Eden United Church of Christ Order for Worship First Sunday after Christmas Sunday, January 1, :00 a.m.

Transcription

1 Eden United Church of Christ Order for Worship First Sunday after Christmas Sunday, January 1, :00 a.m. WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Eden United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation. We believe that all people are children of God; that persons of all ages, races and sexual orientations are part of our increasingly diverse culture. We welcome all persons into the full life and ministry of this church. Children s bulletins are available upon request from the ushers. Thank you for muting your cell phone, pager, and PDA during worship. PRELUDE Theme from Cinema Paradiso Ennio Morricone THE LIGHT ENTERS WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS The Rev. Pepper Swanson (Thank you for your gift of presence and for completing a blue or peach worship card today) * INTROIT Angels, from the Realms of Glory (v.1) NCH 126 An-gels, from the realms of glo-ry, wing your flight o-er all the earth; As you sang cre-a-tion s sto-ry, now pro-claims Mes-si-ah s birth: Come and wor-ship, wor-ship Christ, give thanks and sing. * CALL TO WORSHIP All who are able may stand) Dave Wallace L: Come to Bethlehem! R: Come from the four corners of the universe. L: Come and worship the Messiah: R: Come and meet the King of Kings. L: See his star rising in the East. R: Listen to the angels sing. L: Come and celebrate Christ s birth. R: Come receive God s gift of love.

2 * SPIRITUAL Rise Up, Shepherds and Follow! Traditional There s a star in the East on Christmas morn, It will lead to the place where the Savior s born, Leave your sheep and leave your lambs Leave you ewes and leave your rams. Follow, follow, Follow the star of Bethlehem. If you take good heed to the angel s words. You ll forget your flocks; you ll forget your herds. Follow, follow, Follow the star of Bethlehem. * INVOCATION (in unison) Dave O Shepherd King, we give thanks today for Mary and Joseph, who took the scenic route home from Bethlehem, so that you might survive and thrive, and we pray for the countless families who are on the road today, fleeing political, economic and religious oppression. Help us recognize your presence in every child we meet and provide a safe haven for them, so that every child may fulfill their holy calling. Amen. * PASSING OF THE PEACE Dave L: The peace of God be with you all. R: And also with you. L: Let us greet our neighbors with a sign of peace.

3 MUSICAL INTERLUDE L: Worship will continue with the ministry of music. MUSICAL MEDITATION There ll Be Peace in the Valley for Me Dorsey SPIRITUAL Go Where I Send Thee (v. 1-2) Traditional Well, I m gonna send thee one by one One for the little bitty baby Who was born, born, born in Bethlehem Said he was born, born, born in Bethlehem Hey, I m gonna send thee two by two INTRODUCTION The Rev. Dr. Arlene K. Nehring THE FLIGHT TO EGYPT Matt. 2:13-23 (NRSV) Dave Wallace Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, Out of Egypt I have called my son. When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more. When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of

4 Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He will be called a Nazorean. SPIRITUAL Go Where I Send Thee (v. 3-4) Traditional I m gonna send thee three by three I m gonna send thee four by four THE FLIGHT FROM EGYPT Stephanie S. Spencer SPIRITUAL Go Where I Send Thee (v. 5-6) Traditional I m gonna send thee five by five Five for the five that stayed alive

5 I m gonna send thee six by six Six for the six that never got fixed Five for the five that stayed alive PAIR SHARE All SPIRITUAL Go Where I Send Thee (v. 7-8) Traditional I m gonna send thee seven by seven Seven for the seven who never got to heav n Six for the six that never got fixed Five for the five that stayed alive I m gonna send thee eight by eight Eight for the eight that stood at the gate Seven for the seven who never got to heav n Six for the six that never got fixed Five for the five that stayed alive

6 CONCLUSION Arlene SPIRITUAL Go Where I Send Thee (v. 9-10) Traditional I m gonna send thee nine by nine Nine for the nine that dressed so fine Eight for the eight that stood at the gate Seven for the seven who never got to heav n Six for the six that never got fixed Five for the five that stayed alive I m gonna send thee ten by ten Ten for the Ten Commandments Nine for the nine that dressed so fine Eight for the eight that stood at the gate Seven for the seven who never got to heav n Six for the six that never got fixed Five for the five that stayed alive He was born, born, born in Bethlehem. PRAYERS FOR THE NEW YEAR Pepper

7 OFFERING & DEDICATION OF OUR GIFTS Invitation (Thank you for placing your blue worship card in the offering plate) Dave Offertory Anthem Deep River African American Spiritual * Response Who Would Think That What Was Needed (v. 1) NCH 153 Who would think that what was need-ed to transform and save the earth might not be a plan or ar-my proud in pur-pose, proved in worth? Who would think, de-spite de-ri-sion, that a child should lead the way? God sur-pris-es earth with heav-en, com-ing here on Christmas Day. * Prayer of Dedication Dave * SPIRITUAL Some Glad Morning (insert) Albert E. Brumley * BENEDICTION Arlene (The congregation is seated for the Postlude) * RESPONSE With Joy Draw Water (v.1) NCH 109 With joy draw wa-ter from the spring; Sal-va-tion s liv-ing well. The Ho-ly One is in your midst; glad prais-es sing and tell! POSTLUDE Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Spiritual Worship Leaders The Rev. Dr. Arlene K. Nehring, Senior Minister The Rev. Pepper Swanson, Associate Minister Dave Wallace, Liturgist Dr. Jessie Wenchieh Lo, Organist & Music Director Charlie Smith, Song Leader Julie Booher, Suzie Hasselkuss, Greeters Julie Booher, Suzie Hasselkuss, Stephanie Spencer, Ushers Children & Youth in Worship Stephanie Spencer & Pastor Arlene, Tailgate New Year s Reception Daniella Prym, Trustee on Duty Dawn Coburn, Sunday Sexton

8 Welcome Welcome to Eden United Church of Christ! If you are searching for a spiritual home, please consider becoming part of our congregation. Eden welcomes members who seek a deeper relationship with God in a caring community and who strive to make a difference in the lives of others. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism and the Rite of Church Membership four to five times yearly during morning worship. Please see one of our pastors or an usher, deacon, or member of the E-Team if you seek baptism for yourself or your child, or if you would like to be received into church membership. We will celebrate infant and adult baptism and receive new members several times each year. TODAY The Kings are coming! Three Kings Day/ Tres Reyes Magos is TODAY. Three Kings is the celebration of the Magi who come to visit Mary, Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus. The Kings bring wonderful gifts for Jesus and his parents. The Three Kings Celebration is an opportunity to celebrate the partnership between Eden Church and the Cherryland community by sharing this important religious holiday together. Everyone is invited to join in celebrating the Three Kings Celebration/Fiesta de Tres Reyes Magos, which will include a free lunch (with both kid-friendly and not-spicy options) served to all by participants in our Compañeras/os Ministry, and fun entertainment for the whole family. Whether you re a church member, church youth, or a community member, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this event! All in attendance can take part in the activities. Gifts will be shared by the Three Kings with all of the children present, ages For more information, please contact Corina Vasaure. UPCOMING EVENTS Free Beginner Computer Classes: The Cherryland Computer Café will host a series of three introductory computer classes for adult learners during the month of January. All classes will be taught by the Cherryland Computer Café Coordinator and Assistant and offered in English and Spanish. Enrollment is limited to 12 students per session. To reserve your spot in the upcoming classes, call the church office and leave a message for Café Coordinator Alicia Oseguera with Tania Martinez. The class schedule is as follows: Orientation: Monday, Jan 9, 5-6 pm or Tuesday, Jan 10, 9-10 am. Introduction to Microsoft & Google: Monday, Jan 16, 5-6 pm or Tuesday, Jan 17, 9-10 am. Introduction to Monday, Jan 23, 5-6 pm, or Tuesday, Jan 24, 9-10 am. Please use the Oliver Hall Foyer Entrance and follow the posted signs to the Computer Café. Congregational Care Circle (CCC) Brunch: The CCC will start the New Year with a working brunch on Wednesday morning, Jan 18. Newcomers and long-time CCC participants are invited to gather at 11:15 a.m. in the Fireside Room for tea and conversation. Brunch will be provided by Pastor Arlene and available at 11:30 a.m. After our repast, an overview of the CCC s current ministries will be provided. Participants will be invited to share updates on their holiday outreach to homebound and nonresident members, and consider re-upping for various ministries, including meals, phoning, visiting, greeting cards, baby showers, memorial receptions, etc. RSVP via the church office by Sunday, January 15. For more information, please speak with Deacon Sally Kusalo or Pastor Arlene. ANNOUNCEMENTS Yoga for Lunch: Yoga classes will resume on Jan 3 and will be held on Tuesdays at 2 pm in the Fireside Room. Join Yogi Amanda Sharpe and Eden members and friends.

9 Bible Study: The next daytime Bible Study session on the Acts of the Apostles will be Monday, Jan 9. The daytime session is from 10 am to 11 am. Evening Bible Study will resume in For more information, contact Pastor Pepper. Seekers Book: Seekers will continue their reading of New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander (Chapter 2) on Wednesday, Jan 4 at 10 am in the Community Room. Newcomers are always welcome to this weekly book discussion group. Eden Stitchers: Quilters and others with sewing projects are invited to join the Eden Stitchers on Tuesdays at 10 am in the Jensen Room. Contact Suzie Hasselkuss (suziequilting@comcast.net) or Shannon Whitney (Shannon_whitney@sbcglobal.net) for the date of the next meeting. Cherryland Computer Café: Need a computer for schoolwork or study? Need to complete or print a job application? Apply on-site to regularly use our Google Chromebooks to print, scan, and send documents, access thousands of free language and study apps, and free Wi-Fi, and learn how to create and access , Google applications and social media accounts. All ages welcome and mentors available to help you succeed. Open hours for Jan 2017 are scheduled for Mondays and Tuesdays 4 to 7 pm and Comida Wednesdays (2 nd & 4 th ), 1 to 4 pm. Hours are subject to change; please call our Office at (510) to confirm availability. Join the Choir: Come and join the Eden Choir! Dr. Jessie Lo will be leading and teaching music during rehearsals to be held on certain Sundays beginning at 11:30 am. See Coming Attractions in the Sunday bulletin for our upcoming rehearsal and performance schedule. In general, rehearsals will be the two Sundays preceding each performance in worship. Come join a fun-loving group, learn some music, and be a vital part of our Music Ministry. Comida para Cherryland: Eden s just-in-time food pantry, Comida para Cherryland, serves around 225 families per month. The Comida operates on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, from 1:30 4:30 pm or until the food is gone. Every dollar contributed goes directly to the purchase of food. A contribution of $4.50 buys one bag for a family of 4 to 7. To volunteer or for more information about the food pantry, please contact our Compañeras/os Ministry Coordinator, Corina Vasaure. Flowers for Worship: The 2017 Flower Calendar is posted in the Church Office. Several Sundays are available for dedications. Stop by to sign up for a date to match your occasion. Flowers can be provided by: 1) Cut or purchase flowers and arrange them at home or church and place them on the communion table; 2) Make arrangements with Eden s Flower Coordinator Mary Graw to provide flowers and she or another member will arrange them; or (3) Order flowers delivered from a florist to the church on the Saturday prior to your date. Bulletin dedications are due to the Church Office by 12 noon on the Wednesday before your date. For information, contact Mary Graw at Wiebe-Freed Family Support: Eden members and friends have resumed our practice of providing Friday night supper for the Wiebe-Freed family. Volunteers are needed to coordinate, cook, and deliver meals. Please contact Keith Smith to learn more and get involved.

10 Joys Seventeen children and youth participated in our Christmas Pageant on Sunday, Dec. 11. Many thanks to the parents and Church school teachers who supported our pageant and helped us deliver the Christmas message: Come to the manger! Congratulations to Tatjana Waqa DeLeon & Armando DeLeon, who were married on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Alameda City Hall. Tatjana is Daniella Prym s daughter. Linda Joost was received into the membership of Eden Church on Dec. 18. The Pioneer Chapel landscaping project is complete. Prayer Concerns For Jan Bass and David Wallace and Joyce Bass, who are grieving the death of Joyce s brother-inlaw, and Jan s Uncle Jessie. For Joyce Bass, who is recovering from a fall and broken leg that occurred on Christmas Day. Two families in our congregation and three families in the Cherryland neighborhood have asked Eden Church for help finding affordable housing. If you have a lead on a room, apartment, or house to rent, please contact Pastor Arlene. For Brandon Jones and family, who are living with cancer and lots of uncertainty. Brandon is Pam Winther s nephew. For members and friends who are seeking gainful and meaningful employment. For Patricia Payne, the hardworking chair of our Fellowship Committee, who is recovering from a broken ankle incurred last Sunday evening. For Moey Phillips, who is home recovering from a broken collarbone. For members and friends who are living with mental health challenges. And for Mary Bernstein, Juanita Chavez, Ann Dodd, Regina Fischer, Clyde Howell, Arden Keune, Wesley Moniz, Jan Richards, Ruth Schaap, Marilyn Sundberg, June Staley, the Wiebe-Freed family, and Terry Wilkerson.

11 This Week At-A-Glance Sunday, January 1 9:00 9:45 am Music Rehearsal Pioneer Chapel 10:00 11:15 am Sunday Worship Pioneer Chapel 11:30 12:30 pm Sunday Counters Library 11:30 12:30 pm Tailgate Fellowship PC Parking Lot Monday, January 2 Campus Holiday Eden Campus closed Tuesday, January 3 10:00 12:00 pm Stitchers Jensen Room 2:00 3:00 pm Yoga at Eden Fireside Room 4:00 7:00 pm Cherryland Computer Café Norberg Room Wednesday, January 4 10:00 11:30 pm Seekers Community Room Saturday, January 7 9:00 4:00 pm Tres Reyes Preparations OH, OHK, JR, WWK 4:00 6:00 pm Tres Reyes Preparations Oliver Hall & OHK Sunday, January 8 9:00 9:45 am Music Rehearsal Sanctuary 10:00 11:15 am Tres Reyes Worship Sanctuary 11:30 12:30 pm Sunday Counters Library 11:15 12:30 pm Tres Reyes Fiesta Oliver Hall Coming Attractions Mark Your Calendars! New or amended items are in italics. Jan 08 Tres Reyes Worship & Fiesta Jan 09 Adult Computer Classes begin Jan 11 Comida para Cherryland Jan 14 NCNC Mid-Winter Camp (Grades 6-8) in Fresno Jan 16 MLK Birthday Celebration Eden Campus Closed Jan 18 Congregational Care Circle Working Brunch Jan 22 Congregational Meeting-Strategic Plan Teams Report Jan 25 Comida para Cherryland Jan 29 Confirmation Class Jan 31 ESLO Meeting Feb 08 Comida para Cherryland Feb 20 President's Day Feb 22 Comida para Cherryland Feb 26 Pancake Fundraiser

12 The Lovely Poinsettias are Gifts From... Bill and Lenore Adam, in memory of Michael and Emily Adam, Gene and Barbara Mamer. Emily Autenrieth, in memory of David Adams. Peggy Apperson, in memory of Dan Apperson a.k.a Mr. Christmas, in honor of her mother Kay Crosby and in celebration of her brother Terry Wilkerson. Jan Bass and David Wallace, in memory of Jerry Bass and in honor of the Bass and Wallace families. The Smith- Bove Family, in memory of Todd S. Bove. Mary Bradford, in memory Clarence Kamps and in honor of John Kamps, Jeanne Lindwall and Jane Kamps. Krista and Dawn Coburn, in memory of Cheryl Borges, Loris Coburn and Bill Coburn. Linda and George Cumming, in memory of Mary Elizabeth Cumming. Michael Freed, in honor of those standing at Standing Rock in opposition of the Black Snake which threatens the water of us all. The Graw Family, in memory of Richard and Ann Mary Graw and Will and Bess Pierson. Mary Haro, in memory of Marilyn Silveria. Patricia Henderson, in memory of Tony Henderson. Sally Kusalo, in honor of her grandchildren: Ryland Cheff, Simon Kusalo and Samantha Jammal. Charlotte Lusschen. Susan MacDonald, in memory of Christopher MacDonald, Ervin and Vera Klassen. Janice MacGowan, in memory of John MacGowan, Ralph Paulk and Don Mary. Athena Malloy, in memory of Roger Malloy and Ang Se Kian. The Rev. Dr. Arlene K. Nehring and Stephanie Spencer, in memory of August Nehring, Doris Nehring Russell, Earl C. Russell, Mary Murray Spencer, The Rev. Charles Spencer Sr., Mary and Alfred Thomsen, Lance A. Nehring, Paul E. Norman Sr. and Mabel Norman. Russ and Susie Newman. Edward H. Ogle, in memory of Dana Paul, Bette Morgan, Bertha Hund, Laura Hamilton and Billy Gene Ogle. Pat Payne, in memory of George and Betty Clifford. Carol Roach, in memory of Elizabeth Roach and Joyce Livergood. Bill and Jan Schumann, in memory of Henry and June Schumann. Rozetta Walth, in memory of Chiu Ngan Lam, and Kwai Ming Fan. Rhodell Willard, in memory of Enid B. Willard.