Order of Worship
GATHERING MUSIC Let Your Voice Be Heard by Sarina Patridge
Hmmmm... let your voice be heard
Hmmmm... every sacred word
Hmmmm... let your song be sung
Hmmmm... truth is on your tongue
On your tongue
WELCOME
OPENING SONG We Are Called/Come! Live in the light!
Virginia Gilbert. “I have felt ‘called,’ several times in my life. This song expresses it in a way that makes it difficult to sing it all the way through without crying. (Not that that's a bad thing...)”
Come! Live in the light!
Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!
We are called to be light for the kingdom
To live in the freedom of the city of God!
[Chorus]
We are called to act with justice
We are called to love tenderly
We are called to serve one another
To walk humbly with God
Come! Open your heart!
Show your mercy to all those in fear!
We are called to be hope for the hopeless
So all hatred and blindness will be no more!
[Chorus]
Sing! Sing a new song!
Sing of that great day when all will be one!
God will reign and we'll walk with each other
As sisters and brothers united in love!
[Chorus]
OPENING PRAYER
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Peace be with you… ...and also with you
* SONG I’ve Got Peace Like a River #478 in the hymnal
Sawyer Haas. His mom sings this at night sometimes.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
In my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
In my soul.
I’ve got joy like a fountain…
I’ve got love like an ocean…
GIVE, SERVE, SHARE: Offering and Announcements
STEWARDSHIP 2026: Free for All
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.
SCRIPTURE Psalm 40:1 - 11 reader, Charlie Wysong
READING “He Made Me Sing” by Gertrude P. McBrown
God knew I’d struggled lone and long,
He heard me crying in the night;
He knew I was not strong
Enough to carry out the fight,
So he drew me from the noisy throng;
And breathed into my soul a song.
SONG OF PREPARATION Rainbow Connection
Lincoln Henrickson. Lincoln loves movies & wanted to think of a song from a movie. He inherited his love for The Muppets & Jim Henson from his dad Aaron. He connects deeply with that song.
And Kim Mullaney chose it too!
Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, they're only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it
Look what it's done so far
What's so amazing that keeps us star-gazing?
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me
Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name
Love makes the sweet sounds that call the young sailors
I think they're one in the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
Something that I'm supposed to be
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me
SERMON Rev. Rebecca Anderson
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Africa by William Billings
Katy Lindhart, soprano
Yasuko Oura, piano
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 For Everyone Born
Kim Mullaney. “This song never fails to make me cry. While this is probably familiar to many as a song used for Communion, this song speaks to me on the themes of justice and compassion. Let’s build a bigger table.”
For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead.
[Chorus]
And God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!
For young and for old, a place at the table,
a voice to be heard, a part in the song,
the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old, the right to belong.
[Chorus]
For bodies diverse, a place at the table,
All manner of speech and movement and minds;
Enabled to lead and teach us new language,
For bodies diverse, a church redesigned.
[Chorus]
For just and unjust, a place at the table,
a chance to repent, reform, and rebuild,
protecting the wronged, without shame or pressure,
for just and unjust, God’s vision fulfilled.
[Chorus]
For everyone born, a place at the table
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free.
[Chorus]
* CLOSING SONG Make Your Own Kind of Music ”Mama” Cass Elliot
Nobody can tell ya
There's only one song worth singing
They may try and sell ya
Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you
But you've gotta make your own kind of music
Sing your own special song
Make your own kind of music
Even if nobody else sings along
You're gonna be nowhere
The loneliest kind of lonely
It may be rough going
Just to do your thing's the hardest thing to do
But you've gotta make your own kind of music
Sing your own special song
Make your own kind of music
Even if nobody else sings along
So if you cannot take my hand
And if you must be going
I will understand
You've gotta make your own kind of music
Sing your own special song
Make your own kind of music
Even if nobody else sings along
You've gotta make your own kind of music
Sing your own special song
Make your own kind of music
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS
October Singing School- Today After Worship
Join us today after worship as we try out Shape Note Singing- a shouty, rugged and angular form of choral singing that also happens to be quite beautiful (and a little tricky- sight-reading skills are encouraged). However, you're welcome to listen, to try, to fake it. A very welcoming group of people singing music that you won't hear anywhere else!
Join us today at 4868 N Hermitage at 3pm! No need to RSVP, you can just show up. We do, however, need RSVPs for our private room karaoke party on Wed, October 22nd, to make sure we have enough spaces. More details and sign up here. Let us know when you'll be with us, so we can plan!
Chicago Opera Theater’s Shakespeare Sings - Today After Worship
Come support our very own Yasuko Oura, who will be Music Director/Pianist for this exciting concert! Shakespeare Sings will take audiences on an unforgettable journey through the passion, comedy, tragedy, and romance inspired by the lasting genius of Shakespeare. Featuring a rich tapestry of arias and scenes from operas inspired by the Bard's plays, the concert will showcase both beloved masterpieces and hidden gems from the operatic repertoire that have never been performed in Chicago before. Grab tickets here!
St. Cuthbert Pilgrimage- 4 Spots Left!
Our Bethany pilgrimage to Scotland and England along St. Cuthbert's Way was so popular, we're doing 2! One is full. But you can still get in on the second! Join Vince and fellow Bethany members on this trip that combines spiritual retreat, beautiful hiking, time for rest, and time for fun. The trip is June 15-22, 2026. For more information, contact Vince in person or at vince@bethanychicago.com
Tune My Heart - Share Your Heart Songs With Us!
One of the highlights of my summer (Vince, here) was gathering with Bethany members in our Summer Jams small group to learn about the Psalms...by sitting around and listening to music together. Each week we did about 15 minutes of traditional bible study and spent 45 minutes listening to a playlist of contemporary songs chosen by the group for the spiritual power they carried in them. Listening to those songs together, we could connect emotions and the truth carried by those other songs for the last 3000 years.
So much of our worship and our scripture is music. And there's good reason for that. Music allows us to experience and express something beyond words, beyond our rational mind. It helps connect us to God. St. Augustine famously said, "The one who sings, prays twice." Join us in October as we listen and sing our way to God.
And we wanna know some of your heart songs. Send them to us here.
We (of course) won't be able to get to everyone's but please share one or more "heart songs" you'd love to sing in worship. We'll share folks' lists on social media and in the email and will sing at least some of the songs submitted.
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?
Prepare Breakfast at The Crib- Oct. 25th
As partners of the Night Ministry, we volunteer to prepare meals for The Crib and our next ask is providing breakfast (7am) on Saturday Oct. 25th. Can you volunteer to prepare a meal? If so, please sign up here! Reach out to info@bethanychicago.com with any questions!
Adult Sunday School- Oct. 26th
Jesus or Empire
In a time when empire is fresh on our minds and visible on our streets, in our country, and around our world, there are so many questions. How do we interpret and respond to the events unfolding in front of us? What does our faith and tradition call us to do about it? Come join us after church on Oct. 26th for a rich discussion grounded in the examples Jesus shows us.
All Saints Memorial Roses - Deadline Oct. 26th
We’re now taking rose orders for All Saint’s worship. On Sunday, November 2nd, we will celebrate All Saints’ Day with a rose bouquet built in memory of those close to the Bethany community.
If you’d like to donate roses to the bouquet, please fill out this form by Sunday, October 26th
You can make your donation for the roses you order:
at worship (via check with "memorial roses" in memo line, or in an envelope with "Memorial roses" printed)
online via Vanco (choose “All Saints Memorial Rose” option)
online via PayPal (please include a note that it is for Memorial Roses)
by mailing to the church office, 4250 N. Paulina, Chicago, IL 60613
Reach out to info@bethanychicago.com with any questions!
Come to church on Halloween!- Oct. 31st
Going out trick or treating? No plans because Halloween’s not your holiday? Have a little window after work? Come by the church on Friday, October 31st to eat or hand out candy, share an adult or kid beverage, show off your costume and snap a photo, and to hear creepy organ music! Yasuko is pulling out all the stops. Find us from 5:30 - 7:30 that night with music from 6 - 7. Just come and hang out or bring a snack or drink to share. If you’d like to help make it happen, let Rebecca know by emailing rebecca@bethanychicago.com We’re keeping it simple but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t like to know you’re coming. Bring or send friends. We’d love to meet new folks!
Book Group: Song Of Solomon- Nov 5th
Our next book group is on Nov. 5th at 7pm! We’ll be reading Song Of Solomon by Toni Morrison:
Song of Solomon explores the quest for cultural identity. Based on the African-American folktale about enslaved Africans who escape slavery by flying back to Africa, it tells the story of a young man alienated from himself and estranged from his family, who embarks on a physical and spiritual journey that enables him to reconnect with his past and realize his self-worth. Sign up here if you plan on reading with us!
Healing Religious Trauma- Nov. 6th
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!
Join The Outer Belt Pilgrimage - Nov. 8th
Sign up to join us for the next leg of our Outer Belt Pilgrimage! We’ll be walking together on Saturday November 8th.
If you can’t make it this time, mark your calendars for our next trip on December 6th!
For more info, reach out Vince at vince@bethanychicago.com and/or go to outerbelt.org
Fall Sew-In - Nov. 9th
This November 9 we'll be at our sewing machines again as Bethany hosts a fall "sew-in" to make fabric produce bags and gift bags in time for the holidays.
From Noon to 4pm teams of 6-8 people will cut, iron, pin, sew and finish simple bags made from pillow cases, sheets, clothing and cotton fabrics. Save the date and plan to spend two hours helping—no sewing experience required! Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. For this sewing event we will be joined by members of the Lake View Lutheran Church. Please sign up here. More news to come.
Get Involved with ICE Rapid Response Efforts!
Want to learn more about Rapid Response efforts to support/defend our community from ICE? There are lots of ways to get involved, and our neighbors desperately need our help. If you have questions, want to learn more, or want to get involved, email Hannah Rumsey at hannah.e.rumsey@gmail.com.
Updating Directory
It’s time to update the directory - again! If you’re new around here, have moved or gotten a new cell phone number, share your info here. If you already have, no need to do it again!
At this time, Bethany distributes a paper-only directory, available at church only (although we’ll mail you one if you request it). If you prefer to exclude some or all of your info, you can let us know at the link.
Thanks for helping us stay in touch, and thanks to everyone who’s already updated their info!
