Sunday Worship Bulletin, July 30, 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!”

Sunday, July 30, 2023• 10:30 a.m.

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10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Music Potluck Sunday

Recording of “Why Me” Prelude Music

Joe McSwain, AV and Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Gen 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 waiting . . . all the time! All the time . . . God is waiting!

Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ

*Hymn: “How Great Thou Art”

Marvin Wilson sings the verses and we join in the refrain.

Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, “How great Thou art, how great Thou art.” (repeat)

Community Prayer

Hymn: “Amazing Grace” 547 (NCH)

Solo: Jan Young

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: Sing Amen

Diane Smith and All

(Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God

(Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God

(Sing Amen) Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen,

we praise your name, O, God

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Special Music: "Higher” composers: Vic Bertis and Julie Wehrman

sung by Vic Bertis a Baha’i friend of Louise Tajuddin

Dedication Hymn: “Holy Ground”

CCLI license #11038266

All: We are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now. We are standing in his presence on holy ground.

Dedication Prayer

Holy One, as distant as the furthest star and as close as our very breath, we are grateful. Bless our offerings of time, talent, and treasure for this church. Bless also our school supplies. May the new school year be one that nurtures students and teachers. Amen.

Listening for God

Message with Young Hearts:

Questions for God.

Judges 6:11-40 As Readers Theater

Narrator: Naomi Hanvey

Angel: Jan Young

God: Marsilius Flumo

Gideon: Marvin Wilson

Crowd: Everyone

Someone from the crowd: Diane Smith

Men of the Crowd: Everyone who wants to be counted among the men

Gideon’s Dad: Don Young

Narrator: One day the angel of God came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, whose son Gideon was threshing wheat in the winepress, out of sight of the Midianites. The angel of God appeared to him and said,

Angel: “God is with you, O mighty warrior!”

Gideon: With me? If God is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracle-wonders our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us, ‘Didn’t God deliver us from Egypt?’ The fact is, God has nothing to do with us—he has turned us over to Midian.”

Narrator: But God faced him directly:

God: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven’t I just sent you?”

Gideon: Me, my master? How and with what could I ever save Israel? Look at me. My clan’s the weakest in Manasseh and I’m the runt of the litter.

God: “I’ll be with you. Believe me, you’ll defeat Midian as one man.

Gideon: “If you’re serious about this, do me a favor: Give me a sign to back up what you’re telling me. Don’t leave until I come back and bring you my gift.”

God “I’ll wait till you get back.”

Narrator: Gideon went and prepared a young goat and a huge amount of unraised bread (he used over half a bushel of flour!). He put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and took them back under the shade of the oak tree for a sacred meal.The angel of God said to him,

Angel: “Take the meat and unraised bread, place them on that rock, and pour the broth on them.”

Narrator: Gideon did it. The angel of God stretched out the tip of the stick he was holding and touched the meat and the bread. Fire broke out of the rock and burned up the meat and bread while the angel of God slipped away out of sight. And Gideon knew it was the angel of God!

Gideon: “Oh no! Lord, God! I have seen the angel of God face-to-face!”

God: “Easy now. Don’t panic. You won’t die.”

Narrator: Then Gideon built an altar there to God and named it “God’s Peace.” It’s still called that at Ophrah of Abiezer.

(Act 2)

Narrator: That night this happened. God said to Gideon,

God: “Take your father’s best seven-year-old bull, the prime one. Tear down your father’s Baal altar and chop down the Asherah fertility pole beside it. Then build an altar to God, your God, on the top of this hill. Take the prime bull and present it as a Whole-Burnt-Offering, using firewood from the Asherah pole that you cut down.”

Narrator: Gideon selected ten men from his servants and did exactly what God had told him. But because of his family and the people in the neighborhood, he was afraid to do it openly, so he did it that night. Early in the morning, the people in town were shocked to find Baal’s altar torn down, the Asherah pole beside it chopped down, and the prime bull burning away on the altar that had been built. They kept asking,

Crowd: “Who did this?”

Narrator: Questions and more questions, and then the answer:

Someone from the crowd “Gideon son of Joash did it.”

Narrator: The men of the town demanded of Joash:

Men of the Crowd: “Bring out your son! He must die! Why, he tore down the Baal altar and chopped down the Asherah tree!”

Narrator: But Joash stood up to the crowd pressing in on him,

Gideon’s Dad: “Are you going to fight Baal’s battles for him? Are you going to save him? Anyone who takes Baal’s side will be dead by morning. If Baal is a god in fact, let him fight his own battles and defend his own altar.”

Narrator: They nicknamed Gideon that day Jerub-Baal because after he had torn down the Baal altar, he had said, “Let Baal fight his own battles.”

(Act 3)

Narrator: All the Midianites and Amalekites (the easterners) got together, crossed the river, and made camp in the Valley of Jezreel. God’s Spirit came over Gideon. He blew his ram’s horn trumpet and the Abiezrites came out, ready to follow him. He dispatched messengers all through Manasseh, calling them to the battle; also to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali. They all came. Gideon said to God,

Gideon: “If this is right, if you are using me to save Israel as you’ve said, then look: I’m placing a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If dew is on the fleece only, but the floor is dry, then I know that you will use me to save Israel, as you said.”

Narrator: That’s what happened. When he got up early the next morning, he wrung out the fleece—enough dew to fill a bowl with water! Then Gideon said to God,

Gideon: “Don’t be impatient with me, but let me say one more thing. I want to try another time with the fleece. But this time let the fleece stay dry, while the dew drenches the ground.”

Narrator: God made it happen that very night. Only the fleece was dry while the ground was wet with dew.

Message: A Time to Test

Silence

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

Hymn: “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

Marvin Wilson sings the verses and all sing refrain.

Refrain: Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude

“Go Now in Peace” Naomi Hanvey on Chimes with Choir

Be Yourself.

Grow in Christ.

Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin July 23, 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!” Sunday, July 23, 2023• 10:30 a.m. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 10:20 Gathering and Prelude Wayne Shull, Music Director Charlie Salt, AV and Scripture Reader Joe McSwain, AV and Usher Jerry Brines, Usher Laila Buse, Candle Lighter Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor Rev. Gen 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 one . . . all the time! All the time . . . God is one! Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ *Hymn: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” 472 (NCH) Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. When my way grows drear, Precious Lord, linger near. When my life is almost gone. Hear my cry, hear my call. Hold my hand lest I fall: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. When the shadows appear and the night draws near, and the day is past and gone, at the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. 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: Sing Amen (Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God (Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God (Sing Amen) Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, we praise your name, O, God A Time of Offering An Invitation to Share Meet Me Moment Dedication Hymn: “Holy Ground” CCLI license #11038266 We are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now. We are standing in his presence on holy ground. Dedication Prayer Loving God, we offer these gifts of our time, talent, and treasure. May they be multiplied to fulfill your vision of a just and compassionate life. Amen. Listening for God Message with Young Hearts: When do you know that someone is grown-up? Job1:6-12 NRSUE (from Biblegateway.com) One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and the accuser (the satan) also came among them. The Lord said to the accuser, “Where have you come from?” The accuser answered the Lord, “From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.” The Lord said to the accuser, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.” Then the accuser[f]answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” The Lord said to the accuser, “Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!” So the accuser went out from the presence of the Lord. Matthew 4:1-11 NRSUE (from Biblegateway.com) Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil.He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Message: The Adversary, the Tempter, and Responsibility Silence Announcements Our Light moves into the World God Loves *Hymn: “God of the Ages, Who with Sure Command” 592 (NCH) God of the ages, who with sure command brought forth in beauty all the starry band of shining worlds in splendor through the skies, our grateful songs before your throne arise. Your purpose, just, envisions morals free; God, set our path toward human liberty. Still be our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay-your Word our law, your paths our chosen way. From war's alarms, from deadly pestilence, with steadfast care be ever our defense; Your love and faith within our hearts increase; with bounteous goodness nourish us in peace. Refresh your people on life's toil-some way; lead us from night to never ending day; With truth and love guide us through error's maze, and we shall give you glory, laud, and praise. Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude Be Yourself. Grow in Christ. Live with Compassion.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, July 16 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!” Sunday, July 16, 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 Stephanie Wallis, Scripture reader Naomi Hanvey, Candle Lighter Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor Rev. Gen 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 loves us . . . all the time! All the time . . . God loves us! Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ *Hymn: “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” 295 (NCH) 1. I sing a song of the saints of God, faithful their whole lives through, who bravely labored, lived, and died for the God they loved and knew. And one was a doctor, and one was a queen, and one was a shepherdess on the green: they were saints of God if you know what I mean. God help me to be one, too. 2. They loved their God and they lived that love. It was loving that made them strong; They did what was right, for Jesus’ sake, lived justly their whole lives long. And one was a prophet, and one was a priest, and one was slain by a fierce wild beast; there is no earthly reason, none in the least, why I shouldn't be one, too. 3. They lived not only in ages past; there are hundreds of thousands still. The world is filled with living saints who choose to do God’s will. You can meet them in school, on the road or at sea, in church, in a train, in a shop, or at tea; for the saints are folk like you and like me, and I mean to be one, too. Community Prayer (“In Our Prayers” Sing #125) In our prayers, in our hearts, in our prayers, in our hearts, God in your grace, hear our prayers. God in your grace, O God, hear our prayers. Prayers of Gratitude In our prayers, in our hearts, in our prayers, in our hearts, God in your grace, hear our prayers. God in your grace, O God, hear our prayers. Prayers of Concern In our prayers, in our hearts, in our prayers, in our hearts, God in your grace, hear our prayers. God in your grace, O God, hear our prayers. Silent prayer In our prayers, in our hearts, in our prayers, in our hearts, God in your grace, hear our prayers. God in your grace, O God, hear our prayers. Lord’s Prayer Response: Sing Amen (Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God (Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God (Sing Amen) Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, we praise your name, O, God A Time of Offering An Invitation to Share Meet Me Moment Gae Ann Moffitt Dedication Hymn: “Holy Ground” CCLI license #11038266 We are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now. We are standing in his presence on holy ground. Dedication Prayer Holy Guide and Guardian of our lives, we thank you with humble hearts. We offer our time, talent, and treasure to the ministry of this little embassy of the Way of Jesus. We are grateful for the Spirit’s presence which gives more light for our spiritual paths. Amen. Listening for God Message with Young Hearts: When is someone old? How do you know? Genesis 5:25-29 When Methuselah had lived one hundred eighty-seven years, he became the father of Lamech. Methuselah lived after the birth of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, and he died. When Lamech had lived one hundred eighty-two years, he became the father of a son; he named him Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the toil of our hands.” 1Kings 12:6-11Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the older men who had attended his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” They answered him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” But he disregarded the advice that the older men gave him and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and now attended him. He said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” The young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus you should say to this people who spoke to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must lighten it for us’; thus you should say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins. Now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’ ” Acts 2:14–18 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Fellow Jews[ and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. Message: How Old? Silence Announcements Our Light moves into the World God Loves *Hymn: “Lead us from Death to Life” 581 NCH Refrain: Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth, from despair to hope, from fear to trust. Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace; Let peace fill our hearts, let peace fill our world, let peace fill our universe. Still all the angry cries, still all the angry guns, still now your people die, Earth’s sons and daughters. Let justice roll, let mercy pour down. Come and teach us your way of compassion.(Refrain) So many lonely hearts, so many broken lives, longing for love to break into their darkness. Come, teach us love, come, teach us peace. Come and teach us your way of compassion. (Refrain) Let justice ever roll, let mercy fill the earth. Let us begin to grow into your people. We can be love, we can bring peace. We can still be your way of compassion. (Refrain) Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude Be Yourself. Grow in Christ. Live with Compassion.