SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1500 Main Street Higginsville, Missouri 64037 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER CONFIRMATION SUNDAY April 22, 2018 10:30 a.m. THE GATHERING MUSIC BEFORE WORSHIP * PROCESSIONAL HYMN Holy God, We Praise Thy Name No. 12 WELCOME: No matter who you are or where you are in your life s journey, you are welcome here. Good morning, and welcome to worship, Christian education and fellowship as the body of Christ! NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION ADDRESSING OURSELVES TO GOD RINGING OF THE BELL Piano Prelude "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" arr. Hayes * CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Come, walk in green pastures. People: We follow the Shepherd. Leader: Come, lie down in green pastures. People: We trust the Shepherd. Leader: Come, dine at the table of abundance. People: We are fed by the Shepherd. Leader: Come, dwell in God s house. People: We live in the Shepherd s care. All: Let us worship the Good Shepherd in spirit and in truth. 1
* INVOCATION (Unison) Loving Shepherd, you know our names; you care for us. When we face darkness and death, walk beside us. When we hunger for your love, fill us with your presence. When we are fearful, feed us at your table. May we dwell in the house of goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. Amen. *GLORIA PATRI No. 623 HEARING AND RESPONDING TO THE WORD HYMN Open My Eyes, That I May See No. 381 (Please write your joys and concerns on the card and hand it to the usher during the hymn) JOYS AND CONCERNS Preparation for prayer PASTORAL PRAYER, THE LORD S PRAYER ( debts and debtors words in hymn No. 426) MORNING OFFERING Offertory "My Jesus, I Love Thee" arr. DeShazo *Doxology No. 625 *Dedication Prayer *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle s Creed (Printed inside back cover of Hymnal) CHANCEL CHOIR "You Raise Me Up" Lovland RECOGNITION OF 1 ST YEAR CONFIRMATION CLASS Tommy VIDEO PRESENTATION OF 2018 CONFIRMATION CLASS INTRODUCTION OF CONFIRMANDS (Our confirmands information is listed on page 7) TESTIMONIES THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION: THE AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM 2
INVITATION ELDER: We invite to come forward those who wish to affirm their baptism by being confirmed. ELDER: Friends in Christ, we all are received into the church through the sacrament of baptism. These people have found nurture and support in the midst of the family of Christ. Through prayer and study they have been led by the Holy Spirit to affirm their baptism and to claim in our presence their covenantal relationship with Christ and the members of the church. They are here for service to Jesus Christ, using the gifts which the Holy Spirit bestows. QUESTIONS OF THE CANDIDATES PASTOR: Do you desire to affirm your baptism into the faith and family of Jesus Christ? CANDIDATES: I do. PASTOR: Do you renounce the powers of evil and desire the freedom of new life in Christ? CANDIDATES: I do. PASTOR: Do you profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? CANDIDATES: I do. PASTOR: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ s disciple, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able? CANDIDATES: I promise, with the help of God. PASTOR: Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow in the Christian faith and to be a faithful member of the church of Jesus Christ, celebrating Christ s presence and furthering Christ s mission in all the world? CANDIDATES: I promise, with the help of God. 3
PRAYER OF THE CANDIDATES PASTOR AND CANDIDATES: O God, my God, known to me in Jesus Christ, I give myself to you as your own, to love and serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION PASTOR: Let us pray in silence. PASTOR: Let us pray together. ALL: Almighty God, who in baptism received these your servants into the church, forgave their sins, and promised them eternal life, increase in them the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Grant love for others, joy in serving you, peace in disagreement, patience in suffering, kindness toward all people, goodness in evil times, faithfulness in temptation, gentleness in the face of opposition, self-control in all things. Thereby strengthen them for their ministry in the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Charles Henry Grumke Kaylee Elizabeth Harden ACT OF CONFIRMATION PRAYER OF CONFIRMATION ADDRESS QUESTION ABOUT PARTICIPATION PASTOR: Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of this local church as it serves this community and the world? CANDIDATES: I promise, with the help of God. 4
*WELCOME ELDER: Let us, the members of Salem United Church of Christ express our welcome and affirm our covenant of ministry in Christ. *PEOPLE: We promise you our continuing friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior. GREETING OF CHRISTIAN LOVE PASTOR AND REPRESENTATIVES In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of, Salem United Church of Christ, we extend to you the hand of Christian love. PRAYER SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 1: 15-23 (N.T. p. 181) MEDITATION: The Hope to Which God Calls Us THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION TO THE TABLE Tommy PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) Loving God, Comfort of your people: we confess the emptiness of our souls, which sends us searching for all those things that cannot nourish us. Our restless longing for the goods of the world fills us with every lust and envy. Our belief that still waters are stagnant causes us to thirst for whitewater thrills and adventures. Our trust in the hollow promises of our culture turns us away from the shelter you offer to us. Forgive us, Goodness Incarnate. Call us back from our wayward lives, so we may find rest in the stillness of your gentle heart; we may find healing in your scarred hands; we may find that life for which we yearn, together in you and through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 5
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Tommy) This is the good news: God will walk with us in every moment, God will fill us with goodness and mercy, God will bring us home to live forever. Anointed with grace and forgiveness, our lives overflow with love for all people. Thanks be to God. Amen. SHARING OF THE MEAL (The grape juice is in the inner circle of the tray. The Elders will distribute the elements and at the direction of the pastor we will all partake together.) THE SENDING *HYMN The Church s One Foundation No. 277 *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE "Great is the Lord" Smith The Worship Service is over and our Service begins. *Indicates please stand if you are able to do so **************************************** Leading Worship Today: Rev. Dr. Tommy L. Faris Pastor Stanton Thompson Liturgist June Howell Christian Education Coordinator Jamie Smith Substitute Organist/Music Director Aubrie Clark Acolyte GREETING YOU TODAY ARE: North Door: Stacy, Jaxon, and Stella Barnes South Door: Bob Bergsieker IN OUR PRAYERS: Pearl Luehrman, will have surgery Friday, April 27. Frank Alumbaugh, was hospitalized at Centerpoint Medical Center, he is now recovering at home. Myrna Fette, is recovering from a broken shoulder and is residing at New Haven Living Center, Odessa. Pat Pence, is recovering from a dislocated shoulder and is residing at Meyer Care Center, her room number is currently 317. David Thaller, is recovering at Riverbend Heights, in Lexington. Warner Schelp, is recovering at Meyer Care Center. Mary Kirchhoff, is recovering at Meyer Care Center. Wilma Dieckhoff, is currently residing at Meyer Care Center. 6
ALTAR FLOWERS: Are placed by the Board of Christian Education in honor of the 2018 Confirmation Class. 2018 CONFIRMATION CLASS Charles Henry Grumke son of Lowell and Rhonda Grumke. Charles s mentor is Ken Green. Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Kaylee Elizabeth Harden daughter of Sandra Harden and John Harden. Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Confirmation Class Song: 10,000 Reasons Confirmation Class Colors: Purple and Red Matt Redman TESTIMONY BOOKLETS: A copy of the Confirmands testimonies will be available in the back of the sanctuary Sunday, April 29, 2018. HUGE THANKS! For the fifth consecutive year, Fay Tilly has created an amazing banner to celebrate our confirmands. Thank you, Fay, for your time and amazing talent with the 2018 confirmation class. HUGE THANKS! To Janice Hoefer for the time spent to make the wonderful slide presentation for our second year confirmands. STUDENTS RECEIVING THEIR FIRST YEAR CONFIRMATION GRADUATION CERTIFICATES TODAY ARE: Jaxon Gabriel Barnes Aubrie Serenity Clark Jordan Michelle Smith 7
ANNOUNCEMENTS: BELL CHOIR AND CHANCEL CHOIR NEWS: Bell Choir and Chancel Choir will not have rehearsal this week. RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES: The church will recognize all graduates on May 13, 2018, during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. If you have anyone graduating from high school or college this spring please call the church office (660) 584-3603 with the information by May 9, 2018, so they can be included in the bulletin. 70 th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Clifford and Dorothy Peck will celebrate their 70 th wedding anniversary. They were married April 29, 1948 at Trinity Evangelical Reformed Church in St. Joseph, MO, by Dr. C. B. Bryant. You are invited to join them in celebration on Saturday, May 5, 2018, in the Activity Room of John Knox Village East from 2-5 p.m. The celebration is also in honor of Clifford s 90 th birthday, which will be on May 8 th. No gifts, please. 40 TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION: Please join us for a 40 th Wedding Anniversary reception in honor of Ronnie and Tina Bergsieker. The reception will be held Saturday, May 5, 2-4:00 p.m. at Salem. This is hosted by their children & grandchildren. No gifts please! YOM PORK CHOP DINNER: Youth on Mission s annual grilled pork chop dinner will be held on Sunday, April 29 th. The menu will include a grilled pork chop with sides for $10 per meal served from 11:15 am until 12:30 p.m. To guarantee your meal, please phone Sarah in the church office at 584-3603. Reserve your delicious meal now and leave the cooking to us!! LAMPLIGHTER ARTICLES DUE: May Lamplighter articles are due in the church office Tuesday, April 24. Thanks! WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP CIRCLES IN MAY All Circles will be meeting jointly for a pot luck salad luncheon Wednesday, May 2, at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. See YOU then! 8
WORK DAY AT SALEM CEMETERY: The Salem Cemetery Committee will have a work morning at the cemetery on Saturday, May 5 th from 8:30 am until noon. Items to be accomplished are: weed-eat along the entire north and east fences, pick up all trash in the cemetery as well as along Hwy AA and Salem Cemetery Road, cut evergreen tree stumps flush with the ground along Salem Cemetery Road, and the trim the yucca plants along Hwy AA. We also will do a walk-through to determine if grave markers need minor adjustment such as alignment or dirt placed around the base. This may not be everything that needs to be done, but is a start. Men, women, and youth all are invited. A suggested tool list would include weed-eater, shovel, spade, hand shears, chainsaw, trash bags and pry bar, but bring anything you think might be helpful or appropriate. Contact Dennis Knipmeyer at 660-641-0345 if you have questions. COMMUNITY NEWS: AN AFTERNOON TEA: For ladies of all ages at Zion UCC, Mayview, MO. The program will be by Patty Holtcamp: WOMEN OF THE BIBLE AND THE HATS THEY WORE. Wear a fun hat and be prepared to have fun, food, and drinks. This event will be held this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in the Zion UCC fellowship hall. HEART TO HEART HEALTH FORUM FOR WOMEN: The Heart to Heart Women s Health Forum is a free event for women of all ages that encourages overall health with a focus on heart health. It will be held Tuesday, April 24, at the American Legion in Higginsville from 4-7:00 p.m. Admission is free, screenings are free and there will be information booths. LAFAYETTE AREA WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP: Will hold their Spring Meeting on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at St. John UCC, Emma. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. with fellowship and coffee time. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. The program will be Come and Taste presented by the Rev. Mary Biesemeyer. A Salad luncheon will be enjoyed at Noon so bring a dish to share. PLEASE COME AND BRING A FRIEND. 9
CHURCH WOMEN HIGGINSVILLE /CORDER: Are having their annual May Fellowship Day at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Higginsville, on Friday, May 4, at Noon. The Immanuel Lutheran School students, Pre-School thru 6 th Grade, will have a vocal presentation. It is a carry-in salad lunch, everyone is asked to bring a salad. Table service, bread, and beverages will be provided. JKV AND MEYER CARE CENTER BIBLE STUDY: John Knox Village and Meyer Care Center have a weekly Bible Study that is led, on a rotational schedule, by the Ministerial Fellowship. Dale Felder (Ministerial Fellowship Chairperson) will be leading during the month of April, Mary Biesemeyer (Methodist) during the month of May. The Bible Study is held every Wednesday, 10:15-10:45 a.m. in the Gathering Room. UP COMING DATES: April 29 Installation of Church Officers during the 10:30 a.m. service YOM Pork Chop Dinner May 6 Music Sunday May 13 Mother s Day Recognition of Graduates during the 10:30 a.m. service May 20 Sunday School Perfect Attendance Recognition at the 10:30 a.m. Service June 3 Summer Worship Schedule Begins: 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 10:00 a.m. Worship with Sunday School CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! If your child is most comfortable with you in worship, they are welcome. If you prefer, the nursery room is open and available for parents who would like to take their child there and stay with them. CHURCH INFORMATION Tommy s email: tlfaris@ctcis.net Tommy s cell phone: 816-352-2052 Church Telephone: 660-584-3603, Fax: 660-584-5666 Church Email: salemucc@ctcis.net Church Website: salemucchigginsville.org 10
THIS WEEK S EVENTS AT SALEM April 22, thru April 29, 2018 Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - 8:30 a.m. Early Worship/Communion 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship/Communion/ Testimony s/confirmation Harden Family Confirmation Dinner 9:00 a.m. Committee on Ministry Meeting Food Pantry May Lamplighter Articles Due Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Lafayette Area Pastors Meeting 5:00 p.m. Bear Den 7:00 p.m. Al-Anon Meeting 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Thursday - Friday - No Activities Scheduled No Activities Scheduled Saturday - 9:30 a.m. A. A. Sunday - 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship/ Installation of Church Officers Youth On Mission Pork Chop Dinner