Sunday Worship Bulletin, Dec 24 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!”

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, 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

Cherall Anne St. James, Scripture reader

Cherall Anne St. James, 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

Our loving God is with us . . . all the time!  

All the time . . . our loving God is with us!

*Welcoming the Light of Christ

*Hymn: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” p. 20 verses 1 and 2

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: 

Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, (3×) Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation. Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest: Refrain:

Lighting of the Candle of Love

Cherall Anne St. James “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Message from Cherall Anne St. James and Diane Smith

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

Community Prayer

124 (NCH) verse 3: Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven to live with you there.

Prayers of Gratitude

124 (NCH) verse 3

Prayers of Concern

124 (NCH) verse 3

Silent Prayer

124 (NCH) verse 3

 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 # 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:  

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

Title: Journey of the Magi

written by Naomi Hanvey

Cast:

Old Kamila: Cherall Ann St. James

Salim: Mike Weissenfels

Jamil: Joe McSwain

Young Kamilah: Teresa Brown

Mary: Mya Houck

Jesus: Karl Young 

Magi: Gregg Glisson, Tim Herman

2 Corinthians 8:9

9For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Matthew 2: 1-14  In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 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.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:

6 ‘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.’ ”

7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 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.” 9 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. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped,[g] they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

13 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.”14 Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt

Silence

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

 “Hymn “What Child is This, Who Laid to Rest” p. 30 Carol Booklet

1. 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?

Refrain: This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud,The Babe, the Son of Mary.

2. Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent word is pleading. Refrain:


3. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh. Come peasant, king to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him. Refrain:


Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin Dec 17, 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!”

Third Sunday of Advent, December 17, 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

Sue Ferrozzo,  Scripture reader

Sue Ferrozzo, Candle lighter

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Gregg Glisson, Fellowship Set-Up

Gregg Glisson and all who can help, 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

The joy of God is here . . . all the time!  

All the time . . . the joy of God is here!

Welcoming the Light of Christ

*Hymn: “Awake! Awake and Greet the New Morn” 107 (NCH)

1 Awake! Awake and greet the new morn, for angels herald its dawning. sing out your joy, for Jesus is born, behold! the Child of our longing. Come as a baby weak and poor, to bring all hearts together, to open wide the heavenly door, and lives now inside us forever.

2 To us, to all in sorrow and fear, Emmanuel comes a-singing, whose humble song is quiet and near, yet fills the Earth with its ringing. Music to heal the broken soul and hymns of loving kindness, the thunder of the anthems roll to shatter all hate and injustice. 

3 In deepest night Christ's coming shall be, when all the world is despairing, as morning light so quiet and free, so warm and gentle and caring. One without voice breaks forth in song, a lame one leaps in wonder, the weak are raised above the strong, and weapons are broken asunder.

4 Rejoice, rejoice, take heart in the night, though cold the winter and cheerless, the rising sun shall crown you with light, be strong and loving and fearless; Love be our song and love our prayer, and love, our endless story, may God fill every day we share,  and bring us at last into glory.

Lighting of the Candle of Joy

Sue Ferrozzo: “ By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” Galatians 5:22-23

Message from Sue Ferrozzo

Prayer at the lighting of the candle of Joy:

All: Joyful God, hoping in you brings us joy even when the nights seem very dark. As we light this candle, light within each of us a joy that the world cannot understand – the joy of life with you. Amen

Community Prayer

124 (NCH) verse 3: Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven to live with you there.

Prayers of Gratitude

124 (NCH) verse 3

Prayers of Concern

124 (NCH) verse 3

Silent Prayer

124 (NCH) verse 3

 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 # 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, our joy, bless our offerings of time, talent, and treasure. We dedicate these to the work and witness of our little congregation. Multiply them to fulfill your vision of a just and peaceful world. Amen.

Listening for God

Time with Young Hearts 

What is needed for joy to exist?

 Luke 1:46- 55 NRSVUE

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant.    Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,    and holy is his name;50 indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him    from generation to generation.51 He has shown strength with his arm;    he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones    and lifted up the lowly;53 he has filled the hungry with good things    and sent the rich away empty.54 He has come to the aid of his child Israel,    in remembrance of his mercy,55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Choir: My Soul Cries Out (Canticle of Turning)

Luke 2:1-5

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

All: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” page 21 Carol Booklet

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see you lie! Above your deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in your dark streets shines forth the everlasting light.The hopes and fears of all the years are met in you tonightFor Christ is born of Mary and, gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keeptheir watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the Holy birth! And praises sing and voices ring with peace to all on Earth.

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human heartsthe glorious love of heaven. No one discerns God’s coming but in this world of sin, where yearning souls long to be whole, the dear Christ enters in.O Holy Child of Bethlehem descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with usOur Lord Emmanuel

Luke 2:8-14

Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[b] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[c] praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Choir: While By my Sheep

Luke 2:15-16

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 

ALL: “What Child is This, Who Laid to Rest” p. 30 Carol Booklet

1. 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?

Refrain: This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud,The Babe, the Son of Mary.

2. Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent word is pleading. Refrain:


3. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh. Come peasant, king to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him. Refrain:


Luke 2: 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, 19 and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 

Choir: Mary Rocked the Little Baby

Luke 2:20  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

All: “Angels We have Heard on High” p.5 Carol Booklet

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:

 Message: “What is this Joy?”

Silence

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

* Hymn: “Joy to the World” in Carol Booklet

 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let Earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing and heaven and nature sing and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing

Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat, the sounding joy

He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love and wonders, wonders, of His love.

Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Dec 10, 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!”

Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 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

Kelly Cuilla, Scripture reader

Kelly Cuilla, Candle lighter

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

________, Fellowship Set-Up

________, 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

The peace of God is here . . . all the time!  All the time . . . the peace of God is here!

*Welcoming the Light of Christ

*Hymn: “Comfort, Comfort, O My People” 101 ( NCH)

Comfort, comfort, O my people, tell of peace,” thus, says our God. Comfort those whose hearts are shrouded, mourning under sorrow’s load. Speak unto Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them; tell them that their sins I cover, and their warfare now is over.

For the herald’s voice is calling in the desert far and near, bidding us to make repentance since the realm of God is here. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now, prepare for God a way; let the valley’s rise in meeting and the hills bow down in greeting. 

Straight shall be what long was crooked, and the rougher places plain! Let your hearts be true and humble, for Messiah’s holy reign. For God’s glory evermore shall be known o’er all the world; and all flesh shall see the token that God’s word is never broken.                                                   

Lighting of the Candle of Peace

Kelly Cuilla: “They shall not hurt or destroy on all God’s holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:1

Message from Kelly Cuilla

Prayer at the lighting of the candle of Peace:

All: Holy one, we light this candle asking that all may be filled with the knowledge of you. May all seek to live justly with one another that peace may prevail.  Amen

Community Prayer

124 (NCH) verse 3: Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven to live with you there.

Prayers of Gratitude

124 (NCH) verse 3

Prayers of Concern

124 (NCH) verse 3

Silent Prayer

124 (NCH) verse 3

 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 # 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:  

Holy One, come to us in the cold nights of this season. As we give these offerings, pour out the healing of hope and peace that we may be your light in the world today. Amen.

Amen.

Listening for God

Time with Young Hearts and Pastor Gen

Why is there a donkey in the nativity sets?

Isaiah 40:1-11 read by Kelly Cuilla

 Comfort, O comfort my people,    says your God.2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,    and cry to herthat she has served her term,    that her penalty is paid,that she has received from the Lord’s hand    double for all her sins.

3 A voice cries out:“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.4 Every valley shall be lifted up,    and every mountain and hill be made low;the uneven ground shall become level,    and the rough places a plain.5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,    and all flesh shall see it together,    for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

6 A voice says, “Cry out!”    And I said, “What shall I cry?”All flesh is grass;    their constancy is like the flower of the field.7 The grass withers; the flower fades,    [[when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;    surely the people are grass.8 The grass withers; the flower fades,     but the word of our God will stand forever.9 Get you up to a high mountain,    O Zion, herald of good newslift up your voice with strength,    O Jerusalem, herald of good news;     lift it up, do not fear;say to the cities of Judah,    “Here is your God!”10 See, the Lord God comes with might,    and his arm rules for him;his reward is with him    and his recompense before him.11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd;    he will gather the lambs in his armsand carry them in his bosom    and gently lead the mother sheep.

Message: “The Art of Peace”

Jennifer Compau

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.