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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June 2, 2019                                                                9:00 a.m.

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

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

                         ÒAirÓ                                    (George F. Handel)

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 lifeÕs journey you are welcome here.

MISSION MOMENT                                    David Harnisch

            ÔStrengthen the ChurchÓ

 

GATHERING MUSIC     ÒThine Is the GloryÓ

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 oÕer death have won.

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION                                        

                      

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                  

Leader:     The LORD is our strength and salvation.

People:    What we do, even when do what is right and faithful sometimes lands us in trouble.

Leader:     Yet,  GodÕs Word is to be obeyed.

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  ÒYe Servants of God, Your Master ProclaimÓ    #196      

*PRAYER      

Faithful God, when we do your work, we expect things will go well; we expect to be successful; we expect to be at peace. Yet, in this world, it is not always so for JesusÕ followers. Give us a strong faith; help us persevere. Make Yourself known to us so that we will dare to do what you have called us to do as Jesus followers. You invite us to trust that you will be with us. Forgive us when we lose hope and courage. In the name of the Risen Christ lead us from death to life. Amen.

*SILENCE AS WE CONFESS OUR PERSONAL SINS

*ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

 

*PASSING THE PEACE

    Peace, Peace but there is no peace in our world. It is our work to bring GodÕs peace among us. May we be courageous as we respond to GodÕs call: restoring relationships, rekindling hope and proclaiming the Gospel of Love with peace and justice for all.

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

CHILDRENÕS TIME              "Paul Sings"

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL CHILDREN SING                                  

SCRIPTURE READINGS    

      Acts 16:16-34

      I Corinthians 16:13-14

Keep alert,

Stand firm in your faith,

Be courageous,

Be strong.

Let all that you do be done in love.

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

 

SERMON    "Faith in Troubled Times"  

                                                Pastor Jacoba Koppert

 

*HYMN     ÒLord God of Hosts, Whose PurposeÓ   #192

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

 

INVITATION TO OFFERING

THE OFFERTORY                                           Karen Mohr                                        

      ÒThou Shalt Bring Them InÓ                               (Handel)

 

 

*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 Communion

THE INVITATION1

Beloved in Christ, the Gospel tells us that on the first day of the week Jesus Christ was raised from death, appeared to Mary Magdalene, on that same day sat at table with two of the disciples, and was made known in the breaking of the bread.

(sung)  This is the joyful feast of the people of God.

Men and women, youth and children,

come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and gather about ChristÕs table.

This table is for all Christians who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of GodÕs people.

THE COMMUNION PRAYER1

Pastor:        God be with you.

People:                  And also with you.

Pastor:        Lift up your hearts.

People:                  We lift them to God.

Pastor:        Let us give thanks to God Most High.

People:                  It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Pastor continues prayer

THE SACTUS (Sung)1

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

CONSECRATION OF THE ELEMENTS

 

OUR RESPONSE

In the strength Christ gives us we offer ourselves to you,

Eternal God, and give thanks that you have called us

to serve you.  Amen.

THE BREAKING AND THE POURING

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.

 

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 remaining in our pews. The Deacons/nesses will serve the elements; Pastor Jacoba will serve the gluten-free wafers in the pews to those who request it. We serve both wine and grape juice; the wine is dark in color and the grape juice is light in color. Please hold the elements until all have received them so that we can commune together as one body.

 

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING2

Let us pray.

Eternal God, you have welcomed all of us at the table of our Lord Jesus Christ, no matter who we are or where we are on lifeÕs journey. We thank you for ChristÕs presence and for nurturing us through the bread of life and the cup of salvation. By the power of your Holy Spirit, keep us faithful to your will. Go with us to the streets, to our homes, and our places of labor and leisure that whether we are gathered or scattered, we may be ChristÕs servants as a church and as his disciples. In the  name of Christ we rejoice to pray. Amen.

 

*HYMN   "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us"         (See 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                                                          Karen Mohr

                 ÒAllegro MaestosoÓ                                     (Handel)               

 

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

1Book of Worship: United Church of Christ Copyright 1986. Used with permission.

2Ibid. adapted by Pastor Jacoba Koppert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Glenna Rhoades & family in memory of husband/father Herb Rhoades.

 

Today:  3 p.m. Communion served at Neillsville Retirement Community; you are welcome to join us.

 

Calendar

Monday, June 3 – Nar-Anon.

Tuesday, June 4 – 2:30 p.m. Neillsville Care  & Rehab; Pastor Jacoba leading service; 6 p.m. Pastor/Parish 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.

 

Strengthen the Church Special Offering – Envelopes can be found in the pew racks.  Thank you for your support!