Welcome to Bethlehem United Church of Christ April 7, 2019 Fifth Sunday in Lent Communion Sunday and Homecoming Sunday
First time guests, welcome! We are so glad you are worshiping with us this morning. Please sign our guest book in the Narthex and identify yourself to one of our ushers or Welcome Team members to receive a delicious gift. We invite everyone to write their prayer requests and/or praise reports on the cards in the pews. They will be collected during the Hymn of Gathering and read aloud during our Prayers of the Church. These may be edited for privacy concerns. A comfortable space for families is available under the balcony. All are invited to stand for sections marked with a cross ( ); however, some may choose to remain seated. Congregational responses are in bold. RADIO SPONSORSHIP Today s Radio Broadcast is in memory of Frederick & Lela Keppler and Harold & Vera Kleinschmidt, with love from the family. FLOWERS The flowers in the vases are in memory of Betty Marshall, with love from Barb and Paul. CHURCH LIFE We mourn the loss of Beverly Hanselman who passed away this past week. A service of remembrance for Wil Leonard will be held at Bethlehem on Saturday, April 13, at noon. ATTENDANCE LAST SUNDAY 8:30 = 12 10:00 = 93 Our Mission To worship God, to learn and live the Word of God, to engage in Christian fellowship and service, to invite others to join us on our faith journey in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Order of Worship April 7, 2019 Fifth Sunday in Lent Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. RINGING OF THE BELLS God, who restores the fortunes of the lost and downtrodden, is continually doing a new thing in order to make a way where there has been no way. Our calling, as persons who bear the name of Christ, is to be a part of this way making. We are called to seek and enable the work of restoration not only a restoration of monetary or physical resources, but a restoration of relationship with the Holy, through service to those in need. This service is not the throw money at the problem gesture of mere charity, but the engagement of true justice seeking. The restored fortune of genuine mutual relationship is the new thing, the prize we are to achieve in Christ s name. PRELUDE Fantasia and Allegro Moderato Antonio Vivaldi, Andy Jennings, violin; Gail Jennings, organ Ottorino Resphigi WELCOME AND SHARING PARISH LIFE RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP Come, Beloved, for the Great Giver has restored your fortunes Let us tell of abundance as we shout with joy! Come, Growers, for the Creator has brought up rivers in the desert Let us declare our praise as we plant our fields! Come, Pilgrims, for the Righteous One has set a path through the sea Let us rejoice as we make our journey! Come, People of God, for the Holy One has done great things for us! Let us worship God!
HYMN OF GATHERING When Two or Three Are Gathered in My Name Bruce Harding Lyrics: When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there, I am there. The Member Care Team will collect prayer requests and praise reports during this hymn. UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION Come to this sanctuary, this house, this home, Holy Christ, and let us receive you with lavish welcome. You are the Restorer of our fortunes, the Promise of new life we pour out our praise to you. Fill this room with your Spirit: The sound of wind, the warmth of flame, the scent of perfume, and fill our hearts with your compassion, not just in this time and place, but in all times and in all places, so that as we celebrate the great things you have done for us, we may also embody the love you give to all. Amen. CALL TO CONFESSION Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to the home of Lazarus and received hospitality like no one had seen before generous, loving, whole-hearted, and even a little bit undignified. His disciple Judas could only see the inefficiency of the gift, not the spirit of loving kindness with which it was offered. We, like Judas, often want to expedite our giving without really engaging with those we are called to serve. Let us consider the depth of our relationships with those we encounter and with the One who calls us to faith, as we confess our sin in silence. UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION We confess, Anointed One, that we excuse ourselves from reaching out to those who need your care. We take your words that there will always be unmet needs as a reason not to try to meet the needs we can. Forgive us, and help us to change. Renew our determination to live as faithful followers, faithful disciples, faithful Christians. Help us to work with you for the well-being of your creation, that the fortunes of all your peoples may be restored. Amen. (during the following music, let us observe a few moments to breathe and reflect) MUSIC FOR OUR HOME Deep River arr. H.T. Burleigh Thomas Burton, trombone; Gail Jennings, piano
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS We, too, are a part of the Way Maker s will for restoration. We are called, through Christ Jesus, to strive for restoration, but we are not called to do this work alone. The One who has made a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, will surely equip us for all we are asked to do in Christ s name. God will empower us to attain all the potential God has placed within us. We are forgiven in Christ s name. Thanks be to God! THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR (please say in the way most familiar to you) 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 [sins/trespasses], as we forgive our debtors [those who sin/trespass 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. PASSING OF THE PEACE Jesus said, Peace I leave you, a peace the world cannot give. Peace always be with you. And also with you. Let us offer one another a sign of Christ s peace. SONG OF PRAISE #35 Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. LEARNING WITH OUR CHILDREN Families and youth are encouraged to stay together and remain in the sanctuary for worship during Family Sunday with Communion. The preschool room is open for infants and younger children who can leave at this time. ANTHEM How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place Johannes Brahms Catherine Moss, soprano; Allison Prost, soprano; William Fishwick, tenor; Kurt Clare, baritone; Gail Jennings, piano
SCRIPTURE READINGS Isaiah 43:16-21 16 I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. 17 I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick. 18 But forget all that it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. 20 The wild animals in the fields will thank me, the jackals and owls, too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed. 21 I have made Israel for myself, and they will someday honor me before the whole world. John 12:1-8 1 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. 3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 That perfume was worth a year s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor. 6 Not that he cared for the poor he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples money, he often stole some for himself. 7 Jesus replied, Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. The Word of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God! SERMON Bethlehem: A Staging Area Rev. Dr. Campbell Lovett, Conference Minister, Michigan UCC MUSIC FOR OUR HOME Homeward Bound Marta Keen Catherine Moss, soprano; Allison Prost, soprano; William Fishwick, tenor; Kurt Clare, baritone; Gail Jennings, piano PASTORAL PRAYER & PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
INVITATION TO GIVE Beloved, there will always be need in the world, and the church is called to respond to this need. Mary gave what may have been her most precious possession. Paul gave his status, his privilege, his power. Let us give of ourselves share what we have not just from the abundance that has been given to us, but from the devotion and dedication inspired in us by the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. OFFERTORY Largo and Gigue Antonio Vivaldi, Andy and Gail Jennings Ottorino Resphigi DOXOLOGY #46 Praise God the source of life and breath; Praise Christ, now born to conquer death; Praise Holy Spirit s mystery: One God, pure grace, who sets us free. Amen. UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION What we own is nothing, Valuable God. What we can gain or keep or have is worthless if it is only for our own satisfaction. All that we have and all that we are belongs to you, and the giving is a blessing in itself. We dedicate this day, not only the things we can put in a plate or write on a piece of paper, but also the things we cannot touch: our hearts, our spirits, our passion, our resolve. Use them, and us, to restore the fortunes of all your people: to seek your will, to strengthen your church, and to serve you faithfully. Amen. SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION COMMUNION PRAYER God be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to God. Let us give thanks to God most high. It is right to give thanks and praise.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION BREAKING BREAD AND POURING WINE CALL TO THE SUPPER ALL ARE WELCOME Please come forward to one of the stations to receive the elements through intinction by dipping bread in the chalice. Use the center and outer aisles to come forward and use the two interior aisles to return to your pew. Everyone needing gluten-free elements should proceed down the left side of the center aisle to access the station by the baptismal font. All bread is vegetarian, the chalices contain grape juice. Communion will be brought to the balcony (including gluten-free options) and to anyone preferring to be served in the pew. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING A CELEBRATION OF RENEWAL OF BETHLEHEM S FACILITIES For the worship of God in prayer and praise, for the preaching of the Word, for the celebration of the holy sacraments, We dedicate this building to the glory of God. For the comfort of those who mourn, for the help of those who are perplexed, for the guidance of those who seek strength, We dedicate this building to the glory of God. For the support and nurture of families, for the guidance of children, for the calling of youth to a life of service, We dedicate this building to the glory of God. For the guarding against evil, for the fostering faithfulness, for promoting peace and justice in all the earth. We dedicate this building to the glory of God. For the opening of minds to your truth, for the care of the needy, for the giving of hope and courage, We dedicate this building to the glory of God. For the unity of all believers in Christ, for the carrying of the gospel into all the world, for the furtherance of the unity of all people, We dedicate this building to the glory of God.
For the consecration of life and service, in grateful remembrance of those who have gone before us, and in gratitude for out life together in this church, We dedicate this building to the glory of God. We rededicate this building to the glory of God, to the honor of Jesus Christ, and to the praise of the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God! PRAYER O God of all creation, we give thanks for the calling to be your church and for the power you give us to fulfill our calling. We are a people with a past full of assurance and a future full of hope. Today, we dedicate the Willimann Fellowship Hall and our entire Bethlehem building to you. May the meaning we see in this building of worship live in us so that each time we see it or use it, we may be reminded of your Holy presence. May we pass on to our children and our children s children the significance of this house of God so that their journey of faith may grow and blossom. In the name of our God, Redeemer, and Holy Spirit. Amen. HYMN OF PARTING #487 Help Us Accept Each Other (Sung to the tune of Aurelia: The Church s One Foundation ) BENEDICTION Go now in peace. God has done great things for us, and we rejoice. Let us go forth from this place to do great things in the name of Christ, whose call leads us to restoration and new life. Amen. SUNG BENEDICTION The Lord Bless You and Keep You Peter Lutkin POSTLUDE Fanfare Rondeau Jean Joseph Moret Gary Maki, trumpet; Gail Jennings, organ Please join us downstairs after the service for our Homecoming Brunch in the remodeled Willimann Fellowship Hall.
HELPING IN THE SERVICES TODAY Guest Pastor: Rev. Dr. S.C. Campbell Lovett Pastor: Rev. John L. Kennedy Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Dr. Orval L.E. Willimann President: John Samford Minister of Spiritual Growth and Development: Lily Tinker Fortel Director of Music: Thomas Burton Organist: Gail Jennings 10:00 Bell Ringer Matt Perros Sound Technician Gary Rogers Office Volunteer Dindy Haab Educational Building Greeter Gert Eisele Building Opener/Closer Bob Loukotka/ Gary Kade Ushers Cresson Slotten, George Pritchett, Jeff Wortman, Gary Kade, Brian Paton, Kathy Warner, Matt Perros, David Greene Worship Resources: Restoring Fortune! Service Prayers for the Fifth Sunday of Lent was written by the Rev. Mary Nelson Abbott. Copyright 2019 Justice and Local Church Ministries, Faith INFO Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.
Thomas Burton, our Director of Music, invites you to the final recital of his Master's Degree. Please join Thomas as his presents a program of some of Canada's best choral works alongside esteemed friends and colleagues, including Daniel Brottman, piano, and Ben Penzner, viola. A light reception will be held in Bethlehem's Fellowship Hall following the performance. The program will be as follows: Ambe - Andrew Balfour Miniwanka - R. Murray Schafer --------------------------------------------- Silence - Nancy Telfer Hodie Christus natus est - Healey Willan Will You Fare on My Song - Sheldon Rose Featuring the BUCC Chancel Choir --------------------------------------------- Requiem - Eleanor Daley Ah! si mon moine voulait danser Arr. Donald Patriquin The Love of the Sea - Donna Rhodenizer A free-will donation will be accepted at the door with all proceeds going towards Bethlehem's music program. Please join us for these wonderful upcoming music events at Bethlehem.
Thank you for joining us today! Our weekly radio broadcast reaches out to our homebound members and to our community. Please consider sponsoring one of our weekly Radio Broadcasts in honor or memory of a loved one, or to celebrate a special occasion. A sponsorship is $230, or general donations of any amount are appreciated. Please sign up on the calendar in the office hallway or call the office at 734-665-6149. You can also donate online at bethlehem-ucc.org. Thank you!