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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 April 29, 2018 Our faith is over 2000 years old 11:00 a.m.

Our thinking is not.

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER A Sunday well spent brings a week of contentment.

~ Jelly Wong

GATHERING MUSIC Dr. Greg Taylor, Parish Musician

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Raul Hernandez, moderator

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.

You are most welcome to connect your smart device to our free Wi-Fi service. INTRODUCTION

Mark Hart, Executive and Artistic Director of the Community Arts Program INTROIT String of Pearls Jerry Gray

Community Arts Program (CAP) ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble Daniel Strange, conductor

*THE CALL TO WORSHIP Based on Psalm 98

Celine Clark, liturgist

Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

People: Sing praises to God with piano and guitar, with saxophone and clarinet; with the sound of melody.

Continued…

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Leader: With trumpets and the sound of horns, make a joyful noise before the Ruler of all.

People: Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the World and those who live in it.

ALL: Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord.

*OPENING HYMN To God Compose a Song of Joy

Please remain standing for the opening prayer…

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*OPENING PRAYER ALL: Here we are God!

We come into your house this morning praising your faithfulness, giving thanks for your mercy, seeking your joy. Every song, old and new, is offered to you, even as we lift the prayer Jesus teaches…

*THE LORD’S 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.

*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 shared friendship 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 and youth through 12th grade wishing to attend Sunday School are invited to go to the Fellowship Hall during the passing of the peace.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE Ain’t She Sweet Les Brown

CAP ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble THE GOSPEL LESSON John 15:1-8

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such

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branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Friends, listen, God is still speaking! Thanks be to God! CHORAL RESPONSE Total Praise Richard Smallwood

Anthony Cabrera, Greg Jackson, Charmyn Kirton, vocalists THE MORNING MESSAGE

The Rev. Richard Walters

THE GIFT OF MUSIC Back Beat Boogie Harry James

CAP ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble THE MORNING PRAYERS

Celine Clark INSTRUMENTAL PRAYER RESPONSE Li’l Darlin’ Neal Hefti

CAP ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble THE RECEIVING OF OUR GIFTS Invitation

Raul Hernandez Offertory Music Go Down, Moses arr. Larry Shackley

The Chancel Choir *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: God of generosity, it is our delight to give these gifts to you. All we are and all we have are yours alone. Accept this joyful offering as a token of our abiding love: use it to bring peace, justice and comfort to all the world, Amen.

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*CLOSING HYMN Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing

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*THE BENEDICTION

Following the benediction please be seated

POSTLUDE Front Burner Sammy Nestico CAP ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble

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 LaurieH@gablesucc.org.

Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online today and each Sunday at gablesucc.org/live.

THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS THIS MORNING:

Lois Legge, head usher; patty Shillington, Jason Beers, and Heather Baker

A WARM WELCOME TO THE CAP ALL-STAR JAZZ ENSEMBLE Daniel Strange, Conductor

Alto Sax: Peter McCann ~ Francisco Ramirez Tenor Sax: Simon Mogul ~ Alejandro Alvarez

Baritone Sax: Jacob McCann Trombone: Albert Hernandez ~ Andres Nicaragua

Trumpet: Jeancarlo Napoles ~ Noah Milian ~ Nelson Martinez ~ Gianni Dvoskin Guitar: Paul Nameth Piano: Daniel Strange

Bass: David Pilla ~ Michael Ramos Drums: Andrew Villalba

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COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAM (CAP) To serve a diverse community by providing educational and

culturally-enriching experiences through the transforming power of the arts.

The Community Arts Program (CAP) ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble, comprised of fifteen students from five Miami-Dade County schools, is part of the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ CAP Conservatory for the Arts Miami Jazz Institute. The CAP ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble rehearses Monday evenings, August through May, in the Church’s Arts & Education Wing. The

experience is designed to sharpen sight reading, style, technique, improv, rhythm, recording studio skill, college prep and career development through the practical study and performance of jazz repertoire that spans the standards to newly-composed works. Some of the CAP ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble’s most noted highlights over recent years include ten one-hour live radio shows on Miami’s “serious jazz” station, WDNA 88.9 FM, three performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center as part of its Essentially Ellington, and opening for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (twice), Count Basie Orchestra, Catherine Russell, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Sherman Irby Quintet, and Doc Severinsen. In the fall through spring, a diversity of children and youth throughout Miami are enrolled in CAP’s vibrant after-school Conservatory for the Arts. The experience includes CAP Saturday Music Classes for in-depth one-on-one instrument instruction, music theory, CAP Harmony, and performance practice. The CAP Records® label is designed to generate projects for CAP students, and to produce unique recordings with adventurous artists of distinction. The CAP Conservatory for the Arts also offers its valuable performing ensembles for children and youth, each designed to span the vast array of music styles and techniques: CAP Creative Strings I, II, and III; Jazz PREP Band and, as you’ll hear this morning, the CAP ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble!

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 RonM@gablesucc.org.

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FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE: PRODUCTS WITH A PURPOSE We support artisans in over 30 developing countries by purchasing their indigenous products made under safe working conditions. Whole village standards of living are raised with trade, not aid. Check out the beautiful and creative items. Located outside the Fellowship Hall.

SUPPORT LOTUS HOUSE

This year, our Sunday School children and youth are supporting Lotus House Homeless Shelter in Overtown and we need your help! Each month, they are collecting a different item that the women, children, or LGBT youth need. In April, it’s children’s socks of all sizes. Please place your items on the Lotus House Table in Fellowship Hall. Thank you!

BACK ON TRACK

Tuesday, May 1 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge

Back On Track Network is a faith-based, career-support organization offering spiritual, motivational and practical techniques and best practices to individuals in various stages of career transition. Please visit www.backontracknet.org for a complete list of our events.

CENTERING SUPPORT GROUP Led by Elaine Cottle, MSW and Therapist

May 3, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel

May 17, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel

Stress and anxiety can cause physical, mental and spiritual problems. This group is formed to help members learn skills in reducing anxiety while increasing positive thinking, feeling and behaviors. Based on techniques of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral skills, meditation, relaxation, and guided imagery, members can experience increased physical, mental and spiritual health.

CHURCH NIGHT IN Come see old friends and meet new friends while gathering for a delicious dinner.

Each Wednesday Evening 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall $6 for adults / $4 for kids 12 and under

Take-out always available

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WEDNESDAY EVENING STUDY What is Pilgrimage? Spiritual and Practical Insights from a Pilgrim

Wednesday Evenings, May 2, 9 and 16 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge

Childcare provided Please join us as we learn about the spiritual practice of pilgrimage, the ancient El Camino de Santiago in Spain, and discuss practical advice for all walking pilgrims like what to pack and how to care for your feet! Our time together concludes with a ¡Buen Camino! reception. Recently returned Gables UCC- member and El Camino de Santiago pilgrim Pierce Withers will lead our conversation.

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT Dr. Greg Taylor, Artistic Director and Performing Artist

Friday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Moye Chapel Freewill offering gratefully received.

FIRST FRIDAY MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP Friday, May 4 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Garage

Join us for our final Youth Group of the school year. We’ll cook out, play some games, and have a bonfire reflection time.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Saturday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. in the Library Led by Pat Berman, M.S. Family Therapy

Grief is a powerful emotion and can stop us in our tracks. It can also break our hearts enough to make us feel that we will never again be whole. Whether you are newly bereaved or still struggling with painful feelings that occurred years ago, join us in a safe place, led by a professional marriage and family therapist with over 40 years of experience, to find mutual support and care.

SPECIAL HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY EVENT

Sunday, May 6 from 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. in Library

Church member and psychologist Dr. Mark Smith will present a special program for the high school youth in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month during the regular Sunday School hour. Mark will be discussing stress management techniques and will address coping strategies for teens as they prepare for college.

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WORSHIP WITH US Each Sunday morning, three worship experiences are offered:

9:00 a.m. Worship in the Chapel A more intimate and meditative worship experience in Moye Chapel. Holy Communion is celebrated weekly. Following our service, enjoy the Coffee Bar.

10:00 a.m. Spanish-Language Worship If you are part of a Spanish-speaking family or would enjoy worshiping in Spanish, come and join us in the Chapel for a service bridging the Latin experience with a progressive theology. Please note: Spanish Language Bible Study is held each Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Library.

11:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary

We gather in the beauty of our historic sanctuary to be engaged in meaningful worship, which feeds our spiritual hunger. It is said that each week is a bit different; there is always something that challenges and calls us to our authentic selves. Join us for beautiful music, challenging and inspiring messages, and liturgy that offers a renewal of mind and spirit.

GERMAN-LANGUAGE SERVICES

We offer worship services, Bible study, and fellowship groups in German For more information about our German language ministry, e-mail

info@deutschkircheflorida.com to sign up for our mailing list. German Bible study on Wednesday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge.

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES

Embracing an Alternative Orthodoxy: Richard Rohr on the Legacy of St. Francis Sundays, through May 6 from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. in Havighorst Lounge

Join Pastor Megan for this DVD study of Fr. Richard Rohr’s insights into the teachings of St. Francis. Rohr introduces us to an orthodoxy lost to much of contemporary Christianity.

The Parables of Jesus Sundays, May 6 - May 20 in Havighorst Lounge

Led by the Rev. Kathryn Carroll Jesus compelled his audiences to understand the world in a new way through his use of parable—meaning, literally, to "lay alongside." Parables are stories that take common images and "lay them alongside" a larger, and often groundbreaking truth. During May, we will explore some of Jesus' parables and seek to understand them both in their original context and in their significance today. The series will be led by Kathryn (Katie) Carroll, an ordained clergy in the Lutheran Church (ELCA).

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A MORNING OF SUPPORT FOR THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER Saturday, May 12 at 10:00 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. This is for men or women, whether you are facing treatment now or have in the past. Refreshments will be provided.

WORSHIP ~ BRUNCH ~ CONCERT

Sunday, May 13 On this Mother’s Day, we honor ALL the folks in our lives who “mother” us in countless ways be it teachers, aunts, neighbors, babysitters, fathers, etc. Celebrate these special people in your life by bringing them to a special brunch following 11:00 a.m. worship. (A free-will donation will be gratefully received to benefit the youth summer mission trip.) Then join us for a wonderful concert at 1:00 p.m. presented by the Hood College Choir, who will also bring music along with our children during worship that morning. Make this a special day for the special people in your life.

LUNCH AND THE BIBLE

Tuesday, May 15 from 12:00 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge

Join Pastor Laurie for lunch, fellowship and a discussion on one of his favorite Bible passages. Sandwiches, chips, cookies and beverages will be served. Free will donations are accepted. Please RSVP to Pastor Megan at 305-448-7421 ext. 119 or MeganS@gablesucc.org.

CALLING ALL FUN AND ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE

Let’s do lunch! Everglades Gator Grill

36650 Southwest 192nd Avenue, Homestead, FL Thursday, May 17 at 12:00 p.m.

The church shuttle will leave at 11:00 a.m.

Join us for burgers, wings, fish, seafood, and of course gator served in an unpretentious environment. You may order as you wish. Dress comfortably as we will sit outside. Save room for dessert as following lunch, we will go to Robert is Here, a produce stand known for their fruity milkshakes. Let us know you are going by contacting Drew at DrewS@gablesucc.org.

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GUATEMALA YOUTH TRIP FUNDRAISER Saturday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

Join us for an evening of authentic Guatemalan cuisine, music, a silent auction, and a program about our upcoming high school mission trip to Guatemala. Please RSVP with Pastor Aaron at AaronL@gablesucc.org. There is no cost, but we will be taking an offering as part of the meal and all will be encouraged to give toward the cost of the mission trip.

FROM THE W.I.S.E. TEAM Gables UCC is a WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged for Mental Health) Congregation. Join us as we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month by attending NAMI Miami’s Reel Minds Miami Mental Health Film Festival on May 20. We will meet at the church from 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. for pizza, before being shuttled by the church van to the University of Miami Shalala Student Center as a group.

This event promises to be an informative night of films and discussion about various aspects of mental illness as NAMI seeks to raise awareness, and reduce the stigma of mental health challenges. The event is free, but registration is required at www.ReelMinds.Eventbrite.com. We also need to plan for pizza and the shuttle. If you are attending, please let Drew know at DrewS@gablesucc.org.

HOOD COLLEGE CHOIR COMES TO GABLES UCC

We are so pleased to welcome the Hood College Choir this spring. They will be with us to present music during our 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, May 13, followed by a concert at 1:00 p.m. in our Sanctuary.

Hood College, located in Frederick, Maryland, was founded in 1893 by the Evangelical and Reformed Church, the predecessor to the United Church of Christ. It was established as one of the first women’s colleges. Now a co-educational, independent liberal arts college, they are recognized for their music conservatory and outstanding choir. As part of their trip to South Florida, they are seeking housing for the students the evenings of May 12 and 13. Could you host one or more students for overnight? Please let Pastor Laurie know at 305.968.6482 or LaurieH@gablesucc.org.

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WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE

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 LaurieH@gablesucc.org ext. 116 The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor MeganS@gablesucc.org ext. 119 The Rev. Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor AaronL@gablesucc.org ext. 117

Program Staff Mark Hart, Exec. Dir. of the Community Arts Program MarkH@gablesucc.org ext. 120 The Rev. Yoli Izquierdo-Yglesias, Spanish Worship Valeyosly@gmail.com/ 786-506-9890 German Worship Information info@deutschkircheflorida.com Dr. Ronald Morgan, Director of Music Ministries RonM@gablesucc.org ext.121 Brooke Bagnall-Koger, Director of Early Childhood Center BrookeB@gablesucc.org To contact Early Childhood Center, please call: 305-444-9792 Support Staff Anthony Cabrera, Minister of Liturgical Arts Cabreraa25@att.net Kris Coney, Sound Technician info@gablesucc.org Allen Feldman, Pew Organizer Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant AliceF@gablesucc.org ext. 127 Katie Martinez, Cherub Choir Director katierox1217@gmail.com Seth Patterson, Youth Bell Choir Director smpatter@samford.edu Tony Prinzi, Print, Rentals & Reception Coordinator TonyP@gablesucc.org ext. 100 Dennis Rodrigues CPA, Business Manager DennisR@gablesucc.org ext.130 Drew Sandbulte, Events Coordinator DrewS@gablesucc.org ext.112 Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry AlexS@gablesucc.org ext.151 Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician Gregpiano1@aol.com ext. 155 Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director Awoods@cushmanschool.org Maintenance and Custodial Team Rene Dominguez, Carlos Barrios, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez

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