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 15, 2017

“God’s Reflection” Rev. Kirk W. 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: Jan Morgan “In memory of Richard Morgan.” Greeters: Everyone present today! Ushers: Thank You!

PowerPoint: Cheryl Bruce

Liturgist: Dan Gerstenberger

Fellowship: Team #3 - Kathie Richards Steeple Lighting: Thank you!

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 , Peter Paugh

From Devotions from the Front Porch by Stacy Edwards, p.118-119. Family Resemblance Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Genesis 1:26

Who in your family do you resemble the most? Do you have your mom’s nose, your dad’s hairline, or your grandmother’s eyes? Folks take a lot of pride in family resemblances. If you have biological children, you probably beam with pride Every time someone says that your child looks like you. Certain characteristics carry on throughout many generations.

The beginning of Genesis gives us peek into the masterpiece that was God’s original creation. Blue skies and sparkling water were put into place with a word. Yet. Af-ter days of creating, there was one thing God still desired to create. God wanted some-thing that would look like Him.

He could have made man in any form or fashion. He chose, however, for us to resemble Him. God wanted to watch us as a proud Father and be able to say, I see Myself in her. And when others look at us, they should see some of Him too. When we go out of our wy to help the hurting, we resemble Him. When we put the needs of others ahead of our own, we are bearing His image.

Our God is a very creative God. He created us all individually with unique gifts and talents. We each have a plan for our lives outlined by the One who created us. But sometimes we get caught up in our own image. We want to showcase our gifts. We want to be seen and make it all about us.

When God created Adam. He didn’t list his spiritual strengths. He didn’t outline the entire plan for Adam’s life. No, God looked at His ultimate creation and said, This one here will resemble Me. I was always His intention the there be a family resemblance.

Prayer: long to look like You, Lord. Mold me into Your image so that when others look my way, they see that I look like my Father.

Pilgrim United Church of Christ A Caring Church for Thinking People

Sunday, January 15, 2017 † The Baptism of Christ

THE PRELUDE Magnificat Alex Guilmont *HYMN (Red Hymnal) Our God, Our Help in Ages Past, vs. 1-4 No. 1

OPENING OURSELVES TO GOD *CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 40) One: O Lord, put a new song in our mouths, teach us to sing hymns of praise. All: Blessed are all who put their trust in the Lord their God. One: The things you have planned for us bring joy to life. All: Come now, O Lord, come into our hearts, come into our souls and fill us with the gift of Your presence. *THE INVOCATION, OUR LORD’S PRAYER (Unison) Dan Gerstenberger We gather on this day O Lord, singing our praises to You and lifting up the

joys of life. We come together to share in our struggles and know that you are always present. In good times and in bad we know you are with us. Come now as we celebrate Your abiding love. 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 One Small Step Sally K Albrecht Jay Althouse

WE GIVE TO GOD AN OFFERTORY INVITATION

THE OFFERTORY Savior God Above Duke Elington *THE DOXOLOGY (Red Hymnal) No. 515 *PRAYER OF DEDICATION CALL TO PRAYER (Black Hymnal) What A Friend We Have in Jesus No. 506 What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. THE MORNING PRAYER AND CHORAL RESPONSE *HYMN (Black Hymnal) Lift Every Voice and Sing No. 593

GOD GIVES TO US SCRIPTURES Dan Gerstenberger

Genesis 1:26 - 2:1 (page 1-2) Matthew 5:13 - 16 (page 4)

SERMON “God’s Reflection” Rev. Kirk W. Bruce

WE RESPOND TO GOD WITH SERVICE *HYMN (Red Hymnal) In Christ There is No East or West No. 414 *THE BENEDICTION *BENEDITION RESPONSE Spirit Song John Wimber (We invite you to join hands as we sing) Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with His spirit and His love. Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul. Oh, let Him have the things that hold you, and His Spirit like a dove Will descend upon your life and make you whole. He’ll descend upon you life and make you whole. POSTLUDE I’ll Make the Difference Moses Hogan

*all who are able may stand

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Sunday, January 15 9:30 a.m. Faith Formation for all ages

10:30 a.m. Worship Service, Sanctuary 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Hour, Social Hall

Monday, January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day OFFICES CLOSED

6:30 pm Community Connections Committee Mtg., Adult Library 7:00 pm Council Mtg., Heritage Room

Tuesday, January 17 10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Adult Library

Girl Scout Troop Meeting 8:00 p.m. Fruits of the Spirit Alcoholics Anonymous (FOTS AA), Heritage Room

Wednesday, January 18 2:00 - 8 pm Western Reserve Suzuki School-Violin, Children’s Library 4:00 - 8:00 pm Western Reserve Suzuki School-Cello, Adult Library

Girl Scout Meeting 7:00 pm Bible Study, Heritage Room

8:00 pm Hand Bells, Music Room

Thursday, January 19 6:30 p.m. Cub Scout Den Meetings, Child & Adult Library, Nursery & Classroom

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Emotions Anonymous, Heritage Room

Friday, January 20 Girl Scout Meeting Deadline for Spire

6:00 - 9:00 pm Crooked River Time Bank, Social Hall

Saturday, January 21 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. Howell Family Birthday Party, Social Hall & Kitchen 12 Noon - 2:00 p.m. Western Reserve Suzuki School, Children’s Library

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

Sunday, January 22 9:30 a.m. Faith Formation for All Ages

10:30 a.m. Worship Service, Sanctuary ~ Rev. Kirk Bruce ~ 11:30 a.m. Chili Lunch followed by the Annual Meeting

Steeple Update:

Donations

Total (as of 1/9)

$144,168.91

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!

Learn Crocheting with Janna Redd January 24 at 6:30 p.m.

in the Rev. Greene Room. Do you know someone willing to teach knitting?

Jo still needs someone to teach knitting!

To be included in this endeavor, contact Jo Kindel 330-945-4166.

Pilgrim’s Annual Mtg. Sunday, January 22, 2017

11:30 a.m. Chili Lunch

Vote on Nominating Slate Hear from the Boards

Budget Presented

Everyone is Invited!

Pray for: The family of Sharon Von Alt grieving Sharon’s death of January 7th. Someone needing a special touch of love, hope & peace. Dennis & Rose healing from their injuries. Alice Woodburn for strength and patience after surgery. Families going through difficult times. Families grieving the death of a loved one. Blessings for a healthy 2017.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Spire Deadline Fri., Jan. 20th Donato’s night 5 - 8pm Thurs., Jan. 26th SOS Celebration 11:30 am Sun., Jan. 29th Souper Bowl/Subs 11:30 am Sun., Feb. 5th Youth Group SOS Fundraiser/Valentine’s Dance 12 noon - 5 pm Feb. 12th

Join the Save Our Steeple

Committee in the

Celebration of the

Steeple Restoration Completion.

Sunday, January 29th

at 11:30 am

Everyone is welcome!