Sunday Worship Bulletin, August 17, 2025

Veradale United Church of Christ

An Open & Affirming Congregation

Worshiping God in Christ – Welcoming All – Working for Justice & Peace

“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”

August 17, 2025

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Tom Cuilla, Usher Coordinator

Joe McSwain, Usher and Scripture Reader

Jerry Brines, Usher

Stephanie Wallis, Candle lighter

Gregg Glisson, Fellowship Set-up

_______, Fellowship Clean-up

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Gen Heywood, Pastor

10:30am Welcoming the Light of Christ 

Land Acknowledgement 

We worship on the unceded traditional territory of the Spokane, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Coeur d’Alene, and other tribes. We acknowledge the history of indigenous genocide, removal, and erasure that continues to this day.  We recognize the role that Christian communities played in these injustices, and we recommit ourselves to seeking more peaceful, just, and neighborly ways of sharing this land with all who call it home.

Community Affirmation

God is here ...all the time!  All the time...God is here!

Service and Fellowship Opportunities 

Next Sunday “Jeremiah and Isaiah”

Church Council Meeting after Worship

Bible Study starts September 8

Silent Prayer, Tuesday 9:00 to 9:30am

String-A-Lings practice Wednesday, 5:30pm 

Sing-A-Lings practice starts Wednesday, September 10

 Community giving this month: Kid’s Coats and School Supplies

Opening Hymn

“Nearer My God, To You” 606 (NCH)

By Sarah Flowers Adams

Community Prayer

Hymn: “Lord be Glorified” RB 176

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

Prayers of Gratitude

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

Prayers of Concern 

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

Prayers in Silence 

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

 Lord’s Prayer

Response: “Holy, Holy, Holy” 793 (NCH)

A Time of Offering

 An Invitation to Share 

Dedication Hymn: “Give Thanks” RB 7 Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because God’s given Jesus Christ, the son. (Repeat) And now let the weak say, “I am strong!” Let the poor say, “I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us!” (repeat)

Give thanks. Give thanks.

Dedication Prayer God known to us in Jesus, we offer portions of our time, talent, and treasure to your work through us. May this little church have all that is needed to be a witness to your way of compassion for all creation. Amen

Listening for God

Jeremiah 23:23-29 The Message translation

^23-24 “Am I not a God near at hand”—God’s Decree—    “and not a God far off?Can anyone hide out in a corner    where I can’t see him?”        God’s Decree.“Am I not present everywhere,    whether seen or unseen?”        God’s Decree.

^25-27 “I know what they’re saying, all these prophets who preach lies using me as their text, saying ‘I had this dream! I had this dream!’ How long do I have to put up with this? Do these prophets give two cents about me as they preach their lies and spew out their grandiose delusions? They swap dreams with one another, feed on each other’s delusive dreams, trying to distract my people from me just as their ancestors were distracted by the no-god Baal.

^28-29 “You prophets who do nothing but dream—    go ahead and tell your silly dreams.But you prophets who have a message from me—    tell it truly and faithfully.What does straw have in common with wheat?    Nothing else is like God’s Decree.Isn’t my Message like fire?” God’s Decree.    “Isn’t it like a sledgehammer busting a rock?

Message: God is Near

Meditation in Music

Announcement Reminder

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

*Closing Hymn: “As the Deer” RB 28 (Three verses)

As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship Thee. 

Refrain: You alone are my strength, my shield; to you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship Thee.

You're my friend and you are my brother even though you are the One. I love you more than any other, so much more than anything. (Refrain)

I want you more than gold or silver. Only you can satisfy. You alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye. (Refrain)

Benediction 

Communal Blessing

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Aug 10 2025

Veradale United Church of Christ

An Open & Affirming Congregation

Worshiping God in Christ – Welcoming All – Working for Justice & Peace

“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”

August 10, 2025

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Stacey Eliason, guest musician

Charlie Salt, AV

Tom Cuilla, Usher Coordinator

Joe McSwain, Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Tom Cuilla, Scripture Reader

Sue Ferrozzo, Candle lighter

Gregg Glisson, Fellowship Set-up

Naomi Hanvey, Fellowship Clean-up

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Gen Heywood, Pastor

10:30am Welcoming the Light of Christ 

Land Acknowledgement 

We worship on the unceded traditional territory of the Spokane, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Coeur d’Alene, and other tribes. We acknowledge the history of indigenous genocide, removal, and erasure that continues to this day.  We recognize the role that Christian communities played in these injustices, and we recommit ourselves to seeking more peaceful, just, and neighborly ways of sharing this land with all who call it home.

Community Affirmation

God is with us ...all the time!  All the time...God is with us!

Service and Fellowship Opportunities 

Next Sunday “Jeremiah, God is Near”

Bible Study starts September 8

Silent Prayer, Tuesday 9:00 to 9:30am

String-A-Lings practice Wednesday, 5:30pm 

Sing-A-Lings practice starts Wednesday, September 10

 Community giving this month: Kid’s Coats and School Supplies

Opening Hymn

“Isaiah the Prophet has Written of Old” 108 (NCH)

Isaiah the prophet has written of old how God's new creation shall come. Instead of the thorn tree, the fir tree shall grow; the wolf shall lie down with the lamb, the lamb. The wolf shall lie down with the lamb.

The mountains and hills shall burst forth into song, the peoples be led forth in peace. The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea, the sea. As the waters cover the sea

Yet nations still prey on the meek of the world, and conflict turns parent from child. Your people despoil all the sweetness of Earth, the brier and the thorn tree grow wild, grow wild. The brier and the thorn tree grow wild.

God, bring to fruition your will for the Earth, that no one shall hurt or destroy, that wisdom and justice shall reign in the land and your people shall go forth in joy, in joy. Your people shall go forth in joy.

Community Prayer

Hymn: “Lord be Glorified” RB 176

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

Prayers of Gratitude

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

Prayers of Concern 

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

Prayers in Silence 

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

 Lord’s Prayer

Response: “Holy, Holy, Holy” 793 (NCH)

A Time of Offering

 An Invitation to Share 

Dedication Hymn: “Give Thanks” RB 7

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because God’s given Jesus Christ, the son. (Repeat) And now let the weak say, “I am strong!” Let the poor say, “I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us!” (repeat)

Give thanks. Give thanks.

Dedication Prayer

Beloved God, we offer these gifts of time, talent, and treasure to the work of this church. Bless us to be the gathering place for all your people who love you and seek to live peacefully with our neighbors and enemies. Amen

Listening for God

Isaiah 1:1 and 1:10-20

1 The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Hear the word of the Lord,    you rulers of Sodom!Listen to the teaching of our God,    you people of Gomorrah!¹¹ What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?    says the Lord;I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams    and the fat of fed beasts;I do not delight in the blood of bulls    or of lambs or of goats.

¹² When you come to appear before me,^[b]    who asked this from your hand?    Trample my courts no more!¹³ Bringing offerings is futile;    incense is an abomination to me.New moon and Sabbath and calling of convocation—    I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity.¹⁴ Your new moons and your appointed festivals    my soul hates;they have become a burden to me;    I am weary of bearing them.¹⁵ When you stretch out your hands,    I will hide my eyes from you;even though you make many prayers,    I will not listen;        your hands are full of blood.¹⁶ Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;    remove your evil deeds    from before my eyes;cease to do evil;¹⁷     learn to do good;seek justice;    rescue the oppressed;defend the orphan;    plead for the widow.

¹⁸ Come now, let us argue it out,    says the Lord:If your sins are like scarlet,    will they become like snow?If they are red like crimson,    will they become like wool?¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient,    you shall eat the good of the land,²⁰ but if you refuse and rebel,    you shall be devoured by the sword,    for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Message: Isaiah the Critic

Meditation in Music

Announcement Reminder

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

*Closing Hymn: Thy word

Benediction 

Communal Blessing

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Aug 3 2025

Veradale United Church of Christ

An Open & Affirming Congregation

Worshiping God in Christ – Welcoming All – Working for Justice & Peace

“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”

August 3, 2025

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Tom Cuilla, Usher Coordinator

Joe McSwain, Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Stephanie Wallis, Scripture Reader

Sue Ferrozzo, Candle lighter

_________, Fellowship Set-up

_________, Fellowship Clean-up

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Gen Heywood, Pastor

10:30am Welcoming the Light of Christ 

Land Acknowledgement 

We worship on the unceded traditional territory of the Spokane, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Coeur d’Alene, and other tribes. We acknowledge the history of indigenous genocide, removal, and erasure that continues to this day.  We recognize the role that Christian communities played in these injustices, and we recommit ourselves to seeking more peaceful, just, and neighborly ways of sharing this land with all who call it home.

Community Affirmation

God loves us ...all the time!  All the time...God loves us!

Service and Fellowship Opportunities 

Next Sunday “Isaiah the Critic”

Bible Study starts September 8

Silent Prayer, Tuesday 9:00 to 9:30am

String-A-Lings practice Wednesday, 5:30pm 

Sing-A-Lings practice starts Wednesday, September 10

 Community giving this month: Kid’s Coats and School Supplies

Opening Hymn

Community Prayer

Hymn: “Lord be Glorified” RB 176

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

Prayers of Gratitude

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

Prayers of Concern 

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

Prayers in Silence 

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

 Lord’s Prayer

Response: “Holy, Holy, Holy” 793 (NCH)

A Time of Offering

 An Invitation to Share 

Dedication Hymn: “Give Thanks” RB 7

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because God’s given Jesus Christ, the son. (Repeat) And now let the weak say, “I am strong!” Let the poor say, “I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us!” (repeat)

Give thanks. Give thanks.

Dedication Prayer

  Holy One, your love for us never wavers. Fill our offerings of time, talent, and treasure with your blessing so that this little church may shine the light of compassion and healing. Amen

Listening for God

Hosea 11:1-12 The Message

^1-9 “When Israel was only a child, I loved him.    I called out, ‘My son!’—called him out of Egypt.But when others called him,    he ran off and left me.He worshiped the popular sex gods,    he played at religion with toy gods.Still, I stuck with him. I led Ephraim.    I rescued him from human bondage,But he never acknowledged my help,    never admitted that I was the one pulling his wagon,That I lifted him, like a baby, to my cheek,    that I bent down to feed him.Now he wants to go back to Egypt or go over to Assyria—    anything but return to me!That’s why his cities are unsafe—the murder rate skyrockets    and every plan to improve things falls to pieces.My people are hell-bent on leaving me.    They pray to god Baal for help.    He doesn’t lift a finger to help them.But how can I give up on you, Ephraim?    How can I turn you loose, Israel?How can I leave you to be ruined like Admah,    devastated like luckless Zeboim?I can’t bear to even think such thoughts.    My insides churn in protest.And so I’m not going to act on my anger.    I’m not going to destroy Ephraim.And why? Because I am God and not a human.    I’m The Holy One and I’m here—in your very midst.

^10-12 “The people will end up following God.    I will roar like a lion—Oh, how I’ll roar!    My frightened children will come running from the west.Like frightened birds they’ll come from Egypt,    from Assyria like scared doves.I’ll move them back into their homes.”    God’s Word!

Ephraim tells lies right and left.    Not a word of Israel can be trusted.Judah, meanwhile, is no better,    addicted to cheap gods.

Message: God, a Hurting Mother

Sharing Holy Communion

Hand sanitizer passed around.

Pastor: Friends in Christ, we gather at our many tables mindful of the presence of God’s Spirit that is here with us.  We seek to honor the request of Jesus given in the scripture.  Of all the teachings Jesus gave to our ancestors, this he asked them and us to do for him to remember him. 

When Jesus and his friends sat together at a Passover meal, Jesus took bread; giving God thanks and praise, he broke the bread.  He gave it to his friends saying, “Take this all of you and eat of it.  This is my body that is broken for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.”

After the meal had ended, Jesus poured out the cup and again he gave God thanks and praise.  He gave the cup to his friends and said, “Take this all of you and drink from it.  This is the cup of the new covenant.  Do this as often as you drink of it in remembrance of me.”

Let us pray.

All: Loving God, you are with us in questioning and learning.  We thank you with humble hearts. Let your presence be felt among us.  Come, Holy Spirit come.  Bless this bread and this cup and all who have gathered in your Spirit.  Refresh us and renew us as Christ’s body in the world today.  In the name of Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

Silence as all who want to receive come forward. We will break bread and share a common cup or you can receive the packaged bread and drink,

Prayer of Thanksgiving

All: We thank you, God, for your presence at all our tables where we remember and experience the presence of Christ.  Help us to live more fully the way of Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and let us show forth your praise in our lives, through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Amen.

Meditation in Music

Announcement Reminder

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

*Closing Hymn: “There’s Something About that Name” RB 233 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There’s just something about that name! Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain. Jesus. Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and Earth proclaim. Kings and kingdoms will pass away, but there’s something about that name.

Benediction 

Communal Blessing

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion