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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July 23, 2017 9:00 a.m.

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

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 Eileen Zank

RINGING OF THE BELL

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING MUSIC Eileen Zank

*CALL TO WORSHIP¹

Leader: Weeds and seeds, growing together.

People: Each will influence the other. What will we learn from the weeds?

Leader: Trials and tribulations, choices that have not always worked out. Weeds can teach us about perseverance — consider the tough dandelion plant pushing its way up through the pavement — for some it’s just a weed, but for others there are lessons to be learned.

People: From the seeds we learn, inside each one of us is a special person, waiting to be nurtured to wholeness. Each seed is unique; each has its own gifts to offer.

Leader: In God’s garden, God’s love extends to both – asking both to consider what each has to offer to a hurting world.

People: Lord, help us to be good seeds, bearing fruits of kindness, justice and compassion.

Leader: Keep us mindful of those for whom life has been difficult and yet they persist in trying to make each day better.

All: Be in our hearts, O Lord, and in our lives. Amen

*HYMN “Morning Has Broken” #5

*OPENING PRAYER

Loving God, we are grateful for all the good seeds you have planted among us. Help us to be patient with the weeds we want to pull out. Open our eyes to beauty in all things, aware that each thing you create has its own purpose. As we live together, Holy God transform us to be a people who work toward bringing your kindom on earth. Amen.

*PASSING THE PEACE

The Word of God is to be shared.

The love of Jesus is to be lived.

Plant God’s seeds of love, hope, justice and peace.

We plant with courage and hope so peace might be made known on earth. 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 “All Creatures of Our God and King”

Let all things their Creator bless, and worship God

in humbleness, O praise God, Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,

and praise the Spirit, Three in One,

O praise God, O praise God, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

We Listen for the Good News

CHILDREN’S TIME “Pulling Weeds”

SPECIAL MUSIC Eileen Zank

SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

SERMON “Don’t Pull It” Rev. Jacoba Koppert

We Respond to the Good News

*HYMN “In the Bulb There Is a Flower” (pg. 6 bulletin)

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR

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

THE 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

Gracious God, we thank you for one another and for the gifts each of us brings to this table and to the ministry of UCC. Cause us to be generous with our time, talent and treasure so that your reign may come to be on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

*HYMN “Amazing Grace” #107

*THE BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE "Let There Be Peace on Earth”

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

.¹Adapted from liturgy written by Nancy C. Townley, Ministry Matters on line July 23, 2017

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 – The radio broadcast portion of our worship service today is given anonymously by a faithful radio listener.

Today: 7:30 p.m. “Weird Church” Book Study; Chapters 5-6.

Calendar

Monday, July 24- 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-Anon; Newsletter Week; please have your news articles in the church office by Tuesday, July 25

Summer Music

The Music Committee is looking for volunteers to help with

the special music this summer. Playing the piano, singing, playing an instrument. Groups, families, children are all welcome. Please contact Betty Barr or anyone on the music committee. The committee is also searching to hire a new choir director. If you know of any possible – speak to them.