CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
June 14, 2026 – 11:00 a.m.
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Preparation for worship
“The fruits of life can only grow when your roots are implanted well. Being grounded is the key to being fruitful.” – Dr Prem Jagyasi
The Rev. Candace Thomas, Pastor
Jay Harragin, Director of Music
Graham Bryan, Church Moderator/ Musician
Joan Chandler, Liturgist
Fay Gordon, Usher
Kevin Salas, Audio/ Visual Technical director
14920 Southwest 67th Avenue, Palmetto Bay, Florida 33158
www.christcongregationalucc.org
office@christcongregationalucc.org | 305.235.9381
*Indicates please stand if comfortably able
GATHERING MUSIC AT 10:45
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
*LIGHTING OF THE PEACE CANDLE
Leader: The Light shines in the Darkness
All: And the darkness cannot put out the light!
*WORLD PEACE PRAYER (Unison)
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth,
Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace.
Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe. Amen.
* CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)(Inspired by Psalm 116)
One: We call on the Holy One as long as we live! What shall we return to the Holy One for God’s bounty to us?
Many: With love and laughter, we praise the Holy One!
One: What shall we return to the Holy One for God’s bounty to us?
Many: Lifting the cup of salvation and offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving, we praise the Holy One!
One: What shall we return to the Holy One for God’s bounty to us?
Many: With the fruit of our worship and the fruit of our lives, we praise the Holy One!
*HYMN “Enter, Rejoice, and Come In ” (No. 73 , NCH)
Verse 1
Enter, rejoice, and come in. Enter, rejoice, and come in. Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in.
Verse 2
Open yourself to the song. Open yourself to the song. Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in.
Verse 3
Open your hearts everyone. Open your hearts everyone. Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in.
Verse 4
Don’t be afraid of some change. Don’t be afraid of some change. Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in.
Verse 5
Enter, rejoice, and come in. Enter, rejoice, and come in. Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION (Unison)
God who calls us, we are here, here to serve, and here to worship. We are here to sing and to pray, to let the word resound in us and the community to envelop us. We are here, O God, to know you and be known by you. We enter with thanksgiving and praise. We enter in safety of love and hope of peace. Holy One, we respond to your call. We are here. Amen.
THE COMMANDMENT OF JESUS (John 15:5, 12)
I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Genesis 18: 1-15 NRSV
The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them and bowed down to the ground. He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared and set it before them, and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I be fruitful?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “Yes, you did laugh.”
SPECIAL MUSIC “Promises” Maverick City Music
Intro
Faithful through the ages
Verse 1
God of Abraham
You’re the God of covenant
And of faithful promises
Time and time again
You have proven
You’ll do just what You said
Pre-Chorus
Though the storms may come and the winds may blow
I’ll remain steadfast
And let my heart learn when You speak a word
It will come to pass
Chorus
Great is Your faithfulness to me
Great is Your faithfulness to me
From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name
Great is Your faithfulness to me
Verse 2
God from age to age
Though the earth may pass away
Your word remains the same, yea-eah
Your history can prove
There’s nothing You can’t do
You’re faithful and true
Pre-Chorus
Though the storms may come and the winds may blow
I’ll remain steadfast
And let my heart learn, when You speak a word
It will come to pass
Chorus
Great is Your faithfulness to me
Great is Your faithfulness to me
From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name
Great is Your faithfulness to me
Bridge
I put my faith in Jesus
My anchor to the ground
My hope and firm foundation
He’ll never let me down
I put my faith in Jesus
My anchor to the ground
My hope and firm foundation (My hope and firm foundation)
He’ll never let me down (He’ll never let me down)
I put my trust in Jesus
My anchor to the ground
My hope and firm foundation (My hope and firm foundation)
He’ll never let me down (He’ll never let me down, never let me down)
I put my faith in Jesus (I put my faith in Jesus)
My anchor to the ground (My anchor to the ground)
My hope and firm foundation (He’s my hope, my only hope, my only hope)
He’ll never let me down (He’ll never let me down)
He’ll never let me down
Chorus
Great is Your faithfulness to me
Great is Your faithfulness to me
From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name
In every season, great is Your faithfulness to me
Bridge
I put my faith in Jesus
My anchor to the ground
My hope and firm foundation (He’s my hope)
He’ll never let me down (And He’ll never let me down)
I put my faith in Jesus (I put my faith)
My anchor to the ground (My anchor)
My hope and firm foundation (He’s my hope)
He’ll never let me down (Never let me down)
I put my faith in Jesus
My anchor to the ground (My anchor to the ground)
My hope and firm foundation (My hope and)
He’ll never let me down (Never let me down, never let me)
I put my faith in Jesus (I put my faith in Jesus)
My anchor to the ground (My anchor to the ground)
My hope and firm foundation (He’s my hope and firm foundation)
He’ll never let me down (He’ll never let me down)
He’ll never let me down (He’ll never let me down)
Chorus
Great is Your faithfulness to me
In every season, great is Your faithfulness to me
From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name
From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name
From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
LITANY OF LAUGHTER (Responsive)
One: When you told us to leave our old lives behind, to set out on a path you would show us and we put our trust in you,
Many: We laughed in our fear. We thought we might get lost.
One: When you told us we were special that you had chosen to bless us and lead us, and bless the world through us,
Many: We laughed in our astonishment. We thought we were too ordinary.
One: When you told us you would make us fruitful, that through us you would create blessings numerous as the stars,
Many: We laughed in our doubt. We thought we were barren.
One: But when the promise was fulfilled, and we held in our arms evidence of your love, the power of your faithfulness,
Many: We laughed in our joy, out loud!
One: We laughed because it filled us out, and poured out our souls—
ALL: And because we heard you laughing as well!
SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYER SONG “Spirit of the Living God” Verse 1 (No. 283, NCH)
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
TIME OF SILENT MEDITATION
(You are invited to open your heart to the movement of the Holy Spirit.)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE PRAYER OF JESUS (Unison)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO GENEROSITY– Pastor Candy
What shall we return to the Holy One for God’s bounty to us? God calls us to live fruitful and faithful lives that witness to and spread the good news of the kingdom in the world. God provides for our needs abundantly so that all may flourish. May we use the bounty that we receive as gifts to share rather than as resources to hoard. Let generosity, trust, and hope guide us to support the ministry of this faith community and the wider church.
MUSICAL OFFERING “Miracles” Jesus Culture
Verse 1
The One who made the blind to see
Is moving here in front of me
Moving here in front of me
The One who made the deaf to hear
Is silencing my every fear
Silencing my every fear
Chorus
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
Verse 2
The One who does impossible
Is reaching out to make me whole
Reaching out to make me whole
The One who put death in its place
His life is flowing through my veins
His life is flowing through my veins
Chorus
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
Bridge
The God who was and is to come
The power of the Risen One
The God who brings the dead to life
You’re the God of miracles!
You’re the God of miracles!
The God who was and is to come
The power of the Risen One
The God who brings the dead to life
You’re the God of miracles!
You’re the God of miracles!
Chorus
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
Bridge
The God who was and is to come
The power of the Risen One
The God who brings the dead to life
You’re the God of miracles!
You’re the God of miracles!
The God who was and is to come
The power of the Risen One
The God who brings the dead to life
You’re the God of miracles!
You’re the God of miracles!
Chorus
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
Outro
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
I believe in You, I believe in You
You’re the God of miracles
PRAYER OF DEDICATION AND THANKSGIVING (Unison)
Faithful God, thank you for the gifts we receive and that we give. Bless them so that needs will be met, your beloved will experience communal embrace, and you will be honored and glorified. Amen.
*CONTEMPORARY HYMN “Universal Song” Brian Syrchio
Christ is among us and within us
Christ is beyond us and beside
The Universal Love, pulsing through all of us
Present in all things
Chorus
There is a Universal Song
And all Creation sings along
Everyone and everything… belongs
There is no inside and no outside
Spirit of Christ moves through us all
10 thousand different ways, to feel the touch of Grace
Reaching everyone
Chorus
The Light of God revealed in Jesus
Longs to shine brightly in us all
All matter radiates, blossoming perfect praise
Find your voice and sing
Chorus
MESSAGE “Keep on Laughing”
*HYMN “Take My Life, God, Let It Be” (No. 448, NCH)
Verse 1
Take my life, God, let it be consecrated faithfully. Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Verse 2
Take my spirit, let it move at the impulse of your love. Take my intellect and use all its powers as you choose.
Verse 3
Take my will; your will be done! Make your will and mine be one. Take my heart, and by your grace, make of it your dwelling place.
Verse 4
Take my love and help it grow; let my loving overflow. Take me now, and help me be part of Christ’s community.
COMMISSION- Pastor Candy
May laughter and love fill your heart
And joy and peace flow like a mighty river from you
As you share the glory of God in hope and peace
Boasting in the goodness of God
And delighting in the wonders of God
As you work the harvest of the kingdom
Go, and be fruitful in the power of God
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE
Welcome to Everyone!
Whoever or whatever brought you to our Sanctuary or our Facebook or YouTube on-line worship service this morning, we believe that the Spirit of God had a hand in you joining us. We hope that you feel the Holy Spirit in our service of prayer and praise.
At Christ Congregational Church we strive to love one another as God has loved us and welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. Therefore, we are an Open and Affirming church, loving, and welcoming all people in all of God’s variety, including racial, ethnic, and economic diversity, gender diversity and expression, sexual orientation, and physical and mental abilities.
Shall I Be Fruitful?: Service Prayers for the Third Sunday after Pentecost Year A was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.
JOYS AND CONCERNS Do you have joys or concerns you would like lifted in worship? Please call or text Pastor Candy at 925.640.9289 or email her at cccpastor@att.net by 10 am Sunday morning.
For Pastoral Care Needs, please call Pastor Candy at 925-640-9289 or you may call and leave a message with the Church Office, 305-235-9381.
ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT CCC? About the United Church of Christ? Pastor Candy would be happy to meet with you to talk about our Christian faith, your spiritual journey, and to discuss what church membership means. Please let her know if you’re interested!
REMEMBERED IN OUR CONTINUING PRAYERS
Ariel Ward, the Ground Family, the family of John Burger, Everlyn Baker, Janet Smith, The Joseph Family and The Brown Family.
To keep our prayer list current please let Tracy Williams, Administrative Assistant at <office @christcongregationalucc.org> or Pastor Candy at <cccpastor@att.net> know if you’d like a name included on our Prayer List. It is a blessing to remember that others are praying for us and a blessing to pray for others.
ONLINE GIVING: We invite you to use our online giving option as a quick, simple, and secure method to make your pledges and any ancillary contributions. Clicking on the “Give Online Today” button at the bottom of our weekly newsletter or by going to our website at https://christcongregationalucc.org and clicking “Online giving.” You will be redirected to the secured Moon Clerk site which will allow you to enter your credit card information.
We rejoice that Alexa, Carlos, and Olivia Gonzalez will be received into membership today. Please welcome them after worship!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 14 to June 21, 2026
| Today | 11:00 am | Worship in the Sanctuary, also on Facebook Live & YouTube. |
| Wed.
Jun. 17 |
6:30 pm | Chair Yoga in Kelsey Hall |
| Fri.
Jun. 19 |
Juneteenth Holiday
Office Closed |
|
| Sun.
Jun. 21 |
11:00 am | Father’s Day
Worship in the Sanctuary, also on Facebook Live & YouTube. |
***Elections are fast approaching, if you would like to check your voter registration, please see Bianca on Sunday’s after worship. If you would like to check on your own please visit www.RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov
