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Berea Flags at Emanuel AME,
Love wins!!
1
Birthdays, Anniversaries 2
Faith Community Response 3
Feeding Body & Spirit 4
Summer Musical Notes, Church
Family Camping
5
Ways to Give, Bazaar, Did You
Know?
6
Family photos 7
Regular Events, Staff, Mission
Statement, Bible Reading
8
Inside this issue:
LOVE WINS!
The Supreme Court has ruled that the law may show
no partiality in matters of couples seeking to wed. Union
Church joyfully offers our faith community and our
servant leaders to ALL couples who seek a blessing
community as they solemnize their vows. We celebrate
this historic decision as an affirmation that "God has made
of one blood all people's of the earth." Acts 17:26.
See page 3 of this newsletter OR follow the link to read
a Faith Community response to this ruling, signed by Rev.
Kent, Rev. Rachel and other faith leaders in Kentucky.
http://www.kentucky.com/2015/06/27/3920292_faith-
community-response-to-marriage.html?rh=1
Visit Our Website for MORE News & Video Webcasts: www.union-church.org
We'd also love to connect with you on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/unionchurchberea)
and Twitter (@UnionChurchKY)
The Union Church
Newsletter
July 2015
Sunday Worship 10:30
Mailing address CPO 2105; Berea, KY; 40404 Physical address 200 Prospect St.; Berea, KY; 40403 Phone 859-986-3725
Office office@union-church.org Rev. Kent kgilbert@union-church.org Rev. Rachel rsmallstokes@union-church.org
CONSIDER . . .
Berea Flags fly at Emanuel AME in Charleston
Prayer Flags from the Berea Vigil were hand carried to Emanuel AME in Charleston and hang there this Sunday to
welcome worshipers. About 200 people gathered on the Union Church front lawn to express our prayers and grief at
the terrorist murders at the church known as Mother Emanuel, the founding African Methodist Episcopal congregation.
Cards and a letter sent on behalf of all those who gathered here were gratefully
received by the presiding elder of the church who had just finished the funeral of
Pastor Pinckney. Church members lovingly hung the flags outside of the church
where they bear witness not to death, but to resilience and strength. For every
card and for every flag they send their thanks in this difficult time. Thanks to the
Rev. Steve Rhodes for being our emissary in South Carolina. See and read more
by following this link:
http://union-church.org/berea-prayer-flags-fly-at-emanuel-ame/
July Birthdays & Anniversaries
News of the Family
Birthdays!
1 Joyce Henderson
1 Rusti Mullins
2 Delores Carpenter
3 Susie Ritchie
4 Colleen Ambrose
4 Phyllis Hughes
5 Sune Frederiksen
5 Carol Gilliam
8 Joseph Mecham
8 Kelly Mehler
9 David Bellnier
10 Deborah Martin
12 Rich Royalty
14 Dottie Blackburn
14 Lois Morgan
14 Myrna Davis
19 Dana Rousey
19 Ben Shaffer
20 Mallory Lakes
20 Cavan Kobersmith
21 Tennant Kirk
22 Emma White
25 Ian Hayden
29 Barbara Frederiksen
30 Anne Panciera
31 Sharona Nelson
Anniversaries
9 Joe & Jessica Spencer
17 Rhonda Edwards &
Lauri McVicker
24 Kelly Richards &
Shayne Confer
27 John & Ramona Culp
If we don’t know your
birthday or anniversary, we
want to! Or if we’ve made a
mistake please call or email
the office.
We continue to hold the family
and friends of Jean Ritchie
Pickow, Jim Orwig, and
Michelle Tooley in our prayers.
Services for each of them were held
at Union Church on June 7, June 11,
and June 16 respectively. We
treasure their memories deeply.
Their families and friends have all
expressed their deep appreciation
for the care and beauty shown to
them in loving details provided for
their respective memorial services.
June 24-June 30, Rev. Kent and
Rev. Rachel attended the biennial
General Synod of the United Church
of Christ held this year in Cleveland,
OH. This is the 395th year since the
founding of the denomination in this
country at Plymouth Rock in 1620,
and the 58th since it adopted the
name and current structure.
Congratulations to the couples
in our church whose marriages are
now fully legal and recognized under
the law of the commonwealth! We
bless you and celebrate with you!
You can join this movement!
New members are received the
second Sunday of every month, and
you are very welcome here! Come,
be part of this family working for
Christ’s justice and joy! These folks
joined on June 14!
Consider...page 2
Youth Group departs for
Passport Camp June 28!
Linda Ross
405 Prospect St., Berea
lindaross405@hotmail.com
Barbara Walters
114 Orchard St., Berea
dr-barb@hotmail.com
On June 3 Rev. Kent & Rev.
Rachel participated Celebration of
the beatification of Oscar Romero
with our brothers and sisters at St.
Clare Church. Union & St. Clare have
a long history - more than 25 years -
of relationship with the people of El
Salvador, through numerous visits and
delegations to that country.
Joyce Henderson
was made an
Honorary Lifetime
Deacon at the
Worship Service on
June 28 and her
90th birthday (July
1) was celebrated,
with flowers given in her honor.
Joyce has coordinated Union
Church’s Bloodmobile efforts for
many years. This is a valuable
ministry of Union Church, and we
are so very grateful to Joyce for her
efforts!
It seems everywhere we look,
our society is mired in division and it
is easy to become disheartened by
these divisions. As faith and spiritual
leaders we believe God's call is for
continued reconciliation and justice
for all people. It is our desire to lead
communities, and provide spiritual
guidance, about issues supporting
efforts to bring about God's vision of
peace and goodwill for all.
In this vein we take a public stance
in support of marriage equality and
celebrate the recent Supreme Court
decision legalizing monogamous,
committed, loving relationships
between two adults regardless of
sexual orientation.
As spiritual leaders we may hold
different scriptures sacred, however,
we are united in our belief that God
celebrates with us and accepts loving
relationships. An underlying theme
uniting religious and spiritual
traditions is radical hospitality and
justice for all beings.
It is encouraging, then, that we
have a courageous and justice-
minded Supreme Court willing to do
t h e
right
thing from a legal perspective. This
decision in no way demands
churches or other faith communities
who disagree with same-sex marriage
be required to perform them.
It does, however, offer those of us
who are given both civil and religious
authority and who affirm these loving
marriages the ability to celebrate and
embrace relationships of those
particular couples in our respective
communities.
Likewise, we also celebrate the
diversity of clergy leadership and faith
communities who welcome, include
and affirm same-sex couples and their
families into full participation.
We look forward to a day when
we truly have a world that works for
everyone, where harmony and
acceptance triumph over adversity
and disharmony. We believe this
decision brings us a step closer to
that world.
This letter was published on June
27, 2015, in the Lexington Herald-
Leaders, and is signed by Robert
Auchter, president UUFMC; the Rev.
Laurie Brock, rector St. Michael's
Episcopal Church; the Rev. Soni Cantrell,
Ahava Center for Spiritual Living; Rev.
Keila Carpenter Thomas, Saint Alban's
Episcopal Church; the Rev. Mark T.
Davis, teaching elder, First Presbyterian
Church of Lexington; the Rev. Carol
Devine; the Rt. Rev. Douglass Hahn,
bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of
Lexington; the Rev. Esther Hurlburt,
community minister , Unitarian
Universalist; the Rev. Kent H. Gilbert
and the Rev. Rachel Small Stokes, Union
Church (Berea); the Rev. Mark D.
Johnson; the Rev. Pete Jones; the Rev.
Nancy J. Kemper; Marianne McAdams,
service leader, Unitarian Universalist; the
Rev. Marsha J. Moors — Charles,
Bluegrass United Church of Christ; the
Rev. Steven T. Pace; the Rev. Chuck
Queen; Fr. Johnnie Ross, St. Raphael's
Episcopal Church; the Rev. Carol
Ruthven, the Episcopal Diocese of
Lexington; the Rev. David Shirey, Central
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ);
the Rev. Dalene Vasbinder, Woodland
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ);
Bishop Paul (Kenneth) Waibel,
Orthodox-Catholic Church of America;
Rabbi David Wirtschafter, Temple Adath
Israel; the Rev. Gretchen L. Woods,
interim minister, Unitarian Universalist
Church of Lexington
A Faith Community response to
Marriage Equality Ruling
We look forward to a
day when we truly
have a world that
works for everyone.
Consider...page 3
July 16, 5:00—7:00
pm, Community Room
Bring photos of your
raised beds. Join us to
share your experiences and
bring your questions about
urban gardening.
John Stanley and
Heather Lundy will be
the guest presenters for a
gathering to discuss planting
fall crops and Richard and
Cheyenne Olson will be
there to share their
experiences with raised
garden beds on the Berea
Urban Farm, planted in
May.
Please bring a dish to
share if you want to. (We
will provide some snacks
from the garden.)
Call 859-985-1689 for
more information or go to
our Facebook page: Victory
Gardeners 2015.
Consider...page 4
Calling all Urban Gardeners and Victory Garden Blitzers!
Let’s Celebrate, July 16, 5-7 pm!
Garden Bed at the Housing Authority homes on Glades Rd.
Berea Food Bank
Don’t forget the Food Bank during
the summer months! Food can be
brought to 103 Parkway Dr.
Free Lunch at the Public
Library!
Monday –Saturday 18 & under
Sunday 1-2 Snacks for all ages!
No need to sign up—just show
up and eat a healthy lunch!
Rain Garden Tour July 11
Meet at Union Church, 1:00 pm
in the Office Level Classroom.
Tour beautiful, established rain
gardens and learn how to start your
own! Participants may be eligible for
a $250 grant. Visit
http://www.bggreensource.org/
Achieving and Building Life Equally
Are you interested in joining together to create a
Berea support group for those of us who self-identify as
differently or uniquely able, or identify as disabled? This
includes anyone who may be coping with a chronic or
long-term illness, or dealing with an injury or illness that
impacts daily life. If interested, let’s meet on July 15 at
6:00pm in the Community Room at Union Church.
This could become a regular get together, an
opportunity for friendship and sharing in a confidential
setting.
Tentative group name: “ABLE” (Achieving and
Building Life Equally).
We, in ABLE, work hard to be strong and fearless.
We succeed in life with creativity. We are not ‘less
than;’ we are equal in the world.
Understanding & Responding to
Dementia-Related Behavior
Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is
one of the primary ways for people with dementia to
communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use
language is lost. However, some behaviors can present
real challenges for caregivers to manage.
Join us to learn how to decode behavioral messages,
identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to
help intervene with some of the most common
behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.
The program will take place on Wednesday, July 15th
from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Madison County Public
Library located at 507 West Main Street, Richmond.
Registration is required; please call 1-800-272-3900.
Feeding the Body & Feeding the Spirit!
Summer Choir - No Robes
~ No Stairs ~
No Commitment!
Sundays: July 5, 12, and, 26
9:15 am ~ Sanctuary
Adults and youth are welcome to
participate in Summer Choir
for any or all of the Sundays we
sing. No commitment is expected.
Just show up for rehearsal at
9:15 on the days you wish to
participate.
We will rehearse a new anthem
each of these six Sundays which
will then be shared at the 10:30 am
worship service that morning.
We will rehearse and offer our
anthems from the sanctuary floor
so that this opportunity may be
accessible to all.
Handbells for Children
Saturday, July 18, 1 pm-4 pm and
Sunday, July 19, 9:30 am
Choir Room, 3rd Floor
(for children rising to 3rd- 6th gr.)
Finally, an opportunity for the
children to get their hands on bells!
The children will learn how to ring
and dampen a handbell, and
explore the many techniques. We
will learn to play music using “Ring
& Sing” charts as well as by reading
from a color-coded handbell score.
The afternoon will also include
several music and coordination
games, and a healthy snack.
The children will present their
handbell music as part of the
10:30am worship service on Sunday,
July 19.
Space is limited to 9 ringers. There
is a materials fee of $10,
direct questions to Pearl at
bellteacherpem@yahoo.com or
(859) 408-5508.
Hymn Sings
Sundays - July 26, Aug. 23
7:00 pm-8:30 pm ~ Cowan Chapel
(All Ages Welcome!)
Once a month, we will gather for
a “traditional” hymn-sing led by
the Union Church music staff.
Please turn in a list of your five
favorite hymns from the Black or
Red Hymnbook one week before
each Hymn Singing (deadlines:
July 19, August 16).
You will have an opportunity to
briefly share the reason a
particular hymn is significant to
you.
It is not necessary to submit a sign
-up form in order to participate,
however it will increase the
chances that your favorites will
make the list of hymns to be sung.
Summer Musical Notes, Camping Trip sign-up
Consider...page 5
It’s time to mark the dates for
Union Church Camping trip Friday
July 31-Sunday August 2nd. This
is an all ages camp out for you or
you and your family. Join us, won’t
you?
We will be camping at Craigs
Creek Group Campground Area at
Laurel Lake—so it isn’t even a long
drive!
We plan to kick off Friday night
with a group cook out. The
evenings will be filled with s’mores,
singing, maybe a few spooky stories,
and much laughter guaranteed.
Daytime will be filled with relaxing,
activities, and getting to know each
other.
Lots of time to find a friend or
two and find some outdoor fun. We
will even have a Sunday outdoor
service. Cost is $20 per person or
$50 per family. Mark your calendar
now! Register here:
http : / /un ion-church .org/wp-
content/uploads/2015/06/FD-Camp-
Registration.pdf
Union Church All Ages Camping Trip!
Union Church Bazaar August 29!
Union Church’s Bazaar proceeds help fund
Mission & Service projects locally, nationally and
internationally. Thanks for your support and help!!
This year the bazaar will be Saturday August 29,
from 10 am to 2 pm. It’s not too early to start
thinking about bringing donations to our Bazaar closet
below the front porch of the church.
The door is not locked and the closet is located to
the right of the stage in the Community Room; light
switch is just around the corner. Please price items
clearly.
Remember: no clothing, and NO OLD TVs please.
All sales benefit mission work of the church. Happy
Debulking Day at your house! Questions? Contact
John Payne johnvpayne@yahoo.com or 986-8100.
We will be asking for volunteers to help with this
Mighty Event soon.
—John Payne for the Mission and Service Board.
Consider...page 6
EasyTithe Android App
Now Available!
EasyTithe is the easy way to
make either one-time gifts or
recurring donations to Union
Church. You can now download the
native easyTithe Android app from
the Google Play Store to take the
same great easyTithe features you
know and love to your members
with Android devices. As a native
app, all of the features are in the app
itself!
Here are the robust features in
the new app:
Login or create an account
View Payment Methods on file
(currently SMS and APP
consolidated together)
Add Payment Method
View Giving History
View User Profile
Make a one-time gift
Logout
Of course you can still donate by
Text message or by going to the
church website. You can learn all
a b o u t u s i n g E a s yT i t h e a t
http://union-church.org/donate/. Try
it! You might like it!
Kroger Rewards and
A m a z o n
Smile—two
easy ways
to give.
Kroger has been
committed to
supporting the communities it serves
by assist ing local charitable
organizations through its Rewards
Program. Union Church will earn
rewards on all eligible purchases you
make using your Kroger Plus Card.
The Kroger rewards will accumulate
and be donated quarterly to Union
Church. This is an easy way for all
to fund-raise for Union Church.
Visit kroger.com/communityrewards
Amazon Smile will donate .5% of
eligible sales to Union Church if you
r e g i s t e r a t
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/61-
0444677. This is a great way to
support Union Church.
Ways to Give
Did you know . . . ?
The new pew cushions are in! Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.
The Properties Board is looking for a few volunteers to help with insulating and sealing two areas in
mechanical rooms. If you would like to know ask Dave Kobersmith.
Children’s Church is planning on using Godly Play curriculum. If you would like to learn more about this interactive
method of teaching our young folks about God contact Rev. Rachel or Kim Kobersmith.
Union Church Family Life in Photos
Consider...page 7
Jim Orwig Memorial John Stanley preached on June 28, Jack Marshall was Worship Leader
A GIANT THANK YOU to all who
volunteered to make Vacation Bible
School a smashing (and rebuilding)
success!
WE, THE PEOPLE OF UNION
CHURCH, SEEK TO LIVE OUT OUR
DISCIPLESHIP TO GOD AS A COMMUNITY
INSPIRED BY JESUS’ TRANSFORMING LOVE.
AS A GATHERING OF THOSE SEEKING TO
BOLDLY AND CREATIVELY EMBODY CHRIST’S
LIFE AND MINISTRY, WE COMMIT OURSELVES TO
WORK AND FELLOWSHIP THAT MAKES THE
RADICAL AND INCLUSIVE LOVE OF GOD, THE
BELOVED COMMUNITY PROCLAIMED BY JESUS,
AND THE CONTINUING INSPIRATION OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT VISIBLE AND REAL TO ALL.
AS ONE IN BODY WITH CHRIST, WE COMMIT
OURSELVES TO ACTS OF:
UNBOUNDED HOSPITALITY TO BUILD A
BELOVED COMMUNITY OF CHRIST
THOUGHTFUL, INSPIRATIONAL AND
INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT
PASSIONATE WORSHIP
RISK-TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE
EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY AND CARE
IN OUR STEWARDSHIP
Regular Weekly Happenings
Sundays 10:30 am ..... Morning Worship
4:00 pm ..... Overeaters Anonymous, Room 104
Weekdays 8:00 am ...... Zen Meditation, Cowan Chapel
10:00 am ..... Berea Mamas, Rm. 104
1:00 pm .... GED Class, Classroom
Mondays 5:30 pm ..... QiGong, Cowan Chapel
6:00 pm ..... AlAnon meets, Wayside Room
7:00 pm ..... AA, Comm. Room.
Tuesdays 7:30 pm ....... Berea Community Drumming Circle, Cowan
Saturdays 11:00 am ..... ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics), Class.
Other Regular Events 2nd & 4th Mons 9:30 am……….Berea Knitters, Classroom
2nd Tuesdays 10:00 am……….Basket Weaving Group, Comm. Rm
2nd Sundays New Members welcomed at Morning Worship
4th Sundays 11:45 am………Newcomers’
Gatherings
7:00 pm………Hymn Sing in
Cowan Chapel, July &
August, ALL welcome!)
Board Meetings
July 7 7:00 pm ........... Mission Board
July 13 3:00 pm ........... Properties Board
6:00 pm ........... Administration Board
July 14 6:00 pm ........... Faith Development
6:30 pm ........... Finance, Nurture & Care
7:00 pm ........... Community Life & Growth
July 15 5:30 pm ........... Worship Board
July 20 7:00 pm ........... Church Council
About Us...
All who seek & serve the love of God are ministers of Union Church
Gail Wolford, Moderator
Rev. Kent Gilbert, Pastor
Rev. Rachel Small Stokes, Associate Pastor
Dave Kobersmith, Church Administrator
Gabriel Evans, Director of Music Ministries
Pearl Marshall, Handbell Director
Carrie Jadud, Alvera Perman & Leslie Small Stokes,
Jubilee & Joyful Noise Choir Directors
Chris & Grace McKenzie, Youth Directors
Joan English, Office Administrator
Watch the
Sunday service
at union-
church.org/live-
broadcast/
Bible Reading for July
July 5
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:-13
July 12
2 Samuel 6:1-5,12b-19
Psalm 24
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
July 19
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Psalm 89:20-37
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34,53-56
July 26
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Psalm 14
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:1-21
Consider...page 8
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