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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August 20, 2017                                                            9:00 a.m.

Eleventh 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

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP1  (Based on Psalm 133)

Leader:   We worship in the name of the Creator who makes all things and calls them good; in the name of the Christ who calls us to love God and all God creates; and in the name of the Holy Spirit sent to guide us so we might be faithful.

People:  Amen.

Leader:   How very good and pleasant it is it is when kindred live together in unity.

People:  It is like the summer rain, which restores the parched earth.  

Leader:   It is like the cool breeze at the shore of a lake, at the top of a mountain or through a crowded street.  

People:  God meets us here. 

Leader:   We have gathered to worship the Maker of Our Days, the Restorer of our Souls and the Breath of Our Lives.  

 

*HYMN              ÒFor the Beauty of the EarthÓ                    #1

 

*OPENING PRAYER1

Maker of Our Days, you created each of us unique beings with differing strengths and weaknesses.  Help us not only to use our strengths to assist others but also to allow others to use their strengths to meet our weaknesses.

Restorer of Our Souls, you have seen the parched places we have made in our lives, along with the devastation thrust upon us by the action or inaction of others. Meet us in the places of our deepest pain so that our masks of self-sufficiency fall away and we might be drawn into right relationship with you and one another.

Breath of Our Lives, without you we are but a mound of clay. Fill us with your presence, invigorate our worship, set us on fire so that others might be drawn into your light and nurtured by the warmth of your loving care. Amen.

SILENCE FOR PERSONAL PRAYERS

PASSING THE PEACE

      The words we speak are very powerful – they can hurt and they can bring hope and healing.

      Our words can cause division and they can foster peace.

      Jesus calls us to love one another as he has loved us. As GodÕs love is expressed among us, we bring GodÕs peace into the world.

      With our mouths and our lives, we share GodsÕ peace this day.       

      (All are invited to greet others with handshakes or hugs while saying to them ÒThe peace of Christ be with youÓ and responding, Òand also with you.Ó)

 

 

SONG OF PRAISE  ÒJoyful, Joyful, We Adore YouÓ

      God is giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,

      Wellspring of the joy of living,

ocean depth of happy rest!

Loving Spirit, Father, Mother,

all who love belong to you;

Teach us how to love each other,

by that love our joy renew.

 

We Listen for the Good News

CHILDRENÕS TIME       ÒWatch your MouthsÓ

 

SPECIAL MUSIC                                                  Eileen Zank

     

SCRIPTURE READING            Matthew 15:10-28

SERMON      ÒWords MatterÓ                 Rev. Jacoba Koppert

                  

We Respond to the Good News

*HYMN                    ÒLord, Speak to MeÓ                         #625

                                   

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD'S 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                               

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 DEDICATION1

      Holy God, you are our provider.  We dedicate to your service our lives and these offerings from your blessing          and our labor.  Work in us and through us to extend your love and care, here and around the world.  Amen.   

*HYMN     ÒWeÕve a Story to Tell to the NationsÓ            #659                               

*THE BENEDICTION

 

*RESPONSE  ÒLet There Be Peace on EarthÓ

      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


1 Adapted from Worship Ways, written by Re. Dr. Gob Gross Copyright 2017; United Church of Christ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 by Doris Bakker in honor of her parentÕs wedding anniversary.

 

Today:  10:15 a.m. Christian Ed Board meeting;

7:30 p.m. ÒWeird ChurchÓ Book Study; Part 2

 

Calendar

Monday, August 21- 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-Anon.

Newsletter Week; please have your news articles for the newsletter in the office by Tuesday, August 22.

4 p.m. Stewardship Committee meeting.

Tuesday, August 22 – 2:30 p.m. Worship Service at Neillsville Care & Rehab; Pastor Jacoba leading.

Wednesday, August 23 – 7:30 Confirmation meeting with parents and Confirmands – Class of 2016-17.

Thursday, August 24 – Pastor participating in Continuing Education Events through September 2.

Next Sunday, August 27 – Pastor Jim Mohr leading worship,