United Christian Church of Austin
January 23rd, 2022

- Gathering - 

PRELUDE 


WELCOME                                        Rev. Anna


ANNOUNCEMENTS 


* CALL TO WORSHIP


One: Allow yourself space to breathe in…

All: (inhale)

One: And time to breathe out…

All: (exhale)

One: Together now,

let us set an intention:

All: In this hour, we set aside our anxiety about the future, we set aside our pain from the past, and we set aside our dissatisfaction with what is.


Instead, we embrace your holy pause,

saying like the psalmist, Selah.

Let us rest in the wisdom flowing from your Word. We take comfort that you, God, are indeed holding our lives.


OPENING HYMN 

“Come Away from Rush and Hurry”


CALL TO CONFESSION


One: As we continue to prepare our hearts and minds for worship, let us release all that causes us to turn away from God and one another by saying our prayer of confession.


PRAYER OF CONFESSION


We confess that we have busied our lives

with so much clutter that we have lost sight of what matters. We have misplaced the ease of Sabbath,

the comfort of holding those we love,

and the simple peace that comes

from watching you paint the sky slowly

from blue to orange, purple to black.

God of Peace, we have believed the lies

that our worth is measured by our productivity. We have worn burnout as a badge. Call us back, God of Sabbath,

to stillness in this hour. Help us heed the psalmist’s Selah -- your sacred pause.

May we trust you and let go, knowing that you, Peace-bringer, are indeed

holding our lives. Amen.


ASSURANCE OF GRACE 


*PASSING THE PEACE

One: Peace be with you!

All: And also with you!


- The Word - 

At this time, children are asked to remain with their families during and after the Children's Time. Activity bags and books are available for use in the Sanctuary as needed. 


CHILDREN'S TIME                 Miss Emily


SCRIPTURE READING                   Psalm 4


Answer me when I call, O God!

You gave me room when I was in distress.

Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

How long will you people insult my reputation?

How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah

Know that God takes care of the faithful;

God hears when I call.

So when you are disturbed, do not sin;

ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah

Bring your offerings,

and put your trust in God.

Many say, “We can’t find goodness anywhere!

Let the light of your face shine on us, O God!”

But you have put gladness in my heart

more than when their grain and wine abounded.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;

for you alone, O God, make me lie down in safety.


One: This is the Word of God for all the people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.


THRESHOLD MOMENT 


REFLECTION                             "I Rest in You" 

Rev. Anna


HYMN                                   "Be Still My Soul"

- Prayers - 

PASTORAL PRAYER 


PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 


One: Let the people say, “Selah”

All: Selah!      


THE LORD'S PRAYER 

Translated from the original Aramaic


O cosmic Birther, from whom the breath of life comes, who fills all realms of sound, light and vibration.

May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest.

Your Heavenly Domain approaches.

Let Your will come true in the universe, just as on earth.

Give us wisdom for our daily need,

detach the fetters of faults that bind us, as we let go of the guilt of others.

Let us not be lost in superficial things,

but let us be freed from that what keeps us off from our true purpose.

From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act, the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age.

Sealed in trust, faith and truth. Amen

  

- Holy Communion - 

INVITATION TO GIVING 

One way you can manifest God’s love is by making a gift to support this community of faith.

 

1. Place loose offerings the plates at front or the wooden box at the exit.

2. Text your gift to 512.842.6662 by putting a $ followed by the amount into the message. (Example: $50) 

3. Give online by clicking the button below. 


Thank you so much for your generosity!

CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN OFFERING TO UCC

GREAT THANKSGIVING 


One: Let the people say, “Selah,”

All: Selah!


INVITATION TO RECEIVING 


WORDS OF INSTITUTION 


BLESSING THE ELEMENTS           Deacon


HOLY COMMUNION 

- During Stage 5, we ask that you remain seated and communion where you are.

- Communion kits contain both grape juice and a wafer. Gluten free kits are also available at the entrance and are marked as such.

- We Go Out To Serve- 


* BENEDICTION


*SENDING

One: Now our worship has ended.

All: Let our service begin.


POSTLUDE

SAVE THE DATE: ANNA'S INSTALLATION
We are delighted to announce that the Service of Installation for Rev. Anna Kreisle will be at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 27, 2022, followed by a reception. We look forward to this wonderful celebration for Rev. Anna and our church.
BOOK CLUBS AT UCC
The Tuesday Noon Book Group is starting a new book this week. Visit uccaustin.org/adults for information about the book and all of our 3 active book groups. Any interested readers are encouraged to join for ​"fellowship, friendship, and faith formation as we flip through pages of fact & fiction!"
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
In-Person children’s activities are on hold through January. In-seat activity bags will be available for children who come to worship at 9 or 11 with their families. For the rest of January, on Sundays, from 10-10:30 a.m. we will offer a Zoom Time for Children (LINK). And on Thursdays, we will have a Facebook LIVE Pajama Storytime at 6:30 p.m.
LITTLE FREE PANTRY
This little pantry on our property continues to be an important resource for many in our neighborhood. Thanks to all who have donated to keep it stocked. Please keep it up! Visit our website at uccaustin.org/pantry if you need any suggestions about good items to get for the pantry.

United Christian Church of Austin