THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Neillsville, Wisconsin

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

Church 715-743-2147

Pastor's Office 715-743-2117

www.uccneillsville.org

February 17, 2019 10:00 a.m.

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

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

“Fairest Lord Jesus” with “My Heart Ever Faithful”

Arr. Anna Laura Page

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 life’s journey you are welcome here.

MISSION MOMENT Brenda and Aaron Miatke, on their Campus Ministry with CRU.

GATHERING MUSIC “Ubi caritas et amor”

Sung by the Senior Choir

Translation: Where there is charity and love, there is God.

V. 1. Your love, O Jesus Christ, has gathered us together.

Vs. 2. May your love, O Jesus Christ, be foremost in our lives.

Vs. 3. Let us love one another as God has loved us.

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION

CALL TO WORSHIP¹

Leader: Blessed are those who trust – in God!

People: We come in trust, to be grounded in God’s love.

Leader: Blessed are those who hope – in God!

People: We come in hope, trusting in the one who gives us life.

Leader: Blessed are those who delight – who delight in the teachings of Jesus!

People: We come to hear the words of Jesus – hoping for healing and joy!

*HYMN “Holy, Holy, Lord God of Host” vs 1 & 2 #18

We Confess Our Sins Seeking God’s Forgiveness

*CALL TO RECONCILIATION¹

Now, if what we hear from the world is true, we would have no need to come before God. But in fact, the witness of scripture, and of the faithful, is true. God is to be trusted with every secret of our hearts, as we as offered our brokenness. Join me, as we pray to the One who waits to forgive us.

*PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS²

We confess what we are afraid to face, Blessing God: the seductions of the world have over taken our hearts. We are tempted by what the world offers and recommends, so that we forget those who do not even have enough for food. We believe we are the blessed ones because we have been entrusted with so much; while dismissing those who struggle, believing it is their own fault. Forgive us, Heart-broken God, remind us of the ways of Jesus and your particular love for the poor, hungry and weeping. Show us how we may be a blessing to your beloved ones. We, too want to receive the new life Jesus promises.

*SILENCE for personal confession of sin

*ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

You are loved by God who loves all and calls us to faithfully show love, compassion and acceptance. Forgiven of our sin, God opens up new possibilities for life in Christ Jesus.

*PASSING THE PEACE

Let us make peace with one another as a witness to our desire for peace with justice for all God created.

We are called to support one another as we follow Jesus.

He is the one who leads us to peace; inner peace and peace with one another. Let us share his love and peace with one another.

(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.”)

*SONG OF PRAISE "Gloria Patri”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son

and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen.

We Listen for the Good News

CHILDREN’S TIME “One Hundred Dresses”

THE CHOIR ANTHEM “We Bow Down” (Twilla Paris)

SCRIPTURE READING Luke 6:17-26

SERMON “Shamed” Pastor Jacoba Koppert

Enacting Our Faith

*HYMN “We Yearn, O Christ, for Wholeness”

(Pg. 5 Bulletin)

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 Karen Mohr

“Assurance” (John Ness Beck)

*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 “Help Us Accept Each Other” (Pg. 6 Bulletin)

*THE BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE “We Yearn, O Christ, For Wholeness”

We need your living presence, O Christ of Galilee,

A presence that revives us and sets our spirits free,

No longer are we fearful, your love pervades each place,

Empower us with courage to claim your healing grace.

*POSTLUDE Karen Mohr

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World

²Adapted by Pastor Jacoba from the liturgy by Thom M Shuman as noted in footnote #1

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 service is given by Ruth and Bob Schmidt in memory of mom, Luella Mohr and sister, Lois Mendenhall.

Calendar

Monday, February 18 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-Anon.

Tuesday, February 19 – 12 Noon 2^nd Half Group meeting;

5:30 p.m. Trustees meet; 6:30 p.m. Deacons/Deaconesses meet; 7:30 p.m. Church Council.

Wednesday, February 20 - 3:30 p.m. CD’s & Confirmation.

Thursday, February 21 – 10-11:30 a.m. Suncatchers Café.

Friday, February 22 – 10-11 a.m. Bible Study;

(First Thessalonians – Chapter 3)

Mark Your Calendar (See Flyer)

“Hiding in Plain Sight”

When: Sunday, March 3

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Where: United Church of Christ

UCC Men’s Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, March 3 (Following Worship)

Helping Hearts & Hands - Brenda and Aaron Miatke (Brenda is Barb and Bob Petkovsek’s daughter) serve as staff Directors for twelve different campus’s in the Greater Twin Ports Area for CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ.) They with their children have been involved for 15 years with CRU. The Mission and Outreach committee has decided that we will partner with them for a year. You will find envelopes in the pew racks for “Helping Hearts and Hands.” (If you write a check make it out to United Church of Christ –

Memo Line: Helping Hearts & Hands.) Thank you for your support.

Tuesday, February 19 - 12 Noon “Second Half Meeting”

Catered Lunch ($8.00 plus tip) Eileen Miller, Sr. Recreation Director from the Community Service of the Jackson prison

will present the program. Sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

Thursday, February 21 – 10-11:30 a.m. Sun Catchers Café – Ben Lindner from Tender Shoots Greenhouse will discuss what’s going on at Tender Shoots now, types of plants popular in gardens and answer your questions. This is open to anyone that wishes to come.

Hearts for the Home – February is the month our church takes part in the “Hearts for the Home” mission project. Monies raised go to helping our residents in our care facilities. Your support will help those without resources to participate in activities, receive haircuts, perms etc. Envelopes will be in the pew racks that are labeled “Hearts for the Home.” If you write a check, make it out to United Church of Christ and in the Memo line indicate “Hearts for the Home.” Thank you for your support.