United Church of Gainesville
Sunday, June 2, 2024 – 10 a.m.
Spirituality, However Known
Our livestream begins here at 10 a.m.
As-salamu alaykum (May Peace Be Upon You)
WELCOME, INTRODUCTION, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – Rev. Talia Raymond
UCG STORY CORPS
PRELUDE – offered by Connie Caldwell, Djembe, Mary Fukuyama, Frame Drum, and Shirell Hix, Bamboo Flute
CALL TO WORSHIP – Rev. Talia Raymond
ONE: When the way is difficult and dangerous,
ALL: Let us still choose what is good and just.
One: When evil comes to break us down and break us apart,
ALL: Let us still choose to carry on with each other.
One: When power from on high strikes fear in our hearts,
ALL: Let us still choose the courage to persist.
One: For we know that the love and power of God, which abides in us, will not be overcome. Amen.
OPENING SONG – “God of Grace and God of Glory”
God of grace and God of glory,
On thy people pour thy power.
Crown thine ancient church’s story,
Bring the bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
Lo! the clouds of evil ’round us,
Hide thy brightness from our gaze
From the fears that long have bound us,
Free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
Cure thy children’s warring madness,
Teach us good and peaceful goals.
Shame our proud and selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
In our seeking to be whole,
in our seeking to be whole.
Fill us with a living vision,
Heal our wounds that we may be
Bound as one beyond division
In the journey to be free.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Ears to hear and eyes to see,
ears to hear and eyes to see.
TIME WITH CHILDREN AND BIRTHDAYS – Imam Ismaeel Malik and Rev. Talia Raymond
INTERLUDE AND OFFERING – “All Play”, offered by Connie Caldwell and Mary Fukuyama, Percussion, Shirell Hix, Piano, Nan Ryan, Mini Handpan.
Your gifts support all facets of the UCG community. You can also give online: bit.ly/ucgplate.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Rev. Ellen Ribe
BLESSING OF FAREWELL for Barbara Kelleher
MUSIC FOR MEDITATION – Offered by Connie Caldwell and Mary Fukuyama, Drums, Shirell Hix, Native American Flute, Nan Ryan, Handpan
QURAN RECITATION AND SERMON – “Phenomenological Gems from ‘Eid Al-Adhā” – Imam Malik
CLOSING SONG – “Servant Song”
Neighbor, let me be your servant
Let me be as grace to you
Pray that I may have the grace
To let you be my servant, too
We are pilgrims on a journey
We are neighbors on the road
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load
I will hold the grace light for you
In the night-time of your fear
I will hold my hand out to you
Speak the peace you long to hear
I will weep when you are weeping
When you laugh’ I’ll laugh with you
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through
BENEDICTION – Imam Malik
ALLELULIA
POSTLUDE – “All Play” (Reprise), offered by Connie Caldwell and Mary Fukuyama, Percussion, Shirell Hix, Piano, Nan Ryan, Mini Handpan
Many thanks to our guest speaker, Imam Ismaeel Malik. Imam Malik was born in Chicago and raised on Long Island, New York. Imam Malik has traveled far and wide learning from the school of life. Having lived and studied for over a decade in Saudi Arabia and having enjoyed nine summers leading the Muslim community in the beautiful city of Reykjavík, Iceland, Imam Malik believes we learn and grow especially when we march out of our comfort zones with an open and loving heart and mind. He graduated with two degrees in Islamic Studies (in Arabic and in Quranic and Hadeeth Sciences) and is also a certified ESL teacher for adults. He had the honor of visiting Jerusalem and the Holy Land (I/P) four times, two of the times leading night prayers as a guest imām in the world-renowned Dome of Rock Mosque. Imam Malik enjoys teaching students of all ages, as he has been a full-time Islamic Studies teacher for all three levels of early education, as well as a Faculty Advisor for MUN (Model United Nations) students at various conferences.
Here are our UCG friends celebrating a birthday this week!
|
Wes Clark |
Gullidge Durant |
06/03 06/04 |
|
Priscilla |
Arinson |
06/05 |
|
Barbara |
Rienzo |
06/06 |
|
Alan |
Keitt |
06/07 |
|
Cindy |
Martin |
06/08 |
****************ANNOUNCEMENTS******************
Food First Sunday
10 a.m. Worship Service
10:15 a.m. Activity Time
11 a.m. Fellowship & Beverages
11:15 a.m. Story Corps
Ask the Leadership
11:30 a.m. Relational Collage Art Workshop
Food First – Since the beginning of 2024, UCG’s congregation has donated 1,409 pounds or .73 tons of food to Gainesville Community Ministry’s (GCM) Food Pantry! GCM reports that they especially need the following items currently: canned meats including tuna and chicken, instant oatmeal, canned fruit, raisins, and salad dressings. Thank you for your generous support for those in our community facing hunger. If you prefer to donate online, click here.
Story Corps – Tell YOUR UCG Story! This summer’s UCG activity inspired by NPR’s Story Corp is here and you can be a part of it. We will be recording stories of your seminal experiences today at UCG. See the sign-up sheet and sample questions at the Story Cycle in the courtyard. Additional storytelling dates are June 16, June 30, July 14, and July 21.
Ask the Leadership – After the service, look for the new “Ask the Leadership” table in the courtyard. The Moderator and other church leaders will take turns at the table each Sunday to answer questions and provide updates on UCG activities. You’re welcome to stop by, grab a seat, and get an update on church happenings.
Me, You, Us: Relational Collages with Helda Montero at 11:30 a.m. in Reimer Hall – Col·lage (/kəˈläZH/): a technique of composing a work of art by pasting on a single surface various materials not normally associated with one another; a work of art produced by this technique; an assemblage or occurrence of diverse elements or fragments in unlikely or unexpected juxtaposition. Imagine a collage as a 2D representation of the work of constructing the people we are. There are the pieces that we begin with, that we nurture and shape as a reflection of our inner selves. There are also pieces that we borrow from others. This is work that we do alone and within the connections we hold in our lives. Similarly, we will create and co-create a representation of where we are now and where we hope to grow towards through building off each other’s work. To allow ample time for a reflective and unhurried experience, this workshop will last 90 minutes. No art experience is needed. All materials will be provided.
Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan’s Response – Leadership asked Rev. Bromleigh to write a follow-up to questions from the Town Hall. Read her response at bit.ly/RevBromleighResponse or request a paper copy in the office.
Leadership Survey – The results of the Leadership Survey (collected through last Wednesday) were presented at the Congregational Meeting on Sunday. However, the survey is still open for your responses to be considered going forward: go to bit.ly/UCGSurveyLead to offer input if you have not already done so. The survey asks participants to rate the church and church leadership. If your rating is 5 or lower, you will be asked to provide 1-2 specific suggestions that would increase your rating. Printed copies of the survey are available in the Church Office if you prefer a paper version.
Leadership Summit – Sunday, June 9 from 5-8 p.m. in Reimer Hall. Typically, this event is for incoming Board and Committee Chairs to help them get acquainted with their new roles and to vision together for the year ahead. This year we would like to invite anyone interested! Our theme is “Every Member is a Leader.” We will spend time in fellowship through a potluck, learn more about how our church is governed, consider strategies for communication in times of conflict, and share our needs as a church community. Childcare will be available. Please RSVP on the bulletin board outside the office or online at bit.ly/lsummit24 by Wednesday, June 5.
Summer of Congregational Renewal – The Congregation-Ministry Review Board and the Renewal Subcommittee have spent the past several months preparing for the sabbatical of Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan. They have put together a series of speakers, events, and activities: picnics and ice cream, guest preachers and spiritual exploration. Schedules are available at bit.ly/sumrenew24 or in the foyer.
Next Sunday, June 9
10 a.m. Worship Service with Rev. Rik Stevenson
10:15 a.m. Activity Time
11 a.m. Fellowship & Beverages
11:15 a.m. Art in the Library Reception
11:30 a.m. UCG Concentric Connections (see below)
5 p.m. Leadership Summit
6 p.m. SG: Sacred Sound Symphony
UCG Concentric Connections: Reconnecting With Each Other – Sunday, June 9 at 11:30 a.m. Time flies. So much has happened in our lives. Are there folks you haven’t talked to in a while? See new faces you would like to get to know better? Come connect with each other during this fun and interactive activity.
Pardon Our Dust! – Seminar Room A is under construction! Get ready for a “Reveal” in mid-June.
Camp UCG summer camp July 22-26. Information and registration at bit.ly/campUCG2024.
