March 22 10am bulletin

Claremont United Church of Christ Sunday, March 22, 2020 10:00 am We are an Open and Affirming congregation, welcoming into our full life and ministry persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, races, socioeconomic statuses, faith experiences, countries of origin, and abilities. Jesus welcomes everyone and so do we!

A CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP CLAREMONT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PRELUDE Meditation Gabriel Dupont INTROIT Sweet Rivers of Redeeming Love Campbell GREETING CALL TO WORSHIP One: For forty days, we are reflecting: All: reflecting on our hopes, fears, and dreams. One: For forty days, we are remembering: All: remembering who Jesus was and is, and who he calls us to be. One: For forty days, we are praying: All: praying that we may grow closer to God and embody Christ’s teachings of jus- tice, reconciliation, and peace. OPENING HYMN #421 We Gather Together KREMSER PRAYER OF CONFESSION Jesus, our teacher: forgive us. You taught us peace, but we still go to war. You taught us mercy, but we still worship violence. You taught us humility, but we still protect our fragile egos. You taught us generosity, but we still protect our wealth and privilege. For all the ways we reject and ignore your teachings, have mercy on us. Amen. ASSURANCE One: …Let us accept his grace once again and receive his salvation. All: In Christ we are made new! Amen. MUSICAL RESPONSE In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful (see next page) Berthier (Sing three times)

In the Lord I’ll be ev - ver thank-ful, in the Lord I will re - joice! Look to God, do not be a - fraid. Lift up your voic - es, the Lord is near. Lift up your voic - es, the Lord is near. Printed with permission via OneLicense.net

PASSING OF THE PEACE One: May the peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you. OFFERING/MUSIC Hosanna Jeremy Taylor & Sarah Garcia DEDICATION SCRIPTURE John 8:1-11 8 1 while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the tem- ple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand be- fore all of them, 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of com- mitting adultery. 5 Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 When they kept on question- ing him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Je- sus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, sir.” And Je- sus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.” SERMON 3 Day Flip: Stories of Restoration Rev. Dr. Jen Strickland “Don’t Bore God” GUEST ARTIST 10,000 Reasons Jeremy Taylor & Sarah Garcia PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER One: ...We pray for all of these places, people, and situations this morning using the words you teach us, saying together All: Our Father/Mother/Creator who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy king- dom/kin-dom 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom/kin-dom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. BENEDICTION CLOSING RESPONSE #202 O God, How We Have Wandered (vs. 3) PASSION CHORALE O God of all the living, both banished and restored, Compassionate, forgiving, our peace and hope assured. Grant now that our transgressing, our faithlessness may cease. Stretch out your hand in blessing, in pardon, and in peace.

POSTLUDE Toccata Georgi Mushel ALTAR FLOWERS This morning’s altar flowers are given by Kris and Dennis Blay in memory of Jennifer Breeze. SHIRLEY WASHINGTON’S HYMN COMMENTARY \"We Gather Together\" An anonymous Dutch patriot wrote this text to celebrate his nations' freedom from Spanish occupation. The English translation is by Theodore Baker (1851-1934). Baker received his Ph.D. from Leipzig University. He also studied the music of Native Ameri- cans. This anonymous tune was published in 1626. Did you know that you can now donate to the church electronically via text message? Simply text the amount you’d like to give to (909) 343-5901! (First time givers will be prompted to provide their payment method via a secure web page.) To give online or set up recurring online giving, please visit our website (claremontucc.org) or go directly to: https://claremontucc.breezechms.com/give/online

PLEASE BE IN TOUCH Claremont United Church of Christ 233 W. Harrison Ave., Claremont, CA 91711 (909) 626-1201 | claremontucc.org @uccclaremont Claremont United Church of Christ Senior Pastors Director of Music & Fine Arts Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz Dr. Jonathan Campbell [email protected], x230 [email protected], x242 Rev. Dr. Jennifer Strickland [email protected], x228 Children’s Music Director Sarah Shufeldt Finance & Payroll Administrator [email protected] Ms. Jocelyn Bocking [email protected], x225 Principal Organist Dr. Carey Robertson Office Manager [email protected] Ms. Jasmine Tomita [email protected], x222 Moderator (Council President) Dr. Linda Corbin Director of Children & Family [email protected] Ministries Ms. Elizabeth Zehm Ministry Intern [email protected], x227 Ms. Malia Galindo [email protected] High School Youth Directors Mr. Myron Woods Director of the Early Childhood Center [email protected] Ms. Kristy Knight Ms. Sheri Calhoun [email protected], x226 [email protected] Junior High Youth Director Ms. Zoe Estrada [email protected] The Sustainability Committee invites you to recycle your bulletin in the Narthex. Large-print bulletins and assisted listening devices are available in the Narthex. If you need any accessibility accommodations, please let an usher or pastor know and we will be happy to help!