Photo: First Candle of Advent – Jesus’ Relatives – lit. Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021. Worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021.

BCCC Worship Schedule

In-person worship services: 11am 1^st and 2^nd Sundays; ZOOM worship services: 2pm the other Sundays of the month; In-person Christmas Eve worship service: 2pm Dec 24^th, Holy Communion

We Gather

“People who love each other fully and truly are the happiest people in the world. They may have little, they may have nothing, but they are happy people. Everything depends on how we love one another.” ~ Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome! No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey – you are welcome this 1^st Sunday of Advent. Our Advent theme is “Love in Action.” We will listen to St Paul’s teachings about people embodying Christ-Love through their actions. In that spirit, we commit ourselves to right relations with the Lisjan-Ohlone peoples upon whose land we live and practice ministry.

Advent Wreath Invocation (Advent Wreath liturgists)

This week, St Paul asks us to love each other as we have been loved. Daily, Jesus experienced love in action through his family, community, and divine promises.

We light the First Candle of Advent with gratitude for those who model love in action. May our ancestors inspire us to acts of enduring compassion. May God strengthen our love for one another. Amen.

Light the First Advent Candle

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all) Offer joyful gestures and words of peace to one another: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

Song: “Comfort, Comfort Now My People” Words J G Olearius & C Winkworth. Chalice Hymnal #122

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

God has given us each other. God has given us inherited families of blood and chosen families of covenant. God has blessed us with ancestors of kinship, faith, and place. God has also placed special ones among us – saints and prophets – who express in word and deed God’s wondrous ways. Over two thousand years ago God came among us in the person of Jesus Christ to love us and allow us to love God as one of us. Aren’t we blessed? Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (CEB)

(St Paul writing on behalf of himself, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the young church in Thessalonica)

How can we thank God enough for you, given all the joy we have because of you before our God? Night and day, we pray more than ever to see all of you in person and to complete whatever you still need for your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus guide us on our way back to you. May the Lord cause you to increase and enrich your love for each other and for everyone in the same way as we also love you. May the love cause your hearts to be strengthened, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his people. Amen.

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “Love in Action: Loving Each Other” (pastor) We prepare for the rebirth of Christ considering St Paul’s exhortation to love as we have been loved.

Special Music: “One Candle, One Flame” Words and music by Linda Sobo.

We Pray

Prayer Requests (all)

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Beloved, Loving God, it is good to turn to You in prayer as the Christmas season begins. We are so very grateful for expanded social opportunities this year, while our hearts and minds are also weighted by the things that separate us from each other. As we begin this Advent journey, call us to act in love and to be open to acts of love. This holiday season, please strengthen our hearts, make us eager to understand and offer mercy, to love more fully as You love. In gratitude and hope we pray, O God. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (all; acapella) Please mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

Announcements (pastor)

Song: “People Look East” Words: E Farjeon, 1928; Music: Traditional French Carol. Chalice Hymnal #142

Benediction (pastor)

God hears our prayers. God hears our call for comfort for all peoples; for an end to all that divides us. God is, again, preparing us to receive the Messiah Jesus Christ. May we make our hearts ready. Amen.

The service is concluded.

1^st Advent Candle: Jesus’ Relatives ~ Love in Action: Love Among & Between Us

Ritual for At-Home Advent Candles

Candle Artwork: Jesus’ family tree is made of two spiraling vines (DNA helix). Shoots come forth from the root of Jesse – the revered King David’s father (Isaiah 11:10). The great Egyptian pyramids, built by Jesus’ ancestors while enslaved, remind us of our spiritual ancestors’ resilient faith.

Color image below. Cut paper. Wrap art onto glass devotional candle (8” tall, 2.25” diameter). Tape.

Reading: This week, St Paul asks us to love each other as we have been loved. Daily, Jesus experienced love in action through his family, community, and divine promises. We light the First Candle of Advent with gratitude for those who model love in action. May our ancestors inspire us to acts of enduring compassion. May God strengthen our love for one another. Amen.

Light the First Advent Candle.

Reflect: Who models “Love in Action” in your family, community? Who inspires you to love others?

Artwork: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021.

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceeded territory of the Lisjan- Ohlone people, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: November 23, 2021.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

Photo: native oak acorns on Karkin-Ohlone unceded territory. Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2019

Worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021

BCCC Worship Schedule

In-person worship services: 11am 1^st and 2^nd Sundays; ZOOM worship services: 2pm 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th (if there is one) Sundays; 3pm check-in

We Gather

“Give thanks for what you have been given. Give a gift, in reciprocity for what you have taken. Sustain the ones who sustain you and the earth will last forever.” ~ Robin Wall Kimmerer, mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome! No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey you are welcome. Today we acknowledge the 400^th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving held by our religious ancestors, The Pilgrims, upon Wampanoag territory. We also acknowledge our presence upon the unceded lands of the Lisjan-Ohlone people committed to right relations.

Invocation

Let us gather in gratitude and praise:

This morning, did you hear birds singing or joyful sounds in your household?

Let us join all creation in praising The Creator who is in our midst.

Today, have you consumed good food or drink, taken healing medicine?

Let us affirm what our bodies already know — The Provider is in our midst.

This past week, were you blessed by a kind word or caring gesture?

Let us savor the flow of compassion – The Big Love is in our midst.

This past year with its huge challenges, huge advances were also made.

Let us honor needful transitions. The Holy Spirit is in our midst. Amen.

Lighting the Christ Candle & Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all) Offer joyful gestures and words of peace to one another: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

Song: “For the Beauty of the Earth” written by Folliot S Pierpoint, 1864.

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

In good times and bad times, when our desires are fulfilled and when our agendas are challenged, God is always with us and for us. On this auspicious Thanksgiving Sunday may we yield to God’s wisdom and step out of hurtful ways. The endless grace of God always approaches forever refreshing and healing all beings. Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: Joel 2:21-27 (CEB) (pastor)

Don’t fear, fertile land; rejoice and be glad, for the Lord is about to do great things! Don’t be afraid, animals of the field, for the meadows of the wilderness will turn green; the tree will bear its fruit; the fig tree and grapevine will give their full yield. Children of Zion, rejoice and be glad in the Lord your God, because God will give you the early rain as a sign of righteousness; God will pour down abundant rain for you, the early and the late rain, as before.

The threshing floors will be full of grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and fresh oil. I will repay you for the years that the cutting locust, the swarming locust, the hopping locust, and the devouring locust have eaten— my great army, which I sent against you. You will eat abundantly and be satisfied, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has done wonders for you; and my people will never again be put to shame. You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God—no other exists; never again will my people be put to shame.

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “God in Our Midst” (pastor) Reflecting upon God’s activity this past year; gratitude for divine calls to be repaired and uplifted.

Special Music “In the Wake” by Rev. Will Burhans. CD: Weight of Grace ℗ 2006 Rev. Will Burhans. Used by permission. https://youtu.be/MfLavnlFFpk

We Pray

Prayer Requests (all)

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

No matter what names we have given You, Holy One, You are One and You are God. Your eternal presence pulses in all that is and will be. It is to You, Almighty God, with whom we attune our souls. On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we praise You for the still-giving gift of Jesus Christ who calls us forward in peace, hope, and gratitude redeeming the sins of the past. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

We Celebrate Holy Communion

Invitation

Who is seated at God’s Table? American Christians love to tell a story about the First Thanksgiving where determined new settlers and generous native peoples joyfully shared a feast together praising God for the bounty of the earth. This story is an aspirational myth.

The First Thanksgiving, 400-years-ago this year, took place as indigenous persons and European immigrants were exploring the possibility of mutual trust. In the centuries since, throughout this land we call “our nation,” cycles of racialized violence toward the first nations have been white-washed. This year, we come to God’s Table naming our national sins of greed and pride, parents to an ugly offspring: racism.

One-hundred and sixty decades before Plymouth Colony’s thanksgiving on Wampanoag Territory, another group of spiritual pilgrims assembled for a sacred festival. They were in Jerusalem during an era of political, religious, social, and environmental conflict. Through Jesus Christ, God was in their midst. Friends were called together, fed, forgiven, and charged to embody God’s noblest hopes and dreams on this earth. Today, we invite all our ancestors who wish to join us to do so. (pause)

Gathering Souls (pastor)

And, we speak the names of those persons, living or dead, we wish to join us spiritually to do so. (speak their names)

Prayer of Consecration

Holy Spirit, we pray for You to attune us to Divine Presence – in the beverages and food before us, in this spiritual gathering and beyond, throughout the cosmic web of life. Thank You. Amen.

Sharing the Elements (elements will be consumed, together, at the end)

We join Jesus and all who gather in the Name of Love at God’s Table.

God is in our midst as Jesus Christ.

Jesus lifts up the bread for blessing… breaks it… and gives it to us, saying: “Take, eat. This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

God is in our midst as Jesus Christ.

Jesus lifts up the cup for blessing… and gives it to us, saying: “Drink this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Dear Ones, may this cup and bread be for us, and for all peoples, a great healing balm. Amen.

(all eat and drink)

Prayer of Thanksgiving (pastor)

Eternal Healer, Re-builder of Broken Relationships, on this Thanksgiving Sunday, we thank You for all You do to mend our wounds and repair our mistakes. With profound gratitude, may the Holy Gifts we have received today have a good, everlasting effect. May we be transformed. Amen.

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (all; acapella) Please mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

Announcements (pastor)

*Next Sunday: First Sunday of Advent – household Advent Wreaths (ZOOM)

*BCCC Holiday Giving Email next weekend (Paper copies in-person on 12/5)

*Christmas Eve in-person worship with Holy Communion. Friday 12/24 2pm. BCCC.

Special Music: “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether” Lyrics: Percy Dearmer, Music: Harold Friedell.

Benediction (pastor)

Thank God for being God! We are so blessed to be eternally cherished by a good and wise God. May we heartily praise God this Thanksgiving holiday. And, may God’s peace flow, from person to person, from table to table, around the world. Amen.

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

(wb) Rev. Will Burhans. “Sent Out” is written and performed by Rev. Will Burhans, from his album “Weight of Grace” ℗ 2006.  His music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms or CD’s purchased from www.cdbaby.com. Music used with permission. (Thank you, Will!)

Revisiting Thanksgiving – some resources:

*The Washington Post: “This tribe helped the Pilgrims survive for their first Thanksgiving. They still regret it 400 years later.” 11/04/2021. https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/11/04/thanksgiving-anniversary-wampanoag-indians-pilgrims/

*Shuumi Land Tax. https://sogoreate-landtrust.org/

*“The First Thanksgiving”: https://inthebiglove.com/2020/11/12/first-thanksgiving-revisited-deuteronomy-261-11-worship-service-for-in-home-or-remote-groups/

*NCNC UCC folks, look for my article in NCNC News which will post Weds 11/24/2021 this week.

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceeded territory of the Lisjan-Chochenyo Ohlone People, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: November 16, 2021.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

Children’s Sabbath worship resources: CDF (c) 2021

Worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021

BCCC Worship Schedule

In-person worship services: 11am 1^st and 2^nd Sundays; ZOOM worship services: 2pm 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th (if there is one) Sundays; 3pm check-in

We Gather

“Show me where love and hope and faith are needed, and use me to bring them to those places. And so open my eyes and my ears that I may this coming day be able to do some work of peace for thee.” – Alan Paton, 20^thc South African anti-apartheid activist

Prelude “Morning Dove” (Everett, piano)

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome! No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey – everyone is welcome here! Greetings from Huichin Village/Berkeley, ancestral land of the Lisjan-Ohlone, our neighbors.

Invocation (David, liturgist)

Come, O Creator, O Immensity of Love, O Eternity of Mercy. Come, and be with us and in us and beside us and over us. Be as hands upon us, and fashion us for shining. Be as warmth within us, and fire us for caring. Be as strength beside us, and shape our lives for healing. Abide in our prayers, the spoken and the unspoken; and make Your Word come true in our flesh; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. (ak/cdf2021, slightly adapted)

Lighting the Christ Candle (David, liturgist)

Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (pastor)

Welcome Music “Like a Child” (during lighting of altar candles) (Vicky, piano)

Passing the Peace (all)

Offer joyful gestures and words of peace to one another: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

Special Music (Mark, guitar)

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Assurance of Grace (pastor)

On this Sunday, as we observe Children’s Sabbath, we take great comfort in knowing that every day is Children’s Sabbath for God. Every day, throughout time, God’s affectionate concern both embraces each living child and speaks to each living adult showing us how to better care for all our children. Let us rest in these blessed assurances. God is good. Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: Psalm 31:1-8 (translation: Common English Bible) (David, liturgist)

Liturgist, invite us to consider the children who may be praying these very words to God today as we listen to this scripture reading. Thank you!

I take refuge in You, Lord. Please never let me be put to shame. Rescue me by Your righteousness! Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me!

You are definitely my rock and my fortress. Guide me and lead me for the sake of Your good name! Get me out of this net that’s been set for me because You are my protective fortress. I entrust my spirit into Your hands; You, Lord, God of faithfulness— You have saved me.

I hate those who embrace what is completely worthless. I myself trust the Lord. I rejoice and celebrate in Your faithful love because You saw my suffering— You were intimately acquainted with my deep distress. You didn’t hand me over to the enemy, but set my feet in wide-open spaces.

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “What Are the Children Praying?” (pastor; live sermon)

Special Music “A Moment in Time” (Everett, piano)

We Pray

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

O Renewer of Society, Holy and Righteous God, You create us in Your image. Grant us the grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression. Help us to use our freedom to bring justice among our people and nations, to the glory of Your name; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (lbw/cdf2021, slightly adapted)

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

Special Music “Moonlight Garden” (Everett, piano)

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (Vicky, piano)

Let us collectively offer praise to God by silently or softly singing. Please use the donation basket or mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

Announcements (pastor)

Invitation to Change Location

Invite folks to gather outside; pick up individual communion elements. Please extinguish all candles before exiting the building.

We Celebrate Holy Communion

After everyone is situated outside and has individually wrapped bread and juice.

Invitation (pastor)

Today we are exceedingly blessed to be assembled together for the first in-person celebration of Holy Communion with our children since March 2020. Hallelujah! This table is open to everyone! Everyone! Hallelujah! If you freely desire to receive these gifts from God, you are welcome here!

Gathering Souls

Let us speak the names of those persons, living or dead, who are not physically present but with us in spirit. (speak their names)

Words of Institution, Prayer of Consecration, Sharing the Elements

We praise God for sending us The Beloved Child, Jesus Christ. Born a baby nurtured by his family, protected by strangers, instructed in the temple, surrounded by his community, and guided by his parents – Jesus became an adult who loved and blessed children, who cared for those who are sick, poor, and left out, who taught that God loves us like a parent, and who loved his disciples as friends. As an infant, Baby Jesus needed us. When Savior Jesus died, we needed him to triumphant over evil that all might live as God’s Beloved Children.

On the night before Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, Jesus was at the table with his friends. He took the bread (lift), gave thanks (pray), broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. As you do this, remember me.”

As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine (lift), gave thanks (pray), and gave it to them, saying: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, remember me.”

Beloved Children of God – of all ages – We are gathered at God’s Table, standing in the presence of The Eternal Christ – The One who comes in love, lives in love, and dies in love; The One who was, and is, and is to come.

Let us pray:

Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon these holy gifts of bread and wine, and all who are present. May this meal strengthen us to welcome all children, to show Your love, to work for Your justice, to bring Your peace. Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to You be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen. (ep/CDF2021, Communion liturgy heavily edited and adapted)

(all eat and drink)

Prayer of Thanksgiving (pastor)

Filled with Divine Presence in community, reformed through blessed ritual, we lift up thanksgiving for God’s Living Spirit: a force that beheld us before we were born, a force that holds us every moment of our breathing hours, a force that befriends us throughout eternity. Amen.

Benediction (pastor)

May the God who dances in creation, who embraces us with human love, who shakes our lives like thunder, bless us and drive us out with power to fill the world with Her justice. Amen. (jb/dcf2021)

Sung Benediction “On Eagle’s Wings – Refrain” (acapella; sing 2xs) Written by Father Michael Joncas; Chalice Hymnal #77 )

And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of My hand.

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

(CS2021) Children’s Sabbath Celebration 2021, materials published online by the Children’s Defense Fund: https://www.childrensdefense.org/childrens-sabbath-celebration/

(ak/cdf2021) Arnold Kenseth in the United Church of Christ’s The New Century Hymnal

(ep/CDF2021) Eucharistic Prayer for the Children’s Sabbath (Episcopal Rubric)

(jb/dcf2021) Janet Morley, in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Chalice Hymnal

(lbw/cdf2021, slightly adapted) Lutheran Book of Worship

Sermon Resource: CDF’s 2021 State of America’s Children Reports:  https://www.childrensdefense.org/state-of-americas-children/

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceeded territory of the Lisjan-Chochenyo Ohlone People, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: November 12, 2021.

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”

worship format and original content: Rev. Kathryn M. Schreiber (c) 2021

BCCC Worship Schedule

In-person worship services: 11am 1^st and 2^nd Sundays; ZOOM worship services: 2pm 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th (if there is one) Sundays; 3pm check-in

We Gather

“No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging. Since love is Lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?” – refrain from “My Life Flows On” hymn written by Robert Lowry, 1869.

Welcome and Acknowledgements (pastor)

Welcome! No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey – everyone is welcome here! Greetings from Huichin Village/Berkeley, ancestral land of the Lisjan-Ohlone people.

Invocation (pastor)

We enter his hallowed, blessed place filled with gratitude for those who have gone before us. We settle into this beloved sanctuary filled with appreciation for those who are here with us. We soak in thanksgiving for divine faithfulness as we await God’s presence among us. Amen.

Lighting the Christ Candle & Welcoming Those Not Physically Present (pastor)

Passing the Peace (all)

Offer joyful gestures and words of peace to one another: “Peace be with You.”

We Rest in God’s Grace

Special Music

Prayer and Silence (pastor)

Let us shift into silence in God’s presence with this simple prayer based on Psalm 46:10.

Be still and know that I am God. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know that I am. (Breathe slowly)

Be still and know. (Breathe slowly)

Be still. (Breathe slowly)

Be. (Breathe slowly)

(Breathe in silence) Amen.

Prayer for Assurance (pastor)

Here we are, O God, just as we are. Regardless of our station in life, regardless of poor health or good fortune, regardless of dreams fulfilled, forgotten, or crushed – we are here. Grant unto us a most valuable asset – an attitude of gratitude. May the golden blessing of Your transforming grace soften our hardened hearts. May our souls bloom with genuine thanksgiving, sending out ripples of goodwill everywhere. Amen.

We Listen

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44 (NRSV)

As Jesus taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

May God add a blessing to the reading and reflecting upon God’s Holy Word. Amen.

Sermon “Genuine Gratitude” (pastor; live sermon in person)

Special Music

We Pray

Prayer Requests (all)

Pastoral Prayer (pastor)

Ever-Present One, You witness the entirety of our lives. You know when we are loud and proud; when we are quiet and selflessly humble. Tame the parts of us that try to perform to please an audience. Enflame the parts of us that ache to serve You at the expense of public opinion. Keep on calling us, Holy One, to sacred authenticity. Surprise us with humanity’s innate goodness and compassion, found within and among each one of us. Amen.

Prayers of the People, Private Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer (pastor)

We Give

Offering of Praise “Doxology” (all; acapella)

Please mail your donations to the church or directly to Treasurer Diane Huie.

We Continue in Hope

Announcements (pastor)

Special Music

Benediction (pastor)

May we be inspired by the woman Jesus acknowledged for her generosity to give boldly, giving all we have for the service of God. And, may such giving truly fill us with deep peace and a passion for the well-being of all beings. Amen.

The service is concluded.

Worship Resources:

(kms) All content prepared and written by Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber, unless attributed to another source.

(NRSV) Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sermon Resource: The Jewish concept of “Tzedakah” — levels of charitable giving based on the attitude and actions of the giver.

Residency Acknowledgement: This content was written in Huichin Village, unceeded territory of the Lisjan-Chochenyo Ohlone People, where I dwell and serve as a local church pastor. Please support indigenous rematriation efforts, the #LandBack movement, and give to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust Soghttps://sogoreate-landtrust.org/ and other non-profits that reform, balance, and heal relationships with our indigenous hosts. Thank you!

Copyright Note: Copyright laws changed in December 2020 when Congress passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act). Please check with your legal counsel as to the appropriate use of licensed materials, especially print and recorded music when sharing content online. Please observe ethical use of resources and follow the publishing requirements of any broadcasting or publishing platforms you use. Protect the rights of content creators. Thank you!

Online Publishing Date: November 2, 2021. Happy All Souls Day!

Permission: Permission is not granted to share or distribute this resource beyond your community without additional permission from the author. Please attribute source and observe ethical use of all resources. Follow your platforms’ publishing requirements for all created content especially if publishing online or broadcasting. Thank you!

Donation: Due to the current coronavirus pandemic this content is offered free. If you’d like to support the congregation I serve as pastor – Berkeley Chinese Community Church – we’d be most grateful for your support. Please send checks to: BCCC UCC, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Attn: Diane Huie, Treasurer. Thank you!

For Online Content: Please see Facebook pages: “Berkeley Chinese Community Church” and “Living Liturgies”; as well as my website: www.inthebiglove.com and YouTube channel: “Kathryn Schreiber”