First United Church
of Oak Park
29 Apr 2012
An open community united in love and justice.
848 Lake Street – Oak Park, Illinois 60301
708.386.5215 www.FirstUnitedOakPark.com
Preparing for Worship
Faith means trusting Jesus. It is simply saying yes to him rather than no.
It’s just, “Yes, Jesus,” until we die. - Robert Farrar Capon
*Please stand if you are able—Speak in unison at the bold face areas.
Please silence cell phones.
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
GATHERING MUSIC
Johann Gottfried Walther
First United Woodwind Quintet
OUR LIFE TOGETHER
Marylen Marty-Gentile
Please sign and pass the red pad in your pew.
Gathering as God’s People
INTROIT
Psalm 150
*CALL to WORSHIP
John Harper
Sanctuary Choir
Marylen Marty-Gentile
We are not alone.
Each day, we give advice with the Counselor.
We solve conflicts with the Prince of Peace.
We watch over the sheep with the Shepherd.
We guide and instruct with the Teacher.
We ease pain and grief with the King of Kings.
We are not alone.
Let us praise God together!
*HYMN 302
(blue hymnal)
I Danced in the Morning
SIMIPLE GIFTS
CALL to CONFESSION
PRAYER of CONFESSION
Rob Leveridge
God, our Shepherd, we know we are supposed to follow you. But
so often we lose our way. We follow other paths. We listen to
other voices. We think we can find still waters and green pastures
all by ourselves. And we wander off. We leave the safety of the
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flock. We walk through the valley of the shadow, and we are afraid.
We get lost and we feel alone.
Silent prayers
We have poor eyesight. We need you. Guide us. Amen.
ASSURANCE of PARDON
Hear the good news:
When we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the
truth is not in us. When we confess our sin, God is faithful
and just and will cleanse our souls and make us whole. The
Good Shepherd reaches out to anoint our heads with oil and
to lead us to places of peace. Thanks be to God!
*PASSING the PEACE
The peace of the risen Christ be with you. And also with you.
Please share the peace of Christ with those around you.
Listening for God’s Word to Us
The SACRAMENT of BAPTISM
Kai Gajilan Fowler
(see bulletin insert)
TIME for SHARING
SONG OF ILLUMINATION
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A READING from
the NEW TESTAMENT
1 John 3:16-24 (NT pg. 240)
Janet Guevara
A READING
from the GOSPEL
John 10:11-18 (NT pg. 104)
Julie R. Harley
The 23rd Psalm
ANTHEM
Bobby McFerrin
Sanctuary Choir
“The Gift of Poor Eyesight”
SERMON
Julie R. Harley
Responding to God’s Word
Ave Verum Corpus
OFFERTORY
Please place pink prayer cards in the offering plates.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
First United Woodwind Quintet
*DOXOLOGY
Old Hundredth
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ all people here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
PRAYERS of the PEOPLE
and THE LORD’S PRAYER
Rob Leveridge
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.
Going Forth in Dedication and Service
*HYMN 540
(blue hymnal)
God Be with You Till We Meet Again
RANDOLPH
*CHARGE and BENEDICTION
SENDING MUSIC
The Heavens Declare the Glory of God
Benedetto Marcello
First United Woodwind Quintet
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NEXT SUNDAY, May 6, 2012 - 11:00 am Worship
SERMON: “Get Up and Go”
SCRIPTURE READINGS: 1 John 4:7-21 and John 15:1-8
A Congregational Meeting to elect new Council members and lay leaders will be
held immediately following worship.
TODAY AT FIRST UNITED
TODAY’S WORSHIP:
 The call to worship is adapted from Nancy Parker-Brummett.
 Thanks to the First United Woodwind Quintet (Marilee Castañeda, flute; Louise LoivoKier, oboe; Carl Nauert, clarinet; Melinda Robinson, french horn; William Gilmer, bassoon)
for sharing their musical talents in worship today. We also thank those who joined our
Open Choir today. All are invited to sing with the Sanctuary Choir the last Sunday of
each month, all year round.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP GROUP TODAY AT 12:15 PM(CONF. ROOM) More
extreme weather events, continued poisoning of our land, air and oceans, and the increased
suffering of thirsty and hungry people around the globe are just a few of the indicators that
humanity and the rest of Creation is under heightened threat from environmental degradation as
each year goes by. If you are interested in working on sustainability and "healing the earth"
issues, please attend our Group meeting.
IRENE HERRICK TURNS 100 ON MAY 1ST ! SIGN A CARD FOR HER AFTER WORSHIP.
Irene is a long time active Member, now in residence at Plymouth Place in LaGrange. Sign a card
for her in the lounge after Worship!
“IT GETS BETTER: CREATING HOPE FOR LGBT YOUTH” TODAY AT ELMHURST
COLLEGE will be presented by nationally known author Dan Savage at 7:00 pm Sun., Apr. 29,
at Elmhurst College’s Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ONE EARTH FILM FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND - APRIL 27-29 (Multiple locations around
Oak Park & River Forest) Admission is free to most screenings and events. Donations accepted.
This change-making weekend will showcase up to two dozen compelling, environmental films.
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Following each film will be a Q & A discussion session. Bring your questions. Bring your ideas.
Visit the “Film Fest” menu tab on www.greencommunityconnections.org for more information
and details about volunteering and sponsors!
EVENING DIVISION WHITE ELEPHANT AUCTION IS COMING THUR., MAY 3, 6:30PM
in Centennial Hall. Auction items include services (computer consultation, handy-man services),
preparation of delicious food treats and other interesting treasures. Proceeds support our local
mission projects and scholarships. If you have a service or specialty item to offer, contact
Rosemary Irmis at rirmis@aol.com. No charge for auction attendance. Dinner at 5:30 is $15.00.
Contact Ruth Ashman at ruthash3@yahoo.com by April 30th or sign up at the Elders Desk.
THE CHICAGO COALITION OF WELCOMING CHURCHES MEETS HERE SAT., MAY 5
from 9 to 11 am in the Chapel. This group provides support and resources for churches which
are welcoming for LGBTQ members.
SUNDAY SCHOOL PARENTS SPRING SOCIAL SUN., MAY 6 (9:30-11:30AM)
Grocery shopping? Yoga? Reading the paper? All those can wait! Drop your kids off at
Sunday School and then head to the Chapel for coffee, cakes, and chatting. It's our time of the
year to reconnect with parents of all those kids you see at the front of church each week and in
the halls. Sponsored by Children's Ministry Committee.
DISCERNING OUR NEW COMMITTEE LEADERS: Led by our nominating committee,
current chairpersons will be making calls to invite new members to serve on our church
leadership teams. Please reflect and pray about ways you can share your gifts to fulfill God’s
vision for our congregation. A congregational meeting will be held immediately after worship
on Sunday, May 6, to elect new Council members and nominating committee members.
CROP WALK 2012, SUNDAY MAY 6, 2012, 2 PM
PLEASE visit the CROP Walk recruitment table in the lounge before or after Sunday worship
service during the months of April and May to register as a walker, learn more about CROP
Walk initiatives, and/or sponsor a walker from First United Church. Contact: Mary Anne
Loafman at 708-383-9048.
DINNER AND A MOVIE ON MAY 11: “Higher Ground” starring Vera Farmigia. Dinner at 6
pm, followed by movie and discussion.
PRIME TIME NATO SUMMIT - FRIDAY, MAY 18TH, 6-9 P.M. An international potluck
will be the highlight of this event at the home of Gene and Ann Armstrong, 1113 N. Elmwood,
Oak Park. Mary Sue Voth is the coordinator and can be reached at msvoth@yahoo.com or
708.218.7970.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
VISITORS We’d like to give you a gift – no strings attached. A greeter or a
pastor can give you a copy of the book Take This Bread, which is a story of
someone who came to Christian faith as she engaged in service with poor and
vulnerable members of her community. We hope this story will be a blessing to
you as you grow in your own relationship with God, and we’re very glad you
have joined us for worship today!
WORSHIP
 COFFEE HOUR: All are invited, immediately after worship in the lounge.
 TO REDUCE DISTRACTIONS DURING WORSHIP, please use the exits and restrooms at
rear (Lake St. side). Rear restrooms are at basement level. Please wait until first hymn to
enter the sanctuary if you arrive a bit late.
 GREEN GIVING CARDS IN THE PEW RACKS Offerings are a sacred act of worship. Use
the Cards to celebrate what you’ve already given or to make a credit card donation.
FOR CHILDREN
 Age-appropriate worship activities are available as you enter the Sanctuary. Children 5 and
under may leave after Time for Sharing and go to Rooms 14 and 15.
 A Jesus doll is on the front pew, available for a child who may want to sit with him during
worship. Jesus is there for your child, just as Jesus is present for us.
MISSION
 OUR COUNCIL PRIORITY is to build relationships that Bless, Challenge and Transform…
with God, with each other and with the world.
 OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE HAS THREE CORE THEMES: 1) Moving from words to
God-pleasing actions in our relationship with God. 2) Moving from individualism to
intimacy in our relationship with others. 3) Moving from providing charity to changing
structures of injustice in our relationship to the world.
 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 GLBT people in membership & ministry.
PLEASE CONTACT US
 Prayer requests, hospitalizations: Please contact a pastor (see back)
 Questions/Suggestions: Email Church Council:
council@firstunitedoakpark.com
 For joys and concerns, deacons are available in the lounge after
worship or by email at deacons@firstunitedoakpark.com.
 FIRSTUNITEDOAKPARK.COM
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WEEKLY CALENDAR
THUR, MAY 3
Evening Division 5:30 pm
FRI, MAY 4
SUN, APR. 29
FUSH/FUJI Youth Group 6 pm
MON, APR. 30
PADS 6 pm
Peace Vigil 7 pm
SAT, MAY 5
Inner Peace World Peace 8:30 am
Bell Choir Rehearsal 8:45 am
SUN, MAY 6
Adult Ed (Bible Study, Food and Faith 1) 9:30 am
Spring Parent Social 9:30 am
Worship 11 am
Congregational Meeting 12 pm
CROP Walk 2 pm
FUSH/FUJI Youth Group 6 pm
TUE, MAY 1
Library Committee 6:30 pm
Adult Education Committee 7 pm
Deacons Meeting 7 pm
WED, MAY 2
Bible/Book Study 11 am
Bell Choir 6:15 pm
Adult Choir 7 pm
CONTACT US
Julie R. Harley, Lead Pastor
Leah Fowler, Associate Pastor
Rob Leveridge, Associate Pastor
Marylen Marty-Gentile, Director of
Children & Family Ministries
William Chin, Director of Music
Michael Surratt, Organist
Adam Wilson, Office Manager
Fred Henders, Operations Manager
Julie O’Shea, Financial Manager
Joan White, Nursery School Director
General Office Email
Church Phone and Hours
Kids Kloset Hours:
Walk-In Ministry Phone and Hours:
Food Pantry Phone and Hours:
jrh@firstunitedoakpark.com
lfowler@firstunitedoakpark.com
rleveridge@firstunitedoakpark.com
marylen@firstunitedoakpark.com
bill@firstunitedoakpark.com
msurratt@sbcglobal.net
office@firstunitedoakpark.com
operations@firstunitedoakpark.com
financial@firstunitedoakpark.com
jwhite@firstunitedschool.com
office@firstunitedoakpark.com
(tel) 708.386.5215, (fax) 708.386.7480, Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Sat. 9:30-11 am
708.386.1946, Mon–Sat 10 am-11 am
708.386.1324, Sat. 9-12, Wed. 3:30-5, except 1st Wed’s 7-8:30pm
ANNOUNCEMENT SUBMISSIONS
 Email office@firstunitedoakpark.com with where & when to publish (i.e. “Feb. 5 bulletin”)
 Bulletin: 75 words max, due Thur. noon, space permitting.
 Messenger Bell: 250 words max, due 15th of month (or next business day).
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