March 6 Bulletin

Claremont United Church of Christ Sunday, March 6, 2022 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 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Hamburg, arr. Dale Wood INTROIT Sacred Silence Karissa Dennis Choral Bells CALL TO WORSHIP One: We long to see God: All: at home and at work, at school and at play. One: We long to see God: All: in our homes and with our families. One: We long to see God: All: in our times of rejoicing and suffering. One: We long to see God: All: This morning, in our worship. OPENING HYMN #51 O Sing a Song of Bethlehem KINGSFOLD WELCOME PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful Creator, As we enter this season of Lent, we confess that some burdens are too heavy to carry, and some stories are too painful to speak. When we dwell on our pain, it is easy for us to believe lies: that we are alone, that the future is hopeless, that evil will triumph. When we feel empty with sadness, fill us with your love. Shine resurrection into the cracks of our hearts and remind us: that you are always with us, that joy comes in the morning, and that new life is right around the corner. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE One: … Let us receive healing and love from the One who will never let us go. All: Amen.

PASSING OF THE PEACE One: May the peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you. LITURGICAL SONG Where Children Belong James Ritchie This, this is where children belong, welcomed as part of the worshipping throng. Water, God’s Word, bread and cup, prayer and song: This is where children belong. SERMON ON THE STEPS BAPTISM OF ABIGAIL LOUISE FELIX & ELEANOR LOUISE FELIX One: Little children were being brought to Jesus so that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them; but Jesus said, All: “Let the little children come to me, do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” OFFERING/ANTHEM De profundis clamavi Juan Romero MUSICAL RESPONSE In Our God, We’ll Be Ever Thankful Taizé DEDICATION SCRIPTURE John 1:43-51 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward

him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” SERMON Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz (un)faithful: When Even Disciples Miss the Mark “Can Anything Good Come from Nazareth?” HYMN #31 All Things Bright and Beautiful ROYAL OAK PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER To honor the power of both the traditional and new versions of the Lord’s Prayer, we will alternate which version we pray each week. One: …Help us, loving Creator, to ever respond to you and your invitation to your grace. All: Still-speaking God, hear our prayer... One: …We pray that your church may rise up with renewed commitment in answer to your call, that your people may be instruments of your grace and love. All: Still-speaking God, hear our prayer... One: … Grant them courage and steadfast faith... All: Still-speaking God, hear our prayer... One: …who taught us to pray as one family, saying, All: Great Giver, in whom heaven is found, holy is Your name. May your commonwealth of peace and freedom flourish on earth. Give us this day bread for our journey, and make us hungry to see the whole world nourished. Forgive us and help us forgive one another. Strengthen us for the challenges that lie ahead. Let us hear your prophets, and deliver us from our privilege. For your love is the only power, the only home, the only honor we need, in this world and in the world to come. Amen. GUEST ARTIST God Help the Outcasts Alan Menken Abi Levis

BENEDICTION Wait for the Lord (1x Choir, 2x ALL) Taizé CLOSING RESPONSE POSTLUDE Concerto I in G Major: Presto J.S. Bach Special thanks to our Media Ministry Volunteer: David Moore ALTAR FLOWERS Today’s flowers are sponsored by Man Dy and dedicated to those who always feel like everything they do is a mistake. May God fill your hearts and minds with wisdom and peace.

HYMN COMMENTARY \"O Sing a Song of Bethlehem\" Louis Fitzgerald Benson (1855-1930) wrote this text to summarize the life of Jesus. He trained to be a lawyer, but later attended Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1886. He became one of the foremost hymnolists in the U.S. John Waughan Williams harmonized this traditional English melody. This tune was first written down by Alfred J. Hopkins and published in 1893 in a setting for harp and strings for the New York World Fair. CLAREMONT UCC PRAYER LIST Join us in prayer this week for the following individuals. Would you like to get involved with the Prayer Team? Please contact Judi Bayer at (215) 350-3397 or email [email protected]. OUR NEWEST SAINT: Jim Colman, CUCC member THOSE SEEKING ENCOURAGEMENT: Mary Alexander, twin of Martha Stephenson friends of Blair & Chris Aldworth Danielle McLain Amsbury & Family, friend of Clarisse Nakahama Linda Hodson & Family, CUCC member Jennifer Araujo, friend of Carolyn Barbera Corey Laponis, former CUCC sexton Katrina Armienti, friend of Carolyn Barbera Randi McKee & Family, friend of Blair Aldworth Francesco Barbera & Family, CUCC member Margaret Merhoff, CUCC member The Barnum Family, CUCC attenders Priscilla Otto & her daughter, Perla Valenzeula, Casey & Sarah Boatman, Tatum & Everett, CUCC attenders Family of Sandy Wittwer & Galen Kenoyer Valeria Pizzetti, friend of Dona Turk Elaine Bumiller, CUCC member Christy Powell, friend of Ali Perreault Jill Carol, CUCC member Mario Ramos, Adelanto detainee Irma Castaneda, CUCC attender Gary Roswell, friend of Sandy Fasano Cynthia Chertos, CUCC member Sandra Spiker, friends of Tim & Peggy Constantine, The DiMitri Family, family of the Barbera’s Denise Spooner, & Joe Marino Ellen Feyk, CUCC member Jennifer Stephenson, CUCC staff Victoria Findlay & Allison Thomkins, Lucy, Claire, & John Stover, friends of Linda Tajima CUCC member & her daughter Paul Towne, family of Howard Towne Charles Folks, family of Marsha Madison Carol & Linda, friends of Kay Brand Zina Grishenko, grandmother of Alex Grabarchuk Roger & Jeane, friends of Ruth Sandberg Leventhal Family, friends of Francesco Barbera Tim McCann, Jasmine and Anna Gatto-McCann,

FOR HEALTH AND HEALING: Blair Aldworth, CUCC member Mila Moncayo, friend of Francesco Barbera Caitlin Antrim, friend of Jean Marston Jeffrey Mulder, son of Sheri Mulder Robert Apodaca, friend of Lydia de los Rios Cynthia Munos, daughter of Juan Munoz Tony Araunz-Martinez, friend of Maureen Moorman Linda Murray, CUCC member Mara Archambault, CUCC member Steve Murray, extended family of Judith Bayer Stacey Ballard Myles Nielson, grandson of Bea Gallegos Cristina Bergfalk, mother of Benjamin & family of Barbara Patch, friend of Ruth Abel Virginia Bergfalk Madeline Patane, CUCC member Stephanie Bertleson, Betty Frank’s niece Greg Pavlik, friend of Marsha Madison Charles Blickenstaff, brother of Judith Bayer’s Jessie Colby Pryce, friend of Linda & Craig Cummings neighbor Whitney Relf Debbie Brown, friend of Judi Bayer Jenna Robinson, friend of Rita Dixon Laura Burt, CUCC member Xochitl Romero, neighbor of Judith Bayer Carlene Cable, friend of Sherry McCauley Margo Rouette, CUCC member Alice Chin, CUCC attender Lawrence Randall Rutt, father of Christopher Rutt Denise Christopoulos, friend of Sandy Fasano Bernadette Sarver, cousin of Judith Bayer Tim Constantine, CUCC member Jay Sharp, CUCC member Linda Cummings, CUCC member Cheryl Sims, friend of Marsha Madison Toni de los Rios, cousin of Lydia de los Rios Bo & Wayne Sims, brother and sister in-law of Marsha MaryAnn Delgadillo, mother of Christopher Madison Delgadillo RaeAnn Sines, friend of Linda Corbin Ryan & Tammy Denny, friends of Missy McCormick Todd Songer, friend of Diana Miller Margaret Duffy, extended family of Dali Podenski Joyce Sorrento, family of the Barbera’s Erica & Haley Enos, CUCC member & sister Larry Starkweather, friend of Sandra Wittwer Matthew Enriquez, friend of Scott Bohlender Kathy Starr, friend of Sherry McCauley Levi Entereso, CUCC member Martha Stephenson, CUCC member Sandy French, friend of Marsha Madison Julius M. Steubing, CUCC member Nina Fursova, grandmother of Alex Grabarchuk Jason Tarshis, friend of Sandy Fasano Laurie Giesenhagen, CUCC member Lorraine Telles, friend of Marta D’Anda Jennifer Grande, CUCC member Everett Thurston, father of Wayne Thurston Kimberly Griffin, CUCC attender Michael Toomay, son of Bea Gallegos Iris Harleman, friend of Shirley Jones Jocelyn Tuchon, daughter of Merritt Verrill Bill Hodson, father of Linda Hodson Teresa Tulcan, friend of Anne Forburger Joan Hunter, Granny of Zoe Estrada Dakota Van Fossen, friend of Peggy Kelly David Jamieson, CUCC member Sandi Walter, CUCC member Sarah Jones, mother of Carolyn Barbera Felicia Warner, family of Denise & Kenneth Johnson Terri King, CUCC member Shirley Washington, CUCC member Michal Kohout, husband of Anne Bennett Chris Weldon, friend of Christopher Fairchild Courtney Koverman, daughter of Briggs Gamblin Kathy Widmer, friend of Cynthia Moreno Diana Krumme, friend of Dali Podenski Donna Williams, extended family of Shirley Jones Olivia Lakner, family friend of Carolyn Barbera Rev. Maria Wilson, CUCC attender Kathleen Leo, CUCC member Catherine Yamasaki, friend of Sandy Fasano Nola Lewallen, mother of John Lewallen Troy Zeleny, nephew of Anne Stromberg Marlene Lobb, friend of Anne Stromberg Ava & her father, Mike, friend of Ruth Abel Frank & Barbara Malone, friends of Judith Bayer Benjamin, grandson of Virginia Bergfalk Jan Marshall, CUCC member Brian, friend of Tina Kambarian Sherry McCauley, CUCC member Chad, friend of Christopher Fairchild Leslie McLoughlin, extended family of Diana Miller Esperanza & Hector, extended family of Silvia Josephine Miller, mother of Deborah Castillero Giordano Debbie Mitchell, CUCC member Ruthie, friend of Valerie Carrick Patricia Molina, aunt of Beatriz Roman Castellanos Simolena, grandmother of Sherry McCauley’s nurse

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 Directors of Music & Fine Arts Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz Dr. Alexandra Grabarchuk [email protected], x230 [email protected], x242 Rev. Dr. Jen Strickland Dr. David Rentz [email protected], x228 [email protected], x242 Finance & Payroll Administrator Principal Organist Ms. Jocelyn Bocking Dr. Carey Robertson [email protected], x225 [email protected] Office Manager Building Manager Ms. Jasmine Tomita Mr. Adam Thomas [email protected], [email protected], x222 x240 Minister of Children, Youth, & Technology Director Families Mr. Jon Van Rev. Laurel Capesius [email protected] [email protected] Technology Assistant Children, Youth, & Families Mr. Josh Ngo Assistant [email protected] Ms. Elizabeth Zehm [email protected] ASL Interpreter Ms. Jennifer Stephenson Junior High Youth Director Ms. Zoe Estrada Moderator (Council President) [email protected] Ms. Rita Dixon [email protected] Director of the ECC Ms. Kristy Knight Pastor Emeritus [email protected], x226 Rev. Dr. Homer “Butch” Henderson

WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS! Gina Gomez: Gina credits her relationship with God for helping her find strength after her son Austin’s death due to an overdose 3 ½ years ago. She strives to be the best mother she can be to 3 kids and a granddaughter. She is now a Substance Abuse Counselor and seeks to serve others whenever she can. Lou Palos: Lou was born in Chicago and moved to California in 1977. He currently works for the county of Riverside as a Behavioral Health Specialist. He loves to do anything in the outdoors and loves to camp. But his favorite place to go is the beach, which is why he can never leave Southern California. Matt & Nancy Felix: Matt and Nancy have been married for 7 years and have two daughters, Abigail and Eleanor. Nancy works from home as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Matt is a Team Lead for a software company. Are you interested in becoming a member of Claremont United Church of Christ? Please reach out to either of our pastors to learn more: [email protected] & [email protected]

Each Sunday in March we encourage you to participate in a special mission project! March 6: Mark your calendars to come citrus gleaning on Saturday, March 9 in Rancho Cucamonga. All fruits gleaned will be donated to Inland Valley Hope Partners' food distribution program. March 13: Public Policy opportunities: Visit the Narthex to sign a petition to restore Child Tax Credit, sign and mail Amnesty International letters, and receive information about The Poor Peoples' Campaign. March 20: Bring food items for our annual food drive for Inland Valley Hope Partners. See our upcoming flyer for suggested items that match this year's theme of \"3 Meals a Day.\" March 27: One Great Hour of Sharing special offering collected during worship.