|
|
|
What does it mean to say, "Worship does God's story?" It is this: Worship proclaims, enacts, and sings God's story. Worship is not a program. Nor is worship about me. Worship is a narrative. God's narrative of the world from its beginning to its end. How will the world know its own story unless we do that story in public worship?
Robert E. Webber, Ancient-Future Worship: Proclaiming and Enacting God's Narrative. (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2008), 39-40.
| |
|
Check this out!:
Did you miss us last week? Click here to listen to the latest sermon. |
|
Animal Mission OUTreach
As UCC continues to support Fort Worth's Initiative for Homelessness, an adjunct mission for homeless animals is currently in formation. Sharyn Peterson, Ministry Assistant for Youth, kicked off the effort by organizing a special offering at The Search's Pet Blessing Service on October 5. The proceeds were sent to the North Texas Humane Society, and 15 people signed up for UCC's Animal Mission OUTreach.
The new group will work to enhance the lives of homeless, abandoned and forgotten animals who languish in area shelters. Proposed projects include a monthly or quarterly drive (collecting 'spare change,' newspapers to line cages, cleaning supplies, or dog/cat food) and a regular outing to volunteer at a shelter walking dogs, petting/holding animals, washing puppies, or cleaning cages. The November collection will benefit the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control Center, who need blankets and towels for injured animals and mothers with kittens or puppies, treats, small stuffed toys (cat or dog), and canned kitten or puppy food. Watch for receptacles in the hallways, and please don't hesitate to suggest a shelter in need for future projects.
Children (age eight and up), youth and adults are welcome to join this new initiative by contacting Sharyn Peterson at sharyn@uccftw.com.
|
| Take a Look & Listen! |
|
Click here and enjoy Brad Thomspon & the Five Smooth Stones as they perform "Still." |
|
Hospitality Team Greeter: Assures all worshipers are warmly welcomed.
Sacred Space: Develops & implements the installation of worship decor for prayer stations & communion table.
Media Assistant: Assists in the visual worship elements.
| |
|
 |
A Shout Out to God... |
 In the book of 1st Chronicles it states: "Thank God! Call out his Name! Tell the whole world who he is and what he's done! Sing to him! Play songs for him! Broadcast all his wonders! Revel in his holy Name, God-seekers, be jubilant!" (1 Chron. 16:8, The Message) I think of this verse every time we get ready to do our iFaith series at The Search. By using popular tunes as our scripture texts, we are seeking to find ways to call out the name of God, to tell the story of God and our place in fresh ways.
I'm always amazed at the stories that people share with me! Thank you for trusting me with your faith journey. Sometimes, however, I wish I had some sort of magic potion in which I could give you so that you would feel comfortable enough to share those same stories with people you know. Sharing your faith is a hallmark of our Christian walk, and I guess I remain hopeful that iFaith gives you one tool in which you can begin to break the ice with others about your faith, your church community, your Savior.
Today, may you find a way to broadcast all of God's wonders and grace.
- Suzanne Castle-Rolen, Minister
|
|
Aware of His Revelation... |
 Whenever we ignite our series on iFaith, I feel as if I always become more aware of God's divine revelation around me. This series has been a spark to my faith and belief every time I've experienced it for this very reason.
It seems we rarely look around us with open eyes, open ears, open minds and open hearts when it comes to God in creation. I-Faith to me is that little spark that reminds me that God is constantly revealing Godself to us through so many different means, whether that's in a secular song on the radio, a bird's chirp in a nearby tree, or a person's smile or kind word.
It seems that every time we immerse ourselves in our faith shown through song, I become more and more attentive to God in creation. I walk with less of a rush and more aware of nature around me, I become more aware of the breath God gave me, I tune into people with a greater interest realizing how they are truly affecting me.
As we all encounter God through song this series, I encourage all of these ideas to run through your mind and challenge us all to be more aware of how God constantly reveals Godself to us through innumerable ways, and especially in ways we do not often realize or to which we are not always attuned.
Alec Ylitalo Campus Ministry Intern |
| Upcoming Highlights |
|
*New iFaith Series!
It's back! Join us at The Search for another amazing round of iFaith. You won't want to miss it!
* "9"
Be sure to join us at The Search for our postmodern lessons and carol service, Nov. 30th.
* 2009 Stewardship Campaign -
"Growing Deeper ~ Reaching Wider"
Everyone is invited to share their personal stories on the blessings they receive/feel by their giving either by email to our Senior Minister, Tim Carson, or a note in the offering. This can be anonymous, if prefered.
To conserve resources, we encourage you to make your pledge online. The Web site will be available Nov. 14. Pleadge cards will be made available Nov.17. November 23rd there will be a call for all pledge cards to be turned in. There will also be an all church Thanksgiving Day dinner on the 23rd where we will lift up and give thanks for the congregation's commitments made to UCC.
* Youth Sunday @ The Search - November 16
Our Chi Rho and CYF youth are planning and leading much of The Search worship gathering on Sunday evening, November 16, at 5:00 p.m. Most of the final preparations and assignments will take place this Sunday evening at youth groups. Be sure to mark your calendar for this special youth-led worship service, featuring a performance by Raydiant Darkness!
* Hanging of the Greens Service - November 30, at 6:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars for the Hanging of the Greens, a special worship service that kicks off the season of Advent by adorning UCC's Sanctuary with greenery and symbolic decorations. This year's service will take place on Sunday evening, November 30, at 6:30 p.m. and our youth will provide much of the worship leadership. UCC's bell and vocal choirs will offer special music, engaging the senses of children, youth, and adults alike. Casual attire is welcome at this festive evening service, so be sure to invite friends and neighbors to come be a part of a meaningful UCC tradition. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 03:42PM 
Reader Comments