THE 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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February 9, 2020                                                             10:00 a.m.

 

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

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

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 lifeÕs journey you are welcome here.

 

GATHERING MUSIC -   Clark County Male Chorus

 

PRAYERS FOR THE CONGREGATION

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP        

Leader:    Jesus sees those who have gathered and he teaches them.

People:   We are surprised by his teachings; they are not what our culture believes; they are not  what we teach our children; they are not the ways we live.  

Leader:     No, Jesus intends to show us a new way to live in a harsh world.       

 

People:  He says, we are the salt of earth called to be salty.

Leader:    He says we are the light of the world, called to shine so that our good works are not hidden.

All:          May who we are and what we do give glory to God our Father in Heaven.

 

*HYMN             "O Grant Us LightÓ                      vs. 1, 2, 3               #48

 

*PRAYER

Most Gracious God, you have called us to make a difference in the world. Give us the courage to bravely be who Jesus calls us to be. Remind us when we are tempted to hide our identity that you bless your faithful ones as we boldly live in ways that honor you.  You are our God, we want to glorify you; help to do so. In the name of Jesus Christ, the One who is our light and salvation we pray. Amen.

*SILENCE FOR OUR PRAYERS SEEKING GODÕS HELP

 

*PASSING THE PEACE

      Blessed are those who work for peace; blessed are those who offer peace to everyone.

We will work for GodÕs peace; we will offer ChristÕs peace to all.

Let us share GodÕs peace with one another as a sign of our willingness to work for peace in all places. 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  "Gloria PatriÓ

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.  Amen.

 

We Listen for the Word of God

CHILDRENÕS TIME  ÒLet Your Face Show ItÓ

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN SING      

ÒIf You Are Happy and You Know ItÓ

SCRIPTURE READING   Matthew 5:13-20

MEDITATION                                            Pastor Jacoba Koppert

ÒJesus Teaches: Our Identity and PurposeÓ

 

Enacting Our Faith

AFFIRMATION OF MINISTRY1

GREETING 

Grace, mercy and peace to you from Jesus Christ, the head of the church in heaven and on earth.

To God, be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever.

INTRODUCTION

PRESENTATION

COVENANT

     Pastor:      Sisters and brothers in Christ, it is an honor to be entrusted with responsibility for particular service in the ministry of the church whether gathered or scattered. Having prayerfully considered the duties and responsibilities of your ministry, are you prepared to serve with the help of God in Christ's name and for the glory of God?

Lay Leaders:  I am.

Pastor:       Do you promise to exercise your ministry

           diligently and faithfully, showing forth the love of Christ?

Lay Leaders:  I do, relying on God's grace.

Pastor:                 Members of this household of faith, you have heard the promises of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have answered GodÕs call to service. Let us affirm our intention to live in covenant with them. Will those who are able rise and witness to the commitment we now make?

 

 

People:   We gather in celebration of the joy that is ours

                to be partners with you in the service of Jesus

                Christ. We promise to love you, honor your

                leadership, and assist you that together we may

                be a faithful church of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

DECLARATION

GREETING OF CHRISTIAN LOVE

1Reprinted from Book of Worship © 1986 by permission of the United Church of Christ Local Church Ministries

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

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

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       ÒSent Forth by GodÕs BlessingÓ             (Insert)           

*THE BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE         "Lead Us from Death to Life"               

Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth, 

from despair to hope, from fear to trust.

Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace;

let peace fill our hearts, let peace fill our world,

let peace fill our universe. 

 

*POSTLUDE                                                             Vicente Cortez

 

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World

 

Announcements

 You are invited to join us here in the Church Lounge for coffee/refreshments and conversation following our worship service.

 

Radio Broadcast Sponsors – Today the radio broadcast portion of our worship service is given by Glenna Rhoades Marg and family in memory of Herb Rhoades, husband/father/grandfather.

 

Calendar

Monday, February 10 –6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Nar-anon.

Tuesday, February 11 – 2:30 p.m. Worship Service at Neillsville Care & Rehab; Pastor Jacoba leading.

Wednesday, February12– 3:30 p.m. Confirmation.

Thursday, February 13 – 1:30 p.m. Circle of Friends meet.

 

Looking Ahead at the Calendar

Tuesday, February 18 – 12 Noon Second Half Group meeting; catered lunch served by M&M; $10.00 (tip included) ÒMeet Our New Police Chief.Ó Sign-up on the Bulletin Board.

5:30 p.m. Trustees meeting; 6:30 p.m. Deacons/Deaconesses;

7:30 p.m. Church Council

Wednesday, February 26  - ASH WEDNESDAY

7 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service at UCC – (Sharing services with Calvary and Pine Valley Lutheran Churches)

Communion at the Altar and Imposition of Ashes

Ecumenical Choir singing

6 p.m. Soup Supper – 6:30 p.m. Choir practice