Second Sunday after Epiphany

Worship in the Garden Chapel

January 14, 2024

WORSHIP BULLETIN

HYMNS

"Jesus Calls Us"

"I Come With Joy"

"We Shall Overcome"

"Let Us Break Bread"

"God Bless the Child"

January 12, 2024

Dear Congregation,

Grace and peace to you! This Sunday we will worship outdoors in the peace of the

Garden Chapel. We’ll celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion together. I

pray that you will be present in person or join us as we live-stream on Facebook.

This is a three-day weekend, with the federal holiday marking The Rev. Dr. Martin

King, Jr.’s birthday on Monday. I do hope you’ll take the time to remember and

reflect on Dr. King’s life and work for racial justice and peace. He responded to

God’s call with extraordinary courage, giving his life for a cause that still hasn’t

been fully realized. Let what he and others accomplished inspire and encourage

us to keep working until justice for all is a reality and racism is no more.

I share this poem/prayer with you and invite you to pray it often.

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy

Holy God, may we hear your voice

In the stillness of night, in clatter of day.

You call us, and we respond,

Here I am?

May we follow you and

May we love as you love.

Holy One, through trials and turbulence

Make us steady, your hands

Holding strong the fragile and weak

May we love as you love.

Gracious God, may the fruits of our lives

Be food for the hungry, bread,

Clothing, shelter, fire, water, Word.

May we love as you love.

God of justice, remove the barriers

Of our lives that keep us from

One another, barriers we construct

Based on skin color, religion, or gender.

May we hear, and follow, graciously.

May we love as you love.

Loving God, take this day our fears, our

Worries, distractions, and all.

Turn them into grace and mercy,

And following the example of Martin Luther King, Jr.

And all your Saints,

May we love as you love.

Amen.

Monday , January 15, 2024 7:30 PM Gables Art Cinema 260 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Fl 33134 Screening: “Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life” Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life documents Pittsburgh's powerful community response to hate in the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Through the voices of survivors, family members, diverse Pittsburgh residents, and leaders, the film shows unity in a moment of crisis, the resilience of a vibrant city, and a community working together to understand what it means to be "stronger than hate." The screening of the 40-minute documentary will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Miami Herald’s Religion Reporter Lauren Costantino including Rev. Paul Raushenbush, President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, Rabbi Jamie Aklepi, Temple Beth Am, Josh Sayles, JCRC Director, Greater Miami Jewish Federation

CCC Women

It is that time of year again to pay our CCC Women's dues for 2024. The cost is minimal, $5.00 per month or $60.00 per year. Checks can be made out to CCC Women and put in the offering basket at church, mailed to the church office or paid online through our online giving (please note that it is for CCC Women).

CCC Women's Meeting is 1/20/24 at 10:30 am. Meeting ID: 873 1378 2316

The Book that was chosen for our February 20th meeting is: Horse by Geraldine Brooks.

A discarded painting in a junk pile, a skeleton in an attic, and the greatest racehorse in American history: from these strands, a Pulitzer Prize winner braids a sweeping story of spirit, obsession, and injustice across American history.  Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred Lexington, Horse is a novel of art and science, love and obsession, and our unfinished reckoning with racism.

Bianca's You Better Bee-lieve It Corner

SAVE THE DATE!!!

🎶🌟Save the Date!🎸🎤  Join us for a captivating musical experience as we welcome the incredibly talented Bobby Jo Valentine to our stage on January 28th at 4 pm! 🎵✨

Mark your calendars for an evening of soulful melodies and heartwarming tunes that will lift your spirits and resonate with your soul. Best part? It's a FREE concert for our wonderful community! 🎉

Bobby Jo Valentine's enchanting music has a way of touching hearts and spreading joy. Whether you're a fan of his music or discovering his talent for the first time, this promises to be a memorable event for everyone. 🎶❤️

Spread the word, invite your friends and family, and let's kick off the new year with music, laughter, and shared moments of harmony. See you there! 🎼✨

Below are some examples of messages you can send to family and friends! Feel free to copy and paste.

"Hey there! Hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know about this incredible opportunity to experience some amazing music with us at our church on January 28th, 4 pm. We're hosting a free concert by the talented Bobby Jo Valentine, and it's going to be an uplifting and soulful evening. Come join us for an unforgettable musical journey! Feel free to invite friends and family too—everyone's welcome!"

"Hey friends!  I'm excited to share that our church is hosting a special event—a free concert featuring Bobby Jo Valentine! His music is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. It's on January 28th at 4 pm, and I'd love for you to join us. Bring your loved ones along for an afternoon filled with heartfelt tunes and a sense of community. Let's enjoy this musical celebration together!"

"Hi everyone! Just wanted to extend a special invitation to an upcoming event that's close to my heart. Our church is hosting a free concert by the incredibly talented Bobby Jo Valentine on January 28th, starting at 4 pm. His music speaks volumes, and I'd love for you to experience it with us. It's a perfect opportunity to connect, unwind, and enjoy some fantastic music. Save the date and bring your family and friends along—it's going to be a memorable evening!"

JUST Pop Tops!

We are collecting pop tops for a special cause. These pop tops will be donated to support the Ronald McDonald Program, aiding children and families in need. Wondering how your pop tops can make a difference? According to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, these tabs are recycled for dollars that directly support the children and families they serve in their Houses. By contributing, you're playing a part in providing crucial assistance to those in our community who need it most. Let's make this season a time of joy, creativity, and giving!

Join us and be a part of this wonderful initiative—where every pop top collected brings smiles and support to those in our community who can use it most.

 ⭐ STAR WORDS  ⭐ 

As we start this new year, we'd love to hear about your experiences with your star word from last year. If you're comfortable, please take a moment to reflect on the impact your word had on you throughout the past year and share 1 to 3 sentences about its significance. Whether your word brought inspiration, guidance, or unexpected insights, we'd be grateful to hear your reflections. Your stories will inspire and encourage others in our community. Feel free to send your reflections to us by the end of the month. Thank you for sharing your journey with us! (bianca@christcongregationalucc.org)

Find Us, Like us, Follow Us, and Share Us

on Social Media!

Facebook: Christ Congregational United Church of Christ

Twitter/X: @CCC_UCC

TikTok: @CCC_UCC

YouTube: ChristCongregational-UCC

Instagram: @christcongregationalucc

REMEMBERED IN OUR CONTINUING PRAYERS

Helen Wiley, Carol McCreary, Joan Hansen, Maggie McDowell, Paul LeGrand, Natalia Hall and Judith Campbell



For Pastoral Care Needs, please call Pastor Candy directly at 925-640-9289 or you may call and leave a message with the Church Office, 305-235-9381.

Please let Tracy Williams, Administrative Assistant at office@christcongregationalucc.org or Pastor Candy know if you'd like a name included.

Middle East Conflict

The war in Israel/Palestine declared on October 7, has claimed thousands of lives, and tens of thousands of people have been injured. Approximately one million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced, still within Gaza, as there is nowhere to go. Half are in emergency shelters set up by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). It is increasingly difficult for Gazan Palestinians to find safe space, as even hospitals and a church have sustained damage, killing and injuring hundreds of people. Food, water, fuel, and electricity have been cut off, and supplies are running out. 

Convoys of trucks carrying humanitarian relief await the opportunity to bring much-needed relief into Gaza from Egypt, but the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been damaged by rocket strikes. Other entrances, controlled by Israel, remain closed and the threat of an Israeli ground invasion threatens more lives and livelihoods in the coming days and weeks.

With ecumenical partners, the UCC has offered a public witness that has been unequivocal:

— Condemnation of the violence of Hamas and Israel’s use of force against Palestinians in Gaza

— A call for a cease-fire

— The allowance of the provision of humanitarian aid for Palestinians and an end to collective punishment

— The guarantee of and respect for safe spaces for people to find shelter

— Support for robust diplomatic efforts to resolve the core issues

The UCC is learning from Palestinian Christian partners how they are attempting to respond to the needs of the people of Gaza, even amid steady bombardments.

— In times of calm, the Department of Service for Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) operates medical clinics and trauma therapy classes in Gaza.

— Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, an Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem institution, normally offers a critical and courageous ministry of health care provision (often free of charge) in the most trying circumstances. It has sustained damage in two incidents in the first week and a half. Yet, staff remain committed to their calling to provide care and hope, “delivered in a spirit of love and service.” 

— Other partners, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, the YMCA of East Jerusalem, and the YWCA of Palestine, are preparing to respond to the needs of Palestinians.

— These partners and others, bilaterally and through ACT Alliance, are preparing to address immediate and longer-term responses such as food and nutrition needs, physical and psychosocial health care, shelter and rehabilitation, and direct assistance.

Frequent updates are posted here.

“The work of our partners in Palestine, and specifically in Gaza, is inspiring, especially as they cope with conditions and access that are extremely limited. Having visited Gaza, I know the dedication and commitment of our partners’ staffs to serve the whole community and offer a witness of care and service. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the end to violence,” said Peter Makari, who currently serves as Transitional Executive for Wider Church Ministries, and Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe in Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ. “We must walk in solidarity with them in this time of war, accompanying them now and in the future as the impact of this war will be lasting.”

Please advocate for a cease-fire, access for humanitarian assistance, and for the core issues to be addressed.

At the same time, we invite your financial support to undergird the work of our partners with whom we have had a long-standing relationship. Your gifts will make an impact and a difference on those suffering so greatly during these days of lamentation and suffering.

The two actions go hand-in-hand. Thank you for your generosity.

You can also mail a check made payable to the United Church of Christ, PO BOX 71957 Cleveland, OH 44194.

Please be sure to note “Middle East Support” in your check's memo section.

ACTION ITEMS:

• We are all still reeling from the reports of tragic loss of life and continued atrocities taking place in Israel and Gaza. As we mourn, and pray for those who have lost loved ones, we must call on policymakers to support a Just Peace.

Contact Your Legislators

• Urge Congress to call on the administration to expedite protections and critical supports, including visa processing and access to resettlements, for Afghan refugees.

Act Now

• Register to pray for Peace in the Middle East.

Register Here

• Read the letter that was sent to congress.

Read letter

• Contact your State Senators to urge them to defend our democracy by supporting the For The People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Protect Voting Rights

Global Ministries offers a weekly prayer for one of our global mission partners. This week's prayer is with Haiti . To read their mission moment, please click the Global Ministries IMAGE. Below is this week's prayer, united we pray.

Lord, hear our prayers as we are perishing at this moment. We come to you as our giver of life. Please attend our cry. Hear our cry because those who are against life hinder us.

You know we are almost out of breath and have nowhere to rest our heads. Our grandparents always turned to you when they were in trouble, and you never let them out of shame. We also let you know that all our energy, hope, and strength come from you because we can no longer count on others. Life has turned into a nightmare for us. A new day is calling us, but we still experience a long night reflected in tears from our eyes because we know that those who rely on You will never be disappointed.

Please, God of life, make our adversaries see who you are and that you are the God who never abandons your children. Please give us life at its fullness, not because we are good, but because of your love for your son Jesus, who came and died for us. Please give us strength and courage to stand up amid our calamities. Thank you, God. In the name of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns until the end. Amen.