Veradale United Church of Christ

Spokane Valley, WA

Worship This Sunday via Zoom with the PNW Conference at 10am

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Change in plans. We will worship virtually with the Pacific Northwest Conference at 10:00am this Sunday, in our church, on Zoom, or Facebook. 
 
Come in person to our church for the 10am live stream or join us on from PNC Facebook page. No Facebook account needed; just click on the link: https://www.facebook.com/pncucc or join through our Veradale Zoom link.
 
This is Communion Sunday. If you are in person we will have communion to-go. If on Zoom or Facebook, please, bring a little something to eat and drink to the virtual experience.
 
Also, see raffle baskets below (and for those in person on Sunday)
 
For those in person, we still follow our Covid Careful process
1. Enter through front door (church wings will both be closed).
2. Only the one bathroom by the front doors will be used.
3. Temperature and names will be taken at the door.
4. Masks are required (we will have masks for forgetful folk). No Face shields unless they include a cloth mask which MUST be worn over the nose. The new more contagious strain of covid requires us to be more vigilant. So, masks must be worn over the nose.
5. Chairs are set at 6’ apart. Please, do not move chairs.
7. The Bibles, Hymnals, pens, pencils, coloring pages are all removed from the sanctuary. If you want to print your own bulletin or bring your own Bible, that is fine.
8. There will be absolutely no eating or drinking in the building.
9. Singing in the sanctuary is with masks on and seated. 
 
I hope to see you on Sunday!
 
With gratitude,
Pastor Gen

Good Shepherd Sunday April 25, 2021

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Dear Veradale Friends and Members,

How are you?Let me know if there are any concerns or joys you want me to add in prayer.

Do you want to read scripture for this Good Shepherd Sunday?

The Lilly Clergy Renewal Grant Request was sent yesterday!

It was great to have Colville UCC visit us last week. I have heard from two people who want you to know how much they appreciated the feeling of welcome our church gives.

This Sunday we have room on for in person as well as Zoom and Facebook.

We still follow our Covid Careful process

  1. Enter through front door (church wings will both be closed).
  2. Only the one bathroom by the front doors will be used.
  3. Temperature and names will be taken at the door.
  4. Masks are required (we will have masks for forgetful folk). No Face shields unlessthey include a cloth mask which MUST be worn over the nose. The new more contagious strain of covid requires us to be more vigilant. So, masks must be worn over the nose.
  5. Chairs are set at 6’ apart. Please, do not move chairs.
  6. The Bibles, Hymnals, pens, pencils, coloring pages are all removed from the sanctuary. If you want to print your own bulletin or bring your own Bible, that is fine.
  7. There will be absolutely no eating or drinking in the building.
  8. Singing in the sanctuaryis with masks on and seated.

I hope to see you on Sunday!

With gratitude,

Pastor Gen

Join our Sunday Zoom Gathering

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87884020669?pwd=WVlDUVgzY1kyKytvYmxyUWZSTU5SUT09

Meeting ID: 878 8402 0669

Passcode: 098021

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Meeting ID: 878 8402 0669

Passcode: 098021

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcgymVnmzo

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!”

April 25, 2021• 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 with us. . . all the time!  All the time . . . God is with us!

 

Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ:

*Hymn: “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” 295 (NCH)

Public Domain

  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

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Response: Amen, amen, amen

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication Hymn: “Holy Ground”

CCLI license #11038266

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

Dedication prayer:

  Good Shepherd, you lead us on the path of peace, we thank you with humble hearts. Bless these offerings. May they bring the fulfillment of your vision of a just peace within our lives and our communities. Amen

Listening for God


Psalm 23

 The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

I fear no evil;

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff—

they comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

my whole life long.

 

1 John 3:16-24 New Revised Standard Version

We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister[a] in need and yet refuses help?

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.  All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.

John 10:1-10 New Revised Standard Version

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.  The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.  They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”  Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Message:  “Let us love in truth and action”

Silence

 

Announcements

 

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

Hymn “How Firm a Foundation”

Public Domain

Melody 407(NCH) Words below

1 How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in his excellent Word! What more can he say than to you he has said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

2 “Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed; for I am your God and will still give you aid; I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

3 “When through the deep waters I call you to go, the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; for I will be with you, your troubles to bless, and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

4 “When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply; the flame shall not hurt you; I only design your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

5 “The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

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

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!

Silent Prayer 

We are Facebook on Tuesday mornings from 9am to 9:30am. Drop in to the Facebook prayer time or pause for a moment wherever you are and offer up prayers of gratitude and concern. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   1-800-273-8255 Available 24 hours a day in  English and  Spanish.

Virtual Meeting with Dr. Susan Neiman April 21, 2021 10am pst

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Dear Veradale Friends and Members,


This is so exciting! 
 
Below is the opportunity to virtually meet the professor I plan to visit in Germany if we receive the grant. If it is at a bad time for you, hopefully all who register will get a link to the recording.
 
Let me know if you have question.
 
with blessings,
Pastor Gen
(408)593-9556
  • Memory and Memorialization Q & A with Dr. Susan Neiman
  • April 21, 2021 | 10:00 AM (PST) (Held virtually)
  • Free and open to the public – please consider inviting your students and sharing the invite to register for the event
  • Required Registration: https://events.ushmm.org/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x59414abcd. Once registered, you will receive an email with the connection URL.
Description
This session between Dr. Susan Neiman and faculty and students in the Pacific Northwest on memorialization and memory will allow the audience to engage directly with Dr. Neiman. Dr. Neiman will introduce her path to her most recent research on coming to terms with the racist pasts in Germany and the United States, grassroots movements that got Germans talking, and where her research took her in her search for understanding. Audience members can ask lingering questions, discuss how their professors have incorporated Dr. Neiman’s work into their courses, and ask larger questions about their own interests in relation to memory and memorialization as well as other topics raised in spring’s regional programming. Dr. Neiman is the author of several books including Learning from the Germans: Race and the Memory of Evil.

Sunday Worship April 18, 2021 and Bulletin

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Dear Veradale Friends and Members,
 
How are you? Please, let me know. Are there prayers of concern or joy that I should add to the list?
 
We have company coming! Colville UCC will be joining us this Sunday on Zoom. They are the second church to return a visit to us!
 
This Sunday we have room on for in person as well as Zoom and Facebook. 
We still follow our Covid Careful process
1. Enter through front door (church wings will both be closed).
2. Only the one bathroom by the front doors will be used.
3. Temperature and names will be taken at the door.
4. Masks are required (we will have masks for forgetful folk). No Face shields unless they include a cloth mask which MUST be worn over the nose. The new more contagious strain of covid requires us to be more vigilant. So, masks must be worn over the nose.
5. Chairs are set at 6’ apart. Please, do not move chairs.
7. The Bibles, Hymnals, pens, pencils, coloring pages are all REMOVED from the sanctuary. If you want to print your own bulletin or bring your own Bible, that is fine.
8. There will be absolutely no eating or drinking in the building.
9. Singing in the sanctuary is with masks on and seated. 
 
It was great to worship with the sisters at St. Gertrude’s and then to go back to my room and watch the video of our worship. Thank you Don for a great message and Wayne for wonderful music!
 
Please, let me know if you will be in-person this Sunday.
 
With gratitude,
Pastor Gen
 
 
Join our Sunday Zoom Gathering
 
Meeting ID: 878 8402 0669
Passcode: 098021
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,87884020669#,,,,*098021# US (Tacoma)
+16699009128,,87884020669#,,,,*098021# US (San Jose)
 
Dial by your location
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
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        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 878 8402 0669
Passcode: 098021
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcgymVnmzo
 
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!”
April 18, 2021
 10:20am 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 of Christ and Welcoming the Light of Christ:
*Hymn: “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me”
Public Domain
1 I want Jesus to go with me; I want Jesus to go with me; all along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to go with me.
2 In my trials, Lord, O, comfort me; in my trials, Lord, O, comfort me; when my heart is almost breaking, O, I want Jesus to comfort me;.
3 When I’m in trouble, O, stay with me; when I’m in trouble, O, stay with me; when my is bowed in sorrow,O, I want Jesus to stay with me.
 
Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Open our Eyes Lord
CCLI license #11038266
Open our Eyes Lord,we want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch him, and say that we love him. Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen. Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.
 
A Time of Offering
 An Invitation to Share
*Dedication Hymn: #277 verse 1
Public Domain
Holy, holy, holy, God the Almighty! Early in the morning we praise your majesty. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!   
 
Dedication prayer:
Holy One, we make these offerings with grateful hearts. Bless all we are, all we have, and all we do that your realm will be made real in our day. Amen.
Listening for God
Luke 24: 13-35
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.


Message “Vanished From Their Sight”
 
Silence
 
Announcements


Our Light moves into the World God Loves
*Hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory” 436 verses 1, 2, and 3 (NCH)
Public Domain
1 God of grace and God of glory, on your people pour your power; crown your ancient church’s story, bring its bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour.
2 From the evils that surround us and assail the Savior’s ways. From the fears that long have bound us, free our hearts to faith and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the living of these days, for the living of these days.
3 Cure your children’s warring madness; bend our pride to your control; shame our reckless, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, make our broken spirit’s whole, make our broken spirit’s whole.
 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

Honest Thomas Sunday 4/11/21 + Bulletin (with Bonus Easter pics!)

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Dear Veradale Friends and Members,

 
A blessed Easter season to all! How have you been?
Please, add to your prayer list a prayer of 
gratitude that Sally is back to her healthy self! 
concern for Jordan and the healing of her heart.
concern for all who are grieving the losses of family members.
concern for those going through cancer treatments.
gratitude for the vaccine becoming available soon to everyone 16 and older.
gratitude of our small and mighty congregation!
 
About this Sunday: we have room on for in person as well as Zoom and Facebook. 
We still follow our Covid Careful process
1. Enter through front door (church wings will both be closed).
2. Only the one bathroom by the front doors will be used.
3. Temperature and names will be taken at the door.
4. Masks are required (we will have masks for forgetful folk). No Face shields unless they include a cloth mask which MUST be worn over the nose. The new more contagious strain of covid requires us to be more vigilant. So, masks must be worn over the nose.
5. Chairs are set at 6’ apart. Please, do not move chairs.
7. The Bibles, Hymnals, pens, pencils, coloring pages are all REMOVED from the sanctuary. If you want to print your own bulletin or bring your own Bible, that is fine.
8. There will be absolutely no eating or drinking in the building.
9. Singing in the sanctuary is with masks on and seated.
Vacation:
Yes, I will be on vacation starting April 8 and returning to the office on April 15 (this is a two day later start and later end from the original plan).  I will be doing photography of St. Gertrude’s Monastery in Cottonwood, ID for a FaVs article and for the monastery’s use. I’m hoping to get some new images for our worship as well.
 
Don Young will lead worship this Honest Thomas Sunday. See bulletin below.
 
With blessings,
Pastor Gen
 
 
Join our Sunday Zoom Gathering
 
Meeting ID: 878 8402 0669
Passcode: 098021
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,87884020669#,,,,*098021# US (Tacoma)
+16699009128,,87884020669#,,,,*098021# US (San Jose)
 
Dial by your location
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 878 8402 0669
Passcode: 098021
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcgymVnmzo
 
 

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!”

April 11, 2021 • 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 good. . . all the time!  All the time . . . God is good!

Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light Christ

Hymn: “Seek Ye First” Public Domain

1.Seek ye first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah!

2.Ask, and it shall be given unto you; Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Hallelu, Hallelujah!

3. We shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out from the mouth of God. Hallelu, Hallelujah!

Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer

Response: Amen, amen, amen

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication Hymn: “Holy Ground”
CCLI license #11038266

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

Dedication prayer:

Giver of New Life, we offer these small tokens to your service and dedicate our lives to love of all your creation. Guide us. Strengthen our faith. Increase our hope.  May your vision be fulfilled for this your church, our world, and for our lives. Amen.

Listening for God

John 20:19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Message: Don Young

Silence

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

Hymn: Old Rugged Cross

Public Domain
1 On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.
2 O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]
3 In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me. [Refrain]

4 To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me some day to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share. [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

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!
Silent Prayer 
Will not be on Facebook April 13. Please, pause for a moment between 9am to 9:30am to offer up prayers. Even though we will not be together, I will be offering prayers at that time and hope that you will join me.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   1-800-273-8255Available 24 hours a day in  English and  Spanish.

 

Sanctuary with Easter decorations

Easter Sunrise (image by Don Young)

image from Don Young of our Easter “Basket” organizers!

The Easter decoration crew! Many thanks for your beautiful work!

Tent of Nations, April 7, 2021 10AM PST

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DAOUD NASSAR
Tent of Nations
Wednesday, April 7, 1:00pm ET (10AM our time)

 

Register in advance

 

     The Nassar family has lived on a 100 acre farm outside Bethlehem since 1916, with a legal deed and a continuous record of taxes paid.  However, it is now being threatened by the Israeli government, five surrounding and expanding settlements, a newly-built radical yeshiva, and attacks by local Palestinian villagers.
     Daoud has written recently, “… we are still struggling on two main fronts right now with an increase of attacks on us and the property in the last days.  We are trying to put pressure hoping that things will get better in the next coming weeks.”
      Nevertheless, the motto of Tent of Nations remains strong: “We Refuse to Be Enemies.”
     Daoud’s full letter in the latest Friends of Tent of Nations North America (FOTONNA) latest newsletter:  https://fotonna.org/current-newsletter/

Sunday Worship, April 4 2021 + Bulletin

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Dear Veradale Friends and Members,
I hope you are all doing well this Holy Week. Hopefully you have seen my emails about Maundy Thursday and Sunrise on Easter. Below is the Sunday bulletin for the 10:30am service of worship. Please, let me know how you are doing? Are you reading the passages from Mark each day? How is your spirit feeling?
We will be practicing our Covid Careful Guidelines on Sunday. If you plan to be in person, let me know. We might move outdoors as that would allow us to sing with masks on. Currently the weather looks warm for Easter!
If we are inside,
1. Enter through front door (church wings will both be closed).
2. Only the one bathroom by the front doors will be used.
3. Temperature and names will be taken at the door.
4. Masks are required (we will have masks for forgetful folk). No Face shields unless they include a cloth mask which MUST be worn over the nose. The new more contagious strain of covid requires us to be more vigilant. So, masks must be worn over the nose.
5. Chairs are set at 6’ apart. Please, do not move chairs.
7. The Bibles, Hymnals, pens, pencils, coloring pages are all REMOVED from the sanctuary. If you want to print your own bulletin or bring your own Bible, that is fine.
8. There will be absolutely no eating or drinking in the building.
9. There will be no singing in the sanctuary. We will have hymns but only those on Facebook and Zoom can sing.
 
We will be on Zoom and Facebook even if we worship outside (our long cable will make this possible!)
Blessings to all during this very holy week!
 
Pastor Gen
 
 
Topic: Sunday Morning Worship
Time: 10:20am gathering, 10:30am Worship Begins
 
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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!”
April 4, 2021 • 10:30 a.m.
Wayne Shull, Music Director
Charlie Salt, Acolyte and AV
Naomi Hanvey Facebook Monitor
Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor
10:30am    Worship begins 
God renews our life . . . all the time! 
 All the time . . . God renews our life!
Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light Christ
Hymn: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” 233 (NCH) Public Domain
1. Christ the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia! Mortal tongues and angels say, Alleluia!Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!Sing, glad heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
2. Let the Victor’s people sing, Alleluia!Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia! Dying once, Christ lives to save, Alleluia! Where your victory, O grave? Alleluia!
3. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids Christ rise, Alleluia! God has opened paradise, Alleluia!
4. Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Christ, like Christ we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Community Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Amen, amen, amen
A Time of Offering
 An Invitation to Share
Dedication Hymn: “Holy Ground”
CCLI license #11038266
We are standing on holy ground and I know that there are angles all around. Let us praise Jesus now. We are standing in his presence on holy ground.
Dedication prayer:
Renewer of Life, bless these offerings of our time, talent, and treasure.  May we work with you to bring to Earth a realm of justice, compassion, and peace. Amen
Listening for God
Message to Young Hearts
Acts 10:34-43
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.  We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
John 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”  Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb.  The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.  He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in.  Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there,  and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself.  Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;  for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.  Then the disciples returned to their homes. 
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”  When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).  Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Message:  ”Who are You Looking For?”
Silence
Holy Communion 
Pastor We gather at this table mindful of the many who have gathered here 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
Silent Reflection
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.

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves
Hymn: “In the Bulb there is a Flower” 433(NCH)
CCLI license #11038266
1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity, In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
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
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!
Silent Prayer 
on Facebook every Tuesday morning from 9am to 9:25am https://www.facebook.com/VeradaleUCC/
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   1-800-273-8255 Available 24 hours a day in  English and  Spanish.

Easter Sunrise Service, Sunday Apr 4 2021 at 6:15AM w/Bulletin

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Dear Veradale Friends and Members,
Remember, we will be outside in front of our church for Easter Sunrise. You can join us in person or on Zoom and Facebook.
With Blessings,
Pastor Gen
Easter Sunrise Worship Service
April 4,2021 6:15 am
Gathered around the fire, we remember the fire
near which Peter denied Jesus three times.
Greeting
Pastor: Grace to you from Jesus Christ, who was, and is, and is to come. Sisters and brothers in Christ, on this most holy morning when we proclaim the passage of Jesus Christ from death to life, we offer up our songs and prayers as a new dawn breaks. Through light and the word, we recall Christ’s death and resurrection, we share Christ’s triumph.
Hear these words:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
1 Corinthians 15:54-55
Hymn: “I Woke Up This Morning ” sung a cappella
Public Domain
I woke up this mo’nin, With my mind, stayin’ on Jesus
(Repeat 2x more) Halleluh, halleleluh, halleleluh
I’m singin’ an prayin’ with my,Stayin’ on, Jesus
(Repeat 2x more)Halleluh, halleleluh, halleleluh
Silent Meditation
Responsive reading based on Psalm 93
One: You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High who abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
All: We will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, 
my God, in whom I trust.” 
One: God  will save you from the fowler’s snare  and from the deadly pestilence.
 ALL: God will cover us with God’s feathers, and under God’s wings we will find refuge; God’s faithfulness will be our shield and rampart. 
 One: You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
 ALL: Let us make the Most High our dwelling— even the Lord, who is our refuge- 
One: For God will command the angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
ALL: We will call upon God, and God will answer God will be with us in trouble, God will deliver us. 
Prayer of Invocation
Powerful and loving God, you have raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God, raise us too. May fresh life burst among us like buds awakening to the spring. May shells of distrust and self-hatred that keep us from loving, be broken away so that new life can emerge. May new community spring up where fear has kept us from the stranger. Keep us patient in making peace and building justice. Teach us to trust the slow process from seed to stem, from stem to flower, from flower to fruit. Breathe on us with your Spirit, through the risen Christ. Amen
Hymn: “In the Bulb there is a Flower” sung a cappella
Words and Music: Natalie A. Sleeth
1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity, In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Blessing of a New Flame
(flame taken from fire) 
One: Let us pray.
All: Eternal God, giver of light and life, bless this new flame, that by its radiance and warmth we may respond to your love and grace, and be set free from all that separates us from you and from each other; through Jesus Christ, the sun of righteousness. Amen.
Lighting of the Paschal Candle
(Christ Candle is lit with flame from the fire)
ALL: May the light of Christ, rising in glory, 
illumine our hearts and minds.
Lighting of Memorial Candles
(At this time, all are invited to come forward and light a candle and speak the name(s) of those who have died from this life to be born into the next. You might also light a candle for the death of former ways or beliefs that have died from your own life giving you a new perspective and direction).
Listening for God
One: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: We have begun our morning vigil. As we watch and wait, let us listen to the word of God, recalling God’s saving acts throughout history and how, in the fullness of time, God’s Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Jesus Christ, our Redeemer!
All: We do not live by bread alone. Let the Word of God fill us as we hear the reading of the scripture.
John 20: 1-18  New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”  Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb.  The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.  He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in.  Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there,  and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself.  Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;  for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.  Then the disciples returned to their homes. 
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”  When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).  Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Sharing of Thoughts, Poems, and Insights
Easter Prayers
One: Gracious, living God, we come before you with open hearts. On this Easter morning we are thankful for life and for the victory of life over death. We are mindful of those who have left this life and we are mindful of how our lives have changed in this past year. Parts of ourselves have died away. Keep your promise of new life. Restore us and hear us as we offer you the prayers from our hearts.
(Anyone who would like to voice a prayer is welcome to do so now.)
Lord’s Prayer
First Raising of the Paschal Candle
(A person carries the Paschal Candle into the narthex and all follow.)
The one carrying the candle raises it and says: “Christ our Light.”
All: Thanks be to God.
Second Raising of the Paschal Candle
(All enter the sanctuary)
One raises the candle and says: “Christ our Light.”
All: Thanks be to God.
Third Raising of the Paschal Candle
(All enter the chancel)
One raises the candle and says: “Christ our Light.”
All: Thanks be to God.
Easter Proclamation
(The candle set in its place)
One: Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing choirs of angels!
Jesus Christ, our Light is risen! Sound the trumpet of salvation!
All: Rejoice, O Earth, in shining splendor, 
radiant in the brightness of your Sovereign! 
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you! Night vanishes forever!
One: Rejoice, O servant church! Exult in glory! The risen Savior shines upon you! Let this place resound with joy, echoing the mighty song of all God’s people!
My dearest friends, standing with me in this holy light, join me in asking for God’s loving presence to be ever among us.
All: With full hearts, minds, and voices we praise the unseen God, the Eternal Creator, and your only begotten one, Jesus the Christ.
One: For Christ has claimed us as God’s own. This is the morning when Christians everywhere celebrate how God’s great love overcomes even the worst of this world. This is the morning when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave.
All: O God, how wonderful your care for us!  How boundless your merciful love!The power of this blessed morning dispels all evil,  washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy; it casts out hatred, brings peace, and humbles earthly pride. Morning is truly blessed when heaven is wedded to earth
and humanity is reconciled with God!
One: Therefore, gracious Creator, in the joy of this morning, receive our praise. May this Easter candle be a pillar of fire that glows to your honor, O God.
All: Let it mingle with the lights of heaven and let the light in our hearts continue bravely burning to dispel the shadows! May the morning star that never sets find our flames still burning. In Christ, that morning star who came back from the dead, shed your peaceful light on all creation, and who lives and reigns for ever. Amen.
Hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” sung a cappella
1. Christ the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Mortal tongues and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, glad heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
2. Let the Victor’s people sing, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, Christ lives to save, Alleluia!
Where your victory, O grave? Alleluia!
3. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Christ rise, Alleluia!
God has opened paradise, Alleluia!
4. Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Christ, like Christ we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
UNISON BENEDICTION
Christ is Risen! 
We seek Him no more at the tomb. Creation is made new! 
We open our hearts to growth and joy. Christ is with us! 
We go out into lives transformed by God’s love. Christ is risen indeed!