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Update and Resources
January 27, 2023
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“He has told you, human one, what is good and
what the Lord requires from you:
to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.”
~Micah 6:8
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Sunday Worship at 10am
Join us in our sanctuary for worship this Sunday as we celebrate what it means to be the beloved community! Rev. Michael Howard is our guest preacher while Pastor Amy is at a Bethany Fellows Leadership Gathering. Worship via the live stream by clicking here. Click here to print the bulletin for an order of worship for those worshiping online. On this fifth Sunday of the month, our Congregational and Community Assistance offering will be received.
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The Rev. Michael Howard has served as the Minister of Faith in Action of the Living Water Association of the United Church of Christ since March 2019. From the wooded knobs of Kentucky countryside, Michael is a teacher, community organizer, and prophetic Christian leader. He has taught and served around the world, including Peru, Brazil, India, Ethiopia, Virginia, and New Jersey. In addition to traditional pastoral ministry, Michael has coached and co-founded a number of community organizations, nonprofits, and a media design consultancy. Michael is an ordained minister in the UCC and has an MPA from Morehead State University and an MDiv from Drew Theological Seminary.
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Anti-Racism Book Group Resumes
The Anti-Racism Book Group resumed meeting! We meet the fourth Monday of the month at 7pm via Zoom. We’re starting off the new year by reading and working through Do the Work: An Anti-Racist Activity Book by Bell and Schatz. Please don’t hesitate to join us even if you haven’t yet obtained and/or started the book. We are welcoming several new members and would love to have others. For a Zoom link and/or more information, please contact Barb Hanniford, bhanniford@neo.rr.com.
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Skate and Create
Please join us Sunday, February 5 for "Skate and Create." From 2:00-3:15pm we will be at the free ice-skating rink in downtown Kent. Then from 3:30-4:30pm there will be hot chocolate and Valentine’s Day cookies to decorate at the church. Craft tables will be set up to create Valentines for family, church members, and our community dinner friends. Have a Heart bags will also be available to decorate for Have a Heart Sunday (2/12) benefitting Kent Social Services. All ages welcome and young families are highly encouraged to join us. Invite your friends! Enjoy fun, fellowship, and helping others feel loved! Hosted by the Education Ministry.
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Kent Social Services Needs Our Help
Kent Social Services current needs are: canned soup, ramen noodles, canned beans, peanut butter, and other staples. Please place them in our grocery cart just inside our downstairs entrance. Thank you!
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Make A Joyful Noise
While we invite all those who enjoy singing to join our Chancel Choir, we know that many people struggle with the extra time commitment." Make a Joyful Noise Sundays" are back! We invite congregants to join the choir for JUST THAT DAY! Interested singers will rehearse with the Chancel Choir at 9am and will then sing the anthem during the 10am service. Our upcoming "Make a Joyful Noise Sunday" dates will be February 12, March 19, April 23, and May 21. The anthem selection will be easy enough for ALL to learn in a 45-minute rehearsal. Please talk to Corey Fowler, director of music, if you have any questions.
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Worship Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities for you to serve. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
Greeter
Extend extravagant hospitality to visitors and members with a warm smile. Sign up HERE.
Liturgist
Liturgists participate in worship services by reading parts of the liturgy. You’ll get the readings in advance. Sign up HERE.
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Flowers for Sunday Worship
Please check the flower schedule either on line or the chart to donate flowers for Sunday worship services. There might be a special day or celebration you want remembered and this is a wonderful way to do it. You can bring flowers in yourself or by ordering from Oregon Corners Florists in Stow. They will deliver to the church. Thank you for your help in making our services special. Please sign up HERE to save a date and make your dedication.
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Space for Grace
Contemplative Prayer
Begin your Tuesday mornings with sacred silence, stillness, and others seeking the Living God. We will pray with scripture, in silence, and with one another as we share our concerns and joys. Join us on Tuesday at 7:30am on Zoom. Please email Pastor Amy for the Zoom link.
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Prayer List
If you would like to ask the entire congregation for prayer for yourself, someone else or for our community and world, please submit it on our new website by clicking the “Prayer Request” tab here, or by letting our church office, or a Deacon, know while Pastor Amy is away on sabbatical. We will share the prayer list in our weekly updates, as you see below.
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In Our Prayers
Heather and Ray, friends of Loralea Allen
Rudy Capece, grandson of Debbie and Al Barber
Bob Carlson
Jack Fender, friend of the Saltzman's
Bruce Hansford
Jeff, friend of Harold Hight
Bev Feher, long-time friend of Barb Marken
Carol Horner
Danielle Ingersol, Sue Otterson’s niece
Billy O’Malley, nephew of Annie O’Malley
Lawrence Prichard
Jason, son of Laurie Riddle and Zoe Walsh
Rev. Pat Russell
Shelley, neighbor of Laurie Riddle and Zoe Walsh
Gladys Wells
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Spiritual Care
One of the greatest joys of spiritual community is knowing others are constantly holding you in prayer and in love. Please know that you are not alone. Pastor Amy is available for spiritual care and prayer as are our lay leaders.
- For confidential help and spiritual care needs, devotional materials, prayer, or just to talk this week, contact Pastor Amy, a Deacon or a Stephen Minister.
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Contact Pastor Amy: pastoramy@kentucc.org or (330) 673-9534
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Contact a Deacon: KUCCdeacons@icloud.com
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Contact a Stephen Minister: sueotterson@gmail.com or (234) 417-2335
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For financial assistance from our Congregational and Community Assistance Fund, please let Pastor Amy or the Deacons know. Our next CCAF offering will be received this Sunday, January 29 (and on every 5th Sunday).
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Looking Ahead
- February 5 - Skate and Create - 2pm in downtown Kent
- February 12 - Scout Sunday, Have a Heart Sunday, and Make a Joyful Noise Sunday
- Sunday, February 19 – Transfiguration Sunday; Northcoast Bag Pipe Band offering special music; Prospective Member Orientation after worship
- Wednesday, February 22 – Ash Wednesday – 7pm service
- Lenten gatherings on Wednesday evenings in March
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This Week’s Sacred Text
Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he began to speak and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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Thanks be to God, who is still speaking! | |
Whoever you are, wherever you are on life's journey...
you're welcome here!
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Kent United Church Of Christ
1400 East Main Street
Kent, OH 44240
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