1. family and parenting
2. children

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 not on your cell phone!
Please remember to put it on vibrate.
 ALL are welcome to this time and place of worship.
Know that in this space you are welcome as you are and 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.

Invite your family and friends around the world to worship with us online
each Sunday at http://gablesucc.org/live.
The Reverend Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor
The Reverend Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling, Associate Pastor
The Reverend Megan Smith, Associate Pastor
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
THE ORDER OF WORSHIP
Our faith is over 2000 years old.
Our thinking is not.
October 19, 2014
11:00 a.m.
CHILDREN’S SABAATH
Live so that when children think of fairness,
caring and integrity they think of you.
~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.
* Please stand as you are able
GATHERING MUSIC
THE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you for signing the red hospitality pad found in the pews
and passing it around.
Please use your smart phone to check in on Facebook and 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 http://gablesucc.org/live.
Be sure to "like" us at http://facebook.com/mycgcc.
You are most welcome to connect your smart device to our free wifi service.
No password is required.
CALL TO COMMUNITY
I am a Promise
Cherub Choir
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Ava Lorena Reyes
Leader: We worship God with more than just our voices.
People: We offer all that we can in praise of God’s name.
Leader: So, clap your hands for God.
People: (Clap twice)
Leader: Stomp your feet for God.
People: (Stomp twice)
Leader will clap and stomp and the congregation will repeat as able
Leader: And the people of God say…
People: (Clap twice, stomp twice)
ALL:
Amen!
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*HYMN
Standing in the Need of Prayer
Not my brother, nor my sister, but it’s me O God,
Standing in the need of prayer
Not my brother, nor my sister, but it’s me O God,
Standing in the need of prayer
It’s me, it’s me, it’s me O God, standing in the need of prayer.
2. Not the preacher, nor the deacon…
3. Not my father, nor my mother…
4. Not the stranger, nor my neighbor…
*OPENING PRAYER
Unison:
Playful and loving God, we acknowledge that we have molded you
into a grown-up and mature image. We have disregarded the
youthfulness of your Spirit, calling us to be flexible and to enjoy all
that your Creation has to offer. In this hour of worship, open our
hearts and minds and help us to become like a child, so that we might
experience the Kingdom of God. Amen
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE
Leader:
Friends, this is a place of welcome for all. May we express that welcome
as we greet one another saying, “The peace of Christ be with you.”
People:
And also with you.
You are invited to share the peace or words of welcome with those around you.
PRESENTATION OF BIBLES
Leader:
So often we put our trust in what we know,
or what we can figure out for ourselves.
People:
But God’s words are sweeter than honey;
they will teach us to understand.
Leader:
Some of us depend on what people think of us,
or the success of the things we do.
Bible recipients:
But the stories of what God has done are sweeter than honey;
they help us understand.
Leader: Others think that all we need is the right entertainment,
one more toy, or a way to escape.
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Bible recipients:
But the words of God are sweeter than honey;
they teach us wisdom.
Leader: Still others think that money or property are all we need.
Bible recipients:
But the words of God are sweeter than honey;
they help us feel close to God.
People: May the words of God fill us with love and understanding,
wisdom and faith!
Unison: Let these words be written on our hearts,
for nothing else is quite so sweet.
Leader: Let us pray.
God of all children, as we rejoice in the sweetness of your Word, we ask that
you bless these Bibles today. Create in these children a hunger which only
the sweetness of your Word can satisfy. Open their minds and hearts as they
read them. This we pray in the name of Jesus our teacher, guide and
savior. Amen.
THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Every Child’s a Promise
Agape Choir
Larson
All children toddlers through 5th grade wishing to attend Sunday School
hjare invited to leave during the Passing of the Peace to the Fellowship Hall.
A CONTEMPORARY READING
from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Sophia Caffrey
There are infinite numbers between 0 and 1. There's .1 and .12 and .112 and an infinite
collection of others. Of course, there is a bigger infinite set of numbers between 0 and 2,
or between 0 and a million. Some ‘infinities’ are bigger than other ‘infinities.’ A writer
we used to like taught us that. There are days, many of them, when I resent the size of my
unbounded set. I want more numbers than I'm likely to get, and God, I want more
numbers for Augustus Waters than he got. But, Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how
thankful I am for our little infinity. I wouldn't trade it for the world. You gave me a
forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful.
A DRAMATIC DIALOGUE The Impatient Optimist
Karis Knoll, Connor Smith, Katie Valdes and Jonah Wexler
Middle School Youth
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THE GOSPEL READING
Matthew 19:13 – 15
Sophia Caffrey
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray
for them. But the disciples rebuked them.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom
of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on
from there.
Friends, listen. God is still speaking.
Thanks be to God.
THE MORNING MESSAGE
Birthing Stars
Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling
THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Rock Me on the Water
Josef Spencer, soloist
Clay Ostwald, pianist
Jackson Browne
THE MORNING PRAYERS
Leader:
Almighty and loving God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires
known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of
our hearts so that we might enter into common ground with Your
divine and healing Spirit.
People:
Hear our prayer, O God.
Leader:
Good and gracious God, who loves all and forgets none, we bring to
You our prayers for all Your children.
People:
Hear our prayer, O God.
Leader:
For all those who are suffering, troubled by grief or unable to rejoice
in the wonders of living, we pray that Your Spirit lift them out of the
despair that keeps them down.
People:
Hear our prayer, O God.
Leader:
For the infirm and the aged, for the lonely and the sad, we pray that
You shine Your love over them so they may find joy in the smaller
blessings of each day.
People:
Hear our prayer, O God.
Leader:
Listen to our individual prayers, O God, as we keep this moment of
sacred silence… Amen.
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THE PRAYER RESPONSE
Light of the World
Cantate Choir
THE MOMENT OF MISSION
Crawford
Gail Burnaford, Just Peace Committee
THE RECEIVING OF OUR MORNING OFFERING
Offertory Music
Lord, Listen to Your Children
The Chancel Choir
Medema
*THE SINGING OF THE DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here below.
Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Unison:
All good gifts around us come from you, O God. You have given us
life, and a new day to become your people. As you have blessed us, we
desire to be a blessing to others through our gifts and pledges. Accept
our offering, follow it with your Spirit so that it may promote peace
and goodwill among all people.
Please remain standing for the closing hymn.
*THE BENEDICTION
* SUNG BENEDICTION
*THE POSTLUDE
Dr. Greg Taylor, piano
During the postlude, you are invited to come forward to the piano and enjoy the music.
Following our service, please join us in the Fellowship Hall for some refreshments
provided by the Women’s Fellowship. Visitors, we would LOVE to have you join us.
A WARM AND CORDIAL WELCOME TO ALL GUESTS
If you are visiting with us for the first time this morning, 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 or membership, please contact Pastor Laurie at 305.448.7421, ext. 116 or at
[email protected].
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THE FLOWERS THAT GRACE OUR ALTAR THIS MORNING ARE GIVEN
by Dr. Amarilis Gonzalez and Dr. Edilia Vivanco and their family in memory of
Gilberto Gonzalez.
THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS: Lois Legge, Head Usher; Peter McDougal, John
Graham, Carol Krech, Lydia Acevedo, and Arnold Elguezabal.
AFTER WORSHIP TODAY
Hummus Festival in the Fellowship Hall with pita bread and falafel.
Panel Presentation at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Denominational Responses to the Israel/Palestine Conflict
FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE
Your purchases empower artisans to work and build strong families and villages globally.
Located outside the Fellowship Hall
HOURS: Sunday: Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Monday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SPANISH LANGUAGE SERVICES
Gables UCC - Ahora En Español
Sundays at 1:00 p.m. in the Moye Chapel
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 [email protected].
CHURCH NIGHT IN
Each Wednesday Evening from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
$5 for adults / $3 for kids 12 and under
Take-Out Available
Come see old friends and meet new friends while gathering for a delicious dinner.
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FAMILY PROMISE: THE NEXT STEP
Monday Evening, October 20 at 7:00 p.m.
A mother loses her job, a father is kept from working by an injury, a family is forced
from their home by fire or natural disaster. Healthcare costs soar, public
transportation is underfunded, affordable housing is almost impossible to find. These
are the reasons why families now make up 40 percent of the homeless population, and
why one out of every four homeless people is a child. In response to this crisis, a
national organization called Family Promise seeks to bring the faith community
together to help families regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity.
In September, we had an introductory meeting about how Gables UCC and other
congregations could create a Family Promise affiliate here in Miami to help keep
homeless families intact as they work to get back on their feet. The success rate for
clients of Family Promise is outstanding with nearly 80 percent of clients securing
housing. It is an exciting and hope-filled project that joins with 6,500 congregations
and 160,000 volunteers across the country in working toward a nation in which every
family has a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future together.
Please join us on Monday evening, October 20, at 7:00 p.m. in Havighorst Lounge
to hear more about Family Promise and how Gables UCC and the larger interfaith
community of South Florida can be engaged in this important ministry. With us will
be Claas Ehlers, Director of Affiliate Services with the Family Promise national
affiliate in New Jersey. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Laurie or Drew
Sandbulte, our congregation’s liaison during this time of development and dreaming.
CIRCLES OF DIALOGUE
October 25, November 8, 9, & 22
Margaret Mead wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” For the
fourth year in a row, the Board of Justice and Witness is helping our church
change the world. Circles of Dialogue is designed to promote stimulating
dialogue while also enjoying good socializing. We offer some food and drink with
friends who are willing to learn and dialogue about a pressing justice issue – a
winning combination. This year, the Circles of Dialogue will be about the
immigration and refugee issues that our nation can no longer afford to ignore.
To sign up, visit the Justice and Witness Table in the Fellowship Hall after
Sunday worship or contact Meribeth Shank at [email protected].
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BACK ON TRACK
Tuesday, October 21
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 transition. The guest speaker for this Tuesday will be Jose Torres, Managing
Partner of FranNet of South Florida, who will discuss the value of self-employment and
options to traditional employment as well as how to make this transition minimizing risks
and increasing the probability of success. It also covers how to succeed in the "age of
going solo" and covers examples of entrepreneurship for executives and professionals.
All are welcome.
SPECIAL INTERFAITH SERVICES
The MCCJ* Communitywide Service
Pursuing Peace: A Common Path
Sunday, October 26, 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
For the fourth year, the MCCJ Interfaith Clergy Dialogue will celebrate the diversity
of the South Florida faith community through an interfaith service for peace. This is
always a very inspirational program as people from a variety of faith communities
and traditions here in South Florida gather together representing the beauty and
strength of our diverse community while praying for peace together. The service will
be led by clergy from many different houses of worship and will also feature choirs
and music from various religious traditions including our own choir and clergy. The
community is encouraged to attend. A reception will follow.
*Historically known as the Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews,
the nation’s oldest interfaith dialogue, it now includes ALL faith traditions.
The Coral Gables Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday, November 19, 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
We will share together in gratitude for all our many
blessings through the beautiful music, the spoken word, and
prayers of our brothers and sisters of faith in this
community. Please join us for this very special and
beautiful service.
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ALL CHURCH RETREAT
Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
In our 24/7 culture, finding time to reflect on deeper things, to connect with other
thoughtful and diverse people, and to just be a part of the church community is often
difficult. We are really hoping that you will do just that for a little while on Saturday
morning, November 1, for an All-Church Retreat at the Biltmore Hotel.
All church members, 13 years and above, are invited from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in a
beautiful conference room that the Biltmore Hotel is loaning us for the morning.
There we will share some pastries along with opening devotions, conversation and
reflection as we create together a new church mission statement. Our leader for the
day is the Rev. Dick Sparrow, the former Minister and Leader of Church Life and
Leadership of the United Church of Christ. While the adults and young people are
creating a mission statement, all infants and children through age 12 are invited to be
part of a morning program at the church with activities and fun for all.
Afterwards, we will all gather for a BBQ in the church courtyard. You can then be on
your way around 2:00 p.m. knowing that you had a great morning helping to
articulate the mission of the church, and to enjoy the fun and fellowship of a warm
and inviting church family. The cost is only $10 per adult (children up to 12 are free)
or $25.00 per family. You must register and pay by Sunday, October 19 by either
going to the sign up table in the Fellowship Hall or sign up online at
http://gablesucc.org/all-church-retreat. Space is limited so don’t be left out!
XYZ OUTING TO BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDENS
Thursday, December 4; the Church Shuttle leaves at 9:30 a.m.
On Thursday, December 4, join us for an outing at the beautiful Bonnet House
Museum and Gardens in Ft. Lauderdale. Built in 1920 and listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a 35-acre estate and
historic house museum.
Following a guided tour of the Main House, we will take a tram tour of the grounds
which boasts a mangrove swamp and coastal hammock providing habitat for a variety
of fish, birds, and other wildlife. We will enjoy a box lunch on the estate. This is an
easy tour. Walking isn’t difficult. The cost for the outing and lunch is just $20. Sign
up after worship each Sunday at the XYZ table or by contacting Drew Sandbulte at
305.448.7421 ext. 150 or [email protected].
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