Welcome to Worship
The United Church of Gainesville
First Sunday in Advent
Hope
Sunday, November 28, 2021 – 9:15
Join us here for a live-stream of Sunday Worship beginning at 9:15am.
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS- Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan
PRELUDE MUSIC – Phillip Herr-Klepacki
CALL TO WORSHIP
From Ruth C. Duck
In the advent seasons, when the past has fled, unasked, away
And there is nothing left to do but wait, God, shelter us.
Be our surrounding darkness;
Be fertile soil
Out of which hope springs
In due time.
In uncertain times,
Help us to greet the dawn
And labor on, love on,
In faith awaiting your purpose
Hid in you
Waiting to be born
In due time.
SINGING TOGETHER – “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE – Danielle, Eric, and Lucia Nelson
Today is the first Sunday of Advent: we light the candle of Hope.
SUNG RESPONSE- “Prepare the Way of the Lord”
Phillip will play it through once and then we will join in singing the song twice through.
TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN – Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Rev. Talia Raymond
PRAYER RESPONSE – “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” vs. 6
O Come, O Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by your advent here;
Love stir within the womb of night,
And death’s own shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
SCRIPTURE READING – Luke 21:25-33
‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’
Then Jesus told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
READING – “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.” – St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (354-430)
SERMON- “Hopeful and Agitated” Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan
CLOSING SONG – “People, Look East ”
BENEDICTION
ALLELUIA
Here are the UCG friends celebrating a birthday this week!
Happy Birthday!
| Art | Crummer | 11/29 |
| Carol | Barron | 12/01 |
| Max | Archer | 12/02 |
| Fred | Gregory | 12/03 |
| Adriane | Isenberg | 12/03 |
| Thatcher | Morse | 12/03 |
| Harper | Fitzpatrick | 12/04 |
Sunday Seminar
Sunday, November 21 at 10:30am –Stories Matter, Especially Yours – in Reimer Hall and live streamed on YouTube here. In this seminar we will consider how our stories help shape our lives and may shape the lives of others. We will utilize stories around Advent and Christmas as models for deeper understanding. UCG member Daniel Webster will tell some stories to help us move to a deeper understanding of what these kinds of stories can do. You are invited to think of your own stories around this season that shape who you are.
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Announcements
Advent Reflection booklets, with a reading for each day, are available in the Foyer. These special and beautiful booklets feature original artwork, photos, and writings by UCG members. If you’d like a copy mailed, please contact the church office or you may also download a PDF version here.
Christmas Mini-grants –The deadline to turn in requests for mini-grants is December 5. Email shannas@ucgainesville.org to obtain an application.
Rawlings Gift Market Angel Gift Collection Begins Today! Thank you so much for donating to the Rawlings gift market! This year there are two options for choosing the gifts you purchase. You can link to Sign-up Genius here or you can take a Christmas angel from the tree in the foyer of the sanctuary. Drop your unwrapped gifts off at UCG in the foyer on December 5 or 12 between during either service or bring them to Seminar B between 10 and 2 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday the weeks of November 28 or December 5. You don’t need to provide bags this year – we have lots leftover from last year. Blessings to all of our Christmas Angels.
Art in the Library Reception Today – “Plants and Flowers Re-imaged” Photo Exhibit by Barbara Gibbs. Join Barb for a reception during coffee time this morning.
Small Groups Registration for Winter Continues! – Click here to register on ShelbyNext or here for additional instructions. It is best to register through a web browser rather than the ShelbyNext app. Here is a list of group offerings. If you have difficulty registerering, contact the church office for help. Deadline to register for winter small groups is Sunday, December 5.
Lessons & Carols Rehearsals This Week: Thursday 7:15pm and Sunday at 12:15pm, masks required.
The All-Church Band will play its medley of sing-along Christmas carols on Sunday December 19. If you play, or have ever, played a band instrument, please pick up music which is available in the foyer and plan to participate in this great UCG tradition. Rehearsal will be at 8:30am on December 19 in the Sanctuary.
Children’s Holiday Craft Fair, December 4, 3-5 pm, Reimer Hall – Come join Board of Children, Youth, and Families for our annual craft making fair. We will have stations for kids to make holiday crafts to give as gifts as well as a cookie decorating table. Activities are geared towards kids K-5 but younger siblings are welcome. We have a suggested donation of $5 per child to cover some of our supply costs but no one is turned away and all are welcome! Masks are required per UCG policy.
Youth United Annual Chili Lunch is back Sunday, December 5th ! – Join us from 10:30am-12:30pm to help support our UCG youth’s summer Work Tour. The cost is $7 for adults (16 and older), $5 for children ages 3-15 and free for ages 2 and under. You are encouraged to bring muffin tins if you would like to taste many different chilis, but bowls will be provided. Cornbread, brats, dogs (meat-eater and vegan friendly), and desserts included. We also need donations of chili and other food items! If you can help with this, please sign up HERE. We will have seating both outdoors and spaced out indoors and masked and gloved youth will serve you as you pass through the line.Also, back by popular demand, you will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for amazing themed baskets and artwork curated and donated by our wonderful Boards and Committees. The cost of the tickets will be: $2 for one, $5 for 3, $10 for 8, or $20 for 20! The list of baskets is below. Basket Offerings so far:
- Board of Children’s Ministry – Home for the Holidays Family Basket
- Compassion in Action – Road Trip: Lots of practical and fun surprises will be inside this vintage picnic basket.
- ONA Committee – UCG Pride Basket
- Lively Arts – Original Art donated by UCG Artists
Mixed-Tape Shakespeare, Adapted & Directed by Derek Wohlust and the Driveway Theater Project, on Saturday, December 4 at 1pm in the UCG Courtyard- Come for a special sharing with some of the playwright’s best known, and best loved scenes. See his awkwardly comedic lovers- from Kate and Petruchio to Pyramus and Thisbe. Great moments from the tragedies—Hamlet’s dating fail, or Lady Macbeth’s daddy issues—and the problems of problematic problem plays with Angelo and Isabella. Performance is free, 30 minutes, and PG-13. KAIROS requests your help – Thank you!
- UCGer, John Jopling is in needs of assistance getting rides to and from to his orthopedic appointments this week and next week. Please sign up here if you are able to help.
Sunday Drive-Up Assistance Now Available – Volunteers are available to assist persons with mobility issues 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. A 24-hour notice is preferred but we will help you even if you wake up Sunday morning and decide to attend the worship service.
We are holding services inside the Sanctuary again and your help is needed more than ever on Sunday mornings with greeting and ushering individuals and families at the 9:15AM service AND the 11:15 service. There’s no lifting involved – just a friendly smile illuminating from behind your mask! To sign up, click here, email Dar Mikula, or call (352) 378-3500.
November 26 COVID Update
As of Saturday, no information was available from the State of Florida.
Please help keep our church finances healthy while you stay healthy! Please consider donating online. 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. Our budgeted (anticipated) amount of Plate Income for 2021 is $36,000, so we rely on the weekly passing of the plate. Here is a video on how to use Shelby Giving. Thank you for your support!
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