THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Neillsville, Wisconsin

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

Church 715-743-2147

Pastor's Office 715-743-2117

www.uccneillsville.org

March 11, 2018 10:00 a.m.

Fourth Sunday of Lent

One Great Hour of Sharing

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.

Gathering Together to Worship God

PRELUDE Karen Mohr

“Variations on “Kum Ba Yah” John Behnke

RINGING OF THE BELL

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING MUSIC “Kum Ba Yah”

Kum ba yah, my Lord, Kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, Kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, Kum ba yah.
O Lord, Kum ba yah

PRAYING TOGETHER

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: The Lord is our strength.

People: At the same time, we remember Jesus who endured great suffering.

Leader: Yes, and Jesus tells his disciples that we too are to deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow him which may cause us to endure suffering.

People: We know Jesus is with us on our journey.

Leader: Let us worship God who is our hope.

*HYMN “O How I Love Jesus” (insert)

Confessing Our Sin, Receiving God’s Forgiveness

*CALL TO CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Mighty God, sometimes, our suffering, the suffering of our loved ones and suffering in the world makes us angry with you. Forgive us when we forget to pray for those who suffer, even for ourselves as we hurt. Help us to be honest with you naming all our emotions. Forgive us when we do not offer compassion, work to bring healing or change injustice. Give us courage to share our faith with those most in need of hope.

*PERSONAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Jesus understands suffering. He knows how difficult life can be for us. Believe him when he says, “You are forgiven for all your sin.” Hear him when he says, “Repent and follow me,” “and as I have loved you, love one another.”

*PASSING THE PEACE

Pastor: As people of God, we are called to understand the suffering others also experience.

People: As followers of Jesus, we are called to support one another in times of trial and rejoicing.

Pastor: Let us extend our love to one another as we offer the peace of Christ. May the love of God and the peace of Christ be with you.

People: 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.”)

*OUR RESPONSE “Our God, How Have We Wandered”

O God of all the living, both banished and restored,

Compassionate, forgiving, our peace and hope assured,

Grant now that our transgressing, our faithfulness may cease. Stretch out your hand in blessing, in pardon and in peace.

Listening Together for the Word of God

THE CHILDREN’S TIME “The Cross”

*CHILDREN SINGING “He Is the Light”

SCRIPTURE READING Mark 8:31-38

SERMON “Embracing Suffering Pastor Jacoba Koppert

*HYMN “I Am the Light of the World” (pg. 5-6 bulletin)

Enacting Our Faith

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE 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

“Elegie” (Massenet)

*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

*HYMN “The Old Rugged Cross” (insert)

*THE BENEDICTION

*THE RESPONSE "Lead Us from Death to Life"

Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth,

from despair to hope, from fear to trust.

Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace;

let peace fill our hearts, let peace fill our world, let peace fill our universe.

*POSTLUDE Karen Mohr

Led by the Light of Christ We Depart to Serve

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 Bob and Ruth Schmidt in memory of brother, Marvin Mohr.

Announcements

Calendar

Monday, March 12 –6:30-7:30 Nar-Anon.

Tuesday, March 13 – 10 a.m. Ministerial Alliance at Calvary.

Wednesday, March 14 – 3:30 p.m. CD’s & Confirmation;

Lenten Service

Wednesday March 14 - 7:00 p.m.

United Church of Christ

Pastor Chad Anderson– “Pilate”

6:00 p.m. Soup Supper served

Thursday, March 15 – 10-11:30 a.m. Sun Catchers Café.

Looking Ahead at the Calendar

Next Sunday, March 18- Confirmands leading the service.

Tuesday, March 20 – 12 Noon 2^nd Half Group meeting; Dee Zimmerman leading the program; Sign-up on the bulletin board; M&M catered lunch; cost is $7.50 plus tip.

Needed Donations for Bars/Milk for our Soup Supper March 14. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Thanks for helping out.

Lenten Offering – Don’t forget your Lenten Offering – these offerings go for local missions.

One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering – This special offering helps in places lacking health and educational resources and/or where disaster has struck. OGHS envelopes can be found in the pew racks. Thank you for supporting this special offering.