Welcome to Worship
The United Church of Gainesville – March 21, 2021
“Elemental”
This morning our worship service will premiere at 10am.
Please click here to begin.
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS – Larry Reimer
PRELUDE – “Air” from the “Water Music” (GF Handel) – offered by The Pool Deck Pandemic Players: Clarinet: Wendy Visscher, Cheryl Poe, Michael Plaut; Flute: Mary Fukuyama, Belle Sutton, Sally Simonis; Bass: Jackie Davis
GATHERING, PSALM 46 (New Revised Standard Version) – Sandy Reimer
Leader: Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change,
Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam
Though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
All: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Leader: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved.
All: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Be still and know that I am God.
Leader: God whispers to the heart, “Be still and know that I am within you.” (Stephen Mitchell)
All: Be still and know that I am within you.
Leader: Be still and know me.
Be still and know that I am what the nations grope toward.
I am the earth’s desire…
Our defense is in the silent center of things. (Norman Fischer)
All: Be still and know me.
“Be Still My Soul” – Solo, Adam Hill
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN – Ashley Pennypacker Hill
God’s Quiet Things, by Rick Stevens
Singing Together – “O Great Spirit, Earth and Sky and Sea
You are inside, and all around me.”
PRAYER CONCERNS – Sandy Reimer
Choral Response – Taize’ Confitemini Domino – Tane’ will play this once. Then we will sing it twice with Talia Raymond leading us.
Confitemini Domino quo ni am bonus.
Confitemini Domino, Alleluia.
(Come and Fill Our Hearts with your peace.)
SCRIPTURE – Psalm 46 (Stephen Mitchell)
God is our refuge and strength, our safety in times of trouble.
We are calm though the whole earth trembles
and the cliffs fall into the sea.
Our trust is in the Unnamable, the God who makes all things right.
Come see what the Lord has created,
the miracles God does for humankind.
God puts an end to our wars and snaps our weapons like twigs.
God offers us abundance and peace, to the ends of the earth.
God whispers to the heart, “Be still and know that I am within you.”
Our trust is in the Unnamable, the God who makes all things right.
Mark 4:35-41 – And Jesus rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still.”
READING – Dag Hammerskjold, in Markings – “When the conflicting currents of the unconscious create engulfing whirlpools, the water can be guided again into a single current, if the dam sluice be opened into the channel of prayer, and if that channel has been dug deep enough.”
SERMON – “A Psalm that Stills the Stormy Waters” – Larry Reimer
PRAYER
Be still and know that I am God…
Be still and know that I am…
Be still and know that I…
Be still and know…
Be still…
Be…
*HYMN – “Be Still My Soul” – Please sing along with Adam Hill.
Be still my soul: for God is on your side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
in every change God faithful will remain.
Be still my soul: your best eternal friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
*BENEDICTION – Unison
God is our refuge and strength
a very present help in trouble…
Be still and know that I am God.
CHORAL RESPONSE: The Peace of the Earth:
The peace of the earth be with you, the peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you, the peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you.
God’s peace growing in you.
POSTLUDE – “Beethoven Sonata” Tane’ Dekrey
Here are the UCG friends celebrating a birthday this week.
Happy Birthday!
| Suzanne | Stapleton | 03/21 |
| Victoria | Ward | 03/21 |
| Bonnie | Smith | 03/22 |
| Mary | Young | 03/22 |
| Reese | Trosper | 03/23 |
| Amanda | DeMouey | 03/24 |
| Elana | Dewey | 03/24 |
| Sarah | Fitzpatrick | 03/25 |
| Sarah | Jennings | 03/25 |
| Sebastian | Seubert | 03/26 |
| Elizabeth | Husband | 03/27 |
| Ned | Stewart | 03/27 |
Sunday Schedule
Sunday Seminar at 11:15am – “However Known” – Our UCG Compact calls us to follow the way of Jesus, while worshipping God ‘however known.’ Andy Bachmann and Maureen Killoran will explore how grounding ourselves in our Compact can empower us to represent an effective alternative to the current message of the Christian Right. Join here. Meeting ID: 829 6457 0385, Passcode: 1624.
Please also join us at 12:30pm for Congregational Coffee Hour. Larry will be available on our Zoom account to talk and share about the online worship experience, or whatever else is on your mind! Join here. Meeting ID: 875 0792 2974 Passcode: 1624
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Announcements
Palm Sunday, March 28, will see a return to in-person worship at UCG, though that return will be marked by a number of important features laid out by our COVID response team. More here
Help Needed: Greeters for UCG’s Upcoming Services – Are you available to smile lovingly from behind your mask and greet UCG members with your best elbow bump? We’ve agreed it’s time to get together again – with Sunday outdoor in-person services beginning Palm Sunday (March 28) and Easter (April 4) and extending throughout the month of April. Click here for more information or email Dar Mikula at denalidar@gmail.com or call (352)359-4041 and we can have a conversation about your important role as a welcoming presence at UCG.
One Great Hour of Sharing Throughout Lent – One Great Hour of Sharing is an offering that is received by United Church of Christ congregations during the season of Lent for the purpose of meeting needs around the world. Please support this important initiative through a check mailed to UCG or online. Thank you for your generous support.
Lent at UCG
Lenten Devotional Booklet – with daily readings, as well as a bag of intentional items, to guide you through your Lenten journey, are available. More
Thursdays at Noon Live Devotional – More
Labyrinth Walks – Tuesdays and Thursdays during Lent. More
Devotional for Families with Children – 20 minute Lenten session, Sundays in Lent on Zoom at 5pm. More info or click here to join. Meeting ID: 891 5904 4033 Password: 2021
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If you are a regular supporter through our collected offering, please consider making your donation now. Our budgeted (anticipated) amount of Plate Income for 2021 is $36,000, 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. Thank you for your support!
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Please note: While the Church Office remains closed due to Covid-19, we are still available by phone or email from 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday.
