Pilgrim United Church of Christ

A Caring Church for Thinking People

130 Broad Blvd † Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 † 330.928.4847

www.Pilgrimcf.org †

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Different Prayers for Different Times

Mission Statement: God calls us to live our faith as disciples

Sharing the love of God Revealed through Christ

In the community and the world.

Alcolyte: Maura Schneider

Alter Flowers: Sandi Ignizio -

Birthday Celebration, Bill, Dave & Vincent

Ushers: Henry Nagel & Mark McCul-

lough

Liturgist: Jim Carsten

Social Hour: Congregational Meeting -

Pilgrim United Church of Christ Staff

Pastor, Rev. Kirk W. Bruce: pilgrimpastor@ameritech.net

F.F. Director, Marilyn Freeman: pilgrimce@ameritech.net

Secretary, : pilgrimoffice@ameritech.net

Music Director: Amy Sauriol: amymalyuk@gmail.com

Custodian, Peter Paugh

Four Secrets to Answered Prayer

Based on Nehemiah 1:5 - 11

by Rick Warren

December 6, 2015

1. Base your request on God’s character.

Pray like you know God will answer you: “I’m expecting You to answer

this prayer because of who You are. You are a faithful God, You are a great

God. You are a loving God. You are a wonderful God. You can handle this

problem, God!”

2. Confess the sins you’re aware of.

After Nehemiah based his prayer on who God is, he confessed his sins.

He says, “We have sinned.” It wasn’t Nehemiah’s fault that Israel went into

captivity. He wasn’t even born when it happened, and he was most likely

born in captivity. Yet he’s including himself in the national sins. He says, “I’ve

been a part of the problem”

3. Claim the promises of God

Nehemiah prays to the Lord, saying, “I want you to remember what you

told your servant Moses.” Can you imagine telling God to “remember?”

Nehemiah reminds God of a promise he made to the nation of Israel. In

effect, he prays, “God, you warned through Moses that if we were unfaithful,

we would lose the land of Israel. But you also promised that if we repent,

you’d give it back to us.” Does God have to be reminded? No. Does he forget

what he’s promised? No. Then why do we do this? Because it helps us

remember what God has promised.

4. Be specific in what you ask for.

If you want specific answers to prayer, then make specific requests. If

your prayers consist of general requests, how will you know if they’re

answered? Nehemiah was not hesitant to pray for success. He’s very bold in

his praying. Have you ever prayed, “Lord, make me successful?” If you

haven’t, why haven’t you? What is the alternative? A failure?

Pilgrim United Church of Christ A Caring Church for Thinking People

Sunday, January 24, 2016 † Second Sunday after Epiphany

THE PRELUDE It is Well Arr. Jason W. Krug *HYMN (Black Hymnal) I Sing the Mighty Power of God No. 12

OPENING OURSELVES TO GOD *CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 19) One: The Heavens declare the very Glory of God. All: The skies proclaim the work of His hands. One: Day after day they keep on telling us about You O’ God. All: Now as we gather, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. *THE INVOCATION, OUR LORD’S PRAYER (Unison) Jim Carsten We thank you O Lord for welcoming us into Your house as we are. We need not be perfect to be loved. We thank you also for not leaving us as we were. By Your love and guidance come and make us whole. Come and touch us, bless us, make us Your sons and daughters. Come as we pray together the prayer your son taught us . . . “Our Father . . .”[debt, debtors]. *THE GLORIA PATRI (red hymnal) No. 513

OPENING OURSELVES TO GOD AND EACH OTHER

*GREETING EACH OTHER IN CHRIST OUR LIFE TOGETHER OUR CHILDREN AND OUR FAITH Children are invited to Faith Focus, an experience of God’s word, designed for ages 3 to early reader. They are also welcome to remain with their families during worship. ANTHEM Let There Be Peace on Earth Sy Miller & Jill Jackson, Arr. Jay Althouse

WE GIVE TO GOD

AN OFFERTORY INVITATION THE OFFERTORY An Offering Jason W. Krug *THE DOXOLOGY (red hymnal) No. 515 *PRAYER OF DEDICATION CALL TO PRAYER (sing in unison) Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place, I can feel His mighty power and His grace. I can hear the brush of angels’ wings, I see glory on each face; surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. THE MORNING PRAYER AND CHORAL RESPONSE *HYMN (Red hymnal) What a Friend We Have in Jesus No. 335 GOD GIVES TO US THE SCRIPTURE READINGS Jim Carsten Psalm 18:1 - 17 (p. 460) Philippians 4:4 - 7 (p. 175) SERMON Different Prayers for Different Times Rev. Kirk Bruce WE RESPOND TO GOD WITH SERVICE *HYMN (Black hymnal) My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less No. 403 *THE BENEDICTION *UNISON RESPONSE (We invite you to join hands as we sing together) God be with you, till we meet again; by his counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you. God be with you till we meet again. POSTLUDE Glory Be to the Father Arr. Jason W. Krug

*all who are able may stand

ANNOUNCEMENTS Sign-in There are worship pads on each pew in the sanctuary. Please remember to sign in to let us know you are worshipping with us today. If you are visiting us, please let an usher know. We would love to greet you and tell you a little about us.

Congregational Meeting - After Worship Service TODAY! All are welcome!

Lunch will be served! Reports will be given! Join us in Fellowship...don’t miss it! J.O.Y. Kids Club - Every Wednesday 6:00 - 7:30 pm Dinner is at 6 pm. Come join the fun as we explore God’s Ten Best Ways for Loving and Living. Food, crafts, games, music and FUN! Open to all kids Kindergarten through Grade 5.

Bible Study - Everyone is welcome so be sure to bring a friend! -Tuesday Morning Bible Study meets at 10:30 am in the Adult Library. -Beginner’s Bible Study meets Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the Heritage Room. Hand Bell Choir Hand Bell Choir practice meets on Wednesdays at 8:00pm. It is a great way to express your musical talent and enjoy fellowship. Epiphany Arts Festival - Let’s Get a Group Together! Contact: Marilyn Freeman Join us for the annual Epiphany Arts Festival at Bath UCC on Sat., January 30th, at 10 am. Lunch to follow in the Montrose area - Mustard Seed, Aladdin’s. Over 200 artists will display ceramics, sculptures, photography, glass, jewelry, paintings, woodcarvings, and fiber arts. Let’s get a group together! Sign-Up in the Social Hall. Pilgrim’s Youth Group News TODAY - ICE SKATING PARTY—12:30 pm. All are welcome. $3.00 skate rental. $3.00 admission. Free admission if you have a CFOne card. We will return to the church around 1:30 pm for mug cakes, ice cream, & hot chocolate. Sub Sandwiches & Soup Sale - will be ready on Super Bowl Sunday. Order forms are in the Social Hall, church office or on the website. Orders are due Sun., Jan., 31st. Orders are picked up Sun., Feb. 7th at 11:30 am. Checks payable to “Pilgrim UCC.” Boxes of Love from Home - will be packed and sent out to all our college students and Military Personnel by the Youth Group. The list of items we are collecting is in the social hall, as is a collection box. Big Band Dinner & Dance - Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 11:30—1:00 pm in the Social Hall. This is a Summer Camp Fundraiser. More information will be posted in the next few weeks. “Focus on Refugees” - Peter Makari, UCC Executive for the Middle East, will offer a deeper understanding about what is happening in the Middle East with a particular focus on Syrian refugees. Look for two additional sessions in February, focusing on human realities of being a refugee & ways the church & individuals can be involved in advocacy.

CALENDAR

Sunday, January 24 9:30 a.m. L.I.G.H.T. (Learning in God’s House Together)

Preschool through grade 5, Children’s Library Youth, Grades 6-12, ATTIC

10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Lunch & Congregational Meeting, Social Hall

Monday, January 25 1:00 -1:30 p.m. Absorbent Minds Tae Kwon Do, Social Hall

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Girl Scouts, Attic Tuesday, January 26

10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Library 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. EOA COP , Rev. Greene Room

3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki Lessons, Children’s Library 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Girl Scouts, Adult Library

8:00 p.m. FOTS AA Meeting, Heritage Room Wednesday, January 27

2:45 - 8:00 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki Lessons, Children’s Library 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. JOY Kids Club

7:00 p.m. Beginner’s Bible Study, Heritage Room 8:00 p.m. Hand Bell Choir

Thursday, January 28 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki Lessons, Children’s Library

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Cub Scouts, Social Hall 8:00 p.m. Emotions Anonymous, Heritage Room

Friday, January 29 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Girls Scouts, Social Hall & Kitchen

Saturday, January 30 10:00 am Epiphany Arts Festival, Travel to Bath UCC & Lunch in Montrose

8:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous, Social Hall Sunday, January 31

9:30 a.m. L.I.G.H.T. (Learning in God’s House Together) Preschool through grade 5, Children’s Library

Youth, Grades 6-12, ATTIC

10:30 a.m. Worship 11:45 a.m. Lenten Cantata Rehearsal, Heritage Room

12:00 p.m. Save Our Steeple Committee, Adult Library 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. “Focus on Refugees” with Peter Makari, Social Hall

*Please turn electronic devices to silent*

ANNOUNCEMENTS Sign-in There are worship pads on each pew in the sanctuary. Please remember to sign in to let us know you are worshipping with us today. If you are visiting us, please let an usher know. We would love to greet you and tell you a little about us.

Congregational Meeting - After Worship Service TODAY! All are welcome!

Lunch will be served! Reports will be given! Join us in Fellowship...don’t miss it! J.O.Y. Kids Club - Every Wednesday 6:00 - 7:30 pm Dinner is at 6 pm. Come join the fun as we explore God’s Ten Best Ways for Loving and Living. Food, crafts, games, music and FUN! Open to all kids Kindergarten through Grade 5.

Bible Study - Everyone is welcome so be sure to bring a friend! -Tuesday Morning Bible Study meets at 10:30 am in the Adult Library. -Beginner’s Bible Study meets Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the Heritage Room. Hand Bell Choir Hand Bell Choir practice meets on Wednesdays at 8:00pm. It is a great way to express your musical talent and enjoy fellowship. Epiphany Arts Festival - Let’s Get a Group Together! Contact: Marilyn Freeman Join us for the annual Epiphany Arts Festival at Bath UCC on Sat., January 30th, at 10 am. Lunch to follow in the Montrose area - Mustard Seed, Aladdin’s. Over 200 artists will display ceramics, sculptures, photography, glass, jewelry, paintings, woodcarvings, and fiber arts. Let’s get a group together! Sign-Up in the Social Hall. Pilgrim’s Youth Group News TODAY - ICE SKATING PARTY—12:30 pm. All are welcome. $3.00 skate rental. $3.00 admission. Free admission if you have a CFOne card. We will return to the church around 1:30 pm for mug cakes, ice cream, & hot chocolate. Sub Sandwiches & Soup Sale - will be ready on Super Bowl Sunday. Order forms are in the Social Hall, church office or on the website. Orders are due Sun., Jan., 31st. Orders are picked up Sun., Feb. 7th at 11:30 am. Checks payable to “Pilgrim UCC.” Boxes of Love from Home - will be packed and sent out to all our college students and Military Personnel by the Youth Group. The list of items we are collecting is in the social hall, as is a collection box. Big Band Dinner & Dance - Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 11:30—1:00 pm in the Social Hall. This is a Summer Camp Fundraiser. More information will be posted in the next few weeks. “Focus on Refugees” - Peter Makari, UCC Executive for the Middle East, will offer a deeper understanding about what is happening in the Middle East with a particular focus on Syrian refugees. Look for two additional sessions in February, focusing on human realities of being a refugee & ways the church & individuals can be involved in advocacy.

CALENDAR

Sunday, January 24 9:30 a.m. L.I.G.H.T. (Learning in God’s House Together)

Preschool through grade 5, Children’s Library Youth, Grades 6-12, ATTIC

10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Lunch & Congregational Meeting, Social Hall

Monday, January 25 1:00 -1:30 p.m. Absorbent Minds Tae Kwon Do, Social Hall

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Girl Scouts, Attic Tuesday, January 26

10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Library 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. EOA COP , Rev. Greene Room

3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki Lessons, Children’s Library 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Girl Scouts, Adult Library

8:00 p.m. FOTS AA Meeting, Heritage Room Wednesday, January 27

2:45 - 8:00 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki Lessons, Children’s Library 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. JOY Kids Club

7:00 p.m. Beginner’s Bible Study, Heritage Room 8:00 p.m. Hand Bell Choir

Thursday, January 28 8:00 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki Lessons, Children’s Library

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Cub Scouts, Social Hall 8:00 p.m. Emotions Anonymous, Heritage Room

Friday, January 29 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Girls Scouts, Social Hall & Kitchen

Saturday, January 30 10:00 am Epiphany Arts Festival, Travel to Bath UCC & Lunch in Montrose

8:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous, Social Hall Sunday, January 31

9:30 a.m. L.I.G.H.T. (Learning in God’s House Together) Preschool through grade 5, Children’s Library

Youth, Grades 6-12, ATTIC

10:30 a.m. Worship 11:45 a.m. Lenten Cantata Rehearsal, Heritage Room

12:00 p.m. Save Our Steeple Committee, Adult Library 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. “Focus on Refugees” with Peter Makari, Social Hall

*Please turn electronic devices to silent*