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
-2-
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Our faith is over 2000 years old
Our thinking is not.
March 26, 2017
11:00 a.m.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
~ Oscar Wilde
*Please stand as you are able.
GATHERING MUSIC
Dr. Gregory Taylor, piano
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.
CHORAL INTROIT
Kyrie Elision (Have Mercy)
arr. David Angerman
The Chancel Choir with Seth Woods, Alex Woods, Brandon Mowry
Kyrie Eleison, have mercy. Christe eleison, have mercy.
As we come before You with the needs of our world, we confess our failures and our sin.
For our words are many yet our deeds have been few;
Fan the fires of compassion once again.
When the cries of victims go unheard in the land, and the scars of war refuse to heal,
Will we stand for justice to empower the weak,
‘til their bonds of oppression are no more?
If we love our God with all our heart, mind, and strength,
and we love our neighbors as ourselves,
Then this law of love will heal the nations of earth
and the glory of Christ will be revealed.
Lord, renew our vision to be Christ where we live, to reach out in mercy to the lost;
For each cup of kindness to the least in our midst is an offering of worship to the throne.
-3-
*CALL TO WORHSIP
Leader:
God, as we gather together,
People:
we acknowledge we are a forgiven people.
Leader:
May we, like you,
People:
be generous in offering forgiveness to others.
Leader:
You forgive us each and every day
People:
for the many ways we fall short of your mercy.
Leader:
Teach us to embody your grace, your love, your mercy,
People:
and your forgiveness to all those we encounter this day.
Leader:
As a forgiven and forgiving people,
let us gather to worship and bless God.
*OPENING HYMN
Bless God, O My Soul
Continued on following page.
-4-
-5-
*OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, Author of life, Lord of all creation, from whom comes the
beauty of each flower bud and every new born child. Thank you for your
everlasting forgiveness and eternal hope. You turn the pages of our lives,
filling everyday with forgiveness, erasing our failings and encouraging us to
try again. You are the author of life, who brings fresh expectation into each
day. Come flood our hearts with your hope. We ask this in the name of Jesus
who taught us to pray together…
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:
God’s way is love and forgiveness.
People:
We seek to follow that path.
Leader:
God’s being is in us.
People:
We seek to honor God.
Leader:
God creates anew.
People:
We shall live a new life in God.
Leader:
The peace of Christ be with you all.
People:
And also with you.
You are invited to share words of welcome and peace with those around you.
Children from pre-school through 5th grade are invited to leave for
Sunday School at this time. Please gather in the Fellowship Hall.
SUNG MUSICAL INTERLUDE Wait for the Lord
Danny Dean, guitar
We will sing this through several times…
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near
Wait for the Lord: be strong take heart.
-6-
THE CONTEMPORARY LESSON
by Desmond Tutu
Forgiving and being reconciled to our enemies or our loved ones is not about pretending
that things are other than they are. It is not about patting one another on the back and
turning a blind eye to the wrong. True reconciliation exposes the awfulness, the abuse,
the hurt, the truth. It could even sometimes make things worse. It is a risky undertaking
but in the end it is worthwhile, because in the end only an honest confrontation with
reality can bring real healing. Superficial reconciliation can bring only superficial
healing.
THE SCRIPTURE LESSON
Matthew 18.21-22
The Message
At that point Peter got up the nerve and asked, “Master, how many times do I forgive my
brother or sister who hurts me? Seven? Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times
seven.
GIFT OF MUSIC
Pablo Sosa
Si Fui Motivo de Dolor (If I Have Been the Source of Pain)
Chancel Choir with Danny Dean, Seth Woods, Michelle Caravia, and Anthony Cabrera
We respectfully ask no applause following this gift of music.
.
THE MORNING MESSAGE
What’s Worth My Forgiveness?
The Rev. Laurinda Hafner
CHORAL RESPONSE
The God of Second Chances
David Haas
Vocal Ensemble with Charmyn Kirton, Katie Martinez, and Mark Hart
The congregation is invited to join the choir in the last verse below when directed.
-7-
THE MORNING PRAYERS
You are invited into a time of quiet prayer and to press your prayers for forgiveness
and for the ability to forgive into the prayer cloth. You are then invited to tie your
prayer cloth onto one of the prayer poles as you leave this morning. These prayer
cloths will be presented as part of our resurrection celebration on Easter Sunday.
Instrumental Interlude ~ Spoken Prayer ~ Sung Prayer Response
THE RECEIVING OF OUR GIFTS
Invitation
Offertory Music
Amazing Grace
Dr. Ron Morgan, organ; Dr. Greg Taylor, piano
*PRESENTATION OF OUR GIFTS/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
Unison:
You have enriched us with a myriad of blessings: love, peace, justice,
and community. Out of gratitude, we offer our hearts through these
gifts. May our offerings bring healing to those in pain, companionship
to those who are ignored, justice to those who live in oppression, and
jubilation to those who are downtrodden. Amen.
-8-
*CLOSING HYMN
Jesus, Keep Me near the Cross
Please remain standing for the benediction.
-9-
*BENEDICTION
Leader:
By God’s amazing grace, we are the body of Christ. And because of that,
let us go into the world in peace and courage, holding to the good,
honoring all of God’s children, loving and serving the Lord, rejoicing in
the power of the Spirit. And the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of
God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
People:
Amen.
*POSTLUDE
During the postlude, you are invited to come forward to the piano and enjoy the music.
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!
--------------------------------------------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. We especially remember the people of London this
morning. A lighted candle on the altar table symbolizes our prayers for peace.
THE FLOWERS THAT GRACE OUR ALTAR THIS MORNING…
are given in loving memory of Don and Charlotte Cleland.
THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS THIS MORNING:
Lois Legge, Head Usher; John Graham, Gail Sosby and Robert Klemm
- 10 -
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].
MARCH IS BABY WIPES MONTH
Every month our Sunday School children are collecting items that the homeless women,
children, or LGBT youth of Lotus House need. In March, we are collecting baby wipes.
Please place your items on the table in Fellowship Hall. Thank you.
BACK BAY MISSION TRIP INFORMATIONAL MEETING
TODAY: 12:30 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge
This summer during the week of June 17-24, members of Gables UCC will be traveling to
Biloxi, MS to serve a week at Back Bay Mission. This UCC mission has been serving the
Gulf Coast for 95 years, repairing damaged homes, running a food shelf and day center,
and advocating for the poor and homeless in southern Mississippi. If you are interested in
joining us for this week of service and faith, please attend our information meeting today.
We will learn more about the Mission and answer any questions you may have. For more
information, please contact Pastor Aaron at [email protected].
GREEN CHRISTIANS
TODAY at 12:15 p.m. in the Library
If you would like to be a part of a group that encourages responsible stewardship of the
earth both within and outside the walls of the church, please join us for our March gathering
as we prepare for Earth Day 2017. All are welcome!
HAITI: MISSION POSSIBLE COMMITTEE
TODAY at 12:15 p.m. in the Alcove
If you would like to be a part of a group that seeks to provide awareness of organizations
that this congregation helps support in Haiti you are invited to join us for a meeting this
afternoon in the alcove, located next to the church library.
CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
Friday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Moye Chapel
Featuring Dr. Greg Taylor on piano
This is a free concert, so invite our family and friends.
- 11 -
P.A.C.T. (PEOPLE ACTING FOR COMMUNITY TOGETHER)
Monday, March 27
Bus leaves the church at 6:00 p.m./Rally from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
St. James Catholic Church at 13155 NW 7 Avenue, Miami
PACT is a diverse coalition of 35 congregations (including Gables UCC) and two
universities throughout Miami-Dade 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. This year
those issues include Affordable Housing, School Discipline and Youth Arrests, and Gun
Violence. Stand up for important community concerns with our elected and appointed
community leaders. Join the Gables group attending by signing up at the Justice and
Witness Table in the Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday. Our goal is to have 100
people from Gables UCC.
CHURCH NIGHT IN
Each Wednesday Evening from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
$6 for adults / $4 for kids 12 and under
Join us for delicious food, warm fellowship and evening vespers.
LENTEN EVENING VESPERS
Each Wednesday evening through April 5
6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Vespers or “sunset prayers” are held throughout this season of Lent as a way to follow
Christ into the passion of the cross to encounter the joy of the resurrection. These services,
made up of candlelight, music and prayer, offer the perfect quiet break we need from the
stress and noise of life around us. We meet in the Sanctuary. Childcare is available.
NEXT SUNDAY: THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Theme: What’s Worth My Listening?
The United Church of Christ Statement of Faith reminds us that “God calls us into the
church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship.” Everything has a cost and everything has
a benefit. EVERYTHING! How do we weigh the choices that lie before us and that often
call us to choices that have a cost? Each Sunday we reflect and discern such a question
through the morning message. Next Sunday, April 2, we will consider “What’s Worth My
Listening?” We face more input, more information and more “noise” delivered at a faster
pace than at any time in history. Is there a way to invest the focus of our attention on things
most “worth it?”
- 12 -
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT STUDY
A Letter to My Anxious Christian Friends: From Fear to Faith in Unsettled Times
Sundays, through April 2
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. in Havighorst Lounge
For many, the world is changing around them at a dizzying rate; in some instances
challenging the foundations of their religious beliefs including what it means to follow
Jesus. Seminarian Lisa LeSueur leads a discussion of the book A Letter to My Anxious
Christian Friends by author Dr. David Gushee. A respected Christian ethicist and
professor, Gushee offers a perspective that guides the reader to make sense of the changing
world around them in a way that allows them to respond in faith rather than fear.
SPANISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP
Servicios de adoración
Todo los domingos 10:00 a.m. en la capilla Moye
Estudios biblicos
Miércoles, 22 de marzo / 26 de abril 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
en la Casa Catalonia
YOUTH GROUP MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER
Sunday, April 2
Join us after worship for Chicago deep dish pizza and Georgia peach cobbler, and support
our youth group mission trips to Chicago and Atlanta. We will gather in the Fellowship
Hall for lunch, fellowship, and a presentation by our youth about the upcoming trips. We
will take a freewill offering at the end of the meal. You can also contribute online at
www.gablesucc.org/youth-donation.
MOVIE SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION
Screenagers
Monday, April 3 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Are you watching kids scroll through life, with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second
attention span? Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston saw that with her own kids and
learned that the average kid spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens. She wondered about
the impact of all this time and about the friction occurring in homes and schools around
negotiating screen time—friction she knew all too well. Following the 68-minute movie
screening, there will be a moderated panel discussion and Q&A session. Panelists include
a local pediatrician, psychologist and educators. All are welcome! Tickets are only $10 and
can be purchased online at https://impactflow.com/event/presented-by-coral-gablescongregational-church-2047.
- 13 -
PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 9
Palm Sunday Processional 10:30 a.m. from Salvadore Park
Our celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem begins with a modern-day
parade, as we follow a donkey through the streets of Coral Gables, arriving at Gables UCC
for our 11:00 a.m. Palm Sunday worship featuring choirs and antiphonal trumpets. Meet
at Salvadore Park, 1120 Andalusia Avenue, by 10:30 a.m. to walk in the processional. The
shuttle bus will transport walkers from the church parking lot to Salvadore Park between
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Palm Sunday Worship
During the 11:00 a.m. Palm Sunday service, we will be presenting a special multi-media
piece depicting how our modern day culture has created our own way of laying down the
palm branches for Jesus, who is now with us in spirit and not body. The powerful imagery
of those seeking justice for the oppressed and walking in solidarity with those affected by
the current challenges our nation faces in the midst of an uncertain political climate will
have us all deeply pondering the question: Which Parade Is Worth It?
Palm Sunday Pot Luck Brunch
Following worship, join us for our annual Palm Sunday Pot Luck Brunch in the Fellowship
Hall. Please bring an entrée or side dish to share that feeds 8-10 people. Dessert and drinks
will be provided. Suggestions: lasagna, rice and beans, ham, fried chicken, salad, veggie
platter, vegan specialties, non-gluten pasta, etc. Drop your dish off in the Fellowship Hall
on your way into church that morning.
LET’S GO TO THE THEATRE!
All The Way
Sunday, April 9 at the Actor’s Playhouse
Shuttle leaves the church at 2:30 p.m./Show starts at 3:00 p.m.
The winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Play, this gripping drama captures the critical
moment that marked the end of an era and the shift to the political climate of today. Go all
the way with LBJ, Martin Luther King, Jr., J. Edgar Hoover, Hubert Humphrey and more
in this action-packed, electrifying portrayal of one of the most tumultuous times in our
country’s history.
Cost is $35/ ticket. To reserve a ticket, please visit the Congregational Life table in the
Fellowship Hall on Sundays after worship, or contact Drew Sandbulte at
[email protected] or 305-448-7421 ext. 150.
- 14 -
GAY PRIDE PARADE
Sunday, April 9 on Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Gables UCC was the first congregation to have a float in the Miami Gay Pride parade. Over
the past eight years, we have proudly shared our message of welcome and acceptance to
the 35,000 people who annually line Ocean Drive. This year, we will once again let folks
know that there is a church where all are welcome. Since it is Palm Sunday our contingent
will not be as large as usual, but our spirit will certainly be felt as we join the interfaith
community in showing our PRIDE. If you would like to be part of Gay PRIDE, please
contact Shanna Vick- Morris at [email protected].
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Thursday Evening, April 13 7:00 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary
Darkness, quiet, contemplative music, and tenebrae (the extinguishing of lights). Such will
be our moving and meaningful Maundy Thursday service as we are led by our Vocal
Ensemble, a small orchestra, and words of scripture in this Maundy Thursday Service
centered in the worship style of Taizé. Please join us for this special Maundy Thursday
service with the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Childcare is available. Join us for a light
soup supper from 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
Friday, April 14 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary
Be with us for this brief but powerful service as we mark through scripture, reflection, and
music, the suffering and passion of Jesus. The service will end outside as we drape a large
cross in black which will reappear on Easter Sunday alive with flowers. It has been said
you can’t have Easter without Good Friday. Only when our hearts break open with
compassion for the One who suffered can we truly appreciate the new life represented by
Easter. Joining us will be the clergy and members of Rivera Presbyterian Church.
CALLING ALL FUN AND ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE
Little Havana Restaurant
12727 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami, FL 33181
Thursday, April 20 at 12:00 p.m.
Shuttle will leave the church promptly at 11:00 a.m.
Join us as we take in a lunch at Little Havana Restaurant in North Miami. This authentic
Cuban restaurant has been named one of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami. Cost per
person is $25 and includes soda, a choice of roasted pork or grilled fish, rice, beans and
flan for dessert. Visit the sign-up table in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 a.m. service
or contact Drew Sandbulte at [email protected] or 305-448-7421 ext. 150.
- 15 -
- 16 -
- 17 -
One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering Today
For almost seven decades now, nine denominations in the U.S., united as one, have together
been connecting people through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Sisters and brothers
living in poverty who would have been otherwise overlooked, or outright forgotten, have been
empowered by our gifts to the offering. The woman who has been a victim of war, attempting
on her own to raise her family without any access to long-term food security, education, or
health care, is now self-sufficient because of assistance from One Great Hour of Sharing.
Families across North America, still struggling to survive after a devastating storm took
everything in its path, are accompanied for the long haul, thanks to funds from One Great Hour
of Sharing. Each time a gift is given, a connection is made. Every single offering builds another
bridge and tears down another wall. Checks can be made to Coral Gables Congregational UCC
with OGHS on the memo line. Envelopes are also available in the bulletin or you may donate
online at gablesucc.org/one-great-hour. Thank you for your generosity!
- 18 -
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
- 19 -
- 20 -
- 21 -
- 22 -
- 23 -
*OPENING HYMN
- 24 -
- 25 -
WADE IN THE WATER
- 26 -