United Church of Gainesville
Sunday, August 6, 2023 – 10 a.m.

“Resistance!”

Our live stream begins at 10:00 a.m. Click here to join

“Healing is not a product that can be bought and sold.” -Amy Kenny

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan

AN INVITATION FROM OUR BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:

Board of Parish Ministry – Pam Smith
Compassion in Action – Candice King
Small Groups Committee – Jeff Shapiro and friends
The Re-Mod Squad – Liz Harvey

PRELUDE – Phillip Herr-Klepacki

INVOCATION – Chad McGinnis

HYMN – “In the Midst of New Dimensions,” #391 UCC Hymnal, vs. 1, 2, 4 & 5

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN – “Sometimes People March,” by Tessa Allen

LITURGY OF BLESSING FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR  

ONE: God of fresh starts and new beginnings, we bring ourselves, our big feelings, and our hopes for the school year to you.

ALL: As these beloved children return to school, they will carry blank pages, sharpened pencils, and pointy crayons, and in their hearts, they will carry big feelings, unanswered questions, and hopeful expectations.  

ONE: There are endless possibilities of what this new year might bring to us all —  of what we might learn, who we might meet, and who we might become. Give them strength to do their best and persistence to keep trying, and help them remember that practicing kindness and compassion with yourself and others is also part of a day’s work.

ALL: God, our friend who is always with us, be with these children through it all. Be with them as they ride the bus. Be with them as they walk. Be with them as they buckle seat belts, zip up jackets, and tie shoes. However they get there, and whatever they wear, bless this journey into something new. Keep them safe and in good health, and may they remember that they are not alone and loved always.

ONE: For the grown-ups going back to school, With-Us God, be with them too. Thank you for teachers, helpers, caregivers, and leaders, and for all they do to help others learn and grow. Thank you for their integrity and their courage, their love of the truth and love of your children. God, our friend who’s full of wonder, fill their hearts and bless their hands.

ALL:   And may each of us bless others — with kindness, with curiosity, with love — as you have blessed us. Amen. 

BIRTHDAYS 

INTERLUDE

READING – from “Sanctuary” by Heidi Neumark – Rev. Talia Raymond

“People come to Trinity because praying and singing with others still uplifts the spirit and stirs the soul. They come to share in the company of others doing what can’t be done as well alone – like sheltering those without homes – or finding such shelter. They come to hear what one congregant likes to call ‘impolite preaching,’ which another says ‘points straight through the bullshit of doctrine where rules overrun right and justice and grace.’ And they come because of the words of Jesus: ‘where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them’ (Matthew 18:20). That promise, I see over and over at Trinity, takes flesh as we commune with bread and wine and with one another.”

SPECIAL MUSIC AND OFFERTORY – “Till We Reach that Day,” from Ragtime, music by S. Flaherty and lyrics by L. Ahrens – UCG Choir, directed by Phillip Herr-Klepacki

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SCRIPTURE READING – Luke 8:43-48 – Allan March

SERMON – “Communities of Resistance,” Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan

SHARING HOLY COMMUNION

All are welcome to receive the elements, or not, as each is so moved. The bread and cup of grape juice will be passed through the rows. When the basket of bread comes to you, take a piece before offering the basket to your neighbor. When the cup is passed to you, dip your bread into the juice before eating. This ancient practice is called “intinction.”

HYMN OF RECEIVING – “For Everyone Born,” vs. 1-3

PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING

CLOSING HYMN – “For Everyone Born,” vs. 5

BENEDICTION

“ALLELUIA”

On the worship center, a bonsai tree representing “resistance” is displayed.

 

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