first united church of oak park 19 august 2018

FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF OAK PARK

19 AUGUST 2018

An open community united in love and justice

PREPARING FOR WORSHIP

“Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.”

Abraham Joshua Heschel

*Please stand in body or spirit. Please silence cell phones.

GATHERING MUSIC Allegretto Franz Schubert

The Royal March of the Lion Camille Saint-Saens

(from Carnival of the Animals)

First United Woodwind Quintet

WELCOME Please sign and pass the black Connections pad. Deborah Kapp

*PASSING THE PEACE The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

*OPENING SONG Halle, Halle, Halle HALLE HALLE

GATHERING AS GOD’S PEOPLE

* CALL TO WORSHIP

When we are happy, when we are full of fun and laughter,

God welcomes us.

When we are searching, when we are full of ideas and questions,

God welcomes us.

When we are tired, when we need to stop and rest and wonder,

God welcomes us.

Alone, together, with friends, with family,

God welcomes us with love.

* HYMN Mothering God ANDREW

Back of the bulletin

PRAYER FOR WHOLENESS Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you:

You are gentle with us as a mother with her children.

Often you weep over our sins and our pride:

Tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment.

You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds:

In sickness you nurse us, and with pure milk you feed us.

Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life:

By your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.

Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness:

Through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.

Your warmth gives life to the dead:

Your touch makes sinners righteous.

SILENCE IS KEPT.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us:

In your love and tenderness remake us.

In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness:

For the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.

TIME OF SHARING Blessing of the Teachers and Blessing of the Backpacks Lydia Mulkey

BLESSING OF THE TEACHERS

We thank you, O God, for the ministry of education. Through the ministry of teaching we learn

about you, your creation, your trust in us to be your people, and your expectation that we will be

responsible stewards of all your gifts. We also learn, from the Holy Spirit and from our spiritual

ancestors, that we have things to learn. Priests, prophets, and wise counselors teach us through

the Hebrew scriptures. Evangelists, apostles, and letter-writers in the Christian scriptures teach

us of your love and forgiveness. Most of all, we learn from your living Word, Jesus the teacher.

That story, always fresh, comes to us through teachers.

We thank you now and offer you praise for the educational ministry of these teachers. Help us

to affirm and support them in the ministry of teaching. We pray this in the name of the child

who left his parents to sit and learn at the feet of rabbis in the temple, and at whose feet we

are all students. Amen.

*BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

Great Teacher, bless this backpack and bless this student.

May there be sharp pencils in this backpack that match this student’s sharp mind that is

ready to be challenged.

May there be big erasers in this backpack that match this student’s ability to see every mistake

as an opportunity for growth.

May there be notebooks with endless blank pages in this backpack that match this student’s

openness to new ideas.

Great Teacher, because we know there is much work to be done, may this backpack’s straps be

strong, its zipper free of jams, and its padding durable enough to meet the task.

And with this blessing, may this student find the strength to be ever learning, ever growing,

and ever a blessing to each person they meet.

We pray this, also, in the name of the child who left his parents to sit and learn at the feet of

rabbis in the temple, and at whose feet we are all students. Amen.

THIS IS MY STORY, THIS IS MY SONG Kathy Pederson

HYMN Be Thou My Vision SLANE


LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD TO US

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Deborah Kapp

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 1:3-12

SERMON Adopted

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Alicia Reese The joy of our Lord Jesus Christ, the compassion of God, and the creative power of the Holy Spirit be

with you all.

And also with you.

Let us pray: Source and sustainer of life, we cherish your creation. Water, earth, and sky are yours, as are

their inhabitants, wild and tame. We thank you for the creatures that nourish and serve us, befriend,

enrich, entertain, and protect us. May we, who are made in your image, care for them well.

God, you created all things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small. Bless the animals in

our midst today and bless the ones who stayed at home. May our care for them mirror your love

and be an example of your mercy. Grant these animals health and peace, now and in all their days.

During the following hymn, you may bring your animals for blessing:

[Name of animal] you were created by God, and you are loved by God. May you and your human family

continue to be a blessing to each other. Amen.

HYMN All Things Bright and Beautiful ROYAL OAK


RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

PRAYER OF DEDICATION Lydia Mulkey

OFFERTORY The Lord’s Prayer Albert Hay Malotte


*DOXOLOGY TALLIS’ CANON

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Christ, all people here below.

Praise Holy Spirit evermore;

Praise Triune God whom we adore. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER Alicia Reese

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.

GOING FORTH IN DEDICATION AND SERVICE

* HYMN All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir Bill StainesBack of the bulletin

OUR LIFE TOGETHER Deborah Kapp

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE

SENDING MUSIC Finale (from Carnival of the Animals) Camille Saint-Saens


TODAY AT FIRST UNITED

PLEASE RECYCLE your bulletin in one of the bins near the Sanctuary exits.

JOIN THE DEACONS for prayer and anointing in the chapel following Worship.

HEARING AMPLIFICATION DEVICES--INCLUDING T-COIL CABLES, LARGE PRINT BULLETINS,

BIBLES AND HYMNALS are available for use during worship. Please talk to a greeter to obtain these

items and return the amplification device to the greeter. Large print bibles and hymnals should be

returned to the table behind the middle pews.

THANKS TO THE FIRST UNITED WOODWIND QUINTET (Marilee Castaneda, flute; Louise Olivo-

Kier, oboe; Carl Nauert; clarinet; Melinda Robinson, french horn; Marge Rasmussen, bassoon) for

their special music in today’s service. We’ll see them later this year in worship and at November’s

Centennial Showcase performance.

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS: Please join us today and next Sunday, following morning

worship, for discussions about our congregation’s identity, purpose, mission, and the leadership we

need. These structured discussions, which will inform the work of the PNC, are held in the church

lounge from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 pm.

Today: Who is my neighbor? A discussion of demographics, diversity, and community needs.

August 26 (after the birthday party): What are some of the challenges we face as a congregation,

and what does that imply about the leadership we need?

HOSPITALITY IN WORSHIP - It takes many hands and hearts to make our worship pleasing in the

sight of God. We are grateful to our Worship and Music leaders and to those who provide Hospitality

through various ministries. This week we thank Lead Usher Nell Lurain; Greeters: Joanne Despotes,

Marilyn Kauffmann, Bob Larson & Kate Larson and Sanctuary Guild members Cindy Palombi and

Nina Roher. If you think one or more of these Hospitality Ministries would be a fit for you, please

contact Joanne Despotes at [email protected] or 708-209-1377.

COVER PHOTO: Dozens of common merganser ducklings following Mama on Lake Bemidji in

Minnesota. Credit Brent Cizek, New York Times, July 24, 2018.

EVENTS AND UPDATES

90+ BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! There will be a 90th + Birthday Party held in Centennial Hall on

Sunday, August 26th immediately following worship. Please come and help us celebrate all of those

who are turning 90 or older with delicious cake and fellowship.

BUILD CHICAGO 4TH SUNDAY OFFERING FOR AUGUST - BUILD is a leading gang intervention,

violence prevention, and youth development organization based in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Since 1969, BUILD has helped thousands of youth escape gangs and violence to become positive

leaders. BUILD focuses on youth who face steep obstacles, reaching over 3500 youth a year in Austin,

East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Hermosa, Logan Square, and Fuller Park. Programs include:

Block 51 Arts Academy, Brand BUILD, La Mesa Latina/Black Table, Girls 2 Women, Mayor’s

Mentoring Initiative, and the Strong Bodies Initiative. Please support BUILD next Sunday with your

4th Sunday offering.

WELCOME- We’re glad you joined us for worship. Learn about First United:

• Visit the welcome desk in the lounge or the visitor table in the narthex to receive more information

about the church and a gift to take home with you.

• Sign the registration pad when it’s passed. Include your email to receive our weekly e-news and

devotional!

• Speak with any greeter or minister or join us for coffee hour following worship.

• Contact Lydia Mulkey at 708.386.5215 or [email protected] for information about

Newcomers Gatherings and any additional questions.

ABOUT US - We are a union church of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ. We

seek to be an inclusive expression of Christ’s body celebrating our diversity while finding our unity in Christ.

We are a More Light/Open and Affirming congregation, committed to full inclusion of GLBTQ people in

membership & ministry.

ABOUT WORSHIP - Worship is our time to praise and grow closer to God. Worship each week includes

song, prayer, learning, silence and giving. If you have any questions about what we do, please ask a minister

or a member.

WORSHIP WITH CHILDREN - We welcome all children to participate fully in worship. Age-appropriate

worship activities and books are available as you enter the sanctuary. We offer safe, quality childcare and

quiet play for children five and under in our nursery (just off the lounge). Accompanied by a parent, these

children may leave after Time for Sharing.

RESTROOMS & WIFI - Accessible restrooms are located off the church lounge. Free Wireless Internet is

available in all areas of the building. Network: ‘FirstGuest’, password: ‘FirstUnited’.

GIVING - Offering envelopes are in the pew racks. You can also give one time or recurring gifts online at

www.firstunitedoakpark.com/giving.

http://www.firstunitedoakpark.com/giving

WEEKLY CALENDAR

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19

9:30 am Technology Help Desk

10:00 am Summer Worship

Blessings Sunday!

11:00 am Boundary Training

11:30 am Congregational Conversations

3:30 pm Outing to Chicago Sky Game

6:30 pm Summer Shelter Program

MONDAY, AUGUST 20

2:00 pm Food Pantry Volunteer

Orientation


6:30 pm Waging Peace meeting

7:00 pm Building & Grounds meeting

7:00 pm Nominating Comm. meeting

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21


7:00 pm Council meeting

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22


THURSDAY, AUGUST 23


FRIDAY, AUGUST 24


SATURDAY, AUGUST 25


SUNDAY, AUGUST 26

9:30 am Technology Help Desk

10:00 am Summer Worship Outside

Fourth Sunday Offering

11:00 am 90+ Birthday Party!

11:30 am Congregational Conversations

12:00 pm Church School Leader orientation

3:00 pm PFLAG


CONTACT THE FIRST UNITED OFFICE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 9 AM TO 5 PM

708.386.5215

Gene Armstrong, Council Moderator [email protected]

Barbara Metric, Council Clerk [email protected]

Deborah Kapp, Interim Lead Pastor (ext. 101) [email protected]

Lydia Mulkey, Associate Pastor of Education (ext. 103) [email protected]

Alicia Reese, Pastoral Assoc., Youth & Cong. Care (ext. 104) [email protected]

William Chin, Director of Music (ext. 108) [email protected]

Michael Surratt, Organist [email protected]

Amanda Swanson, Manager of Operations (ext. 102) [email protected]

Dennis Cobb, Administrative Assistant (ext. 100) [email protected]

Maureen Wheeler, Financial Consultant (ext. 106) [email protected]

Susan Samek, Financial Assistant (ext. 109) [email protected]

Keith Liesse, Manager of Building and Grounds [email protected]

First United Church Nursery School 708-848-4910, www.firstunitedschool.com

Housing Forward 708-338-1724, www.housingforward.org

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry 708-386-1324, www.oprffoodpantry.org

The Kid’s Kloset, children’s clothing ministry [email protected]

Cluster Tutoring 773-378-5530, www.clustertutoring.org

Pro Musica Youth Chorus 708-406-9597, www.promusicayouthchorus.org

Samaritan Counseling Center 847-446-6955, www.northshoresamaritan.org

http://www.promusicayouthchorus.org/

* HYMN Mothering God ANDREW

HYMN Be Thou My Vision SLANE

HYMN All Things Bright and Beautiful ROYAL OAK

* HYMN All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir Bill Staines

Chorus:

All God's critters got a place in the choir

Some sing low, some sing higher,

Some sing out loud on the telephone wires,

And some just clap their hands, or paws,

or anything they got now.

Verse 1

Listen to the bass, it's the one on the bottom

Where the bullfrog croaks and the

hippopotamus

Moans and groans with a big t'do

And the old cow just goes moo.

Chorus

Verse 2

The dogs and the cats they take up the middle

While the honeybee hums and the cricket

fiddles,

The donkey brays and the pony neighs

And the old coyote howls.

Chorus

Verse 3

Listen to the top where the little birds sing

On the melodies with the high notes ringing,

The hoot owl hollers over everything

And the jaybird disagrees.

Chorus

Verse 4

Singin' in the night time, singing in the day,

The little duck quacks, then he's on his way.

The 'possum ain't got much to say

And the porcupine talks to himself.

Chorus

Verse 5

It's a simple song of living sung everywhere

By the ox and the fox and the grizzly gear,

The grumpy alligator and the hawk above,

The sly raccoon and the turtle dove.

Chorus

first united church of oak park 19 august 2018

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