Welcome to Worship
The United Church of Gainesville – March 7, 2021
“Elemental”
Fire
This morning our worship service will premiere at 10am.
Please click here to begin.
Opening and Welcome – Andy Bachmann
Invocation
Speak to me of dreams,
The inspiring kind that culls the night’s work to wisdom
And lights fresh flames of delight in my mind.
Speak to me of hope,
The hope that turns from tinder
to spark
to flame
Signaling a warmth and a depth of breath too impossible to name
Speak to me of kindness
Kindling for a life worth living; food for the flame that will
Grow and will glow, giving off warmth and light and love
And speak to me of ashes
The remnant of life’s lived folly framed in gray dust
Disintegrating with a single touch, turning our thoughts
To thanks, to praise, to possibility
Special music – “The Look of Light,” by Zach Neece. Offered by harpist Olivia Jageurs.
Time with the Children – Prescribed Fire with Dr. Tim Martin
Prayer Concerns- Talia Raymond
Sung response
Within our darkest night, you kindle the fire that never dies away, never dies away
Within our darkest night, you kindle the fire that never dies away
How to Light a One Match Fire – with Andy Bachmann
Readings – Bromleigh McCleneghan
We are fire. Fire is the energy of the universe, the source of power and new life. In my thoughts burn the fires of the original eruption of life; in my emotions, lightning flashes; in my love, new life is conceived. I participate in power. I share in the energy of the universe, to keep warm, to fuel my body, to create my relationships. I am fire. This is my power. ~ Daniel Martin
From the Book of Exodus
While Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, he led the flock to the western side of the desert and came to the mountain of God, Horeb. Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire, rising out of a bush. He looked, and there was the bush burning with fire without being consumed…God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” Here I am he said.
Sermon- “The Fire Inside,” Andy Bachmann
Closing Song – “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.
Here are the UCG friends celebrating a birthday this week.
Happy Birthday!
| Heather Hall | Frenchman | 03/07 |
| Lisa | McElwee-White | 03/07 |
| Dylan | Klempner | 03/07 |
| Ella | Bittikoffer | 03/08 |
| Margee | Rymal | 03/08 |
| Mary-Ellen | Cross | 03/10 |
| Shawn | Larson | 03/11 |
| Cathy | Persons | 03/11 |
| Jilaina | Harris | 03/12 |
| Sara | Kirk | 03/13 |
| Anne | Bonneville | 03/13 |
Sunday Schedule
Compassion in Action Drive-By Collection Event – TODAY from 11am-1pm. We will be accepting food donations for Gainesville Community Ministries (non-perishable) and personal care items for Gainesville Area Aids Project. Here is a list of suggested items for GAAP collection. Thank you for your generous participation!
Sunday Seminar at 11:15am – “Why Do Evangelicals Support Trump?” presented by Dr. David Hackett, Professor of Religion at UF and UCG member. The consensus reason for this, among academics who study it, is that this is a white, nationalist movement that legitimates itself through a willing contemporary dominant corruption of evangelical Christianity. Why so many endorse that the election was “rigged”, for example, has nothing to do with reasoned arguments and everything to do with the fears of a large and embattled white, nationalist, evangelical minority. Join here. Meeting ID: 829 6457 0385, Passcode: 1624.
Please also join us at 12:30pm for Congregational Coffee Hour. Andy 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
Women’s Retreat “Reset and Reemerge,” Saturday, March 13, 1-5:30pm, via Zoom. Click here for more information and to register. Free.
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.