Communion Sunday May 7, 2017

9:30 AM Worship

No matter who you are, Communion Sunday No matter where you are On life’s journey, You are welcome here.

Worship begins with chimes. The prelude is a time of reflection and preparation for the worship of God.

Please silence cell phones. Bibles for use during worship are available at each entrance to the Sanctuary.

THOUGHT FOR PREPARATION

"Our shepherding culture includes periods when the sheep graze the mountain away from our supervision. So I am anxious to see them again, keen to see that they are alive and well." From The Shepherd's Life by James Rebanks

PRELUDE Misterios Thelonious Monk Gospel Trio

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Sarah Garcia

* WELCOMING EACH OTHER

* CALL TO WORSHIP One: The king of love our shepherd is. All: He leads us to the tender grass, where we both feed and rest. One: Then to the streams that gently pass: in both we have the best. All: Surely your sweet and wondrous love will measure all our days. One: And as your love will never end, So neither will our praise! (based on Psalm 23 by George Herbert)

*Please stand if you are able to do so.

* HYMN Black Hymnal No. 243 Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven Tune: Hyfrydol

Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to heaven and voices raise; Sing to God a hymn of gladness, sing to God a hymn of praise. Jesus on the cross as Savior for the world’s salvation bled; But the crucified Redeemer now is risen from the dead! Now the iron bars are broken, Christ from death to life is born; Glorious life, and life immortal on this holy Easter morn; Christ has triumphed, and we conquer by God’s liberating deed; Now the Christ with us abiding to eternal life shall lead. Christ is risen, we are risen; shed upon us heavenly grace, Rain and dew, and gleams of glory from the brightness of your face; That we, with our hearts in heaven, here on earth may fruitful be, And by angel hands be gathered, and be yours eternally. Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to the God of joy; Alleluia to the Savior who came death’s bonds to destroy; Alleluia to the Spirit, Fount of love and sanctity; Alleluia! Alleluia! To the Triune Majesty.

CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION INVITATION TO THE TABLE

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

SERVING OF THE BREAD AND CUP Please come forward for communion. Take the bread and eat it. Then take the cup and drink. Deposit the cups in the baskets on the way back to your seat.

The outer ring of cups contains grape juice. The inner rings contain wine. A gluten-free bread option is wrapped and available on a separate tray.

Return to your seat by the side aisles. All are welcome.

* PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Avena Ward O God, we thank you that you have fed us with the gift of Christ, the Good Shepherd. May his love strengthen and unite us as one flock under one shepherd as he guides us all our days, even to the gates of paradise. Amen.

During this Response, students may leave the Sanctuary and go to their classrooms. JK/Kindergarten teachers will be waiting in the back of the church,

and 1st through 7th grade teachers will be waiting at the side door of the church to lead the students. If you would like to accompany your child, you’re

welcome to drop them off and then return to worship. RESPONSE Black Hymnal No. 247, v. 1

My shepherd is the living God, I therefore nothing need; In pastures fair, near pleasant streams you settle me to feed. You bring my wandering spirit back when I forsake your ways, And lead me for your mercy’s sake in paths of truth and grace.

THE BIBLICAL WORD FOR THIS DAY Ann Christophersen Psalm 23 (KJV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

* A STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe in God who has created and is creating, who has come to us in Jesus Christ to reconcile and make us new, who works in us and others by the Holy Spirit. We trust God. God calls us to be the Church, to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to care for creation, to seek justice and to resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.

In life and death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God!

(adapted from the United Church of Canada) * RESPONSE Black Hymnal No. 247, v. 2

When I walk through the shades of death, your presence is my stay; A word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away. Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread; My cup with blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head.

SERMON She is tonsing a ram Matt Fitzgerald

* RESPONSE Black Hymnal No. 247, v. 3

The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest, while others come and go - No more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.

OFFERTORY Köln Concert 2c Keith Jarrett Gospel Trio

* FESTIVAL DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Alleluia, Alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia!

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

* HYMN Red Hymnal No. 278 The Lord’s My Shepherd

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want, He makes me down to lie in pastures green, He leadeth me the quiet waters by. He leadeth me, he leadeth me, the quiet waters by. My soul he doth restore again And me to walk doth make Within the paths of blessedness, E’en for his own name’s sake, Within the paths of blessedness, E’en for his own name’s sake. Yea, though I pass through shadowed vale, Yet will I fear no ill; For thou art with me and thy rod and staff me comfort still. Thy rod and staff me comfort still, Me comfort still. My table thou hast furnished in presence of my foes; My head with oil thou dost anoint, And my cup over flows, My head with oil thou dost anoint, And my cup over flows, Goodness and mercy all my days will surely follow me; And in my Father’s heart always, my dwelling place shall be, And in my heart forevermore Thy dwelling place shall be.

* BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Giant Steps John Coltrane Gospel Trio

Following Worship, all are invited for coffee and snacks downstairs in the Gym.

TODAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS: Communion Coordinators: Jana O'Brien, Kevin O'Brien Communion Servers: Marcia Knudson and Pat Ruch Communion bread baked by Marcia Knudson. Head Usher: Beatrice Jaji Ushers: Brian Hafner and Bruce Voice Acolyte Coordinators: Micki Fayhee, Cindy Zinn Ball Acolytes: Greta Schmahl and Rose Schmahl Head Greeter: Greg Mooney Gatekeeper: Dodd Brown Gospel Trio: Tom Vaitsas, piano; Joel Kelsey, bass; David Agee, drums

THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR are in celebration of Jan and Rick Bail's 39th wedding anniversary.

Pastor Jeff Carlson will be on Sabbatical from May 1 until June 2.

BORN THIS WEEK IN MAY Donations to the Birthday Fund support A Just Harvest

We celebrate and give thanks for your life at St Pauls. A perfect way to celebrate and help St Pauls: give one dollar for each year of your life to our Birthday Fund.

May 7: Owen Waldschmidt May 8: Doug Clark, Francois Millard May 9: Cameron Avery, Leigh Hamp, Adam McElhinney, Lydia Murray, Betty Jane

Piper, Jill Wachholz, Jill Wachter May 10: Stacey Grossman, James Grunst May 11: Maggie Ball, Marcia Banks, James Hamp May 12: Doug Dobmeyer, Matt Heffernan, Jaimee Lumm, Alec Riportella May 13: Helen Gregg

UPCOMING EVENTS VIDEO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - If you’ve ever operated the family camcorder, you could be a big help at St. Pauls. Interested? Volunteers from middle-school age to don’t-ask-me-my-age are welcome.  Call or email Chuck Kent: 312-420-7051 or chuck@brandingmagazine.com.

TODAY - CONFIRMATION SERVICE PROJECT PRESENTATIONS - Join us in the Social Hall following 11:00 AM worship on Sunday, May 7 to hear the 2017 Confirmation Class presentations.

TODAY - SOFTBALL CHEERING - Cheer on the Dirt Disciples during our 16" softball season! We play in the SW field of Oz Park, just a short walk from church. After the game join us for a celebratory drink at McGee's Tavern, the league sponsor. Email youngadults@spucc.org.

MAY 14 - PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES - The nursery and 2-3 year old church school classes and their parents will be providing and preparing food for the CEP dinner in the church kitchen from 3:00-5:00 PM. Childcare will be provided for children too young to help. Please let Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com, know if you can attend or bring food.

MAY 19 - PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES - Join us at the Taco Bell Cantina in Wicker Park at 7:30 PM for a post-Cinco de Mayo, post-Mother's Day throwback Thursday dinner and margaritas. RSVP with Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com.

MAY 21 - PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES -  will be providing and preparing food for the CEP dinner from 3:00-5:00 PM in the church kitchen. Childcare will be provided. Please let Corie Gallemore (corie.gallemore@gmail.com) know if you can attend or bring food. JUNE 4 - MONTHLY BRUNCH & SOFTBALL - Join us for brunch after the 11:00 AM service and come over to Oz Park to cheer on the Dirt Disciples for our 2:00 PM game afterwards. We will gather during Social Hour and walk to Four Farthings, 2060 N. Cleveland. RSVP with Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org.

JUNE 5 - CHRISTIANITY 101 - in the Parlor at 7:00 PM. Join Pastor Jeff and fellow young adults for a lively discussion of the real-life questions we face in our daily lives. Please contact Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org with questions and to RSVP.

JUNE 10 - SUMMER BBQ - at 3:00 PM at Ross and Diana's house. Let's get together for some food, drinks and fun! Diana and Ross will supply the grillin' food (burgers, brats, etc.) but ask that everyone bring a side and/or beverage to share. RSVP to the forthcoming Punchbowl invitation. Friends are welcome as well! Contact Diana with any questions.

OPPORTUNITIES ACOLYTES - We're looking for youth who would like to be Acolytes. We need two volunteers for each service. Please sign up on Sign-up Genius or email Micki Fayhee at deonmicki@sbcglobal.net.

ALTAR FLOWER SIGN UP - If you would like to purchase flowers for the altar please go to our link at http://tinyurl.com/h55pl82 and sign up. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

COLLEEN HENRY WRITING CENTER at Lincoln Park High School, initiated by St. Pauls, needs a few tutors. Nancy Brandt, nhbrandt@sbcglobal.net.

CONNECTORS reach out providing networking and support for members and friends of St. Pauls. Membership is open to all who have the time and the inclination to help. Contact Pastor Avena Ward award@spucc.org or visit the Connectors table at coffee hour.

CONSIDER THE LILIES - The Lay Pastoral Care Committee of St. Pauls is initiating a program to deliver our Sunday Altar Flowers to members who need to know St. Pauls is thinking of them. Please sign up to provide flowers for any Sunday. Please contact the church office for assistance.

FAITH IN ACTION - If you're concerned about gun violence check out the website of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence - http://www.ichv.org/ and sign a petition. Last week, IL Senate Bill 1657, the Gun Dealer Licensing Act, passed the Senate. It gives Illinois the ability to encourage better business practices among dealers and hold corrupt dealers accountable, thereby curbing a major source of illegally trafficked firearms. Our representatives need to hear from us!

FAITH IN ACTION - Whether you’re interested in supporting women or GLBTQ persons or immigrants and refugees, you can find St. Pauls people involved and join them NOW.

FEED THE HUNGRY - Each week St. Pauls welcomes homeless and hungry people to Sunday dinner. Contact Brent Carstensen at bcarstensen@ameritech.net to volunteer.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Visit our Food for Thought blog http://www.spucc.org/blogs/food-for-thought.

GET YOUR NEW NAMETAG! - Email Maribell at mruiz@spucc.org.

KIDS CHURCH CAMP IS BACK! JULY 5 - JULY 28 - Registration is now open for children ages 2 to 12. Half-day or full-day camp. Visit spucc.org/camp for more details and to register.

KIDS CHURCH CAMP COUNSELORS NEEDED - JULY 5 - JULY 28 - Youth 11 to 15 as junior counselors (unpaid) and youth 16 and older as paid counsellors. Contact Pastor Sarah to apply sgarcia@spucc.org. Deadline is May 15.

LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY SHELTER NEEDS OVERNIGHT VOLUNTEERS - To sign up: volunteer@lpcsonline.org 773-549-6111.

LITTLE LIGHTS is a St. Pauls preschool program in a progressive Christian environment. Classes for 2 and 3-year-olds meet at St. Pauls Nursery. Visit http://www.spucc.org/littlelights or email Leigh Borge at lborge@spucc.org.

SARAH’S SISTERS gather every Wednesday morning to make 40 bag lunches to be distributed to homeless people. Come to the church kitchen at 9:30 AM.

STEPHEN MINISTRY AT ST. PAULS - If you’re in need of support through a tough time or feeling called to explore Stephen Ministry speak to Pastor Avena award@spucc.org or Marti Pechnyo mpechnyo@gmail.com or Diana Laskaris dianaminlead@gmail.com.

ST. PAULS PLAY GROUP for children from birth to 3 years old in the church Nursery and Toddler Room. Drop in anytime from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Wednesdays. Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com.

ST. PAULS SOCIAL - Get better acquainted with other adults at St. Pauls. If interested in hosting please contact Jen Luerssen, jenluerssen@yahoo.com and stay tuned for future events!

UCC DAILY DEVOTIONAL - To register: http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional.

WANT MORE VARIETY AT COFFEE HOUR? - Sign up to bring it at http://bit.ly/1RtSUuH.

YOUNG ADULTS - A group for fun and fellowship for folks in their twenties and thirties. All are welcome! Volunteers needed! Any ideas for future events? Email youngadults@spucc.org.

YOUTH GROUP - Youth group meet most Tuesdays, grades 2-4 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM and grades 5-7 from 5:00 - 6:30 PM. Contact sgarcia@spucc.org.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP - JUNE 24 - JULY 2 - Youth mission trip to the Lakota reservation with Native American Advocacy Program in South Dakota. Pastor Sarah to apply sgarcia@spucc.org.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS Please send any announcements you would like in the following week’s Friday email to announcements@spucc.org no later than 10:00 AM on Tuesday. Please limit announcements to 70 words. Thank you.

SAINT PAULS PRAYS

•   Sandra Benedict recovering from a fall. •   Rosemarie Hau being treated for a heart condition. •   Jaunita Barlow’s grandson in the hospital. •   Avena's neighbors, the Bell family. •   Aaron and Annie Noll after their son, Jonah, died from cancer. •   Two UCAN youth and their families: Fontaine, shot and killed and Sherman recovering from a gunshot wound this week. •   UCAN staff as they are affected by this trauma. •   Carole Knuti undergoing treatment for cancer. •   Teachers and staff of CPS as they manage their jobs and salary insecurity. •   CPS students as they attempt to learn in this uncertain and emotional time. •   Amy Newman's sister, Linda, starting chemotherapy treatments. •   Carole Crowley recovering from a stroke. •   All those struggling to conceive. •   Sarah Mosley’s friend, Tommy B. whose lungs are failing due to COPD. •   Dirk R. and family, uncle of Laura Nowack, who has multiple myeloma. •   Sylvia Pine’s grandfather, Terry Barton, recovering from strokes. •   Candi Huber's niece, Kathryn, continuing treatments for cancer. •   Michelle’s friends Michael, Chris and Jerry, all sick with chronic illnesses. •   Lorri Gunn Wirsum, for her husband, Karl Wirsum, and her brother, Jim. •   Mary Train and her nephew Carl and family. •   Jonah, Sean and Kevin and all homeless individuals with mental illness living in this city. •   For all those touched by violence in Chicago. •   The Renfrow family as they walk with Wayne, in hospice care. •   Steve Warsh, undergoing chemotherapy. •   Tom Palkon being treated for cancer. •   For young adults as they make their way in life moving away (physically) from family. •   For those involved in research trying to find a cure for cancer. •   Those killed and injured in terrorist attacks around the world and all refugees in need of prayer. •   All service members and their loved ones before, during and after deployment.

(Prayer cards are available in the pew racks. Fill one out and drop it in the offering plate.)

NEARLY 1 IN 5 ADULTS STRUGGLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. Contact one of the pastors today for information about mental healthcare advocacy and resources that can help you and your loved ones. Contact information for the pastors is at the back of this bulletin.

 

ABOUT ST. PAULS

Making a joyful sound in the city

Saint Pauls UCC has a vibrant history in the city of Chicago. Founded in 1843, we are one of the city's oldest churches. In 1989 we became one of America's first congregations to declare ourselves "Open to and Affirming of” LGBT women and men. From founding Chicago's largest provider of social services to at-risk children to starting a home for the elderly, from housing protestors at the 1968 Democratic Convention to hosting Lincoln Park's first MLK day march against violence on Chicago's streets we are proud to make a joyful sound in the city. Most importantly, over the past 172 years we are glad to have introduced thousands of children and adults to the amazing, inclusive, life changing, uplifting love of God. We do so in worship that is traditional, but far from conventional.

St. Pauls United Church of Christ 2335 North Orchard Street Chicago, Illinois 60614

(773) 348-3829 FAX (773) 348-3858 www.spucc.org

Matt Fitzgerald, Senior Pastor, mfitzgerald@spucc.org

Avena Ward, Associate Pastor, award@spucc.org Jeff Carlson, Associate Pastor, jcarlson@spucc.org

Sarah Garcia, Associate Pastor for Children and Youth, sgarcia@spucc.org Karen E. Johnson, President of the Congregation, kejpiano@aol.com

Tom Henry, Pastor Emeritus, emeritushenry@gmail.com Kurt R. Hansen, Music Director, kurtsingsbach@gmail.com

Kevin Dzierzawski, Organist, kdzierza@att.net Brendan Henry, Joyful Sounds Choir Director,brendanphenry@hotmail.com

Nancy Voigts, Children’s Choir Director, nvoigtsgod@att.net Kecia Waldschmidt, Youth Choir Director, keciagerman@hotmail.com

Kristofer Hansen, Joyful Sounds Choir Co-Director, TheBeatB0xer1995@gmail.com Mark Mosley, Intergenerational Orchestra Director, mwmosley@gmail.com

Tom Vaitsas, Pianist, tomvaitsas@gmail.com Kevin O’Brien, Lay Liturgical Administrator, kob48@att.net

Free Parking is available on Sundays at Children’s Memorial Hospital

2300 Block of North Lincoln Ave. – Vouchers Not Needed

WELCOME TO SAINT PAULS UCC!

Welcome to those whose hearts are on fire with faith, and to those who bring their doubt inside our doors.

Welcome to our first time guests and our longtime members.

Welcome to single people, tiny children, grandparents and families of all configurations.

Welcome to those who rejoice and to those who grieve. Welcome to each and to everyone.

We are an Open and Affirming church. We welcome all.

We are blessed by your presence and we are glad you are here.