Pentecost Sunday Bulletin, June 5, 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!”

Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022 • 10:30 a.m.

10:20 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 still speaking. . . all the time!

All the time . . . God is still speaking!

Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ

*Hymn: “Every Time I feel the Spirit” 282 (NCH) public domain

Refrain:Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.

1 Upon the mountain, when my Lord spoke, out of God's mouth came fire and smoke.Looked all around me, it looked so fine, ‘till I asked my Lord if all was mine. [Refrain]

2 Jordan River, chilly and cold,it chills the body but not the soul.There is but one train upon this track;it runs to heaven and then right back. [Refrain]

Community Prayer

ALL: Love, love, love, love Christians this is our call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.

Prayers of Gratitude

ALL: Love, love, love, love Christians this is our call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.

Prayers of Concern

ALL: Love, love, love, love Christians this is our call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.

Silent Prayer

ALL: Love, love, love, love Christians this is our call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.

Lord’s Prayer

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Strengthen the Church Offering

Response

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. (repeat)

Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say rejoice. (repeat)

Dedication Prayer

Spirit of Truth, fill us with your light and life. Give to us clarity of speech, thought, and action that we may be the body of Christ in the world today. Bless all our gifts and offerings especially the gifts for Spokane Valley Partners. May all that we are and all that we have be a reflect of our practice of compassion and justice. We pray in the name and love of Jesus. Amen

Listening for God

Acts 2:1-21 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea 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.

And I will show portents in the heaven above

and signs on the earth below,

blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

The sun shall be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood,

before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.

Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

John 14:25-27, NRSV

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Message: “Do Not Be Afraid”

Silence

Communion

Pastor: Friends in Christ, we gather at our many tables mindful of the presence of God’s Spirit that is here with us. We seek to honor the request of Jesus given in the scripture. Of all the teachings Jesus gave to our ancestors, this is one he asked them and us to do that we might remember him.

When Jesus and his friends sat together at a Passover meal, Jesus took bread; giving God thanks and praise, he broke the bread. He gave it to his friends saying, “Take this all of you and eat of it. This is my body that is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

After the meal had ended, Jesus poured out the cup and again he gave God thanks and praise. He gave the cup to his friends and said, “Take this all of you and drink from it. This is the cup of the new covenant. Do this as often as you drink of it in remembrance of me.”

Let us pray.

All: Come, Holy Spirit come. Bless this bread and this cup and all who have gathered in your Spirit. Help us to remember that you have dwelt among us. Help us to dwell in the world today as living temples of your presence. Bless us to remember your teachings, commandments, and example. May we be renewed in this sharing. Amen.

Silence

Prayer of Thanksgiving

All: We thank you, God, for your presence as we remember the Living Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you are among us still, in each of us, and in all of your creation. Bless us to more fully live as your people. Amen.

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

Hymn “What does the Lord Require of you” CCLI license #11038266

1. What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?

2. Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.

3. To seek justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.

Benediction

Postlude

Sunday Worship Bulletin, May 29 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!”

May 29, 2022 • 10:30 a.m.

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

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, Acolyte and AV

Naomi Hanvey Facebook Monitor

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Gen Heywood, Pastor

10:30am Worship begins

God weeps . . . all the time! All the time . . . God weeps!

Passing of Peace and Welcoming the Light of Christ

(What are the feelings? Why do we have them?)

Psalm 46 responsively

One: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. All: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

One: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. ALL: God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. One: The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter; God utters, God’s voice; the earth melts. All: The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

One: Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations God has brought on the earth. All: God makes wars cease to the end of the earth; God breaks the bow and shatters the spear; God burns the shields with fire. One: “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” ALL: The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

*Hymn: “There is a Balm in Gilead” 553 (NCH)

Refrain: There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole, there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain, but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. Refrain

If you cannot preach like Peter, if you cannot pray like Paul, you can tell the love of Jesus who died to save us all. Refrain

Community Prayer

CCLI license #11038266

Refrain: I cast all my cares upon you. I lay all my burdens down at your feet; and anytime that I don’t know what to do, I will cast my cares upon you. (Repeat)

I will cast my cares upon you.

Prayers of Gratitude, Refrain

Prayers of Concern, Refrain

Silent Prayer, Refrain

The Lord’s Prayer

Response 812 (NCH)

Amen, amen, amen.

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share and Announcements

Dedication Hymn:

CCLI license #11038266

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because God’s given Jesus Christ, the son. (Repeat) And now let the weak say, “I am strong!” Let the poor say, “I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us!” (repeat)

Give thanks. Give thanks.

Dedication Prayer

Source of All That Is, we you give thanks and praise. Fill these offerings and our lives with your Spirit that we, your servants, may bring justice, peace, and kindness to the world. Amen

Listening for God

Message with Young Hearts

(What are the feelings? Why do we have them?)

Romans 8:18-39 (NRSVUE)

18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God, 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its enslavement to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedeswith groanings too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 God who did not withhold the Son but gave him up for all of us, how will God not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died, or rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Message: For in Hope, We are Saved

Silence

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

Hymn: “Keep your Lamps Trimmed and Burning”

Public Domain

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning (repeat 2x more) for this work is almost done. Sisters, don’t grow weary. Brothers, don’t grow weary. Children, don’t grow weary, for this work is almost done.

It’s our faith makes us happy (repeat 2x more) for this work’s almost done.

Sisters, don’t grow weary. Brothers, don’t grow weary. Children, don’t grow weary, for this work is almost done.

We are Climbing Jacob’s ladder (repeat 2x more) for this work is almost done. Sisters, don’t grow weary. Brothers, don’t grow weary. Children, don’t grow weary, for this work is almost done.

Every round goes higher, higher (repeat 2x more) for this work’s almost done. Sisters, don’t grow weary. Brothers, don’t grow weary. Children, don’t grow weary, for this work is almost done.

Benediction and “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds ”

Public Domain

Blest be the tie that binds

our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds

is like to that above.

Postlude

Sunday Worship Bulletin, May 22, 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!”

May 22, 2022 • 10:30 a.m.

Assistive listening devices are available. Please contact an usher if you would like to use one.

Thank you for turning cellphones completely OFF prior to worship – they interfere with our sound system.

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

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, Acolyte and AV

Naomi Hanvey Facebook Monitor

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Gen Heywood, Pastor

10:30am Worship begins

God inspires. . . all the time! All the time . . . God inspires!

Passing of Peace and Welcoming the Light of Christ:

(Imagine creating the best place for everyone…. What is that place?)

Hymn: “We Sing the Mighty Power of God” 12 (NCH)

Public domain (note: an older version uses “we” where our hymnal uses “I”)

1 We sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise, that spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies. We sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; the moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.

2 We sing the goodness of our God that filled the earth with food; God formed the creatures with the word and then pronounced them good. Oh, how your wonders are displayed, where'er we turn our eyes, if we survey the ground we tread or gaze upon the skies.

3 On Earth there’s not a plant or flower but makes your glories known. The clouds arise and spread their showers by order from your throne; All life is but a gift from you and ever in your care: Wherever people gather, you, O God, are present there.

Community Prayer

CCLI license #11038266

ALL: My peace I give to you. It’s a peace that the world cannot give. It’s a peace that the world cannot understand. Peace to know. Peace to live. My peace I give unto you.

Prayers of Gratitude

ALL: My peace I give to you. It’s a peace that the world cannot give. It’s a peace that the world cannot understand. Peace to know. Peace to live. My peace I give unto you.

Prayers of Concern

ALL: My peace I give to you. It’s a peace that the world cannot give. It’s a peace that the world cannot understand. Peace to know. Peace to live. My peace I give unto you.

Silent Prayer

ALL: My peace I give to you. It’s a peace that the world cannot give. It’s a peace that the world cannot understand. Peace to know. Peace to live. My peace I give unto you.

The Lord’s Prayer

Response 812 (NCH)

Amen, amen, amen.

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication Hymn: What Does the Lord Require

CCLI license #11038266

1. What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?

2. Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.

3. To seek justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.

Dedication Prayer

Infinite Source of All, we make this offering to the work of this community gathered in love, reflection, and service. May all that we are and all that we do be found pleasing in your sight. Amen

Listening for God

Message with Young Hearts

Imagine creating the best place for everyone…. What is that place?

Responsive Reading based on Kent M. Keith’s poem

written in 1968 when he was 19 years old. In 1997, he learned that his poem "The Paradoxical Commandments" hung on the wall of Mother Theresa’s childhood home. This is based the version said to have been shared by Mother Theresa.

One: People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.

All: Forgive them anyway. One: If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

All: Be kind anyway. One: If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.

All: Succeed anyway. One: If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.

All: Be honest and sincere anyway. One: What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.

All: Create anyway. One: If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.

All: Be happy anyway. One: The good you do today, will often be forgotten.

All: Do good anyway. One: Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

All: Give your best anyway. One: In the final analysis,

ALL: it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

Revelation 21:10, 22-27 and 22:1-5 NRSV

10 And in the spirit God carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.

22 I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found there anymore. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; 4 they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.5 And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

John 5:1-9

After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew[ Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. 3 In these lay many ill, blind, lame, and paralyzed people.[ 5 One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The ill man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am making my way someone else steps down ahead of me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a Sabbath.

Message: Got Peace

Silence

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

Hymn: “I've Got Peace Like a River” 478 (NCH) Public Domain

I've got peace like a river. I've got peace like a river. I've got peace like a river in my soul, (Repeat)

I've got joy like a fountain. I've got joy like a fountain. I've got joy like a fountain in my soul. (Repeat)

I've got love like an ocean. I've got love like an ocean. I've got love like an ocean in my soul (Repeat)

I've got faith like an anchor. I've got faith like an anchor. I've got faith like an anchor in my soul (Repeat)

Benediction and Hallelujah 236 (NCH)

Postlude