We hope this finds you well. We all know this is not the ideal way we would like to gather as a community, yet we feel the need to remain prudent in light of the current situation with COVID-19.That said, we have enjoyed the new sparks of creativity inspired in us, and our hope is that you can find comfort, inspiration, and a moment of sacred pause in this busy and anxious time.
Below you will find the bulletin for the service—with links to videos for you to participate:
WELCOME TO WORSHIP, A CALL TO WORSHIP, and a TIME FOR PRAYER
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“Empower me to be a bold participant, rather than a timid saint in waiting, in the difficult ordinariness of now; to exercise the authority of honesty, rather than to defer to power, or deceive to get it; to influence someone for justice, rather than impress anyone for gain and, by grace, to find treasures of joy, of friendship, of peace hidden in the fields of the daily you give me to plow.”
-Ted Loder
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It could be
Weeds in a vacant lot -or-
A few small stones.
Just PAY ATTENTION
And string a few words together; it doesn’t have to be elaborate—
this isn’t a CONTEST, but a doorway into thanks, and a silence,
into which another voice may enter.
-“Praying,” by Mary Oliver.
by Cindy Martin, flute.
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Matthew 4:1-11, The Temptations of Jesus –
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Reflection—Calculating Risk, by Andy Bachmann
Our readers are Jane Day, Dominic Durante, Christoph Seubert and Sue Littell. Our musicians are Tané DeKrey and Cindy Martin.
Friends,
We are in the midst of extraordinary times—as always, we count on your support to further our inclusive outreach. Our in-person collections during worship contribute over $40,000 a year to help sustain the work we know to be essential to fulfilling the UCG Compact. As we are not congregating in person this Sunday, please consider making a donation. If you feel so called, create a recurring donation by checking “make this gift recurring” to help ensure our continued good work.
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We hope you find inspiration in this service today. Stay informed at ucgainesville.org.
May these days of unknowing lead to paths of wisdom and peace.