March 15 10am Bulletin

Claremont United Church of Christ Sunday, March 15, 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 statuses, faith experiences, countries of origin, and abilities. Jesus welcomes everyone and so do we!

A CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP CLAREMONT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PRELUDE Contemplative Canzone Flor Peeters INTROIT Sweet Rivers of Redeeming Love Campbell Chancel Choir GREETING CALL TO WORSHIP One: We choose to worship, All: because Your blessings are abundant, O God. One: We choose to worship, All: because the world is heavy with heartaches. One: We choose to worship, All: because our hearts are also aching. One: We choose to worship, All: because through the ups and downs of life, You are our Creator and we are Your beloved children. OPENING HYMN #193 In the Cross of Christ I Glory (vs. 1, 2, 5) RATHBUN PRAYER OF CONFESSION Restoring God, following Your will is challenging. The path of Jesus will take us to the cross, and that is a journey we dread. When we are faithful, empower us. When we sin, forgive us. When we do not recognize the difference, teach us. Amen. ASSURANCE One: …Let us accept God’s grace once again. All: Thanks be to God. Amen. MUSICAL RESPONSE In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful (see next page) Berthier (Sing three times)

In the Lord I’ll be ev - ver thank-ful, in the Lord I will re - joice! Look to God, do not be a - fraid. Lift up your voic - es, the Lord is near. Lift up your voic - es, the Lord is near. Printed with permission via OneLicense.net

PASSING OF THE PEACE One: May the peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you. OFFERING/ANTHEM Sean Gabel, soloist MUSICAL RESPONSE #419 Now Thank We All Our God (verse 1) NUN DANKET Now thank we all our God with heart 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. DEDICATION SCRIPTURE Mark 7:31-37 31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 They brought to him a deaf man who had an im- pediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. 34 Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” SERMON 3 Day Flip: Stories of Restoration Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz “A Wordless Miracle” GUEST ARTIST Be Opened Sean Gabel, soloist PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER One: ...We pray these things using the words you teach us, saying together, All: Our Father/Mother/Creator who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy king- dom/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. BENEDICTION CLOSING RESPONSE #202 O God, How We Have Wandered (vs. 3) PASSION CHORALE O God of all the living, both banished and restored, Compassionate, forgiving, our peace and hope assured. Grant now that our transgressing, our faithlessness may cease. Stretch out your hand in blessing, in pardon, and in peace.

POSTLUDE Prelude in G Minor, op. 29, no. 1 Gabriel Pierné Members of the Prayer Team invite you to join the Prayer Circle in Kingman Chapel immediately following the Postlude. Together, we will pray for those on our Prayer List and add any additional joys and concerns that are shared. ALTAR FLOWERS This morning’s altar flowers are given by Blair and Chris Aldworth in loving memory of their son, Mark Aldworth. SHIRLEY WASHINGTON’S HYMN COMMENTARY \"In the Cross of Christ I Glory\" John Bowring (1792-1872) based this text on Paul's letter to the Galatians 6:14, and the opening line appears on his tombstone. This hymn assures Bowring a place of distinction for- ever in the history of Christian hymnody. Bowring was a Unitarian who had a distinguished career as a diplomat, holding positions in France and Hong Kong. He was fluent in more that 100 languages. Ithamar Conkey (1815-1867) composed this tune. Conkey had a successful career as a church and oratorio singer. Did you know that you can now donate to the church electronically via text message? Simply text the amount you’d like to give to (909) 343-5901! (First time givers will be prompted to provide their payment method via a secure web page.)

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. Jennifer Strickland [email protected], x228 Children’s Music Director 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], x222 Moderator (Council President) Dr. Linda Corbin Director of Children & Family [email protected] Ministries Ms. Elizabeth Zehm Ministry Intern [email protected], x227 Ms. Malia Galindo [email protected] High School Youth Directors Mr. Myron Woods Director of the Early Childhood Center [email protected] Ms. Kristy Knight Ms. Sheri Calhoun [email protected], x226 [email protected] Junior High Youth Director Ms. Zoe Estrada [email protected] The Sustainability Committee invites you to recycle your bulletin in the Narthex. Large-print bulletins and assisted listening devices are available in the Narthex. If you need any accessibility accommodations, please let an usher or pastor know and we will be happy to help!