TODAY WORSHIP COMMUNITY-WIDE INTERFAITH CELEBRATION. Rev. Dr. Neil G. Cazares-Thomas. as Senior Pastor of Cathedral of Hope. The INSTALLATION of

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1 WORSHIP TODAY August 22, 2015 Volume 2 Special Issue 4 p.m. Worship Service The INSTALLATION of Rev. Dr. Neil G. Cazares-Thomas as Senior Pastor of Cathedral of Hope COMMUNITY-WIDE INTERFAITH CELEBRATION

2 Service of Installation of The Reverend Dr. Neil G. Cazares-Thomas AUGUST 22, P.M. GATHERING PRELUDE In This Very Room by Ron Harris; setting by Mark Albrecht Katrina Kratzer, violin; David Moldenhauer, piano In this very room there s quite enough love for one like me, and in this very room there s quite enough joy for one like me. And there s quite enough hope and quite enough power to chase away any gloom, for Jesus, Lord Jesus, is in this very room. **CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Matthew 18:20) Where two or three are gathered in Christ s name, We enter this place of worship to meet God. Where two or three are gathered in Christ s name, We expand our capacity to love. Where two or three are gathered in Christ s name, God is here among us! Chris Chism and Sylvia Franze **The people will rise in body or spirit. WORSHIP NOTES Insight into the various elements of our services God Is Here! As We Your People Meet (on p. 1) British Methodist minister and hymn writer Fred Pratt Green ( ) wrote the lyrics for this hymn in 1979 at the request of Russell Schulz-Widmar, director of music at University United Methodist Church of Austin, Texas. The director sought a new hymn for the closing service of a festival of worship, music, and the arts to help introduce the hymn tune ABBOT S LEIGH to the congregation. This tune was written by Cyril Vincent Taylor ( ) in the spring of 1941 for the text Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken. At the time he was working at the wartime headquarters of the religious broadcasting department of the BBC in Abbot s Leigh, hence the tune s name. Taylor was an Anglican priest who held a number of positions throughout his career, serving finally as precentor and canon of Salisbury Cathedral from 1969 to Here I Am, Lord (on p. 2) Here I Am, Lord, also known by its first line, I, the Lord of Sea and Sky, is a wellknown Christian hymn written by Father Dan Schutte in The lyrics are based on Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And I said, Here am I; send me! and 1 Samuel 3. Despite its Catholic origins, Schutte s hymn is sung in many Protestant worship services and is found into most newer Christian hymnals. Translated into over 20 languages, it has been used at many Papal Masses and at International World Youth Day events. A 2004 survey conducted by The Tablet, an international Catholic magazine, reported Here I Am, Lord as their reader s favorite. A survey conducted in 2008 by the United Methodist Church found Schutte s hymn second favorite behind Amazing Grace. Today we hear this hymn in a beautiful choral setting by contemporary Church composer Craig Courtney. God Is Here (on p. 3) Our Offertory today was co-written by the team of Israel and Meleasa Houghton and contemporary Christian artist Martha Munizzi, who recorded it in Martha was born into a traveling, musical family of Christian evangelists, and ministered through music beginning at age 8. At age 16, Martha helped form a praise and worship band. She married Dan Munizzi,in 1986.Her recording career began in 2002, and Munizzi soon had two albums atop the Billboard Gospel charts. Along with the Houghtons, and others, Munizzi creates cross-cultural worship music that connects with both black and white Christian congregations and also reaches the masses. Now Thank We All Our God (on back cover) Lutheran deacon and composer Martin Rinkart left us a beautiful testament to faith and thanksgiving in the hymn Now Thank We All Our God. Martin Rinkart served in the walled town of Eilenburg during the horrors of the Thirty Years War of Eilenburg became an overcrowded refuge for the surrounding area. The fugitives suffered from epidemic and famine. At the beginning of 1637, the year of the Great Pestilence, there were four ministers in Eilenburg. One abandoned his post for healthier areas and Rinkart officiated at the funerals of the other two. As the sole pastor, he often conducted funeral services for as many as 40 to 50 persons a day some 4,480 in all. In May of that year, his wife died. By the end of the year, the refugees had to be buried in trenches without services. It seems incongruous that a hymn like Now Thank We All Our God should come out of such circumstances. However, Rinkart wrote the first two stanzas, not as a hymn for public worship, but as a table grace for his family. At the end of the war, his hymn was sung to celebrate the signing of the Peace of Westphalia the treaty that ended the war.

3 **PROCESSIONAL HYMN God Is Here! As We Your People Meet Words by Fred Pratt Green Hope Publishing Company Music by Cyril V. Taylor Hope Publishing Company OneLicense.net License # A ABBOT S LEIGH **INVOCATION WELCOME Rev. Todd Scoggins Rev. Anna Humble Interim Conference Minister **EXCHANGE OF PEACE 1

4 WORD EPISTLE LESSON Hebrews 11: 1-3; 8-9; 11-12; 27; 29-30; Minister Isabel Marquez Roger Poindexter Chair, Senior Pastor Search Committee Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep the promise. And so millions of people came from this one couple who were as good as dead so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. By faith Moses left Egypt, unafraid of Pharaoh s wrath and moving forward as though he could see the invisible God. By faith the people crossed through the Red Sea as if they were walking on dry land, although the pursuing Egyptian soldiers were drowned when they tried to follow. By faith, the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho for seven days, and the walls fell flat. All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, and has prepared a city for them. ANTHEM Here I Am, Lord Words and Music by Dan Schutte; arr. Craig Courtney Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra **GOSPEL LESSON Luke 17: 5-6; Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Come, Holy Spirit. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O God. The apostles said to Jesus, Increase our faith! Jesus answered, If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it would obey you. Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the reign of God was coming, and he answered, The reign of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, Look, here it is! or There it is! For, in fact, the reign of God is among you. This is the Gospel of Hope. Praise to you, Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit. SERMON Finding Joy on Your Journey of Faith Rev. Elder Don Eastman Gap Pastor, Founders MCC, Los Angeles Elder, Metropolitan Community Churches See Rev. Eastman s bio on the back page. 2

5 SERVICE OF INSTALLATION GREETING Congregational Response: Rev. Peter Nichols North Texas Association Committee on Ministry Let us look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was waiting endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. PRESENTATION EXHORTATION Steven Fontaine CoH Board/Senior Pastor Search Committee Rev. Charles Brown WORDS OF COVENANT REV. DR. NEIL G. CAZARES-THOMAS CATHEDRAL OF HOPE Members of the Cathedral of Hope, United Church of Christ, will those who are able rise and affirm your covenant with your senior pastor and teacher? ** We, the members and active participants of the Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ, receive Neil as pastor and teacher, promising to labor with him in the ministry of the gospel and to give him due honor and support. We gather with him and with the United Church of Christ as a sign of our mutual ministry in Christ s name. NORTH TEXAS ASSOCIATION Pam Selepa And we, representing the members of the North Texas Association of the United Church of Christ, are honored to gather with you, the people of Cathedral of Hope, as a sign of our covenant and in celebration of our mutual ministry in Christ s name. GIFTS OF THE OFFICE Roger Poindexter Van Martindale, Positive Voices Barb Nunn, Vice Chair, CoH Board Member, Board of Directors, South Central Conference PRAYER OF INSTALLATION AND LAYING ON OF HANDS Let us pray. Almighty God With you and the Holy Spirit, Christ reigns in glory, one God forever and ever. Amen. DECLARATION In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of the North Texas Association of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ, I declare you duly installed as senior pastor and teacher of the Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. Thanks be to God! RESPONSE Rev. Dr. Neil G. Cazares-Thomas PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS OFFERTORY God Is Here by Martha Munizzi, Israel and Maleesa Houghton; arr. Bradley Knight Voices of Hope featuring Donna Jones Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra 3

6 SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION TO THE TABLE The Gospel writers tell of our risen Savior, who at table with two of the disciples took bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread. In company with all believers in every time and beyond time, we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread. CONSECRATION OF THE ELEMENTS On the night you were betrayed you took the bread; after giving thanks you broke it and said: This is my body, broken for you, and as you eat it remember me. This is my body, broken for you, and as you eat it remember me. On the night you were betrayed you held the cup; after giving thanks you lifted it up. This is my life poured out for you, and as you drink it remember me. This is my life poured out for you, and as you drink it remember me. So we thank you for the cup and for the bread; for we see the life you gave and the blood you shed. And we remember your wondrous love, you gave your body, you shed your blood. And we remember your wondrous love, you gave your Spirit to live in us. And we remember your wondrous love, you gave your body, you shed your blood. And we remember your wondrous love, you gave your Spirit to live in us. DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS TO OUR GUESTS Cathedral of Hope celebrates an open Communion. We understand the sharing of the bread and the cup in Jesus name to be a representation of an ancient vision of God s feast for all people. We don t require you to be a member of this church, or any church, to participate with us in this feast of grace. Simply come forward at the ushers direction. After dipping a wafer in the cup, the minister will place it on your tongue and offer a brief blessing. If you prefer to serve yourself, cup your hands in front of you as you come to receive Communion. MUSIC DURING COMMUNION All Are Welcome Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live, A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive. Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace; Here the love of Christ shall end divisions: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place. Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat; A banquet hall on holy ground, where peace and justice meet. Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space; As we share in Christ the feast that frees us: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place. Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard And loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word. Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace, Let this house proclaim from floor to rafter: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place. Words and Music by Marty Haugen G.I.A. Publications, Inc OneLicense.net License # A

7 TO OUR GUESTS It has become a tradition at the Cathedral of Hope to rise as we end our time of communion (as indicated by **), join hands as an expression of our unity in Christ, and lift them up in glory to God. We invite you to join as you are able, in body or spirit. Be Thou My Vision Oh, Dios de mi alma sé tú mi visión, Nada te aparte de mi corazón. Noche y dia pienso yo en ti, Y tu presencia es luz para mí. Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art: Thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. Will you guide me when I can t see? Please, Lord, lead me; You re all that I need. Me guiarás cuando no puedo ver? Señor, guiame; Te necesito. Riches I heed not, nor life s empty praise, thou mine inheritance, now and always; Thou and thou only, first in my heart, Great God of heaven, my treasure thou art. Will you guide me when I can t see? Please, Lord, lead me; You re all that I need. Me guiarás cuando no puedo ver? Señor, guiame; Te necesito. **PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart. In My Life, Lord En mi vida, gloria te doy, gloria te doy. En mi vida, gloria te doy, Señor. Traditional Irish hymn Chorus by Adam Lancaster Red Tie Music In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified. In my life, Lord, be glorified today. Words and Music by Bob Kilpatrick Bob Kilpatrick Music, Inc. CCLI License # How Great Thou Art O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, thy pow r throughout the universe displayed. **Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee; How great thou art! How great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee; How great thou art! How great thou art! About The Reverend Dr. Neil G. Cazares-Thomas Words by Carl Boberg, translation by Stuart K. Hine Music: Swedish folk tune, arr. Stuart K. Hine Manna Music, Inc. This arrangement by Steven Couch Cathedral of Hope Dr. Cazares-Thomas previously served for 13 years as the Senior Pastor of the Founders Metropolitan Community Church, Los Angeles, the founding church of Metropolitan Community Churches, an international movement of churches reaching in and beyond the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and intersex community. A member of Metropolitan Community Churches since 1981, having joined the church on his fifteenth birthday, Rev. Neil has served in numerous denominational positions. As a native of Bournemouth, England, Dr. Cazares-Thomas was born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His family left the Mormon Church in his early years. He attended St John s Theological College (Church of England), La Saint Union (Roman Catholic) and King Alfred s College, and graduated with a BA (M. Div [USA equiv]). In 2002, he enrolled in the Doctoral program at San Francisco Theological College (Presbyterian) He graduated with his Doctor of Ministry in October He has been granted Privilege of Call in the United Church of Christ. Dr. Cazares-Thomas is a contributing author of Daring to Speak Love s Name (Penguin Books, 1993), From Queer to Eternity (Cassell, 1997) The Queer Bible Commentary (SCM Press, 2006) and is currently writing a chapter for a new book entitled, Jesus Acted Up: Then and Now. He has also been featured in a number of journals relating to queer theology and ministry to the LGBTQ community. Dr. Cazares-Thomas is married to Isaiah Thomas-Cazares and they have a daughter, Sofia. 5

8 **RECESSIONAL HYMN Now Thank We All Our God Words by Martin Rinkart, adapted Music by Johann Crüger OneLicense.net License # A NUN DANKET **BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Reception Please join us for refreshments after the service in the Fellowship Hall. About The Rev. Elder Don Eastman The Rev. Elder Don Eastman was formerly an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He received his theological training at Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. Following graduation in 1966, he served an Assemblies of God congregation in Wisconsin as Pastor for six years. In 1972, he resigned the pastoral ministry to assume full-time secular duties as an official of the American Lung Association in Iowa. In 1975, upon coming out as a gay man, Rev. Eastman resigned his ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God and began a new ministry in the lesbian and gay community with Metropolitan Community Church. Since then he has pastored MCC congregations in Des Moines, Iowa and Dallas, Texas where he served for 8 ½ years. Under Rev. Eastman s leadership from 1978 to 1986, MCC of Dallas (Cathedral of Hope) grew to become the largest congregation in the world-wide fellowship. In 1983, Rev. Eastman was elected to the Board of Elders of Metropolitan Community Churches. He was re-elected for five additional terms, serving through He has served full-time as the denomination s Second-Vice Moderator, Treasurer and Vice Moderator between 1986 and Rev. Eastman retired from the Board of Elders in 2007 and is currently serving as Gap Pastor at Founders MCC in Los Angeles.