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

November 3, 2019 10:00 a.m.

All Saints 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.

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 “They that Wait Upon the Lord”

They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up on wings as eagles,

they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Help us Lord, help us Lord on our way.

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Jesus said, “I came so that all might have life and have it abundantly.”

People: We want to live life to the fullest.

Leader: Help us, O God to claim a life where we:

People: trust in you and in your steadfast love and faithfulness;

Leader: Grant that we will have

People: the courage to offer care and compassion toward all, having a generous heart, mind and hand;

Leader: Renew in us

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

Leader: May we open

People: our hearts to receive all that you provide, that we might share it with others.

All: We trust Jesus who promises abundant and eternal life to all.

Leader: Let us abide in the love of God and Jesus Christ as we worship in the name of our Creator, Redeemer and Comforter.

*HYMN “Great Is Your Faithfulness” (Screen)

Reprinted under OneLiense.net A-723900

*CALL TO CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Gracious God, like Naomi, we sometimes feel bitter about the challenges and hardships we face in life. It is hard for us to rejoice in the joys of life or to uncover your blessings as we grieve our losses and what might have been. Give us the courage Ruth had, to take risks not knowing what the future might be. As you did for Boaz, open our eyes to how challenges may be addressed. Reveal to us the abundant life Jesus wants for all.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Redeemer of both the living and the dead.

*SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*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” (vs. 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 “Abundance”

THE CHOIR SINGS “Bless Us With Your Love” (Mozart/Wagner)

SCRIPTURE READINGS John 10:10

SERMON Pastor Jacoba Koppert

“Extravagant Generosity: An Abundant Life,

A Meaningful Life”

We Respond in Faith

to God’s Love for the World

* We Respond in Faith to God’s Love for the World

THANKSGIVING LITANY FOR THE BLESSED ONES

Pastor: Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me, will never die. Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

People: “Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more for the first things have passed away.

Pastor: The Lord is faithful in all God’s words and gracious in all God’s deeds.

People: The Lord upholds all who are falling down and raises up all who are bowed down.

Pastor: The Lord is near to all who call,

who call from their hearts.

People: The desires of those who fear God are fulfilled; their cries are heard; they are saved.

Pastor: On this day of remembrance, let us recall and give thanks for those blessed ones who have gone before us.

(The families and friends of those whose services were held

through the ministry of the church since November 2018 are

invited to come forward when the Pastor names their loved

ones, light a candle and offer a sentence of remembrance.)

Followed by all who would like to light a candle in memory of

a dear one.

John Schermitzler Milford Tesmer Mary Lou Meredith

Wanda Smith Marian Ray Robert Shaw

Jerry Johnson Jeff Prag

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Pastor: Living God, we give you thanks for the lives of these blessed ones.

People: O God, keep them forever in your arms. May they stay forever in our hearts. Amen

*HYMN “For All the Saints” vs. 1, 2 & 4 #296

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 Communion

INVITATION¹

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING¹

At your table, O God, we receive the gift of bread and cup.

These are the symbols you provide that remind us of your love.

We thank you Almighty God, for creating the gift of life.

We thank you

for the life and ministry of Jesus and

for the sustaining work of the Holy Spirit.

We thank you

for faithful living of saints for all centuries.

We thank you

for the witness of those who gave their lives in your

service.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION¹

THE CONSECRATION²

BREAKING AND 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.

THE SHARING OF THE BREAD AND CUP

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.

THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING²

We thank you, Most Holy God, for refreshing us at your table where along with your saints we receive all Christ’s gifts. Strengthen our faith and increase our love for one another. Give us the grace to praise you with our lives in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.

*HYMN “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” #298

*THE BENEDICTION

*CHOIR “Go Now In Peace” (Price/Besig)

*POSTLUDE Deon Spangler

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World to Serve

¹Adapted by Rev. Jacoba Koppert In Praise of Saints – When “Yes” is the Only

Response: Service of Holy Communion for All Saints Day was

written by Henrietta Stith Andrews, a retired UCC Pastor.

²Copyright 2016 Local Church Ministries, United Church of Christ, Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.

Announcements

Today: Following our worship service you are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall downstairs for coffee/refreshments and conversation. We thank Lorraine Shaw and family and Audrey for serving today. 3 p.m. Communion served at Neillsville Retirement Community; come and join us.

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 Phil & Donita Follen for our church family.

Calendar

Monday, November 4- 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-Anon.

Wednesday, November 6- 3:30 p.m. Confirmands helping with setting up for the Holiday Fair; 6:30 p.m. Holiday Fair Worknight.

November 8, 9 & 10 - Confirmation Retreat.

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.

Next Sunday, November 10 – Stewardship Committee leading the service. Have you turned in your Faith Promise Card?