Faith United Church of Christ “An inclusive spiritual family shaping a better you for creating a better world.

A place to make a difference.” March 26, 2017 4th Sunday in Lent Sacred Fellowship 10:45 a.m. We are delighted that you are here today! We hope you will find us an affirming, uplifting, and committed family of faith. Here we work to make everyone, without any exceptions, to feel accepted, inspired, and encouraged in their spiritual journey. In dialogue, we seek to understand. In encouragement, we seek to heal. In all things we yearn to live by love, for peace, with joy. This is a place where your intellect will be challenged, your heart will be nurtured, and your spirit refreshed. Varying beliefs are expressed openly and freely, and your doubts will not be suppressed. We trust that we are all, every person and part of creation, continuing to be blessed by God’s grace; and that in community we can help each other to see this grace alive in our lives and relationships. We hope to share our gifts with you, even as we pray that you will want to share your gifts with us. Whoever you are and wherever you may be in your life’s journey, we invite you to be a part of our lives and our spiritual home. Welcome!

POINTS TO PONDER “‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’

Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; despite being born blind, God’s works may still be revealed in him.’”

— John 9.2b-3

“People have long blamed the ones who are already oppressed. How refreshing it is to hear that Jesus chooses not to cast blame, but encourage faithfulness.

By affirming those ostracized, Jesus heals their spiritual wounds. By correcting the privileged, Jesus nurtures a community of oneness

— helping us all to see that God’s works may be revealed in each and every one of us.” — Rev. Bret S. Myers, 3/23/2017

“We must work the works of God who sent us while it is day;

for night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I will be a light for the world.”

— John 9.4-5

“There is an immediacy to doing good. Procrastinating or pausing to do something else less significant may result in a lost opportunity.

If our focus is on how we can be a positive difference in others’ lives, we will find frequent opportunities to be a light in their lives.”

— Rev. Bret S. Myers, 3/23/2017

“So for the second time they called the man who had been blind,

and they said to him, ‘Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.’ He answered, ‘I do not know whether he is a sinner.

One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’” — John 9.24-25

“How odd it is that anyone would think it would be giving glory to God to demean another person!

Though pressured by the authorities, the man whose eyes have been opened doesn’t take the bait of ridiculing the one who has given him respect and shown him love.

Instead, he gives testimony to the healing he has received by the one others are willing to condemn. He advocates for Jesus, as Jesus had advocated for him. Truly, he is no longer blind!”

— Rev. Bret S. Myers, 3/23/2017 “Does it ever happen in the life of your congregation that there are some who question even the most

wonderful turn of events--the miracles--and press for more information, details, rather than praise God and give thanks? Is it easier to say that something is "too good to be true" rather than to follow a

new path? Is it tempting to claim our identity based on what has gone before and on our ancestry, rather than on who God calls us to be, to become, today and in the days ahead? How much does fear

influence our inquiries, our wondering, our discernment? How do you sense a still-speaking, shepherd God, calming your fear and calling you to a new boldness and a new faith?”

— Kathryn Matthews @ ucc.org

CALLED TOGETHER AS SPIRITUAL FAMILY Welcome and Announcements

Please sign the registration pads at the ends of the pews on the center aisle. We ask that you please shut off cell phones and practice quietness during the service.

Please join us for fellowship and refreshments after the worship in Romig Hall (lower level of elevator or stairs).

* = You are invited to stand as you are able

Prelude "On the Shores of Bablyon" J. Pachelbel Welcoming the Light of Love in Our Midst (acolytes light altar candles) We prepare ourselves for communing with the sacred as love’s light is brought into our awareness. The light of love burns within and among each of us, and we carry that light into our sanctuary; visually reminding us of the image of the divine that lives in our hearts, minds, and souls – and that we nourish through our faith-filled fellowship. Affirming God’s Presence in Us All “You Matter!” Sharing Christ’s Peace

As a sign of our reconciliation with God and one another, greet and welcome those around you and share “the peace of Christ.” *Hymn for Healing Blindness “Be Now My Vision” #451 *Centering Our Souls (Call to Worship) You, O Spirit, walk with us and help to guide our ways. Whether we are lost, or think we know where we’re going, you lead us to paths of love and kindness, compassion and mercy. Remind us of who you are, and therefore who we are, that we may not judge one another by the misgivings we see. Make it clear to our understanding in all of our relationships that each one can manifest your good works. May we come to see the sight of the blind, the abilities of the disabled, the worth of the despised, and the love of the hated. Help us to see your image in all whom we encounter. When we are prone to doubt the goodness in the world, open our hearts to the grace of gratitude. When we’d rather deny a miracle and affirm cynicism, inspire us to imagine a more wonderful reality than what we have come to expect. Motivate us to relish each other’s successes, and to encourage one another’s efforts. In all things, may we seek to show love to all we meet, so that your light will shine through us. May it be so, now and always. Our Stories of Random Acts of Kindness and Intentional Deeds of Compassion

WE LISTEN FOR THE SACRED IN THE MIDST OF OUR LIVES Choral Anthem "Eyes of Heaven" Ruth Elaine Schram A Time for All God’s Children Following the Children’s Chat, the nursery is available for infants and toddlers under 4 years. The nursery is located through the front door to the right, and up the steps past the offices. Prayers

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Silent Meditation: The Prayers of the People Pastoral Prayer The Prayer Jesus Taught (unison) Please feel free to do the version you know, or the one below:

“Our heavenly Creator, sacred be your name: your kin-dom* come, your will be done, on earth as if in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we

forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen” *”Kin-dom” is an inclusive, non-authoritarian, and egalitarian term that reminds us that we are all “kin” as the children of God.

*Hymn for Faith Giving Rise to Sight “My Faith, It Is an Oaken Staff” #418 Scripture Lesson John 9 Message “A Polylogue/Bible Study of Jesus and A Man Blind from Birth” *Hymn for Living as Blessing “God Is Love! God Is Love!” see insert

WE DEDICATE OURSELVES TO GOD’S SERVICE THROUGH FAITHFULNESS

Giving of Our Tithes and Offerings Offertory Organ Improvisations *Song of Dedication Tune: Old Hundredth; p. 7 When we give thanks, then go to sow; Our blessings are assured to grow. We are not known by what we keep; We’re known by deeds that others reap. *Unison Prayer of Dedication O God, whose coming was tender and mild, but whose presence is empowering and passionate: We are thankful for the hope you inspire in our world where poverty is painful and loving-kindness is lacking. Jolt us with justice that the world’s prayers for peace may be answered. Jostle us with generosity that we may know the joy of giving. In this season of Lent, enter into our hearts that hope may arise within us to expect that which has been promised: that nourishment will be provided for the hungry...that comfort will call upon the suffering...that freedom will ensue for the imprisoned...that justice will be imparted to the persecuted...that compassion will nurture the oppressed...that peace will pacify the violent...and that love will live in the midst of all peoples and creatures that you have declared good. May this gift of hope that you give to us be passed on to others by how we give of ourselves through our time, talents, tithes, and offerings. Blessings be. *Encouragement for the Journey (Benediction)

Go to be a blessing! This is your calling. Do not worry whether your task is difficult, or your efforts are successful.

Life is serendipitous; so what you may think will or has failed may actually renew a life.

Advocate for justice for those unlike you. Work for peace with those opposed to you.

Kindness offered and love delivered can transform relationships. Trust in this! Live by this!

Let God be responsible for the outcome; just commit yourself to the journey of sacred living.

If you do, you will find that you will have not only been a blessing to others, but that the synergy of life will have created a blessing for you.

Rev. Bret Stuart Myers, 3/9/2017 *Response for Living in Peace “Shalom to You” (Tune: Somos Del Senor)

Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends. May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends. In all your living and through your loving, Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.

*Postlude Finale from Sonata No. 6 in D Minor F. Mendelssohn *The Light of Love Goes into the World Love’s light is not extinguished from our worship, but is transferred from the flame of the candles to the passion in our hearts that we may go forth to let the light of love shine through us as we go to serve in the world!

WE GO FORTH AS PEACEMAKERS TO CREATE JUSTICE FOR ALL

Our worship is fulfilled, and our purpose is confirmed, through our service as God’s stewards to the world and all creation.

Use the blessings God has given you as you share the joy in your heart, the wisdom in your mind,

the love in your spirit, and the peace in your soul.

Thank you for sharing sacred fellowship with us.

Faith UCC is an open and affirming church, embracing diversity in our congregation and community, and affirming the dignity and worth of every person. We are an inclusive community of faith that celebrates God's presence through worship and the sharing of God's word. We welcome all persons into the full life and ministry of the church, regardless of race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, capability, or circumstance of life.

Our Ministry Ministers — All the Congregation Pastor — Rev. Bret Myers Ushers — Neil Christy, Larry Bair Trustee — Neil Christy

Liturgist — Children’s Message — Alva Chelllman Acolyte — Nursery — Jean Cole, Michelle Barnard Fellowship — Sue Doran

Church Staff Custodian — Scott Luzier Church School Coordinator –- Barbara Chellman Choir Director – Colin Ruffer Organist – Mark Ferraguto Administrative Assistant –- Jeff Stormer The liturgies for this morning’s worship, along with the Song of Dedication, were written by Rev. Bret S. Myers except where otherwise noted.

Prayers for healing and wholeness: Linda Merchant, Susan Meyer, Lisa B. (JoAnn’s daughter), Brandon G., Lisa Neidigh, Bunnie Hartswick, Katelynn Wilson, the Family of Jean Dreese, Darlene Ripka, April S., AJ, Randy Brown (Aimee’s Dad), Sheila W., the Parrish Family, Robert Zupp (Eileen Pfaff’s nephew), Ruth Tressler, Stephen Pelletier, Kathie Reed (Seann's Mom)

Nourishment for the Journey The story of the 9th chapter of John is one of the longest stories about Jesus. It is found only in John’s gospel and has been coined as an allegory of support for those Jewish Christians who have been kicked out of the synagogues by adamant religious leaders who cannot tolerate those who have come to think of Jesus as the Messiah. Such shunning would have had some negative emotional impacts on those Christian Jews who would have felt oppressed by their siblings in the faith, and treated as outcasts. Jesus’ message of inclusion for all broke many boundaries for orthodox Jews of his day. Women, Gentiles, and those with infirmities and diseases were all considered as less than worthy for full worship in the synagogues. All of these were thought to be ritually unclean for various reasons. Jesus tore down these spiritual walls, and affirmed those whom were shown condescension. But it is one thing to know that you should be included, and quite another to be actually included. The disparity between these two realities can be unbearable at times. In Jesus’ day and our own, there are those who have been ostracized because they are somehow different. This story focuses on a man born blind. In that time, anyone born with a disability would have been perceived as defiled. Their affliction would have been construed as the consequences of sin. The sin could have been their own, or that of their parents — as sin was thought back then to be able to be transmitted from generation to generation. This theology of shame and sin was pervasive — such that not only the Pharisees, but Jesus’ own disciples, were under the influence of this sort of thinking. It is why his own disciples asked him whether it was the blind man or his parents had sinned. In their minds, it had to be one or the other;

since only sin could account for his inability to see — the result of the punishment from God for that sin. Sadly, this sort of theology is still prevalent in some circles today. Jesus rejected these assumptions, and declared that this man, and consequently others like him, were not to be regarded as sinners, nor cursed by God. Jesus’ God was one of love and mercy, not wrath and vindictiveness. For Jesus, that God would punish someone with an infirmity for something they or another did wrong did not mesh with his view of God as compassionate. Jesus did not regard anyone, even himself, as perfect. Indeed, he affirms that only God is truly good. While this might seem to support the view of some of his contemporaries that God was good and everyone else were sinful beings, this was not Jesus’ understanding. God might be the only one truly good, but it does not follow that everyone else is loathsome and evil. In his view, we were born with the image of God within us. We all can, if we choose, reflect that image and do the works of God. While Jesus does not explain all the reasons we go astray, it is clear in this story that he believes the blind man, considered to be among the most wretched of sinners since he was born this way (a fate only a very angry God would mete out for him; thus indicating the severity of his sinfulness), remained a person of inherent and inestimable worth — one in whom “God’s works may still be revealed in him.” Jesus proclaims, contra the view of everyone else, that he is not a sinner. This unconventional theology got Jesus in trouble quite often in his travels. Oddly enough, his pronouncement that God was loving, kind, and compassionate fell on some deaf ears and blind eyes — as if people preferred that God be construed as wrathful, vengeful, and punishing. Why is that? Why do some people prefer a God who is going to “sock it to” the ones they construe as sinners? Why is it, too, that people pick out the “sins” they believe to be the worst ones, and totally ignore the others (especially the ones they have themselves)? It remains far too common for Christian today to think they are somehow morally superior to those who are different from themselves. While the same people would admit that we have all sinned and fell short of the grace of God, they nevertheless regard themselves as having been given a dispensation for their grievances that others are lacking — often times based on their “right beliefs” and having little to do with whether they also have “right actions.” How unlike this is from Jesus’ own view! Grace is not distributed willy-nilly by God based on what we believe about God; but rather grace, preeminent in each of our beings, is discovered and unleashed when we choose to treat others as we’d want to be treated. While we all may err, Jesus’ view is that we all, yes each and every one of us, can live out the works of God in our lives by loving others as we love ourselves. Rather than regarding others, or everyone, as sinners, Jesus chooses to regard us as carriers of the image of God — people with the inborn capability to love and be kind and encouraging. He reveals this ethic by his own reaction to the man born blind. Instead of heaping more guilt and shame up on him like he had received from others his entire life, he instead lifts him up — telling him, and everyone present, that rather than being a sinner, he is one who can have God’s works living through him. Can you imagine being told how awful you are your entire life, and how you would never amount to much, and then receive this kind of contradictory information? All of his life he had been blinded to his own goodness because of how everyone told him how bad he was; and now he has someone telling him that everyone else had been wrong — that he really was a blessing just waiting to happen! The mythic power of this revelation to the man had to be enormous — like having been blind to his true being, only to have who he really is seen and revealed by this one called Jesus. (The word, “Jesus”, literally means “Yahweh saves/delivers” — how appropriate for this man who had been saved from public opinion about who he was!) Salvation came to him in the form of being able to see

himself for who he truly was; and no longer by the negative influences of those who always thought he was less than them. Jesus, in placing an ointment of earth in his eyes, told him to go to the pool of Siloam to wash off. This had two connotations to Jews living at that time that might escape the contemporary reader. The pool would not only cleanse the mud from his eyes, but symbolically would also cleanse his soul. It was a “baptism” of sorts. Moreover, the word “Siloam” meant “Sent”. In essence, Jesus was sending him to go live out his true nature, to do the good works of God, to love others as he now had come to love himself, as an affirmation to him and all who were witnesses of his transformation that he has divinity living within him. God’s nature was his nature as well. With this new vision, he could live the rest of his life as an agent for God’s goodness. This surely must have astonished the onlookers as much as it did he himself. Unlike the public shame and humiliation he had suffered for years, here he was being publicly vindicated, affirmed, and commissioned. The total reversal of circumstances had to impactful for the crowd, and empowering for him. The transformation was not, therefore, for the individual man himself; but for his whole community. They would now have to see him with new eyes, even as he had received his own new eyes to see. But of course, dramatic change, even if for the good, is often opposed and met with antagonism — as was the case with the Pharisees. Rather than admit the miracle and change their theologies, the leaders instead denied the miracle and reiterated their exclusionary doctrines. The truth was before them; and yet they regarded it as fake news. They could not see the goodness of Jesus while he was living, nor of the life-giving power he had on his followers generations after he left the Holy Spirit to be with us. The ironic twists and turns of this story, of how a blind man came to see, and how the sighted became blind to the miracle revealed in him, had to be transformative for the Jewish Christians who had been similarly despised by the authorities in the synagogues. Living by the values of love revealed through Christ, as epitomized by his inclusive and empowering love for this man born blind, the ones thrown out of the synagogues would likewise be lifted up and made to see their reality as much of a blessing as the formerly blind man himself. What was important was not what the religious leaders thought of them or whether they were allowed in the synagogues, but rather that they could be witnesses to the love and light of God. They had been blind in thinking they were unworthy, but here was a story that affirmed their own worth. God’s image was in them just as the man born blind. They could see themselves anew; and, in turn, could help others who were blind to God’s grace dwelling within them to gain sight of their own goodness. Seeing ourselves as Jesus sees us, as God sees us, and as those who love us unconditionally, that is the good news for us. But it is only half of it. The other half is that we can love others likewise, and thus help them to see the good news of their own worth and ability to love. We, too, are commissioned to restore sight to those blinded by the ridicule of others. We are the healers of the worth of all of God’s people and creatures. Like Jesus, we can respect, love, and encourage those we meet day by day — helping them to see and act on all of the goodness they have inside.

--- Rev. Bret S. Myers, 3/23-24/2017

God Is Love! God is Love! Tune: Hudson C.M. with refrain Music: Ralph E. Hudson, 1885; Words: Rev. Bret S. Myers, 3/23/2017 “Who sinned, his parents or himself, that made this man be blind?” The question asked presumed a God as one who was not kind. Refrain “God is love! God is love!” is what Jesus did reply, “Love’s the light that gives the blind eyes to see. When we love, not judge, and with kindness we nudge, our lives become beautiful and free.” The man born blind could not believe this music to his ears! Could it be true that here was one he’d searched for all these years? Refrain “God is love! God is love!” is what Jesus did reply, “Love’s the light that gives the blind eyes to see. When we love, not judge, and with kindness we nudge, our lives become beautiful and free.” God works could be revealed in him, what joy did fill his soul! No longer would he be despised, for love had made him whole! Refrain “God is love! God is love!” is what Jesus did reply, “Love’s the light that gives the blind eyes to see. When we love, not judge, and with kindness we nudge, our lives become beautiful and free.” Not all believed that one so blind could gain the sight to see. Their doubts of goodness in this world did make them disagree. Refrain “God is love! God is love!” is what Jesus did reply, “Love’s the light that gives the blind eyes to see. When we love, not judge, and with kindness we nudge, our lives become beautiful and free.” The man once blind was driven out by those who closed their minds. Both he and Jesus they did judge because their hearts were blind. Refrain “God is love! God is love!” is what Jesus did reply, “Love’s the light that gives the blind eyes to see. When we love, not judge, and with kindness we nudge, our lives become beautiful and free.” Their rules and ideology forbade a Sabbath cure. Compassion on a holy day just could not be endured! Refrain

“God is love! God is love!” is what Jesus did reply, “Love’s the light that gives the blind eyes to see. When we love, not judge, and with kindness we nudge, our lives become beautiful and free.” Should we forgive those blind of heart who hate instead of care? Oh yes, of course, but one last thing: Urge them for love to dare! Refrain “God is love! God is love!” is what Jesus did reply, “Love’s the light that gives the blind eyes to see. When we love, not judge, and with kindness we nudge, our lives become beautiful and free.” John 9, which inspired the words to this hymn, tells a story of the encounter of a man born blind with the love he found in Jesus, and the ordeal of trying to convince others of a truth their theology could not accept. Dogma often gets in the way of loving others, and when the man is kicked out of the synagogue for having come to see what others refused to see, Jesus seeks him out and encourages him to be faithful to the truth of love that he has discovered. In a polarized political world, we need to reclaim more than ever that God is not a hateful, spiteful, or vindictive God that takes sides of one people over another, but is a God that loves us all — while prodding us to be faithful to living by the same love God calls us to exemplify in our interactions with those who agree and disagree with us. —- Rev. Bret S. Myers, 3/23/2017

Altar Flowers Courtesy Tom & Linda Daubert

Welcome to all first-time (and returning) guests to Faith UCC! We would like to get to know you and for you to get to know us. Join us after worship for coffee and conversation. There is free parking on Sundays at the meters and at the McAllister & Pugh Street parking garages – so, we hope you’ll worship with us again next Sunday!

------------------------------------------------- Electronic Giving Options: During the offering time in the service, you may place your offerings on the plates the ushers will bring around. If you prefer to give electronically simply scan the QR code with your smart phone to be directed to our online donation page.

------------------------------------------------ March Special Offering One Great Hour of Sharing One Great Hour is a Christian effort to empower, provide water, supply food, and give relief from disasters. Learn more at: http://onegreathourofsharing.org Make checks payable to Faith UCC with “OGHS” noted in the memo line, or use the special envelope on today, March 26th.

• April 2 Fifth Sunday in Lent • April 4 Trustees Meeting, 7PM @ the Merchant’s • April 9 Palm Sunday/Sixth Sunday in Lent • April 13 Maundy Thursday, Worship Service 7PM • April 14 Good Friday, Ecumenical Services, State College Presbyterian Church • April 16 Easter

Get In Touch with Us! Faith United Church of Christ 300 E. College Avenue State College, PA 16801 Tel: (814) 237-3904 Websites: www.faithucc.info facebook.com/SCFaithUCC Church Office Email: faithucc@comcast.net Pastor’s Email: revbmyers@yahoo.com

Church Office Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

Please make an appointment with Rev. Myers if you would like to meet with the pastor. You may call the church office, or his cell at 608-370-9472.

Life After Loss Support Group St. John’s UCC — 218 N. Church Street, Boalsburg A six-week educational support group for anyone experiencing a loss through death Sessions will be held from 5:30—8:00 pm on the following Sundays in 2017: March 26 April 2 April 9 Participants are encouraged to attend all six classes to receive the most benefit. If you must miss a session due to a prior commitment, please still consider attending. A light supper will be provided. There is no charge for the classes. Register by calling the Boalsburg church office at 466-7162

The Women’s Guild will meet March 27th. Contact Edna Bicehouse for details.

The Easter SERRV shop will be available in Romig Hall after worship on 3/26, 4/2 and 4/9, offering Easter-themed Fair Trade chocolates, decorations and gift items.

Faith’s new “Facebook” gurus! Please send any pictures you’d like posted, along with a brief description of the event and participants, to: Emily Reiss: emilykr97@aol.com or

Chris Coble: coble.chris@gmail.com .

NOTE: Copyright and privacy are serious issues. The easiest photos to share are the ones you took—so you own the copyright. Getting permission from the folks you photograph is always a

great idea, especially when it comes to minors. If you have any questions about what “the rules” might be and how to deal with them, contact Jeff in the office.

Join us for State College’s second annual Palm Sunday Peace Walk!

This 1 mile walk starting at 3pm on Sunday, April 9th will

begin at University Baptist & Brethren Church and visit five stops along the way to hear voices of peace from our community and pray for peace and healing in our divided world. We will end at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church for a simple soup meal together. All are welcome to participate in this walk regardless of faith traditions.

Day: Sunday, April 9th 2017 Time: 12 PM Location: HUB-Robeson Center Price: $15 for Adults, $10 for under 18 You will receive: T-shirt, food/snacks after the race, prizes for top placers http://psuhabitatforhumanity.weebly.com/