May 14, 2017 9:30 AM Worship

No matter who you are, Mother’s Day No matter where you are On life’s journey, You are welcome here.

Worship begins with chimes. The prelude is a time of reflection and preparation for the worship of God.

Please silence cell phones. Bibles for use during worship are available at each entrance to the Sanctuary.

THOUGHT FOR PREPARATION

"Mothers, I believe, intoxicate us. We idolize them and take them for granted. We hate them and blame them and exalt them more thoroughly than anyone else in our lives. We sift through the evidence of their love."

―Megan Mayhew Bergman PRELUDE Search for Peace McCoy Tyner

Gospel Trio WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Avena Ward

* WELCOMING EACH OTHER

* CALL TO WORSHIP One: We gather together to worship our Mother God, who knows us intimately and loves us unconditionally. All: She loved us before we were born, and her presence never leaves us.

* HYMN Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You Black Hymnal No. 4 Joyful, joyful, we adore you, God of glory, God of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before you, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the storms of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.

All your works with joy surround you, earth and heav’n reflect your rays, Stars and angels sing around you, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, Chanting bird and flowing fountain, teach us what our praise should be.

*Please stand if you are able to do so.

You are giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed, Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Loving Spirit, Father, Mother, all who love belong to you; Teach us how to love each other, by that love our joy renew.

ANTHEM Woke Up This Morning Traditional Children’s Choir Nancy Godinez, director Karen E. Johnson, piano

O, I woke up this mornin' with my mind, and it was - stayed on Jesus! Woke up this mornin' with my mind, and it was - stayed on Jesus! Woke up this mornin' with my mind, and it was - stayed on Jesus! Hallelu! Hallelu! Hallelujah!

Well, you can't hate your neighbor with your mind, it if is - stayed on Jesus! Can't hate your neighbor with your mind, if it is - stayed on Jesus! Can't hate your neighbor with your mind, if it is - stayed on Jesus! Hallelu! Hallelu! Hallelujah!

You can love everybody with your mind, if it is - stayed on Jesus! Love everybody with your mind, if it is - stayed on Jesus! Love everybody with your mind, if it is - stayed on Jesus! Hallelu! Hallelu! Hallelujah!

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Matt Fitzgerald

Oh God, As a mother disciplines her children, we ask you to discipline us, teach us, guide us. As a mother calls her children to be reconciled with their siblings, we ask you to lead us to reconciliation with one another. As a mother forgives the sons and daughters who disobey her, we ask you to forgive us. In spite of our failures and sin, we know we will always be your beloved children. Amen.

MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER WORDS OF ASSURANCE

During the Response, students may leave the Sanctuary and go to their classrooms. JK/Kindergarten teachers will be waiting in the back of the church, and 1st through

7th grade teachers will be waiting at the side door of the church to lead the students. If you would like to accompany your child, you’re welcome to drop them

off and then return to worship. RESPONSE Black Hymnal No. 8, v. 3

Praise to the living God, who knows our joy and pain, Who shares with us our common life, the sacred and profane. God toils where’er we toil, in home and mart and mill; And deep within the human heart God leads us forward still.

THE BIBLICAL WORD FOR THIS DAY Pat Ruch Hosea 11:1-5

When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. They have refused to return to me. I will not perform my unbridled anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim, because I am God and not a male, the Holy One among you.

* A STATEMENT OF FAITH We believe in God who has created and is creating, who has come to us in Jesus Christ to reconcile and make us new, who works in us and others by the Holy Spirit. We trust God. God calls us to be the Church, to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to care for creation, to seek justice and to resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life and death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God!

(adapted from the United Church of Canada)

* RESPONSE Praise to God, the World’s Creator Tune: Hyfrydol Praise to God, the world’s creator, source of life and growth and breath,

Cradling in her arms her children, holding them from birth to death. In our bodies, in our living, strength and truth of all we do, God is present, working with us, making us creators too.

SERMON “It's Complicated” Sarah Garcia

* RESPONSE Praise to God, the World’s Creator Tune: Hyfrydol Praise to God our saving Wisdom, meeting us with love and grace, helping us to grow in wholeness, giving freedom, room, and space. In our hurting, in our risking, in the thoughts we dare not name, God is present, growing with us, healing us from sin and shame.

Praise to God, the Spirit in us, prompting hidden depths of prayer, firing us to long for justice, reaching out with tender care. In our searching, in our loving, in our struggles to be free, God is present, living in us, pointing us to what shall be.

OFFERTORY Overjoyed Stevie Wonder

Gospel Trio * FESTIVAL DOXOLOGY

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Alleluia, Alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia!

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Matt Fitzgerald 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 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.

* HYMN Black Hymnal No. 11, vs. 1-3 and 6 Bring Many Names

Bring many names, beautiful and good, celebrate, in parable and story, holiness in glory, living, loving God. Hail and Hosanna! Bring many names! Strong mother of God, working night and day, planning all the wonders of creation, setting each equation, genius at play: Hail and Hosanna, strong mother God! Warm father God, hugging every child, feeling all the strains of human living, caring and forgiving till we’re reconciled: Hail and Hosanna, warm father God! Great, living God, never fully known, joyful darkness far beyond our seeing, closer yet than breathing, everlasting home:

Hail and Hosanna, great, living God!

* BENEDICTION Go Now in Peace Children’s Choir

Nancy Godinez, director Karen E. Johnson, piano

Go now in peace,

God now in peace, May the love of God surround you,

Everywhere, everywhere, You may go.

* BENEDICTION RESPONSE Amen, amen, amen.

POSTLUDE Moanin’ Bobby Timmons Gospel Trio

Following Worship, all are invited for coffee and snacks

downstairs in the Social Hall

TODAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS: Head Usher: Beatrice Jaji Ushers: Doug Clark, Bruce Voice Acolyte Coordinators: Micki Fayhee, Cindy Zinn Ball Head Greeter: Greg Mooney Gatekeeper: Dodd Brown Gospel Trio: Brendan Henry, piano; Joel Kelsey, bass; David Agee, drums THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR were donated by Sally Fletcher in honor of the 25th Anniversary of Chicago River Day.

BORN THIS WEEK IN MAY

Donations to the Birthday Fund support A Just Harvest We celebrate and give thanks for your life at St Pauls. A perfect way to celebrate

and help St Pauls: give one dollar for each year of your life to our Birthday Fund.

May 14: Claudette Dodt, Deborah Rose May 15: Evelyn Drew, Ed Heffernan, Nancy Heffernan, William Miller, Mark Roschen May 16: Colin Hayes, Jon Joseph May 17: Larry Damron, Fred Deters, Kris Gallagher, Hendrix Thomas May 18: Blake Bowersock, Jay Gleason, Gaby Godinez, Tara Magner May 19: Janet Cory, James Keller, Dede Koldyke, Michael Pechnyo, Nancy Voigts May 20: Ryan Braun, Nate Gallagher, Claire Hamp, Gustav Schmidt ST. PAULS HOUSE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: Special thanks to everyone for your very kind and generous support of our annual fundraiser last weekend. While donations are still coming in, we raised more than $75,000 for the charitable support of those residents most in need at our community. Please know how much your prayers and support of our mission to serve our residents at St. Pauls House is appreciated. Liz Raiman & Paddy Homan.

UPCOMING EVENTS VIDEO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - If you’ve ever operated the family camcorder, you could be a big help at St. Pauls. Interested? Volunteers from middle-school age to don’t-ask-me-my-age are welcome.  Call or email Chuck Kent: 312-420-7051 or chuck@brandingmagazine.com.

TODAY - PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES - The nursery and 2-3-year-old church school classes and their parents will be providing and preparing food for the CEP dinner in the church kitchen from 3:00-5:00 PM. Childcare will be provided for children too young to help. Please let Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com, know if you can attend or bring food.

MAY 19 - PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES - Join us at the Taco Bell Cantina in Wicker Park at 7:30 PM for a post-Cinco de Mayo, post-Mother's Day throwback Thursday dinner and margaritas. RSVP with Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com.

MAY 21 - PARENTS OF LITTLE ONES -  will be providing and preparing food for the CEP dinner from 3:00-5:00 PM in the church kitchen. Childcare will be provided. Please let Corie Gallemore (corie.gallemore@gmail.com) know if you can attend or bring food.

JUNE 3 - PARENTS NIGHT OUT - Bring your kids to Saint Pauls for a night out while you enjoy a night off! The Saint Pauls high school students are planning a night of fun and games for kids 4 years old and up. Cost is $30 for one child, $40 for two or more children. All proceeds benefit the Youth Mission Trip! For more information please email Leigh Borge at lborge@spucc.org.

JUNE 4 - MONTHLY BRUNCH & SOFTBALL - Join us for brunch after the 11:00 AM service and come over to Oz Park to cheer on the Dirt Disciples for our 2:00 PM game afterwards. We will gather during Social Hour and walk to Four Farthings, 2060 N. Cleveland. RSVP with Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org.

JUNE 5 - CHRISTIANITY 101 - in the Parlor at 7:00 PM. Join Pastor Jeff and fellow young adults for a lively discussion of the real-life questions we face in our daily lives. Please contact Hannah Basil at youngadults@spucc.org with questions and to RSVP.

JUNE 10 - SUMMER BBQ - at 3:00 PM at Ross and Diana's house. Let's get together for some food, drinks and fun! Diana and Ross will supply the grillin' food (burgers, brats, etc.) but ask that everyone bring a side and/or beverage to share. RSVP to the forthcoming Punchbowl invitation. Friends are welcome as well! Contact Diana with any questions.

OPPORTUNITIES ACOLYTES - We're looking for youth who would like to be Acolytes. We need two volunteers for each service. Please sign up on Sign-up Genius or email Micki Fayhee at deonmicki@sbcglobal.net.

ALTAR FLOWER SIGN UP - If you would like to purchase flowers for the altar please go to our link at http://tinyurl.com/h55pl82 and sign up. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

COLLEEN HENRY WRITING CENTER at Lincoln Park High School, initiated by St. Pauls, needs a few tutors. Nancy Brandt, nhbrandt@sbcglobal.net.

CONNECTORS reach out providing networking and support for members and friends of St. Pauls. Membership is open to all who have the time and the inclination to help. Contact Pastor Avena Ward award@spucc.org or visit the Connectors table at coffee hour.

CONSIDER THE LILIES - The Lay Pastoral Care Committee of St. Pauls is initiating a program to deliver our Sunday Altar Flowers to members who need to know St. Pauls is thinking of them. Please sign up to provide flowers for any Sunday. Please contact the church office for assistance.

FAITH IN ACTION - If you're concerned about gun violence check out the website of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence - http://www.ichv.org/ and sign a petition. The Gun Dealer Licensing Act gives Illinois the ability to encourage better business practices among dealers and hold corrupt dealers accountable, thereby curbing a major source of illegally trafficked firearms. Our representatives need to hear from us!

FAITH IN ACTION - Whether you’re interested in supporting women or GLBTQ persons or immigrants and refugees, you can find St. Pauls people involved and join them NOW.

FEED THE HUNGRY - Each week St. Pauls welcomes homeless and hungry people to Sunday dinner. Contact Brent Carstensen at bcarstensen@ameritech.net to volunteer.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Visit our Food for Thought blog http://www.spucc.org/blogs/food-for-thought.

KIDS CHURCH CAMP IS BACK! JULY 5 - JULY 28 - Registration is now open for children ages 2 to 12. Half-day or full-day camp. Visit spucc.org/camp for more details and to register.

KIDS CHURCH CAMP COUNSELORS NEEDED - JULY 5 - JULY 28 - Youth 11 to 15 as junior counselors (unpaid) and youth 16 and older as paid counsellors. Contact Pastor Sarah to apply sgarcia@spucc.org. Deadline is May 15.

LINCOLN PARK COMMUNITY SHELTER NEEDS OVERNIGHT VOLUNTEERS - To sign up: volunteer@lpcsonline.org 773-549-6111.

LITTLE LIGHTS is a St. Pauls preschool program in a progressive Christian environment. Classes for 2 and 3-year-olds meet at St. Pauls Nursery. Visit http://www.spucc.org/littlelights or email Leigh Borge at lborge@spucc.org.

SARAH’S SISTERS gather every Wednesday morning to make 40 bag lunches to be distributed to homeless people. Come to the church kitchen at 9:30 AM.

STEPHEN MINISTRY AT ST. PAULS - If you’re in need of support through a tough time or feeling called to explore Stephen Ministry speak to Pastor Avena award@spucc.org or Marti Pechnyo mpechnyo@gmail.com or Diana Laskaris dianaminlead@gmail.com.

ST. PAULS PLAY GROUP for children from birth to 3 years old in the church Nursery and Toddler Room. Drop in anytime from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Wednesdays. Corie Gallemore at corie.gallemore@gmail.com.

ST. PAULS SOCIAL - Get better acquainted with other adults at St. Pauls. If interested in hosting please contact Jen Luerssen, jenluerssen@yahoo.com and stay tuned for future events!

UCC DAILY DEVOTIONAL - To register: http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional.

WANT MORE VARIETY AT COFFEE HOUR? - Sign up to bring it at http://bit.ly/1RtSUuH.

YOUNG ADULTS - A group for fun and fellowship for folks in their twenties and thirties. All are welcome! Volunteers needed! Any ideas for future events? Email youngadults@spucc.org.

YOUTH GROUP - Youth group meet most Tuesdays, grades 2-4 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM and grades 5-7 from 5:00 - 6:30 PM. Contact sgarcia@spucc.org.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP - JUNE 24 - JULY 2 - Youth mission trip to the Lakota reservation with Native American Advocacy Program in South Dakota. Pastor Sarah to apply sgarcia@spucc.org.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS Please send any announcements you would like in the following week’s Friday email to announcements@spucc.org no later than 10:00 AM on Tuesday. Please limit announcements to 70 words. Thank you.

SAINT PAULS PRAYS

•   Esther Curtis, undergoing a difficult medical procedure. •   Hugo Osorio and family at the death of his grandchild. •   Sandra Benedict recovering from a fall. •   Rosemarie Hau being treated for a heart condition. •   Jaunita Barlow’s grandson in the hospital. •   Avena's neighbors, the Bell family. •   Aaron and Annie Noll after their son, Jonah, died from cancer. •   Two UCAN youth and their families: Fontaine, shot and killed and Sherman recovering from a gunshot wound this week. •   UCAN staff as they are affected by this trauma. •   Carole Knuti undergoing treatment for cancer. •   Teachers and staff of CPS as they manage their jobs and salary insecurity. •   CPS students as they attempt to learn in this uncertain and emotional time. •   Amy Newman's sister, Linda, starting chemotherapy treatments. •   Carole Crowley recovering from a stroke. •   All those struggling to conceive. •   Sarah Mosley’s friend, Tommy B. whose lungs are failing due to COPD. •   Dirk R. and family, uncle of Laura Nowack, who has multiple myeloma. •   Sylvia Pine’s grandfather, Terry Barton, recovering from strokes. •   Candi Huber's niece, Kathryn, continuing treatments for cancer. •   Michelle’s friends Michael, Chris and Jerry, all sick with chronic illnesses. •   Lorri Gunn Wirsum, for her husband, Karl Wirsum, and her brother, Jim. •   Mary Train and her nephew Carl and family. •   Jonah, Sean and Kevin and all homeless individuals with mental illness living in this city. •   For all those touched by violence in Chicago. •   The Renfrow family as they walk with Wayne, in hospice care. •   Steve Warsh, undergoing chemotherapy. •   Tom Palkon being treated for cancer. •   For young adults as they make their way in life moving away (physically) from family. •   For those involved in research trying to find a cure for cancer. •   Those killed and injured in terrorist attacks around the world and all refugees in need of prayer. •   All service members and their loved ones before, during and after deployment.

(Prayer cards are available in the pew racks. Fill one out and drop it in the offering plate.)

NEARLY 1 IN 5 ADULTS STRUGGLE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. Contact one of the pastors today for information about mental healthcare advocacy and resources that can help you and your loved ones. Contact information for the pastors is at the back of this bulletin.

 

ABOUT ST. PAULS

Making a joyful sound in the city

Saint Pauls UCC has a vibrant history in the city of Chicago. Founded in 1843, we are one of the city's oldest churches. In 1989 we became one of America's first congregations to declare ourselves "Open to and Affirming of” LGBT women and men. From founding Chicago's largest provider of social services to at-risk children to starting a home for the elderly, from housing protestors at the 1968 Democratic Convention to hosting Lincoln Park's first MLK day march against violence on Chicago's streets we are proud to make a joyful sound in the city. Most importantly, over the past 173 years we are glad to have introduced thousands of children and adults to the amazing, inclusive, life changing, uplifting love of God. We do so in worship that is traditional, but far from conventional.

St. Pauls United Church of Christ 2335 North Orchard Street Chicago, Illinois 60614

(773) 348-3829 FAX (773) 348-3858 www.spucc.org

Matt Fitzgerald, Senior Pastor, mfitzgerald@spucc.org

Avena Ward, Associate Pastor, award@spucc.org Jeff Carlson, Associate Pastor, jcarlson@spucc.org

Sarah Garcia, Associate Pastor for Children and Youth, sgarcia@spucc.org Karen E. Johnson, President of the Congregation, kejpiano@aol.com

Tom Henry, Pastor Emeritus, emeritushenry@gmail.com Kurt R. Hansen, Music Director, kurtsingsbach@gmail.com

Kevin Dzierzawski, Organist, kdzierza@att.net Brendan Henry, Joyful Sounds Choir Director,brendanphenry@hotmail.com

Nancy Voigts, Children’s Choir Director, nvoigtsgod@att.net Kecia Waldschmidt, Youth Choir Director, keciagerman@hotmail.com

Kristofer Hansen, Joyful Sounds Choir Co-Director, TheBeatB0xer1995@gmail.com Mark Mosley, Intergenerational Orchestra Director, mwmosley@gmail.com

Tom Vaitsas, Pianist, tomvaitsas@gmail.com Kevin O’Brien, Lay Liturgical Administrator, kob48@att.net

Free Parking is available on Sundays at Children’s Memorial Hospital

2300 Block of North Lincoln Ave. – Vouchers Not Needed

WELCOME TO SAINT PAULS UCC!

Welcome to those whose hearts are on fire with faith, and to those who bring their doubt inside our doors.

Welcome to our first time guests and our longtime members.

Welcome to single people, tiny children, grandparents and families of all configurations.

Welcome to those who rejoice and to those who grieve. Welcome to each and to everyone.

We are an Open and Affirming church. We welcome all.

We are blessed by your presence and we are glad you are here.