Veradale United Church of Christ

Spokane Valley, WA

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
 
 
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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 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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Passcode: 098021
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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!

Maundy Thursday, April 1 2021 6pm Links+Bulletin

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Maundy Thursday Worship, April 1, 2021 at 6pm

 

Join Maundy Thursday Worship by Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/327581574?pwd=ZE81bHBzQWh3SGxZcTdLTE93aVJuZz09

Join Maundy Thursday Worship by Phone

+1 253 215 8782

+1 346 248 7799

When prompted enter Meeting ID: 327 581 574 followed by # and # again

Veradale UCC, Colville UCC, Westminster UCC, Chewelah UCC
Organized by Rev. Gen Heywood and Rev. Jim CastroLang

Please, bring a large candle and something for communion.

Prelude Solo: Scott Patton, Mandolin

Gathering words:

Lighting of Candles:

Invitation to Raise Candle

Reflecting on the Story:

  1. Mark 14:12-16 Preparation for the Passover 

Cherrall Anne St. James

 On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

Reflection: Who would you be in this part of the story? Why? What are you thinking?

  1. Mark 14:22-26 Last Supper

 Jim Carter

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.  Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Harmonica Instrumental “Let Us Break Bread Together,” Art Metzger

Reflection:  Sharing our bread and drink and reflecting on what this means when we remember every time we share communion.

Invitation to Raise Candle

  1. 14:32-42 Jesus in Gethsemane

 Diane Smith

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated.  And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”  He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour?  Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him.  He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

Solo: Jan Young “When Jesus Wept”

Reflection:  Through this pandemic were there moments when you/we did not understand the severity of the moment we were in?

  1. Mark 14:43-50 Arrest

Maury Barr

Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted him and fled.

Reflection: What phrase or words and why? What images, songs, stories come up for you? Why?

Invitation to Raise Candle

  1. 14:51-52 Flight of young man

Jim CastroLang

 A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.

Reflection:  What might this young man represent for us today.

  1. 14:60-65 Jesus before the high priest

Don Young

Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”  Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man

seated at the right hand of the Power,’

and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

Reflection: In light of all that has happened, how does this speak to our experiences of 2020

  1. 14:66-72 Peter’s denials

Lisa Schuerman

 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by.  When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.”  But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.”  At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

Song  “Were You There” Stazy Richman

Reflection: Invitation to consider what might be the most challenging calling in front of you in this life.

Sending Off into the Night

Sharing of closing thoughts, songs, and words

Closing Prayer

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Services, April 1 and 2 2021

by Leave a Comment

Dear Veradale Friends and Members,

I hope this Holy season has you feeling hopeful for the new life possible in this way of Jesus! As Holy Week starts this Sunday, we have some invitations to a time of reflection.

Pastor Andy from Westminster has invited all those who are interest to join in the daily meditation through Holy Week (see below).
We will be sharing Maundy Thursday with Chewelah, Colville, and Westminster on Thursday, April 1 at 6pm and The Tenebrae on Friday, April 2 at 6pm.
LINK for Thursday, April 1
Topic: Maundy Thursday Worship
Time: April 1, 2021 @ 6 PM

Join Maundy Thursday Worship by Video:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/327581574?pwd=ZE81bHBzQWh3SGxZcTdLTE93aVJuZz09

Join Maundy Thursday Worship by Phone
+1 253 215 8782
+1 346 248 7799
When prompted enter Meeting ID: 327 581 574 followed by # and # again

LINK for Friday, April 2
These events will be live streamed on facebook, through Westminster United Church of Christ facebook page.
And we will zoom through this link:
 
Let me know if you have any questions,
Pastor Gen

Sunday Worship 3/28/21 and Bulletin

by Leave a Comment

Dear Veradale UCC Friends and Members,

Thank you to all who checked in last week! I am grateful to know how you are all doing. Please, let me know how this week is going and if you have prayers to add to our list.

Would you like to be a reader for this Sunday or for Maundy Thursday — or both? See readings marked below.

Would you like to offer music for Maundy Thursday?

Please, add to your prayer list:

Wayne as he recovers from knee surgery.

Sally as she recovers from a sever illness.

Randy Kahler’s healing

Holly’s healing after teeth removed

The migrant children at the boarder

The victims of gun violence

Those suffering from covid.

Karen and James as they grieve the loss of Karen’s mom.

Noelle, as she grieves the loss of her husband.

Diana’s family as the grieve her death.especially Diana’s children ages 12 and 8, her husband and her mother.

Barbara as she and her family continue to grieve the loss of her daughter.

The Schmidt family as they grieve

Stacie, Marvin’s caregiver who lis grieving the sudden lost of her son suddenly.

For Elissa’s health in her pregnacy and for her baby.

Bob as he is near the ned of this life and for his daughter Deb.

Tom who is struggling through the cancer treatments.

Deb and Melodie Bradshaw as they both recover from Covid.

Linda P as she seeks  physical therapy.

Sarah R as she prepares for cancer surgery.

All those suffering from isolation and for those who are stress to their capacity.

Robyn and the heaviness on her heart.

Gratitude for the vaccine and all who are helping get it to as many people as possible.

Gratitude for all willing to fight for racial justice.

Gratitude for our small, loving, mighty church

Also, remember

5 to 6pm this Friday, March 26, Drive Through Palms

10:30 am Palm Sunday, March 28

6pm  Maundy Thursday, April 1

6pm, Tenebrae, Friday, April 2

10am to noon,  April 3, decorate for Easter

6:15am, Easter Sunrise outdoors

10:30am, Easter Celebration

We will be on Zoom, Facebook, and Radio Daniel as well as we have room for 25 in-person worship this Sunday. Do you want to come in person? Does anyone want to read scripture? Please, let me know.

For those who come in person, expect:

  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. There will be no singing in the sanctuary. We will have hymns but only those on Facebook and Zoom can sing.

Thank you for keeping flexible!

Pastor Gen

Topic: Sunday Morning Worship

Time: 10:20am gathering, 10:30am Worship Begins

Join Zoom Meeting

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

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!”

March 28, 2021 • 10:30 a.m.

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, Acolyte and AV

Naomi Hanvey Facebook Monitor

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Call to Worship

Pastor: Hosanna to the Son of David!

All: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

The Entrance into Jerusalem

Mark 11:1-11

READER: ” When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.  Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

ALL: “Hosanna!

    Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

     Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

READER:  Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Blessing of the Palms

Pastor: God be with you.

All: And also with you.

Pastor: Let us give thanks to God Most High.

All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Pastor: Let us pray.

All: Beloved Jesus, today we remember that you entered Jerusalem in peace and dignity, heralding a week of pain and sorrow. Be with us now as we follow. Remind us again that you have sealed the closeness of death and resurrection, of humiliation and exaltation. We thank you for these branches that become for us reflections of the past and visions of the future.  Bless them and us that their use this day may announce in our time that Christ has come, Christ is here, and Christ will come again. Amen! Come, Christ Jesus!

Pastor: Let us welcome the Christ!

All: Let us receive Christ with Praise!

 

Praise and Palms

Hymn: Our God is an Awesome God

God reins from Heaven above

with wisdom. power, and love.

Our God is an awesome God.

Centering Silence

Call to Confession

One: Let us return to God.

Prayer of Confession

ALL: Holy One, we have travel through this season of Lent, opening up to your transforming love. We offer to you all that we have done and all that we have left undone. We return our life to your way of mercy and justice. We place before you the truth of ourselves. Set us free from our regrets. Let shame have no power over us. Help us begin anew. Help us to return to you. We ask following the way of Jesus. Amen

Silent Confessions with God

Assurance

One: God’s love is fully and unconditionally given to all.

All: We thank God with humble hearts.

Community Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Response: Amen, amen, amen

  A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication 780 (NCH)

Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.  Amen

Dedication prayer:

ALL: Holy One, you came among us to show us the way of compassion, justice, and a life long journey with you. Bless and multiply these offerings that we may serve you fully in the care of all your creation.  Amen

Listening for God

Mark’s interpretation of Holy Week

Sunday – (Mark 11:1-11 ) Entry into Jerusalem

Monday  (Mark 11:12-19 ) – Cursing of the Fig tree and cleansing of the temple.

Tuesday (Mark 11:20-13:37) – Teaching

Wednesday (Mark 14: 1-11)–  Anointing in Bethany and Judas betrayal

Thursday (Mark 14:12-72)–  Preparation for the Passover, Last Supper, Gethsemane, arrest, trial before Sanhedrin

Friday (Mark 15: 1-47) – Trial before Pilate, condemnation, crucifixion, burial.

Saturday– Jesus in the tomb

Sunday, the first day of a new week (Mark 16:1-8) – Resurrection

READER: Mark 14:54-72 Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, ‘We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.” ’ But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’ But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah,* the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus said, ‘I am; and

“you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power”, and “coming with the clouds of heaven.” ’

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?’ All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, ‘Prophesy!’ The guards also took him over and beat him.

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘I do not know or understand what you are talking about.’ And he went out into the forecourt.* Then the cock crowed.* And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, ‘This man is one of them.’ But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.’ But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know this man you are talking about.’ At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.

Message: He Broke Down and Wept

Silence

Announcements

Benediction and “What does the Lord Require?”

CCLI license #11038266

  1. What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?
  2. Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.
  3. To seek justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.

Postlude

Maundy Thursday 6pm

Solo: Would anyone want to sing or play something as people gather?

Mark 14:12-15

READER 1 ________

12 On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 16 So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

Harmonica Instrumental “Let Us Break Bread Together” Art Metzger

Mark 14:32-42

READER 3 ______________

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. 34 And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” 35 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 He said, “Abba,[d] Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” 37 He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? 38 Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial;[e] the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. 41 He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

Anyone have a song ?

Mark 14:60-65

READER 5 __________

60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 61 But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah,[f] the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man

seated at the right hand of the Power,’

and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64 You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65 Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

Song  “Were You There” Coville

Sunday Worship 3/21/21 + Bulletin

by Leave a Comment

Dear Veradale UCC Friends and Members,

Thank you to all who checked in last week! I am grateful to know how you are all doing. Please, let me know how this week is going and if you have prayers to add to our list.

Please, add to your prayer list:

Karen and James as they grieve the loss of Karen’s mom.

Noelle, as she grieves the loss of her husband.

Diana’s family as the grieve her death.especially Diana’s children ages 12 and 8, her husband and her mother.

Barbara as she and her family continue to grieve the loss of her daughter.

The Schmidt family as they grieve

Stacie, Marvin’s caregiver who is grieving the sudden loss of her son suddenly.

Scott’s daughter who is pregnant and recovering from Covid.

For Elissa’s health in her pregnancy and for her baby.

Bob as he is near the end of this life and for his daughter Deb.

Tom who is struggling through the cancer treatments.

Deb and Melodie Bradshaw as they both recover from Covid.

Linda Pruit as she seeks to be approved for physical therapy.

Sarah Reese as she prepares for cancer surgery.

All those suffering from isolation and for those who are stressed to their capacity.

Robyn and the heaviness on her heart.

Gratitude for the vaccine and all who are helping get it to as many people as possible.

Gratitude for all willing to fight for racial justice.

Gratitude for our small, loving, mighty church

We will be on Zoom, Facebook, and Radio Daniel as well as we have room for 20 in-person worship this Sunday. Do you want to come in person? Does anyone want to read scripture? Please, let me know.

For those who come in person, expect:

  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. There will be no singing in the sanctuary. We will have hymns but only those on Facebook and Zoom can sing.

Thank you for keeping flexible!

Pastor Gen

Topic: Sunday Morning Worship

Time: 10:20am gathering, 10:30am Worship Begins

Join Zoom Meeting

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

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!”

March 21, 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 is good. . . all the time! 

All the time . . . God is good!

Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light Christ

*Hymn: “Lord Prepare Me to be a Sanctuary”  v. 1, 187 (Sing!)

CCLI license #11038266

(Sung three times)

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,

pure and holy, tried and true;

with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living

sanctuary for you.

Community Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Response: Amen, amen, amen

 A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication 780 (NCH)

Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.  Amen

Dedication Prayer

Holy One, bless these offerings of our time, talent, and treasure that we may fulfill your vision for this your church. We dedicate our voices and our lives to be ambassadors of your Good News to all we meet. We ask with love for Jesus. Amen

Listening for God

Genesis 14:17-24 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,

maker of heaven and earth;

20 and blessed be God Most High,

who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”

And Abram gave him one-tenth of everything. Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.”  But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord, God Most High, maker of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal-thong or anything that is yours, so that you might not say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their share.”

Hebrews 5:5-10 (NRSV)

 So, also, Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,

“You are my Son,

today I have begotten you”;

as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,

according to the order of Melchizedek.”

In the days of his flesh, Jesus[a] offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,  having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Message: “Forever a Priest in the Order of Melchizedek’”

Silent Reflection

 Announcements

 Our Light moves into the World God Loves

*Hymn: “Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer” 18 (NCH)

Public Domain

1 Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me ‘til I want no more,
feed me ‘til I want no more.

2 Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.

3 When I reach the River Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell’s Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.

Benediction and “What does the Lord Require?”

CCLI license #11038266

  1. What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?
  2. Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.
  3. To seek justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.

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.

Sunday Worship 3/14/21 + Bulletin (Plymouth UCC visiting)

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Dear Veradale UCC Friends and Members,

Thank you to all who checked in last week! It helps to know how you are doing. Please, let me know how you are this week and what your thoughts are about this one year mark of the pandemic experience. For those who visited Riverside with us last week, what did you think?  We will have visitors this Sunday.  Plymouth Church, UCC will be with us, the first church to return our visit!

Please, add to your prayer list:

Deb and Melodie Bradshaw as they both recover from Covid.

Linda Pruit as she seeks to be approved of physical therapy.

Sarah Reese as she prepares for cancer surgery.

Tom as he continues radiation and Chemotherapy.

All those suffering from isolation and for those who are stress to their capacity.

Glen’s nephew’s daughter, Noelle, as she grieves the loss of her husband.

We will be on Zoom, Facebook, and Radio Daniel as well as have limited in-person worship this Sunday. Do you want to read scripture?

Remember, if you want to worship in-person, let me know as we have a limited number of spaces. For those who come in person, expect:

  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. There will be no singing in the sanctuary. We will have hymns but only those on Facebook and Zoom can sing.

Thank you for keeping flexible!

Truthful Tuesday is tomorrow, March 9, from 4:50pm to 6pm. Jerry White our Spokane Riverkeeper will be the speaker.

Zoom  Truthful Tuesday Gatheirng

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81959690773?pwd=bDgzaEp3RW1UZzJ2bkhHWEljUTk0UT09

Meeting ID: 819 5969 0773

Passcode: 484835

Let me know if you will be in-person this Sunday.

Pastor Gen

(408)593-9556

Topic: Sunday Morning Worship

Time: 10:20am gathering, 10:30am Worship Begins

Join Zoom Meeting

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

Meeting ID: 878 8402 0669

Passcode: 098021

One tap mobile

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

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!”

March14, 2021 • 10:30 a.m.

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, Acolyte and AV

Naomi Hanvey, Facebook Monitor

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

10:20am Prelude and gathering

10:30am  Worship begins

God so loves the world. . . all the time! 

All the time . . . God so loves the world!

Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light Christ

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

Public Domain

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

I sing the goodness of our God, that filled the earth with food, God formed the creatures through a word, and then pronounced them good. Oh, how your wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye, if I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.

On earth there’s not a plant or flower but makes your glory known. The clouds arise and spread their showers by order from your thrown. All Life is but a gift from you and ever in your care; wherever people gather, you, O God, are present there.

Community Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Silent Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Response: Amen, amen, amen

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Dedication 780 (NCH)

Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.  Amen

Dedication Prayer

Loving Creator, we offer these gifts of our time, talent, and treasure. May these help bring forth a world that is just, compassionate, and healed. Amen.

Listening for God

Numbers 21:4-9

4From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” 6Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” 9So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.

John 3:14-21

And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’

Message: Making Things Right

Silent Reflection

Announcements

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

Hymn: “I want Jesus to Go with Me” 490 (NCH)

Words and melody in public domain
I want Jesus to go with me.

I want Jesus to go with me.

All along my pilgrim journey,

O, I want Jesus to go with me.

 

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.

 

When I’m in trouble, Lord, O, stay with me.

When I’m in trouble, Lord, O, stay with me.

When my head is bowed in sorrow,

O, I want Jesus to stay with me.

 

Benediction and “What does the Lord Require?”

CCLI license #11038266

  1. What does the Lord require of you? What does the Lord require of you?
  2. Justice, kindness, walk humbly with your God.
  3. To seek justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.

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.