THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Neillsville, Wisconsin

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

Church 715-743-2147

Pastor's Office 715-743-2117

www.uccneillsville.org

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February 19, 2017                                                           10:00 a.m.

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany

All who are comfortably able are invited to stand at those

places in the service indicated by an asterisk*

We ask you to please turn off all telephones and electronic devices.

 

We Gather to Worship God

PRELUDE                                                                  Karen Mohr

RINGING OF THE BELL               

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING MUSIC                                                                                                                   

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP1 (adapted from Psalm 119:33-36 ,40)

Leader:    Teach us, O God, Your ways,   

People:   And we will follow your ways until the end.   

Leader:     Grant us understanding, O God,   

People:  So that we may follow You with our whole heart.

Leader:     Turn our hearts to You,  

People:   And turn us away from selfish gain.

Leader:     We long for Your ways, O God, 

People:   In this time of worship, lead us into righteousness and New Life. Amen.

 

*HYMN          "The God of Abraham of PraiseÓ                    #332

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

   Gracious God, the teachings of Jesus seem impossible for us. We confess we often want to retaliate when someone hurts us. We question the motives of beggars and we sure donÕt like it when someone forces us to do anything. Forgive us when we fail to respond with understanding and love. Help us to know how to love in ways that fulfill your law and keep ourselves safe. Help us to trust your guidance.

*SILENCE FOR PERSONAL PRAERS                            

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

             

*PASSING THE PEACE

      Blessed are those who work for peace; blessed are those who offer peace, even to those who do not deserve our care and compassion.

We will work for GodÕs peace; we will offer ChristÕs peace to all.

Let us share GodÕs peace with one another as a sign of our willingness to work for peace in all places. The Peace of Christ be with you.

      And also with you.

(All are invited to greet others with handshakes or hugs while saying to them "The peace of Christ be with you" and responding "and also with you.")

 

SONG OF PRAISE  "Gloria PatriÓ

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.  Amen.

 

We Listen for the Word of God

CHILDRENÕS TIME            ÒStopping ItÓ

 

THE CHOIR SINGS

           

SCRIPTURE READINGS

              Matthew 5:38-48

           

MEDITATION                                  Pastor Jacoba Koppert

ÒReally Jesus, Really?Ó

 

We Respond To GodÕs Faithfulness

*HYMN      ÒI Would Be TrueÓ                                           insert

GREETING 

Grace, mercy and peace to you from Jesus Christ, the head of the church in heaven and on earth.

To God, be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever.

INTRODUCTION

PRESENTATION

COVENANT

Pastor:  Sisters and brothers in Christ, it is an honor to be entrusted with responsibility for particular service in the ministry of the church whether gathered or scattered. Having prayerfully considered the duties and responsibilities of your ministry, are you prepared to serve with the help of God in Christ's name and for the glory of God?

Lay Leaders:  I am.

Pastor:  Do you promise to exercise you ministry diligently and faithfully, showing forth the love of Christ?

Lay Leaders:  I do, relying on God's grace.

Pastor:  Members of this household of faith, you have heard the promises of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have answered Gods call to service. Let us affirm our intention to live in covenant with them. Will those who are able rise and witness to the commitment we now make?

People: We gather in celebration of the joy that is ours to be partners with you in the service of Jesus Christ. We promise to love you, honor your leadership, and assist you that together we may be a faithful church of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

DECLARATION

GREETING OF CHRISTIAN LOVE

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

The LORDÕS PRAYER

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

INVITATION TO OFFERING

OFFERTORY                                                             Eileen Zank

*THE DOXOLOGY

      Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

      Praise God, all creatures here below;

      Praise God for all that love has done;

      Creator, Christ and Spirit One.  Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

*HYMN      ÓLord, Speak to MeÓ                                          #624

 

*THE BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE   "Let There Be PeaceÓ

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant

To be.  With God our Creator, children all are we. 

Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.          

Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.

With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:

To take each moment, and live each moment in peace eternally! 

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

 

*POSTLUDE                                                              Eileen Zank

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World

1Rev-o-lution.org by Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell

2 from Lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com liturgy for Epiphany 6a, February 12, 2017 ©Thom M. Shuman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements

We welcome you to this service of worship.  We hope you will experience the love of God and your neighbors. You are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall downstairs for coffee/refreshments and conversation. Whoever you are and wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.

 

Note:   You will find the attendance folders in the pews on the center racks of every pew - please take time to fill out the attendance sheet including your full address and return them to the side aisles, ushers will collect them during the last hymn. Thank you.

 

Radio Broadcast Sponsors – Today the radio broadcast portion of our worship service is given anonymously by a faithful radio listener.

 

Calendar

Monday, February 13 – 9 a.m. Quilting Session; come join us;

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Nar-anon.

Tuesday, February 14 – 10 a.m. Ministerial Alliance at Hillside.

Wednesday, February 15– 3:30 p.n.  C.D.Õs & Confirmation.

Thursday, February 16 – 10-11:30 a.m. Memory CafŽ;

6 p.m. Pastor/Parish

Friday, February 17 – 9:40 p.m. Prayer Time; 10 a.m. Called to Care Session.

Next Sunday, February 19 – (Rescheduled Installation of New Church Officers.

    

Looking Ahead at the Calendar

Tuesday, February 21 – 12 Noon Second Half Group meeting; catered lunch served by M&M; $7.50 plus tip payable at the meeting. Guest Speaker – Pastor Jim Mohr ÒA Tale of Two MexicoÕs.Ó  Sign-up on the bulletin board.

Sunday, February 29 – ÒBryan Sirchio Sunday.Ó