The United Church of Gainesville – August 23, 2020

If you would like to watch the service as a playlist, please click here and you will be directed to our YouTube page. If you prefer, you may click on the individual links below at your own pace.

“Even though I know there’s hope in every morning song, you have to find that melody alone.” – The Avett Brothers. From the song, “Morning Song”

Welcome and Time with Children

Time with Children – “There Ain’t No Bugs on Me,” offered by Andy and Stella Bachmann.

Hey kids, join us for activity time!

Prayerful Meditation – “When Darkness Falls” – To the tune of Tallis Canon. Words by Caitlin Matthews. Offered by Tane DeKrey.

When darkness falls on every side,
when hatred stains the hurting heart,
to you, we call, most powerful Guide,
to kindle now the precious spark.

Lift high the lantern’s living light,
that mercy’s song may on us fall.
Wayshower, in uncharted night,
shed your dear light upon us all.

Meditation, Prayers, Readings and Scripture

The Prayers of the People- Talia Raymond

Readings and Scripture- offered by Ashley Pennypacker Hill and Pam Smith

“It is so important not to let ourselves off the hook or to become apathetic or cynical by telling ourselves that nothing works, that nothing makes a difference.
Every day, light your small candle.
The inactions and actions of many human beings over a long time contributed to the crises our children face, and it is the action and struggle of many human beings over time that will solve them.
So every day, light your small candle.” ~ Marian Wright Edelman, Guide My Feet

When Jesus talked about the kingdom of God, he was not prophesying about some easy, danger-free perfection that will someday appear. He was talking about a state of being, a way of living at ease among the joys and sorrows of our world. It is possible, he said, to be as simple and as beautiful as the birds of the sky or the lilies of the field, who are always within the eternal Now.

This state of being is not something alien or mystical. We don‟t need to earn it. It is already ours. Most of us lose it as we grow up and become self- conscious, but it doesn’t disappear forever. It is always there to be reclaimed, though we have to search hard in order to find it.

If we need reminding, we can always sit at the feet of our young children. They, because they haven’t yet developed a firm sense of past and future, accept the infinite abundance of the present with all their hearts, in complete trust. Entering the kingdom of God means feeling as if we were floating in the womb of the universe, cared for always, at every moment. ~ Stephen Mitchell, The Gospel According to Jesus, Harper Collins New York, 1991

From Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 5:1-11- from the Edgar J. Goodspeed translation.

When he saw the crowds of people he went up on the mountain. There he seated himself, and when his disciples had come up to him, he opened his lips to teach them. And he said,

“Blessed are those who feel their spiritual need, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them!

Blessed are the mourners, for they will be consoled!

Blessed are the humble-minded, for they will possess the land!

Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for uprightness, for they will be satisfied!

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy!

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called God’s children!

Blessed are those who have endured persecution for their uprightness, for the Kindom of Heaven belongs to them!

Sermon, Blessing, and Alleluia

Sermon – “Setting Intentions”- Andy Bachmann 

Here are the UCG friends celebrating a birthday this week.
Happy Birthday!

Jenny Vogel             08/23

RD Bonnaghan        08/23

Connie Caldwell       08/24

Maureen Killoran      08/24

Susan McNiel           08/25

Laura Watanabe       08/25

Nicholas Thoburn     08/26

Susan Austin            08/27

Chris Ribe                08/28

Greg Whitford           08/28

Roland Delisle          08/29

Brandt Frenchman    08/29

—

Sunday Seminars – Join us this morning!

Sunday Seminar, August 23 at 11:15am – “HURRICOVID” – The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season is well underway. As we move closer to the peak of hurricane season, learn what you should do to be prepared as we navigate the potential for a hurricane in the middle of a pandemic. Jen Grice, Assistant Director of Emergency Management for Alachua County, will share the challenges and possible solutions to staying safe and healthy in the event Alachua County experiences a tropical impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join here! If the link does not work, you can enter this Meeting ID:829 6457 0385.

Sunday Seminar, August 23 at 12:30pm – Holy Zoom. Andy Bachmann will be available on our Zoom account to talk and share. He’ll be prepared to talk about the online worship experience, but with no set agenda other than hoping to see your faces and have a chance to touch base. Join here! If the link does not work, you can enter this Meeting ID:875 0792 2974.

—

Important Announcements

Gathering of Waters has been a meaningful worship service for all of our members every August. This year we are living up to our motto, “It’s not like this every Sunday.” We invite you to bring your water to UCG on the designated dates and times below. We will record you and your family pouring your water, and this recording will be used during the virtual worship service on Sunday, August 30th. Choose waters of Homecoming, Healing, Peace or Power and indicate this when you use this sign-up link to choose your drop-off time.

Please note: wear your mask, stay 6 feet apart on specially marked X’s, and wash your hands before you come! You can remove your mask to tell us where the waters are coming from, but please put it back on as you exit. This event will occur outside in the courtyard. Times available are: Monday 8/25 from 1130AM – 130PM, or Tuesday 8/25 from 5:30 -7:30PM. PLEASE SIGN UP AS THERE WILL BE A MAXIMUM LIMIT!

SAVE THE DATE!: “Back to School Blessing” Sunday, August 30 from 9:30-11am. Rev. Talia Raymond and Keri Trosper will facilitate a drive-through blessing in our east parking lot for you and your families before the start of the school year. This is open to all children and youth, Preschool-12th Grade. Come and receive a blessing and a gift as you begin your school year, however known!
THE DEADLINE IS TODAY! – Small Group Leaders Needed! Please submit your ideas for ADULT SMALL GROUPS, and we can meet by Zoom. Click here to submit your ideas.

 

—

If you are a regular supporter through our collected offering, please consider making your donation now.  Our budgeted (anticipated) amount of Plate Income for 2020 is $40,000, so we rely on the weekly passing of the plate. To GIVE, click here to make a one-time donation to UCG -or- to set up a recurring donation via your bank account or credit card click here.  Thank you for your support.

—

Please note: While the Church Office remains closed, we are still available by phone or email from 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday.