First United Church of Oak Park
26 Feb 2012 - First Sunday of Lent
Preparing for Worship
Lord God, in this world where goodness and evil continue to clash with each other, instill in
us, and in all your people, discernment to see what is right, faith to believe what is right, and
courage to do what is right. Keep us aware of the subtlety of sin, and preserve us, body,
mind and soul, through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen. (The Iona Community,
Scotland)
*Please stand if you are able—Speak in unison at the bold face areas.
Please silence cell phones.
GATHERING MUSIC Two Settings of
the Passion Chorale J. G. Walther, Johannes Brahms
OUR LIFE TOGETHER
Marylen Marty-Gentile
Please sign and pass the red pad in your pew.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING MISSION MOMENT
Ruth McBeth
Gathering as God’s People
*CALL to WORSHIP
Marylen Marty-Gentile
From Bethlehem to Nazareth, from Jordan to Jericho,
From Bethany to Jerusalem, from then to now,
Come, Lord Jesus.
To heal the sick, to mend the broken-hearted, to comfort the
disturbed,
To disturb the comfortable, to cleanse the temple, to liberate faith
from convention,
Come, Lord Jesus.
To carry the cross, to lead the way, to shoulder the sin of the world
and take it away,
Come, Lord Jesus.
Today, to this place, to us,
Come, Lord Jesus.
*HYMN 211
(black hymnal)
Lord Jesus, Who through Forty Days
ST. FLAVIAN
CALL to CONFESSION
Rick Steele
We are called to examine our faithfulness to God’s covenant with us.
God, in whose presence we gather, promises us grace and pardon
when we acknowledge our weakness and shame. Let us confess our
sins to almighty God.
PRAYER of CONFESSION
Lord Jesus Christ, you refused to turn stones into bread.
Save us from using our power, however little, to satisfy the
demands of selfishness in the face of the needs of others.
Lord Jesus Christ, you refused to leap from the temple top.
Save us from displaying our skills, however modest, to win instant
popularity.
Silence is kept.
Lord Jesus Christ, you refused to worship a false god.
Save us from offering our devotion to cheap or easy religion in the
face of the harder path you bid us to follow.
Lord Jesus Christ, you saw Satan masquerading as an angel of light
and shunned him.
Give us wisdom to see behind each subtle temptation the prince of
darkness. In the face of all that is hellishly attractive, help us to
choose the will of God. Amen.
ASSURANCE of PARDON
Listen to the words of the scriptures: the mercy and love of God are
endless. God’s wrath is slow, and God’s love is eternal. Amen.
*PASSING the PEACE
The peace of 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
(see yellow insert)
for Jameson Sean Berry, son of Shawna Stachnik and Ron Berry
and for Yasmina Duwe, Samantha Duwe and Scott Duwe.
TIME for SHARING
Marylen Marty-Gentile
SONG OF ILLUMINATION
(sing three times)
Jesus, Remember Me
A READING from the
EPISTLE
1 Peter 3:18-22 (NT p. 234)
A READING from the
GOSPEL
Mark 1:9-15 (NT p. 34)
“Roots and Fruits”
SERMON
Jacques Berthier
Rick Steele
Rick Steele
Julie R. Harley
Responding to God’s Word
THE CONGREGATION WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
Rob Leveridge
PRESENTATION AND QUESTIONS
NEW MEMBER COVENANT
Congregation in unison:
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
OFFERTORY
Ee'n So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come
Paul Manz
Please place pink prayer cards in the offering plates.
Today’s Fourth Sunday Offering will help fund a summer tutoring program at Primera
Unida Iglesia de Berwyn, in conjunction with Elmhurst College and First United Church.
Peace be to you and grace from Him Who freed us from our sins,
Who loved us all and shed His blood that we might saved be.
Sing Holy, Holy to our Lord, The Lord, Almighty God,
Who was and is and is to come; Sing Holy, Holy Lord!
Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein,
Rejoice on earth, ye saints below,
For Christ is coming soon!
E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come, And night shall be no more;
They need not light nor lamp nor sun, For Christ will be their All!
*DOXOLOGY
TALLIS’ CANON
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
7th and 8th Grade class
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 202
(black hymnal)
O God, How We Have Wandered
PASSION CHORALE
*CHARGE and BENEDICTION
SENDING
Prelude and Fugue in E minor
Nicholas Bruhns
NEXT SUNDAY, Mar. 4, 2012 - 11:00 am Worship
SERMON: “Tamed” - SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 8:31-38 and Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
WHAT IS LENT?
Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter. In Western Christianity, Ash
Wednesday marks the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter
(Sundays are not included in the count). Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for
Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, and spiritual
discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering,
sacrifice, life, death, burial, and resurrection. The final week, beginning with Palm Sunday
is referred to as Holy Week. The Bible does not mention the custom of Lent, however, the
practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8;
Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.
TODAY AT FIRST UNITED
TODAY’S LITURGY comes from Stages on the Way: Worship Resources for Lent from the Iona
Community Wild Goose Worship Group.
WHITE ROSES IN SANCTUARY are to celebrate the birth of Kai Gajilan Fowler and James
Patrick Wright!
THANK YOU TO EMORY MEAD for designing our Lenten bulletin covers.
PAUL MANZ (1919–2009) studied at Concordia University and Northwestern University before
embarking on his long career as organist, recitalist, educator, and church musician. He
was Cantor Emeritus at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saint Luke, Chicago, Professor
Emeritus of Church Music at Christ Seminary Seminex at the Lutheran School of Theology at
Chicago, and director of the Paul Manz Institute of Church Music. Ee'n So, Lord Jesus, Quickly
Come is his best known composition.
WORSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD Lent is here, the six weeks when we practice, again, what
being a follower of Jesus means in our life. With your child and whole family pay attention.
Make opportunities as you can to carve out time for praying, sharing, making hard decisions and
clearing space for God, the traditional Lenten disciplines. OGHS is a good way to practice giving
this season.
ORGANIST SELECTED: CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL SURRATT, who
was chosen by our organist search committee and confirmed as our new organist by
Church Council on Feb. 21. We have enjoyed Michael’s playing since last
September, while he has served as our interim organist. Welcome to the staff!
PASTOR LEAH FOWLER and Chris Gajilan are the proud parents of baby girl Kai Gajilan
Fowler, born Feb. 15. Leah will be on maternity leave until May 7. Andrea Kirksey will serve as
our youth consultant during Leah’s leave.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SIGN UP TO BE A PRAYER PARTNER DURING LENT!
Prayer partners commit to touch base with each other at least once per week, by phone, email or
in person, to share joys and concerns, so that they can lift one another up in prayer. This season
of prayer partners will last from Feb 26 and Easter Sunday, April 8. Sign up with one of the blue
cards found in the pews or bulletin, or by emailing Pastor Rob Leveridge. The church will email
partner information to those who sign up soon after, February 26.
LENTEN BOOK STUDY GROUPS: This Lenten Season, our congregation is
reading the book “How Then Shall We Live?” in small groups meeting in our
church building and in members’ homes. These weekly gatherings are
happening at different times throughout the week, to accommodate a range of
personal schedules. The book focuses on fundamental questions that can
become doorways to a more meaningful life: Who am I? What do I love? How
shall I live, knowing I will die? What is my gift to the family of the earth? Sign
up to join a book group in the lounge, or by emailing Pastor Rob Leveridge.
SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER. A group of youth and adults from First United will travel to
Washington, DC on Mar. 23-26 for Ecumenical Advocacy Days. We will worship, learn and then
visit our members of Congress to advocate for peace and justice in our nation and around the
world. Some scholarships and financial assistance is available. Contact Pastor Julie Harley by
this week to learn more at jrh@firstunitedoakpark.com.
REVISED DATE FOR PRIMETIME DUSABLE MUSEUM VISIT: TUE., FEB. 28 We will visit
the quilt exhibit commemorating the election of President Barack Obama, followed by a lunch in
Hyde Park. Meet at 9 AM at the church parking lot and carpool to the exhibit. Cost is $7
museum fee, $3 for your driver, plus your lunch cost. Contact Connie Henderson-Damon ASAP
at (708) 386-4271 or chendersondamon@gmail.com, and please let her know if you can drive. Do
join us!
"HOW COME I'VE NEVER HEARD OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY?" (MAR. 1ST )
Join First United Evening Division on Thursday, March 1st and find out from Laurie Jolicouer,
First United member. Bring a picture or symbol of an important woman or women in your life to
contribute to a collage. Dinner at 6:00PM in Centennial Hall is $15.00. Call Ruth Ashman at 708366-3689 by February 28th for reservations or sign up at the Elders Desk. Program begins at
7:00PM with no reservations needed.
INDOOR FARMER’S MARKET SUN., MARCH 4 (8:30AM-1PM) at St. Giles Catholic Parish in
Oak Park. Sponsored by Faith in Place, an interfaith environmental organization. Cheese, soap,
syrup, honey, wool, raw fibers, vinegars, dried fruits, milled flours, sauces and salsas, preserves,
cider, and fresh produce. Sip coffee or tea and a snack from the vendors! Farmers donate 10%
to Illinois Farmer Crisis Fund.
MUSLIM CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE EVENT PLANNED MARCH 4 The Islamic Foundation of
Villa Park has invited us to join them on Sunday afternoon, March 4, 2012 for a session on Sharia
Law and its role in Islam. The speaker will be Abdul Malik Mujahid. All welcome. Time: 2 - 4
pm; Bring: snacks to share. Carpool: by meeting at the church parking lot by 1:30 pm. Sign: the
list on the desk in the Lounge.
ADULT EDUCATION: SEE THE NEW SPRING BROCHURE INSERT!
Note: March 4 The Bible Class will begin a new study of the Sermon On The Mount as found in
the Gospel of Matthew 5-7:28. Anyone wanting a copy of the study guide from the New
Collegeville Bible Commmentary should see Rob Coffman. The cost is about $9.00. We will use
the excellent Bible Commentaries in our church library. Walk-ins welcome!
TEMPTATION! DINNER AND A MOVIE AT 6:00 PM ON FRI., MAR. 9, will screen
“Bedazzled” just in time for Lent. This is a British comedy from the ‘60s starring Dudley Moore,
playing an average Joe who sells his soul to the devil. Dinner is $5 per person and Julie leads a
discussion after the movie; sign up on the Elder’s Desk in the lounge.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY, MAR. 11. Don’t forget to spring forward
one hour in two weeks (this week’s eblast mistakenly said Mar. 4!)
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 the full inclusion of GLBT people in membership and
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.
SCAN WITH QR APP TO
 FIRSTUNITEDOAKPARK.COM
VISIT OUR WEBSITE!
WEEKLY CALENDAR
SUN, FEB. 26
FUJI Youth Group 5 pm
FUSH Youth Group 6 pm
MON, FEB. 27
TUE, FEB. 28
Personnel Committee 7 pm
WED, FEB. 29
Bible Study 11 am
Adult Choir 7 pm
THUR, MAR. 1
Resident Missions Meeting 8 am
Evening Division 6 pm
Cluster Tutoring 6:30 pm
FRI, MAR. 2
Peace Vigil 7 pm
SAT, MAR. 3
Inner Peace World Peace 8:30 am
Bread Baking 9 am
Bell Choir Practice 9 am
SUN, MAR. 4
Adult Ed (Bible Study, Israel/Palestine) 9:30 am
Worship 11 am
FUSH/FUJI Youth Groups 6 pm
Faith in Action 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
Rick Steele, Pastoral Intern
William Chin, Director of Music
Michael Surratt, Organist
Andrea Kirksey
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
rick.steele@4rmanagement.com
bill@firstunitedoakpark.com
msurratt@sbcglobal.net
akirks@gmail.com
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).