Welcome to Worship

February 20, 2022
Between You and Me

 Join us here for a live-stream beginning at 9:15am

There are many kinds of power, used and unused, acknowledged or otherwise…
– Audre Lorde 

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan

PRELUDE – “The Very Thought of You” The Jazz Bandits
Kali Blount, Stella Bachmann, vocals; Myles Sullivan, guitar; Mary Fukuyama, flute; Ed Haukland, drums; Jackie Davis, bass

Setting the Stage – I did think, let’s go about this slowly by Mary Oliver – Tom Bittikoffer and Catherine Cake

I did think, let’s go about this slowly.
This is important. This should take
some really deep thought. We should take
small thoughtful steps.
But, bless us, we didn’t.

OPENING SONG -“The Gift of Love” 

TIME WITH CHILDREN

INTERLUDE – “Fever” The Jazz Bandits

SCRIPTURE LESSON – Matthew 16:25 – Rev. Andy Bachmann
This short verse also appears in the Gospel of Luke. In both, Jesus is preparing the disciples for how things will likely go once they reach Jerusalem.  He anticipates suffering, and resurrection, and suggests to them that following him requires some sacrifice, and risk. Peter, in particular, argues, “Lord, no, this must never happen to you,” but Jesus insists, noting:

“For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”

READING -from The Body’s Grace by Rowan D. Williams, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury:

“Why does sex matter? Most people know that sexual intimacy is in some ways frightening for them, that is quite simply the place where they began to be taught whatever maturity they have. Most of us know that the whole business is irredeemably comic, surrounded by so many odd chances and so many opportunities for making a fool of yourself. Plenty know that it is the place where they are liable to be most profoundly damaged or helpless. Culture in general and religion in particular have devoted enormous energy to the doomed task of getting it right.”

It’s a doomed task, but Williams takes it up, because sex does matter, and somehow, he contends, matters to God. This ‘mattering’ is bound up in grace, in the body’s grace.

“Grace,” he continues,” is a transformation that depends in large part on knowing yourself to be seen in a certain way: as significant; as wanted…. Life in Christian community has as its rationale… the task of teaching us to so order our relations that human being may see themselves as desired, as the occasion of joy.”

SERMON – “Fools Rush In” – Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan

SUNG RESPONSE AND OFFERTORY – “Ubi Caritas”
Philip will play through once and we will join in singing through two more times.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE -Rev. Andy Bachmann        

SUNG RESPONSE- “Ubi Caritas”

BENEDICTION

ALLELUIA

POSTLUDE – “Cheek to Cheek” -The Jazz Bandits

Announcements

United Tribes – This week the Tribes will continue our exploration of First Corinthians, specifically how love keeps no record of wrongs. At the request of the children, we will process ways to embrace and experience forgiveness with our friends and family.

Sunday Seminar – Sunday Seminar – “Russia and the Ukraine: Prelude to War?” with UCG member Fletcher Crowe.  A specialist on Russian involvement in the Black Sea, Dr. Crowe received his PhD in Soviet History from Florida State University and wrote his dissertation on the Soviet Union’s involvement in the Black Sea and the Ukraine. In this talk he will trace the historical connection of Russia with the Ukraine, showing why Vladimir Putin wants the Ukraine back, and why Putin fears being surrounded by NATO. Join us in Reimer Hall or on YouTube. In Reimer Hall or live streamed here.

Spring Small Group Registration ends today, February 20 – Signing up for one of our small groups is a great way to make some friendly connections with your fellow UCG’ers while enhancing your life through one of our amazing offerings. Here is a list of our offerings and the link to register.

The United Church of Gainesville is welcoming new members! If you’ve been thinking about joining this community of spiritual and open minded people, our next orientation is on Wednesday, February 23 at 5:30 pm. Please reach out to Shanna Swiers if you’d like to learn more about UCG during this evening hosted by the Board of Membership. We hope to see you there!

The church office will be closed on Monday, February 21 in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Lenten Booklet Submissions NEEDED – It’s time again to gather writings, art, and reflections for the 2022 Lenten booklet. Our theme this year is “Broken Heroes.” Please send your favorite writings, original pieces, visual art, or photography to Taylor Williams by Monday, February 21. **Please send any art as a jpg file, and embed your writing in the email if possible, or as a Word doc attachment for easy copy and pasting into the booklet. Thank you in advance for your contributions.

Please bring suggested donations for the “Gift Bags for the Homeless” project during the church services on Sunday, February 27 or drive-by between 10:30 am and 1:00pm. For early donations during the week of February 20th, staff can open Seminar B Monday – Friday from 9am-4:30pm. Your gifts will brighten the lives of homeless people at GRACE Marketplace and St. Francis House! Click here for a list of suggested items to include.

Please join us Sunday, February 27 for a closing reception for Peggy Mixon‘s art exhibit in the UCG library. She is displaying her pastel, oil, and watercolor paintings. We hope you can join us to enjoy her truly exquisite paintings. We will be in the library right after the 9:15 service.

Next Sunday, February 27
LifeSouth Blood Drive – 9am – 1pm

9:00am                  Childcare 
9:15 & 11:15am      Worship – Talia Raymond
9:30am                   United Tribes 
10:15am                 Fellowship & Beverages
Youth Groups
10:30am                  Giftbags for the Homeless Drive-By
11:00am                  Puzzlers

Sunday Drive-Up Assistance Now Available – Volunteers are available to assist disabled persons from the apron in front of the UCG courtyard into the Sanctuary.  Please call or text Dar Mikula (352-359-4041) directly ahead of time to make arrangements and we’ll meet you out front.

Please help keep our church finances healthy while you stay healthy!  Please consider donating online when we cannot be together in person.  To GIVE,  click here  to make a one-time donation to UCG -or- to set up a recurring donation schedule via your bank account or credit card.  Here  is a video on how to use Shelby Giving.