them; and taking the child in his arms, he said to them: People: Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me. Leader: We are still learning today what Jesus came to teach us two thousand years ago. To change the world we must change the way we love and welcome all children! People: May we learn to love all children as if they were our own!

4 Opening Prayer Dear God, Jesus has called us to welcome children as a way to welcome you. So please, hear our voices as we welcome the children in our midst: We welcome you in the name of Jesus Christ! And please, dear God of compassion and justice, hear our voices: With the presence of our children we welcome you! Teach us the way to make the last first and to be servants of all. Guide us in your way of humility and service. Show us how to become disciples of Jesus Christ, your Child and our brother. We ask for blessings on all your children in our holy family. Amen. Opening Hymn Call to Confession Let us think about all the children in our own lives, our community s life, and in our world. What are their needs; where do we fail as individuals and community in welcome, nurture and care for them? (Silence) Prayer of Confession (in unison) Dear God, We often have not welcomed the children as Jesus has commanded. Too many children in our community and world suffer from violence, abuse, neglect and poverty.

5 We know that if we were to join together to welcome and care, to celebrate and honor our children we would save ourselves and our world. We need forgiveness. We want to make amends. We want to change. We want to learn to welcome all children, for in loving and caring for them, we welcome your reign of justice and peace. Assurance of Pardon We give thanks for our savior and teacher Jesus Christ, who was born among us as a child needing nurture and care, and grew to reveal your power to make all things new. We give thanks and rejoice that in Christ we are forgiven and given strength to grow in discipleship. Thanks be to God! Anthem Celebration Cambridge Handbell Choir - Fred Gramann Thought for the Day The 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, for ever. Amen. (Teachers and children ages 4 through 2nd grades may be dismissed for Children s Church, in Parish House Conference Room, during the singing of the hymn.)

6 Hymn Scripture Readings James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Mark 9:30-37 NT page 230 NT page 45 Sermon Pastoral Prayer Prayer Response Give Me Jesus - No. 409 Give me Jesus, give me Jesus, you may have all this world, give me Jesus. Offering of Tithes, Gifts and Lives to Christ s Service O God, you who have given us life, you who have made every child a holy child, we give you thanks. May we open our hearts now and give generously to you and to your church - for the sake of the children who are our future. Offertory Presentation of Gifts Offertory Response Give Thanks - H. Smith Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One give thanks because He s given Jesus Christ, His son. (repeat) And now let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us! (repeat) Give thanks! Give thanks!

7 Prayer of Dedication (in unison) As endless as the sky is your love for us, O God, Endless, too, is our love for you. Receive these gifts, offered as tools to help us through our church to do your work in the world. Amen. Closing Hymn Benediction Go forth and welcome all God s children, making the last, first, and becoming a servant to all. Like Jesus, take a little child and put her among you; take her into your arms, and remember, Whoever welcomes one such child welcomes God! Go forth to change the world as Jesus has commanded by offering welcome, justice and compassion to all children and to the least of these. Go forth in God s welcome and love. Choral Benediction Postlude To Change the World, Welcome the Children: Service Prayers for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost was written by the Rev. Bonnie Tarwater of San Diego, CA.

8 The flowers on the altar this morning are in memory of loved ones by Jack Stush and Audrey Rayfield. The yellow rose bud on the stand is given in honor of our son, Daniel Hendricks, who served in the Marine Corps from , on his 29th Birthday from his family. (If you are interested in sponsoring the yellow rose, contact the church office.) Attendance last Sunday: 8:30a.m. 16; 10:30a.m Anticipating a stay in the hospital? Please call the Church Office at If you are admitted unexpectedly, please have a family member or friend notify the office. Hospital and Prayer List your pastors want to be available when members of ERUCC are in the hospital. Please let us know so that we can visit with you and your family and provide support. We always ask permission before adding a name to be included in the prayer list or in the verbal announcements on a Sunday morning. There are many for whom we pray and visit whose names are not listed in the bulletin by their request. Prayer List - Please remember the following people in your prayers this week: Molly Marsh, Terry Smiley (uncle of Scott Smiley), Paul Howsare (father of Christine Crutchley), Joe Jahoda (Kim Jahoda s dad), Tiara Leone Hitt (friend of Suzanne Marsh), Michael Sunderland (friend of Hillal Eastburn), Gretchen Manuel (niece of Audrey Rayfield), Marcia Eisenstein (friend of Sue Kreh), Kendra & Joe Hinson (friends of Beth Bowen), Ann Theiss (mother of Katherine Alley), Rodney Martin s cousin Greg Clopper and family in the loss of his wife Tricia and Eugene Flurie (Becky Martin s Dad). CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS of Sally Herrett who passed away on September 13, 2015.

9 Darlene and Paul Brunner 8833 Hawbottom Road Middletown, MD Mark Ginder 2993 Summit Drive Ijamsville MD Kris Ricci 365 Blue Bird Trail Greencastle, PA We ask you to remember all of those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Your prayers and cards are welcomed and appreciated by those on our prayer list. Each Sunday at 10:30a.m. TODAY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES: ADULT LEARNING OPTIONS (9:30-10:15a.m.) Let s Talk Series -- Practicing Compassion: Explore the Critical Core of Being a Compassionate Person in the 21st Century Five Sundays Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4 & 11 Facilitated by Gerry Hanberry, Gerry Blessing, et. al. In this first series of our now popular LET S TALK Series, we explore what it means to be a compassionate person in the everyday details of life. We live in the midst of social, political, and community division. In many cases, Animosity is the practice of the day. As Christians, as people of faith, we are called to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Really, how do we do that in an age of such tension and anxiety? This five-part series will invite us to draw on the teachings of Jesus and other world religions, especially the teachings of Buddhism. Session 2 Sept 20: How to practice compassion for ourselves (Meets in the Social Room near the stage)

10 LET S STUDY THE BIBLE AND PREPARE FOR WORSHIP Facilitated by Stefan Mach (Meets in the downstairs conference room.) In this class, we will seek to draw out the major themes found in the lectionary scripture texts on which the sermon will be based. Come join us as we seek to accurately anticipate what the morning s sermon topic will be and how the texts for the day speak to us. Facilitated by Stefan Mach Meets in the Downstairs Conference Room FOR THE CHILDREN & YOUTH (9:30-10:15a.m.) Christian Education classes are in Trinity Chapel. THIS WEEK FAMILY SHELTER AT ERUCC IS EXTENDED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26TH. As we like to proclaim in the UCC, we believe in radical hospitality. When staff learned that there was a gap of two weeks between the families stay with us and the next church, we offered our space to the Religious Coalition for an additional week. The Religious Coalition will be providing volunteers and meals for this additional week. Please know how grateful I am that our church staff is so willing to accommodate the needs of our neighbors. Many thanks to the many of you who have welcomed our guests with friendship and food over the past two weeks. WHAT IS YOUR ACT III? - Our recently retired group, ACT III is meeting Monday September 21st at 9:00 am at the Panera on Rt. 26. We are an informal group that meets to share stories, experiences and ideas about the transitions to retirement. For additional information contact Cathie or Will Duncan or Pat Hanberry, or just show up. TINY TOTS (Monday, Sept. 21 from 4-5p.m.) is a group designed for children birth preschool and a care giver. Tiny Tots typically meets on

11 the 3rd Monday of the month from 4-5p.m. in the nursery and social room. A typical event includes free play, story, craft, and snack. MONDAY MESS HALL has resumed and we are looking forward to another fun year of choir and bell rehearsals, good food, and good times on Monday nights. MMH is a time of fellowship held on Monday nights (typically following the FCPS calendar) starting with dinner at 5 pm. Some of us are attending rehearsals, some of us are eating before or after a church meeting, some of us are enjoying conversations, and some teens and adults are playing with kids or helping them with their homework. All are welcome to attend. MISSION/VISION/VALUES A TIME OF CONVERSATION FOR ERUCC (Monday, Sept. 21 during Monday Mess Hall, 5:30-6:30p.m.) No sign up necessary. Just come and join the conversation. TAIZÉ SERVICE, Wednesday, 6p.m., Sept. 23 in the Sanctuary. WEDNESDAY EVENING FAITH STUDY WITH PASTOR HANBERRY (begins Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 7-8:15p.m., meets in the Downstairs Conference Room) Eight sessions feature perspectives about our Bible from Christian thought leaders on topics such as the canon, history, testaments, gospels, genre, interpretation, and grace. See article in the September Newsletter for more details. NEXT SUNDAY Sept. 27 WORSHIP NOTES: The epistle of James 5: gives us a picture of the early church that cares for those among them who are sick and disabled. In the Gospel lesson, Mark 9: 38-50, Jesus warns of the need for decisive action in accord with the demands of the Reign of God. The Senior Choir and the Children s Choir will be singing.

12 ADULT LEARNING: (9:30-10:15a.m.) Let s Talk Series -- Practicing Compassion: Explore the Critical Core of Being a Compassionate Person in the 21st Century Five Sundays Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4 & 11 Facilitated by Gerry Hanberry, Gerry Blessing, et. al. Session 3 Sept 27: How to practice compassion toward people we don t know. LET S STUDY THE BIBLE AND PREPARE FOR WORSHIP Facilitated by Stefan Mach and meets in the Downstairs Conference Room. FOR THE CHILDREN & YOUTH (9:30-10:15a.m.) Christian Education classes are in Trinity Chapel. CONNECTING OUR SPIRITS WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR EVERYONE Spiritual Practices Many of us want to bring spirituality into our lives into a more mindful way but we don t know where to begin. Or we think it is complicated. Or we think we have to sit in silence for an hour every day. As each one of us is different and each one of us has different needs at different times, ERUCC is offering a monthly spiritual practice to practice. These practices are meant to be tried and practiced so that individuals can find the practice or practices that enable them to calm the mind, deepen our connection with God, and bring us peace. Each month we will offer the practice of another spiritual practice or ritual. These are practices that can be tried in the group and then continued in a group setting or practiced alone. These spiritual practice experiences will be 30 minutes in length with an opportunity for those who wish to stay longer. We ll be meeting in the front of the

13 main sanctuary except for September when we will gather at the labyrinth behind Trinity Chapel. Taizé Worship ERUCC will offer another opportunity for worship twice a month -- at 5pm on one Sunday and at 6pm on a Wednesday. These services will be held in the sanctuary with candlelight, reading of scripture, and meditative singing for a contemplative experience. The services will be 30 minutes in length. The design of the service is inspired by the Taizé community in France where people from around the world gather from around the world. We will be meeting in the front of the main sanctuary. Wednesday, September 23 Wednesday, September 30 Taizé Service at 6pm Spiritual Practices at 6pm Mindful walking the Labyrinth (Meet behind Trinity Chapel at the Labyrinth) GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! They go quickly. Come join us for an evening of good food and fun! Come see the ERUCC Children s Theatre s latest production Back to the Cross. This year we will take you back through time in our very own time machine. We will visit the totally tubular 1980 s, the roaring 20s, the Wild West and the Garden of Gethsemane! Our youth have been working hard all summer and this is sure to be a show you won t want to miss! Showtime is 7 pm with one dinner seating at 6 pm the evening of Sunday, October 11th. Tickets go on sale Sunday, September 20th and may be purchased in the Social Room following the 10:30 worship service. Monetary and/or food donations are requested to help prepare the meal. There will be a sign-up sheet for these donations posted on the children s activities bulletin board in the Social Room. If you have any questions, please contact Tricia Coffey ( or tntcoffey@comcast.net). All funds raised

14 from this event will be used for a youth project of the musical participants choosing. Thank you for your support. We hope to see you at the show! RABBI DAN SIEKOWITZ TO SPEAK TO CHIMES GROUP - Rabbi Dan of the KolAmi congregation in Frederick will speak to the Chimes Learning and Service Group on Wednesday, October 7th, at 9:30 am in the social room. The Rabbi will discuss all the Jewish holidays in each year, and the meaning and significance of each. This will be a very informative talk, and for those of you who have not met or heard Rabbi Dan, you are in for a real treat he is a wonderful speaker. EVERYONE IS INVITED TO JOIN US.MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH.to share in this very special presentation. Hope to see you there. For questions, contact Mary Meyer at (301) or mmeyer222@yahoo.com. CHRISTMAS FAIR CO-CHAIRMAN NEEDED - Abby Belgrave has offered to co-chair the Christmas Fair if someone will serve as another co-chair and work with her. That way the work involved could be divided and it wouldn t be an overwhelming task. The Fair would only run for two Sundays, and items available would only be created or donated by members of our congregation.the scale of the event would be much smaller. Mary Meyer would serve as advisor and help out also. If you have an interest in helping with this event, please contact Abby at (518) or abfab2424@hotmail.com. CROP WALK FOR HUNGER - This year's CROP walk will take place on October 18th starting in Baker Park with registration at 1:30 PM and the walk itself at 2:00 PM. Anyone who is interested in participating as a walker should pick up forms from Jennie Covahey, Walk Chairperson, or Clifford Barr, Chair of the Mission and Social Action Committee. Those who will not be walking can still participate in this worthwhile effort to alleviate hunger at home and around the world by sponsoring one of the walkers. So when they approach you for a donation, be as generous as you can. Of course prayers for the participants and the cause are also appreciated! STOP BY THE WELCOME TABLE TO PICK UP AN UPDATE FOR THE ERUCC PHOTO DIRECTORY. WALKING GROUP The Walking Group will be meeting at 8a.m. at the Skate House on Friday. We look forward to you joining us.

15 ALTAR FLOWERS If you would like to provide the altar flowers on October 18, 2015 please contact Kris in the church office. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: FOR HOMEWOOD CHAPEL SERVICES - For the past 10 years, volunteers from our church have been providing services to wheelchair-bound and other folks from the Homewood Health Care Center, so that they might attend the afternoon church services in the Spayman Chapel. Over the years various people have served, but currently the three teams consist of Barbara Rhoads, Patti Patterson, Rachel Ford, Eleanor Fisher, Mary Lou Blessing, Jeannette Johnson, Gerry Blessing, Jennie Covahey, Pat Sunday, Paul Sunday and Pat Hevner. Some folks are retiring, so we are looking for additional volunteers who are willing to join our teams and give 2 ½ hours, once every three months, on the third Sunday of the month. We meet in the Community Center at 1:45, go to the Health Care Center and wheel or assist residents to the 2:30 p.m. service. Following the service, we accompany them back to the Health Care Center. The opportunity to attend worship services on Sunday is a very special gift to these very special people. We are making up the schedule for the next year and need your help. You may call either Eleanor Fisher at or Mary Lou Blessing at , if you are willing to volunteer for this very rewarding ministry. SAVE THE DATE & PARTICIPATE: HOE DOWN AT THE HOEWING-MOXLEY FARM October 24, 2015 from 5-9. Slim Harrison will once again provide special entertainment. WOMEN S RETREAT November 20-21, Mar-Lu-Ridge The topic is for our retreat is based on the book The Open Door: A Journey to the True Self. We will explore the rich image of the door as an invitation to growth and awareness. The cost is $95 per person. There is also time for fellowship shared in many ways with the group. Please see Starr Schaeberle with questions or questions to starr.schaeberle@comcast.net. A sign up sheet will be available in the Social Room.

16 Ministers - All the People of Evangelical Reformed Church WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES 2015 dresses and are ready to raise money for Heartly House this year. It's time to break out those heels again! ERUCC Pumped Up Elders have pulled out their heels, fluffed their wigs and smoothed out the wrinkles from their On October 10, we'll meet at the Carroll Creek Pavilion for check-in at 12 pm and the walk will start at 1 pm. We will celebrate another successful "Walk a Mile" with an after party at our walk's destination, All Saints' Episcopal Church. This year's Walk a Mile In Her Shoes will benefit the important work that Heartly House does for our Frederick community. The funds raised will go to help us further our effort to achieve a society free of violence by providing public education, working for the equality and empowerment of all, and developing and maintaining comprehensive services to survivors of family violence, rape, sexual assault, and child abuse. Thank you for your past and continued support of Heartly House. We'll see you on October 10!

17 CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK TODAY (9/20) 8:30a.m. Worship in Trinity Chapel 9:30a.m. Christian Education for all Ages 10 a.m. Chimes Concert 10:30a.m. Morning Worship 12:15p.m. Musical Rehearsal MONDAY 9a.m. ACT Panera Bread 9a.m. Worship Committee 12:30 p.m. Staff Meeting 4p.m. Tiny Tots 5p.m. Monday Mess Hall 5:30p.m. Mission/Vision/Values Conversation 5:45p.m. Elementary Bells 6:15p.m. Bells for Grades 6-12 & Adults 6:15p.m. Children s Choir 7p.m. Young Spirit 7p.m. Mission & Social Action Comm. TUESDAY 11a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Study 7p.m. Book Patti Patterson s WEDNESDAY 6p.m. Taizé Service in Sanctuary 7p.m. Wednesday Evening Faith Study THURSDAY 7p.m. Spirit Rehearsal SUNDAY (9/27) 8:30a.m. Worship in Trinity Chapel 9:30a.m. Christian Education for All Ages 10a.m. Chimes Concert 10:30a.m. Morning Worship 12:15p.m. Musical Rehearsal SERVING YOU 9/20: Deacons: Jennie Covahey & Tom Perlet Greeters: Evie & Tom Frazier Nancy Leister & Jo Ann Fritz Elder: Ann Hammond Scripture Reader: Ann Hammond Sound System: Doug White Nursery: Chimer Schedule: Nancy Doll on Sat. Matt Hueting on Sun. Welcome Table: Pat Hevner & Kevin McKinley Coffee Fellowship: SERVING YOU 9/27: Deacons: Phil Selby & Jaci Clayton Greeters: Allen & Joan Maples Linda Coyle & Betsy Fisher Elder: Milt Crutchley Scripture Reader: Jim Weitz Sound System: Jeff Baker Nursery: Chimer Schedule: Allen Flora on Sat. Tricia Coffey on Sun. Welcome Table: Charlotte Henderson & Betsy Selby Coffee Fellowship:

18 USED BOOK SALE FOR OPERATION SECOND CHANCE* All monies raised will go to Operation Second Chance! WHERE: Evangelical Lutheran Church (31 East Church Street in Downtown Frederick in Trunk Hall on the church campus. FRIDAY October p.m. SATURDAY October 3 9-7p.m. SUNDAY October 4 9-1p.m. (Bag sale! Bags provided) *Sponsored by the Social Ministry Committee of Evangelical Lutheran Church. For information, contact Susan Murray at (301) or murraysusanj@msn.com

19 PICTURES FROM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 Honoring Pat and Paul Sunday Laity Sunday Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Gerry Hanberry, Interim Associate Pastor Rev. Fred Wenner, Pastor Emeritus Kim Sexton, Associate for Children s Ministry (ksexton@erucc.org) Alison E. Shafer, Organist & Choir Director Tricia Coffey, Head Chimer & Young Spirit Choir Director Nancy Doll, Bell Choir Director Marj Menchey Bernstein, Children s Choir Director Kris Ricci, Office Administrator (kricci@erucc.org) Bud Rossig, Facilities Manager Sherry Lennox, Nursery Attendant

20