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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 if you are expecting an emergency call.
 ALL are welcome to this time and place of worship.
Know that in this space you are welcome as you are, 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.
The Reverend Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor
The Reverend Megan Smith, Associate Pastor
The Reverend Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations
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
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ORDER OF WORSHIP
Our faith is over 2000 years old
Our thinking is not.
April 23, 2017
11:00 a.m.
FIRST SUNDAY OF EASTER:
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LADY GAGA
If you don’t have any shadows you're not in the light
~ Lady Gaga
MANY THANKS TO OUR MUSICIANS THIS MORNING:
Dorian Reyes, drums; Joel Aramis, bass; Raymon Rodriguez, guitar;
Dayana Falcon, vocalist; Michaela Paige, vocalist
*** Special Thanks to Clay Ostwald, keyboards and musical director***
* Please stand as you are able
GATHERING MUSIC
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you for signing and passing the red hospitality pad found in the pews.
Please use your smart phone to check in on Facebook; 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 www.Gablesucc.org/live.
Be sure to “like” us at www.facebook.com/mycgcc.
THE EASTER GOSPEL CONTINUES…
John 20:19-31
Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful, had locked all the
doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he
showed them his hands and side.
The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his
greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.” Then he took a deep
breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive
someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do
with them?”
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But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when
Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.” But he said, “Unless I
see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his
side, I won’t believe it.”
Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them.
Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”
Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands.
Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”
Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”
Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better
blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” Jesus provided far more
God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you
will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have
real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.
Friends, listen. God is still speaking.
Thanks be to God!
SUNG RESPONSE
Poker Face
Khayat & Germanottan
*WORDS OF COMMITMENT
Leader:
Faith demands choice.
By the grace of God, we can choose.
People:
We choose to believe
that light is better than darkness,
sharing is better than hoarding,
truth is better than deceit,
mercy is better than revenge,
love is better than indifference,
God is stronger than chaos.
Leader:
We choose to have faith in the God who is love
and choice will verify itself on the long and narrow road of life.
People:
By grace, we choose to choose faith.
Thanks be to God!
Leader:
Then let us begin by sharing together our common prayer….
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*THE LORDS PRAYER (as translated by Parker Palmer)
Heavenly Father, heavenly Mother,
Holy and blessed is your true name.
We pray for your reign of peace to come,
We pray that your good will be done, let heaven and earth become one.
Give us this day the bread we need, give it to those who have none.
Let forgiveness flow like a river between us,
from each one to each one.
Lead us to holy innocence beyond the evil of our days —
Come swiftly Mother, Father, come.
For yours is the power and the glory and the mercy:
Forever your name is All in One. Amen.
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
Leader: "Jesus says to his disciples, 'Peace I leave with you, my own peace I give to
you.'" May we offer to one another words of peace by saying, “Peace be
with you.”
People: And also with you.
You are invited to share greetings of welcome and peace with those around you.
All children through fifth grade wishing to attend Sunday School are invited to exit to the
Fellowship Hall during the passing of the peace.
MUSICAL REFLECTION
Angel Down
RedOne & Germanotton
SPOKEN REFLECTION
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner
MUSICAL REFLECTION
Germanotta, Laursen, Garibay, & Blair
Born This Way
At this time you are invited to text your prayer requests to Pastor Laurie at 305.968.6482.
THE MORNING PRAYERS
One:
For a world where lies are accepted at face value,
Many:
hear our prayer, God of truth.
One:
For a world where racism, sexism, and homophobia are too often
tolerated,
Many:
hear our prayer, God of the oppresssed.
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One:
Many:
One:
Many:
One:
Many:
One:
Many:
One:
For a world where people with disabilities are mocked,
hear our prayer, God of the disadvantaged.
For a world where the rich hold the reins of power,
hear our prayer, God of the poor.
For a world where children die as a result of violence, war, disease, or
famine because of human blindness, neglect, or hardness of heart.
hear our prayer, God of the downtrodden.
For a world where the earth is ignored and neglected,
hear our prayer, God of the voiceless.
God of hope, we turn to you for vision and courage
as we strive to be faithful in word and deed.
Hear now the prayers of our hearts and of our concerns:
~ Pastoral Prayer ~
SUNG RESPONSE
Germanotta, Lindsey & Ronson
Million Reasons
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Our table is wide-open to all who desire a closer relationship with God
no matter your age, gender, station in life, sexual orientation, or faith tradition.
We use grape juice and gluten-free bread so that all may come freely to the table.
INVITATION
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
BREAKING THE BREAD AND SHARING THE CUP
THE SHARING OF BREAD AND CUP
You are invited to come forward by the center aisle to the servers to receive the gifts of
bread and cup. Please take a piece of bread, dip it in the chalice, eat and be grateful.
You may then return to your seat. If you wish to be served in your pew, please remain in
your seat and a communion server will bring the bread and cup to you.
You are also invited to bring your morning offering forward and place it in the plates on
the communion table. Thank you for supporting the ministry of this church which seeks
to serve beyond these walls by caring for others, building justice, and working for peace.
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MUSIC DURING COMMUNION
Till it Happens to You
Germanotta & Warren
*THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Please stand for the Prayer of Thanksgiving
ALL:
Holy, gracious, God,
Here at this table your promise of life is made tangible.
We have rested in the depth of your love;
We have tasted your nourishing, nurturing presence;
We accept you into our bodies, into our lives.
Together, at this table, you have offered us life.
Together, by your grace, we accept the life you offer.
And we give you thanks. Amen.
*CLOSING SONG
Germanotta, Garibay, Edward, & Blair
Edge of Glory
*THE BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE
Bad Romance
Khayat & Germanotta
Following the service, please join us in the Fellowship Hall
for some refreshments, and conversation with others.
Visitors, we would LOVE to have you join us!
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A WARM AND CORDIAL WELCOME TO ALL GUESTS
If you are visiting with us for the first time this morning, 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 or at
[email protected].
THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS TODAY:
John Graham, head usher; John Carson, Aldo Brito, Peter McDougal, Gloria Villa,
Gail Sosby, Robert Klemm and Nicole Waters
Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online
today and each Sunday at gablesucc.org/live.
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THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LADY GAGA
In this service of worship, we will be drawing from the music and lyrics of singer and
songwriter Lady Gaga as a way to express our resurrection faith. This Catholic school-girl
turned chart-topper, who is known for her electropop and theatricality, often delivers
through her songs an overt, yet often unnoticed, faith. She has earned the admiration of
countless fans by offering meaningful lyrics in the midst of soul-stirring, dance-provoking,
thoughtful and meaningful music. The music today is performed by local musicians under
the direction of producer, composer, and performer of multiple platinum and Grammy
award-winning records (and church member), Clay Ostwald who is presently on Broadway
in “On Your Feet.” Approach this service with the prayer that whether you are a longtime
fan, or have never really listened to Lady Gaga, God will open something new inside you.
FROM THE GREEN CHRISTIANS: HONORING EARTH DAY
Film: Before the Flood
TODAY, April 23 at 12:30 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge
On this Earth Day Sunday, we will be viewing the latest project of Leonardo DiCaprio,
who explores the topic of climate change in the documentary “Before The Flood.” Join us
to learn what must be done today to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet.
Since South Florida is considered ‘ground zero’ for the effect of sea level rise, Miami is
featured prominently in the film. We’ll provide the popcorn!
PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS
TODAY, April 23 following worship
Playdate for families! If you have children, infants through kindergarten, and want to find
a place to meet other families while the kids have fun, then Parents of Preschoolers of
Gables UCC is the group for you. Once a month, we gather after worship in our preschool
playground for a potluck picnic. Drinks will be provided, please bring a dish to share!
YOUNG ADULT BRUNCH
TODAY, April 23 after worship
Are you between the ages of approximately 18-35ish? Then join us today for another
Young Adult Brunch following our 11:00 a.m. worship service. Text Pastor Aaron at
651.252.7544 for location.
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].
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FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE
Open today until 4:00 p.m.
Creative Presents and Unique Gifts
Your purchases empower artisans to work and build strong families and villages globally.
Located outside the Fellowship Hall.
APRIL IS DIAPER MONTH
Every month our Sunday School children are collecting items that the homeless women,
children, or LGBT youth of Lotus House need. In April, we are collecting disposable
diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6. Please place your items on the table in Fellowship Hall.
CHURCH NIGHT IN
Each Wednesday Evening from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
$6 for adults / $4 for kids 12 and under
Take-Out Available
Come see old friends and meet new friends while gathering for a delicious dinner.
This Week’s Menu: Baked Breaded Chicken, Roasted Potatoes,
Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic, Oatmeal Cookies
Vegetarian option: Chicken-Style Seitan Cutlets
Kid’s menu: Baked Breaded Chicken, Plain Green Beans, Potato Wedges, Cookies
SISTERS ON SOJOURN
Saturday, April 29 (Please note date change)
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Church Library
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 occasionally to learn something. If you
need childcare, please contact Pastor Megan at [email protected].
CALLING ALL FUN AND ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE…
An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan
Saturday, April 29 at 8:00 p.m. Shuttle will leave Gables UCC at 7:15 p.m.
The First Presbyterian Church, Miami
Join us for a delightful program of memorable music by the Master Chorale of South
Florida, featuring scenes from The Mikado, H.M.S Pinafore, Pirates of Penzance, and other
G & S favorites. The cost per ticket is $27. To reserve a ticket and seat on the church
shuttle, please visit the sign up table in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays or contact Drew
Sandbulte at [email protected] or 305-448-7421 ext. 150. Payments must be made by
cash or check written out to MCSF (Master Chorale of South Florida).
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NEW MEMBERS WILL BE RECEIVED NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 30
If you know that God’s love embraces all people, no matter who they are…
If you want religion with relevancy…
If you’ve wished for an open and embracing community of faith to nurture your spirit,
grow your faith, and raise your children…
Then we warmly invite you to help us build the family of Gables UCC.
Contact Pastor Laurie at [email protected] or 305.448.7421 ext. 116 for more
information.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT STUDY
Book Study: Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat
Sundays, April 30, and May 7
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. in Havighorst Lounge
Led by Lesley Salas
This novel paints a picture of the vulnerability of children who are displaced from home.
Though the story is specific to Haiti, we will also discuss the plight of children caught in
the worldwide migration crisis. Books are available for purchase that morning for $10 plus
a freewill donation to the church’s Haiti project. Childcare is provided.
SPANISH LANGUAGE SERVICES
Each Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel
Led by the Rev. Yoli Izquierdo-Yglesias and Danny Morales
If you are part of a Spanish-speaking family or seeking to worship and sing in Spanish,
come and join us for a service bridging the Latin experience with a progressive theology.
BEER AND HYMNS
Sunday, April 30 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Duffy’s Party Room
2108 SW 57 Avenue, Miami
What to expect? We gather young and old. We socialize. We sing. We wet our whistles
with the beverage of our choice. The only rule is we sing hymns 100 or more years old —
(except when we pull out a few folk songs and bits of pop songs. So in other words, there
are no rules!). We value tradition, but also silliness, mashups, and occasional superfermatas. We will mostly sing a cappella with bits of tambourine and electric piano. We
have pre-made booklets of hymns — and expect boisterous singing and swaying. Audience
participation is a must!
Please bring cash for the purchase of beverages (and/or available food) from Duffy’s– we
want to be good partners with our venue. (They do not take credit cards). Free root beer for
the kids and those who prefer a soda.
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CALLING ALL FUN AND ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE
Curtiss Mansion and Gardens Tour with
Lunch at the home of Robert and Sara Platz (featuring JR’s Gourmet Burgers)
Thursday, May 4; Shuttle leaves church 10:00 a.m.
Tour starts at 11:00 a.m. with lunch following
Join us as we take in an afternoon at the Curtiss Mansion and Gardens in Miami Springs.
Curtiss Mansions is on the U.S National Register of Historic Places and features some of
the most outstanding pueblo architecture in all of South Florida. Following the guided tour,
we will shuttle to the home of Robert and Sara Platz, where we will eat a lunch featuring
burgers (or grilled sandwiches for the vegetarians) by JR’s Gourmet Burgers. JR’s Burgers
recently won the People’s Choice trophy at the Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
To register for this event, please visit the Congregational Life table in the fellowship hall
following worship on Sundays, or contact Drew Sandbulte at 305-448-7421 ext. 150 or
[email protected].
CANDLELIGHT CONCERT FEATURING
Dr. Gregory Taylor, piano
Friday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Moye Chapel
Join us in the beautiful candlelight of Moye Chapel for an awe-inspiring evening of piano
masterworks played by our talented Parish Music, Dr. Greg Taylor. A freewill offering will
be gratefully received.
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Friday, May 5 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Arts and Education Wing Rooms
For Children Registered for Sunday School in Grades Pre-K 3 through 5th Grade
All childcare staff are background checked and CPR/AED+ First-Aid Certified. Children
are separated into playrooms by age. Activities include playtime, games, and crafts. All
children must have eaten dinner prior to attending Parents’ Night Out. In addition, please
provide snacks, drinks, diaper bags (if applicable), and a change of clothes (if applicable).
To register your child, please contact Pastor Megan at [email protected]
CASSEROLE MINISTRY: A MINISTRY OF THE KITCHEN
Do you enjoy cooking or baking? We need your help! This special outreach provides meals
for those recovering from an illness or surgery, birth of a child, bereavement or on occasion
to bless the hungry who come to the church in need of food. If you would like to help by
preparing casseroles for this ministry, contact Elena Rodriguez at [email protected] or
speak to Pastor Laurie.
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A MORNING OF SUPPORT FOR THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER
Does My Response to Cancer Diagnosis Really matter? YES!
Saturday, May 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in the Church Library
Join us for a little breakfast, a lot of caring, and the sharing of insights and support for those
living with cancer or who have gone through the journey. Our facilitator will be Dr.
Roselyn Smith, a Clinical Psychologist who will share the findings of her doctoral alma
mater, UM’s, internationally recognized research in coping with and recovery from cancer,
as well as important findings from other major research institutions around the world. Some
of the major points she will cover include how one’s thoughts about cancer contribute to
well-being, and ways of calming one’s nervous system and whole body physiology to
facilitate optimal health.
MOTHER’S DAY OFFERING OF LETTERS
Sunday, May 14 at 12:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
Join us on this special day as we will hold a Mother’s Day Campaign Against Hunger.
Following worship, you are invited to participate in Bread for the World’s Annual Offering
of Letters, urging Congress to renew our federal government’s major child nutrition
programs including those for school meals and the WIC nutrition program for pregnant and
new mothers along with their small children. For more information about Bread for the
World and how we can play a part in helping to end hunger, visit http://www.bread.org.
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CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL UCC STAFF DIRECTORY
305.448.7421 (Extensions listed below)
Ministers
All Members of the Church
Pastoral Staff
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor
The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor
The Rev. Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor
[email protected] ext. 116
[email protected] ext. 119
[email protected] ext. 117
Program Staff
Mark Hart, Exec. Dir. of the Community Arts Program
[email protected] ext. 120
The Rev. Yoli Izquierdo-Yglesias, Spanish Worship [email protected]/ 786-506-9890
Pastor Joachen Pajunk, German Worship
[email protected]
Dr. Ronald Morgan, Director of Music Ministries
[email protected] ext.121
Danny Morales, Minister for Diversity
[email protected] ext. 117
Brooke Bagnall-Koger, Acting Director of Early Childhood Center
[email protected]
To contact Early Childhood Center, please call:
305-444-9792
Support Staff
Desiree Bannister, Cherub Choir Director
Anthony Cabrera, Minister of Liturgical Arts
Kris Coney, Sound Technician
Allen Feldman, Pew Organizer
Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant
Seth Patterson, Youth Bell Choir Director
Tony Prinzi, Print, Rentals & Reception Coordinator
Dennis Rodrigues CPA, Business Manager
Drew Sandbulte, Administrative Assistant
Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry
Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician
Shanna Vick-Morris, Wedding & Baptism Coordinator
Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] ext. 127
[email protected]
[email protected] ext. 100
[email protected] ext.130
[email protected] ext.150
[email protected] ext.151
[email protected] ext. 155
[email protected] ext. 112
[email protected]
Maintenance and Custodial Team
Rene Dominguez, Carlos Barrios, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez
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