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 30, 2017 9:00 a.m.

Eighth 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 Karen Mohr

“Morning” (Grieg)

RINGING OF THE BELL

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING MUSIC

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Keep your eyes open to signs of God’s presence.

People: God is at work among us and we are grateful.

Leader: Seeds are growing in our midst.

People: We are waiting to see what God creates.

Leader: Treasures lie hidden nearby.

People: With joy we will do all we can to uncover God’s

surprises.

*HYMN “Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling” #21

*GATHERING PRAYER

God of creation, we are waiting; we are waiting to see mustard seeds transformed into homes for the birds of the air. God of surprises, we are waiting to discover treasures worth all we own. We know remarkable signs of your kingdom are among us.

Give to us the patience we need as you open our eyes to signs of justice and mercy, peace and hope. Give us courage to be people who trust your promise and your purpose for our lives, not only in this time of worship, but in the days and weeks and years to come. In the name of Jesus, we trust and wait expectantly. Amen.

PASSING THE PEACE

The Kingdom of Heaven is among us.

It comes through relationship with Jesus.

It comes as we work toward peace with justice for all.

We begin as we share peace with one another. 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 “It is There”

SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 13:31-33, 44-49

SERMON “Revealing the Hidden” Rev. Jacoba Koppert

We Respond to the Good News

*HYMN “Bring Forth the Kingdom” (insert)

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 Karen Mohr

“A Simple Prayer” (Grieg)

*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

God of all gifts, thank you for your deeds of love and

for your marvelous works of grace. May our gifts and offerings glorify God and tell of Christ’s wonderful works, Bless the gifts we lay before you, that they may be signs of your loving kingdom to a world awaiting good news. Amen.

*HYMN “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” insert

*THE BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE "Make Me a Blessing”

Make me a blessing, touch me today.

Lord, please use me, in your own way.

Washed of your spirit, humble and low,

into your service, Lord, let me go.

Lord, take these hands: Lord, take these feet

into the paths you bid me go;

Lord make my life complete.

Short is our time, Lord, help us to know,

where we may serve you, then bid us go.

Make me a blessing, touch me, I pray;

Lord, please guide me, oh, Father, today.

*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 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 for our church.

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

Calendar

Monday, July 31- 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-Anon.

Wednesday, August 2 – 10 am Funeral Luncheon Planning Committee.

Next Sunday, August 6 – 9 am Summer Worship;

Communion (Intinction); 3:pm. Communion served at Neillsville Retirement Home; Join us.

7:30 p.m. “Weird Church Study.

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.

Words copyright © 1964 by World Library publications. All rights reserved. Music Copyright ©1972 CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP. Reprinted by permission of Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-723900