Sunday Worship Bulletin, Dec 28 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!”

Sunday, December 28, 2025 

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10:15am Enter in Silence

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, Av and Usher

Gregg Glisson, Usher

Louise Tajuddin, Usher 

Tom Cuilla, Scripture Reader

Diane Smith, Candle Lighter

_________, Fellowship Set-Up

_________, Fellowship Clean-up

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor 

10:30am Worship Begins

Entry 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.

Announcements 

Bible Study, Monday at 7pm “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

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

No String-A-Lings or Sing-A-Lings until January 7, 2026

 Community Giving Next Month

MLK Community Center

Opening Hymn: “I heard the Bells on Christmas Day”

Community Prayer

“The First Noel” 139(NCH) verse 4

This star shone bright to the northwest, over Bethlehem it seemed to rest, and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born in a manger, Emmanuel. 

Prayers of Gratitude

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born in a manger, Emmanuel.

Prayers of Concern

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born in a manger, Emmanuel.

Silent Prayer

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born in a manger, Emmanuel.

 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: 812 (NCH)

Amen. Amen. Amen. 

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Poinsettias dedications:

In memory of Kellie Carroll by John and Maureen Carroll

In memory of Ray, Gertrude, and Diane Salt by Charlie Salt

In memory of Dorothy Tabla by Donita Basinger

In memory of Dennis, Rich, and Mildred Skeate, and Darlene Hill, and Bob 

Closson by Marilyn Closson

In memory of Jana Boshart by Jada Poshusta

In memory of Joe, Lola, and Rico given by Rocky and Sue Ferrozzo

In memory of Bill, Pat, and Jeff given by Sue and Rocky Ferrozzo

In memory of Janice Stewart by Sue and Rocky Ferrozzo

In memory of Sam and Marian Young by Don and Jan Young

In memory of Karl and Lola Masters given by Jan and Don Young

Offering Acclamation Hymn # 132 (NCH)v. 3 Christ rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of God’s righteousness and wonders of God’s love, and wonders of God’s love, and wonders, wonders of God’s love.

Dedication prayer:  God who is with us in the hard times and the joy-filled times, bless these offerings of time, talent, and treasure. As we move toward a new year, may love and service move us closer to your vision for our lives, our world, and this your church. We ask in the name of Jesus.  Amen

Listening for God

Galatians 3:23-29 Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. ²⁴ Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be reckoned as righteous by faith. ²⁵ But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, ²⁶ for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. ²⁷ As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. ²⁸ There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. ⁶ And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our^[a] hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir through God.^[

Matthew 2:13-15 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

Message: Out from Hiding

Meditation in Music

Announcement Reminder

Closing Hymn: “I am the Light of the World ” 584 (NCH)

Chorus:  I am the Light of the World You people come and follow me. If you follow and love, You'll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.1. When the song of the angels is stilled. When the star in the sky is gone. When the sages and the shepherds have found their way home, the work of Christmas is begun! Chorus  2. To find the lost and lonely one, to heal that broken soul with love, to feed the hungry children with warmth and good food, to feel the earth below the sky above! Chorus  3. To free the prisoner from his chains, to make the powerful care, to rebuild the nations with strength of goodwill, see all God’s children everywhere! Chorus  4. To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby's new birth, to make music in an old person’s heart, and sing to the colors of the earth! Chorus   

Benediction

Community affirmation

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Christmas Eve Bulletin, Wed Dec 24, 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!”

7:00pm Christmas Eve Candlelight, December 24, 2025 

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Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, Av and Usher

Gregg Glisson, Usher

Tom Cuilla, Usher Coordinator

Marvin Wilson, Scripture reader/Narrator

Naomi Hanvey, Christ Candle Message

Gregg Glisson, Fellowship Set-Up

Everyone, Fellowship Clean-up

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor 

Candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love are Re-Lit

10:30am 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.

Worship begins (Isaiah 9:2)

One: The people who walked in darkness 

ALL: have seen a great light; 

One: those who walked in the land of deep darkness – 

ALL: on them light has shined." 

*Welcoming the Light of Christ

*Hymn: “What Child Is This” From String-A-Ling Music

What Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here, the silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ the King whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh; Come peasant, king to own Him. The King of Kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise, the song on high, the mother sings her lullaby: Joy, joy for Christ is born, the Babe, the Son of Mary!

Lighting of the Christ Candle

 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of people.  That light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.”  John 1:1-5

Message from Naomi Hanvey 

Prayer at the Lighting of the Christ Candle

All:  Tonight, we declare that God’s light, known to us in Christ, shines in our longest nights. Surrounding the light of Christ is Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.  May the light of Christ be re-lit in us this night.  May we find room in our hearts and our lives to welcome Emmanuel, in whose name we pray.  Amen.

Community Prayer

“The First Noel” 139(NCH) verse 4

This star shone bright to the northwest, over Bethlehem it seemed to rest, and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born in a manger, Emmanuel. 

Prayers of Gratitude

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born in a manger, Emmanuel.

Prayers of Concern

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born in a manger, Emmanuel.

Silent Prayer

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born in a manger, Emmanuel.

 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: 812 (NCH)

Amen. Amen. Amen. 

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Offering of Talent 

Marvin Wilson Solo “Mary Did You Know”

Poinsettias dedications:

In memory of Kellie Carroll by John and Maureen Carroll

In memory of Ray, Gertrude, and Diane Salt by Charlie Salt

In memory of Dorothy Tabla by Donita Basinger

In memory of Dennis, Rich, and Mildred Skeate, and Darlene Hill, and Bob 

Closson by Marilyn Closson

In memory of Jana Boshart by Jada Poshusta

In memory of Joe, Lola, and Rico given by Rocky and Sue Ferrozzo

In memory of Bill, Pat, and Jeff given by Sue and Rocky Ferrozzo

In memory of Janice Stewart by Sue and Rocky Ferrozzo

In memory of Sam and Marian Young by Don and Jan Young

In memory of Karl and Lola Masters given by Jan and Don Young

Offering Acclamation Hymn # 132 (NCH)v. 3 Christ rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of God’s righteousness and wonders of God’s love, and wonders of God’s love, and wonders, wonders of God’s love.

Dedication prayer:  Beloved Jesus, bless these offerings to the work of this congregation and the needs of our communities. May your light shine through us and may these gifts be multiplied to fulfill your vision of a just and peaceful world. Amen

Listening for God

The Gospel of Luke 2

Narrator

Mary and Joseph Enter

Innkeepers

ALL: Away in a manger verses 1 and 2 p. 6 Carol Booklet

Away in a manger no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the sky looked down where he lay. The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky and stay by my cradle 'til morning is nigh.

Shepherds and Angels

ALL (a multitude of Angels): Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 

ALL: Angels We Have Heard on High

1. Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain: Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

2. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? Say what may the tidings be, which inspire your heav’nly song? Refrain:

3. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Refrain:

Shepherds go to Bethlehem

ALL: “The First Noel” 139 (NCH) verses 1 and 2,

The first Noel the angels did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay: In fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep.Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel born in a manger Emmanuel.

They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far: and to the earth it gave great light and so it continued both day and night. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel born in a manger Emmanuel.

Cast members take a bow and the church claps.

Reflections with Pastor Gen

Silence

Sharing the Light of Christ

Acolytes come forward

Prayer - Receiving the Light 

(The unlit candle is turned to receive the flame from the lit candle. DO NOT turn the lit candle on its side as the wax will drip. FURTHER, if anyone at any time is acting in a way that makes their candle a danger, BLOW OUT the candle. It is easier to deal with tears of disappointment than it is with a serious burn.)

ALL and String-A-Lings: “Silent Night, Holy Night” Strings-A-Ling Music

1.  Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.  Round yon virgin mother and child.  Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

 2.  Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!  Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

3. Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

4. Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lead Thy light. With the angels let us sing Al-le-lu-ia to our King. Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

Silence

Prayer

(CANDLES ARE BLOWN OUT)

Benediction

Community affirmation

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Dec 21 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!”

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21, 2025• 10:30 a.m.

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10:15am Enter in Silence

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Tom Cuilla, Usher

Louise Tarjuddin, Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher 

Stephanie Wallis Candle of Joy

Sue Ferrozzo, Fellowship Set-Up

_____ Fellowship Clean-up

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor 

Candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy are Re-Lit

10:30am Worship begins

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 

Wednesday: 7pm Christmas Eve, the Christ Candle will 

be lit by Naomi Hanvey

Bible Study, Monday at 7pm

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

No String-A-Lings or Sing-A-Lings until January 7, 2026

 Community Giving: Birthday Kits

Opening Hymn

*Hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful” p. 20 Carol Booklet

1.  Adeste fideles, Laeti triumphantes; Venite, venite in Bethlehem; Natum videte, Regem Angelorum:  Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus Dominum!

1.  O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.  Come and behold Him, born the King of angels:  Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

2.  Highest, most holy, Light of light eternal, Born of a woman, A mortal he comes; Son of the Mighty Now in flesh appearing!  Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

3.  Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God!  Glory in the highest:  Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Lighting of the Candle of Love, December 

Stephanie Wallis: “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Message from Stephanie Wallis

Prayer at the lighting of the Love:

All: Loving God, help us to welcome your love in our lives. Cleanse all guilt, shame, and resentment from our lives that your love may heal us. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen

Advent Hymn: “Come O Long-Expected Jesus” 122 (NCH)vs 1 and 3

1. Come, O long-expected Jesus, born to set all people free; From our fears and sins release us; grant us your true liberty.

3. Born all people to deliver, born a child, you came to reign! Born to rule on earth forever, come, be known to us again.

Community Prayer

“O Lord, You’re Beautiful” 310 (RB)

O Lord, you’re beautiful. You face is all I seek. For when your eyes are on this child, your grace abounds to me.

Prayers of Gratitude

For when your eyes are on this child, your grace abounds to me.

Prayers of Concern

For when your eyes are on this child, your grace abounds to me.

Silent Prayer

For when your eyes are on this child, your grace abounds to 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: “There Is None” 67 (RB)There is none holy as the Lord, there is none beside thee; Neither is there any rock like our God, there is none holy as the Lord.

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication Hymn: “Joy to the World” 132 (NCH) verse 3

Christ rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of God's righteousness and wonders of God's love, and wonders of God's love, and wonders of God's love.

Dedication prayer:  Loving God, bless these offerings that your love may be know through this your church. Our spirits rejoice in the ability to give. Now, bless and multiply these to fulfill your vision of a just and peaceful world. Amen

Listening for God

Matthew 1:18-24 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23 “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,    and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.

Hymn: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” 345 (NCH) v.1       

1.  Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in the hand, Christ our God to earth descending, our full homage to demand.

The Refugees by Ann Weems 

Into the wild and painful cold of the starless winter nightcame the refugees, slowly making their way to the border.The man, stooped from age or anxiety,hurried his small family through the wind.Bearded and dark, his skin rough and cracked from the cold,his frame looming large in spite of the slumped shoulders;

He looked like a man who could take care of whatevercame at them from the dark.Unless of course there were too many of them,One man he could handle, two, even … but a border patrol…,they wouldn’t have a chance.His eyes, black and alert,darted from side to side, then over his shoulder,then back again forward.Had they been seen?Had they been heard?Every rustle of the wind, every sigh from the child,sent terror though his chest.Was this the way?

Even the stars had been unkind—had hidden themselves in the ink of nightso that the man could not read their way,Only the wind … was it enough?

Choir: North Wind

Only the wind and his innate sense of direction …

What kind of cruel judgment that would be,to wander in circles through the night?Or to safely make their way to the border,only to find the authorities waiting for them?

He glanced at the young woman, his bride.No more than a child herself,she nuzzled the newborn, kissing his neck.she looked up caught his eye and smiled.

Oh how the homelessness had taken its toll on her!Her eyes were red, Her young face was lined,her lovely hair matted from inattention.her clothes stained from milk and baby,her hands chapped from the raw wind of winter.

Choir: Star Carol

She’d hardly had time to recover from childbirthwhen word had come that they were hunted,and they fled with only a little bread,and the remaining wine,and a very small portion of cheese.

Suddenly, the child began to make small noises,the man drew his breath in sharply:the woman quietly put the child to breast.Fear … long dread-filled moments….Huddled the family stood still in the long silence.At last the man breathed deeply again,reassured they had not been heard.and into the night continued

Mary, Joseph and the Babe.

Choir: I Wonder as I Wander

Reflections

Announcements Reminders

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

Hymn: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” 345 (NCH) verses 2, 3, and 4

2 Monarch great, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth Christ stood, Lord of all, in human vesture - in the body and the blood -Christ will give to all the faithful bread of life for heavenly food.

3 Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, As the Light of light descending from the realms of endless day, That the powers of hell may vanish as the shadows clear away.

4 At Christ's feet the six-winged seraphs, cherubim with sleepless eye, Veil their faces to the Presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, Alleluia, alleluia,alleluia, God most high!

Benediction

Communal Blessing

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion