THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Neillsville, Wisconsin

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

Church 715-743-2147

Pastor's Office 715-743-2117

www.uccneillsville.org

January 21, 2018 10:00 a.m.

Third 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

“Walking in the Air” from the Snowman (Howard Blake)

RINGING OF THE BELL

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING MUSIC Senior Choir

*CALL TO WORSHIP Based on Psalm 62

Leader: For God alone my soul waits in silence, from him comes my salvation.

People: God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Leader: Trust in the Lord at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

People: On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Leader: Once God has spoken; twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.

People: For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from the Lord.

*HYMN “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” #237

*GATHERING PRAYER

We praise you Lord, for calling us to be in your presence. We gather as witnesses to your promise to bring new life to all who follow the Christ. Help us to repent of all that separates us from you. Renew our desire to serve you fully. We open ourselves to your direction, knowing you will lead us to do your pleasure. Rejoicing in your faithfulness, we bring our desire to worship and honor you through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.

*PERSONAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*PASSING THE PEACE

The voice of God is calling. We are called to change our hearts and lives.

We need the help of God and each other’s support to make the changes necessary in our lives.

God’s help is promised; let us offer support to one another.

Let us share the peace of Christ as we encourage one another on our faith journey. 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 Patri”

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 Good News

THE CHILDREN’S TIME “Follow Our Leader”

CHOIR MUSIC “The Summons” (John Bell)

SCRIPTURE READING Mark 1:14-20

SERMON “Jesus’ Call to Discipleship”

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

We Respond to the Good News

*HYMN “You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore” (insert)

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.

PRAYER RESPONSE “Away in a Manger”

Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay

close by me forever and love me I pray.

Bless all the dear children in your tender care,

and fit us for heaven to live with you there.

INVITATION TO OFFERING

THE OFFERTORY Karen Mohr

“Lead on, O King Eternal with The Lord is my Light”

(arr. Anna Laura Page*

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

As we share what we have received from your hand, O God, our lives are opened to appreciate and enjoy more of your blessings. We give in response to your generosity. May all who desire your love, peace, and joy receive it through your faithfulness and our efforts. We dedicate all we offer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*HYMN “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

*THE BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE        “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
            Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
            Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
            Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
            No turning back, no turning back

*POSTLUDE Karen Mohr

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World

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 where ever 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 today’s worship service is given by Frances Short and family in memory of Kenneth Short and other family members we want to remember.

Calendar

Monday, January 22 – Newsletter Week; please have your news articles in the office by Tuesday, January 23; 6:30-7:30 Nar-Anon;

Tuesday, January 23 – 5:30 p.m. Trustees meeting; 6:30 p.m. Deacons/Deaconesses meeting; 7:30 p.m. Church Council meeting

Wednesday, January 24 – 3:30 p.m. CD’s & Confirmation.

Looking Ahead at the Calendar

Sunday, February 4 – Neillsville United Church of Christ ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING following worship service downstairs in Fellowship Hall.

2017 Contribution Statements are in the church officer. Please pick them up. There are still some 2018 Contribution envelopes that need to be picked up.

Christmas Fund Offering – You will find “Christmas Fund” Special offering envelopes in the pew racks. We will collect through January 2018. Thank you for your support!

Souper Bowl Challenge –

The “CHALLENGE” is on again! We want to collect as many cans of soup as we can by Sunday, February 4 “Super Bowl Sunday.” We have word that all the churches in the Ministerial Alliance are up for the challenge. We lost to Calvary last year. Can we do it this year? Bring those cans of soup in NOW! The table will be set up next Sunday to set your cans on. The soup collected will be divided up between the food pantries.

BRING THOSE CANS OF SOUP IN!!!!