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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December 29, 2019                                                    10:00 a.m.

 

We Gather to Worship God

First Sunday After Christmas

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                                                               Karen Mohr                              

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 lifeŐs journey you are welcome here.

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP

(based on Psalm 148: 1-5, 13,14)             

Leader: Hallelujah! Praise God from heaven, praise God from the mountaintops;  .

People:  Praise God, all you angels, praise God all you his warriors, Praise God, sun and moon, your mornings stars.

Leader:   Praise God high heavens, praise God, heavenly rain clouds:

People:   Praise, oh let them praise the name of God—God spoke the word, and there they were!

Leader:   Let them praise the name of God—itŐs the only Name worth praising. GodŐs radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky; GodŐs built a monument –GodŐs very own people.

People:  Praise from all who love God!

 

*HYMN   

 

We Confess Our Sin and Seek GodŐs Forgiveness

*CALL TO CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION1

You call us to humility God, but we would rather be noticed in our lives. You call us to humility, but we would rather be thanked for our good works. You call us to humility, but we would rather have respect and honor. Show us how to live humility, knowing you are our God and guide in all of life.

Lord have mercy on us.

You teach us in your Word to serve and help each other, but sometimes it just takes so much time and we have our own lives to worry about. You teach us to have compassion and empathy for people suffering, but sometimes we turn away because we just donŐt know what to do.

Lord have mercy on us.

You want us to love you God, by loving others. Show us the way. Help us turn around, turn our attention toward your ways, your love, your Kingdom on earth. For give and return us to praising you by the way we live our lives.

Lord in your mercy, return our hearts to you.

*SILENCE FOR PERSONAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

 

*PASSING THE PEACE 

(All are invited to greet others, saying to one another "the peace of Christ be with you" and responding " and also with you.")

 

*PRAISING GOD  (Sung 2 times)

       Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

       Gloria, Gloria, alleluia, alleluia!

  Music Copyright ©1978 Les Presses de Taize  G.I. A. Publications Inc.  Reprinted under  

  OneLicense.net A703773

 

We Listen for Word of God

CHILDRENŐS TIME      ŇDream CatchersÓ  

      

SPECIAL MUSIC 

 

SCRIPTURE READINGS         Hebrews 2: 10-18 (CEB)

                                                     Matthew 2: 13-23 (CEB)

 

MESSAGE                                                                Julie Garber

                ŇHUMBLE AND HOLYÓ               

                       

We Respond in Faith to GodŐs Love for the World

*HYMN                                             

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORDŐS 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.

INVITATION TO OFFERING

THE OFFERTORY                                           Karen Mohr

*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 DEDICATION1

We are humbled by your grace and generosity God, for the gifts we have received and the abundance we live in. We pray our offerings would show our gratitude and joy for all we have been blessed with in our lives. Use these offerings to further your grace and joy to our family here and to those beyond our doors. Amen.

 

*HYMN         

 

           *THE BENEDICTION

*CHORAL RESPONSE   

              May the peace of God rule in your hearts

              May the peace of God rule in your hearts

              And whatever you do in word or deed,

              Do it all in the name of the Lord

              Giving thanks, giving thanks

              To Jesus Christ our Lord

              Giving thanks, giving thanks

              To Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

  *POSTLUDE                                                         Karen Mohr                                              

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World to Serve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements

Today:  Following our worship service you are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall downstairs for coffee/refreshments and conversation.