Sunday Worship Bulletin, March 23 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!”

March 23, 2025 • 10:30 a.m. 

------------------------Please, silence cellphones-----------------------

10:20am Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, AV and Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Tom Cuilla, Usher Coordinator

Kelly Cuilla, Scripture reader

Diane Smith, Candle lighter

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Gregg Glisson, Fellowship Set-Up

Sue Ferrozzo, Fellowship Clean-up

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor 

10:30am Entrance of 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 renews us …all the time!

All the time...God renews us!

Service and Fellowship Opportunities 

Next Sunday, Lent 4: From the Candle of Love

Lenten Book Study: Speaking Christian Monday at 7pm

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

Wednesday: String-A-Lings 5:30 and Sing-A-Lings 6:30

Ding-A-Lings after Worship

 Community giving this month: VOA Women’s Shelters

Call to Confession

One: Seek God; call upon God; God is here. Trusting in the compassion and mercy of God, we pray:

Prayer of Confession

From the Presbyterian Church USA

Forgive us, God, for the many ways that we fail to trust your promise. 

Too often we count the trespasses of others, as though we were the ones to judge. Too often we fail to believe that your gifts are freely given. Too often we spend our money for that which is not bread, and our labor for that which does not satisfy. Help us, loving God. Forgive us when we operate out of scarcity and fear rather than out of your abundant, good gifts. Help us to live as your trusting, sharing, reconciling people. 

Silent Confessions with God

Assurance of Pardon

(from 2 Corinthians 5)

One: Beloved in Christ: God was in Christ reconciling the world, not counting our wrongs against us, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, anyone in Christ is a new creation! The past is gone; everything has become fresh and new. Hear and believe the 

good news of the Gospel:

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God! Amen.

Opening Hymn

We bring forward rocks that symbolize the barriers and burdens that keep us from embracing God’s steadfast love.

Hymn: I Woke Up This Morning 85 (NCH)

I woke up this morning with my mind Stayed on Jesus, (repeat 2x more),

Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.

Sing and praying with my mind, stayed on Jesus.

(repeat 2x more)

Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.

Community Prayer

Hymn: Spirit of the Living God” RB 277

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Prayers of Gratitude 

Refrain: Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Prayers of Concern Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Prayers in Silence Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

 The Lord’s Prayer use the translation which is meaningful to you or

 Our Father (Creator) 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.

Response: Doxology 780 (NCH) Newer words

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

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Offering Hymn: “Make Me A Servant” RB236Make me a servant humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up those who are weak. And may the pray’r of my heart always be. Make me a servant, Make me a servant. Make me a servant, today.

Dedication Prayer: Beloved Creator, bless these offerings of our time, talent, and treasure. Draw us closer to you and one another through this season of transformation. May we find joy in our love for you and this community as we follow the way of Jesus. Amen

Listening for God

Readings from the Candle of Joy (read by Brianna )

Luke 13:1-9, At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?  No, I tell you, but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.  Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the other people living in Jerusalem?  No, I tell you, but unless you repent you will all perish just as they did.”

 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none.  So he said to the man working the vineyard, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’  He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it.  If it bears fruit next year, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down.’ 

Message: Time Limits

Meditation in Music

Announcement Reminders

Our Light moves into the World God Loves  

Hymn: “God Speak to Me that I may Speak” 531 (NCH)

God, speak to me, that I may speak in living echoes of your tone; as you have sought, so let me seek erring children lost and lone.

O, lead me, God, that I may lead some wanderers along life’s way; O, feed me so that I may feed your hungry ones without delay. 

O, fill me with your fullness, God, your overflowing love to know. In glowing word and kindling thought, you love to tell, your praise to show. 

O, use me, God, use even me, just as you will, and when, and where, until your blessed face I see, your rest, your joy, your glory share.

Benediction 

Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that

which is good. Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the

fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the afflicted. Honor all people.

Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. The

Grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the

Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen.

Community Blessing

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin March 16, 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!”

March 16, 2025 • 10:30 a.m. 

------------------------Please, silence cellphones-----------------------

10:20am Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Heidi Fowler, Guest Musician

Joe McSwain, AV and Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Tom Cuilla, Usher Coordinator

Stephany Wallis, Scripture reader

Diane Smith, Candle lighter

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Sue Ferrozzo, Fellowship Set-Up

__________, Fellowship Clean-up

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor 

10:30am Entrance of 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 gathers us . . . all the time! 

All the time . . . God gathers us !

Service and Fellowship Opportunities 

Next Sunday, Lent 3: From the Candle of Joy

Lenten Book Study: Speaking Christian Monday at 7pm

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

Wednesday: String-A-Lings 5:30 and Sing-A-Lings 6:30

Ding-A-Lings after Worship

 Community giving this month: VOA Women’s Shelters

Call to Confession

One:  Gracious God, oil the hinges of our hearts’ doors that they may swing gently and easily to welcome your forgiving and healing Spirit. Amen

(alt 816 NCH)

Let us open our hearts to God.

Prayer of Confession

All: Almighty and everlasting God, always more ready to hear than we are to pray, always willing to give more that we either desire or deserve; pour upon us the abundance of your mercy; forgiving those things of which our conscience is afraid and releasing us to new life. Return us to journey in the way of Jesus. Amen alt. 834 (NCH)

Silent Confessions with God

Assurance of Pardon

One: There is no valley too dark nor mountain too high for the healing love of God. We are forgiving. Return to the journey with Christ!

All: Thanks be to God. Amen!

Opening Hymn

We bring forward rocks that symbolize the barriers and burdens that keep us from embracing God’s steadfast love.

Hymn: “As the Deer” Red Book 28 (Three verses)

As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul length 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)

Community Prayer

Hymn: Spirit of the Living God” RB 277

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Prayers of Gratitude 

Refrain: Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Prayers of Concern (Refrain)

Prayers in Silence (Refrain)

 The Lord’s Prayer use the translation which is meaningful to you or

 Our Father (Creator) 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.

Response: Doxology  780 (NCH) Newer words

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

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication “My Peace” 

Community Prayer

(p.53, Green Book)

My peace I give unto you. It’s a peace that the world cannot give. It’s a peace that the world cannot understand. Peace to know. Peace to live. My peace I give unto you.

Dedication Prayer: Holy One, you show us how the way of life is through compassion, justice, and a heart open to your presence in our midst. We thank you with humble hearts. Bless these offerings for the ministry of this congregation that it might be on Earth as it is in Heaven.  Amen

Listening for God

Readings from the Candle of Peace (read by Don and Jan Young)

Luke 13:31-35 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”

Message: Jesus the Hen

Meditation in Music

Our Light moves into the World God Loves  

Hymn: “Called As Partners In Christ's Service” 495 (NCH)

Called as partners in Christ’s service, called to ministries of grace. We respond with deep commitment fresh new lines of faith to trace. May we learn the art of sharing, side by side and friend with friend, equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end.

Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring, Christ’s clear call to work and worth. Let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth. Men and women, richer, poorer,all God’s people, young and old, blending human skills together gracious gifts from God unfold.

Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission, in a small or global sense. Help us bear each other’s burdens, breaking down each wall or fence.  Words of comfort, words of vision, words of challenge, said with care, bring new power and strength for action, make us colleagues, free and fair.

So God grant us for tomorrow ways to order human life that surround each person’s sorrow with a calm that conquers strife. Make us partners in our living,our compassion to increase, messengers of faith, thus giving hope and confidence and peace. 

Benediction 

Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that

which is good. Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the

fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the afflicted. Honor all people.

Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. The

Grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the

Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen.

Community Blessing

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, March 9, 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!”

March 9, 2025 • 10:30 a.m.

------------------------Please, silence cellphones-----------------------

10:20am Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, AV and Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Tom Cuilla, Usher Coordinator

Elizabeth Brown, Scripture reader

Diane Smith, Candle lighter

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

________, Fellowship Set-Up

__________, Fellowship Clean-up

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor

10:30am Entrance of 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 strengthens us . . . all the time!

All the time . . . God strengthens us !

Service and Fellowship Opportunities

Next Sunday, Lent 2: From the Candle of Peace

Lenten Book Study: Speaking Christian Monday at 7pm

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

Wednesday: String-A-Lings 5:30 and Sing-A-Lings 6:30

Ding-A-Lings after Worship

Community giving this month: VOA Women’s Shelters

Call to Our Lenten Confession

One: We are made of stardust and to dust we shall return. Let us return

our lives to God, the maker of the stars, the planets, and every living

creature and know the freedom of living the way of Jesus.

Prayer of Confession

Maker of All, we are yours. Hold us in that love as you reveal to us the

ways we have fallen short of our potential as your children. Heal the

brokenness within us. Heal the brokenness we have caused. Grant to us

hearts ready to make the change and become new through the power of

forgiveness, the freedom of repentance, and the joy of transformation. We

ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Silent Confessions with God

Assurance

One: God forgives us.

All: O Majesty, O Magnificence, O Mystery, come!

Be the hammer, and break our indifference.

Be the sun, and splinter our shadows.

Be the wind, and scatter our despair.

Yea, in the dry country of our souls, let thy grace rain;

so that we take root in thee, and grow.

Make us trees strong in all seasons, bearing fruit,

giving shade to all the weariness

and shelter to them that are lost.

So we pray to the glory of Jesus Christ

who made the cross tree green and flourishing forever.

Amen.

(Arnold Kenseth, USA)

Opening Hymn

We bring forward rocks that symbolize the barriers and burdens that keep

us from embracing God’s steadfast love.

Hymn: “Glory, Glory, Halleujah” 2(NCH)

Glory, glory, hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down. Glory, glory,

hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down.

I feel better, so much better, since I laid my burdens down! I feel better, so

much better, since I laid my burdens down!

Feel like shoutin' hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down! Feel like shoutin'

hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down!

I am dancing Miriam’s dance now, since I laid my burdens down. I am

dancing Miriam’s dance now, since I laid my burdens down.

I am climbing Jacob’s ladder, since I laid my burdens down!

I climbing Jacob’s ladder, since I laid my burdens down!

Every round goes higher, higher, since I laid my burdens down!

Every round goes higher, higher, since I laid my burdens down!

Community Prayer

Hymn: Spirit of the Living God” RB 277

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the Living God, fall

afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living

God, fall afresh on me.

Prayers of Gratitude

Refrain: Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God,

fall afresh on me.

Prayers of Concern

Refrain

Prayers in Silence

Refrain

The Lord’s Prayer use the translation which is meaningful to you or

Our Father (Creator) 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 trespasses, as we forgive those

who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us

from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever. Amen.

Response: Doxology 780 (NCH) Newer words

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

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication “Create in Me A Clean Heart” Red Book 39

Create in me a clean heart, O my God. And renew a right spirit within

me. Create in me a clean heart, O my God. And renew a right spirit

within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord, and take not

Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and

renew a right spirit within me.

Dedication Prayer: God known to us in Jesus, it is with joy that we

offer these gifts of our time, talent, and treasure. May your Spirit

continue to work in us and through us as a light in the storms of our

time. Amen

Listening for God

Readings from the Candle of Hope

Luke 4:1-13 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was

led by the Spirit in the wilderness,2 where for forty days he was tested by

the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over

he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God,

command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, “It

is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”

5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms

of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority

and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I

please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered

him, “It is written,

‘Worship the Lord your God,

and serve only him.’ ”

9 Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the

temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down

from here, 10 for it is written

‘He will command his angels concerning you,

to protect you,’

11 and

‘On their hands they will bear you up,

so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

12 Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the

test.’ ” 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until

an opportune time.

Message: Testing Integrity

Meditation in Music

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

Hymn: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross 197 (NCH)

Jesus, keep me near the cross; there a precious fountain, free to all, a

healing stream flows from Calvary’s mountain.

Refrain: In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever, ‘till my ransomed

soul shall find rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me; there the bright

and morning star sheds its beams around me. Refrain

Near the cross! O, Lamb of God, bring it scenes before me; help me live

from day to day with its shadow o’er me. Refrain

Near the cross I’ll watch and wait, hoping, trusting ever, ‘till I reach the

golden strand just beyond the river. Refrain

Benediction

Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that

which is good. Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the

fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the afflicted. Honor all people.

Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. The

Grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the

Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen.

Community Blessing

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.