(Photo provided by UCC Resources.) They that die by famine die by inches. -Rev. Matthew Henry, who knew the truth of his words www.colonialucc.org 913-362-7735 10:15 a.m. March 9, 2014
2 The Colonial Church in Prairie Village United Church of Christ Famine Sunday Worship Service in the series Nothing Can Separate Us Please silence your mobile phone in preparation for worship. * Please rise in body or spirit. WE GATHER AS GOD S PEOPLE ORGAN PRELUDE Wer nur den lieben Gott -J. S. Bach WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (Please sign and pass pew pads and fill out Prayer Request cards you may have. You can place the Prayer Request cards in the offering plates later in the service.) MOMENT TO LAY YOUR BURDENS DOWN * OPENING HYMN #314 Community of Christ * CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: We are not called to be one, alone. We are called to be united for those who are left alone. A singular voice calling out for justice may not be heard. Our voices, united for the voiceless, will grab the world s attention. One standing alone can feel cold and vulnerable. Standing with one another, we will know the warmth of God s family. Focused on differences, I may feel like the only one. Embracing our similarities, I can see God s full family of which I am part. Alone on the cross, Jesus suffered and died that we might not ever be alone. Thanks be to God! We are one with God, with God s family, and with Jesus. (written by Frank Ramirez) * SONG OF PRAISE GLORIA #759 ADAPTED Glory to the Creator, and to the Christ, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen. Amen. 3 * SHARING GOD S WELCOME (Greet everyone in the hope of peace and friendship.) CHILDREN S CONVERSATION (Children of all ages are welcome to come forward to the chancel steps. Following the Conversation, children are welcome to remain to worship or to attend our Sunday School.) This little light of mine, I m gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I m gonna let it shine, this little light of mine, I m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. WE HEAR GOD S WORD * THE WORD IN SCRIPTURE One Great Hour of Sharing John 17:22-24 [Jesus said,] I've given them the glory that you gave me so that they can be one just as we are one. I'm in them and you are in me so that they will be made perfectly one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you have loved them just as you loved me. Father, I want those you gave me to be with me where I am. Then they can see my glory, which you gave me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Church Response to Famine in Jerusalem 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 Concerning the collection of money for God's people: You should do what I have directed the churches in Galatia to do. On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside whatever you can afford from what you earn so that the collection won't be delayed until I come. Then when I get there, I'll send whomever you approve to Jerusalem with letters of recommendation to bring your gift. THE WORD IN MUSIC Deep River -Matthew Culloton THE WORD PROCLAIMED Pastor Aaron Roberts Express your thoughts by Tweeting to #ColonialNCSU.
4 WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER * HYMN #539 Won t You Let Me Be Your Servant? CALL TO OFFERING AND OFFERTORY This Lonesome Valley -Price/Besig * Doxology (#780 adapted; tune Old Hundredth) Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, you heavenly host: Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen. * Prayer of Dedication Gracious God, we present these gifts given from our hearts that long for a world of wholeness. In giving the gifts we do not absolve ourselves of all future responsibility toward those in need. Rather, these gifts are a token of our commitment to give what would not fit in the offering plate: to give of ourselves, our time, and our attention to the least of these in your family. We will work to be fully one, fully whole in you. Amen. TIME OF PRAYER Prayers of the People Believing that each joy and/or concern expressed is indeed a prayer, after each expression, the pastor will say: Lord, in your mercy. And the people may respond: Hear our prayer. Praying in Silence Our 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.
5 WE DEPART TO SERVE * HYMN #587 Through All the World, a Hungry Christ * RENEW OUR COVENANT (Turn towards the center aisle as we bless one another with the promise of our covenant.) We covenant with the Lord and with one another and do bind ourselves in the presence of God to walk together in Christian Love. We seek to worship God in spirit and in truth and to love our neighbors as ourselves. With God s help we will honor Colonial Church in our conduct, support its program, and extend the influence of Christ throughout the world. * CONGREGATIONAL SONG OF BLESSING #809 God Be With You God be with you, God be with you, God be with you till we meet again. O God be with you, God be with you, God be with you till we meet again. * BENEDICTION AND POSTLUDE Improvisation on the Shaker tune Simple Gifts Liturgist: Cheri Van Orman Children s Conversation: Shea Zellweger Greeters: Patty Kluding and Brad Fairchild Head Usher: Stacy Huggins Ushers: Tom and Linda Moses, John Yatsook
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7 Colonial Church Study Guide Colonial Church Study Guide Lenten Devotional Guides Available During the holy season of Lent, we have devotional guides available for study and reflection. They are available in the narthex, or by contacting the church office. The devotions were written by the United Church of Christ s StillSpeaking Writer s Group and provided by our Board of Worship.
8 Order An Easter Lily Easter lilies will be placed on the altar for Easter Sunday, April 20. You can order a plant in memory of or in honor of a loved one. If you wish to donate a lily, please complete the form below, attach a check for $17.00 each (payable to Colonial Church), and return it to the church office or place it in the offering plate today. Please Print Name In memory of In honor of $17 per lily. $ enclosed. Check payable to Colonial Church. Colonial Offering (Envelope) No. (if you have one)
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