WELCOME TO WORSHIP!

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

you are welcome in this United Church of Christ congregation.

Large-print bulletins, hearing devices, and cough drops

are available from the ushers.

Nursery and pre-school care is available during worship if you wish.

God is calling you today, but probably not on your cell phone!

Please remember to put it on vibrate if you are expecting an emergency call.

ALL are welcome to this time and place of worship.

Know that in this space you are welcome as you are, for who you are.

Together we celebrate all of God’s children – young, old and in-between;

male, female and in-between; gay, lesbian, straight and in-between;

the assured, the doubting, and the in-between;

the optimistic, the cynics, and the in-between;

the foolish, the wise, and the in-between.

The Reverend Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor

The Reverend Megan Smith, Associate Pastor

The Reverend Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations

The Reverend Dr. Richard J. Bailar, Pastor Emeritus

Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ

3010 De Soto Boulevard

Coral Gables, Florida 33134-6317

Phone: 305.448.7421 ~ www.gablesucc.org

CCLI License # 11282912

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ORDER OF WORSHIP

September 24, 2017 Our faith is over 2000 years old 11:00 a.m.

Our thinking is not.

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Do not let Sabbath be taken from you.

If your soul has no Sabbath, it becomes an orphan.

~Albert Schweitzer

GATHERING MUSIC

Dr. Gregory Taylor, piano

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner

Thank you for signing and passing the red hospitality pad found in the pews.

Please use your smart phone to check in on Facebook; let your family and friends know

that you are at Coral Gables Congregational UCC.

Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online

each Sunday at www.Gablesucc.org/live.

INTROIT Holy Manna arr. Joel Raney

Chancel Choir with Seth Woods, percussion

*THE CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 105:1-4

Elena Rodriguez, leader

Leader: O give thanks to God, call on God's name,

People: make known God's deeds among the peoples.

Leader: Sing to God, sing praises to God;

People: tell of all God's wonderful works. Leader: Glory in God's holy name;

People: let the hearts of those who seek God rejoice.

Leader: Seek God and God's strength;

People: seek God's presence continually.

Please remain standing for the opening hymn.

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*OPENING HYMN Sing Praise to God, Who Has Shaped

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*OPENING PRAYER (ALL) Spirit of Wilderness, we know about control; show us the letting go. We

know about gardens; lead us to wildness. We know about full; empty us to

spacious. We know about work, teach us to rest in you. We know about

words, open us to divine silence. We know about hunger, fill us with the

bread of life. Receive now this prayer we offer with hearts open wide; the

prayer your Son taught us to pray:

*THE LORD’S PRAYER (sung)

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.

*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE

Leader: Let us reach out in friendship and Christian love to those around us,

greeting and welcoming one another in the name of Christ, saying, “The

peace of Christ be with you.”

People: And also with you.

You are invited to share words of peace with those around you.

All children and youth through high school wishing to attend Sunday School are

invited to leave during the Passing of the Peace and go to the Fellowship Hall.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE (Sung)

We will sing several times as we prepare to receive the Word.

Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name.

Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.

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THE SCRIPTURE LESSON Exodus 16:2-15

Gisela Vega, reader

The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the

wilderness. The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in

the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have

brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger."

Then the Lord said to Moses, "I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each

day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them,

whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what

they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days." So Moses and Aaron

said to all the Israelites, "In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought

you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord,

because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you

complain against us?" And Moses said, "When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the

evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the

complaining that you utter against him--what are we? Your complaining is not against us

but against the Lord.'"

Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, 'Draw near to

the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.'" And as Aaron spoke to the whole

congregation of the Israelites, they looked towards the wilderness, and the glory of the

Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, "I have heard the

complaining of the Israelites; say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the

morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your

God.'"

In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a

layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the

wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites

saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses

said to them, "It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat."

Friends, listen! God is still speaking!

Thanks be to God!

THE MORNING MESSAGE The Rev. Megan Smith

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THE GIFT OF MUSIC At the Table of the World Carl Johengen

Michelle Caravia and Mark Hart, soloists

When directed, the congregation is invited to sing the following:

THE MORNING PRAYERS AND SUNG PRAYER RESPONSE

The Rev. Aaron Lauer

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THE RECEIVING OF OUR OFFERINGS

Invitation The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner

Offertory Music My Grateful Spirit Sings Sally DeFord

Michelle Caravia, soloist

THE RECEIVING OF NEW MEMBERS

INTRODUCTIONS

OPENING WORDS

COVENANT OF THE NEW MEMBERS

WORDS OF THANKSGIVING

*COVENANT OF THE CHURCH FAMILY

*WELCOME BY THE CONGREGATION

We welcome you with joy into the common life of this church. We promise you

our friendship and prayers as we support one another in the work to which we

feel called: striving for peace and justice among all people, protecting and

restoring the integrity of all God's creation, and bringing hope to those most

vulnerable. Amen.

*PROCLAMATION Raul Hernandez, Vice-Moderator

*BENEDICTION

*THE SINGING OF ALLELUIA

As we end our service, you are invited to join hands with your neighbor as an expression

of our unity in Christ and lift them up in glory to God on the second verse of Alleluia.

*POSTLUDE Dr. Gregory Taylor, piano

During the postlude, you are invited to come forward to the piano and enjoy the music.

Following the service, please join us in Havighorst Lounge for some refreshments, and

conversation with others. Visitors, we would LOVE to have you join us!

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A WARM AND CORDIAL WELCOME TO ALL GUESTS

If you are visiting with us for the first time this morning, we welcome you. We are

grateful we have found each other. And, if somehow, there is something in you, some

still small voice seeking a place to live out your faith, to ask important questions, and to

serve beyond yourself, we invite you into our community. For more information about

the church or membership, please contact Pastor Laurie at 305.448.7421, ext. 116 or at

LaurieH@gablesucc.org.

THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS:

John Graham, head usher; Dawn Thompson, Peter McDougal, and Dana Viggiano

STAY IN TOUCH Once a week or so, Pastor Laurie e-mails a pastoral letter, Laurie’s Lines, to all members

and friends, filling them in on the week’s events, any special concerns that have arisen,

and general church business. If you would like to be included, contact Ron Morgan at

RonM@gablesucc.org.

EACH SUNDAY: WORSHIP WITH US ONLINE

Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online

today and each Sunday at gablesucc.org/live.

TODAY: SYRIAN SUPPER CLUB

For those who have already purchased a ticket, join us at 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship

Hall for the Syrian Supper Club. Joining us will be members of the local Muslim

Women’s Organization, as well as recently resettled refugees from Syria who are

preparing the meal and sharing with us their journeys to America.

POP (PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS) PLAYDATE

Today, September 24 from Noon-1:30 p.m. in the Preschool playground.

If you have children, infants through kindergarten, and want to find a place to meet other

families while the kids have fun, then Parents of Preschoolers of Gables UCC is the

group for you. Join Pastor Megan along with young families for a potluck lunch with

plenty of time for fellowship and play! Please bring a lunch-style dish to share. Drinks

and paper goods provided.

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STEWARDSHIP GATHERINGS: SIGN UP TODAY!

The Stewardship Team, thinking about this year’s 500th anniversary of Martin Luther

nailing 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral calling for change in the church,

wondered what changes you as members of Gables UCC would nail to our giant wooden

doors. So they invite you to have your own Martin Luther moment by attending one of

the many sessions offered throughout August and September and share with them what is

important to you about the church and your dreams for it in the future.

Gatherings

Wednesday Evening Dinner

September 27

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday Morning Breakfast

October 7

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Sunday Afternoon Lunch

October 1

12:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Please RSVP by registering following the worship services each Sunday morning, or you

may RSVP to Drew Sandbulte at DrewS@gablesucc.org, or at 305.448.7421 x 112, or

you may register online at gablesucc.org/stewardship-gatherings.

Please note: All sessions will be held at the Catalonia House, 1210 Catalonia Avenue,

Coral Gables (Behind the Early Childhood Center). Childcare is available on

Wednesdays and Sundays.

CHURCH NIGHT IN

Each Wednesday Evening

Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

$6 for adults; $4 for kids 12 and under Take-Out Available

Come see old friends and meet new ones while gathering for a delicious dinner.

CHOIR REHEARSALS THIS WEDNESDAY

… and every Wednesday evening

Cherub Choir (K- Grade 2) and Agape Choir (Grades 3-5): 6:15 p.m.- 6:55 p.m.

Youth Bell Choir (Middle and High School Youth): 7:15 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Adult Bell Choir: 6:15 p.m.- 7:15 p.m.

Chancel Choir: 7:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

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LET’S TRAVEL TO GERMANY!

Information Session

Saturday, September 30 at 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. in the Church Library

(Note the change of date due to the storm) As part of our yearlong commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, you

are invited to join us for a Reformation Tour to Germany. We will visit such places as the

site of the Diet of Worms, the Gutenberg Museum, the Augustinian Monastery, and

Lutherhalle in Wittenberg. Join us to learn about costs, itinerary, and plans. German

strudel will be served.

CARETAKERS TEA

Saturday, September 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the Library

For all individuals who tend to or support family and friends who live with mental

illnesses and/or brain disorders such as depression, dementia, bi-polar, etc.. Come

discover some support and care from folks who can help answer some questions and who

will lovingly care for you and for the caretaking you provide. Refreshments will be

served.

NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1:

World Communion/Erntedank Sunday

Be with us as we join with Christians around the world in the commemoration of the

Lord’s Supper. Come and cherish the rich diversity of this congregation, as we remember

the many lands, peoples, cultures, and languages that will surround Communion tables

around the globe this day and right here in our own congregation.

We will also celebrate the tradition of Erntedank, which is always the first Sunday of

October, with our German-language congregation. It is tradition in Germany that during

Erntedank, which means harvest, the congregation presents fruits, vegetables, and grains,

giving thanks for all the hard work in the fields.

The Neighbors in Need Offering, a special offering of the UCC that supports ministries of

justice and compassion in the U.S., will be received on this day.

SPANISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP

Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel

If you are part of a Spanish-speaking family or would enjoy worshipping in Spanish,

come and join us in the Chapel for a service bridging the Latin experience with a

progressive theology. There is music, prayers, community building, and refreshments.

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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT STUDY

Faith and Mental Illness

October 1 and October 8 from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. in Havighorst Lounge

As Gables UCC prepares to become a WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and

Engaged for Mental Health) Congregation, we are going to take a few weeks to look at

mental illness, the causes, the challenges, its effect on faith, and what it might mean for

the church to open its doors even wider with an extravagant welcome to those living with

mental illness and to those who love and care for them.

Using the book Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family

and Church by the Rev. Sarah Lund, who writes about her father’s battle with bipolar

disorder, and the helpless sense of deja vu as her brother and cousin endure mental

illness, we will look at the various aspects of mental illness especially in light of our faith

and the church. The book is available for purchase each Sunday after worship or by

contacting Pastor Megan at MeganS@gablesucc.org.

Sunday, October 1 – Pastor Laurie will speak on “Breaking the Silence about Mental

Illness in the Church.” Together we will look at developing a mental health ministry in

our church and the covenant, which the WISE Team has written.

Sunday, October 8 – We are pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, author of Blessed

are the Crazy to our Adult Study session and pulpit that morning. Sarah is presently Vice

President of Seminary Advancement at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis,

Indiana. In 2011, she earned a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in

Chicago after earning a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a

Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. And yes, she will explain why she chose

that title!

GERMAN LANGUAGE CHURCH

Bevorstehende deutschsprachige Gottesdienste der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinde Miami,

in der Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ Wir nehmen Sie gerne auf in

unseren E-Mailverteiler: deutschekirchemiami@gmail.com

GERMAN LANGUAGE BIBLE STUDY

First Wednesday of the month

7:00 p.m. in Havighost Lounge

Join us for dinner first at Church Night In and then Bible Study in German.

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FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE

Open today until 2:00 p.m.

The Fair Trade movement, while providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and

micro-lending to artisan producers, also addresses environmental issues through use of

sustainable materials. Our Fair Trade Shop is located on the Columbus Boulevard side of

our church by Fellowship Hall. Come discover beautiful and unique products and gifts.

These are products with a purpose.

BECOME A CHURCH MEMBER!

OR HELP SOMEONE YOU KNOW BECOME A CHURCH MEMBER.

Our next Inquirer’s Gathering for those interested in “inquiring” about the church and

membership will be Sunday, October 1 from 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. as Pastor Laurie’s

Home, 3131 De Sto Blvd (between the church and the Biltmore Hotel).

Join us for lunch and the opportunity to learn more about the church, what we value, our

history and the United Church of Christ. Who should attend an Inquirer’s Gathering? The

short answer—you! If you love coming to the church and you are not a member, please

come! To rsvp, please contact Pastor Laurie at LaurieH@gablesucc.org or 305.448.7421.

A BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Sunday, October 1 at 2:00 p.m. in the Courtyard All are invited to bring your pets or a picture of them to the church courtyard for a brief

service of blessing and gratitude for the joy they bring to us. There will also be a special

part of the service to acknowledge the pets that died this past year. From pelicans to

penguins, all pets are welcome (just be sure to have them on a leash or properly

restrained).

MEN’S BOOK CLUB: FROM WILD MAN TO WISE MAN

Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25 at 6:00 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge

If you are a man interested in deepening your spirituality, then our Men's Book Club is

for you! We will discuss "From Wild Man to Wise Man" by Richard Rohr. The book

explores male spirituality from all different sides, tackling the subjects of healthy

masculinity, fatherhood, grief, anger, work, sexuality, power, and much more all through

the lens of a progressive Christian faith. We will gather for an hour of conversation,

study, and prayer. Books are $10 and are being sold after worship in Fellowship Hall, or

by contacting Pastor Aaron at AaronL@gablesucc.org.

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CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL UCC STAFF DIRECTORY

305.448.7421 (Extensions listed below)

Ministers

All Members of the Church

Pastoral Staff

The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor LaurieH@gablesucc.org ext. 116

The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor MeganS@gablesucc.org ext. 119

The Rev. Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor AaronL@gablesucc.org ext. 117

Program Staff

Mark Hart, Exec. Dir. of the Community Arts Program MarkH@gablesucc.org ext. 120

The Rev. Yoli Izquierdo-Yglesias, Spanish Worship Valeyosly@gmail.com/ 786-506-9890

German Worship Information info@deutschkircheflorida.com

Dr. Ronald Morgan, Director of Music Ministries RonM@gablesucc.org ext.121

Brooke Bagnall-Koger, Director of Early Childhood Center BrookeB@gablesucc.org

To contact Early Childhood Center, please call: 305-444-9792

Support Staff Anthony Cabrera, Minister of Liturgical Arts Cabreraa25@att.net

Kris Coney, Sound Technician info@gablesucc.org

Allen Feldman, Pew Organizer

Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant AliceF@gablesucc.org ext. 127

Katie Martinez, Cherub Choir Director katierox1217@gmail.com

Seth Patterson, Youth Bell Choir Director smpatter@samford.edu

Tony Prinzi, Print, Rentals & Reception Coordinator TonyP@gablesucc.org ext. 100

Dennis Rodrigues CPA, Business Manager DennisR@gablesucc.org ext.130

Drew Sandbulte, Events Coordinator DrewS@gablesucc.org ext.112

Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry AlexS@gablesucc.org ext.151

Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician Gregpiano1@aol.com ext. 155

Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director Awoods@cushmanschool.org

Maintenance and Custodial Team Rene Dominguez, Carlos Barrios, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez

WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE!

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