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, May 14, 2017

Four Things To Do This Summer: #2 Build a Fire and Make S’Mores

Rev. Kirk Bruce

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.

Acolyte: Thank You! Altar Flowers: The Gerstenberger’s in honor of the nurturing nature of all women and those we call mom or mother!

Greeters: Everyone present today! Ushers: Thank You! PowerPoint: Thank You!

Liturgist: Kelly Gerstenberger Fellowship: Mitzi Stanley coordinating with members & friends of Pilgrim. Steeple Lighting:

Thank yo u!

Pilgrim United Church of Christ Staff

Pastor, Rev. Kirk W. Bruce: pilgrimpastor@ameritech.net F.F. Director, Marilyn Freeman: pilgrimce@ameritech.net Secretary, Kelly Gerstenberger: pilgrimoffice@ameritech.net Music Director, Kyle Kelvington: kelvingtonk@gmail.com

Cleaning Services, Robert David “Peter” Paugh

Tickets?

See the Website

Or

Call the Church Office

“A Sisterhood Apart” by Nina Stiles from Mother O’Mine: A Mother’s Treasury Illustrations by Mary Engelbreit, page 27

I often think that had a mother been The hostess there that evening at the inn,

There would have been no question of a stall. She would have found some place within her hall

For Mary to lay down her tired head, Perhaps she would have given her own bed.

And in the cradle of her own wee son, She might have placed that night the Holy One;

Not with thought of harboring a King, Or any hope of gain her act might bring.

But from the simple goodness of her heart, For mothers are a sisterhood apart.

Pilgrim United Church of Christ A Caring Church for Thinking People

Sunday, May 14, 2017 † The Fifth Sunday of Easter

THE PRELUDE The Piano No. 1 Michael Nyman *HYMN (Red Hymnal) All Things Bright and Beautiful No. 478

OPENING OURSELVES TO GOD

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 31) One: In You O Lord, we come and take our refuge, for You are our shelter. All: Turn Your ear to me, come O Lord and hear my call. One: For You are our rock and fortress, You keep us safe. All: Into Your hands I give my spirit. Come O Lord, in You I find rest and strength. *THE INVOCATION, OUR LORD’S PRAYER (Unison) Kelly Gerstenberger We gather in Your house, O Lord, seeking a rest from the challenges of our world and a strength to deal with our daily struggles. Your endurance is beyond compare, and Your wisdom has no equal. Come and renew us.

Come and strengthen us. Come and make us Your own. Hear us now 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 CHILDREN’S SERMON ANTHEM Bone Jesu Palestrina

*all who are able may stand

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CALENDAR

Sunday, May 14 - Mother’s Day 9:30 a.m. Faith Formation for all ages

10:30 a.m. Worship Service - Rev. Kirk Bruce, Sanctuary 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Hour - Mitzi Stanley -

Coordinating with friends & members of Pilgrim

Monday, May 15 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, S. Hall 1:00 - 2:30 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, S. Hall 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Book Fair, Nursery

3:00 - 5:15 p.m. On Now Digital Prayer Group, Adult Library 5:00 p.m. Car Show, Pilgrim Parking Lot

6:30 p.m. Community Connections Committee Meeting, Adult Library 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting, Heritage Room

Tuesday, May 16 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, Social Hall, HR

1:00 - 2:30 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, SH, Heritage Room 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Book Fair, Nursery

10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Adult Library Girl Scout Troop #244, Adult Library

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Knit & Crochet Group, Rev. Green Room 8:00 p.m. Fellowship of the Spirit Alcoholics Anonymous (FOTS AA), Heritage Room

Wednesday, May 17 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, S. Hall 1:00 - 2:30 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, S. Hall 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Book Fair, Nursery

2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki-Violin, Children’s Library 4:00 - 8:30 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki School-Cello, Adult Library

6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class, Heritage Room Girl Scout Troop #840, A.T.T.I.C

7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Act-It UP! Rehearsal, Social Hall

Thursday, May 18 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, S. Hall 1:00 - 2:30 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, S. Hall 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Book Fair, Nursery

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cub Scout Pack - Blue & Gold Banquet, Social Hall 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Emotions Anonymous, Heritage Room

Friday, May 19 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, S. Hall 1:00 - 2:30 a.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Grandparents Day, S. Hall 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Absorbent Minds Montessori School - Book Fair, Nursery

Girl Scout Troop #169, A.T.T.I.C 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Crooked River Alliance of Time Banks - Cuyahoga Falls Hub, SH

Calendar continues on page 14, bottom of page

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SIGN-IN There are worship pads on each pew in the sanctuary.

We joyfully welcome all visitors!

Please sign in to let us know you are worshipping with us today.

Please join us again! We are so glad You are Worshiping with Pilgrim United Church of Christ!

Pray for: The family and friends of Tom, as he passed away on April 28, 2017. The family and friends of Donnie, as he passed away on May 5, 2017. The family and friends of “Pete” Mellinger grieving his death of May 6, 2017. The family and friends of George Mortimer grieving his death of May 7, 2017. Sherman healing from knee replacement surgery at Home. Chandler’s diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma and upcoming treatments. Alice for strength, patience and support. A friend dealing with severe trauma. Our Environment & National Parks. For common sense, common courtesy, and decency from all our leaders. For Juliana's peaceful transition to heaven. For Shaylen in critical condition with a bacterial infection.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Spaghetti Dinner after

Worship on May 21st at 11:30 am

Support the Mission Trip Fundraiser!

May 21st during worship Pilgrim will welcome Josh Obenreder to our faith family. Josh was baptized here in February of 1993.

Congratulations to... Ed & Miriam Schadel,

proud grandparents of:

Natalie Joy Weaver

Born: 5/10/2017 Weight: 6#, 13 oz. Height: 19” Parents: Matt & Meghan Weaver

Trustees need help with . . .

Mulching the landscaping of Pilgrim on Saturday, May 20th at 10:00 am.

Rain date is May 27th at 10:00 am

WE GIVE TO GOD

AN OFFERTORY INVITATION THE OFFERTORY M-O-T-H-E-R Theodore Morse

Ken Anderson, Baritone

*THE DOXOLOGY (Red Hymnal) No. 515 *PRAYER OF DEDICATION CALL TO PRAYER (Black Hymnal) Precious Lord, Take My Hand (vs. 1) No. 472 Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. THE MORNING PRAYER AND CHORAL RESPONSE *HYMN (Black Hymnal) Come, Let Us Join with Faithful Souls No. 383

GOD GIVES TO US SCRIPTURES Kelly Gerstenberger

Psalm 47:1 - 9 (page 481) Romans 15:9b-13 (page 143)

SERMON Four Things To Do This Summer: Rev. Kirk Bruce #2 Build a Fire and Make S’ Mores

WE RESPOND TO GOD WITH SERVICE

*HYMN (Red Hymnal) Take My Life and Let It Be No. 404

*THE BENEDICTION

*BENEDITION RESPONSE (We invite you to join hands as we sing) (Black Hymnal) Peace I Leave with You, My Friends (Refrain) No. 249 Peace I leave with you, my friends, shalom, my peace, in all you do. Peace I leave with you, my friends. I give to you so you can give to others, too.

POSTLUDE The Piano No. 2 Michael Nyman

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Sunday, May 21 9:30 a.m. Faith Formation for All Ages

10:30 a.m. Worship Service - Rev. Kirk Bruce, 11:30 a.m. Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser - Mission

Trip Fundraiser, Social Hall

Calendar continued from page 15

Saturday, May 20 10:00 a.m. Trustees Work Day - Mulch Day

11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki School-Cello, Children’s Library

8:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous, Social Hall

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“Have faith.

Believe in yourself. Don’t give up.

-Kristen Howe’s Mother

“My mother, Alice Gordon, knew that work went faster when it was tempered with fun. I remember us singing old favorite like ‘By the Light of the Silvery Moon’ as we washed and dried our supper dishes together.” - Kathie Richards

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“The Watcher” by

Margaret Widdemer from Mother O’Mine: A Mother’s Treasury

Illustrated by Mary Engelbreit, page 71

She always leaned to watch for us, Anxious if we were late,

In winder by the window, In summer by the gate;

And though we mocked her tenderly, Who had such foolish care,

The long way home would seem more safe Because she waited there.

Her thoughts were so full of us, She never could forget!

And so I think that where she is She must be watching yet,

Waiting till we come home to her, Anxious if we are late-

Watching from Heaven’s window, Leaning from Heaven’s gate.

“As long as you have a smile on your face and love in your heart, you will always be beautiful.” - Martha Zimmerman, mother of Polly McCallum Thelma Rose said: “It’s not how you do it, but when you do it and why you do it. God’s there to help you do it correctly.” “Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.” - Lois Ann Hannahs, mother of Bev Hannahs

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When brushing out the tangles and knots in my hair, Mom was less than sympathetic and a little rough. “You have to suffer to be beautiful.” To which I promptly cried out, “I don't’ want to be beautiful!” - Cheryl Bruce

“We are not lost! We’re on an adventure!” - Jeanne Peterman

“Everything in moderation—nothing to excess.” - Hazel Amanda Carsten, mother of Carol Letvin & Jim Carston

For family gatherings, “You are always invited, never expected, not obligated. “ - Chelsey Bruce’s grandmother’s

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Advice from my Mother – Marilyn Freeman

I frequently missed the school bus. My standard reply was, “I can’t help it.” To which my mother replied, “You are the only one who can help it.” I would get lost in books; time and schedules escaped me. “I can’t help it!” “You are the only one who can.” I missed chores on Saturday when I attended slumber parties on Friday night. “I can’t help it—I’m tired!” “You are the only one who can help it.”

Personal responsibility. Accountability. Integrity.

These are just a few of my memories of Mom.

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Mother’s are many, same arms of love that reaches to all who need a mother’s touch. When they do, all troubles go away. Love begins to grow in many ways. Thank You Mom. All the glory goes to God, Amen - Vicki Witt “That’s no skin off my teeth . You made your bed now lay in it. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink. I’ll give you something to cry about. Someday you will have kids just like you.” - Kathleen Brown, mother of Kelly Gerstenberger

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The Reading Mother by Strickland Gillilan from American Family Treasury,

Publisher: Patricia A. Pingry, page 38

I had a Mother who read to me

Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea, Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth, “Blackbirds” stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who me lays

Of ancient and gallant and golden days; Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,

Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,

True to his trust till his tragic death, Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things

That wholesome life to the boy heart brings- Stories that stir with an upward touch, Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be- I had a Mother who read to me.

A Lesson for Mamma by Sydney Dayre from American Family Treasury,

Publisher: Patricia A. Pingry, page 45

Dear Mamma, if you could just be A tiny little girl like me,

And I your mamma, you would see How nice I’d be to you.

I’d always let you have your way; I’d never frown at you and say,

“You’re behaving ill today, Such conduct will not do.”

I’d always give you jelly-cake For breakfast, and I’d never shake

My head and say, “You must not take So very large a slice.”

I’d never say, “My dear, I trust You will not make me say you must Eat up your oatmeal” or “The crust

You’ll find, is very nice.”

I’d buy you candy every day; I’d go downtown with you, and say,

“What would my darling like?You may Have anything you see.”

I’d never say, “My per, you know ‘Tis bad for health and teeth, and so

I cannot let you have it. No- I would be wrong in me.”

And every day I’d let you wear Your nicest dress, and never care If it should get a great big tear;

I’d only say to you, “My precious treasure, never mind, For little clothes will tear, I find.”

Now, Mamma, wouldn’t that be kind? That’s just what I should do.

I’d never say, “Well, just a few!” I’d let you stop your lessons too;

I’d say, “They are too hard for you, Poor child, to understand.”

I’d put the books and slates away; You shouldn’t have a thing but play,

And have a party every day. A-h-h! wouldn’t that be grand!

But, Mamma dear, you cannot grow Into a little girl, you know,

And I can’t be your mama; so The only thing to do,

Is just for you to try and see How very, very nice ‘twould be

For you to do all this for me, Now Mamma, couldn’t you!

Then she’d say, “My little girl,

When you’ve grown up and childhood’s done,

And maybe Mother is far away,

Just remember what I say.

For life’s a whole lot like a cake,

Yes, life’s a thing we have to make

Much like cake or pie or bread,

You’ll find, my little girl, “ my Mother said.

“A Pinch of This and a Pinch of That” from Mother O’ Mine: A Mother’s Treasury

Illustrated by Mary Engelbreit, page 70 - 73

When mother used to mix a dough

Or make a batter long ago,

When I was only table high

I used to like to just stand by

And watch her for a little while,

She’d sing a little and maybe smile,

And talk to me and tell me-what?

Well! Things I never have forgot.

I’d ask her how to make a cake- First she’s day, some sugar take, Then some flour, and egg or two,

Then put in-to make it good- (This part I never understood And often used to wonder at)

A pinch of this and a pinch of that.

I didn’t understand her then, But now her words come back again. Before my eyes, the past appears- A life of laughter and of fears, And both the bitter and the sweet Have made that life of mine complete.

The year I was twelve, boxing champion Sonny Liston was being challenged by little known Casious Clay. I was sure that Liston would easily win. But my mother, Gloria Richards seemed to think otherwise. She even bet me a quarter that the newcomer would prevail. It proved to be a real teachable moment after the match when I had to hand her my quarter. “There is no such thing as a sure thing” she noted. Muhammad Ali had beat the champ. - John Richards

The things I have and the things I miss

Are a pinch of that and a pinch of this

But now, I think I know the way.

To make a life as she would say;

Put in the wealth to serve your needs,

But don’t leave out the lovely deeds. Put on the great things you mean to do, But don’t leave out the good, the true. Put in, wherever you are at, A pinch of this and a pinch of that.

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