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Footprints in the Sand:
A Lenten Journey
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WELCOME TO WORSHIP!
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome in this United Church of Christ congregation.
Large-print bulletins, hearing devices, and cough drops
are available from the ushers.
Nursery and pre-school care is available during worship if you wish.
God is calling you today, but probably not on your cell phone!
Please remember to put it on vibrate if you are expecting an emergency call.
ALL are welcome to this time and place of worship.
Know that in this space you are welcome as you are, for who you are.
Together we celebrate all of God’s children – young, old and in-between;
male, female and in-between; gay, lesbian, straight and in-between;
the assured, the doubting, and the in-between;
the optimistic, the cynics, and the in-between;
the foolish, the wise, and the in-between.
The Reverend Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor
The Reverend Megan Smith, Associate Pastor
The Reverend Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor for Emerging Generations
The Reverend Dr. Richard J. Bailar, Pastor Emeritus
Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
3010 De Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, Florida 33134-6317
Phone: 305.448.7421 ~ www.gablesucc.org
CCLI License # 11282912
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ORDER OF WORSHIP
March 18, 2018 Our faith is over 2000 years old 11:00 a.m.
Our thinking is not.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Please note: During this season of Lent, you are invited to write your prayers of concern
and/or of thanksgiving on the tags in the pews.
Please tie them to one of the fishing nets
located around the sanctuary.
On Easter Sunday,
they will be received as part of our resurrection day offering.
GATHERING MUSIC Dr. Greg Taylor, Parish Musician
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you for signing and passing the red hospitality pad found in the pews.
Please use your smart phone to check in on Facebook; let your family and friends know
that you are at Coral Gables Congregational UCC.
Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online
each Sunday at www.Gablesucc.org/live.
You are most welcome to connect your smart device to our free Wi-Fi service.
INTROIT Allegro con Moto Michael Helman
The Handbell Choir
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We are gathered today in search of transformation.
Many: We want to transform ourselves, our community, our world.
One: We stand fearless at the edge of change.
Many: For God is in the midst of us.
One: Be still and know that God is God.
Many: For God is our rock and our redeemer.
Please remain standing for the opening hymn.
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*OPENING HYMN We Sing to You, O God
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
One: Friends, in Christ we have a God who walks with us, eats with us, mourns
with us, dances a joyful dance with us. God in Christ is present in us and all
around us. Let us honor the God in one another saying, “The peace of Christ
be with you.”
Many: And also with you.
You are invited to share words of welcome and peace with those around you.
All children and youth through high school wishing to attend Sunday School
are invited to the Fellowship Hall during the passing of the peace.
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MUSICAL INTERLUDE (Sung)
Bless the Lord, my soul and bless God’s holy name
Bless the Lord, my soul who leads me into life.
CONTEMPORARY READING Shake the Dust Anis Mojgani
This is for the fat girls,
this is for the little brothers,
this is for the school yard wimps,
this is for the childhood bullies that tormented them,
this is for the former prom queen,
this is for the milk crate ball players,
this is for the Night Time cereal eaters,
and for the retired elderly Wal-Mart store front door greeters…
Shake the Dust.
This is for the benches and the people sitting on them,
for the bus drivers driving a million broken hymns,
for the men who have to hold down three jobs simply to hold up their children, for the
nighttime schoolers, and for the midnight bikers who are trying to fly
...Shake the Dust...
This is for the two year olds who cannot be understood because they speak half English
and half God, shake the dust,
for the girls whose brothers are going crazy!
for the kid who’s always late to class because he forgets the combination to his locker,
for a girl who loves somebody else shake the dust.
This is for the hard men...the hard men who want love but know it won't come...
For the ones who are forgotten,
for the ones the amendments do not stand up for,
for the ones who are told to speak only when spoken to and then are never spoken to.
Speak every time you stand so that you do not forget yourself,
never let a moment go by you that doesn't remind you that your heart beats 900 times a
day...
That there are enough gallons of blood to make you an ocean.
Do not settle for letting these waves that settle and for the dust to collect in your veins.
This is for the tired and for the dreamers, for those families that want to be like the
Cleavers, with perfectly made dinners with songs like Wally and the Beaver. This! Is for
the springtime that always shows up right after the winters, this is... This is for you...
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So Shake the Dust, and grab this world by its clothes pins and shake it out again and
again and jump on top for a spin and when you hop off shake it off for this is yours.
Make, make my words worth something, make it not just another poem that I write not
just like another poem like another night, make it like it's heavy about us all, walk into it
breathe it in let it crash through the halls of your arms like the millions of years of
millions of poets coursing like blood pumping, pushing and making you live, shaking the
dust! So when the world knocks at your front door clutch the knob and open on up,
running forward into its wide spread greeting arms with your hands before you your
fingertips trembling, though they may be.
THE GIFT OF MUSIC Cornerstone Shawn Kirchner
The Chancel Choir with Brandon Mowry, Charmyn Kirton, and Seth Woods, percussion
THE SCRIPTURE LESSON Matthew 10:5-14
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the
Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house
of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without
payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag
for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their
food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there
until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace
come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not
welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that
house or town.
Friends, listen, God is still speaking!
Thanks be to God!
THE MORNING MESSAGE AND PRAYER
Sand in Your Shoes
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner
During the prayer time, you are invited to sit quietly in meditative prayer and to write
your prayers of concern and/or of thanksgiving on the tags in the pews. Please tie them to
one of the fishing nets located around the sanctuary following the service.
SUNG RESPONSE Abide With Me Maher/Redman
Josef Spencer, soloist
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THE RECEIVING OF OUR GIFTS
Invitation/Offertory Music Grazioso Arnold Sherman
The Handbell Choir
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Our table is wide-open to all who desire a closer relationship with God no matter your
age, gender, station in life, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. We use grape juice and
gluten free bread is available on the communion table so that all may come freely.
INVITATION
One: Fellow travelers, what do we seek in this season of Lent?
All: We seek bread for the journey, rest along the way,
and most of all, we seek peace for ourselves and for the world.
One: And where do we find peace?
All: Peace is found at Christ's table,
in the breaking of bread and the sharing of the cup,
in serving one another and partaking in the feast.
Peace is found in the Body of Christ,
incarnate here among us, broken and blessed for us;
the hands that serve, the feet that bring good news,
the Body of Christ that opens the door and welcomes the weary,
the hungry, and the lost this Lenten season.
One: Fellow travelers, let us pray...
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
One: Holy and gracious God: In your infinite love you made us
for yourself, and in your mercy, sent Jesus
Christ, your eternal Son, to share our human nature,
to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the
God and Creator of all.
On his final night, Jesus took bread; and when he had given thanks
to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said, "Take,
eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the
remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given
thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you:
This is the cup of the new Covenant, born out of my love for each of you.
Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
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One: Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
All: Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
One: We give thanks for your love and justice which call us to our better selves
and to our commitment to serve you and one another. And we offer you
these gifts. Sanctify them by your Spirit to be for your people the holy
food and drink of a new and unending life in Christ.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ who taught us to pray:
OUR SAVIOR’S PRAYER from the New Zealand Prayer Book
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe;
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world;
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings;
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trial too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen.
THE SHARING OF BREAD AND CUP
The choir will receive communion first. Following, the congregation is invited to come
forward by the center aisle to the ministers to receive the gifts of bread and cup. Please
take a piece of bread, dip it in the chalice, eat and be grateful. You may then return to
your seat. If you wish to be served in your pew, please remain in your seat
and a communion server will bring the bread and cup to you.
COMMUNION MUSIC Mangisondele Nkosi Yam Michael Barrett
Soloists: Brandon Mowry, Alex Woods with Seth Woods, percussion
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THE POURING OF SAND Nicole and Glen Seiler
One: We give thanks for the holy food which we have just received, which
offers us sustenance for our Lenten journey. We mark our journey week
by week through the pouring of this sand, until we reach that glorious day
of resurrection joy, trusting that God’s faithfulness will lead us through the
desert sands, bringing life even into the darkest places of our lives.
*CLOSING HYMN Jesus, Keep Me near the Cross
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*BENEDICTION
One: May God go before, to show us the way; May God shine above, to lighten our
path; May God lie beneath, to bear us up; May God go beside, to companion
our journeys.
All: Amen.
*POSTLUDE
Dr. Greg Taylor, piano
During the postlude, you are invited to come forward to the piano and enjoy the music.
Following the service, please join us in the Fellowship Hall for some coffee and
refreshments. Visitors, we would LOVE to have you join us.
A WARM AND CORDIAL WELCOME TO ALL GUESTS!
If you are visiting us today, we welcome you. We are grateful we have found each other.
And, if somehow, there is something in you, some still small voice seeking a place to live
out your faith, to ask important questions, and to serve beyond yourself, we invite you into
our community. For more information about the church, please contact Pastor Laurie at
305.448.7421, ext. 116 or [email protected].
EACH SUNDAY: WORSHIP WITH US ONLINE
Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online
today and each Sunday at gablesucc.org/live.
IN OUR PRAYERS
We remember all those places of war, violence and unrest, as we continue to pray for peace
for all people around the world. We especially continue to remember all who suffered loss,
injury, and a loss of security with the bridge collapse at FIU this week. A lighted candle on
the altar symbolizes our prayers for peace, comfort, and non-violence.
THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS: Coleen Atkins, head usher; Margot Bradley, Janet Copeland, and John Graham.
STAY IN TOUCH
Once a week or so, Pastor Laurie e-mails a pastoral letter, Laurie’s Lines, to all members
and friends, filling them in on the week’s events, any special concerns that have arisen, and
general church business. If you would like to be included, contact Ron Morgan at
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ABOUT TODAY’S MUSIC
Mangisondele Nkosi Yam is a traditional isiZulu prayer very closely linked to the hymn
Nearer My God to Thee. It resembles the style of Isicathamiya (a cappella singing with
close harmonies) that originated among Zulu mine workers during the Apartheid years.
Traditionally, isicathamiya was only performed by men. This work, however, is for mixed
voices and is meant to be performed in Church as a sacred work. The text of this traditional
Zulu praise and worship song is: Be nearer to me my Lord. Even when I suffer, Lord, and
when in pain, I am still happy. Let me be near to you, my Lord.
The text for Cornerstone comes from Psalm 118: the stone that the builders rejected
became the cornerstone of a whole new world. Written for double choirs, the two choirs
trade the text back and forth and then come together as a single ensemble to heighten the
impact of the closing of each verse.
This morning’s bell choir selections were performed at the Florida State Handbell Festival
on March 3 at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach. Our bell choir became part
of a bell choir of 150 ringers from churches across South Florida to spend Friday and
Saturday in rehearsals to prepare for the Saturday performance. Our Keep Calm and Ring
On t-shirts were designed by our Director of Media Ministry and bell choir member, Alex
Sloan.
FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE: PRODUCTS WITH A PURPOSE
Open today until 2:00 p.m.
The Fair Trade movement, while providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and micro-
lending to artisan producers, also addresses environmental issues through use of
sustainable materials. Our Fair Trade Shop is located on the Columbus Boulevard side of
our church by Fellowship Hall. Come discover beautiful and unique products and gifts.
SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTREACH PROJECT
Our Sunday School children and youth are supporting Lotus House Homeless Shelter and
need your help! This month, they are collecting sanitary pads and tampons. Please place
your items on the table in Fellowship Hall. Thank you for helping us help others.
PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS (POP)
TODAY, March 18, Noon - 1:30 p.m. in the Preschool playground.
It’s the perfect time of the year for a potluck picnic on the playground! If you have children,
infants through kindergarten, and want to find a place to meet other families while the kids
have fun, then Parents of Preschoolers of Gables UCC is the group for you. Come and meet
new parents and catch up with old friends. Friends and grandparents welcome.
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YOUNG ADULT BRUNCH TODAY!
If you are 18-35 (or frankly, whatever!) join us!
12:30 p.m. at the home of Matt and Nikki
22 Salamanca, Apt. 205, Coral Gables
Join us for food, fellowship, and conversation over a potluck style brunch after worship. Bring a
dish to share! Joining us will be Dr. Laurel Koepf Taylor, visiting professor from Eden Theological
Seminary. Kids are welcome!
PACT NEHEMIAH ACTION
Monday, March 19 Join us for this interfaith gathering for justice around the issues of immigration, affordable
housing, and gun violence at our annual PACT (People Acting for Community Together)
Nehemiah Action at Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church (110 NE 62nd Street). We will
have dinner at Gables UCC at 6:00 p.m., the buses will leave for Notre Dame at 6:45 p.m.
and the action begins at 7:30 p.m.
CENTERING SUPPORT GROUP
Tuesday, March 20 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel
Led by Elaine Cottle, MSW and Therapist
This group is formed to help participants learn skills in reducing anxiety while increasing
positive thinking, feeling and behaviors. All are welcome.
LUNCH AND THE BIBLE
Tuesday, March 20 from 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge Join one of our pastors for lunch, fellowship and a discussion on one of their favorite Bible
passages. Sandwiches, chips, cookies and beverages will be served. Free will donations
accepted. Please RSVP to Pastor Megan at 305-448-7421 ext. 119 or by email at
BACK ON TRACK
The job search mindset. How to use positive thinking to create excellent results.
Tuesday, March 20 from 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge
Back on Track is a faith-based, career-support organization offering spiritual, motivational,
and practical techniques and best practices to individuals in various stages of career
challenges and transitions. In this session, Lionel Baugh, an executive coach and graduate
of Trinity College in Dublin, will help us recognize, manage, and replace our limiting
beliefs with thoughts and actions that empower us. Lionel has had an extensive career in
international banking, and has a passion for coaching. He was born in Argentina, raised in
Peru, and has lived in the Miami area for 20 years. All are welcome!
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CHURCH NIGHT IN
Each Wednesday Evening
Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
$6 for adults; $4 for kids 12 and under
This week’s menu: Sweet Chili Pork Chops, White Rice, Vanilla and Carrot Cupcakes
Vegetarians: Sweet Chili Cauliflower
Kids: Pork Chops, White Rice, Cauliflower, Cupcakes
LENTEN VESPERS
Wednesday, March 21 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
This service, made up of candlelight, music and prayer, offers the perfect quiet break we
need from the stress and noise of life around us. All are welcome. Childcare is available.
OUR LENTEN JOURNEY CONTINUES NEXT SUNDAY
PALM SUNDAY
Next Sunday, March 25 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Drawing a Line in the Sand Shortly before his trial and crucifixion, Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem to shouts of
“Hosanna!” In humility he rides on a donkey, a Jewish symbol of peace and gentleness, a very
different symbol from the horse dressed with all the battle finery of the Empire on which Pilate
rode into the city that same day. People on that ancient day chose a side and a leader. What
about us? Imperial power or a new realm of peace? Where do we draw a line in the sand?
Palm Sunday Processional
10:30 a.m. from Salvadore Park Our celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem begins with a modern-day
parade, as we follow a donkey through the streets of Coral Gables, arriving for choirs and antiphonal trumpets. Meet at Salvadore Park, 1120 Andalusia Avenue, by 10:30 a.m. to
walk in the processional. The shuttle bus will transport walkers from the church parking
lot to Salvadore Park between 10:00 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. All are welcome!
Palm Sunday Potluck Brunch
After 11:00 a.m. Worship in Fellowship Hall
Following worship, join us for our annual Palm Sunday Potluck Brunch in the Fellowship
Hall. Please bring an entrée or side dish to share that feeds 8-10 people. Dessert and drinks
will be provided. Suggestions: lasagna, rice and beans, ham, fried chicken, salad, veggie
platter, vegan specialties, non-gluten pasta, etc. Drop your dish off in the Fellowship Hall
on your way into church that morning.
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MAUNDY THURSDAY
Thursday Evening, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Darkness, quiet, contemplative music, and tenebrae (the extinguishing of lights). Such will
be our moving and meaningful Maundy Thursday service as we are led by our Vocal
Ensemble, a small orchestra, and words of scripture in this Maundy Thursday Service
centered in the worship style of Taizé.
Singing is one of the central elements of Taizé worship. Short songs repeated again and
again give singing a meditative character. Using just a few words, they express a basic
reality of faith, quickly grasped by the heart and mind. As the words are sung over many
times, this reality gradually penetrates the whole being. Meditative singing thus becomes
a way of listening to God. It allows everyone to take part in a time of prayer together and
to remain together in attentive waiting on God.
Please join us for this special Maundy Thursday service with the Sacrament of Holy
Communion. Childcare is available.
Join us first for a light soup supper from 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
A freewill offering will be gratefully received.
GOOD FRIDAY
A Trilingual Service in Spanish, German, and English
Friday, March 30 from 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary
Be with us for this brief but powerful service as we mark through scripture, reflection, and
music, the suffering and passion of Jesus. The service will end outside as we drape a large
cross which will reappear on Easter Sunday alive with fresh flowers. It has been said you
can’t have Easter without Good Friday. Only when our hearts break open with compassion
for the One who suffered can we truly appreciate the new life represented by Easter.
Joining us will be the clergy and members of Rivera Presbyterian Church. All are welcome
for this moving service.
THE ANNUAL EGG HUNT AND EASTER CRAFT PARTY
For Toddlers through 5th Grade
Saturday, March 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
In the Fellowship Hall and Church Grounds
Entrance Fee: A minimum of one canned good per person or $2.00 per person.
There will be crafts, food, face painting, and lots of family fun.
Do not forget to bring your Easter basket.
Questions? Contact Pastor Megan at [email protected].
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WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE PEOPLEPEOPLE!
CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL UCC STAFF DIRECTORY
305.448.7421 (Extensions listed below)
Ministers
All Members of the Church
Pastoral Staff
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor [email protected] ext. 116
The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor [email protected] ext. 119
The Rev. Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor [email protected] ext. 117
Program Staff
Mark Hart, Exec. Dir. of the Community Arts Program [email protected] ext. 120
The Rev. Yoli Izquierdo-Yglesias, Spanish Worship [email protected]/ 786-506-9890
German Worship Information [email protected]
Dr. Ronald Morgan, Director of Music Ministries [email protected] ext.121
Brooke Bagnall-Koger, Director of Early Childhood Center [email protected]
To contact Early Childhood Center, please call: 305-444-9792
Support Staff Anthony Cabrera, Minister of Liturgical Arts [email protected]
Kris Coney, Sound Technician [email protected]
Allen Feldman, Pew Organizer
Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant [email protected] ext. 127
Katie Martinez, Cherub Choir Director [email protected]
Seth Patterson, Youth Bell Choir Director [email protected]
Tony Prinzi, Print, Rentals & Reception Coordinator [email protected] ext. 100
Dennis Rodrigues CPA, Business Manager [email protected] ext.130
Drew Sandbulte, Events Coordinator [email protected] ext.112
Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry [email protected] ext.151
Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician [email protected] ext. 155
Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director [email protected]
Maintenance and Custodial Team
Rene Dominguez, Carlos Barrios, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez
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WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE PEOPLEPEOPLE!
CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL UCC STAFF DIRECTORY
305.448.7421 (Extensions listed below)
Ministers
All Members of the Church
Pastoral Staff
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor [email protected] ext. 116
The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor [email protected] ext. 119
The Rev. Aaron Lauer, Associate Pastor [email protected] ext. 117
Program Staff
Mark Hart, Exec. Dir. of the Community Arts Program [email protected] ext. 120
The Rev. Yoli Izquierdo-Yglesias, Spanish Worship [email protected]/ 786-506-9890
German Worship Information [email protected]
Dr. Ronald Morgan, Director of Music Ministries [email protected] ext.121
Brooke Bagnall-Koger, Director of Early Childhood Center [email protected]
To contact Early Childhood Center, please call: 305-444-9792
Support Staff Anthony Cabrera, Minister of Liturgical Arts
Kris Coney, Sound Technician
Allen Feldman, Pew Organizer
Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant [email protected] ext. 127
Katie Martinez, Cherub Choir Director [email protected]
Seth Patterson, Youth Bell Choir Director [email protected]
Tony Prinzi, Print, Rentals & Reception Coordinator [email protected] ext. 100
Dennis Rodrigues CPA, Business Manager [email protected] ext.130
Drew Sandbulte, Events Coordinator [email protected] ext.112
Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry [email protected] ext.151
Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician [email protected] ext. 155
Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director [email protected]
Maintenance and Custodial Team
Rene Dominguez, Carlos Barrios, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez
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