WELCOME TO WORSHIP! •No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome in this United Church of Christ congregation. •Large-print bulletins, hearing devices, and cough drops are available from the ushers. •Nursery and pre-school care is available during worship if you wish. •God is calling you today, but probably not on your cell phone! Please remember to put it on vibrate. •ALL are welcome to this time and place of worship. Know that in this space you are welcome as you are and for who you are. Together we celebrate all of God’s children – young, old, and in-between; male, female and in-between; gay, lesbian, straight, and in-between; the assured, the doubting, and the in-between; the optimistic, the cynics, and the in-between; the foolish, the wise, and the in-between. •Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online each Sunday at http://gablesucc.org/live. The Reverend Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor The Reverend Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling, Associate Pastor The Reverend Megan Smith, Associate Pastor The Reverend Dr. Richard J. Bailar, Pastor Emeritus Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ 3010 De Soto Boulevard Coral Gables, Florida 33134-6317 Phone: 305.448.7421 ~ www.Gablesucc.org CCLI License # 11282912 February 1, 2015 THE ORDER OF WORSHIP Our faith is over 2000 years old. Our thinking is not. 11:00 a.m. ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY It is often said that the Church is a crutch. Of course, it’s a crutch. What makes you think you don’t limp? ~ William Sloane Coffin *Please stand as you are able GATHERING MUSIC Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician THE WORDS OF WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Thank you for signing the red hospitality pad found in the pews and passing it around. Please use your smart phone to check in on Facebook and let your family and friends know that you are at Coral Gables Congregational UCC. Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online each Sunday at http://gablesucc.org/live. Be sure to “like” us at http://facebook.com/mycgcc. You are most welcome to connect your smart device to our free wifi service. THE CALL TO COMMUNITY FOR CHOIR AND CONGREGATION Here in This Place Led by Members of the Youth Choir Holy one, may your presence here open our minds. May your Spirit among us help us to find you are rising up now like a fountain of grace from the holy ground. Here in this place; here in this place. *THE CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: From the midst of our real lives with their very real problems, People: We come to seek courage and strength from the presence of God and the support of one another. Leader: As persons who love imperfectly and are loved imperfectly, 2 People: Leader: People: ALL: We come to be renewed by the perfect love of God, proclaimed in the community of love and faith. As persons who never fully live up to their high calling in Jesus Christ, We come to be encouraged to do our best for one more week. Let us worship with hearts open to the love of God, with hands outstretched to one another, and with whole selves willing to accept the cost and joy of being Christ’s disciples. *OPENING HYMN All Are Welcome Marty Haugen Choir: Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live, A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive. Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace; Here the love of Christ shall end divisions; All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place. Choir and Congregation: Let us build a house where prophets speak, and words are strong and true, Where all God's children dare to seek to dream God's reign anew. Here the cross shall stand as witness and a symbol of God's grace; Here as one we claim the faith of Jesus: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place. Let us build a house where love is found in water, wine and wheat: A banquet hall on holy ground, where peace and justice meet. Here the love of God, through Jesus, is revealed in time and space; As we share in Christ the feast that frees us: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place. *OPENING PAYER ALL: Loving God, whose touch can heal the broken places of life, touch us today... God of peace, whose spirit of peace can quiet our spirits of confusion and despair, reassure us today... Forgiving God, whose love promises grace upon grace, place your mercy in our souls today... You who heals the sick and liberates the imprisoned; who brings justice in oppression and strength in weakness, pour out your spirit of power upon us today. We ask this in the name of Jesus who taught us to pray together… 3 *THE LORD’S PRAYER (sung) 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. *THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Leader: This is a place of peace, a place where all are welcome. Let us greet one another as a sign of God’s peace and our mutual welcome by saying, “The peace of Christ be with you” People: And also with you. You are invited to share words of welcome and peace around you. THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Emery Diane McKay THE INVITATION THE PARENTS’ COVENANT THE CHURCH'S COVENANT PRAYER OF BAPTISM THE ACT OF BAPTISM AND INTRODUCTION A SONG OF WELCOME FOR EMERY Anthony Cabrera, vocalist THE GIFT OF MUSIC I’m Gonna’ Sit at the Welcome Table Cherub and Agape Choirs All children and youth through high school wishing to attend Sunday School are invited to leave following the Gift of Music and go to the Fellowship Hall. INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE 4 THE GOSPEL WITNESS Mark 1:21-28 They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. Friends, God is still speaking, listen! Thanks be to God. THE MORNING MESSAGE State of the Church The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner CHORAL RESPONSE Come Build a Church Ken Medema Come build a church with soul and spirit, come build a church of flesh and bone. We need no tower rising skyward; no house of wood or glass or stone. Come build a church with human frailty, come build a church of flesh and blood. Jesus shall be its sure foundation. It shall be built by the hand of God. THE MORNING PRAYERS AND SUNG PRAYER RESPONSE 5 THE RECEIVING OF OUR GIFTS Offertory Music In This Very Room The Chancel Choir Ron Harris *PRESENTATION OF GIFTS AND THE SINGING OF THE DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below. Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen. *THE CLOSING HYMN The Church’s One Foundation The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ our Lord; we are Christ’s new creation by water and the word. From heaven Christ came and sought us in love to set us free; with precious love Christ freed us for all eternity. Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth; one charter of salvation, one God, one faith, one birth. One name together blessing, one holy food we share, to one hope we are pressing, at one in work and prayer. ’Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of our war, we wait the consummation of peace forevermore. Till, with the vision glorious, our longing eyes are blessed, and the great church victorious shall be the Church at rest. Yet we on earth hath union with God the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won. O happy ones and holy! God, give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, may live eternally. *THE BENEDICTION Leader: Go forth… …replenished by the grace and mercy of God, …blessed by the healing love of Jesus, …energized by the limitless power of the Holy Spirit. People: Amen. *THE POSTLUDE Following our service, all members are encouraged to attend the annual meeting of the congregation in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch and childcare are provided. Visitors and guests: please join us next week when we have our regular after-worship coffee hour. 6 A WARM AND CORDIAL WELCOME TO ALL GUESTS! If you are visiting us today, we welcome you. We are grateful we have found each other. And, if somehow, there is something in you, some still small voice seeking a place to live out your faith, to ask important questions, and to serve beyond yourself, we invite you into our community. For more information about the church or membership, please contact Pastor Laurie at 305.448.7421, ext. 116, [email protected], or text her at 305.968.6482. IN OUR PRAYERS… We remember all those places of war, violence and unrest, as we continue to pray for peace for all people around the world. We especially remember today the people of Paris. A lighted candle on the altar table symbolizes our prayers for peace. FLOWERS THIS MORNING are given by Nancy Faga in memory of her aunt Lucille Remke. THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS: Lois Legge, Head Usher; Dawn Thmpson, Marilyn Caputo, John Carson and Arnold Elguezabal. STAY IN TOUCH Once a week or so, Pastor Laurie e-mails a pastoral letter, Laurie’s Lines, to all members and friends, filling them in on the week’s events, any special concerns that have arisen, and general church business. If you would like to be included, contact Ron Morgan at [email protected]. GERMAN LANGUAGE CHURCH Contact [email protected] to sign up for our mailing list. FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE Your purchases empower artisans to work and build strong families and villages globally. Unique and Special Gifts ~ Located outside the Fellowship Hall Hours: Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Monday: closed Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 7 BACK ON TRACK Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge Back on Track is a faith-based, career-support organization offering spiritual, motivational, and practical techniques and best practices to individuals in various stages of career transition. This week we are pleased to welcome guest speaker Laura Marks, who brings over twelve years in successful roles within the Human Resources field, primarily focused on Talent Acquisition and Development. In this role, Ms. Marks has interviewed, coached and mentored many professionals in preparing for the “interview” by making solid and lasting first impressions. Come learn how to dress for success. CITY YEAR Are you between the ages of 17 and 24? Are you interested in helping to transform the lives of at risk-students through tutoring and mentoring? Are you looking to do all of this and earn money for school at the same time? Come to our City Year Miami AmeriCorps Member Panel this Tuesday, February 3 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at City Year Miami's Headquarters on 44 West Flagler Street, Suite 500, Miami, 33130. CHURCH NIGHT IN THIS WEDNESDAY Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. each Wednesday evening $5 for adults; $3 for kids 12 and under Take-Out Available One of our most popular programs is Church Night In and there are lots of reasons why: good food, warm fellowship, great programs, and no cooking! Come see old friends and meet new friends while gathering for a delicious dinner and a variety of activities. AN EVENING WITH BISHOP JOHN SHELBY SPONG The Fourth Gospel: Tales of a Jewish Mystic Thursday, February 5, 2015 Reception and book signing in Fellowship Hall from 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Books will be available for purchase. Lecture with Q & A in the Sanctuary from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. John Shelby Spong was the Episcopal Bishop of Newark, New Jersey for twenty-four years before his retirement in 2000. He is one of the leading spokespersons for progressive Christianity and has been featured on 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, and Extra. Purchase your tickets online at gablesucc.org/bishop-spong-2015. $25.00 per person. To pay by check/cash or for more information, please contact Pastor Megan at [email protected]. 8 A SERVICE OF ORDINATION Next Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 p.m. Yosladis (Yoly) Izquierdo-Yglesias, a member of our church was recently authorized for ordination in the United Church of Christ. Called as a hospice chaplain, Yoly will be ordained into the Christian Ministry at a special service next Sunday in our sanctuary. Born and raised in Cuba, Yoly’s spiritual journey is one of commitment and devotion to her Christian faith in spite of many trials and struggles. Join us for this wonderful celebration and occasion. A reception will follow. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Monday, February 9 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Library We gather in the church library to create beautiful prayer shawls to share with members of our church family who are ill. You do not have to know how to knit or crochet – someone will teach you. Come and help wrap someone in God’s love by creating a beautiful prayer shawl. JOIN US FOR A VERY SPECIAL EVENT The Nicavangelists A Special Church Night In Performance Wednesday, February, 11 from 6:45-7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary After many successful tours throughout Central America and the United States, The Nicavangelists’ production, Created, will be performed at Gables UCC on Wednesday, February 11 from 6:45-7:30 p.m. during our Church Night In. This production incorporates an eclectic array of music and movement genres such as hip-hop, acrobats, Latin dance, traditional Nicaraguan dance, and much more. Don’t miss this exciting program, which is sure to move you and have you dancing in your seat! MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE PARTY OF THE YEAR ~ MARDI GRAS~ Sunday, February 15 during the 11:00 a.m. service It’s time once again for our Annual Mardi Gras Celebration featuring the Music of Joe Donato and Friends with Dixieland Music of New Orleans. Following worship, everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall for a Cajun-style luncheon (free-will donation) with jambalaya, biscuits, slaw, and alleluia cake. Whoever finds the prize in the cake will be crowned “Keeper of the Alleluia.” If you can help prepare or serve the food, please let Hector Zuazo know at [email protected]. 9 NEW HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE from the Board of Justice and Witness With the protest in Ferguson, the choking death of Eric Garner and the global racial tensions rising, we knew it couldn’t be business as usual. We had to think about God’s justice in a more urgent and activist way. We want to affect change by joining powerful coalitions that are positioned to effectively challenge the status quo. Consequently, we are looking at the work of the Rev. William Barber, who has been leading a Moral Monday March in Raleigh, North Carolina for several years. Rev. Barber is pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro, North Carolina. We have received an invitation to join the movement that Rev. Barber has begun by attending their workshops and dialogues on the weekend of February 14. Join us and be part of an exciting and inspirational movement. We will be traveling by plane via American Airlines to Raleigh, N.C. on Saturday, February 14 and staying through Sunday, February 15 (scholarships available). We expect to be sleeping in a hotel at $90 per night, or even in a church hall (for those of us with good air mattresses). We need a commitment as soon as possible. If you are interested, email Art Trotman at [email protected] or visit the Justice and Witness Table in Fellowship Hall. ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE IN THREE LANGUAGES English, German and Spanish Wednesday Evening, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary We will join with Christians the world over in marking the beginning of Lent with an Ash Wednesday service. Begin your Lenten journey in worship, prayer, music and the symbolic act of receiving ashes. This is a children-friendly service and we encourage families to worship together. ALL FUN-LOVING AND ADVENTUROUS SENIORS (55 years old and above…or frankly, anyone) Valentine’s Gathering Thursday, February 12, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At the Home of Hector Zuazo and Bob Medina Gracious hosts Hector Zuazo and Bob Medina invite you to their lovely home at 8567 SW 114 Place, Miami 33173 for a Valentine’s party. They will serve tapas; you are invited to bring wine or the beverage of your choice. To make a reservation, please call Drew at 305.448.7421 ext.150 or [email protected]. If you wish to meet at the church and ride the shuttle, please also let Drew know. The shuttle will leave at 5:00 p.m. 10 CANDLELIGHT CONCERT Friday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel This concert is produced and performed by our Parish Musician, Dr. Greg Taylor. In the candlelight of Moye Chapel, Greg will bring us a beautiful piano recital which is free and open to the community. SISTERS ON SOJOURN Saturday, February 21 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. All women, regardless of age, are invited to join in this relaxed and easy-going group with no rules, no dues, no officers. We are just women gathering together to hear each other’s stories, provide support and encouragement, and to occasionally learn something. A continental breakfast is provided, so roll out of bed, throw on your jeans, and be with some sisters on the journey. If you need childcare, please contact Pastor Megan at [email protected]. GARDEN WARRIORS Saturday, February 21 at 9:00 a.m. If you like to garden, pull weeds, plant flowers or just help make the exterior landscape of our historic church beautiful, then join us on Saturday, February 21 at 9:00 a.m. for a Garden Warriors’ workday. All volunteers will be welcomed and appreciated! THE LEGACY COMMITTEE EXTENDS A VERY SPECIAL INVITATION TO OUR LGBT COMMUNITY To Think About Marriage... With the exciting and long-time-coming news that the State of Florida now recognizes same-gender marriage comes a different understanding for gay and lesbian couples about the legalities of their lawfully-wedded relationship. What does getting married mean for couples who have been together for many years – does the status of your will change – what benefits are you now able to receive from your spouse? All gay and lesbian couples who have married or are considering legally marrying are invited to an informative luncheon on Sunday, February 22, at 12:15 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge to help think about planning for the future. Joining us will be Attorney Richard C. Milstein, whose practice concentrates on estate planning advice to the elderly, alternative families, and same gender couples. 11 FAMILY PROMISE INFORMATIONAL MEETING Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge A mother loses her job, a father is kept from working by an injury, a family is forced from their home by a fire or natural disaster. Healthcare costs soar, public transportation is underfunded, affordable housing is almost impossible to find. These are the reasons why families now make up 40 percent of the homeless population, and why one out of every four homeless people is a child. In response to this crisis, a national organization called Family Promise seeks to bring the faith community together to help families regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity. In this New Year, full of new resolutions, Gables UCC is ready to venture deeper into this beautiful ministry and mission. During the fall, we hosted two organizational meetings, acquainting us to Family Promise as an organization and to begin the process of dreaming into reality a Family Promise affiliate right here in Miami-Dade. Throughout the month of February, we will continue meeting with other clergy, rabbis and their congregations to invite them to join us in this dream. Then, on Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m., we will be joined by other local congregations to host one more informational meeting at the church for those interested in learning more about Family Promise and what they can do to help with this powerful ministry. Please join us for this very special meeting. If you would like more information prior to the meeting, feel free to contact Pastor Laurie (305-448-7421 ext. 116) or Drew Sandbulte (ext. 150), who is our congregation’s liaison to Family Promise during this time of development and dreaming. GABLES UCC IN ACTION Gables UCC has started an online Facebook group called Coral Gables In Action, which seeks to keep our church family connected to each other through posting of activities in and around Coral Gables. Members can post upcoming events that they would like to share with our church family as well as join activities that others have posted, or just use it as a tool to remain up-to-date on all of our many church activities. To join this group, all you have to do is get on Facebook, visit our page (Coral Gables In Action) and request to be a member. We hope everyone in our congregation will join this very special group! . CHURCH FAMILY GAME NIGHT Friday Night, February 27 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Come for a night filled with games, puzzles, pizza and snacks. Plus a “quiet” video corner for young ones! Bring one of your favorite games. 12 THIS SEASON OF LENT PUT YOUR FAITH IN ACTION The season of Lent is a good time to practice the spiritual discipline of serving others. Sign up in Fellowship Hall to attend these events or contact the lay leader for each event. Faith in Action Opportunity #1 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Saturday, February 21 (7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Contact: Janet Copeland ([email protected]) Habitat for Humanity has a long history of providing affordable housing for low-income families who are willing to contribute “sweat equity” into the building of their home. Meet us at the site, or travel with us, and let’s bond over a rigorous and rewarding day building a home. Faith in Action Opportunity #2 TAKE THE SNAP CHALLENGE Anytime during the season of Lent Contact: Janet Copeland ([email protected]) The SNAP/Food Stamp Challenge gives participants an experience of what life is like for low-income Floridians who live on $4.18 per day worth of food– the average food stamp benefit. Challenge participants are forced to make food shopping choices on a limited budget, and learn how difficult it is to avoid hunger, afford nutritious foods, and stay healthy. Come and attend one of the orientation session listed below to learn about the challenge. Sunday, February 22 (9:45 a.m.) ~ Sunday, March 8 (9:45 a.m.) Wednesday, February 25 (6:30 p.m.) ~ Wednesday, March 11 (6:30 p.m.) Faith in Action Opportunity #3 COMMUNITY PAINT AND BEAUTIFICATION DAY Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) Saturday, March 14 (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Contact: Meribeth Shank ([email protected]) Our partner in local mission, Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida, makes affordable housing a reality for many families living in poverty. On this day we paint with the new owners and beautify their new neighborhood. Continued… 13 Faith in Action Opportunity #4 PACT – COMMUNITY–WIDE CALL FOR JUSTICE New Birth Baptist Church Thursday, March 19 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Contact: Sandy Leon ([email protected]) PACT is a diverse coalition of 35 congregations and 2 universities throughout MiamiDade County. It is the largest grassroots organization in South Florida, representing more than 50,000 people. Since 1988, PACT has used the power of its large, organized numbers to solve pressing community problems. Faith in Action Opportunity #5 KAYAK & CLEAN-UP THE INTERCOASTAL Saturday, March 28 (9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Contact: Patty Shillington ([email protected]) A family friendly activity. Youth, ages 14 and up, are welcome with their parents or adult supervision. We meet at Shake A Leg, off of South Bayshore Drive, at 8:30 a.m. FOOD FOR THE SOUL: Adult Jail is not a Place for a Child Sunday, February 22 at 12:15 p.m. Havighorst Lounge Did you know that - Florida sends more children to adult court than any other state in the country. -More than 12,000 children have been tried in Florida’s adult courts in the last 5 years; - 98% of these children were put in an adult court without a hearing before a judge; - Children as young as 12 years old have been tried as adults. - Adult court conviction creates more crime and criminals. This is all very alarming, but for some reason the State of Florida resists changing this practice termed “Direct File.” Evidence shows that Florida’s harmful “Direct File” practice of prosecuting children in the adult criminal justice system and incarcerating them in adult jails does not work. It denies these children any possibility of growth, change, and redemption. Join us on Sunday, February 22 and meet Public Defender Carlos J. Martinez who will address the problems with Florida’s unfair “Direct File” system and why we need to change it. Carlos J. Martinez is the Public Defender for the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida (Miami-Dade County). As an assistant public defender, he represented thousands of indigent clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies. 14 CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL UCC STAFF DIRECTORY Ministers All Members of the Church Pastoral Staff The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor [email protected] ext. 116 The Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling, Associate Pastor [email protected] ext. 117 The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor [email protected] ext. 119 Program Staff Mark Hart, Exec. Dir. of the Community Arts Program Dr. Ronald Morgan, Director of Music Ministries Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician Janet Hiles, Director of Early Childhood Center To contact Early Childhood Center, please call: [email protected] ext. 120 [email protected] ext.121 [email protected] ext. 155 [email protected] 305-444-9792 Support Staff Kris Coney, Sound Technician [email protected] Allen Feldman, Pew Organizer Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant [email protected] ext. 127 Ashley Levin, Cherub Choir Director [email protected] Chely Llorens, Wedding & Baptism Coordinator [email protected] ext. 112 Tony Prinzi, Print Room Manager & Reception Coordinator [email protected] ext. 100 Dennis Rodrigues, Business Manager [email protected] ext.130 Drew Sandbulte, Administrative Assistant [email protected] ext.150 Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry [email protected] ext.151 Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director [email protected] Maintenance and Custodial Team Rene Dominguez, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez 15 16 WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE! 17
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