1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

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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.
 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
October 26, 2014
THE ORDER OF WORSHIP
Our faith is over 2000 years old.
Our thinking is not.
11:00 a.m.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Philosophy is the love of wisdom: Christianity is the wisdom of love.
~Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles Hare
* Please stand as you are able
GATHERING MUSIC
Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician
THE WORDS OF 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.
CALL TO COMMUNITY
Namaste
The choir will sing the verses; the congregation is invited to sing the refrain below.
Namasté, Namasté, Namasté,
The divine in me blesses and honors the divine in you.
Namasté, Namasté, Namasté,
The divine in me blesses and honors the divine in you. (repeat)
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
One:
Come together, people of God.
Many:
God’s Spirit is poured out on all of us,
young and old,
women and men.
One:
Come with purpose! Come with hope!
Many:
We come in love;
to dream,
to envision,
and to receive.
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*HYMN
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
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*OPENING PRAYER
Unison:
God of Love, author of our days, originator of our lives, we come
before you as one people, to worship you this day, celebrating your
love and your purpose, revealed in the words of Jesus. Move in our
midst, God of life, and draw us closer together in your love. 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.
All children toddlers through 12th grade wishing to attend Sunday School are invited to
leave during the Passing of the Peace to the Fellowship Hall.
CONTEMPORARY READING
Lourdes Garcia, reader
From the Buddha
May every creature abound in well-being and peace.
May every living being, weak or strong, the long and the small
The short and the medium-sized, the mean and the great.
May every living being, seen or unseen, those dwelling far off,
Those nearby, those already born, those waiting to be born,
May all attain inward peace.
Let no one deceive another. Let no one despise another in any situation.
Let no one, from antipathy or hatred, wish evil to anyone at all.
Just as a mother, with her own life, protects her only child from hurt,
So within yourself foster a limitless concern for every living creature.
Display a heart of boundless love for all the world,
In all its height and depth and broad extent,
Love unrestrained, without hate or enmity.
Then as you stand or walk, sit or lie, until overcome by drowsiness,
Devote your mind entirely to this, it is known as living here life divine.
THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Healing River
Charmyn Kirton, soloist
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Dengler
THE SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together,
and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which
commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the
greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as
yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Friends, listen. God is still speaking.
Thanks be to God.
THE MORNING MESSAGE
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner
CHORAL RESPONSE
From This House
Anthony Cabrera, soloist; Seth Woods, percussion
Allaway
At this time you are invited to text your prayer requests to Pastor Laurie at
305.968.6482; or hand your prayer requests to the ushers. Paper is in the pews.
THE MORNING PRAYERS
CHORAL PRAYER RESPONSE
Be Still and Know That I Am God
The Vocal Ensemble
Andrew March
THE RECEIVING OF OUR MORNING OFFERING
Invitation
Offertory Music
*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
All: Receive our gifts this day, and not only the visible gifts we place in these
plates, but the gift of our will and intent as we pledge to love you, our
neighbor, and ourselves through our words, actions, and deeds. Amen.
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THE RECEIVING OF NEW MEMBERS
*CONGREGATIONAL COVENANT
We welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our
friendship and prayers as we support one another in the work to which we feel
called: striving for peace and justice among all people, protecting and restoring the
integrity of all God's creation, and bringing hope to those most vulnerable. Amen.
Please remain standing for the Closing Hymn
*CLOSING HYMN
Siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’
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*THE BENEDICTION
One:
Receive God’s blessings and take them with you into the world to care
with others, to dare with others, to share with others God’s audacious
love. Amen.
*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].
THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS: Annika Grant head usher, Susan Wilson, Sofia
Larraz, Lisa Cantu, Andrea Heuson.
FAIR TRADE MARKETPLACE
TODAY: Just say “Boo” and get 20% off everything in the Fair Trade Shop
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
Each Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the Moye Chapel
All Are Welcome
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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].
THIS AFTERNOON
A SPECIAL INTERFAITH SERVICE
The MCCJ* Communitywide Service
Pursuing Peace: A Common Path
TODAY, 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.
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.
ALL CHURCH RETREAT
Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Registrations are closed and over 120 people have signed up for this special retreat in
a beautiful ballroom that the Biltmore Hotel is loaning us for the morning. There we
will share some pastries along with devotions, conversation and reflection as we
create together a new church mission statement. And of course, there are a few
surprises planned! Afterwards, we will all gather for a BBQ in the church courtyard.
Park at the church that morning and the shuttle bus will be available to transport you
to the Biltmore if you wish. Children under 12 are to be dropped off at the Arts and
Education Wing for a morning filled with fun.
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BOOKS AND BOOKS AUTHOR SERIES
Books & Books in collaboration with Florida International University’s Department
of Creative Writing, presents one of the most beloved and influential
poets and storytellers writing today…
Richard Blanco
Saturday, November 1 at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
As a historic inaugural poet, public speaker, teacher and memoirist, Richard Blanco
continues to travel the world, inviting audiences to reconnect to the heart of the human
experience and all of its beautiful diversity. Through the power of his words and presence,
Blanco taps into our unspoken dreams, hopes and frustrations. He captures the human spirit
and condition, in all of its complexities, opening up our minds and encouraging us to see
beyond our differences to share in the universal experience of our humanity. For more
information, or tickets, please contact Books and Books at 305.442.4408.
NEXT SUNDAY, ALL SAINTS DAY
Sunday, November 2, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
On this day, we will commemorate All Saints Day by remembering those loved ones we have
lost since November 2013. As part of our recognition, candles will be lit for those who have
passed away. If you would like to remember a loved one, please contact Pastor Laurie at
305.448.7421, ext. 116 or at [email protected].
Remember to set your clocks back an hour before you go to sleep on
Saturday, November 1 so you won’t be too early for church.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING PART OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY?
Inquirers’ Gathering Sunday, November 2 at 12:15 p.m. in the Library
If you know that God’s love embraces all people, no matter who they are…
If you want religion with relevancy…
If you’ve wished for an open and embracing community of faith to nurture your spirit,
grow your faith, and raise your children…
Then we warmly invite you to help us build the family of Gables UCC.
Come if you would like to inquire about becoming a member. Come if you just want to
inquire more about who we are, what we stand for, and what we believe. This gathering
will also give you a chance to meet some of our members and staff and give us an
opportunity to meet you. Childcare and a light lunch will be provided. Contact Pastor
Laurie at [email protected] or 305.448.7421 ext. 116 to RSVP or for more
information.
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PACT ANNUAL MEETING
Monday, November 3 7:30 pm
PACT is a diverse coalition of 37 different congregations in Miami-Dade County that
seeks to organize and train leaders from these 37 congregations to build a powerful
community voice. On Monday, November 3 will be the Annual Meeting to vote on the
priority issues for the year. Past priorities have included out-of-school suspensions and
alternatives to arrest for non-violent youthful offenders. Please pass by the Justice and
Witness table after the worship service to sign up, or contact Sandy Leon at
[email protected].
CIRCLES OF DIALOGUE
November 8, 9, & 22
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 food and drink with friends who are willing to learn and dialogue
about a pressing justice issue. This year, the Circles of Dialogue are 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].
CELEBRATE MARTINSTAG
Our German church community cordially invites all children age kindergarten through
fifth grade and their parents to participate in a very special German tradition called
Martinstag, or St. Martin’s Day. This occasion is named after St. Martin, who is said to
have shared his heavy cloak with a beggar in need of some warmth. Thus was born the
tradition of children carrying lanterns around on the feast of the saint in honor of this
noble deed. On Friday evening, November 7, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Aunt
Mollie’s House (the Youth House at 1207 Malaga Avenue), the children are invited to
make their own lantern to light the way for St. Martin. Cost is $5.00 per lantern. Light
refreshments will be served.
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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CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL UCC STAFF DIRECTORY
Ministers
All Members of the Church
Pastoral Staff
The Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, Senior Pastor
[email protected] ext. 116
The Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling, Associate Pastor
[email protected] ext. 117
The Rev. Megan Smith, Associate Pastor
[email protected] ext. 119
Program Staff
Mark Hart, Exec. Dir. of the Community Arts Program
Dr. Ronald Morgan, Director of Music Ministries
Dr. Gregory Taylor, Parish Musician
Janet Hiles, Director of Early Childhood Center
To contact Early Childhood Center, please call:
[email protected] ext. 120
[email protected] ext.121
[email protected] ext. 155
[email protected]
305-444-9792
Support Staff
Anthony Cabrera, Cantaté Choir Director
[email protected]
Alice Fernandez, Accounting Assistant
[email protected] ext. 127
Kris Coney, Sound Technician
[email protected]
Ashley Levin, Cherub Choir Director
[email protected]
Chely Llorens, Wedding & Baptism Coordinator
[email protected] ext. 112
Tony Prinzi, Print Room Manager & Reception Coordinator
[email protected] ext. 100
Dennis Rodrigues, Business Manager
[email protected] ext.130
Drew Sandbulte, Administrative Assistant
[email protected] ext.150
Alex Sloan, Director of Media Ministry
[email protected] ext.151
Alexandra Woods, Agape Choir Director
[email protected]
Maintenance and Custodial Team
Rene Dominguez, Rosario Noriega, and Guillermo Ordoñez
WE ARE OUT OF THE BOX PEOPLE!
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