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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May 7, 2017                                                                10:00 a.m.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

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 and Celebrate the Resurrection

PRELUDE                                                               Eileen Zank

           

RINGING OF THE BELL               

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS  

ÒHouse of Mercy Mission MomentÓ               Judy Morrow

 

GATHERING MUSIC Senior Choir – Joe Anderson, Director

ÒLift Your Heart to the LordÓ

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader:   The Good Shepherd opens the gates of righteousness that we may pass through them.

People:   We give thanks to the Lord, for God safely gathers us in.     

Leader:     True enough, still the Shepherd also leads us out into the world.

People:  We hear his voice and will follow him.  

Leader:     Through the Risen Christ we will have life and have it abundantly.

All:          Thanks be God. We have gathered to worship in the name of the Lord who is our Shepherd.

 

*HYMN     ÒSavior, Like a Shepherd Lead UsÓ                 #601                             

Confessing Our Sin We Seek GodÕs Forgiveness

*CALL TO CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION1

Patient God, you know how easy it is for us to stray. We wander off so easily. Forgive us, we pray. Heal our brokenness and our fears. Remind us again that you lead us in gentle paths and by quiet waters – when the paths are stony and the waves tumultuous, help us to remember your protection and your care. Help us to extend that same love and care to others, for we ask this in JesusÕ name. Amen.

*SILENCE FOR PERSONAL PRAYERS

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Even though we have wandered and have become lost, the shepherd calls to us. We can place our trust in his loving care and forgiveness. He has promised to save us and give to us new life, abundant life, filled with joy.  Amen.

 

*PASSING THE PEACE

      Following the voice of Jesus leads to peace.

Yes, peace for ourselves and peace and justice in the world.  

(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.")

*OUR RESPONSE OF JOY  ÓHallelujah"

      Halle, halle, hallelujah, Halle, halle, hallelujah.

      Halle, halle, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

 

We Listen for News of the Resurrection

CHILDRENÕS TIME       ÒThe GateÓ

 

PSALM 23 SUNG                                                Senior Choir

 

SCRIPTURE READING     John 10:1-10    

SERMON  ÒFollowing the ShepherdÓ   Pastor Jacoba Koppert

 

We Respond to the Good Shepherd

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM2          (insert)

Haddie Lorraine Mathis

Daughter of Benjamin and Kelly Mathis

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORDÕS PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Th 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

THE OFFERTORY                                                Eileen Zank

*THE DOXOLOGY

      Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!

      Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!

      Praise Him, all ye heavenly host Alleluia!

      Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  Alleluia!

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

*HYMN           "Because He Lives"                                        #292

 

*THE BENEDICTION

*CHORAL RESPONSE "Christ is Risen"

Soar we now where Christ has led. Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

Our the cross, the grave the skies, Alleluia!

 

*POSTLUDE                                                          Eileen Zank

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World in Easter Joy

 1Written by Nancy C.Townley www.ministrymatters.com/worship/entry /4941/classic-worship-connection

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 lifeÕs 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 by Dolores Johnson in loving memory of mother, Nellie Rupnow.

 

Calendar

Monday, May 7 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-anon.

Tuesday, May 9 – 10 a.m. Ministerial Alliance meeting at Calvary.

Wednesday, May 10 – 3:30 p.m. Confirmation

Thursday, May 11 – 1:30 p.m. Circle of Friends meeting.

Saturday, May13 – 11:00 a.m. Todd WallÕs Celebration of Life service; visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. here at the church.

2:00 p.m. - The Lamplight Concert  (see flyer)

Sunday, May 14 -ÒMotherÕs Day/Festival of the Christian HomeÓ

9 a.m. Sunday School (Last session until fall)  (kids will sing during the worship service) 10 a.m. Worship; Confirmation for Arianna Rochester; Communion/Intiction.

 

Looking Ahead at the Calendar

Wednesday, May 17 – 5 p.m. Church ÒSpring CleaningÓ

Sign-up on the bulletin board.

Sunday, May 21 - Baccalaureate Sunday (UCC High School Graduates will be honored) We will also print the names of any college/tech students that have graduated.   Please give the names/information to Audrey or Pastor Jacoba. Volunteer Recognition Sunday will also take place this Sunday.