First United Church
of Oak Park
22 June 2014
An open community united in love and justice.
848 Lake Street – Oak Park, Illinois 60301
708.386.5215 www.FirstUnitedOakPark.com
Preparing for Worship
“Em pathy is really the opposite of spiritual m eanness. It's the capacity to
und erstand that every w ar is both w on and lost. And that som eone else's pain is as
m eaningful as your ow n .” -- Barbara Kingsolver
*Please stand if you are able—Speak in unison at the bold face areas.
Please silence cell p hones.
GATHERING MUSIC “A ria” from In M ystery and W onder
INTRO IT
M ouvement de M enuet
Dan Locklair
Ravel
Elizabeth Perkins, Piano
O UR LIFE TO GETHER
Please sign and pass the red pad in your pew.
Leah Fow ler
Gathering as God’s People
*CALL t o W O RSHIP
The sun shines m ore brightly.
Its w arm th stays w ith us for so m any m ore hours.
So w e shake free of our routines.
We w and er about the w ild erness:
H oping God w ill open our eyes
Praying God w ill m ake us w orthy
Wanting to grow w ith God .
Let us grow together in the w ild w ays of our God.
*HYMN
Shall W e Gather at the River
2
Robert H u nter Bry
H AN SON PLACE
source: Hymnary.org
CALL t o CO NFESSION
Tom m y O’Shea
Our scripture today tells an old story that still finds incarnations today. It is the
story of brokenness that we feel because of racism, sexism, classism. It is the
brokenness we feel within our families, our friendships, our work and even our
relationship with God. Let us confess before God and one another, seeking the
redemption in Christ who can make all things new.
3
PRAYER of CO NFESSIO N
Abraham was very distressed because his son was cut out, because Sarah could
no longer tolerate Hagar. So Sarah threw Hagar out into the wilderness. And
this is distressing. We are distressed whenever relationships are broken.
Still, we confess to God that there are family and friends we have cast out.
Knowing this, you are invited to offer your silent confession to God by taking one
of the small strips of cloth, writing the name of someone you have left behind in
the wilderness and clipping it to the clotheslines on the side aisles during the
Passing of the Peace.
You are invited to offer your silent confession to God by taking one of the small strips of
cloth, writing the name of someone you have left behind in the wilderness and clip it to the
clothesline during the Passing of the Peace.
ASSURANCE of PARDO N
Even in our isolation, God appears to us in surprising ways: a rush of water in the
wilderness, a new covenant, a new hope. God appears to us in the person of Jesus,
knowing the challenges, disappointment and tremendous power of human love
and relationships. Where we have fallen short, Jesus has granted us forgiveness,
grace and a clean start.
In Christ, we are called to love ourselves. We are called to love one another.
We are called to love God. May we do it better next time.
*PASSING t he PEACE
The peace of the risen Christ be w ith you. And also w ith you.
Please share the peace of Christ with those around you.
Listening for God’s Word to Us
TIME for SHARING
SO NG of ILLUMINATIO N
Marylen Marty-Gentile
M ungu ni mwema
4
Congolese, arr. John Bell
A READING
from t he Hebrew Bible
HYMN 472
Genesis 21:8-21 (OT, p. 17)
Elizabeth Perkins
Precious, Take M y Hand
PRECIOUS LORD
(black hym nal)
SERMO N
“What We Found in the Wild erness” Jake Levin, Daniel Wheelock
Responding to God’s Word
THE CONGREGATION WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
Rob Leveridge and Britt Cox
PRESENTATION AND QUESTIONS
NEW MEMBER COVENANT
We welcome you into this community and promise to journey together with
you in faith. We offer ourselves as sisters and brothers in Christ, committing
ourselves to care for one another. We offer ourselves as partners in ministry
and mission, working to further God's work everywhere. We offer ourselves as
companions, joining each other as the Body of Christ, growing together in
Christian faith and practice. By God's grace we share this covenant in the name
of Jesus Christ who calls us to gather in God's name.
WORDS OF WELCOME AND PRAYER OF BLESSING
PRAYER O F DEDICATIO N
Diane Fascione
Offerings are a sacred act of worship. W e invite you to use the green giving cards in the
pew rack to celebrate what you’ve already given or to make an additional donation.
Today’s Fourth Sunday Offering benefits the Economic Sustainability A ction Team
making micro-loans to enable individuals to become self-sufficient and empower
themselves. Today’s non-pledge income will benefit this cause.
O FFERTO RY
Follow the Drinking Gourd
arr. Jay Althou se
Lau rand Royal, soloist
Please place pink prayer cards in the offering plates.
*DO XO LO GY
Praise God from w hom all blessings flow ;
Praise Christ all people here below ;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
Praise Triune God, w hom w e adore. Amen.
TALLIS’ CAN ON
PRAYERS of t he PEO PLE and THE LO RD’S PRAYER
Britt Cox
Our Father w ho art in heaven, hallow ed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy w ill be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts, as w e forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the pow er and the glory, forever, Amen.
5
Going Forth in D edication and Service
*HYMN 471
W hat a Covenant
LEANIN G
(black hym nal)
*CHARGE and BENEDICTIO N
*BENEDICTIO N RESPO NSE
SENDING MUSIC
A men, A men
African-Am erican Sp iritu al
Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit
Robin Dind a
N EXT SUN D AY, June 29, 2014 - 10 am Worship
We say goodbye to Pastor Rob Leveridge and his Family
Prayer and Anointing in the Chapel after Worship
The Deacons will be available in the Chapel directly after the service
TODAY AT FIRST UNITED
Today’s sanctuary flowers are in loving memory of Millie Haisman from Bob and Janet
Haisman.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Celebrate Rob Leveridge & his Family!
Send Off Celebration - June 29, 11 a.m., Kenilworth Lawn
Let’s celebrate Rob’s ministry and say a fond farewell--of course with food, music and
fellowship. (In case of rain, Centennial Hall)
Nursery School Retirement Celebration
June 29, 2:30-4:30 p.m. - Lounge
With a combined 52 years of teaching in the Nursery School, Mary Jo Pikul and Judy
Steed are retiring! Former and current students and parents are encouraged to stop by to
share thanks and well wishes.
2nd Grade Church School leading the Congregation in the
23rd Psalm view the 60 second video at
www.firstunitedoakpark.com/ ministries/ children
6
OUR VISION 2020
 Moving from words to witness in our relationship with God
 Moving from individualism to intimate fellowship in our
relationship with other members of the church community
 Moving from charity to changing structures in our relationship
with the world
WELCOME
We’re glad you joined us for worship. Here are a few ways to learn about First United:
 Sign the friendship pad when it’s passed. Include your email to receive our weekly e-news
and devotional!
 Speak with any greeter or minister after Worship or join us for coffee hour.
 Visit us at www.firstunitedoakpark.com to learn more about our ministries.
 Contact Rob Leveridge at rleveridge@firstunitedoakpark.com or 708.386.5215.
 Ask for dates of upcoming Newcomer’s Gatherings.
 A greeter or pastor would like to offer you (no strings attached) a copy of the book Take
This Bread, a story of someone who came to Christian faith as she engaged in service with
poor and vulnerable members of her community.
ABOUT US - We are a union church of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church
of Christ. We seek to be an inclusive expression of Christ’s body celebrating our diversity while
finding our unity in Christ. We are a More Light/ Open and Affirming congregation, committed
to full inclusion of GLBTQ people in membership & ministry.
ABOUT WORSHIP - WORSHIP is our time to praise and grow closer to God. Worship each
week includes song, prayer, learning, silence and giving. If you have any questions about what
we do, please ask a minister or a member.
WORSHIP with CHILDREN - We welcome all children to participate fully in worship. Ageappropriate worship activities and books are available as you enter the sanctuary. We offer safe,
quality child care and quiet play for children five and under in our nursery (just off the lounge).
Accompanied by a parent, these children may leave after Time for Sharing.
RESTROOMS - During worship, please use restrooms on the lower level of the Narthex (the
area just inside the Lake Street doors). Accessible restrooms are located off the church lounge.
COFFEE HOUR - We serve coffee and tea in the lounge before and after worship each week.
We invite everyone to mingle and meet someone new.
GIVING - Offering envelopes are available in the pew racks. You can give onetime or recurring gifts online at www.firstunitedoakpark.com/ giving.
WWW.FIRSTUNITEDOAKPARK.COM for more info
7
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Complete list of events and details anytime
at www.firstunitedoakpark.com/calendar/
SUN JUN 22
8:30 AM Newcomers Gathering
10:00 AM Worship
2:00 PM Sacred Spaces House of
Worship Walk
3:00 PM PFLAG
TUE JUN 24
7:00 PM Technology Committee
7:15 PM Personnel Committee
7:30 PM Faith in Place Informational Mtg.
CONTACT INFO
THU JUN 26
7:00 PM Shawl Ministry
FRI JUN 27
7:00 PM Peace Vigil
SUN JUN 29
10:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Rob Leveridge Send off Celebration
Church (Summer) Office Hours, Mon-Fri 9-4, 708.386.5215
Pastoral and Music Staff
Staff profiles at www.firstunitedoakpark.com/about/staff
Kent Organ, Interim Lead Pastor (ext. 22)
korgan@firstunitedoakpark.com
Marylen Marty-Gentile, Associate Pastor (ext. 27)
marylen@firstunitedoakpark.com
Leah Fowler, Associate Pastor (ext. 26)
lfowler@firstunitedoakpark.com
Rob Leveridge, Associate Pastor (ext. 25)
rleveridge@firstunitedoakpark.com
Britt Cox, Pastoral Associate
William Chin, Director of Music (ext. 39)
bill@firstunitedoakpark.com
Michael Surratt, Organist
msurratt@firstunitedoakpark.com
Office and Administrative Staff
Adam Wilson, Office Manager (ext. 23)
Amanda Swanson, Office Assistant
Terry McIntyre, Interim Operations Manager (ext. 40)
Julie O’Shea, Financial Manager (ext. 29)
Resident Mission Partners
First United Church Nursery School
Prevail (formerly Walk-In Ministry)
OPRF Food Pantry
The Kid’s Kloset
office@firstunitedoakpark.com
membership@firstunitedoakpark.com
operations@firstunitedoakpark.com
financial@firstunitedoakpark.com
708.848.4910, www.firstunitedschool.com
708.386.1946, www.PrevailOn.org
708.386.1324, www.oprffoodpantry.org
708.613.0573, sjzaruba@yahoo.com
8