September 20 Bulletin

Claremont United Church of Christ Sunday, September 20, 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 Trumpet Voluntary in D Major Clarke INTROIT Thy Beauty on the Hills Blanchard WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP One: In the wilderness, we are still given our daily bread. All: In the wilderness, we wander but are not lost. One: In the wilderness, we cry out but we are heard. All: In the wilderness, God is still faithful to us. Let us worship our God, here in the wilderness. OPENING HYMN I Sing the Mighty Power of God ELLACOMBE (Hymn requested by Matthew Alford) I sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise, that spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies. I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; the moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey. I sing the goodness of our God that filled the earth with food, God formed the creatures with a word, and then pronounced them good. Oh, how your wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye; if I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky! On earth there’s not a plant or flower but makes your glory known. The clouds arise and spread their showers by order from your throne. All life is but a gift from you and ever in your care; wherever people gather, you, O God, are present there. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Faithful God, forgive us for not believing in your grace, for we cannot let go of grudges so easily ourselves. Forgive us for not believing in your love, for we cannot love so unconditionally ourselves. Forgive us for not understanding your call, for we cannot summon courage so readily. Forgive us for not trusting your steadfastness, for we are not so reliable ourselves. Forgive us for forgetting that you are God, and we are not. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE

One: …Let us receive God’s mercy for our shortcomings and live with new purpose. 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 Eintritt from Waldszenen Schumann Sam Benzos, piano DEDICATION SCRIPTURE Deuteronomy 34:1-9 34 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the Lord showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain—that is, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees—as far as Zoar. 4 The Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.” 5 Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. 6 He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. 7 Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. 8 The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended. 9 Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses.

SERMON Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz When Will This End? Lessons From the Wilderness ANTHEM Tell Me Why arr. Campbell Claremont Quartet This piece is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jonathan Campbell’s mother. 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 Etude, op. 10 no. 1 Chopin Sam Benzos, piano BENEDICTION CLOSING RESPONSE Great Is Your Faithfulness FAITHFULNESS Great is your faithfulness, O God, creator, with you no shadows of turning we see. You do not change, your compassions they fail not; all of your goodness forever will be. Great is your faithfulness! Great is your faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed your hand has provided, great is your faithfulness, God, unto me! POSTLUDE Praeludium In G Major 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 jacob@claremontucc.org, x230 jonathan@claremontucc.org, x242 Rev. Dr. Jen Strickland jen@claremontucc.org, x 228 Children’s Music Director Ms. Sarah Shufeldt Finance & Payroll Administrator childrensmusic@claremontucc.org Ms. Jocelyn Bocking finance@claremontucc.org, x225 Principal Organist Dr. Carey Robertson Office Manager carey@claremontucc.org Ms. Jasmine Tomita officemanager@claremontucc.org, Moderator (Council President) x222 Mr. Tad Creasey moderator@claremontucc.org Minister of Children, Youth, & Families Director of the Early Childhood Rev. DJ Severin Center dj@claremontucc.org, x227 Ms. Kristy Knight krislizecc@hotmail.com, x226 Children, Youth, & Families Assistant Ms. Elizabeth Zehm elizabeth@claremontucc.org Junior High Youth Director Ms. Zoe Estrada zoe@claremontucc.org