UNION CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
OCTOBER 16, 2016
Sunday Morning Worship
10:00 AM
For the Beauty of the Earth
Since Roman times the town of Bath, on the banks of the Avon River in
England, has been considered one of the most beautiful spots on the British
Isles. Enclosed by an amphitheater of hills and blessed with warm springs, it
has been both a pleasure resort and a health spa for the ailing.
Folliot Pierpoint was born in Bath but went away to attend Cambridge
University, where he became a classical scholar and taught. But when he was
twenty-nine years old he returned to his hometown of Bath. The beauty of the
countryside in the late spring caused his heart to well up with emotion and
inspired this hymn.
Each stanza thanks God for a different kind of beauty. In its original form it was
a communion hymn of eight stanzas. Each stanza concluded with the words
"Christ our God, to thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise," alluding to
Hebrews 13:15 ("Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of
praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.")
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord,
praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among
the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and
most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the
nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are
before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Psalm 96: 1-6
From "The One Year Book of Hymns,"
compiled and edited by Robert K. Brown and Mark R. Norton
Welcome
in Christ’s name to all who are visiting.
We are an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ.
Please let us know you were here by filling out one of the guest cards provided
by the ushers. We are blessed by having you here. May you also be blessed
because you worshipped God with us.
UNION CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
14 NORTH MAIN STREET, CHURCHVILLE, NY 14428-0123 (585) 293-1665
Email: [email protected]
Website: churchvilleucc.com
October 16, 2016
10:00 AM
GOD’S PEOPLE GATHER
pew bible #891 OT
L: God is still speaking to us through the Living Word.
P: Thanks be to God.
Anthem
“Spiritual Justice: A Vision for Love”
“For the Beauty of the Earth”
Learning Community Conversation
Bellchoir
Responding through Giving
Invitation to Giving and Receiving of Gifts
Offertory:
“The Doxology”
Hymn of Praise:
#457 green hymnal
GOD’S PEOPLE LISTEN
“That Certain Place "
"Special Music”
Responding in Prayer
Sharing Celebrations & Concerns
Morning Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (using debts and debtors)
Response
Opening Prayer (Unison) (from UCC Worship Ways)
God of our lives, you are always turning the world upside down, challenging
us to follow you into new ventures, new challenges, new ways to care, new
ways to touch the hearts of all. When we get tired, or feel disappointed, remind
us that you can bring change and hope out of the most difficult situations, so
that we may do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you always.
Amen.
Anthem
Micah 6: 6-8
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GOD’S PEOPLE RESPOND
Call to Worship (responsive) (from UCC Worship Ways)
L: Jesus, our Teacher, this is what you want us to learn
P: Not the world’s wisdom, but God’s.
L: Move us with sorrow for the sorrow of the world
P: And you will make us strong through our tears.
L: Make us hungry for justice
P: And you will give us food that lasts.
L: Help us to see others through your eyes
P: And you will show us ourselves with love.
L: Show us how to practice what we preach.
P: And we will see God in everyone.
L: Support us in standing firm for truth, even when it costs
P: And the truth will also make us free.
*Opening Hymn
Reading from Scripture:
Sermon
Music for Quiet Meditation
Announcements
Prelude:
“Help Somebody Today”
*Fellowship Hymn:
by Margot Zilch
*Prayer of Dedication (unison) (from UCC Worship Ways)
Liberator Christ, you went to the top of a mountain, and taught a sacred word
about the meek and the grief stricken, about the lost and the lonely. Come to
this place now, and by these gifts help us to see the world not as it is, but as it
could be, that we may become good news to all. Amen.
GOD’S PEOPLE LEAVE TO SERVE
*Closing Hymn:
“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations "
*Benediction
*Response
Organ Postlude:
*Congregation: please stand if you are able.
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