Neillsville, Wisconsin
Pastor Jacoba Koppert
Church 715-743-2147
Pastor's Office 715-743-2117
December 31,
2017
10:00 a.m.
First Sunday
after Christmas
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
RINGING OF THE BELL
WELCOME AND
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*GATHERING
MUSIC ÒPrepare
the WayÓ
Reprinted under OneLicense.net
A-723900
*CALL TO
WORSHIP Psalm 148 (Responsive)
1Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
2Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
3Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining
stars!
4Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above
the heavens!
5Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
6He established them forever and ever; he fixed their
bounds, which cannot be passed.
7Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
8fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling
his command!
9Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
10Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and
flying birds!
11Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all
rulers of the earth!
12Young men and women alike, old and young together!
13Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above
earth and heaven. 14He has raised up a horn for his people, praise
for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the
Lord!
*HYMN ÒAngels from the Realms of GloryÓ #91
PRAYER OF CONFESSION1
All: Holy God, we know that you have been present to us throughout all of history,
even throughout our own histories.
We know you will be with us in our future.
Yet often we donÕt live as if we know that.
You ask no more of us than what we can provide.
Parents: As JesusÕ parents were asked to give within their means at the temple, you ask us to give of our means. We often fail to do this.
Men of Wisdom: As Simeon recognized in Jesus the salvation of his people, we recognize in JesusÕ Way our own wholeness and health, yet we often fail to follow.
Women of Wisdom: As Anna recognized in Jesus the redemption of her people, we recognize in Jesus GodÕs saving grace for us, yet we often fail to rejoice and to share this good news.
All: Forgive us, make us wise and joyful and strong
so that we live in the understanding of your never-ending
love. Amen.
*SILENCE FOR PERSONAL PRAYERS
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON1
Youth and Pastor: The scriptures promise that God will make all things new. As God makes the year new, may we also be made new by GodÕs love and forgiveness in Jesus. Amen.
*PASSING THE
PEACE
The New Year fast
comes upon us. Let us let go of that which robbed of us peace with God, with
others and within ourselves.
We want the
peace that comes through relationship with God, one another and when we accept
ourselves as we are.
Work for peace in
the places where it eludes you, asking for GodÕs help and guidance. Know GodÕs
peace. The peace proclaimed that Holy Night in Bethlehem to all whom God favors
(and God favors all) be with you.
And also with
you.
(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
ÒGloria CanonÓ (sing
twice)
Gloria,
gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria,
gloria, alleluia, alleluia!
We Listen
for the Good News
THE CHILDRENÕS TIME ÒLooking into the FutureÓ
CHRISTMAS
CAROLS
SCRIPTURE
READING Luke
2:22-40
Santana Subke
SERMON ÒChristmas CourageÓ Pastor Jacoba Koppert
We Respond
to the Good News
*CHRISTMAS
CAROL ÒHark!
the Herald Angels SingÓ #94
PRAYERS OF THE
PEOPLE
THE LORDÕS 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 ÒAway in a MangerÓ
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
*CAROL OF ADORATION #89
Yea,
Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee
be all glory given;
Word of the
Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come let us
adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us
adore him, Christ, the Lord!
*PRAYER
OF DEDICATION
*HYMN ÒGreat
God, We Sing That Mighty HandÓ #20
*THE BENEDICTION
*RESPONSE ÒGo, Tell it on the MountainÓ
#105
Go tell
it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is
born!
Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born,
And God sent us salvation that Blessed Christmas
morn.
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and
everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is
born!
*POSTLUDE
Karen Mohr
The Light of
Christ Leads Us into the World
1Past Meets Future: A Blessing for Today was written by the Rev. Dr.
Robert George, Karen George, Judy Colby-George. Copyright 2017 Faith Formation
Ministry Team, United Church of Christ Permission granted to reproduce or adapt
this material for use in services of worship or church education. All
publishing rights reserved.
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 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.
Today: 3 p.m. Communion served at Neillsville Retirement Community. Come and join us!
Radio Broadcast Sponsors – The radio broadcast portion of our worship service today is given by Wanda Smith in memory of her husband, Raymond and her Wedding Anniversary on December 31.
Calendar
Monday, January 1 - (Office Closed) News YearÕs Day;
NO Nar-Anon.
Wednesday, January 3 – 3:30 p.m.
CDÕs & Confirmation.
Saturday, January 6 – 7 a.m. UCC MenÕs Club Breakfast.
Christmas Fund Special Offering – This special UCC offering cares for the active and retired clergy and lay employees of the UCC. Your gift to the Christmas Fund will not only assist pastors in need, but also provide for the Supplementation of Small Annuities, Supplementation of Health Premiums, Emergency Grants and Christmas ÒThank YouÓ Gift Checks next December to lower-income retirees. Your gifts are needed more than ever. You will find special Christmas Fund envelopes in the pew racks. Thank you for your gift.
2018 Offering Envelopes are on the table out in the Narthex for those of you that wanted them. Please pick them up. If you want envelopes and do not have them. See or call Audrey.
Note: We will be working on the 2018 schedules for Ushers and Greeters –if you do not want to be on the schedule, please let Audrey know. If you have a preference when you want to be scheduled, please let me know as well. Thank you.
2017 Contribution Statements will be on the table in the Narthex next
Sunday.