Sunday Worship Bulletin, Dec 3 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!”

First Sunday of Advent December 3, 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

Naomi Hanvey, Scripture reader

Naomi Hanvey, Candle lighter

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Sue Ferrozzo, 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

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

*Welcoming the Light of Christ

*Hymn “Keep Awake, Be Always Ready” 112(NCH)

Lighting of the Candle of Hope

Naomi Hanvey: "Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Message from Naomi Hanvey

Prayer at the lighting of the candle of Hope:

All: Hope of our lives, we light this candle to declare your hope for all creation. Bless this light to shine out into the darkness with the promise you are with us. 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 Hope, bless us and all that we offer to the work of this church and the care of our neighbors. May our offerings bring the light of your hope into this world you so love. Amen.

Listening for God

Time with Young Hearts.

Has anyone ever told you to “Pay Attention.” If so, why?

Isaiah 64:1-9 NRSVUE

O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence—

as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence!

When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down; the mountains quaked at your presence.

From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.

You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

There is no one who calls on your name or attempts to take hold of you,
for you have hidden your face from us and have delivered[c] us into the hand of our iniquity.

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever.
Now consider, we are all your people.

Mark 13:24-37 NRSVUE

“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened,
 and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

“Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels and gather the elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening or at midnight or at cockcrow or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Message “Come Now, Keep Awake”

Sharing Holy Communion

Hand sanitizer passed around.

Pastor: Friends in Christ, we gather at our many tables ….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.

Silence

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

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

Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Nov 26 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!” Last Sunday of the Christian Year, November 26, 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 Diane Smith, Candle lighter Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor Naomi Hanvey, Fellowship Set-Up Samantha Mumford, 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 with us. . . all the time! All the time . . . God is with us! Welcoming the Light of Christ *Hymn: “A Mighty Fortress Is Out God” 439 (NCH) 1 A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our present help amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe; with craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth without an equal. 2 Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, but there is one who takes our side, the One of God's own choosing. You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus sets us free! With mighty power to save, victorious o’er the grave. Christ will prevail triumphant. 3 And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed the truth to triumph through us. The power of evil grim, we tremble not for them; their rage we can endure, for lo! their doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. 4 That Word beyond all earthly powers forever is abiding. The Spirit and the gifts are ours, for Christ is with us siding. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God's truth shall triumph still; God’s reign endures forever! Community Prayer Refrain: “Great is Your Faithfulness” refrain only 423 (NCH) Great is your faithfulness! Great is your faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed your hand has provided. Great is your faithfulness, God, unto me. Prayers of Gratitude Refrain Prayers of Concern Refrain Silent Prayer 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: 812 (NCH) Amen. Amen. Amen. A Time of Offering Dedication 780 (NCH) Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen Dedication Prayer Beloved God, we offer these gifts of our time, talent, and treasure as small tokens of our deep gratitude. Bless especially our gifts for the Spokane Salish School. May each student know that their ancestral language and culture are needed in this world. Amen. Listening for God
 Message with Young Hearts Think of a celebration that you like. It could be something like Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas presents, anniversaries gifts, birthday parties, and such. Describe, if you can, the feelings of waiting for the party, experiencing the party, and the end of the party. Ephesians 1:15-23 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Matthew 25:31-45 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ Message: The Eyes of Your Heart Silence Announcements Our Light moves into the World God Loves Closing Hymn: “In the Bulb there is a Flower” 433(NCH) 1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity, in our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude Be Yourself. Grow in Christ. Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Nov 19 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!” Thanksgiving Sunday, November 19, 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 _________, Scripture reader _________ , Candle lighter Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor Gregg Glisson with help, Fellowship Set-Up Gregg Glisson with help, Fellowship Clean-up Everyone, Thanksgiving Potluck after worship Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor (today marks 34 years of ordination) 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’s blessings flow. . . all the time! All the time . . . God’s blessings flow! Welcoming the Light of Christ Hymn: “Come, O Thankful People, Come” 422 (NCH) Come, O thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; all is safely gathered in as the winter storms begin; God our Maker does provide for our wants to be supplied; come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home. All the blessings of the field, all the stores the gardens yield, all the fruits in full supply, ripened ‘neth the summer sky, all that spring with bounteous hand scatters o’er the smiling land, all that liberal autumn pours from its rich o’er flowing stores. These to you, our God, we owe source from whom all blessings flow; and for these our songs we raise, grateful vows and solemn praise. Come, then, thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home. Community Prayer Refrain: “Great is Your Faithfulness” refrain only 423 (NCH) Great is your faithfulness! Great is your faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed your hand has provided. Great is your faithfulness, God, unto me. Prayers of Gratitude Refrain Prayers of Concern Refrain Silent Prayer 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: 812 (NCH) Amen. Amen. Amen. A Time of Offering Dedication 780 (NCH) Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen Dedication Prayer: Creator God, bless these gifts of our time, talent, and treasure. May all that we have and all that we do help bring forth a day when the way of compassion known in Jesus may be known to all. Amen Listening for God
 Message with Young Hearts What does “Don’t show off” mean? 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 NRSVUE Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; or you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So, then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober, forthose who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. Mathew 25:14-29 NRSVUE “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. At once the one who had received the five talents went off and traded with them and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance, but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. Message: Risky Business Silence Announcements Our Light moves into the World God Loves Closing Hymn: “ For the Fruit of All Creation” 425 (NCH) For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God. For God’s gifts to every nation, thanks be to God. For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we were sleeping, future needs in Earth’s safe-keeping, thanks be to God. In the just reward of labor, God’s will is done. In the help we give our neighbor, God’s will is done. In the worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing, in the harvest we are sharing, God’s will is done. For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God. For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God. For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us, most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God. Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude Be Yourself. Grow in Christ. Live with Compassion.