UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Neillsville, Wisconsin

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

Church 715-743-2147

Pastor's Office 715-743-2117

www.uccneillsville.org

July 8, 2018 9:00 a.m.

The Seventh 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 Eileen Zank

RINGING OF THE BELL

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING “Soften My Heart”

Soften my heart, Lord, Soften my heart

from all indifference set me apart,

To feel your compassion, to weep with your tears;

come soften my heart, O Lord, Soften my heart. (repeat)

Words and Music. OneLicense.net A-723900

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: “Let us cross to the other side of the lake,” Jesus says.

People: God in Jesus Christ goes with us wherever we go.

Leader: God surrounds us front and back, God’s hand is on us.

People: Even from far away, God comprehends our plans and knows what we are about.

All. God has told us, what is good and what the Lord requires from us; to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with our God.

*HYMN “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” # 25

We Confess Our Sin, Seeking God’s Forgiveness

PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION

Loving God, as you love us, you call us to love one another. We are finding that more difficult in these days. You who extend yourself to the farthest reaches of the world invite us to open our hearts to your children everywhere. Give us courage to express our faith in word and deed. Forgive us when we turn our eyes and hearts from those you love.

SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION

ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. As we receive God’s love and forgiveness, let us love and be forgiving.

PASSING THE PEACE

Love is kind, it is not rude, it is not happy with injustice but rejoices in the truth. Let us show the love of Jesus so that God’s peace may prevail among us. Let us practice the love and peace of Jesus Christ as we share this 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.")

* OUR RESPONSE "Every Step of the Way"

Christopher Grundy

Help me do the justice to be done today. Help me love kindness in all I do and say. Help me walk humbly with you, O God I pray every step of the way, every step of the way. (Repeat song)

We Listen for the Good News

CHILDREN’S TIME (if children present)

“Love Kindness”

SPECIAL MUSIC Eileen Zank

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Mark 5:1-20

SERMON “On the Other Side of the Lake”

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

We Respond To God’s Faithfulness

*THE STATEMENT OF FAITH IN DOXOLOGY

We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit,

God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God,

and to your deeds we testify:

You call the worlds into being,

create persons in your own image,

and set before each one the ways of life and death.

You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior,

you have come to us

and shared our common lot,

conquering sin and death

and reconciling the world to yourself.

You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit,

creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,

binding in covenant faithful people of all ages,

tongues, and races.

You call us into your church

to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,

to be your servants in the service of others,

to proclaim the gospel to all the world

and resist the powers of evil,

to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table,

to join him in his passion and victory.

You promise to all who trust you

forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,

courage in the struggle for justice and peace,

your presence in trial and rejoicing,

and eternal life in your realm which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.

*HYMN (pg. 6 bulletin)

“Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”

PASTORAL PRAYER

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 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

*HYMN “I Would Be True” (Insert)

*THE BENEDICTION

*CHORAL RESPONSE "Let There Be Peace”

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God our Creator, children all are we.

Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.

With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:

To take each moment and

live each moment in peace eternally!

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

*POSTLUDE Eileen Zank

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World 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 – Today the radio broadcast portion of our worship service is sponsored anonymously by a faithful radio listener.

Calendar

Monday, July 9– 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-Anon.

Thursday, July 12 – 1:30 p.m. Circle of Friends meeting.

Next Sunday, July 15 – 9 a.m. Summer Worship Service will be held at the Neillsville Care & Rehab in the outdoor pavilion behind Care & Rehab.

Note: Sign-up for bars needed to serve following the service. (Please bring them to the service cut and ready to serve on a disposable plate) Thank you.

Milk Drive – Thank you for your generous support for our “milk drive.” We collected $559.00. Our milk jug is overflowing!