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“Founded in 1924 in the belief that there is more that binds us together than separates us in the worship of God.”

2.9.2020

CHAPEL SERVICE 8:30 A.M.

C2 SERVICE (COMMUNITY HALL) 10:00 A.M.

SANCTUARY SERVICE 10:00 A.M.

WELCOME

Recognizing the wide welcome offered to all through Jesus Christ, Community Church opens its arms to all. We strive to offer Christ’s wide welcome to all people, regardless of creed, age, race, or sexual identity.

We invite you to join our congregation in worship and in membership, as we allow our lives to be shaped by the loving outreach of Christ.

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*Please rise in body or spirit. Bold text indicates congregational participation.

Please refrain from applause during worship until invited.

Families are asked to check-in children Pre-K through 5th

grade in Commotion prior to the start of worship to participate

in Sunday school. Sunday school will take place at 10:00 a.m.. All children participating must be checked in and out of

Commotion. Families are always welcome to worship together in the service.

Nursery care available during our 10:00 a.m. worship services.

Our service is live-streamed via internet, capturing the chancel & the congregation and may appear on social media.

THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE

PRELUDE “Adoration” Jill A. Truax, organ Florence B. Price

COMMUNITY WORDS Rev. David W. Johnson

CHIMING OF THE HOUR

CALL TO WORSHIP AND OPENING PRAYER (Sanctuary) Rev. Holly H. Adams *PROCESSIONAL HYMN AND ENTRANCE OF THE CHRIST LIGHT “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” ST. DENIO

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*LITANY Richard Gray

One: We have been called the “salt of the earth.” All: May we express distinctive taste, full of God’s flavor. One: We have been called the “light of the world.” All: May we shine where there is pain or confusion. One: Because of us, may people taste and see that God is good. Let us pray…

*UNISON PRAYER

God, we thank you that you meet us here in scripture and in the passing of peace, in music and silence, in the lighting of candles and the tasting of hopeful words. We thank you for opening our ears to listen and our hearts to praise. Enter our lives this day, as you make yourself known to us through stories of faith and the life of Christ, God with us always. Amen

*GLORIA PATRI

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

ATTENDING TO GOD’S WORD

ANTIPHONAL READING FROM THE PSALTER Clergy, Cantor, and Congregation

Antiphon: Congregation may join the cantor in singing the antiphon.

Psalm 112:1-6 ANDREW R. GALUSKA

Cantor and Congregation One: Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments. Their

descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Cantor and Congregation One: Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. They rise in the darkness

as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.

Cantor and Congregation One: It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice. For the

righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.

Cantor and Congregation

RESPONSE One: May God who commanded light to shine out of darkness enlighten our way today. All: Amen

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READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES (Chapel) Rev. David W. Johnson (Sanctuary) Elaine A. Matthes

One: God whispers through sacred texts a message to us all. All: We listen with our hearts open and our spirits awake.

Isaiah 58:9b-12

If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.

RESPONSE One: These words do not remain in a book or on a pulpit. All: May God’s Sunday words change our weekday lives.

*HYMN OF DEVOTION “You Are Salt for the Earth, O People” BRING FORTH

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READING FROM THE GOSPEL Rev. David W. Johnson

One: Hear the good news of God with us in Christ. All: Speak Lord, for your people are listening.

Matthew 5:13-20

‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

RESPONSE One: We hear the Gospel as good news for our lives. All: We claim the Gospel as good news for the world.

ANTHEM “O Light of Life” Chancel Choir

Mack Wilberg

SERMON “Light in the Wilderness” Rev. Dr. Anna V. Copeland

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14

O Light of Life! O pure Light Divine! Thou art in us; Our ember is Thine.

Kindle our faith, Give hope when we fear, Deepen our love - Thy fire appear!

Light of our souls, Thou spark at our birth - Grow bright in us, Shine in all the earth!

O Light of Life! O true Light of Peace! Storms will arise, Let Thy light increase.

Pierce through dark clouds, Give pause to the proud, Let Thy shafts fall, Lift humble heads bowed. Answer our pleas, Melt hearts in Thy flame.

Make us as one - As one in Thy name.

O Light of Life! O sweet Light of Grace! Thou bids us come, We follow apace.

See the bright Tree! Behold the white fruit! Feasting we weep, We witness the root!

O Light of Life! O dear Light of Love! Come, wash us clean, Send forth Thy white Dove!

Fill us with Fire, Enlighten our eyes;

Help us to love - 'Tis price of the prize. Then let us come, Enrobe us in white.

Cleaving to Thee, Light unto Thy Light. Light unto Light, O Light of Life!

Amen

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THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

UNISON CALL TO OFFERING Richard Gray Gracious God, bless these tangible expressions of our joy and care. Renew in us a sense of abundance and a never-failing compassion for all who need resources for living, practical as salt or spiritual as light, for we pray in the Spirit of Jesus who is the source of all generosity. Amen

OFFERTORY “Fantasie”, Langsam und mit Gefühl Jill A. Truax, piano

Anton Bruckner

*DOXOLOGY CALL TO PRAYER Rev. Dr. Anna V. Copeland

One: God be with you. All: And with your spirit. One: Let us pray. O God, open our hearts, All: And receive our hopes and intercessions. One: Let us not only offer our prayers, All: But listen for your Spirit within.

CHORAL CALL TO PRAYER “Hear My Prayer” Chancel Choir Emma Lou Diemer

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father which 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

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DEACON: Richard Gray ACOLYTE: Emma Middleton

TODAY WE REMEMBER…

Pauline (Polly) Sameth who died on January 31st. A service will be held in Mantoloking, NJ at a later date.

THE FLOWERS TODAY ARE DEDICATED TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND GIVEN… by H.C.H. to M.R.H. in thanks for starting her 68th year of marriage with me. Love, Me.

by the Terry family in loving memory of Dr. John H. Terry.

Please join us outside Community Hall for refreshments and conversation.

One License A-721401 /CCS-8076

IN WORSHIP TODAY

THE SENDING FORTH

*RECESSIONAL HYMN “God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak” CANONBURY

*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Anna V. Copeland

POSTLUDE “Fiat Lux” (Let there be Light) Andrew R. Galuska, organ

Theodore Dubois

If you desire anointing and prayer for yourself or a loved one, please meet Ferguson Taylor, Called to Care Minister, at the Chancel Steps following the service today.

Anointing and prayer follow an ancient practice of anointing those who are sick and praying for their healing. In the words of

James 5:14, “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” All are welcome.

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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH: The sermon “The Difficult Delights of Differences” will be given by Rev. Dr. Allen R. Hilton at the 8:30 a.m. Chapel service, the 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary service, and E-cast at the 10:00 a.m. C2 service in Community Hall. All are welcome.

THANK YOU TO OUR GREETERS: A Big Thank You to Kathy and Richard Dunlop, Gerry Duhaime, Judy and John Gordon, Glade Gracey, and Roxanne Wilcox for warmly welcoming everyone on Sunday!

MEMBERSHIP CONTACT INFORMATION: We ask that you please contact the Church Office if any of your contact information (mailing address, telephone number(s), email address) has changed during the recent past. Please telephone us at 772.562.3633 or email Suzanne Rice at suzanne.rice@ccovb.org. Your help in updating our records will be greatly appreciated.

NEW MEMBER CLASS: If you are interested in learning more about our Church and want to consider becoming a member, please join us on Sunday, February 23rd following worship at 11:15 a.m. in the Garden Room for conversation, coffee, and cookies. For more information you may call Elaine Matthes at 772-469-2309.

WOMEN’S RETREAT: Women of the Church, hold the dates: March 12th and 13th for our overnight Women’s Retreat to be held at Our Lady of Florida in North Palm Beach. Our Interim Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Anna V. Copeland, will be our facilitator for our program entitled “Befriending the Soul”. More information to follow next week.

LABYRINTH WALK: Join us on the first Sunday of each month following the 10:00 a.m. worship services. Guided walks will be available for our labyrinth in the Tabernacle of the Education building. Our next guided walk will be March 1st following the 10:00 a.m. services.

USHERS NEEDED: Want to meet more church members? Here’s how! Become an usher! You will also be helping your Church in the process. For more information, please contact Bruce Metcalfe at bmetcalfe@comcast.net or 860.214.5407.

CARING AND SHARING: The Caring and Sharing group, meeting every Tuesday, has evolved into a lively discussion about the joys and challenges of aging. Refreshments begin at 10:30 a.m. and discussion at 11:00 a.m. in Room 113. Please consider joining us. Any questions, please contact Holly Adams at holly.adams@ccovb.org.

LIFELONG FITNESS CLASSES: Lifelong Fitness classes are held each Monday and Wednesday. Classes are from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Led by Elaine Matthes, we work on balance, flexibility, strength training, and endurance. All are welcome.

SACRED PAUSE: Have you wanted to spend more quality time with God? Are you looking for an opportunity to improve your prayer life? Join us Monday mornings in Grace Chapel at 7:45 a.m. for “Sacred Pause” for guided prayer and meditation. Start your day and week with the right focus.

COMMUNITY CHURCH'S "ANGELS' ATTIC" RUMMAGE SALE: Donation drop off hours are as follows: Monday, February 24th through Wednesday, February 26th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 27th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. We welcome adult and children's clothing and shoes, furniture, artwork, toys, jewelry, linens, household and decorative items, antiques, books, and sporting goods. Please no TVs, computer monitors, mattresses, or cribs. Jewelry only may be dropped off at any time at the Church Office. "Mardi Gras" luncheon, fashion show, and preview shopping tickets are available for $20 in the Church Office. The sale opens to the public Thursday, February 27th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 28th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 29th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers welcome for donation and set up hours and for public sale hours. For information or to volunteer please contact Susan Kramer at 772.480.4567.

ANNOUNCEMENTS...

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PERSONAL COUNSELING: Individual or couples counseling for personal anxiety, depression, or relationships, etc. is available at NO cost from Dr. Donald White on Wednesdays. We are fortunate to have this highly qualified professional who is willing to offer his expertise and guidance. Call Suzanne Rice to schedule an appointment at 772.469.2303.

COMMUNITY CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT: Save the date for the 12th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit our High School Youth mission trip to Orlando, Florida! This year’s tournament will be on Saturday, March 7th, at Sandridge Golf Club. Registration, continental breakfast, and range practice starts at 7:00 a.m., with tee off at 8:00 a.m. Cost is $125 per person. Sign - up as an individual player or with a foursome. For registration or sponsorship information, visit the Community Cup signup table in the Courtyard through Sunday, February 23rd or feel free to contact Charlene Applegate at 772.469.2322. Registration forms are available in the kiosks throughout our campus, on the website at www.ccovb.org or through the Church Office.

ASH WEDNESDAY OBSERVANCE: The evening service will be Wednesday, February 26th at 6:30 p.m. The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Christian worship, and the imposition of ashes can be a powerful nonverbal and experiential way of participating in the call to repentance and reconciliation. Join our clergy for a traditional service and sharing of the ashes followed by an optional labyrinth walk in the Courtyard. Childcare will be available. For those unable to attend the evening service, the imposition of ashes will be available from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in front of the Sanctuary Courtyard doors.

MISSION MINISTRY

MISSION WATCH: KIDZ CLOSET: Kidz Closet charities is the only non-profit organization in Indian River County that provides clothing, bedding, and educational items to our county’s most vulnerable citizens by redistributing unsold items to families and children in need. It is a grassroots non-profit community project that serves as a clothing pantry for over 30 partner agencies, all Head Start Programs, and every elementary school in Indian River County. They distribute over 5,000 children’s items every week through teachers, counselors, case workers, school nurses and most recently, provided clothing for a family that lost everything in a flood. Your mission dollars, and volunteers from Community Church help Kidz Closet carry out this important work.

GLOBAL PRAYER PARTNERS: GREECE. Fiyori Kidane serves with the Perichoresis of the Evangelical Church of Greece. Every Thursday, Perichoresis hosts an event at the church where all of the women (refugees and church members) come and learn new recipes from each other. None of these women knew each other before coming to Katerini, through these programs they have come to care for each other like family. They chose to build a community and are even willing to do so with an English-only speaking American whose cooking skills are minimal. Prayer: Ever-present and ever-loving God, We come to you with heavy hearts as we witness the growing number of displaced people attempting to create a new understanding of home. They are tired, weak, and worn. We ask that you provide comfort and strength to your beloved children who are migrating. Provide help and strength to those who are pursuing a better life for themselves and for their families. And continue to open the hearts of Perichoresis, and the Greek communities that welcome the stranger and treat them as neighbors. Amen

ADULT EDUCATION

COMMUNITY@COMMUNITY: MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID. How do we recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, substance abuse, or a deteriorating mind? When are we simply seeing quirky behavior and when is it cause for concern? Brett Hall, Executive Director of the Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County will be with us to talk about their Mental Health First Aid Program. This international, evidenced-based program teaches people how to recognize and respond to persons with signs or symptoms of mental health issues or substance use disorders. It is the mental health equivalent to CPR. Join us this Wednesday, February 12th at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and fellowship, or at 6:00 p.m. for this important program.

ANNOUNCEMENTS...

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REV. DR. ALLEN HILTON: A HOUSE UNITED. Jesus regularly challenged his followers to actively build bridges of communication and collaboration with those who differ with them, often in significant ways. The Apostle Paul told churches that our differences were God-given, and that we need all different viewpoints to arrive at the best decisions. Dr. Hilton’s work with “A House United” can teach us important skills and strategies to hear and value each other in order to be the church that God has called us to be. Please join with him at the church for a Saturday morning seminar in Community Hall from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on February 15th to learn and practice these skills together. Dr. Hilton will also preach and then facilitate a “courageous conversation” after worship on Sunday. For more information, please contact the church office, or Rev. David Johnson at david.johnson@ccovb.org. To learn about Allen and his work, visit www.houseunitedmovement.com.

BIBLE STUDY: Come to learn about sacred texts of our faith, and to let them speak to us in ways that challenge, affirm, comfort, and support us. Participants enjoy learning with and from one another as they gather to discuss this week’s lectionary scripture. All are welcome.

Women’s Bible Study: Tuesday classes are from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. The 11:00 a.m. group is held on Wednesdays. Both classes are led by Rev. Elizabeth B. Johnson and meet in Community Hall East.

Men’s Bible Study: Classes will be held on Tuesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. (donuts and coffee provided) in Community Hall East and will be led by Rev. David W. Johnson.

Monday evening Bible Study: Men and women are welcome to join Rev. David W. Johnson at 6:30 p.m. in the Garden Room for an in-depth study of the text used in worship on the previous Sunday.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY

NURSERY CARE: We offer nursery care (infants - 3 year olds) during the 10:00 a.m. worship services. Parents are asked to please bring their children to the 2nd floor of our Education Building prior to service. Infants - 23 months meet in Rm. 221, and toddlers (2-3 year olds) meet in Rm. 222.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES: Please meet at 11:15 a.m. in the Loft (2nd floor of the Education Building). Today, Doug Johnson will be leading a discussion about forgiveness and grace.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP: Youth Group is at a new time! Come and join us on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for all the same fun, food, and fellowship at a new time! Reminder, youth group now starts at 6:00 p.m. and will end at 8:00 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS...

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MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCK-IN: Attention all middle school youth! The lock-in is here! Our middle school lock-in will be February 21-22, starting at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and ending at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. All 6th-8th grade youth and their friends are welcome to come. To sign-up or get more details, contact Doug Johnson at doug.johnson@ccovb.org or 772.469.2323.

HS YOUTH: TODAY, February 9th at 1:00 p.m., we will meet for appetizers and games at Big Shots Golf. See you there!

HS GIRLS SMALL GROUP: Come decorate Valentine cookies and make Valentine cards with us. We will meet in the Church Galley Kitchen at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 13th.

MUSIC AND FINE ARTS

CHOIR REHEARSALS: Calling all singers and ringers! No audition is required. All voice types and levels of musical experience are welcomed and encouraged! Chancel Choir rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Community Singers rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Handbell rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Andrew Galuska at andrew.galuska@ccovb.org or by telephone at 772.469.2306.

ANNOUNCEMENTS...

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Senior Minister Search Committee Report January 2020

To the Members of Community Church:

The Senior Minister Search Committee has been hard at work for a year – having been commissioned by the congregation in January 2019. We sincerely wish that we were in a position to give you a “final” report and recommendation, but we are not.

Our committee is comprised of nine individuals nominated by a special committee appointed by the Moderator and confirmed by the Church Council. We are five women and four men that span multiple generations in age and activity/church board involvement at Community Church, representing the congregation as a whole.

The very early portion of our work to date was spent creating a church profile. That effort consisted of extensive fact gathering and analysis, including a membership survey, to determine what it is we are actually seeking in a new Senior Minister by way of background, experience, leadership skills and personal characteristics. We decided early in the process to employ a search-consulting firm, the Vanderbloemen Group in Houston, to assist us in the effort. They do not do the job for us, but rather supplement what we are doing on a direct basis, while working with the United Church of Christ (UCC).

Once the work on our church profile was completed, our job opening was posted on Vanderbloemen’s website, as well as the national website of the UCC. Several weeks later, we began to receive candidate profiles (in depth histories of candidate’s work and life experiences). Our task has been to review and evaluate those profiles. For some, we could determine reasonably quickly that there was not a good match with the specifications we had established. For others, we wanted to learn more, and that led us to do further digging, questioning, internet sermon listening, etc. In some cases, it has led to telephonic/video conference interviews and follow-up discussions with potential candidates.

As part of the process, we have received a number of suggestions from members of the congregation as well as friends of our church. Each of these were researched and given to our consultants for further evaluation, and possible contact with the applicant to determine mutual interest.

Our committee has met many times, and continues to meet frequently as we review possible candidates. Despite having interviewed several highly qualified candidates, a finalist has not yet emerged. The members of the Search Committee have been diligent in their commitment to spend the necessary time outside of our regular meetings reviewing candidates and praying for discernment.

The Vanderbloemen Group, which specializes only in clergy, has evaluated well over one hundred potential candidates and has referred a small number of those to us for review – some of whom we have interviewed. Additionally, we have reviewed over forty candidates received through the UCC’s national website. This is an extraordinary church and finding the right leader takes time. Our ideal candidate will be without question, an outstanding preacher and so much more.

Community Church is what is often called a “purple church” (blue + red yields purple) – meaning, we bring together worshippers from many religious traditions, varied political viewpoints, left and right, and wide-ranging life experiences. This is our DNA and one of our significant strengths. This makes it especially important that we find a leader who can continue to unite us, along a broad middle ground, in the belief that “there is more that binds us together than separates us in the worship of God.” Just as important, our next Senior Minister must have the skills and the temperament to lead a large organization – managing staff, setting strategy, and keeping us financially healthy. This is a significant management job!

It is a privilege and an honor that our committee takes very seriously, as we seek the person to lead us through the new decade. As always, we ask for your continuing support, encouragement, and prayers.

For the Committee, David E Sams Jr, Chair Senior Minister Search Committee