Altar flowers given by Carolyn and Joe Meyer In memory of Joe’s father

J. Curtis Meyer

Welcome to all first-time (and returning) guests to Faith UCC! We would like to get to know you and for you to get to know us. Join us after worship for coffee and conversation. There is free parking on Sundays at the meters and at the McAllister & Pugh Street parking garages – so, we hope you’ll worship with us again next Sunday! -------------------------------------------------

ELECTRONIC GIVING OPTIONS: During the offering time in the service, you may place your offerings on the plates the ushers will bring around. Or, if you prefer to give electronically, simply scan the QR code with your smartphone to be directed to our online donation page.

------------------------------------------------ OCTOBER Special Offering: NEIGHBORS IN NEED (NIN)

Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States and includes grants to churches and organizations doing community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. Please use the envelopes provided for your donations or note “NIN” in the memo section of your check… thank you for your gifts!

• October 18: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary time… TODAY!

• CROP Walk, 2:00pm • Book sale (after worship service)

• October 25: REFORMATION SUNDAY • Guest speaker – John Frantz

• November 1: All Saints Day Service

Faith  United  Church  of  Christ An Open and Affirming Congregation

300 E. College Ave. • State College, PA 16801 • Phone: 814.237.3904

• Website: www.faithucc.info • Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/SCFaithUCC

• Office: faithucc@comcast.net • Pastor’s Email: faithuccpastor@comcast.net Church office hours: 10:00am – 2:00pm (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

We welcome you to our church and invite you to sign the registration pads at the ends of the pews on the center aisle. Also, please join us after worship for fellowship and refreshments.

October 18, 2015 • Twenty- ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE Processional Rex Koury * CALL TO WORSHIP + (based on Psalm 104)

Leader: Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great. You are

clothed with splendor and majesty. People: You are wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the

heavens like a tent. Leader: You make the clouds your chariot. You ride on the wings of the wind. People: How many are your works, O Lord. In your wisdom, you have made

them all. Leader: Praise the Lord. Let us worship God together! * OPENING HYMN I Sing the Mighty Power of God #12

(Congregation may be seated)

PRAYER OF INVOCATION+ We cry out to you in praise, O Lord. Holy is your name! We lift our hearts and join our voices in song, in prayer, in listening … for you and what you desire for us to hear in this time of worship. Send your Holy Spirit to be with us and among us in this hour, which we have set aside for you. Amen. CALL TO CONFESSION+

Scripture promises that God will deal gently with us when we lose our way, if we confess and ask for forgiveness. Let us join together in prayer. PRAYER OF CONFESSION+

God, you are gracious and full of mercy. We ask your forgiveness for acting in ways that we regret, in ways that take us far from your desire for our lives. We have forgotten to be grateful. We have forgotten your call to justice and humility. We have even forgotten you, when life gets busy and demanding. Forgive us, O Lord, and cleanse us from our sin. And hear us, O Lord, as we confess to you in silence of a way in which we have forgotten you…

(Silence for individual confession --- 10 seconds) ASSURANCE OF GRACE+

Leader: Our Lord Jesus, having been made perfect, became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Hear and claim the good news of the gospel:

People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. * SHARING CHRIST’S PEACE As a sign of our reconciliation with God and one another, greet and welcome those

around you and share “the peace of Christ.” CHORAL ANTHEM No Turning Back Don Besig/Nancy Price Chancel Choir

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Following the Children’s message, the nursery is available for infants and toddlers (ages 0-3 years) and is located through the door at the right front of the sanctuary and up the stairs. Church school is available for children (ages 4-18 years) in Asendorf Hall (3rd floor). Children are always welcome to remain in the worship service. READING OF SCRIPTURE

Psalm 104:1–9, 24, 35c Job 38: 1-7, 34-41

Leader: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God!

SERMON When God Answers *HYMN When the Morning Stars Together #453 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (and the Lord’s Prayer) Believing that each joy and/or concern expressed is indeed a prayer. After each

expression, the people may respond: Lord, hear our prayer 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

OFFERING

Offertory Nearer, Still Nearer arr. George Blake tune: Morris *Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Prayer of Dedication + O God, you call us to be generous. Bless these gifts, offered in the name of Jesus, and the generous hearts of those who give them. Through them, may we as a church care for your children throughout the earth, as you call us to do. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

*CLOSING HYMN Great Is Your Faithfulness #423 *BENEDICTION+ Leader: May you be reminded this week of the greatness of God. People: God’s greatness is far beyond anything that we could comprehend or even imagine. Leader: And may the love of God – Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer – be with you. POSTLUDE from piano concerto in e minor – Frederic Chopin/

Postlude in e minor arr. George Blake Liturgy provided by © 2015 Scripture Echo. www.ScriptureEcho.com. Used with permission. Musical resources printed in our worship bulletins are used with permission under OneLicense.net No.A-720062.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” --- Job 38: 4

Faith UCC is an open and affirming church, embracing diversity in our congregation and community, and affirming the dignity and worth of every person. We are an inclusive community of faith that celebrates God’s presence through worship and the sharing of God’s word. We welcome all persons into the full life and ministry of the church, regardless of race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, capability, or circumstance of life.

Our Ministry Ministers—All the Congregation Pastor—Rev. Monica Dawkins-Smith Ushers— Wayne and Edna Bicehouse, Mary Jane Wild Liturgist —Mike Hogan Trustee—Wayne Bicehouse Fellowship – JoAnn Edwards Acolyte— Jordan Reed Nursery— Jean Frank/Nancy de Streel Children’s Message— Chris Coble

Church Staff Custodian—Scott Luzier Church School Coordinator – Barbara Chellman

Choir Director – OPEN Organist/Associate Choir Director— Asa W. Carns

THIS WEEK AT FAITH CHURCH TODAY 09:30AM Adult Forum (Library)

10:45AM Worship Service with Pastor Monica Dawkins-Smith(S), followed by fellowship (coffee) time (RH).

7:00 PM Al-Anon (RH) NEXT SUNDAY 09:00AM Confirmation (AB room) (10/25) 09:30AM Adult Forum (Library)

10:45AM Worship Service with Pastor Monica Dawkins-Smith and guest speaker John Frantz (S), followed by fellowship

(coffee) time (RH). 7:00PM Al-Anon (RH) AB = Antoinette Brown; AH = Asendorf Hall; ML = Meyer Library; RH = Romig Hall; S = Sanctuary

Prayers for healing and wholeness: Cecil Irvin, Linda Merchant, Susan Meyer, Lisa B., (JoAnn’s daughter), Ron Neidigh, Timothy Tressler (Ruth’s son), Brandon G., Randy Brown (Aimee’s father), Lisa Neidigh, Al (Dave’s father), Steve and Mary (Cyndi’s relatives), Sharon, Jennifer Cahill-Shadle (missing for over a year), Mary Williams (cancer), refugee and migrant crisis, victims of earthquakes, fire and floods, school shooting victims in Oregon, Arizona and Texas

Pastor Monica’s office hours: 10:00am – 2:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and by appointment. In case of a pastoral related emergency, you may contact her directly: 814-826-2148 (home) or 267-566-2202 (mobile)

PART-TIME CHOIR DIRECTOR POSITION

Faith United Church of Christ, 300 East College, State College, PA, a progressive and musically sophisticated congregation, is hiring a choir director. The position is part time, 8 hours per week for 9 months (September 1– May), and the salary range is $5,000–$6,000, commensurate with qualifications. A detailed position description is available here:

http://www.faithucc.info/FaithUCCChoirDirector_jobDescripti… If you are interested in this position, please email your resume and a cover letter to Choir Director Search Committee at faithucc@comcast.net. The deadline for applications is October 19, 2015. ------------------------------------------------------- WOMEN'S DAYTIME GUILD The Women's Daytime Guild will meet Oct. 26 at noon in Romig Hall with our own bag lunches. This meeting will be lunch followed by a Business Meeting. ------------------------------------------------------- CHANCEL CHOIR will rehearse Sundays before service in Romig Hall and after service in the Sanctuary.

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DO YOU HAVE A FEW HOURS TO SHARE … to cuddle and help to care for a newborn? Help is needed Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2:00pm – 5:00pm. The family is new to the State College area (moved here in August 2015).

Contact Pastor Monica if you are available to help or if you need more information.

FAITH CHURCH STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

What: The church prepares its budget for the next year in November. In order for that to happen, we need to know how much you anticipate giving in the coming year. It is also a time for everyone to assess their giving to the church in terms of time and talent – is there a way you can serve the church? Who: Every employee, member, and friend of Faith Church When: The month of October How:

1. Complete your pledge forms – these will arrive in your mail and will be available at church. Use it to pledge your financial, time, and talent giving for the coming year. Return it to us in the USPS mail or in the offering plate or in the Stewardship boxes at the church.

2. Your financial commitment enables our planning for the coming year and your time and talent commitment keeps our programs and community active and growing.

Serve the Church – Help us Plan

Complete your pledge card