Sunday Worship Bulletin, March 5, 2023

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 5, 2023 • 10:30 a.m.

___________________________________________________________

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, Usher and AV

Jerry Brines, Usher

Diane Smith, Scripture Reader

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Gen Heywood, Pastor

10:30am Worship begins

God loves all the world…all the time!

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

Call to Confession

One: Gracious God, oil the hinges of our hearts’ doors that they may swing gently and easily to welcome your forgiving and healing Spirit. Amen

(alt 816 NCH)

Let us open our hearts to God.

Prayer of Confession

All: Almighty and everlasting God, always more ready to hear than we are to pray, always willing to give more that we either desire or deserve; pour upon us the abundance of your mercy; forgiving those things of which our conscience is afraid and releasing us to new life. Return us to journey in the way of Jesus. Amen alt. 834 (NCH)

Silent Confessions with God

Assurance of Pardon

One: There is no valley too dark nor mountain too high for the healing love of God. We are forgiving. Return to the journey with Christ!

All: Thanks be to God. Amen!

Welcoming the light of Christ

Placing rocks that symbolize the burdens we carry.

Hymn: “Glory, Glory, Halleujah” 2(NCH)

Glory, glory, hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down. Glory, glory, hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down.

I feel better, so much better, since I laid my burdens down! I feel better, so much better, since I laid my burdens down!

Feel like shoutin' hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down! Feel like shoutin' hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down!

I am dancing Miriam’s dance now, since I laid my burdens down. I am dancing Miriam’s dance now, since I laid my burdens down.

I am climbing Jacob’s ladder, since I laid my burdens down!

I climbing Jacob’s ladder, since I laid my burdens down!

Every round goes higher, higher, since I laid my burdens down!

Every round goes higher, higher, since I laid my burdens down!

Community Prayer

Spoken Prayers of gratitude

Spoken Prayers of concern

Silent Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

A version of The Lord’s Prayer from The New Zealand Prayer Book Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and testing, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever. Amen.

Response “Grace Alone” v1

CCLI license #11038266

Every promise we can make, every prayer and step of faith, every difference we can make is only by God’s grace. Every mountain we will climb, every ray of hope we shine, every blessing left behind is only by God’s grace. Grace alone which God supplies strength unknown God will provide; Christ in us, our Cornerstone, we will go forth in grace alone.

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Sharing Stories of Bigotry of all Kinds

Wayne Shull

Mike Weissenfel

Dedication Hymn: “Holy Ground”

CCLI license #11038266

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

Dedication Prayer

Beloved Creator, bless these offerings for Spokane Valley Partners and the offerings of our ourselves to your service. May this little church be a light of compassion, justice, and spiritual transformation. Amen

Listening for God

Time with Young Hearts

Do you have something that someone made and you love?

John 3:1-17

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

3 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

16 “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. 17“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.

Message “God so Loved the World”

Silence

Sharing of 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 in your Spirit. Help us to remember that you have dwelt among us. Help us to dwell in the world today as living temples of your presence. Bless us to remember your teachings, commandments, and example. May we be renewed in this sharing. Amen.

Silence

Prayer of Thanksgiving

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

Silent Reflection

Announcements

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

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.

Benediction

Postlude and Silent Reflection

Sunday Worship Bulletin and Lent, Jan 26, 2023

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!”

February 26, 2023 • 10:30 a.m.

___________________________________________________________

10:20 Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, Usher and Scripture Reader

Jerry Brines, Usher

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Rev. Gen Heywood, Pastor

10:30am Worship begins

God is with us…all the time!

All the time...God is with us!

Call to Confession

One: We are made of stardust and to dust we shall return. Let us return our lives to God, the maker of the stars, the planets, and every living creature and know the freedom of living the way of Jesus.

Prayer of Confession

Maker of All, we are yours. Hold us in that love as you reveal to us the ways we have fallen short of our potential as your children. Heal the brokenness within us. Heal the brokenness we have caused. Grant to us hearts ready to make the change and become new through the power of forgiveness, the freedom of repentance, and the joy of transformation. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Welcoming the light of Christ

Placing rocks that symbolize the burdens we carry.

Hymn: “Glory, Glory, Halleujah” 2(NCH)

Glory, glory, hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down. (Repeat)

I feel better, so much better, since I laid my burdens down! (Repeat)

Feel like shoutin' hallelujah! since I laid my burdens down! (Repeat)

I am dancing Miriam’s dance now, since I laid my burdens down. (Repeat)

I am climbing Jacob’s ladder, since I laid my burdens down!(Repeat)

Every round goes higher, higher, since I laid my burdens down!(Repeat)

Assurance

One: God forgives us.

All: O Majesty, O Magnificence, O Mystery, come!

Be the hammer, and break our indifference.

Be the sun, and splinter our shadows.

Be the wind, and scatter our despair.

Yea, in the dry country of our souls, let thy grace rain;

so that we take root in thee, and grow.

Make us trees strong in all seasons, bearing fruit,

giving shade to all the weariness

and shelter to them that are lost.

So we pray to the glory of Jesus Christ

who made the cross tree green and flourishing forever.

Amen.

(Arnold Kenseth, USA)

Response

Hymn: “Grace Alone” v1

Every promise we can make, every prayer and step pf faith, ev’ry difference we can make is only by His grace. Every mountain we will climb, every ray of hope we shine, every blessing left behind is only by His grace.

Grace alone which God supplies strength unknown He will provide; Christ in us, our Cornerstone, we will go forth in grace alone.

Community Prayer

Spoken Prayers of gratitude

Spoken Prayers of concern

Silent Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Response “Grace Alone” v1

CCLI license #11038266

Every promise we can make, every prayer and step of faith, every difference we can make is only by God’s grace. Every mountain we will climb, every ray of hope we shine, every blessing left behind is only by God’s grace.

Grace alone which God supplies strength unknown God will provide; Christ in us, our Cornerstone, we will go forth in grace alone.

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Sacred Conversations about Racism and Bigotry of all Kinds:

Lillian McGaugh

Dedication Hymn: “Holy Ground”

CCLI license #11038266

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

Dedication Prayer

Loving God, we ask a blessing on our gifts for Hope House and for our church. With your Spirit’s help, may we live as servants of your vision and people of Christ’s way. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen

Listening for God

Time with Young Hearts

Did you ever invent something silly?

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.”

(And)

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die, 5 for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God,[a] knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate.7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

Message “Silly Clothes”

Silence

Announcements No Bible Study this week Choir Wednesday at 6:30pm Sign-up Clip Boards in the back of the sanctuary

We take God’s Light into the World

Hymn: “My Faith it is an Oaken Staff” 418 (NCH)

Public Domain

1 My faith, it is an oaken staff, the trav'ler’s well-loved aid; My faith, it is a song of trust, sustains me undismayed.I’ll travel on, and still be stirred by silent thought or social word; By all my perils undeterred, a pilgrim unafraid.

2 My guide is Jesus Christ whose steps, when travelers have trod, whether beneath was flinty rock or yielding grassy sod, they cared on their joy unspent, through pain and trial they onward went, unstayed by pleasures, still they bent their zealous course to God.

3 My faith, it is an oaken staff, O let me on it lean! My faith, provides the ground of hope, supports a purpose keen! Your Spirit, God, upon me send, That I may be what you intend. With patient courage, we’ll contend as radiant saints serene.

Benediction

Postlude and Silent Reflection

Sunday Worship Bulletin, Feb 19 2023

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!”

February 19, 2023 • 10:30 a.m.

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

10:20am Gathering and Prelude

Wayne Shull, Music Director

Charlie Salt, AV

Joe McSwain, AV and Usher

Jerry Brines, Usher

Naomi Hanvey, Zoom App Assistance

Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor

Maureen Carroll, Scripture Reader

Sue Ferrozzo, Candle Lighter and Fellowship Set-Up

Marilyn Closson, Fellowship Clean-up

Rev. Genavieve Heywood, Pastor

10:30am Worship begins

God is with us... all the time!

All the time . . . God is with us!

*Welcoming the Light of Christ

*Hymn:” We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding” 182 (NCH)

We have come at Christ’s own bidding to this high and holy place, where we wait with hope and longing for some token of God’s grace. Here we pray for new assurance that our faith is not in vain, searching like those first disciples for a sign both clear and plain.

Light breaks through our clouds and shadows, splendor bathes the flesh-joined Word. Moses and Elijah marvel as the heavenly voice is heard. Eyes and hearts behold with wonder how the Law and Prophets meet. Christ with garments drenched in brightness, stands transfigured and complete.

Strengthened by this glimpse of glory, fearful lest our faith decline. We like Peter, find it tempting to remain and build a shrine. But true worship gives us courage to proclaim what we profess, that our daily lives may prove us people of the God we bless.

About Our Sacred Conversations about Racism

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Racism (highlighted words link to definitions)

a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

behavior or attitudes that reflect and foster this belief : racial discrimination or prejudice

the systemic oppression of a racial group to the social, economic, and political advantage of another

a political or social system founded on racism and designed to execute its principles

Community Prayer

Spoken Gratitude

Spoken Concerns

Silent Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Response: “Awake! Awake and Greet the New Morn”

107(NCH) v.4

Rejoice, rejoice, take heart in the night, though cold the winter and cheerless, the rising sun shall crown you with light, be strong and loving and fearless. Love be our song and love our prayer, and love, our endless story, may God fill every day we share, and bring us at last into glory.

A Time of Offering

An Invitation to Share

Sacred Conversations about Racism: Jerry Brines and

Marilyn Closson

*Offering Acclamation:

Response: “Awake, Awake to Love and Work” 89 (NCH) v.2

Come, let your voice be one with theirs, shout with their shout of praise. See how the giant sun soars up, God’s gift for all your days! So, let the love of Jesus come and set your soul ablaze.

*Dedication Prayer

Holy One, bless the gifts of our time, talent, and treasure. May we be a witness to your presence in all the places we live. Bless our little congregation. May our gathering on Zoom and in-person grow in fellowship and compassion. Amen

Listening for God

Time with Young Hearts: Where is your happiest place?

Matthew 17:1-9 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

17 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Message: Can We Stay?

Silent Reflection

Announcements

Church Council meets after worship

Bible Study Monday at 7pm at John and Maureen’s home.

Signups for Sacred Conversations about Racism

Our Light moves into the World God Loves

* Hymn: “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” 76 (NCH)

Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing, the people of God from this dwelling take leave. The service is ended, O now be extended the fruits of our worship in all who believe.

The seed of the teaching, receptive hearts reaching, shall blossom in action for God and for all. God’s grace did invite us, and love shall unite us to work for God’s realm and to answer the call.

With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living, the tasks of our everyday life we will face. Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring, embracing God’s children of each tribe and race.

With your grace you feed us, with your light now lead us, united us as one in this life that we share. Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving give honor to Christ and that name which we bear.

*Benediction

Silent Meditation and Postlude