July 12 Bulletin

Claremont United Church of Christ Sunday, July 12, 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 Franklin D. Ashdown A Franciscan Pastorale on \"All Creatures of Our God and King\" INTROIT “Alleluia” from “Ist Gott für uns” Heinrich Schütz WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP One: We turn to God with joy and wonder. All: You, O God, are good. One: We cry out to God for justice and peace. All: You, O God, will deliver. One: We pray to God with hope and expectation. All: You, O God, are faithful. One: We worship God seeking mercy and grace. All: You, O God, will save us. OPENING HYMN I’ve Got Peace Like a River PEACE LIKE A RIVER I've got peace like a river; I've got peace like a river; I've got peace like a river, in my soul. I've got peace like a river; I've got peace like a river; I've got peace like a river, in my soul. I've got joy like a fountain; I've got joy like a fountain; I've got joy like a fountain, in my soul. I've got joy like a fountain; I've got joy like a fountain; I've got joy like a fountain, in my soul. I've got love like an ocean; I've got love like an ocean; I've got love like an ocean, in my soul. I've got love like an ocean; I've got love like an ocean; I've got love like an ocean, in my soul. PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of the whole universe, we confess that our laws often sidestep your will, our freedoms often oppress others, our wealth often causes poverty for our neighbors, and our power often comes by way of others’ weaknesses. We confess that we cherish our blessings while sometimes forgetting or refusing to share them with others. We confess that we find it very easy to

worship other gods, like weapons, luxuries, and our own nation. We confess these sins because it is our hope that you will offer us your mercy and change us into a more loving, kind, and holy people who worship you and you alone. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE One: …For our mistakes, God grants us grace and forgiveness. All: We are forgiven and renewed. Amen. CLAREMONT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST COVENANT In response to God’s creating, redeeming and sustaining love, we unite for the worship of God and the service of all. We seek to know the will of God and to walk in God’s ways made known in Jesus Christ; to love one another; to proclaim the Gospel to all the world; to work and pray for peace and justice; and to live in harmony with all creation. We trust the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing and the promise of eternal life both now and for evermore. 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 This Land is Your Land Sarah Garcia DEDICATION SCRIPTURE 2 John 1:3-6, 12 and 3 John 1:2-4, 13-15 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God and from Jesus Christ, God’s Son, in truth and love. 4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by God. 5 But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it. 12 Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. 3 I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 13 I have much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink; 14 instead I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face. 15 Peace to you. The friends send you their greetings. Greet the friends there, each by name. SERMON The Unread Books: 2nd and 3rd John Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz HYMN When We Can’t Gather (This hymn was written in April of 2020 in response to the Covid-19 quarantine.) When we can’t gather as we would, but serve our neighbors as we should, we hear you speaking in our home, not only when we’re free to roam We know when they were on the way, disciples with you heard you say, “How slow of heart you are to hear the prophet’s word that I am near.” Be with us then in this our loss. Teach us again of how your cross leads to a resurrection morn, reminding us we are reborn. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER One: …We pray all these thins using the prayer you teach us. 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 They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love Sarah Garcia BENEDICTION CLOSING RESPONSE Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love CHEREPONI

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you. Kneel at the feet of our friends, silently washing their feet, this is the way we should live with you. Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you. POSTLUDE Go Forth with Purpose Thomas Chesterton 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 Director of Music & Fine Arts Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz Dr. Jonathan Campbell [email protected], x230 [email protected], x242 Rev. Dr. Jen Strickland [email protected], x 228 Children’s Music Director Ms. 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], Moderator (Council President) x222 Dr. Linda Corbin [email protected] Director of Children & Family Ministries Director of the Early Childhood Ms. Elizabeth Zehm Center [email protected], x227 Ms. Kristy Knight [email protected], x226 High School Youth Director Mr. Myron Woods [email protected] Junior High Youth Director Ms. Zoe Estrada [email protected]