Sunday, October 18

Use the online bulletin to guide you as you worship from home (wherever you are). Those who have access to Facebook (computer or app) experience worship with others through live chat and interactive links. Our service is streamed on our Facebook Page at 10 AM. You can also view our service on our YouTube channel or ucpreston.org/online-worship. A PDF of the Order of Worship is available here.

ORDER OF WORSHIP

Prelude-“Lord I Lift Your Name on High”

Welcome

Call to Worship

Opening Song-“For All the Faithful Women”
For all the faithful women
who served in days of old,
to you shall thanks be given;
to all, their story told.
They served with strength and gladness
in tasks your wisdom gave.
To you their lives bore witness,
proclaimed your power to save.

We praise your name for Miriam,
who sang triumphantly
while Pharaoh's vaunted army
lay drowned beneath the sea;
for Ruth, who left her homeland
and ventured forth in faith,
who pledged to serve and worship
Naomi’s God till death.

We sing of busy Martha,
who toiled with pot and pan
while Mary sat in silence
to hear the word again.
We praise the other Mary
who hastened to the tomb
and found her Lord arisen
dispelling doubt and gloom.

Lord, hear our praise of Dorcas,
who served the sick and poor.
Her hands were cups of kindness,
her heart an open door.
O God, for saints and servants,
our fervent prayer we raise,
that, faithful in your service,
our lives may sing your praise.

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Pardon

Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me
Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me,
And to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me
And to the Spirit, whose love has set me free
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

World without end, without end. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

Stewardship Message

Children’s Time

Song-“Take My Life and Let It Be” (part 1)
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

Scripture Reading
(1 Samuel 1:9-11,19-20; 2:1-10)

Sermon

Prayers of the People

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom, the power
and the glory,
forever.
Amen.

Closing Song-“Take My Life and Let It Be” (part 2)

Closing Message

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Is your first time worshiping with us? 
Welcome! To help us connect, you are invited to fill out a Connect Card.

 

THIS WEEK

Today, 9:30 AM: Godly Play 
Today, 10:45 AM: Virtual Fellowship
Today, 10:45 AM: Bible Explorers
Today, 11:15 AM: Adult Sunday School
Today, 2 PM: Prayers on the Patio
Today, 7 PM: Youth Group
Monday, 7 PM: me & white supremacy discussion
Wednesday, 9 AM-1 PM: Food and Coat donation drop-off
Wednesday, 10 AM: Online Bible Study
Thursday, 7 PM: Women In The Spirit (WITS) Book Discussion
Thursday, 7 PM: Online Bible Study
Friday, 11:30 AM: Intercessory Prayer 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Virtual Fellowship, today, 10:45 AM
Come as you are to virtual fellowship! This is time to share together with no specific agenda, just fellowship. If you are new, this is a great opportunity to connect with others. Zoom in using this link.

Adult Sunday School, Sundays, 11:15 AM
Explore how Christian faith speaks to issues of contemporary thought and society. Today's topics:
  -Moral Dilemmas of the Electoral College
   -Bible 101 (reading material)
Both classes use the same Zoom link. You will be prompted to go into a breakout room depending on which study you chose to join. All are welcome to participate in Adult Sunday School, even if you have not attended previously. 

 

All Saints' Sunday, November 1
During our prayer of remembrance in worship, we will pay tribute and honor our loved ones who have passed away in the last year. We'd like your help in honoring these saints in worship. Submit names using this link.

Food and Coat Drive
We continue to be the church through our service to the community. We our collecting food and coats for local residents. Drop off dates: Wednesdays, October 21, 28 and October 31. Learn more about what items are needed and drop-off procedures here.

 

Prayer centers us and nourishes us on our spiritual journey. Ways to seek and offer prayer:
Intercessory Prayer Group, Fridays, 11:30 AM
Share prayer concerns and pray for others through intercessory prayer. This group is open to anyone and welcomes you to come on any Friday you are able. The group has found this to be a meaningful time to offer others up in prayer, but to check in with each other. Email Pastor Marcus for the Zoom link. 
Prayer Requests
Submit a prayer request at any time, on any day, using our online Prayer Request Form.

 

We at United Christian Parish are thankful for your generosity. We are passionate about using the gifts we receive to make a difference within our church and in our local, national and global communities. Ways to give:
Online (click here or the button below)
Mail (11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190)
Drop-off your offering on Wednesdays, 9 AM-1 PM
Text "GIVE" to 571-620-6559

GIVE ONLINE

Pledging
In worship today, you saw a video on giving in the upcoming year. You may have some questions about what a pledge is, how to pledge (an estimate on how much you intend to give), or may be ready to pledge already. You can learn more and pledge online through an online pledge card by clicking here: ucpreston.org/stewardship

 

Follow us on social media: 

              

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive the weekly email and monthly newsletter.

 

 

 

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Sunday, October 11

Order of Worship

Prelude-“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

Welcome

Call to Worship
One: This morning we gather for worship. As the fellowship of UCP, our call is inclusive—extended to all. 
All: All are invited to gather to sing and to give praise to our loving God.
One: Diverse and beautiful, blessed and beloved, all are made in the image of the Creator of all things.
All: As one community, in this sacred moment, we gather in presence of an infinite and merciful God.
One: We gather as one community confident that God hears our cries and responds with love and mercy. 
All: We gather as one community, transgender, nonbinary, bisexual, lesbian, intersex, gay, queer, straight, wealthy, poor, People of Color, People of Eurocentricity, all beloved of God!
One: In this time of crisis, our nation’s character and conscience are revealed. In this time of crisis there are cries for our deliverance from a global pandemic, recovery of justice, reckoning for bigotries and division--We gather as one community, in faith that God will listen and respond to our needs to heal.
All: As one community, we gather to deliver our joined prayers of hope.
One: As one community, we gather with those who mourn the loss of lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic, due to the violence committed against those of the LGBTQI+, and other losses due to illnesses and the plagues caused by systemic and institutional misuses of power. 
All: Generous God, we gather as one community, knowing you care for all of us.
One: As one inclusive community, we gather, knowing that even when others reject us, your arms are open to all of your people in order to offer comfort and to embrace us. 
All: With the spirit of our whole selves, joyously, we celebrate our Glorious Creator, and Sovereign Sustainer of all that is good. As one community that has gathered, let us worship our God!

Opening Song-“Freedom is Coming”
O freedom, O freedom,
O freedom,
freedom is coming,
O yes I know

O Jesus, O Jesus,
O Jesus,
Jesus is coming,
O yes I know

O yes I know,
O yes I know,
O yes I know,
O yes I know

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Pardon

Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me
Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me,
And to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me
And to the Spirit, whose love has set me free
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

World without end, without end. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

Stewardship Message

Children’s Time

"All The Waves"
written by SSTEDI
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

She be livin' in defeat like times up
She only know to run away, oh nah
Every encounter is a mess, a monster
She never look it in the face, oh no
Water risin' above her waist
Strugglin' looking down at the waves
Drifting further away, I accept my fate
Ready to drown 'til I hear sumtn' say

CHORUS: All the ways, all the ways, I
Love you, want you, hear you, I made you to survive
All the waves, all the waves won't hold you down
They won't overthrow you I know, I know
All the waves won't hold you, oh no, oh no
They won't overthrow you, I know, I know
The plans I have for you, I know

He be workin' sunrise to sundown
He don't know how else to live, oh no
Only thing he know how to do is rack up
And all they ever do is let him down
Idols stand before him now
Not any one a dem' can turn his frown
Upside down
Inside out
He's without
CHORUS

I gave the water its boundaries (Yeah)
You'll never thirst if you stay with me (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I call the water up out the sea (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I am the vine and you are the tree (Yeah)
I gave the water its boundaries (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
You'll never thirst if you stay with me (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I call the water up out the sea (Yeah)
I am the vine and you are the tree

Scripture Reading (Exodus 32:1-14)

Letter Reading

Sermon

Prayers of the People

Lord’s Prayer
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and testing, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.

Closing Song-“In the Midst of New Dimensions”
In the midst of new dimensions,
in the face of changing ways,
who will lead the pilgrim peoples
wandering in their separate ways?

God of rainbow, fiery pillar,
leading where the eagles soar,
we your people, ours the journey now and ever,
now and ever, now and ever more.

Through the flood of starving people,
warring factions and despair,
who will lift the olive branches?
who will light the flame of care?

As we stand a world divided
all persuasions, young and old,
grant that we, your global village
might envision wider dreams.

God of rainbow, fiery pillar,
leading where the eagles soar,
we your people, ours the journey now and ever,
now and ever, now and ever more.

We are man and we are woman,
all persuasions, young and old,
each a gift in your creation,
each a love song to be sung.

Should the threats of dire predictions
cause us to withdraw in pain,
may your blazing phoenix spirit,
resurrect the church again.

God of rainbow, fiery pillar,
leading where the eagles soar,
we your people, ours the journey now and ever,
now and ever, now and ever more.

Closing Message

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Is your first time worshiping with us? 
Welcome! To help us connect, you are invited to fill out a Connect Card.

This Week

Today, 9:30 AM: Godly Play 
Today, 10:45 AM: Virtual Fellowship
Today, 10:45 AM: Bible Explorers
Today, 11:15 AM: Adult Sunday School
Today, 2 PM: Justice & Peace Ministry Team (JPMT) Meeting
Today, 7 PM: Youth Group
Monday, 7 PM: me & white supremacy discussion
Wednesday, 9 AM-1 PM: Food donation drop-off
Wednesday, 10 AM: Online Bible Study
Thursday, 7 PM: Online Bible Study
Friday, 11:30 AM: Intercessory Prayer 

Announcements

Celebrate Who You Are
Honor National Coming Out Day, founded on October 11, 1988, marking the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. We celebrate our LGBTQI+ sisters and brothers, and this year, emphasis is given to UCP’s “coming out” as an Open & Affirming church, offering light and promise. Celebrate God's love for us just as we are!

Fellowship
Virtual Fellowship, Sundays, after worship
Each Sunday after worship, we offer Virtual Fellowship for our community to share in time together with no specific agenda, just
fellowship. If you are new, this is a great opportunity to connect with others. Click here to Zoom in.

Grow
Adult Sunday School, Sundays, 11:15 AM
An opportunity for you to explore how our Christian faith speaks to issues of contemporary thought and society. Today's topics:
   Gerrymandering: The Christian Perspective, led by Virginia Delegate, Ken Plum
   Bible 101 (reading material)
Both classes use the same Zoom link. You will be prompted to go into a breakout room depending on which study you chose to join. All are welcome to participate in Adult Sunday School, even if you have not attended previously. 

Online Bible Study, Wednesdays, 10 AM & Thursdays, 7 PM
As we continue to live in a world filled with uncertainty and loss, explore what we can learn from Ruth, who moved to a new land, an immigrant who trusted her new God in a time of uncertainty. This week's reading guide is available here.

 

Children's Ministry
There are many opportunities for children to grow, connect and learn. Weekly in worship, there is a special time for children, called Children's Time. It's a meaningful message for children of all ages, and a great way to keep your children engaged through worship.

Godly Play, Sundays, 9:30 AM
Children are invited to Godly Play, where they grow in their faith through story and play. Connect on Zoom by emailing Pastor Beth for the link.

Children's Sunday School (Bible Explorers), 10:45 AM
Children from three years of age to fifth graders, explore the sweeping story of God and God's people as revealed in the Bible. They learn the story of God's love in Scripture through the same stories that they hear in worship. Bible Explorers are divided into two groups, based on age. Contact Pastor Beth for the Zoom links.

Upcoming Events
Prayers on the Patio, Sunday, October 18, 4 PM
Gather for in-person, physically distanced, outdoor prayers, scripture reading and both instrumental and pre-recorded music. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place. Masks and physical distancing are required. For the safety of everyone, the event is limited to the first 25 people who register. Register here. You can learn more here.

 

 Pledging
In worship today, you heard from members of UCP's Finance Council speak on giving for the 2021 year. You may have some questions about how to pledge (an estimate on how much you intend to give), or may be ready to pledge already. You can learn more and pledge online through an online pledge card by clicking here: ucpreston.org/stewardship

Continued Giving
We at United Christian Parish are thankful for your generosity. We are passionate about using the gifts we receive to make a difference within our church and in our local, national and global communities. Ways to give:
Online (click here or the button below)
Mail (11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190)
Drop-off your offering on Wednesdays, 9 AM-1 PM
Text "GIVE" to 571-620-6559

Give Online

 

Follow us on social media: 

              

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive the weekly email and monthly newsletter.

 

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Sunday, October 4

Order of Worship

 
Prelude-"Let Us Break Bread Together"

Call to Worship
Reader 1: Today we gather around God's table with those both near and far.
Reader 2: Eating Sourdough, Rye, Tortillas
Reader 3: Crackers, Wafers, and Wonderbread–
All: The body of Christ.
Reader 1: Drinking the wine or the juice
Reader 2: from handmade chalices and silver goblets,
Reader 3: golden spoons and little mini cups–
All: The blood of Christ.
Reader 1: The bread and the cup unite us with all who would follow Jesus.
Reader 2: This meal reaches back through the centuries.
Reader 3: This table is not confined, bound
Reader 1: or limited to a certain place or certain persons.
Reader 2: But it is spread and dispersed
Reader 3: throughout the entire world.
All: So let us eat, drink, and worship God with joy.

Opening Song-"Sekai no Tomo (Here O God Your Servants Gather)”
Here, O God, your servants gather,
hand we link in hand;
looking toward our Savior’s cross,
joined in love we stand.
As we seek the realm of God,
we unite to pray:
Jesus, Savior, guide our steps,
for You are the Way.

Many are the tongues we speak,
scattered are the lands,
yet our hearts are one in God,
one in love's demands.
In despair our hope appears,
calling age and youth:
Jesus, Teacher, dwell with us,
for you are the Truth.

Nature's secrets open wide,
changes never cease;
where, O where, can weary souls
find the source of peace?
Unto all those sore distressed,
torn by endless strife:
Jesus, Healer, bring your balm,
for you are the Life.

Grant, O God, an age renewed,
show us how love thrives
help us as we work and pray,
send us for our lives
Jesus, Leader, be our Way,
be our Truth, our Life.

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Pardon

Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me
Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me,
And to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me
And to the Spirit, whose love has set me free
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

World without end, without end. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

Passing of the Peace

Song-“I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table” 
I'm gonna sit at the welcome table,
I'm going to sit at the welcome table, Allelu.
I'm gonna sit at the welcome table,
I'm going to sit at the welcome table, Allelu.

I'm gonna eat and drink with my Jesus,
I'm gonna eat and drink with my Jesus, Allelu.
I'm gonna eat and drink with my Jesus,
I'm gonna eat and drink with my Jesus, Allelu.

I'm gonna join with sisters, brothers,
I'm gonna join with sisters, brothers, Allelu.
I'm gonna join with sisters, brothers,
I'm gonna join with sisters, brothers, Allelu.

Children’s Time

 Scripture Reading (Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8)

Communion Message: “The Promise of Passover”

Communion

“Holy Holy”
Holy, holy, holy, holy,
God of power, God of might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the one, blessed is the one,
blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Hosanna in the highest!   

Prayers of the People

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven
hallowed be thy name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever.
Amen.

Closing Song-“Seed Scattered and Sown”
Seed, scattered and sown;
wheat, gathered and grown;
bread, broken and shared as one,
the Living Bread of God.
Vine, fruit of the land;
wine, work of our hands;
one cup that is shared by all;
the Living Cup, the Living Bread of God.

Is not the bread we break
a sharing in our Lord?
Is not the cup we bless
the blood of Christ outpoured?

Seed, scattered and sown;
wheat, gathered and grown;
bread, broken and shared as one,
the Living Bread of God.
Vine, fruit of the land;
wine, work of our hands;
one cup that is shared by all;
the Living Cup, the Living Bread of God.

As wheat upon the hills
was gathered and was grown,
so may the church of God
be gathered into one.

Seed, scattered and sown;
wheat, gathered and grown;
bread, broken and shared as one,
the Living Bread of God.
Vine, fruit of the land;
wine, work of our hands;
one cup that is shared by all;
the Living Cup, the Living Bread of God.

Closing Message

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Is your first time worshiping with us? 
Welcome! To help us connect, you are invited to fill out a Connect Card.

                      

This Week

Today, 9:30 AM: Godly Play 
Today, 10:45 AM: Virtual Fellowship
Today, 10:45 AM: Bible Explorers
Today, 11:15 AM: Adult Sunday School
Today, 1-4 PM: Virtual Blessing of the Animals
Today, 7 PM: Youth Group
Monday, 7 PM: me & white supremacy discussion
Wednesday, 10 AM: Online Bible Study
Thursday, 7 PM: Online Bible Study
Friday, 11:30 AM: Intercessory Prayer 

 

Announcements

Today's Special Events
World Communion Sunday
It is World Communion Sunday, which celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our sisters and brothers around the world. You will receive Holy Communion in your homes (or wherever you worship), so please have juice and bread or crackers in hand as you worship. 

 

Virtual Blessing of the Animals, 1-4 PM
Today is also St. Francis of Assisi Day. St. Francis of Assisi is known for his love for all creatures. We hold a Blessing of the Animals annually in his honor. This year is our first ever virtual Blessing of the Animals. This is a wonderful opportunity to have your pet blessed without having to take them to a pet festival where your pet may not feel comfortable, or not like the weather elements. Each pet receives an individual blessing from a pastor in a breakout room. No pre-registration required. Zoom in anytime from 1-4 PM by clicking on the button below:
Blessing of the Animals Link

Today & Every Sunday
Godly Play, 9:30 AM
Children of all ages are invited to virtual Godly Play, where they experience the mystery of God in story and activity. Contact Pastor Beth to receive a Zoom invite. 

Virtual Fellowship, after worship
Bring your favorite morning beverage and come as you are to virtual fellowship! This is a time to share together with no specific agenda, just fellowship. Click here to Zoom in.

Children's Sunday School (Bible Explorers), 10:45 AM
Children from three years of age to fifth graders, explore the sweeping story of God and God's people as revealed in the Bible. They learn the story of God's love in Scripture through the same stories that they hear in worship. Bible Explorers are divided into two groups, based on age. Contact Pastor Beth for the Zoom links.

Adult Sunday School, 11:15 AM
An opportunity for you to explore how our Christian faith speaks to issues of contemporary thought and society. Current topics:
   Faith & Racial Justice: Changing Changing Systems and Structures
   Bible 101 (reading material)
All are welcome to participate in Adult Sunday School, even if you have not attended previously. Zoom in using this link.

Youth Group, 7 PM
Middle and high school students are invited for virtual games, discussion and to celebrate the richness of Christ in our lives. Contact Pastor Beth to receive a Zoom invite.

 
Give
We believe that we, as Christians, are called to give generously to the work of God through the life of our church. We are passionate about using the gifts we receive to make a difference within our church and in our local, national and global communities. Ways to give:
Online (click here or the button below)
Mail (11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190)
Drop-off your offering on Wednesdays, 9 AM-1 PM
Text "GIVE" to 571-620-6559

Connect
Follow us on social media:

              

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive the weekly email and monthly newsletter.