Veradale United Church of Christ
Spokane Valley, WA
Dear members and friends of Veradale UCC,
Hi Everyone!
Thanks to all those who checked in last week. I helps me to know how you are doing and that you get these emails. Please, let me know what is happening in your part of the Land of Corona. Also, please, keep Maureen in your prayers as she recovers from surgery; Gae Ann as she recovers from pneumonia; Marvin’s Dad recovering from being in the hospital; Helen as she continues to recover from a stroke; and all who are struggling through this pandemic.
Remember, it is Communion Sunday this week. For those of you attending from home, please consider having something to eat and drink that you can bless and remember. For those in the church building, we will have a little communion to-go package for you.
Two improvements for this week:
Each week we will have a theme and everyone is invited to bring something that represents that theme. You will place a picture and a story in the Chat or Comments of Facebook and/or Go To Meeting. If you send me the something for this Sunday’s theme by Saturday, I may be able to select 1-3 of them to be share live.
Themes:
This Sunday: Something Shared with you and why it is important (example: I carry a rock from the Dead Sea in my coin purse. It was shared with me when our guide said that we could take a rock with us. It reminds me of my journey there and all the people through the ages that have been there.).
Sunday, August 9, A Boat Story. This could be a story about a toy boat, picture of a boat, book about a boat, your experience on a boat.
Sunday, August 16, Being Kind. Draw a picture, take a picture, write a poem, or tell a story about a time someone surprised you with kindness.
Sunday, August 23, Pieces that make a whole. Show a puzzle that you have put together and what it means to you. This could be a jigsaw puzzle, a crossword puzzle, a wooden 3-D puzzle — any kind of puzzle.
Sunday, August 30,The places we go. Show a path that you have walked that has meaning to you. It could be the labyrinth here at church, a trail in a park, or the sidewalk outside your home. What gives this path meaning?
The bulletin for Sunday worship is also below. Remember worship is seen and heard both on Facebook and Go To Meeting (link below). Please, keep flexible about worshiping in person. If Washington State goes back to Phase 1, we will only have the worship team in the building. We are in this for the long haul.
This Sunday, August 2, we plan to both worship in person as well as on-line. For those who come in person, expect:
Please, let me know if you are coming in person this Sunday so that I can be certain we have enough chairs set out. Thank you.
Volunteers are still needed to sanitize the bathroom every Sunday. We have volunteers for two Sundays of the month and need two more.
Also, I have recently learned about the projected tsunami of suicides predicted for October through December due to the foreclosures on homes, evictions from apartments, the costs of health care, the loss of jobs, and so much more. We will get through this together! Please, if you or someone you know is talking about harming themselves or feeling hopeless to the point of not wanting to live, call the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish.
Yes, even harder times are ahead. We have come through hard times before and we will do it again!
With blessings,
Pastor Gen
Sunday Worship
Every Sunday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (PDT)
On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Or
Please join our worship from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/361630909
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 361-630-909
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/361630909
Sunday Bulletin:
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, August 2, 2020 • 10:30 a.m.
Prelude
10:30am Worship begins:
God is giving . . all the time! All the time . . . God is giving!
Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ
Hymn:” Break Now the Bread of Life” 321 (NCH)
Public domain
1.Break now the bread of life, Savior to me, as you once broke the bread beside the sea; Beyond the sacred page I seek you, Lord; my spirit yearns for you, O Living Word.
Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Amen, amen, amen
A Time of Offering
An Invitation to Share
*Dedication 780 (NCH) Public Domain
Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above, you heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
Dedication Prayer
We offer these tokens of our time, talent, and treasure to your service God. Bless and multiply them that we may bring your compassion and justice to all your creation. Amen
Listening for God
Message to Young Hearts
Scripture
Romans 9:1-5
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
Matthew 14:13-21
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Message: Something to Share
Sharing Holy Communion
Those at home have your drink and bread.
Those in church, expect a to-go bag.
Pastor: We gather at this time mindful of the many who have gathered before us and those yet to come. We are grateful that we have this day together. We remember that Jesus walked among our ancestors and the Holy Spirit dwells within us today. We remember that Jesus asked for us to remember him when we eat bread and drink of a cup.
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: Come, Holy Spirit come. Bless this bread and this cup and all who have gathered here. We offer ourselves as Christ’s body in the world today. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Silence
Prayer of Thanksgiving
All: We thank you, God, for your presence known to us in the sharing of this meal and in the sharing of this community. We remember that 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.
Silence
Announcements
Our Light moves into the World God Loves
Hymn: “Let Justice Flow Like Streams” 588 (NCH)
CCLI license #11038266
translated into deed.
*Benediction and “Love Round”
Public Domain
Love, love, love, love, Christians this is your call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.
Postlude
Announcements
Offerings
Please, remember offerings can be given through the church website at https://veradaleucc.org
There is an orange donate button on the right side of the page.
or
send checks to Veradale UCC, 611N Progress Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Thank you!
Chronicles of Corona
Tuesday at 9:30am to 10am on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Silent Prayer
on Facebook every Tuesday morning from 9am to 9:25am https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Sunday Worship
Every Sunday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (PDT)
On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Or
Please join our worship from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/361630909
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 361-630-909
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/361630909
Sunday Bulletin:
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 26, 2020 • 10:30 a.m.
Prelude: Special Guest Musician, Michael Pflieger
10:30am Worship begins:
God is everywhere . . all the time! All the time . . . God is everywhere
Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ
Hymn: “Come Oh Fount of Every Blessing”
public domain
“Come, O Fount” 459(NCH)
mount of God’s unfailing love.
Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Amen, amen, amen
A Time of Offering
An Invitation to Share
*Dedication 780 (NCH) Public Domain
Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above, you heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
Dedication Prayer
We thank you, Beloved God, for your presence throughout our lives. Bless the offerings we give this day and always. May your light shine through us and goodness be know among us. Amen
Listening for God
Romans 8:26-39
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 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. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 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.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
Message: No Separation from God
Announcements
Our Light moves into the World God Loves
Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
Public Domain
*Benediction and “Love Round”
Public Domain
Love, love, love, love, Christians this is your call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.
Postlude
Announcements
Offerings
Please, remember offerings can be given through the church website at https://veradaleucc.org
There is an orange donate button on the right side of the page.
or
send checks to Veradale UCC, 611N Progress Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Thank you!
Chronicles of Corona
Tuesday at 9:30am to 10am on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Silent Prayer
on Facebook every Tuesday morning from 9am to 9:25am https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Sunday Worship
Every Sunday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (PDT)
On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Or
Please join our worship from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/361630909
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 361-630-909
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/361630909
Sunday Bulletin:
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 19, 2020 • 10:30 a.m.
Prelude
10:30am Worship begins:
God is patient. . . all the time! All the time . . . God is patient!
Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ
Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” (melody NCH 35)
CCLI license #11038266
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds thy hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, “How great Thou art, how great Thou art.” (repeat)
And when through the woods, and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; when I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur and see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. (refrain)
And when I think, that God’s own Son not sparing; sent him to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the Cross, my burden greatly bearing, he bled and died to bring me home again. (refrain)
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, and then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!” (refrain)
Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Amen, amen, amen
A Time of Offering
An Invitation to Share
*Dedication 780 (NCH) Public Domain
Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above, you heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
Dedication Prayer
Patient God, we thank you for the blessing to be able to give. May all that we have, all that we are, and all that we do bring forth your vision of a just and compassionate world. Amen
Listening for God
Isaiah 44:6-8 New Revised Standard Version
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
I am the first and I am the last;
besides me there is no god.
Who is like me? Let them proclaim it,
let them declare and set it forth before me.
Who has announced from of old the things to come?[a]
Let them tell us[b] what is yet to be.
Do not fear, or be afraid;
have I not told you from of old and declared it?
You are my witnesses!
Is there any god besides me?
There is no other rock; I know not one.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 New Revised Standard Version
24 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27 And the servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”
and
36 Then Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38 the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42 and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears[a] listen!
Message: The Kin-dom of Heaven is Like…
Announcements
Our Light moves into the World God Loves
Hymn: “I Got Peace Like a River” (NCH 478)
Public Domain
I’ve got peace like a river (repeat)
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul
I’ve got peace like a river (repeat)
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul
I’ve got joy like a fountain (repeat)
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul
I’ve got joy like a fountain (repeat)
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul
I’ve got love like an ocean (repeat)
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul
I’ve got love like an ocean (repeat)
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul
I’ve got peace, love and joy like a river (repeat)
I’ve got peace, love and joy like a river in my soul
I’ve got peace, love and joy like a river (repeat)
I’ve got peace, love and joy like a river in my soul
*Benediction and “Love Round”
Public Domain
Love, love, love, love, Christians this is your call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.
Postlude
Announcements
Offerings
Please, remember offerings can be given through the church website at https://veradaleucc.org
There is an orange donate button on the right side of the page.
or
send checks to Veradale UCC, 611N Progress Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Thank you!
Chronicles of Corona
Tuesday at 9:30am to 10am on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Silent Prayer
on Facebook every Tuesday morning from 9am to 9:25am https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Every Sunday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (PDT)
On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Or
Please join our worship from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/361630909
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 361-630-909
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/361630909
Sunday Bulletin:
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 12, 2020 • 10:30 a.m.
Prelude
10:30am Worship begins:
God brings forth life. . . all the time! All the time . . . God brings forth life!
Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ
Hymn: “Almighty God Your Word Is Cast” (Melody only in 359 NCH)
Public Domain
Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Amen, amen, amen
A Time of Offering
An Invitation to Share
*Dedication 780 (NCH) Public Domain
Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above, you heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
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
10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
12 For you shall go out in joy,
and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,
for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 Let anyone with ears listen!”
(and)
18 “Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Message: The Word’s Power
Announcements
Our Light moves into the World God Loves
Hymn: “Sing Them Over Again to Me” 319 (NCH)
Public Domain
1 Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life; let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life; words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty:
Refrain: Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life; beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.
2 Christ, the blessed One, gives to all wonderful words of life; mortal, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life; all so freely given, wooing us to heaven: [Refrain]
3 Sweetly echo the gospel call, wonderful words of life; offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life; Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever, [Refrain]
*Benediction and “Love Round”
Public Domain
Love, love, love, love, Christians this is your call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.
Postlude
Announcements
Offerings
Please, remember offerings can be given through the church website at https://veradaleucc.org
There is an orange donate button on the right side of the page.
or
send checks to Veradale UCC, 611N Progress Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Thank you!
Chronicles of Corona
Tuesday at 9:30am to 10am on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Silent Prayer
on Facebook every Tuesday morning from 9am to 9:25am https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Thursday Meditation
On Facebook at 9:30am.
Sunday Worship
Every Sunday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (PDT)
On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Or
Please join our worship from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/361630909
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 361-630-909
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/361630909
Sunday Bulletin:
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 5, 2020 • 10:30 a.m.
Prelude
10:30am Worship begins:
God speaks to us. . . all the time! All the time . . . God speaks to us!
Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ
Hymn: “ This is my Song” 591 (NCH)
CCLI license #11038266
This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine.This is my home, the country where my heart is; Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine;But other hearts in other lands are beating with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean, and sunlight beams on clover- leaf and pine. But other lands have sunlight too and clover, and skies are everywhere as blue as mine. Oh, hear my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for mine.
Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Amen, amen, amen
A Time of Offering
An Invitation to Share
*Dedication 780 (NCH) Public Domain
Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above, you heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
Dedication Prayer
Beloved God, you are always with us, always knowing the truth about us, and still you love us. Be ever our hands your service and our heart to love. Bless our offerings of time, talent, and treasure. May your justice and kindness be known through us. Amen
Listening for God
Romans 7:14-25 The Message (MSG)
14-16 I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.
17-20 But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
21-23 It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
24 I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?
25 The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 The Message (MSG)
16-19 “How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents, ‘We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.’ John came fasting and they called him crazy. I came feasting and they called me a lush, a friend of the riffraff. Opinion polls don’t count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
and
25-26 Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”
27 Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.
28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Message: This Life of Contradictions
Silence
Holy Communion (NO Bread or Juice will be served in the church)
Sharing Holy Communion
(Those at home have your drink and bread. Those in church, expect a meditation)
Pastor: We gather at this time mindful of the many who have gathered before us and those yet to come. We are grateful that we have this day together. We remember that Jesus walked among our ancestors and the Holy Spirit dwells within us today. We remember that Jesus asked for us to remember him when we eat bread and drink of a cup.
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: Come, Holy Spirit come. Bless this bread and this cup and all who have gathered here. We offer ourselves as Christ’s body in the world today. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Silence
Prayer of Thanksgiving All: We thank you, God, for your presence known to us in the sharing of this meal and in the sharing of this community. We remember that 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.
Silence
Announcements
Our Light moves into the World God Loves
Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
Public Domain
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
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
Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come ‘tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home
My God has promised good to me, whose word my hope secures; God will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.
*Benediction and “Love Round”
Public Domain
Love, love, love, love, Christians this is your call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.
Postlude
Announcements
Offerings
Please, remember offerings can be given through the church website at https://veradaleucc.org
There is an orange donate button on the right side of the page.
or
send checks to Veradale UCC, 611N Progress Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Thank you!
Chronicles of Corona
Tuesday at 9:30am to 10am on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Silent Prayer
on Facebook every Tuesday morning from 9am to 9:25am https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Thursday Meditation
On Facebook at 9:30am.
https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Sunday Bulletin:
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, June 28, 2020 • 10:30 a.m.
Prelude
10:30am Worship begins:
God’s Spirit unites. . . all the time! All the time . . . God’s Spirit unites!
Words of Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ andWelcoming the Light of Christ
Hymn: “Down to the River to Pray” CCLI license #11038266
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O sisters, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sisters, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O brothers, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
Come on, brothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O fathers, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O fathers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O mothers, let’s go down
Come on down, don’t you wanna go down?
Come on, mothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way
O sinners, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sinners, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Amen, amen, amen
A Time of Offering
An Invitation to Share
*Dedication 780 (NCH) Public Domain
Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above, you heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
Dedication Prayer
Holy, Creative God, we open our hands to giving and our heart to receiving. Bless our time, talent, and treasure that we may be one in the way of Jesus. Amen
Listening for God
1 Corinthians 12: 4-13
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord;and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Matthew 10:40-42
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
Message: The Spirit for the Common Good
Silence
Rite of Membership
Invitation The names of those wanting to become members are spoken and they are invited to affirm their baptism and unite with us in this household of faith.
Sentences: Friends in Christ, we were all received into the global church through the sacrament of
baptism. Today, (names of those whose journey brings them to us) having found nurture and support from this local congregation, seek to unite with us in the journey of faith.
Having prayerfully considered the commitment (NAMES) are about to make, they will affirm again their baptismal pledges. May we listen with love and support and may we be reminded of our promises made in baptism and membership.
(to the Candidate/s) (NAMES) you are no longer strangers or sojourners. You are equal citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus being the cornerstone. You are part of that holy temple, the body of Christ. You are built as a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
Questions of the Candidate:
Pastor: (NAMES) do you desire to affirm your baptism into the faith and family of Jesus Christ?
Candidate/s: I do.
Pastor: Do you renounce the powers of evil and desire the freedom of new life in Christ?
Candidate/s: I do.
Pastor: Do you accept Christ Jesus as your supreme guide, teacher and perfect exemplar of the direct, selfless, and loving path to God?
Candidate/s: I do.
Pastor: Do you promise, by the grace given you, to grow in way of Jesus Christ?
Candidate/s: I promise with the help of God.
Statement of Faith
Pastor: Those who able will please stand for Statement of Faith
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit,
God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God,
and to your deeds we testify:
You call the worlds into being,
create persons in your own image,
and set before each one the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
You judge people and nations by your righteous will
declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior,
you have come to us
and shared our common lot,
conquering sin and death
and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit,
creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,
binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
You call us into your church
to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
to be your servants in the service of others,
to proclaim the gospel to all the world
and resist the powers of evil,
to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table,
to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust you
forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,
courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
your presence in trial and rejoicing,
and eternal life in your realm which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you.
Amen.
Address:
Pastor: By your baptism, you were made one with us in the body of Christ, the church. Today, we rejoice that your journey of faith has brought you to be with us in this time and place. We give thanks for every community of faith that has been your spiritual home and we celebrate your presence in this household of faith.
Question about Participation:
Pastor: Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God’s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of this local church as it serves this community and the world.
Candidate/s: I promise, with the help of God.
Welcome and Reception:
Moderator: Let us, the members of the Veradale United Church of Christ, express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ.
All: We welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God’s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.
Greeting of Christian Love:
Moderator: In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of the Veradale United Church of Christ, we extend our hearts in Christian love, welcoming you into the company of this local church.
Prayer:
All: O God, we praise you for calling us to faith and for gathering us into this church, the body of Christ. We thank you for your people gathered in this Veradale United Church of Christ and rejoice that you have increased our community of faith. Together may we live in the Spirit, building one another up in love, sharing ion the life and worship of the church, and serving the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our Light moves into the World God Loves
Hymn: “Pass It on”
CCLI license #11038266
*Benediction and “Love Round”
Public Domain
Love, love, love, love, Christians this is your call. Love your neighbor as yourself for God loves us all.
Postlude
Announcements
|
Register in advance for this book study:
https://us02web.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the gathering.
Sunday Worship
Every Sunday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (PDT)
On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Or
Please join our worship from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/361630909
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 361-630-909
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/361630909
Sunday Bulletin:
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, June 21, 2020 • 10:30 a.m.
Prelude
10:30am Worship begins:
God claims us. . . all the time! All the time . . . God claims us!
Words of Welcome
Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ
Hymn: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” 292 (NCH)
Public Domain
1 Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do.
2 Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure, until my will is one with yours, to do and to endure.
3 Breathe on me, Breath of God, stir in me one desire: That every earthly part of me may glow with holy fire.
4 Breathe on me, Breath of God, so shall I never die, but live with you the perfect life for all eternity.
Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Amen, amen, amen
A Time of Offering
An Invitation to Share
*Dedication 780 (NCH) Public Domain
Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above, you heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
Dedication Prayer
Living God, we thank you for your presence in every place we are at this moment. Bless all that we are and all that we give. May our time, talent, and treasure be multiplied by your grace to meet the needs of these days. Amen
Listening for God
6 What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For whoever has died is freed from sin. 8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Message: Where We Live Now
Silence
Our Light moves into the World God Loves
Hymn “Come, Let Us Join with Faithful Souls” 383 (NCH)
Public Domain
1 Come, let us join with faithful souls
Our song of faith to raise;
One family in heart are we,
And One the God we praise.
2 Faithful are all who love the truth
And perfect truth proclaim,
Who steadfast stand at God’s right hand
And glorify God’s name.
3 And faithful are the gentle hearts
To whom the pow’r is giv’n
Of ev’ry hearth to make a home,
Of ev’ry home a heav’n.
4 O God of hosts, our faith renew,
And grant us, in your grace,
To join the songs sung by the saints
In every time and place.
*Benediction and “What does the Lord Require?”
CCLI license #11038266
Postlude
Announcements
Offerings
Please, remember offerings can be given through the church website at https://veradaleucc.org
There is an orange donate button on the right side of the page.
Or send checks to Veradale UCC, 611N Progress Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Thank you!
Chronicles of Corona
Tuesday at 9:30am to 10am on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Silent Prayer
on Facebook every Tuesday morning from 9am to 9:25am https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Thursday Meditation
On Facebook at 9:30am.
https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
Rabbit Hole Bible Study Thursday
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.