Fifth Sunday of Lent

Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ April 7, 2019

from ”In Blackwater Woods” To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go. ~Mary Oliver

The Bell is Rung Prelude Prelude for Organ, No. 22 by Ch. H. Rinck *Call to Worship (Adapted from Standing in Our Own Light, Joseph H. Gilmore)

Most welcoming God: hold thy laughter yet a little while, long enough for us to learn the richness and the grace in the neighborhood (and the self) where we already are, in our own light here to pray. To you. Together.

*Opening Hymn Beneath the Cross of Jesus New Century Hymnal #43 Unison Prayer (Adapted from The Half We Need, Joseph H. Gilmore)

Most surprising God: who can ever know why, (once upon a time), Weary of darkling silence you revealed yourself in fire and wind? At the farthest, retreating edge of the universe, the echo of your first word can still be heard: “Let there be!” In the most ancient of ways, come though again. Come leaping upon us. Call up the fire in us,

Dormant embers in some far corner of the heart; for brightness and heat trail thee now as ever, and we need these as surely as earth needs the flaming sun if there is to be Morning. Come blowing against us, over us, huge, hopeful wind, untamable and sacred spirit.

Come.

Assurance of God’s Love

*Passing of the Peace

Youth Message

Musical Praise Look at The World Words and Music by John Rutte

Gospel Reading: John 12: 1- 8 (The Message)

Six days before Passover, Jesus entered Bethany where Lazarus, so recently raised from the dead, was living. Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.

Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them.

Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.”

Provocation

One minute of silence… * Hymn My Song is Love Unknown (v. 1 & 5) New Century Hymnal #222 Prayer for Others and Ourselves

Now, we invite you to enter into a time of prayer and to share your joys and concerns. We also invite you to write your joys and concerns on one of the prayer cards you will find the pew and place them in the collection basket during the offertory. May we hear your joys and concerns?

Let us pray the prayer Jesus taught the disciples to pray. Musical Praise Communion Prayer by Allen Pote

Invitation to Give

Thank you for your generosity in helping us to share God's love for all. We are grateful for all the ways you participate in the work of this ministry, and more than anything, we are most grateful that you are here. We welcome your offerings at this time and invite you to place your prayer and information cards in the basket.

Offertory *Doxology

We praise thee, O God, our Redeemer, Creator; in grateful devotion, our tribute we bring. We lay it before thee, we come and adore thee, We bless thy holy name, glad praises we sing. Amen.

All are invited to this table. How could we do otherwise?

Communion Prayer

God be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God. Let us give thanks to God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Invitation to the Table

Jesus said: I am the bread of life. You who come to me shall not hunger; you who believe in me shall never thirst.

In company with all who hunger for spiritual food,

we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the sharing of this life-giving bread. It is indeed right, always and everywhere,�to give thanks to you, Creator God. You are the path of humanity’s love through your presence in our lives. All creation is in Christ: unlimited with Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, lifting the wonder of God into our days. We remember these things and more as we come to this table. We turn to the words and presence of Jesus, hearing the words he spoke long ago, the same words beating in our hearts today:

“This is my body, given up for you so you, too, may be transfigured. Whenever and wherever you do this, remember me.�Remember that I love you and what I have taught you. Share it with all whom you meet. With every meal. I will always be with you; together we will watch as our love changes the world.

And after he blessed and shared the bread,�Jesus lifted a cup, and again gave

thanks to God, saying to his disciples.

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

By eating this bread and drinking this cup, we proclaim the Risen Christ in our midst and in each of us. Amen

Church Covenant (Sung in Unison)

In response to God’s love, we covenant with each other to be faithful to the demands and inspiration of the eternal spirit, revealed in the event of Jesus Christ; to accept and respect each other with love and concern in our worship and witness; to reach out with the courage of our convictions in the cause of justice, liberation and equality for all; In this, we covenant to keep the ultimate promise; “I care, I am with you.”

Sharing of the Elements: These are the gifts of God for the people of God. Servers’ Communion Responses: The Bread of Life ~ The Cup of Blessing

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank you, God, for inviting us to this table, remembering your active presence in our lives. We are grateful and continuously thirst for the new and right spirit of this communion with you today, tomorrow and every day. Guide us always, as we embrace you and all those who have gone before us. Amen.

* Hymn Born from a Star Sing! Prayer and Praise Hymnal #48 Benediction and Sending Forth Choral Blessing Wondrous Love Arranged by William L. Hooper Ringing of the Bell Postlude Be Like The Blue Bird from Anything Goes Words and Music by Cole Porter

Announcements!

Please join us for Talkback following today’s services! _______________________________________

Choir Rehearsal Changes for April: • No choir rehearsal on Wednesday, April 10 or April 17. • Rehearsal for Holy Week will be on Thursday, April 18, prior to Maundy Thursday

service. • Rehearsal for Wednesday, April 24 is at regular time.

Tickets for NEWSIES on sale this Sunday! Ticket prices are $22 for students and $35 for adults, after show pizza party included in that price. See Tom Wolf for tickets. Join us in our vestry, following worship on Sunday, May 19th, for hospitality and a short introductory presentation on the background and history of the story behind Newsies. Then, off to Creative Ministries for a 2 PM Matinee, followed by Refreshments and Pizza in the Onyx Room. We hope to have cast members join us to talk about their experience in the show and a Q&A. This opens a season of shows and conversations we hope to have with youth and all interested throughout the year. Youth are invited to bring their friends. Scholarships are always available, as needed. So, invite your friends and mark the date.

Greater Sayville Food Pantry: Every month The Greater Sayville Food Pantry provides food, information, referral and support services to approximately 150 individuals and families in need in Oakdale, Sayville, W. Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point and Bohemia. Food donations are always needed and welcomed (no animal food, please). The Greater Sayville Food Pantry at 47 Gillette Ave., Sayville, NY 11782 Phone: (631) 244-8375 Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30am- 12:00pm or bring donations to Sunday Services! Apartment Needed We have one member in search of an apartment. If you have any yourself or any that you think you might know of please talk to Ray for more info. Jason Schechterle, Keynote Speaker & Subject of Burning Shield Saturday, April 13, 2019 at New Life Community Church (631) 589-5890 ~ 380 Lakeland Ave Sayville, NY 11782 "Life Is 10% What Happens To You and 90% How You React To It" Retired Phoenix Police Officer, Jason Schechterle from childhood had one dream - to serve as a Phoenix Police Officer. Inspired by his brother and the tragic loss of a local law enforcement hero, Jason worked persistently towards his dream. After serving four years in the Air Force, at the age 26, Jason achieved his goal to work on the streets of Phoenix as a rookie police officer. Then, only 14 months into what was supposed to be a life-long career, Jason's life took an unexpected tragic turn. On the night of March 26, 2001, a taxi cab, traveling at over 100 mph, crashed into the rear of Jason's patrol car. Upon impact, Jason's car burst into flames, trapping him inside. Through a series of miraculous and fateful circumstances, Jason survived the crash and ensuing physical and emotional catastrophe. He suffered severe burns to over 40% of his body which drastically altered his appearance. He has undergone more than 50 surgeries just to have the ability to accomplish simple daily tasks we often take for granted. Jason's journey chronicles his fight for life, his triumph over tragedy and the inspiration that enables him to continue to overcome unimaginable adversity. His personal narrative exemplifies that the power of the human spirit can never be underestimated or extinguished. His story is one of life, rebirth, and transformation. Jason represents the human experience at its very best - an ascent from despair to describing himself as the luckiest person alive!

Crimes Victims Awareness Event at The Congregational Church of Patchogue Thursday, April 11th from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Sen. Monica Martinez is the Honoree at this Crimes Victims Awareness Event, hosted by VIBS and held at the Congregational Church of Patchogue. There will be a panel discussion, refreshments, resource tables, and a musical performance of "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" (a popular, traditional anthem of civil rights) and "A Change Is Gonna Come" (Sam Cooke) offered by a choir in honor of this event.

“Journey” Come and see a production of “Journey” presented near you in a local church and support members of our Congregation, Sam Lent, Gail Kieser and Jason Kieser. The program is a live presentation of the last walk of Jesus from the time he is judged and sentenced by Pilot to his crucifixion. This is a story we have all heard many times. Seeing it reenacted, singing such songs as “Were You There” and “Could We Start Again Please” and listening to the pounding of the nails brings reality to the suffering and sacrifice. Hear the story from Veronica, who wiped his face while others turned away, Simon who carried the cross part of the way, Joseph of Arimethea, who prepared for his burial, John, the only one of the 12 who was there, the head soldier who led him to his death, and his mother Mary. Sam Lent plays John at all services, Jason Kieser plays Jesus on Sunday and Head soldier on Friday. Gail Kieser directs both troupes and narrates on Friday. See below for specifics. Dates, times, roles: • Sunday, April 7, Our Lady of Snows, Floral Park, 3pm, Sam/John, Jason Jesus • Thursday, April 11, St Margaret of Scotland, Selden, 7:30 Jason/Jesus, no Sam • Friday, April 12, St Anthony of Padua, East Northport,

8 pm no Sam, Jason/head soldier, Gail narrator • Sunday, April 14, St. Catherine of Sienna, Franklin Square, 7:30pm,

Sam/John, Jason/Jesus • Tuesday, April 16, St Christopher, Baldwin, 8pm, Sam/John,

Jason/head soldier, Gail narrator • Wednesday, April 17, Cure of Ars, Merrick, 8pm, Sam/John, Jason/Jesus • Good Friday, April, 19 • 3:00pm Creative Ministries Performing Arts Center, Oakdale,

Jason/Head Soldier, Sam /John, Gail narrator • 8:00pm Creative Ministries Performing Arts Center, Oakdale - Jason/Jesus • 8:00pm Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Centereach, Sam /John, Gail narrator

Lenten & Easter Schedule

• Communion will be part of worship each Sunday in Lent, including Easter Sunday Worship at 10 AM.

• Palm Sunday is April 14. Please join us for worship and the distribution of palms. • Maundy Thursday Observance will take place on Thursday, April 18. You are invited to

participate. We need up to twelve readers. If you are interested, please let Ray know by email. We continue to develop our program for the evening; however, you can preview the service at www.sayvilleucc.org. We welcome your suggestions for this evening of somber observance.

• On Good Friday, April 19, our sanctuary will be open from Noon until 3 PM for quiet time and mediation. A short prayer service will take place at 2:30 PM to close the afternoon into silence.

• Easter Sunday Sunrise on The Great South Bay - Easter Sunday morning we board the shop at Sayville Ferry beginning at 5:30 A.M. We will depart the dock at 5:50 A.M. sharp, so that we may be on the bay for sunrise at 6:05 A.M. As far as I know, this will be the 43rd consecutive year for this rich way to sail into remembrance of the Resurrection of Christ. We are indebted to the Steins and the Jaynes for bringing us together with all who wish to join us. We hope you will be there.

• Easter Morning Breakfast - Following our sunrise observance of Easter on The Great South Bay, we will host a Polish Breakfast feast organized by Laura Heaney immediately upon our return. If you are able to help with this breakfast, we welcome your help. Please see Laura or Connie.

• Easter Morning Worship will take place at 10 AM, followed by light hospitality and the world-famous Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ Easter Egg Hunt!

Prayer Shawl Ministry – Thursdays If you have any interest in knitting or learning to knit - this is for you! And, we can use as many knitters as possible to keep up with the need for prayer shawls. Contact Sue Lanchantin or see Ray for more information. We'd love to have you join us! Thank you to all who knit and love and laugh for others!

Can you help? You are invited to share in the ministry and mission of our church by: Signing up for leadership responsibilities on Sunday, continuing to provide food in support of Sayville Food Pantry, volunteering to run our slides and video each Sunday, joining the choir, leading a children's message, volunteering for Sharing a Meal, participate in our Prayer Shawl Group, attend Bible Jam... and more. Let us know!

Calendar Bible Jam 2019 Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM (V) Choir Practice Wednesdays at 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM (V) Prayer Shawl Ministry Thursdays at 10:00 AM (V) Senior Exercise Tuesdays at 9:00 AM; Thursdays at 12:15 PM (V) Congregational Leadership & Life Meetings April Elders Meeting Monday, April 8, 2019 April Trustees Meeting Monday, April 15, 2019 April Full Board Meeting Monday, April 29 at 7 PM (V) Caring for Others Group Saturday, April 20 at 10 AM [3rd Sat] (V) Suffolk Association Fall Meeting Nov. 2 at 9 AM (V). We are the host church. Affiliates Sharing a Meal Mondays through Thursdays at 5:30 P.M. (FH) Inishfree School of Irish Dance Fridays at 3:00 P.M. (FH) Recovery Meetings Mondays 7:30 PM NA (FH) Tuesdays 7:30 PM CODA (V) Wednesdays 7:30 PM AA (FH) and SCA (L) Thursdays 6:45 PM NARANON (V) Saturdays 11:00 AM NA – Serenity in Sayville (FH) Stop & Shop Cards are available at coffee hour each week. They make great gifts and are great way to purchase your groceries while supporting Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ. Newsletters: Are you receiving our weekly newsletters: eChimes and Justice Chimes Newsletters? Let us know: ray@sayvilleucc.org. eChimestv.com! Did you know that you can watch our service live or anytime online? Just go to this link: www.echimestv.com. If you have any problems logging in – give Ray a call or text at 631-827-8611.

Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ

For more than a century and a half, Sayville's Congregational Church has served

families on the South Shore and been a voice for the progressive Protestant tradition. A member of the United Church of Christ since it was established in 1957, today we

continue to celebrate God's love, to speak for the oppressed, and to welcome those seeking a spiritual home. To learn about membership, please speak with any deacon.

Today’s Worship Leadership

Setting of the Table - Randolf Pearson Communion Stewards - Lorraine Severin, Roberta Smith, Pat Mahar, and Kris Minschke

Liturgist – Randolf Pearson Music Director – Sean Cameron

Greeter/Ushers – Judie and Mike Jayne Hospitality – Tuesday Morning Bible Jam I

Slide Projection – Casey Cunningham

Everyone can sign up. We will help you know what to do! We invite you to be Sunday Stewards! You can do it! J

Please contact Heather in the office, Sue Lanchantin, or see the calendars in the Vestry hallway to get signed up!

________________________________________

Sayville Congregational United Church of Christ Middle Road, Sayville, NY 11782

churchadmin@sayvilleucc.org www.sayvilleucc.org; www.facebook.com/sayvilleucc

Heather Corcoran, Church Administrator; eChimes Editor Ray Bagnuolo, Pastor ray@sayvilleucc.org -- (Cell/Text)

Thank you for being with us today.

Peace. Shalom. Salaam. For the ways of peace are many. “Namaste”

Please contact Heather if you have questions or need any additional help.

Fill

and

Tear

Off