PRELUDE WELCOME OPENING WORDS

Transcription

1 PRELUDE WELCOME OPENING WORDS Leader: Listen up, all you people! Pay attention! Everyone from highest to lowest, the proud and humble together, tune your ears to hear good news! Christ is revealed in worship! Carol Penner *HYMN NCH#24 The God of Abraham Praise Tune: Leoni

2 This Morning at Peace: Church School and Youth Learning Hour PreK- Room 16A, 9:45a.m. K-5th- Room 12A, 9:45a.m. 6th-12th- Room 20, 9:45a.m. Good Questions Series with Rev. Dr. Laurel Koepf-Taylor What does vital church look like in our future? Be part of the continuing discussion at Good Questions March 12, 19 and 26. The Rev. Dr. Laurel Koepf-Taylor will lead us as we consider children in the church community. How dramatically has the Christian education model changed? How do adults and children learn from each other in the church community? How does the Bible and its ancient context provide a resource for thinking about children in the church (especially worship)? Laurel will talk about what the Bible says about children, and how the ancient exilic context has an intriguing parallel to the mainline church today in which faith formation by example is an effective method of cultural survival. *PRAYER OF INVOCATION Leader: Leader: Here we are Lord! We come from the busy-ness of our daily lives from the hubbub of our work and play from the hue and cry of the world around us, we come to worship you. In this hour, we long to meet you, to feel your presence surrounding us, enveloping us, loving us. We long to settle into silence, laying aside our worries and our cares, aware of your presence around us, before us, behind us, within us. Come, Lord Jesus. Carol Penner *RESPONSE "The Summons" Tune Kelvingrove How do we expand our thinking about religious education as a constant process of formation and how does that connect to worship? We will also talk about some practical tools for worshiping together so that everyone can participate in meaningful ways. Peace Talks Continue 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 Rev. Wendy Bruner, on 3/12 at 9:45a.m. in Room 23. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Wendy. (314) wendybruner@peaceuccstl.org Handchimes Handchimes meets at 9:45a.m. in the chime room. If you are interested in joining the handchime choir, please contact Darcy Swanson ( ) LENTEN WITNESS 8:30 Katie Duffin and Sharon Sullivan 11:00 Ray Mulligan Doxology Jessica Weiss-McDevitt, Pastor Wendy, Linda Agnew, Darcy Swanson, Rob Hartmann, Keith McDevitt, and Ted Loucks

3 A READING FROM THE HEBREW TRADITION Genesis 12:1-3 NRSV Now the LORD said to Abram, Go from your country and your kindred and your father s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. One: For the marvelous blend of fact, myth, poetry, and story that is in scripture, we give thanks. Many: May the Spirit open us to the wisdom we most need to hear. CHILDREN S TIME Following the story, young children are encouraged to remain in worship or they may go to the nursery (birth-3). Attendance pads will be passed out at this time, please sign-in so that we may celebrate that you were here. SPECIAL MUSIC 8:30 Claimed, Called and Sent Bryan Sirchio Folk Choir 11:00 My Hope Is in the Land Joseph M. Martin Chancel Choir MESSAGE Peace Youth *HYMN NCH 537 "Christian, Rise and Act Your Creed" Tune: Innocents Lenten Witness: By Jane Herz In early winter, 2004, I was searching for a church. I had left my church of 50+ years after years of feeling that I was not in the right place and not just on Sunday morning. I tried Jim s church which he had attended for 20+ years. It was nice but still not quite right for me. In February I read a piece on the Post Dispatch op-ed page by Katy Hawker and it really spoke to me. I investigated and called the church office. After talking to Don for quite awhile, I decided to try it on Sunday. The first person I encountered after entering was Marge who welcomed me profusely. She told me to stay right here and she would get the pastor to come meet me. My first inclination was to run; but Marge told me to stay right here and so I stayed. I am so glad I did. The service was a revelation in so many ways. Every one was singing; every one spoke the responses loudly and clearly. People were smiling and acting happy to be there, not bored and ready to bolt. The sermon was amazing. By the end I found myself in tears and I really didn t know why. After one more solo visit, Jim joined me and he, too, was caught up in the atmosphere of love and acceptance. Although he had been happy at his church, we wanted to attend a church together and we found it. In my disillusionment with my church of birth, I pretty well tossed out everything I believed and felt rather empty. I felt so safe at Peace (EUCC at that time) knowing it didn t matter that I really didn t know what I believed or didn t believe about God, about spirituality, about organized religion. I was asked by a friend why I even went to church if I really didn t know if I was a believer. That stumped me; I didn t know how to explain to her the joy and peace I felt every Sunday just being there. Perhaps that s not God in the traditional sense but it was certainly right for me. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE We invite you, during this quiet time of prayer and contemplation, to write down prayer requests and bring them to the table and place them in the bowl. At the end of worship, you are encouraged to come up and take a prayer request with you for the week. Continued on page 4.

4 In Our Prayers LITANY The peoples part is embolden. Creator, the one who formed the world from chaos. We come to you in prayer. We seek your comfort for those in the world and for those among us who are struggling. We lift them up to you Please speak aloud or silently people or places you raise in prayer. In you there is hope and comfort. Hope and comfort Hope Hope Continued from page 3. Jim and I joined Evangelical United Church of Christ in February, I can hardly believe how far I ve come on my journey in life without really reconciling my lack of traditional beliefs. The love I feel; the enthusiasm and eagerness to make the world a better place; the joy in just having fun. So many wonderful things have happened: joining the choir and finding a place I felt I belonged; the trip to Iowa for marriage and vow renewal; the semiannual meetings (I didn t realize congregants could vote on anything); pot luck dinners inside and out on the lawn; adult ed; most of all, knowing it s OK to be where I am on my life journey. It s OK; I m at Peace. Wednesday Evening Lenten Devotional All are welcome to join us on Wednesday evenings during Lent as we read and reflect on the book A Way Other Than Our Own by Walter Brueggemann. Books will be available for purchase from the church office, however, if cost is a concern please know that a book will be provided for you. We will meet at 6:30p.m. in the sanctuary on Wednesday evenings between March 8-April 12. Save The Date Coffee House Saturday April 22, 7PM All are welcome for an evening of music and fellowship and peace! Want to find our more? Call Pastor Wendy. New Office Hours Please note the new office hours at Peace: M-Th 8am 4pm and F 8am-2:30pm. Creator, the one who carries each of us in your abundant love. We come to you in prayer. We seek to share your love and compassion with the world and those around us. Love and compassion Love and compassion Love Love Creator, the one who has a dream for shalom. We come to you in prayer. We seek your guidance to live into your dream and walk in your ways. We walk with you toward shalom We walk with you toward shalom Shalom Shalom LORD S PRAYER Our Parent who is in heaven Holy 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 Lead us not into temptation And deliver us from evil For Yours is the kingdom and the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION 8:30AM INVITATION AND COMMUNION PRAYER based on our Theological Assumptions Minister: Come, Holy Spirit, and move among these elements assembled at this Table. Many: Through this sacrament, transform our hurt into healing, our fear into faith, and death into life. Minister: As the grain, sown in hills and valleys, is harvested, and now becomes one in the loaf, Many: 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. Liturgist: As this juice, grown in vineyards under the sun, fills the cup, may we be filled and refreshed by this meal, Many: and strengthened to respond to your call to reach out in compassion to all living things.

5 Minister: Many: Minister: Many: Liturgist: Many: 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. Come, Holy Spirit, come. 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. 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 "Be Still and Know" Iona Community Please remain seated 40Days of Kindness Ideas for Adults & Children for Lent or everyday The Servant Team invites you to research, practice, reflect upon: Kindness in these 40 days of Lent. You might start by checking Tyler Connoley s Facebook Page which will inspire you and perhaps your family and friends. Kindness/ Here are ideas for the second week: 1. Leave flowers on someone's desk or front door. 2. Let someone go ahead of you in traffic. 3. Help with a chore that you usually don't do. 4. Send a note or to the church staff (one or all). 5. Put on favorite music, close your eyes, breathe in, give yourself a hug. (be kind to yourself) 6. Donate a dollar to a homeless person and bless them. 7. Say "Hello" to everyone! "Kindness means building bridges instead walls." quote from Random Acts of Kindness.org Child Advocacy Day in Jefferson City Peace UCC will once again travel with the Deaconess Foundation, by bus, for a day of advocating for children at the Missouri State Capital. Please save the date. Details will be shared as they are available. The bus will depart from the St. Louis area early on the morning of April 6th and return later that evening. Breakfast and lunch will be available. Last year Peace sent 23 delegates to do this very important work, this year we are hoping to top 23. PRAYER OF DEDICATION We are the Receivers, receivers of love receivers of grace receivers of Jesus. We are the Givers, following God s call, following Jesus, following our hearts. Lord, we give these offerings for the work of your kingdom, with humble thanks for mercies received. Carol Penner Bunnies on the Loose 5K Save the Date: April 15 Bunnies on the Loose. The Freedom School at Peace UCC has been chosen as the recipient of this year s Bunnies on the Loose 5K event in Webster Groves. Peace needs to supply 25 volunteers to serve water on race day. Please contact the church office if you are interested. (See poster on the bulletin board for more race details).

6 HOW WILL WE DO GOD S WORK IN THE WORLD THIS WEEK? HYM NCH #286 "Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness" Tune: Spirit Easter Flowers The Worship Team is collecting orders for spring plants to decorate the sanctuary for Easter. Your plant may be in honor/memory/celebration of a loved one or special event. Please submit your order form with payment to the church office no later than March 26, You may pick up your plant after the 11am service on Easter. Please order/dedicate as many plant as you like. All plants are 6 and come in foil covered pots. See choices below. Name: Phone: Given By: In memory/honor/celebration (please circle one) of: In memory/honor/celebration (please circle one) of: In memory/honor/celebration (please circle one) of: Please indicate the # of plants and the amount enclosed $ and return to the church office no later than March 26, $5.00 $5.00 *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE 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 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: March 20 Bead Party Fundraiser Gloria Wells will be hosting a Bead Party on Friday, April 7th from 6-8p.m. in the Fireside Room at Peace UCC. The cost is $20.00 per beader. 50% of all sales and beading will be donated to the Peace Freedom School. Children are welcome! Design and create your own bracelets and necklaces. Lots and lots of beads and materials will be provided. Gloria will also have a small display of her jewelry for sale. Please bring a snack to share. Everyone is invited. If playing with beads is not your thing; come anyway and enjoy the fellowship. Book Available Kathy Adair s book Daughter of the Palms is available at dorrancebookstore.com. Put Daughter of the Palms in the search box to find the book. The book will also be available at the July 16th book signing at Peace UCC. Webster Rock Hill Ministries Trivia Night Saturday, April 1, 2017 will be WRHM s annual Trivia Night Fundraiser at the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, 10 West Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves, MO Doors open at 6:30p.m. and play begins at 7p.m. in Memorial Hall. There is a fun evening planned with trivia, games, attendance prizes, and a silent auction. Bottled water will be provided and participants are encouraged to bring food and beverages, including beer and wine, to share with their table. Register by calling the WRHM office at $25 per person or $200/table of 8. Walk-ins and partial tables are welcome. The Ministries is a multi-program assistance center that helps those in need in the Webster Groves and Rock Hill communities and is supported by more than 30 neighboring churches working together. St. Louis Association Women UCC Spring Pilgrimage On Monday, April 24th, the St. Louis Association of UCC Women are gathering at Neighborhood Houses at Caroline Mission, 2828 Caroline Street, St. Louis, MO The program begins at 9AM with Registration and Coffee, and concludes after the 1PM Worship Service. The day also includes tours, service projects, and lunch. $10.00 registration fee includes lunch, please also consider bringing donations such as wipes, kids toothbrushes, and/or thermometers. Please register by April 14th, registration forms available in the church narthex. Questions? Please contact Peace member Marge Engelsdorfer. Today at 2:30p.m. THIS WEEK AT PEACE UCC SUNDAY, MARCH 12 TODAY 8:30a.m. Worship Service 9:45a.m. Good Questions 9:45a.m. Peace Talks 9:45a.m. Handchimes 9:45a.m. Church School 11:00a.m. Worship Service 5:30p.m. OWL Jr. 5:00p.m. Woodcarvers 7:00p.m. Narcotics Anonymous MONDAY, MARCH 13 7:00p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 14 5:30a.m. 8:30a.m. 1:30p.m. 6:30p.m. Fireside Room reserved for Father Jim Magnolia Fitness Walking Group WG Nature Society Book Club in room 23 Toastmasters WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 5:30a.m. Magnolia Fitness 1:30p.m. Peace Staff Meeting 2:00p.m. Noteworthy Music School for Strings Paul Huppert 3:00p.m. Service for Joe Ulrich 4:30p.m. Children s Choir 7:00p.m. Refuge Recovery Meeting, Room 20 (A Buddhist Path to Addiction Recovery) THURSDAY, MARCH 16 5:30a.m. 8:30a.m. 9:00a.m. 6:00p.m. 7:00p.m. Magnolia Fitness Walking Group Quilters & Artists Magnolia Fitness Chancel Choir FRIDAY, MARCH 17 Circus Harmony in Fellowship Hall 7:00a.m. Contemplative Prayer Sts C&F 9:30a.m. Moms Group SATURDAY, MARCH 18 8:00a.m. Magnolia Fitness 9:00a.m. Zhineng Qigong, Rm :30a.m. Narcotics Anonymous 11:00a.m. Youth Choir The deadline for submissions to our weekly publications, the Sunday Bulletin and News & Notes, is Thursday morning at 10AM.