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, you now have 2 options:

1. Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone to be directed to our online donation page.

2. Give by text. Send a text to 814-240-4327 with the amount you would like to contribute.

------------------------------------------------ AUGUST SPECIAL OFFERING: BETHANY CHILDREN’S HOME is Pennsylvania’s first DPW Sanctuary® Certified agency, having earned the certification in 2010. Thanks to their Sanctuary accreditation, youth who have been abused and neglected have the opportunity to live the lives they deserve. Unique and specialized programs, give youth access to a variety of therapeutic, spiritual, and cultural services in addition to recreational activities. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and financial donation.

• August 21 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost… TODAY

• Welcome back PSU students! • August 28 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

• Back to School/Back-pack Blessing -------------------------

Today’s Altar Flowers

are given by Joe and Carolyn Meyer in memory of Joe’s sister

Evelyn Meyer Lynn

FaithUnitedChurchofChrist An Open and Affirming Congregation

300 E. College Ave. • State College, PA 16801 • Phone: 814.237.3904

• Website: www.faithucc.info • Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/SCFaithUCC

• Office: faithucc@comcast.net • Pastor’s Email: faithuccpastor@comcast.net Church office hours: 10:00am – 1:00pm (Tuesday - Friday)

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

We welcome you to our church and invite you to sign the registration pads at the ends of the pews on the center aisle. Also, please join us after worship for fellowship and refreshments.

August 21, 2016 • Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE Grandioso Stanley Vann

(Please rise, as you are able, to join in the Call to Worship)

* CALL TO WORSHIP + (based on Psalm 71)

Leader: In you, O Lord, I find safety; let me never be put to shame. People: In your righteousness, deliver me and rescue me; turn your ear to me

and save me. Leader: Be to me a rock of protection, a strong fortress to save me, for you are my shelter, my safe place. People: From birth I have relied on you; it was you who brought me forth from

my mother’s womb. Leader: You are my hope. I will trust in you and praise you, always. Let us worship

God together! * OPENING HYMN Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You #4

(Congregation may be seated)

PRAYER OF INVOCATION+ Before our first glance at this world, O Lord, you knew us, and called us to live for you. We worship you in gladness and gratitude, with uplifted hearts and outstretched arms. Fill us with your Spirit, most holy God. Fill us with your love. Amen CALL TO CONFESSION+ Let us join together in confession, honestly admitting our human frailty and predisposition to doing what is not of God. PRAYER OF CONFESSION+

Generous and forgiving God, we join our hearts and voices to confess to you. You offer us forgiveness, yet we withhold it from others, choosing instead to hold onto grudges and unhelpful feelings. You offer us hope and new life, yet we refuse to receive it, turning instead to worldly distractions and rewards. You invite us to a kingdom of never-ending love, yet we try to put boundaries on your care and impose barricades to your grace. Forgive us, O Lord, we pray, and renew our hearts, strengthen our faith and anoint us with your Holy Spirit. And hear us now, as we confess to you in silence, about a way in which we have excluded you…

(silence for personal confession – 10 seconds) ASSURANCE OF GRACE+

Leader: Brothers and sisters, Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant. Nothing we could do or say stands in the way of God’s love for us, and desire that we live more faithful lives. Hear the good news of the gospel:

People: By the grace of Jesus Christ, we are set free from sin and forgiven. Thanks be to God!

* 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.”

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Following the Children’s message, the nursery is available for infants and toddlers under 4 years old. The nursery is located through the door at the right front of the sanctuary, and up the stairs. Summer Church school activities are available for children and youth (4+ years) in Asendorf Hall (3rd floor). Children are always welcome to remain in the worship service.

ANTHEM Aria Eugene Bozza Brandy Davis, Clarinet READING OF SCRIPTURE Hebrews 12:18-29 Luke 13:10-17 Leader: The gospel of Jesus Christ.

People: Thanks be to God. SERMON Long Awaited Healing *HYMN Pass Me Not. O Gentle Savior #551

(Congregation may be seated) PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (and the Lord’s Prayer) Believing that each joy and/or concern expressed is indeed a prayer. After each expression, the people may respond: Lord, hear our prayer The Lord’s Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is 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 Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen. OFFERING Offertory from Concerto No. 1 in F minor, Op.73 Carl Maria Adagio ma non troppo Von Weber Brandy Davis, Clarinet *Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Prayer of Dedication + O God, you provide everything that we need. You provide in abundance and our lives overflow with blessing. Receive our tithes and offerings to do your good work in the world. Receive our gifts and talents, as we serve others in your name. Receive our time and energy, as we give our lives to you, once again, in the silence of this sacred sanctuary. Amen. *CLOSING HYMN What a Covenant #471 *BENEDICTION+

Leader: As you go from this place, know that Jesus sets us free from whatever gets in the way of our relationship with God. People: Jesus offers us healing and hope, not just on Sunday, but every day.

Jesus reorients us to a life filled not with rigid rules and expectations, but to a life of freedom to live out our faith in the way he has taught us.

Leader: May the grace of our Lord Jesus, the love of God, and the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit be with you.

All: Amen. *BENEDICTION RESPONSE Breathe on Me, Breath of God #292

Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew That I may love the way you love, and do what you would do

POSTLUDE Toccata and Melody Andrew Gant + Liturgy provided by © 2015 Scripture Echo. www.ScriptureEcho.com. Used with permission. Musical resources printed in our worship bulletins are used with permission under OneLicense.net No.A-720062.

Welcome PSU students… we’re glad you’re here!

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. Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith Ushers—Wayne Bicehouse, Edna Bicehouse, Sue Doran, Neil Christy Trustee— Neil Christy Liturgist —Mary Jane Wild Children’s Message—Chris Coble Nursery—OPEN Acolyte— Aubrey Coble Fellowship – OPEN

Guest musician – Brandy Davis, Clarinet Brandy performs and teaches locally. She is on the staff of the Music Academy and at

Robert M. Sides family Music Center.

Church Staff Custodian—Scott Luzier Church School Coordinator – Barbara Chellman Choir Director – Colin Ruffer Organist/Associate Choir Director— Asa W. Carns Administrative Assistant – Open

THIS WEEK AT FAITH CHURCH TODAY 10:45AM Worship Service followed by fellowship time (RH) SATURDAY (8/27) 9:00AM Consistory meeting (RH) SUNDAY (8/28) 10:45AM Worship Service followed by fellowship time (RH) SUNDAY (9/4) 10:45AM Worship Service (with Holy Communion) followed by fellowship time (RH) AB = Antoinette Brown; AH = Asendorf Hall; ML = Meyer Library; RH = Romig Hall; S = Sanctuary

Prayers for healing and wholeness: Cecil Irvin, Linda Merchant, Susan Meyer, Lisa B., (JoAnn’s daughter), Timothy Tressler (Ruth’s son), Brandon G., Lisa Neidigh, Bunnie Hartswick, Katelynn Wilson, Jean Dreese, Wayne & Leila Carns, April S., Robin Smith, Daisy (Steven Romig’s Mom), AJ, Randy Brown (Aimee’s Dad), friends and family grieving the passing of Brenda Waleff; unrest in Milwaukee, victims of violence and hate in the U.S., France, Turkey, Baghdad, other countries in the Middle East.

Pastor Monica’s office hours: 10:00am – 2:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and by appointment. In case of a pastoral related emergency, you may contact her directly: 267-566-2202 (mobile).

(From Interfaith Initiative Centre County)…

SAVE THE DATE! – FALL 2016 Interfaith Picnic – Sunday, September 18,

1:00 – 3:00 pm – Pavilion 1, Sunset Park, McKee St., State College.

(We’ll hope for great weather – like we got last year, but now have a RAIN

LOCATION: State College Friends Meeting, 611 East Prospect Ave., State

College)

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(From Outreach and Service Ministry Team)…

SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday, September 18, 12noon Asendorf Hall (3rd floor)

(New &) Returning PSU Students

More details soon!

GIVE BY TEXT – a new giving option at Faith UCC! 1. Simply send a text to 814-240-4327 with

the amount you would like to contribute. 2. Make sure to include the dollar sign before the

amount. Example: $25. 3. Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. 4. Click on the link and enter your cardholder name and credit or debit card

information. 5. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a

receipt via email. 6. For future giving, simply send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it

will process automatically!