January 24 Bulletin

Claremont United Church of Christ Sunday, January 24, 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 status, faith experiences, countries of origin, and abilities. Jesus welcomes everyone and so do we!

A CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP CLAREMONT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PRELUDE Simple Gifts Held INTROIT The Family of God WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP In worship, we come before our God asking the big questions of life: Can what is broken be healed? How do we know truth from falsehood? Where do we belong? Into all of our questions, fears, and doubts, Christ proclaims: “You did not choose me, but I chose you,” and, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” With security in knowing we belong to God, let us join together in worship. OPENING HYMN In Christ There Is No East or West In Christ there is no East or West, in Christ no South or North; but one community of love throughout the whole wide earth. In Christ shall true hearts everywhere their high communion find; God’s service is the golden cord closebinding humankind. In Christ is neither Jew nor Greek, and neither slave nor free; For men and women live in God, and all are kin to me. PRAYER OF CONFESSION God who is slow to anger, have mercy on us when we think we have all the answers and when we think we are in control. Have mercy on us when we value being right over being kind. Have mercy on us when we forget your teachings in the heat of the moment. Lead us into a better way of living. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE One: …We are free from our past sins and invited to feel God’s grace anew. All: Amen. PASSING OF THE PEACE One: May the peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you.

SERMON ON THE STEPS OFFERING/MUSIC I Will Rise Sean Gabel, voice & piano DEDICATION SCRIPTURE John 20:19-22 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. SERMON Didn’t See That Coming: Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz Embracing the Unexpected ANTHEM With a Voice of Singing Shaw PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER (These are prayers compiled by our church’s Prayer Team each week and reflect the contents of our own hearts.) One: …We pray, All: Our Father/Mother/Creator who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom/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. GUEST ARTIST Beautiful Things Sean Gabel, voice & piano BENEDICTION CLOSING RESPONSE O Morning Star, WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET How Fair and Bright! O Morning Star, how fair and bright! You shine with God’s own truth and light, aglow with grace and mercy! Of Jacob’s line, King David’s son, our Lord and Savior, you have won our hearts to serve you only!

Lowly, holy! Great and glorious, all victorious, rich in blessing! Rule and might o’er all possessing! POSTLUDE Old-Time Religion Young WAYS TO DONATE TO THE CHURCH: 1. Mail in your donation (233 W. Harrison Ave., Claremont, CA 91711) 2. Contribute on our website: claremontucc.org 3. Text an amount to (909) 343-5901 4. Set up automatic giving through your bank Reflection Questions About Today's Worship * What was the most meaningful moment of worship for you today? * What is one new question or idea today's worship service inspired for you?

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 Junior High Youth Director Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz Ms. Zoe Estrada [email protected], x230 [email protected] Rev. Dr. Jen Strickland [email protected], x 228 Director of Music & Fine Arts Dr. Jonathan Campbell Finance & Payroll Administrator [email protected], x242 Ms. Jocelyn Bocking [email protected], x225 Principal Organist Dr. Carey Robertson Office Manager [email protected] Ms. Jasmine Tomita [email protected], Moderator (Council President) x222 Mr. Tad Creasey [email protected] Minister of Children, Youth, & Families Director of the Early Childhood Rev. DJ Severin Center [email protected], x227 Ms. Kristy Knight [email protected], x226 Children, Youth, & Families Assistant Ms. Elizabeth Zehm [email protected]