Sunday Worship Bulletin, Jan 14 2024

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!”

January 14, 2024 • 10:30 a.m. 

______________________________

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, AV and Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Sue Ferrozzo, Scripture reader

Naomi Hanvey, Candle lighter

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Gregg Glisson, Fellowship Set-Up

Naomi Hanvey, Fellowship Clean-up

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor 

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

God is good . . . all the time!

All the time . . . God is good!

Service and Fellowship Opportunities 

formerly known as Announcements

*Welcoming the Light of Christ 

Hymn I was There to Hear Your Borning Cry 351(NCH)

1, I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. 

I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; I’ll be there in case you wander off and find where demons dwell.

2. When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.Should you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk ’till rising sun.

3. In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun. When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes, I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.

4. I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.

Community Prayer

Response 769 (NCH) Hear our prayer, O God! Hear our prayer O God! Incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace.

Prayers of Gratitude

Response 769 

Prayers of Concern

Response 769 

Silent Prayer

Response 769

 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 Acclamation: Hymn: 108 (NCH)

 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!

Dedication prayer: 

Spirit of the Living God, anoint these gifts with your blessings. Wash us in your love and help us fulfill God’s vision for our lives, our world, and this your church. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Listening for God

Message to Young Hearts

What was it like when you created a fort/tent?

Genesis 1:1-5 

 When God began to create the heavens and the earth, the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Mark 1:4-11

so John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  And the whole Judean region and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit.”

 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Message: The Spirit from the Beginning

Silence

Meditation in Music

Our Light moves into the World God Loves  

Closing Hymn: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness 286 (NCH)

(Refrain) Spirit, Spirit of gentleness blow through the wilderness, calling and free. Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea. 



1. You moved on the waters, You called to the deep, then You coaxed up the mountains from the valley of sleep, and over the eons You called to each thing, "A wake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.”(Refrain)

2. You swept through the dessert, You stung with the sand, and You gifted your people with a law and a land. And when they were blinded with their idols and lies, then You spoke through Your prophets to open their eyes. (Refrain)


3. You sang in a stable. You cried from a hill then You whispered in silence When the whole world was still. And down in the city You called once again when You blew through Your people on the rush of the wind.             (Refrain)


4. You call from tomorrow. You break ancient schemes. From the bondage of sorrow, the captives dream dreams. Our women see visions. Our men clear their eyes. With bold new decisions, Your people arise.            (Refrain)

Benediction and Community Blessing

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Jan 7 2024

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!”

January 7, 2024 • 10:30 a.m. 

______________________________

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, AV and Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Joe McSwain, Scripture reader

Cherall Anne St. James, Candle lighter

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Sue Ferrozzo, Fellowship Set-Up

Naomi Hanvey, Fellowship Clean-up

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor 

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

God is good . . . all the time!

All the time . . . God is good!

Announcements

Welcoming the Light Christ

Hymn: “We Three Kings” from Carol Booklet

(Gifts for the baby enter with our “Wise Ones”)

1.   We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar field and fountain, moor and mountain following yonder star: 

(Refrain): O Star of wonder, star of night star with royal beauty bright westward leading, still proceeding guide us to thy Perfect Light


2. Born a King on Bethlehem's plain. Gold, I bring to crown Him again. King forever, ceasing never over us all to rein: (Refrain)

3. Frankincense to offer have I. Incense owns a Deity nigh; pray'r and praising, all men raising worship Him, God most high: (Refrain)

4. Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes of life of gathering gloom. Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying sealed in the stone-cold tomb: (Refrain)

5. Glorious now behold Him arise. King and God and Sacrifice. “Alleluia, Alleluia,” Earth to heav'n replies: (Refrain):

Blessing of the gifts

Loving God, bless these gifts of our Wise Ones. Let them bring hope and comfort. Empower us to see the Christ Child in all children especially those who are in need. Amen 

Community Prayer

Response “Now Bless the God of Israel” v.2 110 (NCH)

Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear, that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year; and you my child shall go before to preach and prophesy, that all may know the tender love and grace of God most high.

Prayers of Gratitude

110 (NCH) verse 2

Prayers of Concern

110 (NCH) verse 2

Silent Prayer

110 (NCH) verse 2

 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

Dedication: “God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen”

122 (Pilgrim Hymnal) v. 4 Public Domain

Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace. This holy tide of Christmas doth bring redeeming grace. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy. O tidings of comfort and joy.

Prayer of Dedication (unison)

Holy One, shine your light upon our offerings of time, talent, and treasure. Continue to pour out a special blessing on the baby things that we have brought. May they bring warmth and comfort to the families they reach. In this small act, may we fulfill your vision for our lives, our world, and this your church. In the name of Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

Listening for God

Message to Young Hearts

“What do babies need?”

Isaiah 60:1-6 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Arise, shine, for your light has come,    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.For darkness shall cover the earth    and thick darkness the peoples,but the Lord will arise upon you,    and his glory will appear over you.Nations shall come to your light    and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 

Lift up your eyes and look around;    they all gather together; they come to you;your sons shall come from far away,    and your daughters shall be carried in their nurses’ arms.Then you shall see and be radiant;    your heart shall thrill and rejoice,because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you;    the wealth of the nations shall come to you.A multitude of camels shall cover you,    the young camels of Midian and Ephah;    all those from Sheba shall come.They shall bring gold and frankincense    and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Matthew 2:1-12 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Message: Followers of Light

Silence

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 the easy times and through the difficult experiences.  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

Our Light moves into the World God Loves  

*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 and Community Blessing

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Dec 31 2023

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!”

New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2023 • 10:30 a.m.

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

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, AV and Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Tom Cuilla, Scripture reader

_________, Candle lighter

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

________, Fellowship Set-Up

Naomi Hanvey, Fellowship Clean-up

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor 

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

God creates. . . all the time!  All the time . . . God creates!

*Welcoming the Light of Christ

*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:  

Community Prayer

Response “Now Bless the God of Israel” v.2 110 (NCH)

Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear, that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year; and you my child shall go before to preach and prophesy, that all may know the tender love and grace of God most high.

Prayers of Gratitude

110 (NCH) verse 2

Prayers of Concern

110 (NCH) verse 2

Silent Prayer

110 (NCH) verse 2

 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 Acclamation: O Come, All Ye Faithful (Carol Book) v.2

Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation. O sing all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Dedication prayer:  

Light of our lives, we offer of ourselves to the work of this community. May we more fully reflect your presence here now and in the time to come.  Amen

Listening for God

Time with Young Hearts 

What is curiosity?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die;a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;3 a time to kill and a time to heal;a time to break down and a time to build up;4 a time to weep and a time to laugh;a time to mourn and a time to dance;5 a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together;a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;6 a time to seek and a time to lose;a time to keep and a time to throw away;7 a time to tear and a time to sew;a time to keep silent and a time to speak;8 a time to love and a time to hate;a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What gain have the workers from their toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. 11 He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover, he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; 13 moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.

Message: A Time for Questions

Silence

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

* Hymn: “Angels We have Heard on High” 125( NCH)

  Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains.  Gloria, in excelsis Deo!  Gloria, in excelsis Deo!  

Shepherds, why this jubilee?  Why your joyous strains prolong?  What the gladsome tidings be, Which inspire our heavenly song?  Gloria, in excelsis Deo!  Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem and see Christ Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.  Gloria, in excelsis Deo!  Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.  Gloria, in excelsis Deo!  Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

IMPORTANT Scam Security Notice: Please, know that Pastor Gen would NEVER send a text, email, letter, postcard or any other form of communication asking for money. NEVER EVER. Scammers are becoming even more skilled in their deception. They have used pictures from our website to try to convince people and have used our Facebook site to see who is connected to our community. They also do this with personal accounts including, potentially, your friends and family. Thus, if you get such a communication from a friend or family member, call them on a trusted number. Scammers create convincing email addresses and can fake a caller ID of friends, family, pastors, and anyone else they think will get your attention. Simply, be aware.