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 19, 2019 10:00 a.m.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Baccalaureate 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 Karen Mohr

“Adagio Cantabile” (J.S. Bach)

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”

Am I still frightened? One whom I adore,

Jesus lives again, gives peace forever more.

Jesus is my victory, life and strength and Head!

Jesus is my glory, nothing shall I dread.

Yours is the glory, Resurrected One!

Endless is the victory you o’er death have won.

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Imagine…

Left:…..a place where all are welcome

Right:…and everyone hears the sound of their name.

Leader: Imagine…

Left:…..everyone having enough food and water

Right:….and a home free of hatred and fear.

Leader: Imagine…

Left:. …a place where creativity is valued

Right:...and the spirit is nurtured in love.

Leader: Imagine…

Left:…..just imagine

Right:…this is that place.

*HYMN “All Creatures of Our God and King” #30

*OPENING PRAYER

We praise you, O God, for the gift of creation

and the surprise of re-creation.

Open our eyes to see new things.

Open our minds to think fresh thoughts.

Open our communities to welcome new partners.

Open our spirits to follow your Spirit. 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!

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Piper Nicole Keller, daughter of Christopher and Nicole Keller

(see insert)

CHILDREN’S TIME “A Prophet’s Dream”

CHOIR MUSIC "Be Strong in Lord" (Fetke/Johnson)

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Acts 11:1-18 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35

RESPONSE TO SCRIPTURE

One: Once we believed in us versus them.

Two: Now we know that all are one in Christ.

All: Behold, a new heaven and a new earth!

One: Once we believed in clean and unclean.

Two: New we know that all are one in Christ.

All: Behold, a new heaven and a new earth!

One: Once we believed everyone had to be the same.

Two: Now we know that all are one in Christ.

All: Behold, a new haven and a new earth!

One: Once we believed in status and money.

Two: Now we know that all are one in Christ.

All: Behold, a new heaven and a new earth!

One: Once we believed in divide and conquer.

Two: Now we know that all are one in Christ.

All: Behold, a new heaven and a new earth!

SERMON "Imagine” Pastor James Mohr

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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 Karen Mohr

“All Things Bright and Beautiful” (Gordon Young)

*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 "O Holy City, Seen of John” (pg. 5 Bulletin)

*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 Karen Mohr

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

Thank you, Pastor Jim, for filling in for Pastor Jacoba so she could attend a family funeral.

Congratulations to our UCC Graduates

Neillsville High School

Cole Hediger, son of Crispin & Lisa Hediger

Attending Madison Area Technical College in Madison – Machine Tooling Technics (Machinist)

Bailey Schumacher, daughter of Lydia & Ronald Schumacher Attending University of Steven Point - Nursing

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Kathryn Schmidt, daughter of Paul & Sandra Schmidt

Graduated Friday, May 17 – Physical Therapist Assistant

Announcements

Today: Following our worship servicey you are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall downstairs 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 sponsored by Ruth and Bob Schmidt in memory of sister, Eunice Artac.

Calendar

Monday, May 20– 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-Anon.

Tuesday, May 21 – 5:30 p.m. Trustees meeting; 6:30 p.m. Deacons and Deaconesses meeting; 7:30 p.m. Church Council meeting.

General Synod 32 June 21-25 – 20

Volunteers are needed to help out at the General Synod. (See the Bulletin Board). 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. Registration forms in the office.

Vacation Bible School – Registration Forms on table in the Narthex- Dates: Friday, May 31 9 a.m. 8 p.m. &

Saturday, June 1 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (See insert.)