October 2, :30 am

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1 October 2, :30 am World Communion Sunday Lector John Stoll Acolyte Ellie Bowen Greeters & Ushers Middle-Schoolers & Kim Finney Offering Stewards Emily Kuttenkuler, Carrie Mershon Coffee Hour Hosts Carol & Rick Bender Sound System Isaac Grimm, Shane Bowen "The Best Meal" by Jan Richardson Kirkwood United Church of Christ 1603 Dougherty Ferry Road Kirkwood, MO Website Phone (314) Facebook us CHURCH STAFF Betsy Happel, Pastor Donna Bay, Administrative Assistant Merry Keller, Director of Music Ministry Ron Bryant, Accompanist Stephen Stark, Student Pastor MINISTERS The Whole Congregation No matter who you are, or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here! 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 and blessings of our faith community. As we affirm 1 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 GUIDE FOR WORSHIP Hearing assistance is available, please see an usher Please join in responses printed in bold lettering *All who are able, please stand Welcome 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. Offering will not be collected during today's worship service. (a basket will be placed at the doors to the sanctuary) Thank you for your Offerings! *Call to Worship Friends, this is the joyful feast of unity. Christ has gathered his people around the earth to commune at this table. Across political lines and economic lines, in places of powerfully protected affluence, and among the poorest of the poor, we share a meal, remembering and celebrating the One who proved shalom possible. And so, come: you from the East and you from the West, from the North and from the South. Come. Come with your doubts, come with your hopes, come with your inadequacies and with your strengths. Come, for this is a table where all are invited and all are welcome. *Opening Song Gather your People Page 6 & 7 *Invocation/Prayers of the People 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. 2

3 Scripture Acts 2:42-47 (Common English Bible) The believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. All the believers were united and shared everything. They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved. Sharing Stories The Best Meal Song of Response The Table Chris Tomlin Merry Keller, vocalist and Ron Bryant, pianist Sacrament of Holy Communion Invitation Excerpt from Love Feast, a novel by Frederick Buechner Blessing And the feast will be plentiful. And the welcome will be wide. And the arms will open wide to gather us in. And our hearts will open wide to receive. Table #1: Table #2 Table #3: Table #4: Table #5: Table #6: Table #7: Table #8: Table #9: Table #10: Table #11: Table #12: And we will come as children who trust there is enough. And we will come unhindered and free. And our aching will be met with bread. And our sorrow will be met with juice of the cup. And we will open our hands to the feast without shame. And we will turn toward each other without fear. And we will give up our appetite for despair. And we will taste and know of delight. And we will become bread for a hungering world. And we will become drink for those who thirst. And the blessed will become the blessing. And everywhere will be the feast. Words of Institution Sharing of Bread and Cup (We will share communion with each other using the bread and cup provided at each table. Tear off a piece of bread and dip it into the cup of grape juice, and serve another at your table. Gluten free wafers have been provided.) 3

4 Prayer of Thanksgiving And we will become bread for a hungering world. And we will become drink for those who thirst. And the blessed will become the blessing. And everywhere will be the feast. Amen. *Commissioning, and Blessing Our Meal Together *Hymn of Recession In Christ There Is No East or West Page 5 Postlude Sources: Call to Worship from 2010 World Communion Day Worship Resource PCUSA. Posted on Communion Blessing written by Jan L. Richardson, and posted on The Painted Prayerbook. 4

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8 KUCC CALENDAR OF EVENTS *Names in italics with an asterisk are community groups which use our facilities. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 9:30 am Worship/Communion Potluck Meal following Worship 11:00 am Adult Ed MONDAY, OCTOBER 3 10:00 am Al-Anon* 7:00 pm SLAA* 7:00 pm COSA* TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 11:15 am Al-Anon* 4:30 pm Mission & Outreach 6:00 pm Yoga* 7:15 pm Adult Ed WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5 10:00 am Adult Faith Formation Class 5:00 pm Meditation Group-Open to All 6:00 pm SIA* 6:30 pm Al-Anon* THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 11:15 am Al-Anon* 4:30 pm LOGOS/Formal Night 5:00 pm Faith Formation 7:15 pm Choir SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 9:30 am Worship 10:30 am Coffee Hour 10:45 am Stewardship & Finance 10:45 am Adult Ed 12::00 noon Membership Information Lunch 8

9 NEWS SPONSORED BY KUCC KUCC POTLUCK MEAL - Following Worship Today In celebration of Fall and fellowship within the KUCC community, the Worship and Music Team will be sponsoring a pot luck meal after worship today. Please come so we can enjoy the fun and fellowship of each other's company around the communal table. That's just the way Christianity was practiced in its earliest days. We look forward to the joy and strength it can bring to our church this season! We hope you'll stay! THE NEIGHBORS IN NEED OFFERING, which we will receive TODAY, October 2, supports the UCC s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts and direct service projects. Through ucc.org/justice, our national Justice and Witness Ministries office offers resources, news updates and action alerts on a broad spectrum of justice issues. Working with members of the UCC Justice and Peace Action Network, Justice and Witness continues its strong policy advocacy work on issues such as the federal budget, voting rights, immigration, health care, hate crimes, civil liberties and environmental justices. Neighbors in Need also supports our American Indian neighbors in the UCC. One-third of the offering supports the UCC s Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM). Historically, forebears of the UCC established churches and worked with Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arickara and Hocak in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and northern Nebraska. Today there are 20 UCC congregations on reservations and one urban, multi-tribal UCC congregation in Minneapolis. These churches and their pastors are supported by CAIM. CAIM is also an invaluable resource for more than 1,000 individuals from dozens of other tribes and nations who are members of other UCC congregations in the US. A basket has been placed at the back of the sanctuary to receive offerings. ADULT EDUCATION CLASS The UCC Today - A Covenantal Polity in the 21st Century October 2, 9, 16, 23 We are pleased to have as our Adult Education speaker during October the Reverend Geoffrey Black, General Minister & President of the United Church of Christ from 2009 to 2015, and current Visiting Professor of Leadership & Ecumenical Studies at Eden Theological Seminary. Who better to teach us about our beloved denomination, the United Church of Christ? This course will help you more fully understand our amazing and very unique denomination. The course will explore the life and work of the United Church of Christ through the lens of covenant, which is a foundational principle of its polity. Through presentations, readings and dialogue, focused on covenantal partners, missional initiatives and modes of decision making, course participants will gain insight into present day workings of the United Church of Christ and its distinct role in the Church Universal. Theological and spiritual reflection regarding UCC engagement with contemporary issues including sexual orientation and inclusivity, interfaith and ecumenical relations, racial and gender justice, immigration and environmental stewardship will serve as key activities in the learning process. Course participants will also receive an introduction to primary UCC resources via the internet. 9

10 Upcoming Ballot Issues October 30 At the upcoming November 8 election there are several issues on which we will be asked to vote, in addition to electing many state and federal officials. Do you have enough information about these issues to make an informed choice? How does your faith inform your vote? On Sunday, October 30 we ll explore and discuss these ballot issues, what we can learn about them, and what we may have seen or heard about them from various sources. Be better prepared to cast your November 8 votes! HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - Partnering with Those in Need Can you help KUCC donate at least $2,300 to Habitat for Humanity? As of Sunday, September 25, we have collected $1,528!!! When you support Habitat you are making a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety possible a local family. Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and works toward that goal with a comprehensive program in which hardworking St. Louis families invest their time into actually building and owning a home. Contact: Bob Steen ( ) for more information about KUCC s commitment to Habitat. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION LUNCH - Sunday, October 9 th at Noon Wondering what Kirkwood UCC is all about? If you have questions about KUCC's history, ministries, hopes and dreams, you are invited to meet with Pastor Betsy and some members of our KUCC Church Council on Sunday, October 9 th at Noon in the Friendship Room (where Sunday morning coffee hour is held). We will share information and casual conversation over a light lunch. Whether you're already a KUCC member, or are considering membership at KUCC (or neither of these!), we hope you'll join us. Please RSVP Donna Bay at donna@kirkwooducc.org so we can plan for the meal. We welcome new members into the congregation four times a year, and will be doing so again on Sunday, October 23 rd. WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP EVENT October 12 th Hi all you ladies out there, the Women's Fellowship is going on a tour of the Shriner's Children's Hospital on Wednesday, October 12, We will be meeting at the church at 11:00 am to carpool to the hospital. The tour will last about an hour and then after the tour, we will go to lunch together at the Boat House in Forest Park. We hope you can come to this event. Please let Evelyn Appel ( ) or Vi Hennen( ) know if you are able to come. We will be needing to make reservations at the Boat House if you are planning on going to lunch. WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS Sunday, October 23rd We will be welcoming new members into the KUCC congregation during worship on Sunday, October 23. If you have an interest in knowing more about this or would like to join the church, we encourage you to contact Betsy to schedule an appointment. KUCC BOOK SALE November 5 th The next KUCC Book Sale will be November 5 th from 8am to 1 pm. People are welcome to drop off books to be donated anytime during normal church business hours. We will also be having a bake sale at the same time as the book sale. 10

11 THE KIRKWOOD UCC CABARET IS COMING! - Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 4:00 PM You are invited to a fun evening of music here at Kirkwood UCC on Sunday, October 23 rd, 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary. A Cabaret is a special kind of show that is different from a Talent Show. A Cabaret is more personal the singers talk to the audience, perhaps sharing a story that connects with the song they will sing, giving a deeper meaning to their performance. The music shared by the performers can come from many genres Broadway musicals, popular music, American Standards, or even original songs written by the artist. The performers at the Kirkwood UCC Cabaret will be singers from our own KUCC, along with friends from outside our congregation. A free-will offering for the evening will be shared equally between two funds. Half of the proceeds will be donated to support KUCC s outreach ministry, God s Helping Hands. And half will be put into a Piano Fund, which will be needed in the next several years to undertake a major refurbishment of our Sanctuary Steinway piano. If you are interested in singing with the choir for this special event, contact Merry Keller. Choir rehearsals for the two numbers they will be singing that evening will be: Thursday evenings 7:30 7:50 pm in the choir room on September 22 nd, 29 th and October 6 th, 13 th & 20 th. If you can make three or four of the rehearsals, you should be quite good to sing. Consider being part of this special evening! Mark your calendars, and plan on spending an entertaining and fun afternoon here at KUCC. Bring your music loving friends and make a party of it! KUCC BUDGET "TOWN HALL" MEETINGS The KUCC leadership team has been working hard the past two months to prepare our congregation's operating budget for Integral within those discussions has been how our church budget reflects our mission and who we are as disciples of Christ. This has led to the desire to ensure that 10% of our church operating budget is dedicated toward mission and outreach projects. In an effort to keep our congregation informed, and also to encourage questions and conversation, the Stewardship & Finance team will be hosting four "town hall" meetings, during which next year's budget will be discussed. We hope you'll be able to attend one of these meetings as we prepare for the budget vote at the congregational meeting on Sunday, November 20th, immediately following worship. Town hall meetings will be held: Sunday, 10/16 at Noon Wednesday, 10/19 at 6:00 pm Sunday, 10/23 at 10:45 am Tuesday, 10/25 at 5:00 pm Come with questions and your thoughts! SABBATICAL PLANNING GROUPS FORMING In preparation for next year's clergy sabbatical experience (August - October), planning groups will be forming this coming month of October. We are seeking people who are interested in helping in the following areas as we prepare for Pastor Betsy's absence: Worship planning and leadership Pastoral care coverage Coordination of artists who will lead the congregational activities Communication Sending off and welcoming back celebrations We need your spirit and help! If you would like to be involved in this exciting planning experience, please contact Carrie Mershon, Council President, at carrie4home@gmail.com. Thank you! 11

12 MEDITATION GROUP Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00pm Creating Peace and Respectful Discourse A meditation group will be meeting weekly on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 in the sanctuary. Anyone is welcome. Have you wondered how to be a kind and peaceful presence in this turbulent political season? In light of research that says meditation can actually change the world, would you like to be part of a group that meditates once a week at KUCC with the intention of creating peace and respectful discourse? This could be a way to embody God's steadfast love. If you have any questions, please contact Gerry Proctor at MEN S LUNCH CHANGE OF VENUE The Men s Prayer Lunch held on the second Friday of each month is now meeting at the Kirkwood O Charley s at 1242 South Kirkwood Road. FOR WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL? In the midst of our busy, task-oriented lives, it is easy to loose sight of the simple things that make us grateful. The banner hanging in the Gathering Area is for all to use. Grab a pen and capture/express your thoughts: for what are you grateful on this day? OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST THE MAGNIFICENT THEATER OF LIFE: How to prepare for the final act Join St. Louis OASIS for a special three part series of presentations and discussions that focus on the importance of communicating end-of-life wishes with loved ones and preparing for the final act. Understanding End-of Life Issues in America September 29 1:00-3:00p Connecting Spiritual Beliefs to Challenging Decisions October 6 1:00-3:00pm Creating an Advance Care Plan for the Final Act October 13 1:00-3:00pm Location Eden Seminary, SD Press Education Center, Rm 101, 475 E. Lockwood Ave. Fee: $50 for all three sessions Register: or call