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 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
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.
July 31, 2016
11:00 a.m.
THE TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
“To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One.”
~ Isaiah 40:25
*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.
You are most welcome to connect your smart device to our free Wi-Fi service.
SUNG INTROIT
Order My Steps
The Summer Women’s Chorus
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
One:
Gracious God, as your children, you have loved us.
All:
Out of bondage, you have called us.
One:
You teach us to walk, feed our deep hungers, and heal our wounds.
All:
You guide us with kindness, and bands of compassion.
One:
The further we stray, the louder you call us,
All:
Back into your arms, our everlasting home. Amen.
Please remain standing for the Opening Hymn.
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*HYMN
Bring Many Names
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*OPENING PRAYER
All:
Great Living God,
Source of life, and blessed mystery,
we gather as your children,
listening for your voice,
longing for your touch,
watching for your movement, in us and among us.
Be with us this day as we worship you
and seek to live as you have called us.
We ask all of this in Jesus’ name, who taught us to pray…
*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
One:
Let us extend now the love of Christ by greeting one another saying,
“Peace be with you,”
All:
And also with you.
You are invited to share words of welcome and peace with those around you.
MUSICAL INTERLUDE
Dr. Greg Taylor, piano
All children 5 grade and younger wishing to attend Sunday School
are invited to exit to the Fellowship Hall during the Passing of the Peace.
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THE CONTEMPORARY LESSON
Staying Power
Jeanne Murray Walker
I sometimes follow my doubts
outside and question the metal sky,
longing to have the fight settled, thinking
I can’t go on like this, and finally I say
all right, it is improbable, all right, there
is no God. And then as if I’m focusing
a magnifying glass on dry leaves, God blazes up.
It’s the attention, maybe, to what isn’t
there that makes the notion flare like
a forest fire until I have to spend the afternoon
dragging the hose to put it out.
Oh, we have only so many words to think with.
Say God’s not fire, say anything, say God’s
a phone, maybe. You know you didn’t order a phone,
but there it is. It rings. You don’t know who it could be.
You don’t want to talk, so you pull out
the plug. It rings. You smash it with a hammer
till it bleeds springs and coils and clobbered up
metal bits. It rings again. You pick it up
and a voice you love whispers hello.
MUSICAL RESPONSE
Come Back to Me, With All Your Heart
Led by the Women’s Choir; the Congregation is invited to sing the refrain.
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THE SCRIPTURE LESSON
Hosea 11:1-11
When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them,
the more they went from me;
they kept sacrificing to the Baals,
and offering incense to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
I took them up in my arms;
but they did not know that I healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with bands of love.
I was to them like those
who lift infants to their cheeks.
I bent down to them and fed them.
They shall return to the land of Egypt,
and Assyria shall be their king,
because they have refused to return to me.
The sword rages in their cities,
it consumes their oracle-priests,
and devours because of their schemes.
My people are bent on turning away from me.
To the Most High they call,
but he does not raise them up at all.
How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, O Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me;
my compassion grows warm and tender.
Continued.
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I will not execute my fierce anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and no mortal,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.
They shall go after the Lord,
who roars like a lion;
when he roars,
his children shall come trembling from the west.
They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt,
and like doves from the land of Assyria;
and I will return them to their homes, says the Lord.
Friends, listen. God is still speaking.
Thanks be to God!
MORNING MESSAGE
The Rev. Aaron James Lauer
SUNG RESPONSE
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Alexandra Wood, vocalist
Simon & Garfunkel
At this time you are invited to text your prayer requests to Pastor Laurie at 305.968.6482.
THE MORNING PRAYERS
SUNG PRAYER RESPONSE
Come and fill all my life,
Come and fill all my life.
Each and ev-'ry ten-der place:
Ho-ly Breath, move through me.
Come and fill all my life,
Come and fill all my life.
Pour-ing gent-ly, rush-ing strong.
Ho-ly Breath, move through me.
THE RECEIVING OF OUR GIFTS
Offertory Music
Dr. Greg Taylor, piano
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*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 PRAYER OF DEDICATION
All:
Gracious God, we offer these gifts as a portion of our lives in you. Use
them to expand your welcome, share your peace, and sow the seeds of
justice. In your many names we pray. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN
Like A Mother Who Has Borne Us
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*THE BENEDICTION
One:
Mother God, grant us your wisdom.
Father God, comfort us in our pain.
God our creator, breath new vigor into us all.
God our friend, travel with us on this journey of life.
Go in Peace to serve the Lord.
All:
Amen.
*POSTLUDE
During the postlude, you are invited to come forward to the piano and enjoy the music.
FOLLOWING WORSHIP…
Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for some coffee and refreshments provided by the
Women’s Fellowship. Visitors, we would LOVE to have you join us.
We also invite all visitors to the Welcome Table in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for a cup
of coffee, a welcome gift, and the opportunity to hear more about the church.
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, please contact Pastor Laurie
at 305.448.7421, ext. 116 or [email protected].
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. A lighted candle on the altar
symbolizes our prayers for peace and non-violence.
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].
THANKS TO OUR USHERS THIS MORNING:
Annika Grant, head usher; Lois Legge, John Graham, and Anne Miller.
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FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE
Every Purchase Matters
Quality Products. Improving Lives. Protecting the Environment.
Named #5 on the USA Today 10 Best Shopping Miami List!
Located outside the Fellowship Hall.
Store Hours: Sunday: 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.;
Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SPANISH-LANGUAGE SERVICES
Each Sunday 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.
There is music, prayers, community building, and refreshments.
FROM THE GREEN CHRISTIANS
Please note that we are now a recycling center for electronics such as household batteries,
toner cartridges, television sets, central processing units, printers, laptops, radios, and
monitors. You can recycle your old electronic items by bringing them to the church to the
big blue bin on the south side of the courtyard. Thank you for your support!
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF A GREAT CHURCH?
Inquirers’ Gathering
TODAY, July 31 at 12:15 p.m. in the Library
We warmly invite you to help us build the family of Gables UCC.
Come if you would like to inquire about becoming a member. Come if you just want to
inquire more about who we are, what we stand for, and what we believe. This gathering
will also give you a chance to meet some of our members and staff and give us an
opportunity to meet you. Childcare and a light lunch will be provided.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Monday, August 1, 7:00 p.m. in the Catalonia Guest House
1210 Catalonia Avenue (behind the Early Childhood Center)
We gather to create beautiful prayer shawls to share with members of our church family.
If you are looking for a ministry of prayer and care for others, this may be it. Join us!
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BACK ON TRACK
Tuesday, August 2, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 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. In this week's hands-on workshop, What is your Link-A-Bility?, we
will explore the value of LinkedIn, learn how to set up a professional profile, and find out
how to use LinkedIn to enhance career aspirations. Our guest presenter will be Thomas
Dougherty, an in-demand instructor who is well known for his blogs on LinkedIn through
NOVA University's Society for Human Resources. All are welcome!
POP (PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS)
Family Breakfast and Playdate
Saturday, August 6, 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Rooms 1, 2 and 3
Escape the heat! Roll out of bed (you have probably been up for hours!) and begin your
day with Pastor Megan (and her grandkids) in the Arts and Education Wing for a low
key, relaxed breakfast of bagels, cereal, fruit, juice, tea and coffee while our children play
together in the cool indoors. If it’s nice outside, we can take a nature walk around the
block. Come and meet new parents and catch up with old friends. Friends and
grandparents welcome. Please RSVP to Pastor Megan by August 3, so we are sure to
have enough food.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT STUDY
Book Study: Convictions: How I learned What Matters Most by Marcus J. Borg
Sundays, August 7 – 28, 9:45 a.m. in Havighorst Lounge
On the occasion of his seventieth birthday, the renowned scholar Marcus J. Borg shared
how he formed his bedrock religious beliefs, contending that Christians in America are at
their best when they focus on hope and transformation, and shows how we can return to
what really matters most. The result is a manifesto for all progressive Christians who
seek the best path for following Jesus today.
Borg calls all American Christians to reject divisiveness and exclusivity and create
communities that celebrate joy, possibility, and renewal. Throughout, he reflects on what
matters most, bringing the kingdom of God to earth Jesus talked about and transforming
our relationships with one another. Join Pastor Megan for this book study.
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FATHER’S FELLOWSHIP
Sunday, August 7, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in Room 2
Brainstorming invitation to all Dads! Are you interested in creating a Father’s Fellowship
group here at Gables UCC? Whether your children are in Pre-K, in college, or married
with kids of their own, you are welcome to join in this initial discussion facilitated by
Pastor Megan. Light refreshments will be served. Childcare is available.
YOUNG ADULTS
Are you between the ages of approximately 18-35? Then join us!
BBQ at the Home of John Stout
Sunday, August 7, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
6890 SW 44th Street, Apt. 214, Miami FL, 33155
Bring a side dish or drink (and your bathing suit!) for an afternoon of food and pool time.
For more information or to RSVP for any events, please e-mail or text Pastor Aaron at
[email protected] or 651.252.7544.
FRIENDS OF SABEEL
Live from Palestine: Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh
Sunday, August 7 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Havinghorst Lounge
The Sabeel organization, based in Jerusalem, acts as a Palestinian Christian voice of
conscience for Palestinian self-determination and human rights. Join us for a Skype
interview with Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh, a prominent Palestinian Christian environmentalist
and human rights activist. We invite all to attend, with a special invitation to the Green
Christians. Light refreshments. Questions? Matt Bewley at [email protected].
AN ARABIAN NIGHTS FUNDRAISER
Saturday, August 13, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Bob and Hector’s Home
As Hector says, “our home is a bit like a crazy Middle East museum, so why not have an
Arabian Nights style party?” There will be a belly dancer with audience participation, a
Middle East food buffet, and of course, lots of fun (After-all, it is Hector’s and Bob’s
party). The cost for the evening is $20.00 and all proceeds will go to the Board of
Congregational Life for their work. To sign-up, contact Shanna Vick-Morris at
[email protected] or by calling Shanna at 305.448.7421 ext. 112. Or you may pay
and register online at http://gablesucc.org/product/arabian-nights-fundraiser/.
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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]/ 786-5069890
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
Mabel Ramirez, Director of Early Childhood Center
[email protected]
To contact Early Childhood Center, please call:
305-444-9792
Support Staff
Anthony Cabrera, Minister of Liturgical Arts
Kris Coney, Sound Technician
Allen Feldman, Pew Organizer
Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant
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 and Baptism Coordinator
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] ext. 127
[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]
Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director
Maintenance and Custodial Team
Rene Dominguez, Carlos Barrios, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez
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Draw the Circle Wide
Reserve your tickets today,
before
they SELL OUT!
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305.448.7421, ext. 153 / CommunityArtsProgram.org
Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
3010 De Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, Florida 33134-6317
Phone: 305.448.7421 ~ www.gablesucc.org
WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE!
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