First Congregational United Church of Christ River Falls, Wisconsin

Transcription

1 First Congregational United Church of Christ River Falls, Wisconsin November 4, 2018 We Believe: Where Your Story and God s Story Come Together October 21: God Creates October 28: God Saves November 4: God Judges November 11: God Gives November 18: God Comes November 25: God Calls December 2: God Promises

2 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN NOVEMBER 4, :00 & 10:30 am Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace to which others are entitled to as we are. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer Welcome to our guests who are visiting with us today! Join us for coffee in the Fellowship Hall between the 9:00 & 10:30 worship services. ~The Nursery is available for young children. ~Church Mouse activity bags are available for children. ~Large print bulletins and hearing impaired devices are available from the ushers. ~Please stand when noted by the * ~Congregation responses are in bold. No matter who you are. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here! As Jesus courageous disciples, living God s grace, we strive to: ~ Worship faithfully ~ Welcome openly ~ Grow spiritually ~ Care passionately ~ Serve generously GATHERING SONG Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Heart Worship Ensemble PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS SILENCE AND RINGING OF THE BELL CALL TO WORSHIP L: On this All Saints Sunday, we remember and celebrate, P: The saints of yesterday and of today. L: Let us remember the faithful people who set their hopes on Christ. P: The saints of yesterday and of today. L: Those who with their lives, praised the God they loved and served. P: The saints of yesterday and of today. L: May our hearts and minds be open, not just to the saints of old, but to the saints around us here and now. P: Like the saints of yesterday and of today. L: Here in our worship let us commit ourselves to living lives that are pleasing to God. P: Like the saints of yesterday and of today. All: Come let us worship the Lord our God who leads us into life!

3 *HYMN How Can I Keep From Singing

4 *PRAYER OF CONFESSION L: Jesus embodied the unconditional love of God P: We pray, may we be more like Jesus. L: Jesus fed those who were hungry P: We pray, may we be more like Jesus. L: Jesus drew near to those living on the margins and excluded P: We pray, may we be more like Jesus. L: Jesus brought healing and wholeness to those in need P: We pray, may we be more like Jesus. L: Jesus hungered and thirsted for righteousness P: We pray, may we be more like Jesus. L: Jesus loved people as they were, not as we wished they were P: We pray, may we be more like Jesus. Amen. *ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS L: Beloved, through the love shown to us by Jesus, P: We can be sure that we are God s children now. L: The Spirit of Christ is among us today. P: And by God s grace may we become more and more like Christ each day. L: Let us live as God s joyful people, forgiven and set free for service in Christ s name. This is good news! P: Thanks be to God! L: May the peace of the Lord be with you all. P: And also with you. *PASSING OF THE PEACE (Please greet one another with signs of peace) *GLORIA 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.

5 BAPTISM OF NORA GRACE BALLWEG (10:30 am) Welcome and Presentation L: They were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant, and said to them. P: Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. L: Members and friends in Christ, we gather to celebrate God s gift of grace in the baptism of Nora Grace Ballweg. P: Thanks be to God! Address L: Baptism, the sacrament through which we are united to Jesus Christ and given a part in Christ s ministry of reconciliation. Baptism is the visible sign of an invisible event, the reconciliation of people to God. It shows the death of self and the rising to a life of obedience and praise. It shows also the pouring out of the Spirit on those whom God has chosen. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the Spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be a part of God s people. P: This is the water of baptism. Out of this water, we rise with new life, forgiven of sin and one in Christ, members of Christ s body. Questions L: As parents and sponsors of this child, will you encourage her to renounce the powers of evil and to receive the freedom of new life in Christ? Parents and Sponsors: We will, with the help of God. L: Will you teach her that she may be led to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by sharing with her the church s life, worship, and fellowship? Parents and Sponsors: We will, with the help of God. L: Christ will first be known to Nora by the Christ seen in your home. By the grace of God, will you model the Christian life for her, provide instruction in the Christian faith and live with her in the covenant of baptism so that she may lead a godly life until the day of Jesus Christ? Parents and Sponsors: We will, with the help of God.

6 L: Will you, the children of First Congregational United Church of Christ, welcome Nora into the life of the church? Will you learn, play, and explore God s world with her? Children: We will, with the help of God. L: Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism. Will you who witness and celebrate this sacrament, nurture one another in the Christian faith and include Nora in your love and prayer? P: We promise our love and prayer. Act of Baptism L: The Lord be with you. P: And also with you. L: Let us pray. Gracious God, bless this water. By your Holy Spirit save those who confess the name of Jesus Christ that sin may have no power over them. Create new life in your servant Nora who will be baptized this day, that she too may rise with Christ. Glory to you, Eternal God, the one who was, and is, and shall always be, world without end. Amen. I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit be upon you, Nora, child of God, disciple of Christ, member of the church. Baptismal Song Child of Blessing, Child of Promise Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit s sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine. Child of God your loving Parent, learn to know whose child you are. Grow to laugh and sing and worship, trust and love God more than all.

7 Prayer L: Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, for this child and the grace acknowledged here in water and the Spirit. Embrace us all as sons and daughters in the one household of your love. Grant us grace to receive and nurture this new member of the body of Christ. P: Give to the newly baptized: strength for life s journey, courage in time of suffering, the joy of faith, the freedom of love, and the hope of new life: through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. Nora Grace Ballweg Born: September 25, 2017 Baptized: November 4, 2018 Nora s parents are Alex and Anne Ballweg Nora s sponsors are Kristi and Logan Griedl TIME WITH CHILDREN (10:30 am) JaNae Westrich SONG OF BLESSING (10:30 am) (Today is an All Worship Sunday during which children worship with their parents. Sunday School resumes next week. Young children may return to the nursery. Worship bags and children s bulletins are available in the back.) This little light of mine, I m gonna let it shine, This little light of mine, I m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I m gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Everywhere I go, I m gonna let it shine, Everywhere I go, I m gonna let it shine. Everywhere I go, I m gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. SCRIPTURE LESSON Joel 2:12-13

8 PSALM 24 (Cantor will introduce; congregation, please join in when directed) R Lift up your heads, O mighty gates; behold the glorious Ruler waits! The Sovereign One is drawing near; the Savior of the world is here. L: The earth is the LORD s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. P: Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? L: Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. P: They will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of their salvation. L: Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. P: Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. L: Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. P: Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. L: Who is this King of glory? P: The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. R GOSPEL LESSON Mark 12:28-34 SERMON JaNae Westrich *HYMN Some Glad Morning (I ll Fly Away) #595

9 *STATEMENT OF FAITH United Church of Christ We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify: You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death. You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin. You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself. You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues and races. You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory. You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen. THE PRAYERS & LORD S PRAYER (debts/debtors) Marlene Wells, Chuck Morrow, Harriet Christianson, Wayne Petersen, Stewart Lentz, Audrey Alton, Helen Swanson, Mike Farley Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

10 OFFERTORY You Are My All Worship Ensemble With Our Voices We ll Tell *PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Eternal God, you gather all your people as one in the body of Christ, our Lord. Unite us with all the people of every time and place who have lived by your Word and died by your love. Reassure us when we grieve that our loved ones are not lost to you. Prepare us for the day when we, too, join the grand celebration of life everlasting. Bless the gifts we offer this day and empower them to be good news for your people. Amen.

11 THE COMMUNION All Christians, regardless of denomination, tradition or age are welcome at the table of our Lord. When invited, please come forward down the center aisle. Receive a piece of bread (both wheat and gluten-free breads are available) and a cup from the tray (white is grape juice and red is wine). Children choosing not to commune are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing. Return to your seat using the outside aisle. If you are unable to come forward, communion will be brought to you. The Invitation to the Supper L: This is the table, not of the church, but of our Lord. It is to be made ready for those who love him and who want to love him more. So come, you who have much faith, and you who have little. Come, you who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time. Come, you who have tried to follow and you who have failed. Come not because it is I who invites you, come for it is God s desire that we should meet him here. The Great Thanksgiving L: The Lord be with you. P: And also with you. L: Lift up your hearts. P: We lift them up to the Lord. L: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. P: It is right to give our thanks and praise. L: We offer you praise,... The Words of Institution L: We rejoice in this holy meal as we proclaim the mystery of faith: All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Prayer of Consecration

12 Distribution of the Elements Hymns to be sung during the distribution of the elements: Bread for the Journey

13 You Are Mine

14 Bind Us Together Prayer of Thanksgiving All: We give you thanks, Almighty God, that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

15 *HYMN When the Saints Go Marching In

16 *COMMISSIONING Inspired by the saints of old and today, go to be God s courageous disciples here and now. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord your God. Amen. POSTLUDE Reprinted music used by permission under the following licenses: OneLicense.net A CCLI License Assisting in today s worship service are: Liturgist: 9:00 am Jan Hansen 10:30 am Carole Mottaz Coffee Fellowship: Discipleship Committee Ushers: 9:00 am Peter Rayne, Gloria Gardner, Lee Lueck, Martha Olson, Suzanne Hagen 10:30 am Evelyn Purdy, Dan Herum, Beth Rausch, Linn Lawrence, Nathan Lawrence Welcomers: Diane Crist Nursery: Sheila Peterson Organist: Marsha Pearson Trustee: Mike Stifter Counters: Kris Roen, Jean Smith Among Friends Coordinator: Norma Revels Music Coordinator: Marsha Pearson Choir Director: Scott Perau Bell Choir Director: Jamie Mills Church Moderator: Neal Prochnow Church Secretary: Missy Luedtke Youth Pastor: JaNae Westrich Minister for Community: Rev. Dave Ostendorf CE Minister: Rev. Stacy Johnson Myers Senior Pastor: Rev. Chris Myers

17 Sun., Nov 4 Mon., Nov 5 Tues., Nov 6 Wed., Nov 7 Thurs., Nov 8 Sat., Nov 10 Sun., Nov 11 First Congregational UCC, 110 N. Third Street, River Falls, WI Tel: office@firstchurchrf.org Fax: All Saints Sunday - All Worship Sunday 8:00 am - Worship Ensemble Practice 9:00 am - Worship Service 9:00 am - Adult Forum 10:00 am - Coffee Fellowship 10:30 am - Worship Service 11:00 am - WEVR Broadcast 11:30 am - All Youth Go to Cossettas 6:00 pm - Among Friends Board Meeting 9:00 am - Yoga 9:00 am-3:00 pm - Among Friends 11:30 am - Personnel Meeting 1:00-2:30 pm - Bible Study 3:45-5:00 pm - Wednesday School 5:15-6:15 pm - Family Meal 6:00 pm - Jubilee Ringers 7:00 pm - Chancel Choir 6:30 pm - Confirmation Year 1 (7 th Grade) 6:30 pm - Confirmation Year 3 (9 th Grade) 6:30-8:00 pm - Learning Community Event 9:00 am - Yoga 10 am-12 pm - Mission Education Planning Meeting - Newsletter Deadline 8:00 am - Choirs Practice 9:00 am - Worship Service 9:00 am - Adult Forum 10:00 am - Coffee Fellowship 10:30 am - Worship Service 10:45 am - Sunday School 11:00 am - WEVR Broadcast 11:30 am - Giving Thanks Meal

18 Please remember the following in your prayers this week: Those who are ill or recovering: - Audrey Johnson (mother of Linn Lawrence), Janine Schulze (Dale Olson s sister), Steve (brother in law of Carole Mottaz), Nancy (sister of Bobbie Kuhn), Peg Thompson, Barb (sister of Sue Simonet), Finley (daughter of Sheila Peterson s friend), Lana Tiede, Cori Fosmo, Dorothy Friedell, Roy Zeman, Zeke Wells, Jens (friends of Lori Otto), Jared (relative of John and Joan Hyland), Dale Purdy, Chris (brother of Dawn Follstad) Prayers for the ministry of our congregation: - On this All Saints Sunday we remember all of the saints of this church and the world who have lived the life of faith and now rest with God - For Nora Grace Ballweg, daughter of Anne (Kapping) and Alex Ballweg who is baptized today, that she may grow in faith and love and her parents and sponsors may be given courage and strength - For our Worship Ensemble performing this Sunday, that they may bless us with their music - For our Personnel Committee during their annual staff reviews, that together we may do the things God is calling our church to do - For our Sunday School kids, teachers and volunteers that they might learn the love of God here - For all the helpers and volunteers who make our Wednesday Night programs possible Prayers for our world: - For the people of Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, that God may strengthen them - For veterans as we remember Veterans Day on November 12 - For those living with medical uncertainty, may God walk with them in the unknown - For a safe hunting season - For our political leaders that our nation might work justly and for the common good - For those working to care for our delicate creation and the daily decisions we make to help do this Prayers of thanksgiving: - For the joy of Halloween - For Don and Ginny Larson as they celebrate their 65 th wedding anniversary with an open house at church on Saturday, November 17 from 2-5 pm. You are invited! - For the gift, blessing and challenges of retirement - For our trustees who cleaned up the church lawn and grounds this past Saturday - For all those who set tables, serve and clean up after our Wednesday Night Meals - For those who serve Coffee Fellowship each week (there are openings in December, hint, hint) Those grieving the loss of loved ones: - For Tim Huppert, brother in law of Sue and Mike Danielson who died recently - For Brad Wilson, son in law of Midge and Glenn Kees who died recently - For the family of David Spike Hoffman, brother of Doug Hoffman, who died recently If you have people you wish to include on our prayer list, please see the pastor or use the blue prayer cards in the pews or on the back sign-up table.

19 NOTES

20 NOVEMBER 4, 2018 (B) TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SCRIPTURE LESSON: Joel 2:12-13 Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. GOSPEL LESSON: Mark 12:28-34 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, Which commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. Then the scribe said to him, You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and besides him there is no other ; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one s neighbor as oneself, this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. After that no one dared to ask him any question.