+Palm Sunday+

March 20, 10:25 AM

Join us for all the services of Holy Week as we reflect and celebrate the last week in the earthly life of our Lord. On Palm Sunday we will experience the exhilaration of traveling down those Jerusalem roads shouting with the crowds, “Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.”

+Maundy Thursday Worship+

March 24, 6:00 PM

On Maundy Thursday join us as travel down the road to the cross and participate in a ceremonial dinner that is called the feast of unleavened bread or the Seder. The various aspects of this meal will communicate biblical stories and biblical truths using all five senses of the participants. We won’t just hear the Word spoken, we will see, smell, taste, and feel the Word. We won’t just inform our children, we will involve our children. This is a dinner and a story. The story is about God’s redemptive plan being carried out in history.

+Good Friday “Tenebrae +

March 25, 7:30 PM

The Good Friday drama will be revealed through monologues of biblical characters who say Jesus on the way to the cross, and with scriptures, prayers, hymns and music by the senior choir as the lights are gradually dimmed. This service of “Tenebrae” or darkness,” is based on a 12^th century late night service and is a meditation on the passion of Christ.

+Easter Sunday Morning+

March 27

9:30 AM, an Easter Celebration for the whole church family (Gather in Fellowship Hall). Add fresh flowers to the cross, make Easter crafts, hear the story of Easter morning.

10:20 AM Join in the celebration of the wondrous love of the resurrected Christ. He is not here; He has risen! Alleluia!”

WORSHIP FOR MARCH 2005

March 6 10:25 AM 4^th Sunday in Lent

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (“come forward”)

Meditation: Rev. Dr. Waters, preaching

Scriptures: I Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, John 9:1-41

March 13 10:25 AM 5^th Sunday in Lent

Choral Service: “Requiem” by John Rutter, with Psalms 23, 130

Senior Choir, with harp, cello, oboe, flute, timpani and organ

Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 11:1-45

Rev. Dr. Waters, worship leader

March 20 10:25 AM Palm/Passion Sunday

Sermon: "Watch out for Falling Palms” Rev. Dr. Waters, preaching

Scriptures: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Matthew 21:1-11

Procession of Palms

March 24 6:00 PM Maundy Thursday (Fellowship Hall)

Seder Dinner & Worship with Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Scriptures: Psalm 116 and Luke 22:15

“Jesus said to them, I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you.”

March 24 – 25 (Thursday – Friday) Prayer Vigil (sanctuary)

The sanctuary will be open for prayer and meditation. The self-guided “Journey of the Cross” is marked by Holy Week symbols, with poems, reflections, music. Sign up for individual or family times on the hallway chart.

March 25 7:30 PM Good Friday “Tenebrae” Service of Shadows

Scriptures: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; John 18:1-19:42

The Good Friday drama will be revealed through scriptures, prayers and hymns and music by the Senior Choir and soloists.

March 27 Easter Sunday – Festival of the Resurrection

9:30 AM An Easter Celebration for the whole church family in Fellowship Hall, storytelling, crafts, breaking the chain

10:20 AM Worship – Musical Gathering with brass, organ, handbells

Sermon: “A Go Ahead God” Rev. Dr. Waters, preaching

Scriptures: Psalm 118:1-2; 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18
Dedication of One Great Hour of Sharing offering

Pastoral Care: Rev. Waters, works with our Congregational Care Committee and can be reached through the church office (637-3186), elders of the month, or at home.

Elders of the Month for March: Barbara McKean and Kathy Bohnsack .

Purpose of Elders of the Month: For members with a crisis, emergency situation, a particular concern or need for care, the elders of the month are available to assist the pastor, when a pastor is unavailable, or when the church office is closed.

Procedure for calling: please call the church office weekdays between 9 AM – 3 PM, otherwise call either the elders of the month or the pastor

ADULT STUDIES

Coffee Fellowship at 9 AM

9:00-10:15 (Beard Lounge) Adult Forum: The weeks of Lent are a time of Introspection both for individuals and for the church as a body, a period in which we ask ourselves if we are as engaged as we should be in the tasks of God’s world. We welcome you to read about and then join one or more of the truly outstanding presentations Adult Forum will bring to everyone during the month of March.

March 06: Jeanette Helen Powell will bring us information about Women Transcending Borders, a group formed after 9/11. The women come from different faith backgrounds; they discuss and take action on a variety of issues from their faith perspectives’. Blessed are the peacemakers…

March 13: One of the really tough questions in any church is what happens when we, or someone we know, face the loss of someone dear. In recent weeks, death has come to some members of United Church. Dave Pasinski, Hospice chaplain and a former Catholic priest, will share with us how Hospice helps those who are experiencing or have experienced loss. Martin Borg reminds us that none of us gets out of here alive but in a more global sense, losses of other kinds can profoundly affect us as well. Dave’s background will allow us to talk about ways that will help us face, and learn from, the difficult times in life each of us will confront. Blessed are those who mourn…

March 20: Palm Sunday brings Jim Watts, always a favorite presenter, back to Adult Forum. Jim’s subject will be Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the ethical decisions he made based in part on the Sermon on the Mount. The beginning of Holy week is an ideal time to reflect on what it means to be a Christian during terrible times and in one man’s remarkable story, the ultimate cost of discipleship. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…

March 27: Easter Sunday. No Adult Forum on this most special of Sundays.

9:00-10:15 (Women’s Lounge) Adult Bible Class Fred Davey continues as lead teacher during the second semester as the Bible Class continues its study of “Selections from the Book of Acts”. Come and be welcomed; perhaps this is your very best way to prepare for Easter.

9:15-10:15 (Downstairs in the Sunday School) Parent Group Continuing this year is an informal group for parents that features conversations about the joys and challenges of raising children, held during Children’s Sunday School times. Come and bring your ideas for making Easter non-commercial and stress free for the whole family.

SEE SOMETHING THAT A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR MIGHT ENJOY? INVITE THEM ALONG, IT’S A TERRIFIC WAY TO INTRODUCE THEM TO UNITED CHURCH AND HELP MAKE THEIR LENT ONE TO REMEMBER….

Wisdom from Grandpa

submitted by Scott & Gloria Manuel

Too many couples marry for better, or for worse, but not for good.

On anniversaries, the wise husband always forgets the past – but never the present.

Many girls like to marry a military man–he can cook, sew, and make beds and is in good health and he’s used to taking orders.

If a man has enough horse sense to treat his wife like a thoroughbred, she will never turn into an old nag.

Worship, Music & Spiritual Life

Lenten Suppers ~ "Soup and Sharing" Join us each Wednesday in Lent through March 16^th, at 5:45 PM our annual Lenten Soup & Sharing Fellowship evenings. Church committees are coordinating the suppers with Kathy Bohnsack, Worship & Spiritual Life Committee chairperson. Anyone can sign up to help by bringing the food items noted on the chart in the hallway for the date of your choice. New Vision Reflection Groups meet after supper.

David Kim in Concert

Fri., Mar. 11, 7:30 PM

Join us for a concert of classics - Bach, Brahms, and Mendelssohn, by our own concert pianist David Kim. David is a graduate music student at Yale University; he recently returned from a year in Hanover, Germany as a Fulbright scholar. David grew up in this church and was an active part of our musical programs, and is offering this concert to benefit music ministries at UCF. Tickets available after worship or at the door. Suggested donation: $10, students under 18 free. We hope you will share our excitement, spread the word about the concert and then attend this recital by an accomplished young musician.

Choral Musical offering...March 13^th

Our Senior Choir will offer John Rutter’s “Requiem” in worship on March 13^th. Guest artists will join the choir, including soprano soloist, and instrumentalists playing harp, cello, oboe, flute, timpani and glockenspiel.

Composers throughout the centuries have written profound pieces of music utilizing the Requiem Mass. Rutter’s Requiem , written in 1985 in memory of his father, includes words from Psalms 23 and 130, and the English Book of Common Prayer.

The worship service will include readings from Ezekiel 37 (Can these bones live?...I will put my spirit within you and you shall live....”) and the gospel reading from John 11, about Jesus consoling Mary and Martha and the raising of their brother Lazarus.

Thank you An anonymous gift of $200 was recently received for music ministries. Thank you very much for your generous contribution! (Alice Hatt)

A Journey Into World Prayer

“For some of us, praying for the world comes as naturally as breathing. Others of us grew up far more used to analyzing world events, or worrying about them, or ignoring them completely. But to share God’s work in the world means to also share His prayers for the world. Whether you are new to this kind or prayer, or are hoping to deepen your world prayers, we invite you to join us on this Journey into World Prayer. Like all good journeys of discovery, the steps are intended to take slowly, trying each one for a few weeks or a few days, listening closely for the joy of God praying within you as you go through the journey. (Reprinted by permission from “World in Prayer,” a ministry of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California)

1. Observe Start by knowing yourself: Which news do you notice? Local, national, international...? What issues tug at your heart? What makes you angry, or leaves you feeling powerless or afraid? When do you want to ignore the news completely? How do you pray?

2. Victims Pray for the disasters of the world: the victims of floods, volcanoes, earthquakes, airplane crashes, epidemics, crime waves. Countries devastated by war. Those who died, those left homeless or hungry or without those they love. Pray for safety and peace.

3. Enemies Jesus commanded us to love our enemies. But how can we love them, if we don't even pray for them? Pray for tyrants, dictators and oppressors; abusers, criminals, the careless and the depraved. Pray for those we despise. Trust God to love them, too, with all His heart.

4. Heroes In every catastrophe there are those who stand out as heroes and rescuers. But there are also millions of unsung heroes. Plus those who never get involved in violence or crimes, and ones who hear the news and renew their commitment to oppose all that is hurtful or degrading. Give thanks and rejoice!

5. Grace After the Holocaust in Nazi Germany, this was found on a scrap of paper: "...O Lord...remember the fruits we have bought thanks to this suffering--our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart..." In the midst of disaster, look for God's grace.

+GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER VIGIL March 24-25+

On the day of his betrayal, Jesus asked his disciples to keep watch with him while he prayed (Matt. 26:36-46) The annual Prayer Vigil at United Church has become a meaningful tradition for many. Some use the booklet developed by our Worship & Spiritual Life Committee, called the "Journey of the Cross." Others enjoy the silence for their own prayer time, listen to music, or use the resources provided. Youth groups, parents and children, husbands and wives, friends, individuals, all have a variety of experiences and have found meaning in this special time. Please sign up (hallway chart) for your time in the sanctuary (alone or with family & friends).

Comments about the Prayer Vigil....

“I look forward to my time at the prayer vigil. Because I am usually not able to get to other Holy Week events, It is the one hour of worship and meaningful quiet time alone where I can think about what Christ's sacrifice was for and what it means for me in my day to day living and relationships.” - Gail Sandle

“The prayer vigil is a valuable time for my family. To have the church to ourselves gives us the opportunity to feel the presence of God in our place of worship, individually, and as a family together. It also provides an opportunity to teach the kids about he meaning of Easter. It is different from a Sunday worship service because there are no distractions, and no rules. Each of us can feel how we feel and worship , pray, walk around, or reflect without being self-conscious. It is a very personal worship time . I enjoy the quiet and the time to connect with the meaning of the season.” - Janet Press

“The Prayer Vigil has been a very special time for me. Since my children have been grown, I have signed up for middle of the night time slots. I have slowly done the stations of the cross and then knelt at the cross and prayed for the rest of the time. This prayer time has been some of the deepest time I have ever experienced in prayer. I have just so strongly felt God's presence there with me, all alone, in the middle of the night.” Joanne Birge

I was thinking along the lines of singing to your heart's content with the sanctuary all to yourself. Also, it's a great thing to do with a seeker. But I think I prefer doing it all alone -- at least once. - Scott Manuel

What’s Going Down Up

In The Attic????

I need to start off this month’s news letter sending out special congratulations to Christopher Baxter, Sam Harrison and Dan Blumenthal for an incredible presentation of the Musical “Crazy For You” at the F-M high school this past weekend. All I can say is WOW. Chris was the leading man in the production and was simply amazing. Dan and Sam were in the orchestra. It was just an all around wonderful performance.

Mission Trip Dinner

March 6^th at 5:00 PM

Don’t Miss it!!!

We currently have 13 youth signed up for this summer’s mission trip to Butler PA. We will once again be working with REACH ministries to rehab houses in a community that has great need. Please come on Sunday, March 6^th to show your support for our youth in action, also to let us say thank-you for all of your past support. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from the youth about their experiences last year. As well as, the opportunity to ask any questions that you can think of. You might even laugh a little as the youth entertain you. This will be an evening you will not want to miss!

Over the next couple month’s there should be a bunch of work going on in the youth room upstairs. It is our hope that soon you will be able to stop by and visit; you might not even recognize the place. There are plans for lots of new paint, some drapes, a new carpet, and who knows what else we might do. If you want to pitch in and help, talk to Kim Cherry.

At this time we are in need of an additional male adult leader to go on our 2005 Mission Trip, July 24-30. If you think this is something that God is calling you to do, please chat with one of the youth committee. We would LOVE to have you along!!

As Always, thank you for your continued support of youth program.

Andrew Carlsen

Director of Youth Ministries

Prayer

Submitted by Shirley DeHority

May God bless you with restless discomfort about easy answers, halt-truths and superficial relationships so that you may seek truth boldly and live from the depth of your heart;

May God bless you with holy anger at inequity, oppression and exploitation, so that you may work tirelessly for justice, freedom and peace among all people;

May God bless you with tears to shed with those who suffer pain, disease, rejection, starvation of the body, starvation of the soul, or the loss of all they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their suffering into you; and

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can really make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

Let it be so; Amen.

Adapted by Dee Wade, Pastor at Anchorage Presbyterian Church

What’s Up from Down Under

Sharing and Caring by the Young People

Of United Church

Mark these new events on your calendars!

Mar. 6 5:00 p.m. Youth Mission Trip Dinner -

6th & 7th graders help serve - Kids welcome!

Mar. 13 5:00 p.m., Dennis Dewey - Biblical Storyteller, Immaculate Conception Church

Mar. 20 Palm Sunday

Mar. 24 6:00 Maundy Thursday Seder Meal and Service

Mar. 25 7:30 p.m. Good Friday Service and Prayer Vigil

Mar. 27 9:30 a.m. Easter Morning Celebration

10:30 a.m. Easter Service

he Valentine Caroling was a wonderful experience for everyone! On Sunday, February 13th, UCF children left after the Children's Moment in the service to visit Bien Mercado and Avis Clintsman and spread a little love! Our large group of children was warmly received at each house, where the happy bunch squeezed in and serenaded each special friend. Hand-made valentines were delivered as a final, noisy chorus of "Happy Valentines Day" rang out! The remainder of the valentines, carrying words of love and caring, were mailed to our college students and other special recipients by Lynn Scharbach or delivered to other shut-ins by Barb McKean and the Congregational Care crew. Special thanks to drivers Sue Boland, Mike Olmsted and Jim Spencer!

MISSION TRIP DINNER Sunday, March 6, 5:00 P.M., Fellowship Hall

Come on down and join the crowd for a fantastic evening as our youth, assisted by the world's most enthusiastic sixth and seventh graders, joyfully serve up generous portions of food, laughter and fun for everyone at the 2005 Mission Trip fundraiser! Hear about last year's mission trip and about all the plans for the upcoming Mission Trip 2005. This is a fantastic opportunity all our younger, up and coming "missionaries" to see all that their big brothers and sisters in Christ are up to and plant the seed in them for their own service in the future. Let's support our youth 100% as they take their faith into the greater community and grow in service to the Lord!! See you there!!!!!

BIBLICAL STORYTELLING Sunday, March 13, 5 p.m. Come one and all for an engaging evening with international biblical storyteller, Dennis Dewey. He will perform a dramatic reading of the Gospel of Mark at Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville. This program is intended for youth, their families and all other interested persons.

Holy Week for UCF Families

Palm Sunday March 20 Grab a palm and shout "Hosanna" as we begin our journey through Holy Week with the Palm Sunday service, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. Children's choirs and Sunday School will follow their usual schedule starting at 9:00 a.m.

Maundy Thursday March 24 The Maundy Thursday worship service will begin at 6:00 p.m with a Seder Meal. The service will be child friendly and families and young children are very welcome to come and experience worship around the same Passover meal that was a such a meaningful part of Jesus' life and is such an important part of our Christian history.

Good Friday Prayer Vigil & Service March 24 and 25 Families are encouraged to sign up to participate in the Good Friday prayer vigil. Available times for the vigil will begin after the March 24 Maundy Thursday service and continue until March 25 at 7 p.m. on Good Friday. Introduce your child to the quiet of the sanctuary and its stations for meditation. Experience this wonderful opportunity for your family to grow together in the faithful discipline of prayer. The Good Friday service will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Please join us for a

Special Easter Morning Celebration

March 27 The entire church family is invited to drop by the Fellowship Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m. and add a fresh flower to the cross as we decorate it in celebration of Christ's Easter triumph. Join in Easter morning activities for all ages as we joyfully prepare for the Easter service. Refreshments will be served.

Change of Date: Biblemania has been rescheduled to Fri., May 20 - Sat., May 21 due to a conflict with the Board/Revision Retreat on April 29-3.,

Judy Spencer

Director of Children’s Ministries

The United Church of Fayetteville

The Pastor Search and Nominating Committee (PSNC)[1]

The Selection Process (2005)

On February 1, the Nominating Committee of The United Church of Fayetteville, created the criteria it would use in selecting the members of the Pastor Search and Nominating Committee (PSNC) for our Church. According to our By-laws, the Nominating Committee consists of the Chair, members of the Planning and Coordinating Council of the Board (PCC, formerly called the Executive Committee). On February 15 the Church Board approved the criteria presented by the Nominating Committee and also voted to add up to two members of the New Vision Committee (Mission Study Committee) to help with the process.**

There are three phases of the PSNC process:

UNITED CHURCH NEWS

March, 2005 Issue 3

March 6 10:25 AM 4^th Sunday in Lent

Pastoral Care: Rev. Waters, works with our Congregational Care Committee and can be reached through the church office (637-3186), elders of the month, or at home.

Elders of the Month for March: Barbara McKean and Kathy Bohnsack .

What’s Up from Down Under

Sharing and Caring by the Young People

Of United Church

UNITED CHURCH NEWS

March, 2005 Issue 3

March 6 10:25 AM 4th Sunday in Lent

Pastoral Care: Rev. Waters, works with our Congregational Care Committee and can be reached through the church office (637-3186), elders of the month, or at home.

Elders of the Month for March: Barbara McKean and Kathy Bohnsack .

What’s Up from Down Under

Sharing and Caring by the Young People

Of United Church

March 6 10:25 AM 4^th Sunday in Lent