First Congregational United Church of Christ River Falls, Wisconsin. December 30, 2018

Transcription

1 First Congregational United Church of Christ River Falls, Wisconsin December 30, 2018

2 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN DECEMBER 30, :00 am & 10:30 AM First Sunday after Christmas In whatever sense this year is a New Year for you, may the moment find you eager and unafraid, ready to take it by the hand with joy and with gratitude. ~Howard Thurman 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 PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS SILENCE AND RINGING OF THE BELL CALL TO WORSHIP L. On this day of endings and beginnings let us give thanks to God for the abundant blessings of our lives. P: Let us be joyful! Let us be in remembrance of a passing year. And let us be thankful that God has brought us to a new year. L: Across and throughout all our years we give thanks that Jesus is the Light of the World! Let us rejoice and be glad in him! P: Songs of joy and wonder leap from our hearts and rise to the heavens! L: For God dwells among us, full of grace and love and everlasting hope. All: For this most amazing gift of life, Jesus Christ, we worship God, we give God thanks, we give God our lives. Amen. *HYMN Go Tell It on the Mountain #154

3 *PRAYER OF CONFESSION Loving God, another Christmas has passed, the shopping is done, the gifts shared, the tables cleared. Today a new year of possibility beckons. Yet an emptiness lingers that we still seek to fill with the love of Christ. The manger and angels and creatures and stars are fading. The challenges of our lives and living loom large. We pray your presence with us, God that we may know the fullness, the loveliness, the sheer joy of your gift of life granted in Jesus the Christ, manger-born, given in deepest love. Amen. *ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS L: Though we wander from God s ways, God does not let go of us. P: God came among us long ago in a distant place, and God comes among us and is with us now, this day, all the days of our lives. L: Through the life and witness of Jesus Christ God gives us opportunity for life anew, and forgives us. P: Thanks be to God for the gift of life we receive through the living Christ! L: May God bless us, lead us in life s journey, and keep us always! 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

4 BAPTISM OF BRYSON MICHAEL O KEEFE (9:00 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 Bryson Michael O Keefe. To us a child is given! P: Thanks be to God! Address L: Baptism is 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 him 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 him that he may be led to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by sharing with him the church s life, worship, and fellowship? Parents and Sponsors: We will, with the help of God. L: Christ will first be known to Bryson by the Christ seen in your home. By the grace of God, will you model the Christian life for him, provide instruction in the Christian faith, and live with him in the covenant of baptism so that he may lead a godly life until the day of Jesus Christ? Parents and Sponsors: We will, with the help of God.

5 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 Bryson 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 Bryson who will be baptized this day, that he 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, Bryson, 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. 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. Name: Bryson Michael O Keefe Born: July 22, 2018 Baptized: December 30, 2018 Bryson s parents are Michael and Melissa O Keefe Bryson s sponsors are Jill Bowdish and Shane Bowdish

6 SPECIAL MUSIC Jeff Pajac SCRIPTURE LESSON Colossians 3:12-17 PSALM 148 (Cantor will introduce; congregation, please join on refrain) R L: Praise God from the heavens, let all the angels praise God! P: Praise God, sun and moon and all you shining stars. Praise God you highest heavens and you waters above the heavens! L: Let them praise the name of God, who commanded and they were created. God established them forever, and fixed their bounds which cannot be passed. P: Praise God from the earth, you sea monsters and all deep, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling God s command. L: Mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds. P: All rulers and peoples of the earth! Young men and women alike, old and young together! L: Let them praise the name of God, who alone is exalted, whose glory is above earth and heaven. P: God has raised up praise for all the people, for all the faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to God. Praise God! R GOSPEL LESSON Luke 2:42-52 SERMON Rev. Dave Ostendorf

7 *HYMN Lead Me, Guide Me

8 *STATEMENT OF FAITH for Christmas I believe in Jesus Christ and in the power of the gospel, which began in Bethlehem. I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a small village, of whose coming the shepherds saw the sign, and for whom there was no room at the inn. I believe in the one whose life changed the course of history, for whom the kings of the earth had no power, and who was not understood by the proud. I believe in the one to whom the poor, the oppressed, the discouraged, the afflicted, the sick, the blind, gave welcome. I believe in the one who with love changed the heart of the proud and with his life showed that it is more important to serve than to be served, and that the greatest joy is giving your life for others. I believe in peace, which is justice among all people and nations, and love among all. I believe in reconciliation, forgiveness, and the transforming power of the gospel. I believe that Christmas is strength and power, and that this world can change if, with humility and faith, we kneel before the manger of Jesus Christ. May it be so. THE PRAYERS & LORD S PRAYER (debts/debtors) 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. OFFERTORY

9 With Our Voices We ll Tell *PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Loving God, you have granted us blessings and abundance beyond measure. Your gift of the fullness of life, given through Jesus Christ, is the very foundation of our lives. For all these blessings we give you thanks. We ask that you would bless this offering that it may go to uplift your peoples and build up your realm of righteousness. Amen.

10 *HYMN Sing a New Song

11 *COMMISSIONING Go from here to live as Jesus calls us to live, this day, tomorrow, all the coming New Year. Live boldly and courageously, dare to dream and to build the realm of righteousness and justice and peace. And as you do so may God bless you and keep you, may God s light shine upon you and give you peace. 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 Jean Smith 10:30 am Rebecca Ferguson Coffee Fellowship: Welcoming Ministry Ushers: 9:00 am Gloria Gardner, Martha Olson, Bernice Larson 10:30 am Linn Lawrence, Nathan Lawrence, Kathy Rausch Welcomers: Jean Smith Nursery: Sheila Peterson Organist: Marsha Pearson Trustee: Tim Bylander Counters: Janice Healy, Mike Gardner 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 Altar table flowers are given by Gloria Knight in celebration of Polly Wymer s birthday.

12 Sun., Dec 30 Tues., Jan 1 Wed., Jan 2 Thurs., Jan 3 Sun., Jan 6 First Congregational UCC, 110 N. Third Street, River Falls, WI Tel: office@firstchurchrf.org Fax: :00 am - Music Practice 9:00 am - Worship Service 10:00 am - Coffee Fellowship 10:30 am - Worship Service - New Year s Day Church Office Closed 3:45-5:00 pm - Wednesday School 5:15-6:15 pm - Family Meal 6:00 pm - Jubilee Ringers 6:30 pm - Pre-Confirmation (6 th Grade) 6:30 pm - Confirmation Year 2 (8 th Grade) 7:00 pm - Chancel Choir 9:00 am - Yoga 8:00 am - Choir 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

13 Please remember the following in your prayers this week: Those who are ill or recovering: - Steve (brother in law of Carole Mottaz), Nancy (sister of Bobbie Kuhn), Barb (sister of Sue Simonet), Jared (relative of John and Joan Hyland), Jack Husak (father of Juli Okal), Pam Creydt (friend of Sue Grisar), Bobbie Kuhn, Terry Mahoney, Barb de Souza, Marty (nephew of Barb Wall), Larry Wiskerchen (father of Dawn Follstad), Avis Thompson (sister of Alice Hanson), Bill Olson, Betty Church Prayers for the ministry of our congregation: - For our Sunday School kids who shared their musical gifts with us in last week s gift of A Stable Fit for a King - For those seniors who will enjoy the amaryllis plants, that they may be visible signs of God s care - For those at the Kinnic Alcohol and Drug Rehab who enjoyed their Shoebox Christmas gifts given to them by our yoga group and others, that they may bring God s love close to them this Christmas season - For the Wellhaven group gathered recently for Christmas coffee and communion Prayers for our world: - That we may remember the three loves of our Christian faith love of God, love of neighbor and love of self - For sandwich people, taking care of aging parents and young children, that they may receive God s strength - For college students gearing up for final exams - For High School seniors working on college applications and letters of recommendation and family members who seek to help them - For those helping those with dementia & memory problems that they may be graced with courage & patience - 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 all who helped with the Christmas Musical this year, thank you! - For our Christmas Eve liturgists, musicians, deacons and all those who take part in making it a holy evening - For John and Joan Hyland, who celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary December 28 th. Congratulations! - For Polly Wymer, who celebrates a joyous birthday! - For Wendy and Tony Hill as they move back to Canada for retirement, may God watch over them - For Dave Reilly, Jamie Mills and Marsha Pearson who led our Advent Evening Prayer services Wednesdays - For Linn Lawrence s family who again donated our Christmas Trees (from LoriLynn Farms in Ettrick, WI) - For Bryson O Keefe, born to Melissa and Mike who will be baptized today - For those who serve Coffee Fellowship each week (there are openings in January, hint, hint) Those grieving the loss of loved ones: - For Sylvia (Scott Nelson s mom) who died suddenly recently, may she rest in God s faithful care - For the Follstad and Olson families in mourning, that God may comfort them 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.

14 NOTES

15 DECEMBER 30, 2018 (B) FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS SCRIPTURE LESSON: Colossians 3:12-17 As God s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. GOSPEL LESSON: Luke 2:42-52 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety. He said to them, Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father s house? But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.