A Warm Welcome to All Visitors.

        If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the
        church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home

        It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in
        the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211
        or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Upcoming Meetings/Events
 
        Gill Home Board Meeting – Saturday, Feb. 6, 9:00 am
        Executive Board Meeting - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7:00 pm
 
Weekly Offerings

        Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending January 24, 2021, were
        $1640.  The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget
        by 52 weeks).

        Please mail your offerings to our Receiver of Offerings, Anne Oakes at
        145 Merrill Road, Ludlow, Vermont  05149.
 
Altar Guild
 
        Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide our Altar Guild services.
 
Prayer Concerns

        We ask that you keep David and Beth Almond's son, James Almond, in your
        prayers as he recovers at Dartmouth Hospital.
 
        We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
 
                James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Arthur Marin, Kathy Doyle,  Judy Edwards,
                Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
                Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, 
                ​and ​Evelyn Verro.
 
Celebrations
 
                Don Harpster celebrates a birthday on January 31st.
                David Almond celebrates a birthday on February 1st.
                Ann Matulonis celebrates a birthday on February 7th.
_________________________________________________________________________

January 31st, 2021                                                                                                 10:00 A.M.
 
Service of Worship
 
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE SUNDAY
 
PRELUDE
(All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.)
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
 
The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
 
And also with you.
 
CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand)

One: Breath of God, you are the one in whom we live and move and
have our being.
All: And we are the ones in whom you live and move and have your
being, for you made us in your image and likeness.
One: May your unifying energy be felt here among us,
All: And rekindle the fire within, that makes us feel alive when we
care for others.
One: Let us draw from the well of living water,
All: And be attentive to that which needs nourishing in ourselves
and in our world.
One: Come, let us worship where all are welcome in the house of God,
All: And find safe haven in the heart of the Divine
 
HYMN  265*                                                            O Christ the Healer, We Have Come

OPENING PRAYER *
 
God of our ancestors, of prophets from long ago and today, you have spoken your word deep within us. Help us to feel your love as it touches our skin, breaking down all barriers to belonging. You have called us to a life of abundance through interdependence, and so on this Health and Human Service Sunday, may we call upon the strength we have together to create a way when there is no way. As people who have journeyed through isolation and distance, may we claim ourselves united in the Body of Christ.  Spirit of the Living God immerse us in the boundlessness of your presence and in a hope that comes like the dawn. Amen.
 
CONFESSION OF SIN
 
O Divine Healer, we confess that sometimes we yearn for you to wave a magic wand on our wounded lives to remove our pain, illness, and suffering. We hear the gospel story of the one seeking healing from Jesus and assume you will perform a similar miracle for all of us –if we just pray hard enough!
 
And we do pray!
 
Open our eyes to recognize the teachings and tools you have given us with which to seek healing in the midst of our afflictions and diseases. You whisper to us that wholeness requires self-care and rest; You nudge us toward caregivers who can support and advise us; You breathe into us energy to move and stretch and reach toward health; You place in us an urgency to seek justice so that all may enjoy adequate health care;
 
Renew our spirits in the midst of our diseases and afflicting spirits.
Transform us, O Holy One, for the health of your creation. Amen.
 
SILENCE         (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.)
 
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
 
 In the midst of struggle, disease and affliction, know that you are made in God’s image and God sees you as whole and good. So may you celebrate God in your midst through opportunities of wholeness and justice.

READING OF SCRIPTURE                                      Mark 1: 21-28
 
PSALM 111                                                              Hymnal, page 832, Response 2
 
GLORIA 70*
 
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.  Amen.  Amen.
 
THE GOSPEL LESSON                                             1 Corinthians 8: 1-13
 
SERMON                                                                   “Knowledge and Love”
 
HYMN *                                                                    Let There Be Light, O God of Hosts
                                                                                    Sung to tune of Hymn 95
 
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
 
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
 
LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) 
 
            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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
 
PRAYER RESPONSE                                                 Hymnal, No. 473
 
Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
Make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
That makest me dwell in safety.

OFFERTORY SENTENCE
 
When we give of ourselves to meet the needs of others,
we are co-creators in the health of God’s creation.
As we have been given much, let us give in return.
 
OFFERTORY
 
At the Presentation, Hymn 95*                         Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION*
 
Transforming God, we dedicate our gifts for the health of your creation.
May those who receive these gifts be blessed by your love and inspired to give to others so that your creation will continue to be transformed by your love.
 
HYMN 152 *                                                            I Sing the Mighty Power of God
 
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
 
And now in the wholeness and the goodness of God, go forth.
Go and laugh with your friends,
reconcile with those who have hurt you,
be kind to strangers, and feel the Divine smile upon us.
Now and forevermore. Amen.
 
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
 
DISMISSAL
 
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
 
POSTLUDE
 
*  All who are able may stand.

​_________________________________________________________________________

Lyrics to the Hymns and
Responsive Readings
for the January 31 Service
 
​
HYMN  265              O Christ the Healer, We Have Come
 
O Christ, the healer, we have come to pray for health, to plead for friends.
How can we fail to be restored when reached by love that never ends?
 
From every ailment flesh endures our bodies clamor to be freed;
yet in our hearts we would confess that wholeness is our deepest need.
 
How strong, O Lord, are our desires, how weak our knowledge of ourselves!
Release in us those healing truths unconscious pride resists or shelves.
 
In conflicts that destroy our health we recognize the world's disease;
our common life declares our ills. Is there no cure, O Christ, for these?
 
Grant that we all, made one in faith, in your community may find
the wholeness that, enriching us, shall reach the whole of humankind.
 
 
HYMN 95 (tune)                Let There Be Light, O God of Hosts
 
Let there be light, O God of hosts! Let there be wisdom on the earth!
Let broad humanity have birth! Let there be deeds instead of boasts.
 
Within our passioned hearts instill the calm that endeth strain and strife.
Make us your ministers of life. Drive out the urge to curse and kill.
 
Give us the peace of vision clear to see each other’s good, our own,
to joy and suffer not alone: the love that casts aside all fear.
 
Let woe and waste of warfare cease, that useful labor yet may build
its homes with love and laughter filled! God, give your wayward children peace!
 

 
HYMN  152                          I Sing the Mighty Power of God           
 
I sing the almighty power 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 the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
who formed the creatures thru the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how thy wonders are displayed, where'er I turn my eye,
if I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
 
There's not a plant or flower below, but makes thy glories known,
and clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from thy throne;
while all that borrows life from thee is ever in thy care;
and everywhere that we can be, thou, God, art present there.
_________________________________________________________________________

​_________________________________________________________________________

CHURCH SERVICES
at the 
UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW

are shared ELECTRONICALLY
Contact unitedchurch@tds.net
or call 802-228-4211
for more information.
​_________________________________________________________________________

​If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us.
The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am.
We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Please read and follow these procedures for the safety of all.

If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available.
Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access.  ​
​_________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS

We thank C. J. King for presenting our service this week.
​

A Warm Welcome to All Visitors.

        If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the
        church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.


Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home

        It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in
        the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211
        or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Upcoming Meetings/Events
 
        Executive Board Meeting - Wednesday, Jan. 27, 7:00 pm
        Gill Home Board Meeting – Saturday, Feb. 6, 9:00 am
 
Weekly Offerings

        Please mail your offerings to our Receiver of Offerings, Anne Oakes at
        145 Merrill Road, Ludlow, Vermont  05149.
 
Altar Guild
 
        Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide the Altar Guild services.
 
Prayer Concerns

        Please keep Courtenay Dundy in your prayers.  Donations may be made to
        Special Olympics  in remembrance of her mother, Pam Dundy.

 
        We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, in your prayers as he
        recovers from Covid-19.
 
        We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
 
                James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle,  Judy Edwards,
                Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
                Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, 
                ​and ​Evelyn Verro.
 
Celebrations
 
                Sandy Peplau celebrates a birthday on January 28th.
                Don Harpster celebrates a birthday on January 31st.
                David Almond celebrates a birthday on February 1st.

​_________________________________________________________________________

January 24, 2021                                                                                       10:00 A. M.
                                                      Service of Worship
                                       THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
 
PRELUDE
            (All are encouraged to use the prelude for quiet meditation to prepare for
            the worship service.)
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
 
            The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
            of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
 
            And also with you.
 
CALL TO WORSHIP*          (Please Stand.) 
 
            Holy God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and
            continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring healing to all wounds,
            make whole all that is broken, speak truth to all illusion, and shed light in
            every darkness, that all creation will see your glory and know your Christ.
            Amen.

HYMN 358*                                                 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
 
OPENING PRAYER*
 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
 
            Pastor: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
 
            People: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our
            sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1: 8-9)
 
            Pastor: Let us confess our sins before God and one another.
 
            People: God, you call us and sometimes we duck under the table, hoping
            you didn’t notice us. You call us, and we try to look too busy to answer. You
            call us, and sometimes we just say, “No!”  We know that we aren’t expected
            to do everything, but we often forget that you call us to be ourselves in the
            places where our very self is what is most needed.  So give us the grace to
            say “Yes” to your call… even now…as we offer our silent confessions…
 
SILENCE         (Silence observed for reflection and prayer.)
 
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

            God will not deny a repentant heart or an open spirit. 
            Know that you are forgiven and walk anew in the assurance of God's love. 
            Be open to the words of your Lord and Master. Walk anew with Jesus.  
 
            Thanks be to God. Amen.
 
READING OF SCRIPTURE
 
FIRST READING                                                 Jonah 3: 1-10
 
GLORIA 70*
 
            Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
            and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
            beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
            world without end.  Amen.  Amen.
 
THE GOSPEL LESSON                                       Mark 1: 14-20
 
SERMON                                               “Reluctant Prophets” 
 
HYMN 475*                                Come Down, O Love Divine
 
JOYS AND CONCERNS
 
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
 
            The Lord be with you.
            And also with you.
            Let us pray.
 
THE LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”)
 
PRAYER RESPONSE                                    Hymnal, No. 473
 
            Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
            Make thy way plain before my face.
            For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
            That makest me dwell in safety.
 

OFFERTORY SENTENCE
 
            “They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed; all shall give as
            they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he
            has given you." (Deuteronomy 16:16-17)
 
OFFERTORY   
 
DOXOLOGY
 
            At the Presentation, Hymn 95*               Old 100th 
            Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
            Praise him, all creatures here below;
            Praise him above, you heavenly host;
            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION* 
 
            Generous God, we ask you to bless the gifts we give this morning.
 
            ​We ask that you help us grow in trust, that we might follow without looking
            back, and that we might experience more deeply our new life in you.
 
            Help us to leave our nets on the shore, leave those things that seemed
            essential before we heard the call, so that we might travel the road you have
            put before us. In the name of Christ who goes before us and beside us, we
            pray. Amen.
 
HYMN 467*               Trust and Obey 

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
 
BENEDICTION RESPONSE            
 
DISMISSAL
 
            Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
            Thanks be to God.
 
POSTLUDE
 
            ​*  All who are able may stand. 
​_________________________________________________________________________

Lyrics to the Hymns
for the January 24 Service
 
HYMN 358               Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
 
Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways;
reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find,
in deeper reverence, praise.
 
In simple trust like theirs who heard, beside the Syrian sea,
the gracious calling of the Lord, let us, like them, without a word,
rise up and follow thee.
 
O sabbath rest by Galilee, O calm of hills above,
where Jesus knelt to share with thee the silence of eternity,
interpreted by love!
 
Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease;
take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of thy peace.
 
Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm;
let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm.
 
HYMN 475               Come Down, O Love Divine
 
Come down, O Love divine, seek thou this soul of mine,
and visit it with thine own ardor glowing;
O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,
and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.
 
O let it freely burn, till earthly passions turn
to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
and let thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,
and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
 
And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,
shall far outpass the power of human telling;
for none can guess its grace, till Love create a place
wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.
 
HYMN 467                              Trust and Obey
 
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
 
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
 
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
[Refrain]
 
But we never can prove the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows, for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
[Refrain]
 
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do, where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey.
[Refrain]
​_________________________________________________________________________

 
A Warm Welcome to All Visitors.

          If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the
          church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home

          It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members
          in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211
          or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Upcoming Meetings/Events
 
          Executive Board Meeting - Wednesday, Jan. 27, 7:00 pm
 
Weekly Offerings

          Please mail your offerings to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Road, Ludlow,
          Vermont  05149.
 
Altar Guild
 
          Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide our Altar Guild services.
 
Prayer Concerns

          Please keep Mark and Carolyn Gauthier in your prayers as Carolyn recovers
          from surgery.
 
          Please keep Courtenay Dundy in your prayers.  Her mother, Pam Dundy,
          passed away on December 26, 2020. Cards may be sent to Courtenay c/o
          ​The Pettigrew Inn, 13 Pleasant St, Ludlow, VT 05149
 
          We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, in your prayers
          as he recovers from Covid-19.
 
          ​We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
 
          James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle,  Judy Edwards,
          Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
          Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, 
          ​and ​Evelyn Verro.
​_________________________________________________________________________

January 17, 2021                                                                                                   10:00 A. M.
 
                                                      Service of Worship
 
                                     SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
 
PRELUDE
            (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
            preparation for the worship service which follows.)
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
 
            The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
            of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
 
            ​And also with you.
 
CALL TO WORSHIP* (Please stand)
 
            We are here to praise God because Jesus Christ has set us free to live.
 
            We are here because in Christ we are forgiven and made whole.
 
            We are gathered because Jesus Christ has united us into one family of faith.
 
            We will witness to the Good News; Jesus Christ frees and unites,
            Praise God!  Alleluia!  Amen.
 
HYMN 189*                                                 Fairest Lord Jesus
 
OPENING PRAYER*
 
            Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
            Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine
            with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and
            obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you
            and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
HYMN 463*                                                 Lord Speak To Me
 
CONFESSION OF SIN
 
            If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
 
            If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins
            ​and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1: 8-9)
 
            Let us confess our sins before God and one another.
 
            Eternal God, you love us steadfastly, but we have trouble loving in
            return; you call us, but we have wax-filled ears; You reveal yourself,
            but our eyelids are heavy.  You lead us toward our neighbor, but we build
            walls around ourselves.  You hate evil, injustice, and alienation, but we
            get used to it.  O God, we pray, help us to see ourselves both as we are
            and as we might be before you.  Draw us by your spirit’s tether into your
            forgiving, renewing, and serviceable grace, through the mercies of Christ. . . .
 
SILENCE         (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.)
 
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
 
            God says to us:  You are my chosen ones.  I love you.  I’m proud of you.  Stand
            firm in your renewed commitment.  Know that I have forgiven you.  I call you by
            name, you are mine.  I have entered into covenant with you and will stand by you
            in all times and all places.  Dare to live fully the life to which I have called you. 
            Amen.
 
Hymn 431*                                                                          Let There Be Peace On Earth
 
READING OF SCRIPTURE
 
THE EPISTLE LESSON                                                         I Corinthians 6:12 - 20
 
HYMN 89*                                                               Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
 
PSALM 139                                                                          Hymnal, pages 854-855
 
GLORIA 70*
 
            Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
            and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
            beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
            world without end.  Amen.  Amen.
 
GOSPEL LESSON                             John 1: 43-51
 
HYMN 384*                                                 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
 
PRAYER CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE
 
            The Lord be with you.
 
            And also with you.
 
            Let us pray.
 
            God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell
            among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you,
            and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will
            know the power of love at work in the world.
            We ask this through Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray . . .
 
THE LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”)
 
PRAYER RESPONSE                                    Hymnal, No. 473
 
            Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
            Make thy way plain before my face.
            For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
            That makest me dwell in safety.
 
OFFERTORY
   
            At the Presentation, Hymn 95*             Old 100th
            Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
            Praise him, all creatures here below;
            Praise him above, you heavenly host;
            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION*
 
            Each of us is a fragile miracle,
            evidence of God's creative hands, and amazing grace.
            We are each unique, unrepeatable gifts to the world.
            We are proof of God's love.
            And so we who are the gifts of creation now give gifts to our Creator.
            Gifts brought in love.
            Amen
 
HYMN                                                                        God Bless America
  
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
 
            Do not be dismayed by the brokenness in the world.
            All things break.
            And all things can be mended.
            Not with time, as they say, but with intention.
            So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally.
            The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.
 
BENEDICTION RESPONSE            
 
DISMISSAL
 
            Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
            Thanks be to God.
 
POSTLUDE
 
*  All who are able may stand. 
_________________________________________________________________________

Lyrics to the Hymns
and Responsive Readings
for the January 17 Service
 
Hymn 189                Fairest Lord Jesus
 
Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son,
thee will I cherish, thee will I honor, thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown.
 
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, who makes the woeful heart to sing.
 
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling starry host:
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer than all the angels heaven can boast.
 
Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine.
 
HYMN 463               Lord, Speak to Me
 
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak in living echoes of thy tone;
as thou hast sought, so let me seek thine erring children lost and lone.
 
O strengthen me, that while I stand firm on the rock, and strong in thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand to wrestlers with the troubled sea.
 
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious things thou dost impart;
and wing my words, that they may reach the hidden depths of many a heart.
 
O fill me with thy fullness, Lord, until my very heart o'erflow
in kindling thought and glowing word, thy love to tell, thy praise to show.
 
O use me, Lord, use even me, just as thou wilt, and when, and where,
until thy blessed face I see, thy rest, thy joy, thy glory share.
 

 
HYMN 431               Let There Be Peace On Earth
 
Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth, The peace that was meant to be.
 
With God as our Creator, Children all are we,
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
 
Let peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now;
With every step I take, Let this be my solemn vow:
 
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
 
 
Hymn 89                   Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
 
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
 
All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heaven reflect thy rays,
stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in thee.
 
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,
wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine;
teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
 
Mortals, join the mighty chorus, which the morning stars began;
love divine is reigning o'er us, binding all within its span.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music leads us sunward, in the triumph song of life.

 
HYMN 384               Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
 
Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.
 
Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast!
Let us all in thee inherit; let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
 
Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return and never, nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.
 
Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee;
changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.
 
 
God Bless America
 
God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home.    
 
Repeat
​

Our worship this week is led by Peter Andrews, who we thank for this gift.
 
A Warm Welcome to All Visitors.

If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home

It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Upcoming Meetings/Events  

          Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 27, at 7:00 pm
 
Weekly Offerings

          Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending Offerings and
          other cash receipts for the week ending January 3, 2021, were $600. 
          The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget
          by 52 weeks).
 
Altar Guild
 
          Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of January.
 
Prayer Concerns

          Please keep Courtenay Dundy in your prayers.  Her mother, Pam Dundy,
          ​passed away on December 26, 2020.
 
          We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, as he
          recovers from Covid-19.

          We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
          James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards,
          Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
          Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, 
          and ​Evelyn Verro.

          If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at
          the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net.
​_________________________________________________________________________

January 10, 2021                                                                                                10:00 A.M.
 
                                                 First Sunday After Epiphany
 
PRELUDE

            (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
            preparation for the worship service which follows.)
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
 
            The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of
            the Holy Spirit be with you all.  (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
 
            And also with you.
 
CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.)
 
            It is good to give thanks to you, O God,
 
            To declare your steadfast love in the morning;
 
            For you have made us glad by your work;
 
            At the works of your hands, we sing for joy.
 
HYMN 128*                                                 He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought

RESPONSIVE READING
 
            “Pay no attention to how tall and handsome he is. I have rejected him, because
            I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I
            look at the heart.”– 1 Samuel 16:7

            Lord, I know your evaluation process is not the same as my own.
 
            “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am
            most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection
            of Christ's power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,
            persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am
            strong.– 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

            Lord, I know my flaws do not frustrate you; you love me with so much
            grace that you choose to demonstrate strength in my weakness.
 
            But you, O Lord, are a merciful and loving God, always patient, always kind
            and faithful. – Psalm 86:15

            Lord, I know your love is steadfast. I cannot cause it to end.

            But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners
            that Christ died for us!– Romans 5:8

            Lord, I know you have proven your great love for me on the cross.
 
            We love because God first loved us.– 1 John 4:19-20  


            Lord, I know my capacity to love others is a direct result of your love for me.                                      
GLORIA 70*
 
            Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
            and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
            beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
            world without end.  Amen.  Amen.
 
PRAYER
 
THE CHILD IN US ALL                                             “Anger”
 
SERMON                                           “Dangerous Emotions –
                                                            Anger, Self-Degradation”
 
HYMN 593*                                                 Here I Am Lord
 
PASTORAL PRAYER
 
LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) 
 
PRAYER RESPONSE                                    Hymnal, No. 473
 
            Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
            Make thy way plain before my face.
            For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
            That makest me dwell in safety.
 
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
 
OFFERTORY SOLO                                                              I Believe
 
At the Presentation, Hymn 95*             Old 100th
            Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
            Praise him, all creatures here below;
            Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION*
 
HYMN 520*                                     Nobody Knows the Trouble I See
 
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
 
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
 
DISMISSAL
 
            Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
            Thanks be to God.
 
POSTLUDE
 
*  All who are able may stand.
​_________________________________________________________________________

Lyrics to the Hymns
for the January 10 Service
 
 
HYMN 128               He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought
 
He leadeth me: O blessed thought! O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be, still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
 
[Refrain]
He leadeth me, he leadeth me, by his own hand he leadeth me;
his faithful follower I would be, for by his hand he leadeth me.
 
Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom, sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,
by waters still, o'er troubled sea, still 'tis his hand that leadeth me.
[Refrain]
 
Lord, I would place my hand in thine, nor ever murmur nor repine;
content, whatever lot I see, since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
[Refrain]
 
And when my task on earth is done, when by thy grace the victory's won,
e'en death's cold wave I will not flee, since God through Jordan leadeth me.
[Refrain]
 
HYMN 593               Here I Am Lord
 
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save
I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
 
[Refrain]
Here I am, Lord; Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
 
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people's pain
I have wept for love of them, They turn away
I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone
I will speak my words to them, Whom shall I send?
[Refrain]
 
I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them, My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide, 'Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them, Whom shall I send?
[Refrain]
 
 
HYMN 520               Nobody Knows the Trouble I See
 
[Refrain]
Nobody knows the trouble I see, nobody knows but Jesus;
oh, nobody knows the trouble I see, glory hallelujah!
 
Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down, Oh, yes, Lord!
Sometimes I'm almost to the ground, Oh, yes, Lord!
[Refrain]
 
Although you see me going long so, Oh, yes, Lord!
I have my troubles here below, Oh, yes, Lord!
[Refrain]
 
What makes old Satan hate me so?  Oh, yes, Lord!
Cause he got me once and let me go, Oh, yes, Lord!
[Refrain]
 ​_________________________________________________________________________

Our worship this week is led by Peter Andrews, who we thank for this gift.
 
A Warm Welcome to All Visitors.

If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home

It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Upcoming Meetings/Events  

          Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 27, at 7:00 pm
 
Christmas Flowers
                 ​Given In loving memory of

                                                       Jane Creaser
                                             Don and Virginia Ellison
                                                           Pat Liao
                                          By: Laura, Allison, and Jesse
 ​
Weekly Offerings

          Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending Offerings and
          other cash receipts for the week ending December 20, 2020, were $840. 
          The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget
          by 52 weeks).
 
Altar Guild
 
          Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of January.
 
Prayer Concerns

          We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, as he
          recovers from Covid-19.

          We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
          James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards,
          Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
          Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, 
          and ​Evelyn Verro.

          If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at
          the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net.

Celebrations

          George Thomson is celebrating a birthday on Jan. 3.
          Linda Alexander is celebrating a birthday on Jan. 7.
_________________________________________________________________________

January 3, 2021                                                                                       10:00 A.M.
 
                                                   Service of Worship
                                  SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
 
 
PRELUDE
                 (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
                 preparation for the worship service which follows.)
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
 
                 The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
                 of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
 
                 ​And also with you.
 
CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.)
 
                 It is good to give thanks to you, O God,
                 To declare your steadfast love in the morning;
                 For you have made us glad by your work;
                  At the works of your hands, we sing for joy.
 
HYMN 710*                                     Faith of Our Fathers
 

RESPONSIVE READING    
 
                 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
                 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me
                 beside the still waters.
                 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
                 his name's sake.
                 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
                 I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they
                 comfort me.
                 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
                 thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
                 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
                 and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

                 Amen                       
 
GLORIA 70*
                  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
                 and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
                 beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
                 world without end.  Amen.  Amen.
 
PRAYER        
 
THE CHILD IN US ALL                                      “Anxiety”
 
SERMON                   “Dangerous Emotions - Anxiety”
 
HYMN 375*                                                      There is a Balm in Gilead
 
JOYS AND CONCERNS      
 
PASTORAL PRAYER           
 
LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) 
 
PRAYER RESPONSE                                    Hymnal, No. 473
                  Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
                 Make thy way plain before my face.
                 For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
                 That makest me dwell in safety.
 
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
 
OFFERTORY
 
DOXOLOGY
 
At the Presentation, Hymn 95*             Old 100th
                 ​Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
                 Praise him, all creatures here below;
                 Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
                 Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION*          
 
HYMN 102*                                          Now Thank We All Our God
 
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* 
 
BENEDICTION RESPONSE            
 
DISMISSAL
 
                 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
                  ​Thanks be to God.
 
POSTLUDE   
 
*  All who are able may stand.

_________________________________________________________________________

Lyrics to the Hymns
for the January 3 Service
 
 
HYMN 710               Faith of Our Fathers
 
Faith of our fathers, living still, in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy whene'er we hear that glorious word!
Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to thee till death.
 
Faith of our fathers, we will strive to win all nations unto thee;
and through the truth that comes from God, we all shall then be truly free.
[Refrain]
 
Faith of our fathers, we will love both friend and foe in all our strife;
and preach thee, too, as love knows how by kindly words and virtuous life.
[Refrain]
 
 
HYMN 375               There is a Balm in Gilead
 
Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;
there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
 
Some times I feel discouraged, and think my work’s in vain.
But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.
[Refrain]
 
Don't ever feel discouraged, for Jesus is your friend,
and if you look for knowledge he'll ne'er refuse to lend.
[Refrain]
 
If you can’t preach like Peter, if you can’t pray like Paul,
just tell the love of Jesus, and say he died for all.
[Refrain]

 
HYMN 102               Now Thank We All Our God
 
Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices;
who from our mothers' arms has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
 
O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
and keep us still in grace, and guide us when perplexed;
and free us from all ills, in this world and the next.
 
All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;
the Son, and him who reigns with them in highest heaven;
the one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore;
for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
 ​_________________________________________________________________________