Order of Worship
GATHERING MUSIC Freedom Come
WELCOME
OPENING SONG There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
There's a wideness in God's mercy,
like the wideness of the sea;
there's a kindness in God's justice,
which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earthly sorrows
are more felt than in God's heaven;
there's no place where earthly failings
have such kindly judgment given.
For the love of God is broader
than the measures of our minds;
and the heart of the Eternal
is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more faithful,
we would gladly trust God's Word,
and our lives would show thanksgiving
for the goodness of our God.
OPENING PRAYER
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Peace be with you… ...and also with you
* SONG Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom
Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom (x3)
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah
Walking and talking with my mind stayed on freedom (x3)
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah
Singing and shouting with my mind stayed on freedom (x3)
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah
SCRIPTURE - Ephesians 2:8-10
READING - “Grace” by Orlando Ricardo Menes
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN
GIVE, SERVE, SHARE: Offering and Announcements
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
SONG OF PREPARATION Build a Longer Table
Build a longer table, not a higher wall,
feeding those who hunger, making room for all.
Feasting together, stranger turns to friend,
Christ breaks walls to pieces; false divisions end.
Build a safer refuge, not a larger jail;
where the weak find shelter, mercy will not fail.
For any place where justice is denied,
Christ will break the jail walls, freeing all inside.
Build a broader doorway, not a longer fence.
Love protects all people, sparing no expense.
When we embrace compassion more than fear,
Christ tears down our fences: all are welcome here.
When we lived as exiles, refugees abroad,
Christ became our doorway to the reign of God.
So must our tables welcome those who roam.
None can be excluded; all must find a home.
BLESSING FOR ALL THAT WE GIVE AWAY
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION There You’ll Be by Faith Hill
Keanon Kyles, baritone
COMMUNION
Everyone is welcome to receive communion at Bethany.
We have both wine and grape juice.
God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
COMMUNION SONG Oh Freedom arranged by Shawn Okpebholo
Keanon Kyles, baritone
CLOSING SONG Seasons of Love
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets
In midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love
Seasons of love (love)
Seasons of love (love)
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE My Days from Notebook
Keanon Kyles, Baritone
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Spanish Charla - Nov. 19th
19 Noviembre/November 19 ~7:00-8:00 pm ~ Church Parlor
¡Hola amigos míos! Can’t believe that we’re already getting ready for our 2nd Spanish Charla! B-UCC Spanish conversation group welcomes ALL levels so come and practice with friends! Every session, we start with a topic; this month our topic is ‘travel.’ So brush up on your vocab if you like (not required!).... either way, look forward to chatting pronto!
Look forward to seeing you 19 noviembre.
Ciao!
Healing Religious Trauma- Nov. 20th
Small Group running Thursdays in November
You’re a Bethanian - you’ve likely already done a lot of work on religious trauma and know God loves you as you are. But have you ever wanted to dive into some more loving religious doctrine to understand your belovedness from a philosophical and biblical perspective? In this small group, we’ll look at universalism, queer theology, and liberation.
Join us on Nov. 6th at 6pm, and every following Thursday in November! Sign up here
Yasuko Oura & Keanon Kyles in Concert- Nov. 22nd
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as pianist Yasuko Oura and singer Keanon Kyles unite on stage for a one-of-a-kind musical celebration that spans genres and generations. This is not your typical concert—it’s a soul-stirring, heart-pounding journey through opera, classical, contemporary art song, musical theater, and pop, all masterfully woven into a night of passion, power, and pure joy.
Don’t miss this genre-blending, spirit-lifting musical experience. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, Broadway, or radio hits, this concert promises something for everyone.
Grab tickets and learn more about the concert here
Congregational Meeting & Celebration - Nov. 23rd
As you know, our budgeting process looks different this year. But of course: we still have a budget to vote on. Even while you continue to share your dreams and make your pledges, save the date for Sunday, Nov 23rd. Right after worship, we'll discuss and approve the final draft of the 2026 budget. We'll have longer childcare that day but also anticipate the participation of our kids (once the meeting is almost over).
But wait - there's more! It's our intention to share that budget before the meeting. Yes, you read that right. You'll have the chance to look over the numbers ahead of time, reach out for clarification in advance, or show up with questions.
When we say "meeting and celebration," we mean it. Plan to stay for the meeting and potluck, to recognize the good that's been happening and that we dream of for the future. The meeting is open to all Bethany friends, visitors, and of course members who'll do the voting.
Thanksgiving Potluck- Nov. 23rd
We’ll be hosting our annual Thanksgiving Potluck on Nov. 23rd after worship (the Sunday before Thanksgiving). Please plan to bring a dish to share! We’re also in need of volunteers for set up and break down, please sign up here if you’re able to help. Looking forward to sharing a meal together!
Hanging of the Greens - Nov. 30th
Make the Bethany sanctuary merry and bright for the holiday season! You’re invited to stay after worship on November 30th to help decorate Bethany for Advent and Christmas. There are jobs for all ages and skill levels. We’ll add lights and ornaments to our tree and hang greenery in the chancel and balcony. (And as is tradition, we’ll inevitably sweep up the remains of a dozen ornaments that hit the floor.) Come prepare the space and yourself to welcome the Christ child this year.
Join The Outer Belt Pilgrimage - Dec 6th
Sign up to join us for the next leg of our Outer Belt Pilgrimage! We’ll be walking together on Saturday Dec. 6th
For more info, reach out Vince at vince@bethanychicago.com and/or go to outerbelt.org
Holiday “Stockings” for Night Ministry- Dec. 7th
Believe it or not, it's that time again! We're collecting items for The Night Ministry to distribute to clients living un- or undersheltered. There's again an emphasis on high quality, so you can sign up to bring individual items (or lots). New this year: we're stuffing drawstring backpacks! Turns out: that's what recipients prefer. So we need those as well. Details about those and everything else here
Please bring or send items to church by Sun, Dec 7th. We'll be packing them up that day after church.
Dec. Book Group: Hurricane Season - Dec. 10th
Join us for our next Book Group on Dec. 10th at 7pm! We’ll be reading Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor:
This nonlinear novel focuses on the murder of a woman known as "the Witch" in a small, impoverished Mexican village. Told through the unreliable perspectives of various villagers, the story reveals the cycle of violence, poverty, and corruption that led to her death, exposing the myths and brutalities of the community and their connection to larger societal issues, like femicide.
Sign up here if you plan on reading with us!
Give and Get Help
Are you looking for ways to respond to ICE raids, hunger in the wake of SNAP cuts, and other urgent needs? At Bethany, we're working to identify, organize and address the issues that are facing our community. It's an evolving initiative that will change as needs change. This month, we're continuing to collect food for Nourishing Hope as the demand for their support has grown exponentially. If you haven't had the chance to contribute to this drive, or if you can do even more, here are the biggest needs: canned chicken/tuna, dry black beans, canned vegetables, canned chili or stew.
District 19 Mutual Aid is in need of warm blankets, towels and washcloths, women's M underwear, kids hats, and kids clothes (Boys 5T-7/8 bottoms, Girls 4T-8 bottoms and Girls 2T tops and bottoms. If you can provide these items, bring them to church, mark them "D19" and we'll deliver them.
And if you want to help in other ways (delivering donated items, running errands for families too afraid to go to the store, or joining a school patrol at drop-off and pick-up times), contact us at bethany.ucc.assistance@gmail.com.
And finally, if you, your family or close connections have needs that are not being met during this difficult time, contact us at bethany.ucc.assistance@gmail.com. We would love to point you in a direction that could be helpful or even provide information that you may need. We want to be there for you, our own Bethany community, so please let us know (bethany.ucc.assistance@gmail.com) if there's something we can do.
Service and Justice Pilot Year: 2026
On Tuesday, September 16th, the parlor was packed with folks who've been at Bethany forever, and some who just got here. We had a lively conversation about plans for Service & Justice in 2026. Whether you were there or not, you're invited to take part!
Bethany is a different church now than it was five years ago. We’re bigger, more active, with shifting energies and passions in the face of the current climate in our city, our country, and our world. What hasn't changed: our core commitments to serving others and pursuing justice.
As we move into 2026, we’re embarking on a pilot year for the Service and Justice arm of Bethany UCC. We want to hear from YOU about where we should be directing our energy as a church. And, we want to strengthen relationships as we serve others, both within our Bethany community and with our neighbors.
So, here’s our ask:
If you have a topic on your heart (homelessness, food insecurity, refugee resettlement, earth care, police reform, mental health, suicide-prevention, prison-abolition…) submit a proposal for Bethany’s consideration.
Our goal: a 2026 calendar full of diverse, sustainable, opportunities to serve and seek justice alongside each other. Pastor Fredrick Buecher said that the place God calls us to is "where our deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” What needs are we called to meet now, and what joyful gifts do we have to offer?
