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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May 5, 2019 10:00 a.m.

Third Sunday of Easter

Confirmation Sunday

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 Deon Spangler

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 a 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.

GATHERING MUSIC "Thine Is the Glory" Senior Choir

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: The LORD is our strength and salvation.

People: Jesus has shown us the way, the truth and the life.

Leader: We must obey God rather than any human authority.

People: We are called to be courageous followers of the Risen Christ.

Leader: Let us worship God who raised Jesus to new life; who sent the Holy Spirit to give us the words we are to speak and to guide us so that the Risen Christ is honored through our actions.

*HYMN "Thine Is the Glory" #139

*PRAYER

Faithful God, you amazed us as you raised Jesus from the dead. As he stands among us, you invite us to trust that we will also experience new life. Forgive us when we lose hope and courage. Increase our faith so that with joy we can proclaim “My Lord and my God!” Make Yourself known to us so that we will dare to do what you have called us to do as Jesus followers. In the name of the Risen Christ lead us from death to life. Amen.

*PASSING THE PEACE

Let us be open to new life as we share the peace of Christ. May we be courageous as we seek to refresh our faith, restore relationships, discover renewed hope and proclaim the Gospel of Love with peace and justice for all.

New life blossoms among us. The Risen Christ is among us, granting us courage as we work for peace.

May the peace of Christ encourage you.

May the peace of Christ encourage 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 "Halle, Halle Hallelujah"

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

Halle, halle, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

We Listen for News of the Resurrection

CHILDREN’S TIME "Courageous Thomas"

THE CHOIR SINGS "Footprints In the Sand" (D. Angerman)

SCRIPTURE READING John 20:19-22

WORDS FOR REFLECTION "Behind Locked Doors"

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

The Rite of Confirmation

Please turn to Confirmation Service insert.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO OFFERING

THE OFFERTORY Deon Spangler

*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

The Sacrament of Holy Communion¹

GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
May the God of resounding joy be with you!
And also with you!
Easter people, may your hearts be filled with joy!
May God fill our emptiness with faith, hope and love.
Children of the resurrection, lift your praises to God!
We join with all creation in shouting our praise
to the One who loves us!
Pastor Continues prayer…
with everyone who sees your glorious presence, we praise you, saying:

Holy, holy, holy, God of love and majesty.

The whole universe speaks of your glory O God Most High.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of our God!
Hosanna in the highest!

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

RESURRECTION ACCLAMATION
Christ was the One who died for us;
Christ is the One who is risen for us;
Christ is the One who will come for us.

THE CONSECRATION

THE BREAKING AND THE POURING

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.

CALL TO SUPPER

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Come for all things are ready.

The Confirmands Are Served by the Pastor

SHARING THE ELEMENTS

The United Church of Christ practices open communion. People of all ages who confess Jesus Christ as Savior are welcome. Today we will receive the elements at the altar. Take the bread (gluten free wafers also available) and dip it in the cup, or take the bread, eat it and then take one of the small cups. The silver chalices contain wine. The pottery chalices contain grape juice. Light colored glasses contain juice and dark glasses contain wine. Youth will receive your empty cups at side aisles as you return to your pews. Anyone who would like to receive the elements in the pew is asked to raise their hands as the servers come nearby.

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

God of love, we thank you for the gifts we have received at your table. We praise you for blessing us with the love of our Risen Savior. Breathe your peace into us as we go into the world to serve you in faith. Increase our love for one another. Grant us courage for the facing of these days. Amen.

*HYMN "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us" (insert)

*THE BENEDICTION

*CHORAL RESPONSE "Christ the Lord is Risen Today"

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 Deon Spangler

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

¹Freely adapted by Jacoba Koppert from the communion prayer written by Thom M. Shuman on Lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com April 28, 2019

Announcements

Today: Following Worship Service you are invited to join us in Fellowship Hall downstairs where you may meet and greet our Confirmands. Join us 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 by Frances Short and family in loving memory of Kenneth Short and other family members.

Calendar

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

Wednesday, May 8 – 6 p.m. Stewardship Committee meeting.

Thursday, May 9 – 1:30 p.m. Circle of Friends meeting.

Saturday, May 11 – 11 a.m. Wanda Smith Memorial Service at American Legion; Visitation 10-11 a.m.

Vacation Bible School Registration Forms are on the table in the Narthex. Sign-up NOW.

“Change of Seasons” – Saturday, May 18; “Volunteers are NEEDED”; meet here at UCC at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast; Equipment will be provided. Contact Mary Sladich 715-743-5144 for more information if you have some spring jobs that need to be done.

General Synod 32 June 21-25 – 20

Volunteers are needed to help out at the General Synod. (Check out the insert) This would be a great opportunity to learn about the UCC and see our diversity. If you have any questions – contact Sue Vornholt 715-797-4031. If you need help in registering on-line, she will help you out.

Also check out the flyer on the bulletin board for the opportunity to go to the General Synod by bus for only $20.00.