FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF OAK PARK 19 AUGUST 2018 An open community united in love and justice
PREPARING FOR WORSHIP Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy. Abraham Joshua Heschel *Please stand in body or spirit. Please silence cell phones. GATHERING MUSIC Allegretto Franz Schubert The Royal March of the Lion Camille Saint-Saens (from Carnival of the Animals) First United Woodwind Quintet WELCOME Please sign and pass the black Connections pad. Deborah Kapp *PASSING THE PEACE The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. *OPENING SONG Halle, Halle, Halle HALLE HALLE GATHERING AS GOD S PEOPLE * CALL TO WORSHIP When we are happy, when we are full of fun and laughter, God welcomes us. When we are searching, when we are full of ideas and questions, God welcomes us. When we are tired, when we need to stop and rest and wonder, God welcomes us. Alone, together, with friends, with family, God welcomes us with love.
* HYMN Mothering God ANDREW Back of the bulletin PRAYER FOR WHOLENESS Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you: You are gentle with us as a mother with her children. Often you weep over our sins and our pride: Tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment. You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds: In sickness you nurse us, and with pure milk you feed us. Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life: By your anguish and labor we come forth in joy. Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness: Through your gentleness we find comfort in fear. Your warmth gives life to the dead: Your touch makes sinners righteous. SILENCE IS KEPT. Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us: In your love and tenderness remake us. In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness: For the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us. TIME OF SHARING Blessing of the Teachers and Blessing of the Backpacks Lydia Mulkey BLESSING OF THE TEACHERS We thank you, O God, for the ministry of education. Through the ministry of teaching we learn about you, your creation, your trust in us to be your people, and your expectation that we will be responsible stewards of all your gifts. We also learn, from the Holy Spirit and from our spiritual ancestors, that we have things to learn. Priests, prophets, and wise counselors teach us through the Hebrew scriptures. Evangelists, apostles, and letter-writers in the Christian scriptures teach us of your love and forgiveness. Most of all, we learn from your living Word, Jesus the teacher. That story, always fresh, comes to us through teachers. We thank you now and offer you praise for the educational ministry of these teachers. Help us to affirm and support them in the ministry of teaching. We pray this in the name of the child who left his parents to sit and learn at the feet of rabbis in the temple, and at whose feet we are all students. Amen.
*BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS Great Teacher, bless this backpack and bless this student. May there be sharp pencils in this backpack that match this student s sharp mind that is ready to be challenged. May there be big erasers in this backpack that match this student s ability to see every mistake as an opportunity for growth. May there be notebooks with endless blank pages in this backpack that match this student s openness to new ideas. Great Teacher, because we know there is much work to be done, may this backpack s straps be strong, its zipper free of jams, and its padding durable enough to meet the task. And with this blessing, may this student find the strength to be ever learning, ever growing, and ever a blessing to each person they meet. We pray this, also, in the name of the child who left his parents to sit and learn at the feet of rabbis in the temple, and at whose feet we are all students. Amen. THIS IS MY STORY, THIS IS MY SONG Kathy Pederson HYMN Be Thou My Vision SLANE Back of the bulletin LISTENING FOR GOD S WORD TO US PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Deborah Kapp SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 1:3-12 SERMON Adopted BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Alicia Reese The joy of our Lord Jesus Christ, the compassion of God, and the creative power of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. Let us pray: Source and sustainer of life, we cherish your creation. Water, earth, and sky are yours, as are their inhabitants, wild and tame. We thank you for the creatures that nourish and serve us, befriend, enrich, entertain, and protect us. May we, who are made in your image, care for them well. God, you created all things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small. Bless the animals in our midst today and bless the ones who stayed at home. May our care for them mirror your love and be an example of your mercy. Grant these animals health and peace, now and in all their days. During the following hymn, you may bring your animals for blessing: [Name of animal] you were created by God, and you are loved by God. May you and your human family continue to be a blessing to each other. Amen. HYMN All Things Bright and Beautiful ROYAL OAK Back of the bulletin
RESPONDING TO GOD S WORD PRAYER OF DEDICATION Lydia Mulkey OFFERTORY The Lord s Prayer Albert Hay Malotte First United Woodwind Quintet *DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below. Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God whom we adore. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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 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. TALLIS CANON Alicia Reese GOING FORTH IN DEDICATION AND SERVICE * HYMN All God s Critters Got a Place in the Choir Bill Staines Back of the bulletin OUR LIFE TOGETHER Deborah Kapp CHARGE AND BENEDICTION *BENEDICTION RESPONSE SENDING MUSIC Finale (from Carnival of the Animals) Camille Saint-Saens First United Woodwind Quintet
TODAY AT FIRST UNITED PLEASE RECYCLE your bulletin in one of the bins near the Sanctuary exits. JOIN THE DEACONS for prayer and anointing in the chapel following Worship. HEARING AMPLIFICATION DEVICES--INCLUDING T-COIL CABLES, LARGE PRINT BULLETINS, BIBLES AND HYMNALS are available for use during worship. Please talk to a greeter to obtain these items and return the amplification device to the greeter. Large print bibles and hymnals should be returned to the table behind the middle pews. THANKS TO THE FIRST UNITED WOODWIND QUINTET (Marilee Castaneda, flute; Louise Olivo- Kier, oboe; Carl Nauert; clarinet; Melinda Robinson, french horn; Marge Rasmussen, bassoon) for their special music in today s service. We ll see them later this year in worship and at November s Centennial Showcase performance. CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS: Please join us today and next Sunday, following morning worship, for discussions about our congregation s identity, purpose, mission, and the leadership we need. These structured discussions, which will inform the work of the PNC, are held in the church lounge from 11:30 a.m. 1:00 pm. Today: Who is my neighbor? A discussion of demographics, diversity, and community needs. August 26 (after the birthday party): What are some of the challenges we face as a congregation, and what does that imply about the leadership we need? HOSPITALITY IN WORSHIP - It takes many hands and hearts to make our worship pleasing in the sight of God. We are grateful to our Worship and Music leaders and to those who provide Hospitality through various ministries. This week we thank Lead Usher Nell Lurain; Greeters: Joanne Despotes, Marilyn Kauffmann, Bob Larson & Kate Larson and Sanctuary Guild members Cindy Palombi and Nina Roher. If you think one or more of these Hospitality Ministries would be a fit for you, please contact Joanne Despotes at jdespotes@gmail.com or 708-209-1377. COVER PHOTO: Dozens of common merganser ducklings following Mama on Lake Bemidji in Minnesota. Credit Brent Cizek, New York Times, July 24, 2018. EVENTS AND UPDATES 90+ BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! There will be a 90th + Birthday Party held in Centennial Hall on Sunday, August 26th immediately following worship. Please come and help us celebrate all of those who are turning 90 or older with delicious cake and fellowship.
BUILD CHICAGO 4TH SUNDAY OFFERING FOR AUGUST - BUILD is a leading gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based in Chicago s Austin neighborhood. Since 1969, BUILD has helped thousands of youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders. BUILD focuses on youth who face steep obstacles, reaching over 3500 youth a year in Austin, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Hermosa, Logan Square, and Fuller Park. Programs include: Block 51 Arts Academy, Brand BUILD, La Mesa Latina/Black Table, Girls 2 Women, Mayor s Mentoring Initiative, and the Strong Bodies Initiative. Please support BUILD next Sunday with your 4th Sunday offering. WELCOME- We re glad you joined us for worship. Learn about First United: Visit the welcome desk in the lounge or the visitor table in the narthex to receive more information about the church and a gift to take home with you. Sign the registration pad when it s passed. Include your email to receive our weekly e-news and devotional! Speak with any greeter or minister or join us for coffee hour following worship. Contact Lydia Mulkey at 708.386.5215 or lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com for information about Newcomers Gatherings and any additional questions. ABOUT US - We are a union church of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ. We seek to be an inclusive expression of Christ s body celebrating our diversity while finding our unity in Christ. We are a More Light/Open and Affirming congregation, committed to full inclusion of GLBTQ people in membership & ministry. ABOUT WORSHIP - Worship is our time to praise and grow closer to God. Worship each week includes song, prayer, learning, silence and giving. If you have any questions about what we do, please ask a minister or a member. WORSHIP WITH CHILDREN - We welcome all children to participate fully in worship. Age-appropriate worship activities and books are available as you enter the sanctuary. We offer safe, quality childcare and quiet play for children five and under in our nursery (just off the lounge). Accompanied by a parent, these children may leave after Time for Sharing. RESTROOMS & WIFI - Accessible restrooms are located off the church lounge. Free Wireless Internet is available in all areas of the building. Network: FirstGuest, password: FirstUnited. GIVING - Offering envelopes are in the pew racks. You can also give one time or recurring gifts online at www.firstunitedoakpark.com/giving.
WEEKLY CALENDAR SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 9:30 am Technology Help Desk 10:00 am Summer Worship Blessings Sunday! 11:00 am Boundary Training 11:30 am Congregational Conversations 3:30 pm Outing to Chicago Sky Game MONDAY, AUGUST 20 2:00 pm Food Pantry Volunteer Orientation 6:30 pm Waging Peace meeting 7:00 pm Building & Grounds meeting 7:00 pm Nominating Comm. meeting TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 7:00 pm Council meeting WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22 THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 9:30 am Technology Help Desk 10:00 am Summer Worship Outside Fourth Sunday Offering 11:00 am 90+ Birthday Party! 11:30 am Congregational Conversations 12:00 pm Church School Leader orientation 3:00 pm PFLAG CONTACT THE FIRST UNITED OFFICE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 9 AM TO 5 PM 708.386.5215 Gene Armstrong, Council Moderator geneann1113@yahoo.com Barbara Metric, Council Clerk barbarametric@comcast.net Deborah Kapp, Interim Lead Pastor (ext. 101) dkapp@firstunitedoakpark.com Lydia Mulkey, Associate Pastor of Education (ext. 103) lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com Alicia Reese, Pastoral Assoc., Youth & Cong. Care (ext. 104) areese@firstunitedoakpark.com William Chin, Director of Music (ext. 108) bill@firstunitedoakpark.com Michael Surratt, Organist msurratt@firstunitedoakpark.com Amanda Swanson, Manager of Operations (ext. 102) aswanson@firstunitedoakpark.com Dennis Cobb, Administrative Assistant (ext. 100) dcobb@firstunitedoakpark.com Maureen Wheeler, Financial Consultant (ext. 106) mwheeler@firstunitedoakpark.com Susan Samek, Financial Assistant (ext. 109) ssamek@firstunitedoakpark.com Keith Liesse, Manager of Building and Grounds kliesse@firstunitedoakpark.com First United Church Nursery School 708-848-4910, www.firstunitedschool.com Housing Forward 708-338-1724, www.housingforward.org Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry 708-386-1324, www.oprffoodpantry.org The Kid s Kloset, children s clothing ministry susanzaruba@gmail.com Cluster Tutoring 773-378-5530, www.clustertutoring.org Pro Musica Youth Chorus 708-406-9597, www.promusicayouthchorus.org Samaritan Counseling Center 847-446-6955, www.northshoresamaritan.org
* HYMN Mothering God ANDREW
HYMN Be Thou My Vision SLANE
HYMN All Things Bright and Beautiful ROYAL OAK
* HYMN All God s Critters Got a Place in the Choir Bill Staines Chorus: All God's critters got a place in the choir Some sing low, some sing higher, Some sing out loud on the telephone wires, And some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got now. Verse 1 Listen to the bass, it's the one on the bottom Where the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamus Moans and groans with a big t'do And the old cow just goes moo. Chorus Verse 2 The dogs and the cats they take up the middle While the honeybee hums and the cricket fiddles, The donkey brays and the pony neighs And the old coyote howls. Chorus Verse 3 Listen to the top where the little birds sing On the melodies with the high notes ringing, The hoot owl hollers over everything And the jaybird disagrees. Chorus Verse 4 Singin' in the night time, singing in the day, The little duck quacks, then he's on his way. The 'possum ain't got much to say And the porcupine talks to himself. Chorus Verse 5 It's a simple song of living sung everywhere By the ox and the fox and the grizzly gear, The grumpy alligator and the hawk above, The sly raccoon and the turtle dove. Chorus