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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April 22, 2018 10:00 a.m.

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

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 and Celebrate the Resurrection

PRELUDE Eileen Zank

RINGING OF THE BELL

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING MUSIC “Kum ba Yah”

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Still we celebrate that Christ is risen and among us.

People: The Good Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep; raised by God, the Good Shepherd again calls us by name.

Leader: The love Jesus shows for his sheep is beyond our comprehension.

People: The care Jesus shows for all the sheep brings us to worship God today.

Leader: Come celebrating God’s faithfulness and become faithful.

Come be filled with the love of God and be loving.

Come listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd and be led by God’s Spirit.

*HYMN “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” (pg. 5 bulletin)

*PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION Wendy Sigurdson

O God, we thank you for laying down your life for us. You do not run from us; you are ready to save us from all that kills us in body, mind and soul. And yet we run away from you. We get lost and again you must come and seek us. Hear us as we name the times we have fled your care and guidance this week.

*SILENCE AS WE REMEMBER

You, who welcome all sheep into your flock, we are upset when you have invited other sheep into your fold. We see they are different than us; we fear what their presence might do to us; we see their sin, while denying our own. Hear us as we acknowledge our sins against our neighbors.

*SILENCE AS WE REMEMBER

*ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

The Good Shepherd has again searched for us. He has laid down his life for us, again protecting and welcoming us into his flock. We are forgiven for running away from him. We are forgiven for not welcoming others into his flock.

Let us now promise to remain within his loving care and to love one another as he loves us.

*SILENCE AS WE PLEDGE OUR FAITHFULNESS

*PASSING THE PEACE

Let us welcome one another. Let us share Christ’s love for each other. Let us offer Christ’s peace to each other. 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.")

*OUR RESPONSE OF JOY ”Hallelujah"

Halle, halle, hallelujah, Halle, halle, hallelujah.

Halle, halle, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

We Listen for News of the Resurrection

CHILDREN’S TIME “The Sheep”

*HYMN “The Lord’s My Shepherd” #278

SCRIPTURE READINGS

I John 3:16-24 (The Message) Wendy Sigurdson

John 10:11-18

SERMON “Enfolded by Love” Pastor Jacoba Koppert

We Respond To God’s Faithfulness

SPECIAL MUSIC Eileen Zank

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 DEDICATION

A LITANY FOR EARTH DAY back of bulletin

*HYMN “Praise to the Living God” (pg. 6 bulletin)

*THE BENEDICTION

*CHORAL RESPONSE "Christ is Risen"

Soar we now where Christ has led. Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

Our the cross, the grave the skies, Alleluia!

*POSTLUDE Eileen Zank

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World in Easter Joy

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 – Today the radio broadcast portion of our worship service is given Neil & Corinne Armitage in memory of Ben and to those suffering depression.

TODAY: First Quarterly Congregational Meeting following worship downstairs in Fellowship Hall; get yourself some refreshments furnished by Deacons and Deaconesses and attend this important meeting of your church.

Calendar

Monday, April 23 –Newsletter Week; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-anon;

Wednesday, April 25 – 3:30 p.m. CD’s & Confirmation.

Saturday, April 28- Farmer Appreciation Luncheon 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Clark County Fairground. Help needed to set up Friday night 5:00 p.m. at fairground and Saturday morning 9:00 a.m. Help needed serving 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and cleanup after 1:00.

Monetary/bar donations are needed.

Pie/Baked Goods Auction

Sunday, April 29 (Next Sunday)– Following Worship

Sign-up Sheet on Bulletin Board

For our bakers/cooks to list your donations

Needed – Pies, Cakes, Bars, Casseroles and BIDDERS!