United Community Church

Transcription

1 United Community Church United Church of Christ Fifth Sunday in Lent

2 The Prologue 1 Gathering Music The Greeting The Lord be with you. And also with you! The Call to Worship and Welcome The Music for Handbells Fantasy on KINGSFOLD The Lighting of the Altar Candles The Opening of the Lectern Bible The Gathering The Lord's Day Fifth Sunday in Lent Ten O'clock in the Morning The Worship of God THE SERVICE OF PREPARATION Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of the conscience by God's holiness; the nourishment of the mind with God's truth; the purifying of the imagination by God's beauty; the opening of the heart to God's love; the surrender of the will to God's purpose and all of this gathered up in adoration. ~ William Temple As we begin the first of our "in-house" Town Hall meetings today in Great Hall, today's texts offer us an encouraging word about the joyously sacred task before us. They offer reminders to us, as beloved faith community, that we are to honor the past, while letting go of it, all at the same time, that we are to always be about following after the Spirit of the still speaking God who declares, "Don't remember the prior things; don't ponder ancient history. Look! I'm doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don't you recognize it?" It is an admonition that is reinforced by the Apostle Paul and is then illustrated in the Gospel of Luke, in the story about Mary's anointing Jesus with her hair, a wonderfully "wasteful" act imaging for us the manner in which we are expected to live our lives of faith. Spong gets it right, we are called to love "wastefully" as we engage neighbor, welcoming and including everyone in an hospitably communal love affair, this "thing" we call church. Chancel Handbell Ringers arr. H. Dean Wagner The God who makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert invites us to come and worship. With joyous shouts, we have gathered to drink from the quenching waters that spring from the One who makes all things new. The Holy One has formed us that we might declare God's praise; Christ has grabbed hold of us, perfecting perfecting us in usrighteousness in for such for the a lofty lofty goal, goal such of worship, a joyous gift. the most joyous gift any of us can give. May our acts of worship in this place, like the fragrance of the sweetest, most expensive perfume, anoint the One who has done great things in our midst. Let us worship God!

3 The Choral Introit O Christ, What Can Your People Bring? Chancel Choir arr. Tom Lippert You need no fragrant offering; for now You reign above. Since there will never cease to be the poor throughout the land, may we, Your church, serve faithfully by offering them our hand. The Collect Righteous God, with shouts of joy we have gathered to worship the One who makes all things new, the One who does great things in our midst, removing the former things from within us that inhibit our worship of the One who formed us for that very purpose; help us forget any and everything from our past, all that is ancient history, that which limits our relationship with You and with one another; change our circumstances for the better, O God, that all of us who have sown tears of sorrow from life's misfortunes, may be overjoyed, resounding Your praise in all the earth; all this we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. THE SERVICE OF PRAISE MIT FREUDEN ZART t The Processional Hymn Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above 2

4 t The Litany of Praise Bob Reter The Holy One makes a way in the sea; it is God who makes a path in the mighty waters, the One who makes a way in the desert, guiding us through the wilderness places of our lives. When the Lord restored our fortunes, we were like those who dream our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Remember not the former things, or consider the things of old; do not ponder ancient history, for God is about to do a new thing! The Lord has done great things in our midst, changing our circumstances for the better, compelling us to rejoice in the One who makes all things new. The Lord has done great things in our midst; may those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. For we were formed by God that we might declare the praise of the Holy; with all the earth our shouts of joy resound our Creator's praise! Praise the Lord! t The Gloria Glory to the Creator GREATOREX THE SERVICE OF CONFESSION The Call to Confession 2 How much easier it is to criticize others than to see our own faults. How quickly and easily we tend to bemoan our suffering and struggles instead of rehearsing all our reasons for gratitude and joy. How often we seem to cling to the past rather than heeding God's call to new life. We are invited to confess our destructive attitudes. In the silence and stillness of this moment, let us confess before the Holy. The Silent Confession 3

5 The Corporate Confession 3 Let us pray to the Lord. O God, whose upward call in Christ Jesus we have often chosen to ignore, we confess that we sometimes settle for lesser goals while you summon us to embrace the realm of heaven. Oft times, we look beyond our own interests to the well-being of our sisters and brothers. We see the wasteful acts of other people but not our own selfish habits. Sometimes, we exaggerate the contributions we make, but ignore the sacrifices of others. We need forgiveness, O God. We invite You to do a new thing within and among us. The Kyrie Lord, Have Mercy arr. David N. Johnson The Assurance of Pardon 4 Beloved faith community, hear the good news of Lent! God summons us to return and welcomes us with joy. We are restored to full communion with the saints and are united in the heavenly call of Christ. Together, we find our horizons expanded and our priorities refined. God forgives us and sets before us once more the promise of fullness of life. Embrace God's pardon with renewed faith and joy. Thanks be to God! THE SERVICE OF THE WORD The Witness from the Hebrew Scriptures * ISAIAH 43:16-21 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people, the people whom I formed for Myself so that they might declare My praise. Listen to what the Spirit of the still speaking God is saying. Thanks be to God! 4

6 The Response, PSALM 126 When the Lord Brought Home Our Treasure The Witness from the Epistles * IN BABILONE PHILIPPIANS 3:4b-14 If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the sharing of His sufferings by becoming like Him in His death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Listen to what the Spirit of the still speaking God is saying. Thanks be to God! 5

7 t The Sequence Hymn A Prophet-Woman Broke a Jar HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING t The Witness from the Gospels* JOHN 12:1-8 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for Him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with Him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples (the one who was about to betray Him), said, Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor? (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of My burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me. The Gospel of the Lord. Thanks be to God! Though woman-wisdom, woman-truth, for centuries were hidden, Unsung, unwritten, and unheard, derided and forbidden, The Spirit s breath, the Spirit s fire, on free and slave descending, Can tumble our dividing walls, our shame and sadness mending. The Sermon The "Thing"! Timothy W. Shirley 6

8 THE SERVICE OF COMMITMENT t The Hymn of Commitment O Christ, What Can Your People Bring? FOREST GREEN t The Peace The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. The Concerns of the Church The Pastoral Prayer 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever. Amen. The Receiving of Our Gifts The Offertory Anthem Fairest Lord Jesus Chancel Choir arr. Hal H. Hopson Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, O thou of God to earth come down; Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou, my soul s glory, joy, and crown. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring. Jesus is fairer; Jesus is purer, who makes the woeful heart to sing. Beautiful Savior, Ruler of the nations, Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be Thine! 7

9 t The Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow OLD HUNDREDTH t The Presentation of Our Gifts t The Prayer of Thanksgiving THE SERVICE OF DISCIPLESHIP t The Processional Hymn Fight the Good Fight t The Closing of the Lectern Bible t The Extinguishing of the Altar Candles t The Benediction Finale in G Major The Music for Organ t Those who are able are invited to stand. 8 DUKE STREET Alexandre Guilmant

10 The color for the Sundays in Lent is Purple, symbolizing the penitential nature of this holy season. Worship Notes: Scripture readings are taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV) unless otherwise noted. * 1 The terms "wasteful" and "wastefully" are frequently used by John Shelby Spong in his writings to describe the love of Christ. 2-4 Reprinted by permission United Church Press from Taught by Love, by Lavon Bayler. Copyright 2002 by the Pilgrim Press. An Invitation to Our Guests: Please join us for Coffee Hour in the Great Hall following Morning Worship for refreshments and an opportunity for us to get to know you better. GREETERS and USHERS ~ Carolyn Gordon, captain Verna Barnett, Paula Lickfeldt, Bill Ring, Merle Roberts, Barbara Werle, Jerry Werle MONDAY ~ MARCH 14, AM ~ AARP Tax Preparation.... Richardson RM 9 AM ~ AARP Tax Preparation.... Richardson RM 7 PM ~ Band REH Great Hall 10 AM ~ Emmaus RD GRP Robing RM TUESDAY ~ MARCH 15, 2016 TOWER CHIMES ARTICLES DUE 10 AM ~ Life Concerns Music Office 8 AM ~ Men's Breakfast Sunshine Café 9 AM ~ AARP Tax Preparation.... Richardson RM 9 AM ~ AARP Tax Preparation.... Richardson RM 9:30 AM ~ Staff MTG Office 10 AM ~ Mary Petro Ministry MP Office SATURDAY ~ MARCH 19, :30 PM ~ Handbell REH Chancel 9 AM ~ Chancel Choir REH... Chancel/Sanctuary 1:30 PM ~ Grief Support MTG Chapel 2:30 PM ~ BD of Trustees Robing RM WEDNESDAY ~ MARCH 16, 2016 Dr. Timothy W. Shirley, Preaching 9 AM ~ AARP Tax Preparation.... Richardson RM 8:30 AM ~ Chapel Communion Chapel 9 AM ~ Prayer Group Chapel 10 AM ~ Morning Worship Sanctuary 1 PM ~ Guardianship BD Robing RM 7:30 PM ~ SSSO REH Chancel/Sanctuary SUNDAY ~ MARCH 13, 2016 LITURGIST ~ Bob Reter LECTOR ~ Barbara Brtva GOSPELER ~ Timothy W. Shirley DIRECTOR OF MUSIC ~ Tom Lippert ORGANIST ~ Jo-Anne Winslow SOUND AND LIGHTING ~ Patrick Czeck WEEKLY CALENDAR THURSDAY ~ MARCH 17, 2016 COLLEGE CLASSES END SUNDAY ~ MARCH 20, 2016 LECTIONS FOR MARCH 20, 2016 LUKE 19:28-40 PSALM 118:1-2, ISAIAH 50:4-9a PSALM 31:9-16 PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 LUKE 22:14-23:56 9 FRIDAY ~ MARCH 18, 2016 Palm / Passion Sunday MARCH 6th: ATTENDANCE 149. FAITH GIVING $10,571

11 IN HOSPITAL AS OF March 9, 2016 SOUTH BAY: Jim Langdoc ST. JOSEPH SOUTH: Sally Erath MARCH MISSION OF THE MONTH ~ One Great Hour of Sharing OGHS is an offering that aids individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, or severe economic hardship. This offering provides disaster relief, refugee assistance, development aid and much more. GRIEF COUNSELING SUPPORT GROUP ~ Offered by Debbie Shenemen, ARNP 3rd Tuesday ~ 1:30 PM ~ Chapel ~ Call (941) to make a reservation CANCER CARE SUPPORT MEETING 2nd and 4th Thursdays ~ 1 PM ~ Chapel CELL PHONE RECYCLING CAMPAIGN All cell phones and accessories accepted. Cell phones can be refurbished, reused or recycled. Help keep cell phones and their toxins out of the landfills and from entering our waterways, and provide a little extra income for UCC. Drop off your old cell phones and accessories in the church office during weekly office hours: 9 AM to 4 PM, or on Sundays between 8 AM and Noon. LAST FANTASTIC FRIDAY DINNER THEATRE OF THE SEASON April 1st ~ 6 PM ~ Great Hall ~ Tickets $18/Show Only $5 Following the catered dinner, you will be entertained by the Bel Canto Opera Singers from Tampa/St. Petersburg, accompanied by Robert Winslow on piano. They will present a concert of Broadway and Show Tunes. Tickets ($18 dinner/show or $5 show only) are on sale TODAY in the Great Hall immediately following the morning Worship Service during Fellowship hour, and also in our Narthex on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM until 12 Noon. See the Tower Chimes or posters for full details. Need transportation? Please call Paula at to arrange a ride. ADULT BIBLE STUDY ~ Sunday Mornings ~ 9 AM ~ Rose Room Join us during the months of March and April. Rev. William V. Ring is the facilitator and the theme is To Jerusalem and Beyond. NEW MEMBERS CLASS Tuesday ~ March 22nd ~ 3 PM ~ Conference Room If you are interested in learning more about our church, its mission and ministry, please join us at 3 PM on March 22nd in the Conference Room. Please call the Church Office ( ) if you plan to attend, or you may sign the Friendship pad, or a guest card located in the pew rack. New members will be received on Easter Sunday, March 27, NEW TELEPHONE / MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORIES AVAILABLE IN THE OFFICE 10

12 HELP IS NEEDED If you know of someone who is going or has been taken to the hospital, or if you yourself are going to be hospitalized for any reason, PLEASE let the church know. If information is not shared directly with the minister or the church office, people get overlooked because we were not apprised of their situation. Many thanks for your assistance. SAVE THE DATE! On JUNE 16th, we are planning a trip to Tropicana Stadium to see the Tampa Bay Rays vs. The Seattle Mariners. The game will begin at 1:10 PM and $40 will get you a ticket to the game, the bus trip, and a Rays hat! We're ready to assign seats, so if you're interested, please call Paula at ! NEW RECYCLING BIN Our church is participating in a community recycling program with Greenfiber. The bin is located on the west side of the church. We will receive $15 for each ton of recycled paper. CLEAN PAPER ONLY! This includes newspapers, magazines, books, shredded papers (in a trash bag), cardboard boxes, (broken down and flattened), and cereal boxes, etc. Nothing that has been contaminated by food. IF IT HAS COME IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH ANY KIND OF FOOD, IT IS NOT CLEAN. AMAZON SMILE Our church is now registered with "Amazon Smile." We will receive 0.5% of the price of eligible "A.S." purchases. When you shop Amazon, please register for our church. Find the "A.S." symbol at the bottom of the church s webpage or go directly to ch/ Questions? Go to /gp/aw/ch/about. When you register, search for United Community Church 1501 and you will be able find our entry. Other questions? Contact Larry Piechoski at the college office: SOUTH SHORE CONCERT BAND CONCERT Monday ~ March 21st ~ 7 PM ~ UCC Great Hall The SSCB, under the direction of Ken Easton, will give their spring concert entitled "Mozart to Motown" on Monday, March 21st at 7 PM. The Concert will feature Mozart's Impresario Overture from the opera by the same name; a work arranged by Larry Daehn that showcases three of Richard Wagner's most famous melodies: "Pilgrim's Chorus" from Tannhäuser, "Ride of the Valkyries" from the opera by the same name, and "Prelude to Act III" from Lohengrin. Other selections include works by John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, music from the 80s, and, of course Motown classics made famous by The Temptations. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased in the Narthex on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM until Noon, or at the door the evening of the concert. Rev. Dr. Timothy W. Shirley, Senior Minister Mr. Tom Lippert, Director of Music Dr. Jo-Anne Winslow, Organist and Secretary Mr. Jim Blackstone, Moderator 1501 La Jolla Avenue ~ Sun City Center, Florida Phone: (813) Fax: (813) ucc1@verizon.net Dr. Shirley: timwshirley@gmail.com Church: Church College: March 13, 2016