November 8 Bulletin

Claremont United Church of Christ Sunday, November 8, 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 Lord God, King of Heaven Couperin INTROIT How Great Thou Art Susan Hitch, handbells WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP One: The sun has risen and will rise again tomorrow, and our God remains steadfast. All: No matter what happens in our country, we will stand with marginalized people. One: No matter what happens in our country, we will stand with LGBTQ+ people. All: No matter what happens in our country, we will stand with our Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and atheist Brothers and Sisters. One: No matter what happens in our country, we will stand with the differently abled. All: No matter what happens in our country, we will stand with non- documented immigrants. One: No matter what happens in our country, we will stand with one another. All: The sun has risen and will rise again tomorrow, and our God remains steadfast. OPENING HYMN How Beautiful, Our Spacious Skies MATERNA How beautiful, our spacious skies, our amber waves of grain; our purple mountains as they rise above the fruitful plain. America! America! God's gracious gifts abound, and more and more we're grateful for life's bounty all around. Indigenous and immigrant, our daughters and our sons: O may we never rest content till all are truly one. America! America! God grant that we may be a sisterhood and brotherhood from sea to shining sea. How beautiful, sincere lament, the wisdom of our tears, the courage called for to repent the bloodshed through the years. America! America! God grant that we may be a nation blessed with none oppressed, true land of liberty. How beautiful, two continents, and islands in the sea

that dream of peace, nonviolence, all people living free. Americas! Americas! God grant that we may be a hemisphere where people here all live in harmony. PRAYER OF CONFESSION God who is so much bigger than our politics, we confess that we have let fear drive our actions and control our thoughts. We are deeply divided from those who think differently from us. We find it easier to give up hope than to commit to continue seeking justice and love. Forgive us for our imperfections, and lead us into the future with grace and compassion. Amen. WORD OF ASSURANCE: One: …Let us choose love first and lead with our hearts always. All: 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 Lord, if I Have Thee Only Schutz (1585-1672) This motet was composed by Schutz during the Thirty Years War, when the German population had been greatly reduced by the conflict. He had very few singers and musicians available to him at the time. It is fitting that some 400 years later we can find a use for his music when society is under a similar kind of stress. DEDICATION SCRIPTURE Luke 23:33-34 33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father,

forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. SERMON Forgiveness is Not the End Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz GUEST ARTIST Sarah Garcia, vocals and guitar They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER 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 This Land is Your Land Sarah Garcia, vocals and guitar BENEDICTION CLOSING RESPONSE Now Thank We All Our God NUN DANKET Now thank we all our God with hearts and hands and voices, Who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices, Who, from our parents’ arms has blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. POSTLUDE Prelude in G Minor J.S. Bach 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 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] Junior High Youth Director Ms. Zoe Estrada [email protected]