1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

Hanapepe United Church of Christ
21 December 2014, 10:00 A.M.
4th Sunday of Advent
"Whoever you are and wherever you are on life's journey,
you are welcome here."
Our mission as an openly inclusive, affirming and welcoming church, is to
worship God, to proclaim the Good News of God's redemptive love for all
peoples as revealed in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and to
witness to the reign of God by joyfully serving the needs of God's world.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
PRELUDE
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE
Love
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, a candle is often lit for love.
One: (As the Love candle is lit) People of God, come, for the
light of love beckons us together.
All:
What love is this? How are we to follow?
One: This love calls from the margins and the center; from
suffering and comfort; from oppression and privilege.
All:
We too come from the margins and the center; from
suffering and comfort; from oppression and privilege.
One: Then let us bring our love, and join it to this light of love,
and gather in worship to discover the greatest love there
is.
All:
Come, let us bring our love to this time and place,
celebrating the radical love of God that beckons us
together. Come, let us listen and speak, sing and
discern, pray and give, for now is the time to worship.
*HYMN
O, Come All Ye Faithful
Brown 173
*INVOCATION
Pastor & Teacher
A new voice speaks to us today, gracious God, a voice of a young
woman daring to say, “Yes” when the powers in her world would
expect her to run in fear. As we gather in worship, help us to hear
this voice as the voice in our own hearts, ready to name the truths
in our world and claim life abundant, turning away from our fears.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION Responsively Lay Leader & People
One: Mary said, “How can this be?” and opened her heart to
mystery and grace.
All: We have said, “We must see it to believe it!” trusting
only what we can prove and think out.
Interested in becoming a member of HUCC?
You're welcome here always, member or not. Members,
however, get a formal vote on things such as who our deacons
are, how our budget is spent, etc. If you are interested in growing
in Christ and joining us in Christian living, please talk with Pastor
Michael after worship.
Like working with kids?
Volunteer for our Sunday morning youth program; with several
volunteers, any one person would not be “tied” to serving every
Sunday. We provide materials, curriculum, and training. Contact
Deacon Merrily Worrell at merrily@hawaii.rr.com.
REMEMBERING IN PRAYER: We pray for Ann Akama, James &
Lynne Akiyama, Kenneth Brown, Nancy Colliton, Lynette & Tim
Floyd, Kei & Jessie Hirano, Bruce Igawa, Fumie Isobe, John
Isobe, Edna Kawamura, Mervin Kimura, Laura Mission, Irene
Miyake, Rene Moritsugu, Marlene Norwak, Irene Nozaki,
Iya’negre Oggundele, Margaret Oshiro, Chiyo Ueunten, Kathy
Uyeda, Tommy Wolfe, Allison Uyehara, Debra Shimono, family of
Louise Tamura, keiki Pa'a, Chris Baird, the family of Lance Akama,
Betty Lou Yoshinobu, Margie Konishi, Wanda Corr Shigematsu,
the family of Lynn Sato, the family of Irene Nozaki, and Dr.
Richard Haruki (Contact Carol Kanna to update).
Reflecting on this Lord's Day's Scriptures
Mary’s song proclaims that God is lifting up the lowly while scattering
the proud, and feeding the hungry while sending the rich away with
empty hands. How does this change the way you think about God’s
coming reign of justice and favor? How does this change the way you
live? In our various traditions, we carry canticles of survival that we sing
asserting that God has been with us and is with us; passing judgment on
injustice, and redeeming. With Mary, we sing, declaring that in us now
already, God has accomplished a great reversal. Amid the disorder and
evil of our day, we now sing the great reversal sung by Mary. We are not
afraid. God is yet at work liberating and setting things right. The wrong is
judged to be empty, and the right judged to be blessed. Within us, the
empire has no hold; it has collapsed even as we contend with it daily.
 What songs most speak to us, most move us from a sense of
powerlessness to sense of empowerment and boldness?
 Where is the spirit of God in these songs? In what songs do we
feel Spirit-led and nourished?
 How might we be an angel of encouragement and affirmation to
those who suffer from low social esteem?
5
One: She said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” And gave her
life over to bearing the child of God, even though this could
mean the end of her life as she knew it.
All: We have said, “Sorry, can’t today, I’ve got too much
work today.”
We have said, “I’m not comfortable signing my name to
that – I believe in the cause, but I’m not sure I want to
give my name to it.”
We have said, “This one time won’t matter – I’ll recycle
later; I’ll enjoy this privilege just a little more; I’ll let that
racial slip go… who’s going to care?”
One: She said, “My soul magnifies the Lord!” and understood
herself profoundly as a child and image of God.
All: We have said, “I am just one person and my life doesn’t
matter in the big picture.” We confess, great Creator,
that we have not opened our hearts to your spirit, and
have often taken the easy, fearful, apologetic way.
One: Descend upon us today as you did with Mary, and help
us to know ourselves as agents of change and glory.
Forgive us and give us strength, we pray. Amen.
*WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Pastor & Teacher
The angel said to Mary that day, “Greetings, favoured one! The
Lord is with you.” Let us hear this greeting ourselves today. Let us
feel in our bodies that each of us, no matter how great or how
meek, no matter how young or old, no matter our status or rank,
each is favoured! Each of us is loved and full of potential. And God
is with us all.
*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
(“Peace be with you”)
CHILDREN’S TIME (come during “O, How I Love Jesus”) Brown 509
There is a name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth;
It sounds like music in my ear, the sweetest name on earth.
O, how I love Jesus, O, how I love Jesus,
O, how I love Jesus, because he first loved me!
ANTHEM
Magnificat
Helen Kemp
SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:26-38
Lay Leader and People
As reading and sung response - See Page 5
SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:46 b-55, NT p. 49
Pastor & Teacher
SERMON:
Rev. Christensen
Cry Out for the Future!
*HYMN OF DECISION Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming Brown 163
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Pastor & Teacher & People
Pastor: Let us join our voices with Mary, who celebrates God’s
greatness and sings of God’s blessing for all who are poor and
oppressed. Eternal God, we pray for the world, that our warring
ways may be overturned, even now, through the birth, death, and
resurrection of Christ; for nothing is impossible with you. We pray
for the mission of your church, that we may proclaim the good
news of the age as we rejoice in the gift of our Savior. We pray for
all who suffer, that we may feed the hungry and lift up the lowly
through the power of your holy and life-giving Spirit. We pray for
your creation, that we may safeguard its well-being from
generation to generation to your honor and glory. We remember
before you those who have died and pray for those who will die
today, that they may rest with you eternally in your kingdom where
there is no end.
All: Through Christ, with Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
we magnify you, almighty God, forever and ever. Amen.
LORD'S PRAYER (“debts”)
SUNG RESPONSE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Peace, Salaam, Shalom by Dean McIntyre
Lay Leader
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Lay Leader
Joining Mary’s joyful song, our souls proclaim the greatness of the
Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior. We say, “Yes,
Lord!” With humble and grateful hearts, let us bring our offerings to
God.
OFFERTORY / SHARING OUR GIFTS AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him all creatures here below.
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Unison
Lay Leader and People
We say “yes” today. We say “yes” to God, and “yes” to the
call to bear witness to God’s love and justice. We say “yes”
to being vessels of God’s glory – to becoming the house of
God. We say “yes” today, and dedicate this worship, this
offering, our very selves, to sharing the light of love in all
ways. Amen.
*PARTING HYMN
Joy to the World
4
Brown 146
*BENEDICTION
Pastor and Teacher
People of God, we are no different from Mary. Go into the world
and magnify God’s love – share it; nurture it; celebrate it; give birth
to it and help it grow for all to see!
*LEI OF ALOHA AND SUNG RESPONSE
God be with you till we meet again,
By his counsels guide, uphold you,
With his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we me-e-t, till we me-et, till we meet at Jesus’ feet
Till we me-e-t, till we me-et, God be with you till we meet again.
*POSTLUDE
SERVING IN TODAY’S WORSHIP SERVICE / Sunday 28 Dec
Preaching: Rev. Michael O. Christensen
Lay Reader: Nancy Kanna/Joanne Nakashima
Altar Flowers: Lillian Katsura/Lillian Katsura
Usher & Greeter: Jim Case & Carol Kanna/Same
Refreshments: Potluck/Debbie Shimono & Marian Teshima
Ministers: All members
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Mon (12/22)
Tues (12/23)
Wed (12/24)
Thur (12/25)
Fri (12/26)
Sat (12/27)
Sun (12/28)
THIS WEEK and more
Kokua Thrift Shop
9:30 -11:30 am
Lectionary Lite Bible Study
11:30 am
Hula Class
4:00 pm
Tutu & Me Traveling Preschool
8:30 - 10:30 am
AA/Al-Anon meetings
5:00-7:00 pm
VA Rural Health Team
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Christmas Eve Service
7:00 pm
Christmas
Campus Work Day
8:00 am
Pop Warner holiday party in Hall 3:00pm - 9:00 pm
Choir Practice
8:45 am
Worship
10:00 am
Mon (12/22)
Tues (12/23)
Wed (12/24)
Thur (12/25)
Fri (12/26)
Sat (12/27)
Sun (12/28)
THIS WEEK and more
Kokua Thrift Shop
9:30 -11:30 am
Lectionary Lite Bible Study
11:30 am
Hula Class
4:00 pm
Tutu & Me Traveling Preschool
8:30 - 10:30 am
AA/Al-Anon meetings
5:00-7:00 pm
VA Rural Health Team
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Christmas Eve Service
7:00 pm
Christmas
Campus Work Day
8:00 am
Pop Warner holiday party in Hall 3:00pm - 9:00 pm
Choir Practice
8:45 am
Worship
10:00 am
Potluck Christmas Party today after worship!
Santa is coming!
Potluck Christmas Party today after worship!
Santa is coming!
Next Sunday's Scriptures – December 28
Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Next Sunday's Scriptures – December 28
Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Resources used today are from “Seasons of the Spirit – Fusion,” and
“Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume
2,” edited by Pastor Michael.
Resources used today are from “Seasons of the Spirit – Fusion,” and
“Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume
2,” edited by Pastor Michael.
Hanapepe United Church of Christ
P. O. Box 260, Hanapepe, HI 96716
808.335.5135
office@hanapepeucc.org
www.hanapepeucc.org
Pastor Michael's phone 808.634.9424
Pastor's email: michael@hanapepeucc.org or michael@mocmin.org
Hanapepe United Church of Christ
P. O. Box 260, Hanapepe, HI 96716
808.335.5135
office@hanapepeucc.org
www.hanapepeucc.org
Pastor Michael's phone 808.634.9424
Pastor's email: michael@hanapepeucc.org or michael@mocmin.org
White Christmas
Please place your “White Christmas” gifts (toiletries, paper
products, etc...even if they're not wrapped) in the large decorated
box in the front of the sanctuary. If they are wrapped, please use a
fairly thin layer of white tissue paper, so recipients can choose
items they actually need), and mark them with an “A” (for All folks),
“M” (for men), “W” (for women), or “C” (for child). Mahalo!
White Christmas
Please place your “White Christmas” gifts (toiletries, paper
products, etc...even if they're not wrapped) in the large decorated
box in the front of the sanctuary. If they are wrapped, please use a
fairly thin layer of white tissue paper, so recipients can choose
items they actually need), and mark them with an “A” (for All folks),
“M” (for men), “W” (for women), or “C” (for child). Mahalo!
Gail Christensen - Missions
Gail Christensen - Missions
Household Prayer: Morning
7
Expectant God, Mary sings because she has new life in her, the promise
of your salvation. Fill me with hope this day as I lift my life to you and
seek to do your will. Look with favor on our world and all who are in
need, that your love may be magnified as I follow humbly in your way.
Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Lord, as I come to you seeking rest this night, I pray that all may find a
home in you, be disturbed by no one, and be free of the afflictions of the
evil one, for you, O God, are mighty to save. Amen.
Household Prayer: Morning
7
Expectant God, Mary sings because she has new life in her, the promise
of your salvation. Fill me with hope this day as I lift my life to you and
seek to do your will. Look with favor on our world and all who are in
need, that your love may be magnified as I follow humbly in your way.
Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Lord, as I come to you seeking rest this night, I pray that all may find a
home in you, be disturbed by no one, and be free of the afflictions of the
evil one, for you, O God, are mighty to save. Amen.
December 17 – 25: Chanukah (Judaism)
Chanukah is a holiday that cannot be found in the Hebrew Bible or
Tanach. Its scriptural roots are found in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees,
which appear in some Christian Bibles in a section called the Apocrypha.
These books detail a small group of Jewish zealots who feared that the
rest of the Jewish community was too ready to adopt aspects of
Hellenistic culture into their Jewish lives. In turn these zealots despised
ideas that were not purely Jewish. Unfortunately, the Syrian Greeks who
ruled Judea at the time were not satisfied with an integration of the two
cultures, but rather preferred an annihilation of the Jewish culture and
religion. Led by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Syrian Greeks took over
and defiled the temple in Jerusalem. The zealots, known as the
Maccabees, fought a guerilla war against Antiochus in 164 BCE,
recaptured the temple, and rededicated it. However, when the
Maccabees finally rededicated the Temple they were not in time to
observe the festival of Sukkot – which lasts, you guessed it, eight days.
Today, Jews light a nine-candled menorah, known as a chanukiah, in
observance of these events. (The ninth candle, known as the shamesh
or “servant” is used to light the other candles.) Today Chanukah
concentrates on the themes of religious freedom; the balance of living as
Jews in a dominant non-Jewish culture; and even miracles, too.
December 17 – 25: Chanukah (Judaism)
Chanukah is a holiday that cannot be found in the Hebrew Bible or
Tanach. Its scriptural roots are found in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees,
which appear in some Christian Bibles in a section called the Apocrypha.
These books detail a small group of Jewish zealots who feared that the
rest of the Jewish community was too ready to adopt aspects of
Hellenistic culture into their Jewish lives. In turn these zealots despised
ideas that were not purely Jewish. Unfortunately, the Syrian Greeks who
ruled Judea at the time were not satisfied with an integration of the two
cultures, but rather preferred an annihilation of the Jewish culture and
religion. Led by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Syrian Greeks took over
and defiled the temple in Jerusalem. The zealots, known as the
Maccabees, fought a guerilla war against Antiochus in 164 BCE,
recaptured the temple, and rededicated it. However, when the
Maccabees finally rededicated the Temple they were not in time to
observe the festival of Sukkot – which lasts, you guessed it, eight days.
Today, Jews light a nine-candled menorah, known as a chanukiah, in
observance of these events. (The ninth candle, known as the shamesh
or “servant” is used to light the other candles.) Today Chanukah
concentrates on the themes of religious freedom; the balance of living as
Jews in a dominant non-Jewish culture; and even miracles, too.
Rabbi Adam Morris lives in Denver, Colorado, and serves as a consultant to the Seasons of
Rabbi Adam Morris lives in Denver, Colorado, and serves as a consultant to the Seasons of
the Spirit editorial team.
the Spirit editorial team.
December 26 – Kwanzaa begins
Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration founded in 1966 by Dr.
Maulana Karenga. The seven-day observance (December 26 – January
1) focuses on the traditional African values of family, community
responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa, which means
“First fruits of the harvest” in the African language Kiswahili, is not a
political nor religious holiday, and contrary to some belief, it is not a
substitute for Christmas. Rather, it is a time of reaffirming the ancestors
and culture of African-American people.
December 26 – Kwanzaa begins
Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration founded in 1966 by Dr.
Maulana Karenga. The seven-day observance (December 26 – January
1) focuses on the traditional African values of family, community
responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa, which means
“First fruits of the harvest” in the African language Kiswahili, is not a
political nor religious holiday, and contrary to some belief, it is not a
substitute for Christmas. Rather, it is a time of reaffirming the ancestors
and culture of African-American people.