Sunday Worship Bulletin, Oct 1 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!”

October 1, 2023

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

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, AV and Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

___________, Scripture Reader

Sue Ferrozzo, 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!

Welcoming the Light of Christ and Gathering of Prayers

*Hymn: “Morning has broken”

Words: Eleanor Farjeon, Music: Traditional Gaelic

1. Morning has broken like the first morning; Blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!

Praise for them springing fresh from the Word!

2. Sweet the rain's new fall sunlit from heaven, like the first dewfall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

3. Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning. Born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation; praise ev'ry morning, God's recreation of the new day!

Community Prayer

Hymn: “Amazing Grace” 547 (NCH)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.

Prayers of Gratitude

T’was grace that taught my heart to fear and grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.

Prayers of Concern

Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come ‘tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.

Silent prayer

My God has promised good to me, whose word my hope secures; God will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

Lord’s Prayer

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: From Saint Francis

God, all powerful, most holy sublime ruler of all, you alone are good - supremely, fully, completely good, may we render to you all praise, all honor, and all blessing: may we always ascribe to you alone everything that is good! Amen

Listening for God

Philippians 2:1-13 If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was[a] in Christ Jesus,

who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.

Therefore God exalted him even more highly and gave him the name that is above every other name, so that at the name given to Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work on your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Matthew 21:23-32 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why, then, did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not,’ but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same, and he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and even after you saw it you did not change your minds and believe him.

Message: Gathering in the Kingdom of God

Holy Communion

Pastor On this World Communion Sunday, we celebrate that our unity in in sharing this sacred moment that crosses all languages, boarders, and barriers. We are grateful and we remember. Of all the teachings Jesus gave to our ancestors, there was one thing he asked them and us to do for him. He asked us to remember.

When Jesus and his friends sat together at a Passover meal, Jesus took bread; ... Do this as often as you drink of it in remembrance of me." Let us pray.

All: Loving God, you are everywhere. People around the world feel your presence and celebrate your love. May we feel your presence here today as we share in this Holy Communion. Come, Holy Spirit come. Bless this bread and this cup and all who have gathered here. Refresh us and renew us as Christ’s body in the world today. We remember Jesus as we pray. Amen

Sharing Communion

Sung as we receive Hymn # 283 (NCH)

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.

Blessing of the Animals

We form a circle, each pet is anointed with water and a blessing is said. After all have been blessed, we pray

Beloved Creator, you have made all creatures beautiful in your sight. Brother Francis recognized every animal as a true brother or sister. We thank you with humble hearts. By the power of your love, help each of these pets to live as companions and friends. Help us who love them to show your kindness and compassion to them all the days of their lives. We pray in the power of your Spirit. Amen

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Pastor:: Let us pray. We thank you, God, for this circle of love and community. As we share in this meal and these blessings, we are awed that you are everywhere and in all creation. Bless us now to more fully live as your people in respect and love for all your creation through Jesus Christ whose way we follow. Amen.

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

*Departing Hymn: “All Things Bright and Beautiful”

Refrain: All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful: Our dear God made them all.

Each little flow’r that opens, each little bird that sings, God made their glowing colors, and made their tiny wings. Refrain

The purple-headed mountains, the river running by, the sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky.

Refrain

The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun, the ripe fruits in the garden, God made them every one. Refrain

Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin Sep 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!” September 24, 2023 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 10:20 Gathering and Prelude Wayne Shull, Music Director Charlie Salt, AV Joe McSwain, AV and Usher Jerry Brines, Usher Naomi Hanvey, Worship leader and Scripture reader _____, Candle lighter Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor Gregg Glisson, 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 generous...all the time! All the time... God is generous! Welcoming the Light of Christ Hymn: “Be Now My Vision” 451(NCH) Be now my vision, O God of my heart; nothing surpasses the love you impart - you my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, your presence my light. Be now my wisdom, and be my true word; ever within me, my soul is assured; Mother and Father, you are both to me, now and forever, your child I will be. Riches I need not, nor life’s empty praise, you, my inheritance, now and always. You and you only are first in my heart, great God, my treasure, may we never part. Sovereign of Heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of All. Community Prayer Hymn: “Amazing Grace” 547 (NCH) Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. Prayers of Gratitude T’was grace that taught my heart to fear and grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. Prayers of Concern Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come ‘tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home. Silent prayer My God has promised good to me, whose word my hope secures; God will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. Lord’s Prayer 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 of all that is seen and unseen, we give this offering with gratitude and hope. Multiply all that we are so that this little community may justly and compassionately. Amen Listening for God Message with Young Hearts Being fair: what are ways that keep us fair with each other and ourselves. Philippians 1:21-30 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better, but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 2so that, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel and in no way frightened by those opposing you. For them, this is evidence of their destruction but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him as well, since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. Matthew 20:1-16 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around, and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received a denarius. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Message: The Kingdom of Heaven is like… Silence Announcements Our light Goes into the World *Hymn: “In the Midst of New Dimensions” 391 (NCH) In the midst of new dimensions, in the face of changing ways, who will lead the pilgrim peoples wandering in their separate ways? [Refrain] God of rainbow, fiery pillar, leading where the eagles soar, We your people, ours the journey now and ever, now and ever, now and ever more. Through the flood of starving people, warring factions and despair, who will lift the olive branches? Who will light the flame of care? [Refrain] As we stand a world divided by our own self seeking schemes, grant that we, your global village might envision wider dreams. [Refrain] We are man and we are woman, all persuasions, old and young, each a gift in your creation, each a love song to be sung. [Refrain] Should the threats of dire predictions cause us to withdraw in pain, may your blazing phoenix spirit, resurrect the church again. [Refrain] Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude Be Yourself. Grow in Christ. Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin Sep 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!”

September 17, 2023

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

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

___________, 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 good...all the time! All the time... God is good!

Welcoming the Light of Christ

Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You” 4 (NCH)

1. Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, Op’ning to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!

2. All you works with joy surround you, Earth and heav’n reflect your rays, Stars and angels sing around you, Center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea, Singing bird and flowing fountain. Tell us what our praise should be.

3. You are giving and forgiving, Ever blessing, ever blest, Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest! Loving Spirit, Father, Mother, All who love belong to you; Teach us how to love each other, By that love our joy renew.

4. Mortals, join the happy chorus, Which the morning stars began; Boundless love is reigning o’er us, reconciling race and clan. Ever singing, move we forward, faithful in the midst of strife, Joyful music leads us onward, In the triumph song of life.

Community Prayer

Hymn: “Amazing Grace” 547 (NCH)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.

Prayers of Gratitude

T’was grace that taught my heart to fear and grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.

Prayers of Concern

Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come ‘tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.

Silent prayer

My God has promised good to me, whose word my hope secures; God will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

Lord’s Prayer

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

Holy One, you know us better than we know ourselves and you love us abundantly, thank you. May these gifts of our time, talent, and treasure be tokens that are pleasing in your sight. Amen.

Listening for God

Message with Young Hearts

What does it mean to “Use your words?”

Romans 14:1-12 NRSVUE

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ’s table, wouldn’t it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn’t eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God’s welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.

Or, say, one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other. There are good reasons either way. So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience.

What’s important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God’s sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. None of us are permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. It’s God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other. That’s why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other.

So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I’d say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren’t going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture:

“As I live and breathe,” God says, “every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God.”

So, mind your own business. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.

Matthew 18: 21-35

At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”

Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.

“The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.

“The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.

“The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’

“The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.

“The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”

Message: We were Created Good

Silence

Announcements

Our light Goes into the World

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

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; ’ll be there in case you wandered off to find where demons dwell.

When you found the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; You were raised to praise the living God, I was there to cheer you on; You were raised to praise the living God, 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 verse rhyme from dusk till rising sun.

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.

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.

Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.