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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We Gather to Worship God

October 27, 2019 10:00 a.m.

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

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.

PRELUDE Vicente Cortez

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 “Soften My Heart”

Soften my heart, Lord, Soften my heart

from all indifference set me apart,

To feel your compassion, to weep with your tears;

come soften my heart, O Lord, Soften my heart. (repeat)

Words and Music. OneLicense.net A-723900

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Where will you go?

People: Wherever God leads us.

Leader: Who will be your people?

People: God’s people will be our people.

Leader: Who will go with you?

People: We will journey with each other.

Leader: What are you willing to risk?

People: We will risk everything.

All: For the One who calls us provides in ways we could never imagine.

*HYMN “Great Is Your Faithfulness”

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*OPENING PRAYER

Faithful God, even in a foreign land and amid unfamiliar people, Ruth courageously offered Naomi love and devotion.

Grant us courage to offer care and compassion even when we are uncertain and uncomfortable.

Even though Naomi felt God had dealt bitterly with her and treated her harshly, God had new possibilities

in mind.

Grant us an open spirit to see what good things

God has yet in store for us.

Even though Ruth was a stranger and a foreigner,

Boaz provided for her out of his abundance.

Grant us a spirit of generosity even when it means risking what is ours.

Help us, O God to claim among our enduring values:

trust in you and in your steadfast love

and faithfulness;

the courage to offer care and compassion toward all,

having a generous heart, mind and hand;

A strong faith that helps us to envision the abundant life you intend for your creation.

May we open our hearts to receive all that you provide, that we might share it with others. Amen.

*PASSING THE PEACE

We are a people in need of peace. In so many places we are overwhelmed and our world is overwhelming. My friends, Jesus wants us to have the peace that passes all human understanding. Let us encourage one another, reminding each other that Jesus offers peace. The Peace of Christ be with you.

And also with 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.")

*SONG OF PRAISE "For the Beauty of the Earth” (v.4)

For the good that love inspires,

for the world where none exclude.

For a faith that never tires,

and for every heart renewed,

God of all, to you we raise

this our hymn of grateful praise.

We Listen for Words that Encourage and Challenge Us

As Jesus Followers

CHILDREN’S TIME “Of Greatest Value”

SPECIAL MUSIC Vicente Cortez

SCRIPTURE READING Ruth 4: 1-10, 18-22

Read by Craig Sigurdson, Bryce Erickson and Parker Voigt

SERMON Pastor Jacoba Koppert

“Extravagant Generosity: Remaining True to

Our Enduring Values”

We Respond in Faith

to God’s Love for the World

*HYMN “”I Would Be True” (pg. 5 bulletin)

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 Vicente Cortez

*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 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian ” #232 (Hymnal)

*THE BENEDICTION

*CHORAL RESPONSE ”Let There Be Peace”

By Sy Miller and Jill Jackson

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God our Creator, children all are we.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and
live each moment in peace eternally!
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Reprinted under OneLiense.net A-723900

*POSTLUDE Vicente Cortez

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World to Serve

Announcements

Today: 3^rd Quarterly Congregational Meeting following worship downstairs in Fellowship Hall; Refreshments will be served by the Deacons/Deaconesses – get yourself something to eat/drink and attend this important meeting of your church.

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 Ruth and Marcia Van Gorden in memory of son/brother Scot and husband/father, Pink Van Gorden.

Calendar

Monday, October 28- 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-Anon.

Wednesday, October 30 – 3:30 p.m. Confirmation; class is planning on raking leaves; 6:30 p.m. Holiday Fair Worknight.

Saturday, November 2 – 7 a.m. UCC Men’s Club Breakfast.

Next Sunday, November 3 – DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS – (Turn your clocks back) 10 a.m. All Saints Sunday Worship; Communion (Intinction) Fellowship/Coffee Hour following worship; 3 p.m. Communion served at Neillsville Retirement communion; join us.

55^th Holiday Fair

Saturday, November 9

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

Gift Boutique, Greeting Cards, Kitchen Cupboard

New to You Treasures

Lunch from 11:00-12:30 p.m.

Chicken Salad on a Croissant – Bowl of Potato Soup

Dessert & Beverage

Adults - $7.00 – Kids under 10 $5.00

Note: There is a sign-up on the bulletin board for donations of ingredients for the luncheon - Cash Donations always welcome – Help is needed in every area. Thank you for Volunteering! Contact: Carla Marty, Emile Miller, Darlene Mueller or church office.