Sunday Worship Bulletin, Aug 28, 2022

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!”

August 28, 2022 • 10:30am

10:20am Gathering & Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, Acolyte & AV

Naomi Hanvey, Facebook Monitor

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

10:30am Worship begins

God offers us new beginnings . . . all the time!

All the time . . . God offers us new beginnings!

Passing the Peace and Welcoming the Light Christ

Hymn: “Here I Am, Lord”

CCLI license #11038266

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in deep despair My hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? (refrain)

(refrain) Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night

I will go, Lord, if you lead me I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.

I have wept for love of them. They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone. Give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my words to them. Whom shall I send? (refrain)

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide, ’til their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? (refrain)

The Community at Prayer

Sharing Prayers of Gratitude & Celebration

All: Floating & flaming & filling new life. Hov’ring & healing & helping with sighs.

Spirit at work since the dawning of time; meet us right here, touch us right now.

Meet us right here, touch us right now.

CCLI license #11038266

Sharing Prayers of Concern

All: Floating & flaming & filling new life. Hov’ring & healing & helping with sighs.

Spirit at work since the dawning of time; meet us right here, touch us right now.

Meet us right here, touch us right now.

CCLI license #11038266

Sharing Prayers Which Take Us Beyond Words Into Silence

All: Floating & flaming & filling new life. Hov’ring & healing & helping with sighs.

Spirit at work since the dawning of time; meet us right here, touch us right now.

Meet us right here, touch us right now.

CCLI license #11038266

The Lord’s Prayer

(in the spirit of diversity, you are invited to use the words most familiar to you)

Response: Amen. Amen. Amen. 812 (NCH)

CCLI license #11038266

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication Hymn: “A Doxology”

Praise God who calls us on from here. Praise Christ whose presence calms our fear.

Praise Holy Spirit in our lives. God calls, and leads, and through us thrives. Amen.

Dedication Prayer

O God of New Beginnings, you meet us where we are, you call us beyond where we think we can go, and you invite us to share our blessings with the world. Expand our awareness and inspire our generosity so that we might become more fully who you already know us to be. May your love shine in us and through us, lighting our way forward. Amen.

Listening for God

Scripture

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void 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. (Genesis 1: 1-5)

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside 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 thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with 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 on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1: 4-11)

Pastoral Reflection: The God of New Beginnings

Silence

Announcements

We Carry God’s Light Into the World God Loves

Hymn: “Dance into Joy” 205 (Sing!)

CCLI license #11038266

(refrain) So dance into joy with hands upraised. Greet each new day as the holiest of days,

and to your God sing great songs of praise. To your God sing praise!

Share from your path some strand of light. Bring all the shades, both dark and light.

Weaving together makes us all one. Stories of hope have just begun. (refrain)

Reds from your passion and from your fear. Rainbows shine through ev’ry tear.

Tender green shoots that bloom ev’ry Spring growing in love with each song we bring. (refrain)

Through the deep blues now are revealed old hidden wounds soon to be healed.

On bold purples of dawn serene float the myst’ries yet unseen. (refrain)

Weave now each one this web of light surrounding our world both day and night

with healing love and inner peace. Joining together, joy will increase. (refrain)

Blessing for Departing

Closing Song: “In the Midst of New Dimensions” 391 (NCH)

CCLI license #11038266

In the midst of new dimensions, in the face of changing ways,

who will lead the pilgrim peoples wandering their separate ways?

God of rainbow, fiery pillar, leading where the eagles soar,

we your people, ours the journey, now & ever, now & ever, now & evermore.

Postlude

You are invited to spend a few minutes in quiet reflection& allow the music to wash over you.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Aug 21, 2022

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!” August 21, 2022 • 10:30am 10:20am Gathering & Prelude Wayne Shull, Music Director Charlie Salt, Acolyte & AV Naomi Hanvey, Facebook Monitor Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor 10:30am Worship begins God is in the midst of us . . . all the time! All the time . . . God is in the midst of us! Passing the Peace and Welcoming the Light Christ Hymn: “Gather Us In” CCLI license #11038266 Here in this place, the new light is streaming, shadows of doubt are vanished away See in this space our fears and our dreamings Brought here to you in the light of this day Gather us in, the lost and forsaken. Gather us in, the blind and the lame. Call to us now and we shall awaken. We shall arise at the sound of our name. We are the young, our lives are a mystery We are the old who yearn for your face We have been sung throughout all of history Called to be light to the whole human race Gather us in, the rich and the haughty. Gather us in, the proud and the strong. Give us a heart so meek and so lowly. Give us the courage to enter the song. Not just in buildings, small and confining Not in some heaven light years away Here in this place the new light is shining Now is God present and now is the day Gather us in and hold us forever. Gather us in and make us your own. Gather us in, all peoples together. Fire of love in our flesh and our bones. Passing the Baton of Leadership The relay is on, and for Team Veradale no one person does all the running. Everyone has a contribution to make. Sometimes they are running, and sometimes they are resting, but always they are contributing. For some folks, like the Pastor, their contribution is often out front and very visible, while for others their part is frequently less visible and easier to miss. But just as with a relay team, everyone’s contributions are vital for the success of the whole Church. And that includes times of rest. After seven years Pastor Gen has passed the baton to other members of the team so that she can take some much needed “rest and renewal” time. This is an opportunity for others in the congregation to step up and contribute, perhaps in ways they have never tried before. And the whole Church will be stronger for it! Wayne: Pastor Roger, on behalf of the whole congregation I stand here this morning ready to pass the baton of leadership on to you. I do so not because we expect you to do all the work, but because we trust you to provide pastoral leadership and guidance in these next few months as we learn to be the Church in fresh new ways. We know that we will not be on our own in this endeavor. In addition to your leadership, we will have the strength, guidance, and inspiration of God’s Spirit, as well as the gifts, mutual support, and enthusiasm of each other. We trust that this will be a fruitful time of growth and new discovery for all of us. Congregation: With God’s help and the mutual support of the many gifted leaders among us, we stand ready to rise to the occasion over these next few months as we explore new ways of being the Church together. We look forward to receiving Pastor Roger’s capable pastoral leadership, and commit ourselves to the process of learning and growing together. Pastor Roger: I am honored to have been called to this important work, and delighted to be here among you for these next few months. It will be a time for renewing old friendships and establishing new ones. But most importantly, it will be a time for discovering and exploring our gifts, as we open ourselves to the possibility of being the Church which God is calling us to be. And so it is that I receive now this baton of leadership, knowing that the success we are anticipating will unfold because of God’s active presence among us and our mutual willingness to show up and become the Church together. Let this faithful adventure begin. Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism of Karl Edward Young Members and friends in Christ, we gather now to celebrate the gift of grace in the sacrament of baptism. There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in God’s call to us. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of us all. They were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this he was indignant, and said to them, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs the realm of God.” And Jesus took them in his arms and blessed them. The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Inasmuch as the promise of the gospel is not only to us but also to our children, baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of their acceptance into the care of Christ’s church, the sign and seal of their participation in God’s love, and the beginning of their growth into full Christian faith. Ashley & Sky, do you desire to have your child baptized into the faith and family of Christ? We do. Will you encourage Karl to receive the freedom of new life in Christ? We will, with God’s help. Will you teach Karl the value of faith in Christ? We will, with God’s help. Do you promise, by the grace of God, to continue following in the way of Christ, to show love and justice, and to allow the Light of Christ to shine through your living as best you are able? We do, with God’s help. Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow with Karl in faith, to share with him the care and nurture of Christ’s church, so that he may grow to become a faithful participant in the church? We do, with God’s help. Don & Jan, as grandparents, you have a unique and important role to play in Karl’s life. You can share love with him and demonstrate what it means to be connected to family. You will also be a position to model for him what it means to live a life of faith. Are you ready to love and encourage Karl, so that he can grow in faith and live fully into his own potential as a beloved child of God? We are, with God’s help. Aly & Amy, a Godparent is a spiritual guardian, not a legal guardian. Godparents are, ideally, people to whom the child can ask questions about God or about life that may not be comfortable to share with parents. Godparents are to remember the holidays and keep in touch with the child through life. Are you ready with God’s help to guide and encourage Karl by counsel and example, in prayer and with love, to follow the way of Christ? We are, with God’s help. Members & friends of Veradale United Church of Christ, Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations, and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism. Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support, and care to the one about to be baptized, and to his parents and family, as Karl lives and grows in Christ? With God’s help, we promise our love, support, and care. Together let us affirm our faith (adapted from Ephesians 4): We believe in the one body of Christ, which is the Church, one Holy Spirit, one hope to which we are called, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of all, who is over all and through all and in all. O God of everlasting covenant, we rejoice in every gift of life. Be present always to strengthen and guide Karl, that he may increase in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human love. Bind us all in covenant, that we, your people, may be faithful in keeping the vows we have made. We look to you for strength in the knowledge that you will fulfill by your power every good resolve and work of faith though Christ. Amen. Ashley & Sky, by what name will this child be called? Karl Edward Young Karl Edward Young, I now baptize you in the name of God – Creator, Christ, and Spirit. Amen. And now may the Holy Spirit be upon you, Karl, child of God, disciple of Christ, member of the Church. All: O God of Love, we give thanks for the gift of this your beloved child. Continue to fill Karl Edward Young with your guiding Spirit. Give us who have witnessed this event, a renewed sense of our call to be your disciples. Bless these parents, grandparents, and Godparents, that they may keep the vows they have made. Bless Noah to grow as a brother, showing Karl what it means to learn and become his own person. Strengthen all of us to live as Christ has taught. Create in us a new and open heart. Keep us from all evil and guide us by your grace, we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. Introducing Karl to the congregation The Community at Prayer Sharing Prayers of Gratitude & Celebration All: O God of mercy, hear our prayers. Sharing Prayers of Concern All: O God of mercy, hear our prayers. Sharing Prayers Which Take Us Beyond Words Into Silence All: O God of mercy, hear our prayers. The Lord’s Prayer Response: Amen. Amen. Amen. 812 (NCH) A Time of Offering An Invitation to Share Dedication Hymn: “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” 139 (Sing!) CCLI license #11038266 I’m gonna (live – work – pray – sing) so God can use me anytime, Lord, and anywhere! I’m gonna (live – work – pray – sing) so God can use me anytime, Lord, and anywhere! Dedication Prayer You have blessed us, O God, so that we might be a blessing to the world. May the gifts which we have offered become powerful tools for healing and transformation within this congregation, within our community, and to the uttermost ends of the earth. Amen. Listening for God Scripture Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1: 14-15 NRSV) Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. (Luke 9: 1-4 NRSV) Pastoral Reflection: Stepping Into the Mystery Silence Announcements We Carry God’s Light Into the World God Loves Hymn: “Draw the Circle Wide” 123 (Sing!) CCLI license #11038266 (refrain) Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no one stands alone, standing side by side, draw the circle wide. God the still point of the circle, ’round whom all creation turns; nothing lost, but held forever in God’s gracious arms. (refrain) Let our hearts touch far horizons, so encompass great and small; let our loving know no borders, faithful to God’s call. (refrain) Let the dreams we dream be larger, than we’ve ever dreamed before; let the dream of Christ be in us, open ev’ry door. (refrain) Blessing for Departing Closing Song: “Wherever You Go” 213 (Sing!) CCLI license #11038266 Wherever you go, God is with you. Wherever you go, God is there. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you are in God’s care. Wherever we go, God is with us. Wherever we go, God is there. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are in God’s care. Postlude You are invited to spend a few minutes in quiet reflection & allow the music to wash over you.

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Aug 14, 2022

Veradale United Church of Christ

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!”

August 14, 2022 • 10:30 a.m.

_________________________

10:20am Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, Acolyte and AV

Naomi Hanvey Facebook Monitor

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

10:30am Worship begins

God is with us . . . all the time!

All the time . . . God is with us!

Passing the Peace and Welcoming the Light Christ

Hymn: “O God of Mercy, God of Might”

(Public Domain)

O God of mercy, God of might, In love and pity infinite, Teach us, as ever in your sight, To live our lives in you.

And you, who came on earth to die That our lost world might live thereby, O hear us; for to you we cry, In hope, O Lord, to you.

Teach us the lesson you have taught: To feel for those whom you have bought, That ev'ry word and deed and thought May work a work for you.

All are redeemed, both far and wide, Since you, O Lord, for all have died. Grant us the will and grace provide To love them all in you!

In sickness, sorrow, want, or care, May we each other's burdens share; May we, where help is needed, there Give help as unto you!

And may your Holy Spirit move All those who live to live in love Till you shall greet in heav'n above All those who live in you.

Community Prayer:

CCLI license #11038266

I cast all my cares upon you

I lay all of my burdens down at your feet

And anytime I don't know what to do

I will cast all my cares upon you

The Lord’s Prayer

Response 812 (NCH)

Amen, amen, amen.

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication Hymn: "Be Thou My Vision" verse 3

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty word,

Thou mine inheritance, now and always

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart

Great God of heaven, my treasure Thou art

Dedication Prayer

God of hope, we long for the time when the meek shall inherit the earth and all who hunger and thirst after justice shall be satisfied, and we believe that, despite the persistence of evil, now is always the time when more good can be done and we can make a difference. May it be so, through the offering of these gifts and the offering of our lives. Amen.

(adapted from Prayer for Justice and Peace, Iona)

Listening for God

Scripture

Jeremiah 14:2-9, 19-22 New International Version

2 “Judah mourns, her cities languish; they wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. 3 The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns but find no water. They return with their jars unfilled; dismayed and despairing, they cover their heads. 4 The ground is cracked because there is no rain in the land; the farmers are dismayed and cover their heads. 5 Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. 6 Wild donkeys stand on the barren heights and pant like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of food.”

7 Although our sins testify against us, do something, Lord, for the sake of your name. For we have often rebelled; we have sinned against you. 8 You who are the hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays only a night? 9 Why are you like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? You are among us, Lord, and we bear your name; do not forsake us!

19 Have you rejected Judah completely? Do you despise Zion? Why have you afflicted us so that we cannot be healed? We hoped for peace but no good has come, for a time of healing but there is only terror.

20 We acknowledge our wickedness, Lord, and the guilt of our ancestors; we have indeed sinned against you. 21 For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us and do not break it. 22 Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.

Galatians 6:2 New International Version

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Message: Let’s Throw Starfish Together

Silence

Announcements

Our light moves into the world God loves

Hymn: “Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant” 539 (NCH)

CCLI license #11038266

Won't you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you? Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

We are pilgrims on a journey, we are travelers on the road; we are here to help each other go the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you in the shadow of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping; when you laugh, I'll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow 'til we've seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven we shall find such harmony, born of all we've known together of Christ's love and agony.

Won't you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you? Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.

Benediction and Closing Song: "What does the Lord Require of You"

Postlude