THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Neillsville, Wisconsin

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

Church 715-743-2147

     Pastor's Office 715-743-2117

             www.uccneillsville.org

 

December 30, 2018                                                 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      ÒChristmas MedleyÓ                                    (Paul Manz)                           

RINGING OF THE BELL               

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

We would like to welcome all of you who have gathered with us today for worship. We come from many places to this time and place. From our varied and hectic lives, we gather in this sacred space, as community to be challenged, to give thanks and to worship. No matter who you are or where you are on lifeÕs journey you are welcome here.

 

*GATHERING MUSIC

                                           

*CALL TO WORSHIP   Isaiah 52:7, Luke 2:11,14  

Leader:   How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of a messenger who proclaims peace,

People:  who proclaims good news,

Leader:   who proclaims salvation,

People:  who says, ÒYour God rules!Ó

Leader:  The Lord has comforted and redeemed his people.

All:        For unto us is born in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord! Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom God favors!Ó

 

*HYMN     ÒIt Came Upon the Midnight ClearÓ

It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold, ÒPeace on the earth, goodwill to all, great news of joy I bring.Ó The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

 

And you, beneath lifeÕs crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow, Look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing; O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing!

 

For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet bards foretold, when with the ever-circling years comes round the age of gold; When peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and all the world

 

*OPENING PRAYER

God of angels and shepherds, and our Lord, you have come to earth in your Son and for that we sing our praises. Through him, new life is given to all creation. We thank you for the hope he gives us. With Jesus among us we can let go of fear; we can rest assured that the past is past and new life is always possible; we can experience peace within us as we work for peace around us. Let the Spirit of Jesus renew our lives as we bless you, God, as we serve you and as we seek to obey you. In ChristÕs name. Amen.

*SILENCE FOR PERSONAL PRAYERS

 

*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  

ÒWhat Is Your Favorite Christmas Song?Ó

 

CHOIR MUSIC  ÒHallelujah, A Baby is BornÓ (Jay Althouse)                             

 

SCRIPTURE READING     Hebrews 1:1-12    (CEB)

 

CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND READINGS

 

We Respond to the Good News

     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

     ÒDen die Hirten lobten sehreÓ                      (Halmut Walcha)

*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                                     

      ÒFrom Heaven AboveÓ                               (Gordon Young)

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. Following worship, you are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall for coffee/refreshments and conversation.

 

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 anonymously by a faithful radio listener.

 

Calendar:

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

Tuesday, January 1 – New YearÕs Day (Office Closed)

ÒHappy New Year Everyone!Ó

Wednesday, January 2 – 3:30 p.m. Confirmation & CDÕs.

Saturday, January 5 – 7 a.m. UCC MenÕs Club Breakfast.

Next Sunday, January 6 – 9 a.m. Sunday School; 9 a.m. Sr. Choir practice; 10 a.m. Worship (Epiphany); Communion;

3 p.m. Communion served at Neillsville Retirement Community.

Monday, January 7 – ANNUAL REPORTS DUE

 

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 27

Following Worship – Downstairs in Fellowship Hall