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 those 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 wish to thank Rev. Bruce Bishop for leading our worship service this Sunday. 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, May 26, 7:00 pm Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on April 11 were $350. The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Please continue to 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 continue to keep the following in our prayers: Lorraine Fitzgibbons, James Almond, Arthur Marin, Jean Eggleston, Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle, Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards, Anne Oakes, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Bill Kneebone celebrates a birthday on April 25 Larry Humm celebrates a birthday on April 27 Dick Dansingburg celebrates a birthday on May 10 _________________________________________________________________________ Exciting News! The church will open on Sunday, May 2, 2021 according to the Vermont Forward Roadmap to Reopening We will move to universal guidance:
Indoor Gatherings-
After Church, beginning on Sunday, May 16, 2021, we will have coffee hour in the fellowship hall for those who would like to stay. For those who do not yet feel comfortable, both the front and back doors will be open for you to enter or depart from the church! If you have any questions or are unsure about anything please contact Dean or Laura. Please refer to vermont.gov for complete guidance and additional detail. _________________________________________________________________________ WINDHAM UNION ASSOCIATION SPRING GATHERING The Annual Spring gathering of the Windham Union Association is this evening, May 2nd at 7 p.m.!! By popular demand, the Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, Jr., president of Chicago Theological Seminary will present a lecture, "Race, Poverty, and the Mission of the Church." Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86363892342?pwd=T3crSDEwYnFUYUpKWHVqdzNuQWR3Zz09 Meeting ID: 863 6389 2342 Passcode: 656445 _________________________________________________________________________ May 2, 2021 10:00 A.M. SERVICE OF WORSHIP FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER COMMUNION SUNDAY PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) 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 gather today, seeking the peace Christ gives. We gather, despite many a conflict, many a doubt, within our souls. We gather, longing for the breath of God’s spirit to give us courage and renewal. Come, Christ Jesus, be our guest. Bless us through the power of your Spirit and give us the courage to live as your disciples day by day. HYMN 61* Come, Thou Almighty King PRAYER OF CONFESSION 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. God of compassion have mercy upon us as we confess our sin. In Christ you bring light, yet we still dwell in darkness. Your word offers guidance, but we choose to ignore your counsel. You promise renewal, but we heed not your wisdom. We bow to the gods of this world, choosing to hide from your truth. Speak to us again from beyond the clouds of our sinfulness; dazzle us anew with the light of Christ’s love; restore and forgive us…. SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS Hear the good news. God is light, and in God there is no darkness. “If we say we have fellowship with God while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin.” God is faithful and just, and Jesus Christ forgives us our sin. READING OF SCRIPTURE THE EPISTLE LESSON I John 4: 7-21 PSALM 19 Hymnal, page 750-1 Response 1 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 John 15: 1-8 SERMON “The Mark of a Christian” Hymn 413* A Charge to Keep I Have JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 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 PRAYER OF DEDICATION HYMN 292* What Wondrous Love Is This THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION BLESSING OF THE ELEMENTS THE LORD’S PRAYER BREAKING THE BREAD AND LIFTING THE CUP THE COMMUNION PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Let us give thanks. Bountiful God, we give you thanks that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of 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. Amen. HYMN 374 * Standing on the Promises BENEDICTION BENEDICTION RESPONSE POSTLUDE _________________________________________________________________________ Lyrics to the Hymns and Responsive Reading
for the May 2 Service HYMN 61* Come, Thou Almighty King Come, thou almighty King, help us thy name to sing, help us to praise! Father all glorious, o'er all victorious, come and reign over us, Ancient of Days! Come, thou incarnate Word, gird on thy mighty sword, our prayer attend! Come, and thy people bless, and give thy word success; Spirit of holiness, on us descend! Come, holy Comforter, thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour. Thou who almighty art, now rule in every heart, and ne'er from us depart, Spirit of power! To thee, great One in Three, eternal praises be, hence, evermore. Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see, and to eternity love and adore! Hymn 413* A Charge to Keep I Have A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify, a never-dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill; O may it all my powers engage to do my Master's will! Arm me with jealous care, as in thy sight to live, and oh, thy servant, Lord, prepare a strict account to give! Help me to watch and pray, and on thyself rely, assured, if I my trust betray, I shall forever die. HYMN 292* What Wondrous Love Is This What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul, what wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul. What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul, what wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of life to lay aside his crown for my soul, for my soul, to lay aside his crown for my soul. To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing, to God and to the Lamb, I will sing; to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM, while millions join the theme I will sing, I will sing; while millions join the theme I will sing. And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on, and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on; and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be, and through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on, and through eternity I’ll sing on. HYMN 374 * Standing on the Promises Standing on the promises of Christ my King, through eternal ages let his praises ring; glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God. Refrain: Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior; standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God. [Refrain] Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, bound to him eternally by love's strong cord, overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword, standing on the promises of God. [Refrain] Standing on the promises I cannot fall, listening every moment to the Spirit's call, resting in my Savior as my all in all, standing on the promises of God. [Refrain] 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 those 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 wish to thank Rev. Hannah K. Sotak for leading our worship service this Sunday. 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, May 26, 7:00 pm Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on April 11 were $350. The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Please continue to 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 continue to keep the following in our prayers: Lorraine Fitzgibbons, James Almond, Arthur Marin, Jean Eggleston, Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle, Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards, Anne Oakes, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Bill Kneebone celebrates a birthday on April 25 Larry Humm celebrates a birthday on April 27 Dick Dansingburg celebrates a birthday on May 10 _________________________________________________________________________ Exciting News! The church will open on Sunday, May 2, 2021 according to the Vermont Forward Roadmap to Reopening We will move to universal guidance:
Indoor Gatherings-
After Church, beginning on Sunday, May 16, 2021, we will have coffee hour in the fellowship hall for those who would like to stay. For those who do not yet feel comfortable, both the front and back doors will be open for you to enter or depart from the church! If you have any questions or are unsure about anything please contact Dean or Laura. Please refer to vermont.gov for complete guidance and additional detail. _________________________________________________________________________ April 25th, 2021 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship Fourth Sunday of Easter 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.) The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. For the Lord knows and leads the ways to the sweetest and safest green pastures, and the Lord leads me to drink from the still, cool, clear water. As we gather this day, may we trust in the Good Shepherd to lead us, mold us, and make us; May we trust God’s Holy Spirit to form from us the Body of Christ, the Sacred Space of God in the world. Let us pray: OPENING PRAYER* Good Shepherd, in whom we have safety and provision; as we gather in this place to worship, may we trust you to feed our hungry hearts, soothe our worried minds, and rejuvenate our tired souls so that we may be the Body of Christ for the World when we leave this place. For it is by the power of the Holy Spirit we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN. HYMN 144* This Is My Father’s World READING OF SCRIPTURE Acts 4: 5-12 Psalm 23 P. 754 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 John 10: 1-16 SERMON “Good Shepherd of my Soul” HYMN 377* It Is Well with My Soul JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. 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 98* To God Be the Glory BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* There is no orphan of God; there is no depth too deep, no mountain too high, no hatred too strong, no oppression too great; Not death, nor life, nor angels, or demons, not government or institution, not even the Church, that can separate us from the love and grace of God because of Jesus Christ, the Way, the Door, the Gate, the Good Shepherd. May we live this truth in all we do and say as we leave this place and go into the world to be the Body of Christ. 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 Reading for the April 25 Service HYMN 144* This Is My Father’s World This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought. This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker's praise. This is my Father's world: he shines in all that's fair; in the rustling grass I hear him pass; he speaks to me everywhere. This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad! HYMN 377* It Is Well with My Soul When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Refrain: It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed his own blood for my soul. (Refrain) My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain) And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul. (Refrain) HYMN 363* And Can it Be That I Should Gain, vs. 1,2,4 1. And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior's blood! Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? ‘Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine. 'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more. 'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more. He left his Father's throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!), emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam's helpless race. 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me! 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me! Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night; thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee. My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee. No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine; alive in him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine, bold I approach th' eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own. Bold I approach th' eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own. Psalm 23 P. 754 _________________________________________________________________________
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 those 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 wish to thank Rev. Hannah K. Sotak for leading our worship service this Sunday. 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, April 21, 7:00 pm Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on April 11 were $1265. The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Please continue to 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 George and Linda Thomson's daughter and granddaughter, Amanda and Hailey LaPlatte, and George's niece and her daughter, Chrissy and Emma Reynolds, tested positive for coronavirus, two weeks ago. Prayers for all would be appreciated. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: Lorraine Fitzgibbons, James Almond, Arthur Marin, Jean Eggleston, Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle, Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards, Anne Oakes, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Carl Hagge celebrates a birthday on April 19 Dotti Humm celebrates a birthday on April 24 Bill Kneebone celebrates a birthday on April 25 _________________________________________________________________________ Let’s Say Thank You in a Big Way Have you ever noticed when you arrive at the church in the winter, the driveway is always plowed? For as many years as we can remember Wayne Hammond has plowed the parking area at our church. He has never charged us for his services. It is his donation to the church. We think it is way past time to thank him for his generosity. Let’s put together a gift basket for him with gift certificates, gift cards, homemade goodies, jams, syrups or whatever else you think would be appropriate. You can leave it in the church in the designated box on the table in the social hall or call George or Linda and they will come to you to pick it up. If you would prefer to make a cash contribution, please send a check made out to the United Church, to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. Write Wayne Hammond Gift in the memo line. _________________________________________________________________________ Help Needed! The Church Board is looking for someone to take a few photographs of the town of Ludlow with Okemo in the background, and of the Sanctuary as you first enter. They will be used to illustrate our church profile. If interested contact Laura (laura_lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean (diggerda@aol.com). _________________________________________________________________________ April 18, 2021 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship Third Sunday of Easter 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 gather here today, invited and loved by God to come as we are. Yet God loves us far too much to leave us this way… God has given all of God’s self that we may be made whole. Piece by pieces, moment by moment, breath by breath, we are made new. May God bind us together this day by the power of the Holy Spirit that together, we may be into the Sacred Space that is the Church. Let us pray: OPENING PRAYER* God of all Creation and Recreation who makes us new again each day; gather us in and make from us the Body of Christ that we may, after we leave this time together, become the Body of Christ for the world. For it is in Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN. HYMN 480* O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go READING OF SCRIPTURE Acts 3: 12-19 Psalm 4: 6-8 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!” You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace; For you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety. 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 Luke 24: 36-48 SERMON “When God Speaks in Silence” HYMN 142* If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. 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 363* And Can it Be That I Should Gain, vs. 1,2,4 BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* (written by Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell Used with Permission) The tomb is empty. The stone is rolled away. There is no darkness now, only light. God continues to renew us and restore us. We are forgiven, loved and restored, receiving the gift and promise of new life and resurrection now. Go and share the wondrous news of God’s love in Jesus the Christ. 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 Reading
for the April 18 Service HYMN 480* O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go O Love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, that in thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be. O Light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to thee; my heart restores its borrowed ray, that in thy sunshine's blaze its day may brighter, fairer be. O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow thru the rain, and feel the promise is not vain, that morn shall tearless be. O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; I lay in dust life's glory dead, and from the ground there blossoms red life that shall endless be. HYMN 142* If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee If thou but suffer God to guide thee, and hope in God through all thy ways, God will give strength, whate'er betide thee, and bear thee through the evil days. Who trusts in God's unchanging love builds on the rock that naught can move. Only be still, and wait God's leisure in cheerful hope, with heart content to take whate'er thy Maker's pleasure and all-discerning love hath sent; we know our inmost wants are known, for we are called to be God's own. Sing, pray, and keep God's ways unswerving; so do thine own part faithfully, and trust God's word; though undeserving, thou yet shalt find it true for thee. God never yet forsook at need the soul that trusted God indeed. HYMN 363* And Can it Be That I Should Gain, vs. 1,2,4 And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior's blood! Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? 'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine. 'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more. 'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more. Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night; thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee. My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee. PSALM 4 page 857-858 Reading Verses 6 – 8 only 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 those 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 wish to thank Rev. Bruce Bishop for leading our worship service this Sunday. 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, April 21, 7:00 pm Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on April 4 were $1235. The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Please continue to 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 George and Linda Thomson's daughter and granddaughter, Amanda and Hailey LaPlatte, and George's niece and her daughter, Chrissy and Emma Reynolds, tested positive for coronavirus, last week. Prayers for all would be appreciated. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: Lorraine Fitzgibbons, James Almond, Arthur Marin, Jean Eggleston, Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle, Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards, Anne Oakes, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Carl Hagge celebrates a birthday on April 19 Dotti Humm celebrates a birthday on April 24 Bill Kneebone celebrates a birthday on April 25 _________________________________________________________________________ Let’s Say Thank You in a Big Way Have you ever noticed when you arrive at the church in the winter, the driveway is always plowed? For as many years as we can remember Wayne Hammond has plowed the parking area at our church. He has never charged us for his services. It is his donation to the church. We think it is way past time to thank him for his generosity. Let’s put together a gift basket for him with gift certificates, gift cards, homemade goodies, jams, syrups or whatever else you think would be appropriate. You can leave it in the church in the designated box on the table in the social hall or call George or Linda and they will come to you to pick it up. If you would prefer to make a cash contribution, please send a check made out to the United Church, to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. Write Wayne Hammond Gift in the memo line. _________________________________________________________________________ Help Needed! The Church Board is looking for someone to take a few photographs of the town of Ludlow with Okemo in the background, and of the Sanctuary as you first enter. They will be used to illustrate our church profile. If interested contact Laura (laura_lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean (diggerda@aol.com). _________________________________________________________________________ April 11, 2021 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER 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 327* Crown Him with Many Crowns OPENING PRAYER* 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. God of everlasting mercy hear our prayer today, as we bring our lives before you. We come as people who dwell on the past. We want to face your new day with life and hope in our hearts, but many times the events of our own lives weigh us down. We forget to forgive one another. We dwell on our own past mistakes. We refuse to bury dead issues and worn-out memories. Free us, free us from ourselves, God, so that we might walk new pathways, alive with grace. . . SILENCE (observed for reflection and prayer) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS The Good News in Christ is that God offers us life at every moment, forgiving us, and inviting us to the freshness of new beginnings. May God be praised for this gracious and loving gift. READING OF SCRIPTURE Acts 1: 1-5 Psalm 145 page 857, Response 1 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 John 21: 1-14 SERMON “The Door to the Future” HYMN 382* Have Thine Own Way, Lord JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. 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 600* Wonderful Words of Life 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 and Responsive Reading for the April 11 Service HYMN 327* Crown Him with Many Crowns Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne. Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own. Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee, and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity. Crown him the Lord of life, who triumphed o'er the grave, and rose victorious in the strife for those he came to save. His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high, who died, eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die. Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways from pole to pole, that wars may cease, and all be prayer and praise. His reign shall know no end, and round his pierced feet fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet. Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side, those wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified. All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me; thy praise and glory shall not fail throughout eternity. HYMN 382* Have Thine Own Way, Lord Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the potter; I am the clay. Mold me and make me after thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Search me and try me, Savior today! Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now, as in thy presence humbly I bow. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Wounded and weary, help me I pray! Power, all power, surely is thine! Touch me and heal me, Savior divine! Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Hold o'er my being absolute sway. Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me! HYMN 600* Wonderful Words of Life Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life; let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life; words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty. (Refrain) Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life. Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life. Christ, the blessed one, gives to all wonderful words of life; sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life; all so freely given, wooing us to heaven. (Refrain) Sweetly echo the gospel call, wonderful words of life; offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life; Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever. (Refrain) _________________________________________________________________________ PSALM 145 page 857-858 _________________________________________________________________________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 those 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 wish to thank Rev. Christine Boardman for leading our worship service throughout the Lenten Season and this Easter Sunday morning. 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, April 28, 7:00 pm Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on March 28 were $515. The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Please continue to 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 continue to keep the following in our prayers: Lorraine Fitzgibbons, James Almond, Arthur Marin, Jean Eggleston, Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle, Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards, Anne Oakes, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Bernie and Loren Stolp celebrate an anniversary on April 4 Nancy Hagge celebrates a birthday on April 5 Bob and Sally Watts celebrate an anniversary on April 5 Sally Watts celebrates a birthday on April 9 Christine Boardman celebrates a birthday on April 9 Let’s Say Thank You in a Big Way Have you ever noticed when you arrive at the church in the winter, the driveway is always plowed? For as many years as we can remember Wayne Hammond has plowed the parking area at our church. He has never charged us for his services. It is his donation to the church. We think it is way past time to thank him for his generosity. Let’s put together a gift basket for him with gift certificates, gift cards, homemade goodies, jams, syrups or whatever else you think would be appropriate. You can leave it in the church in the designated box on the table in the social hall or call George or Linda and they will come to you to pick it up. If you would prefer to make a cash contribution, please send a check made out to the United Church, to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. Write Wayne Hammond Gift in the memo line. _________________________________________________________________________ April 4, 2021 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship Easter Sunday Communion Sunday PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS JOYS AND CONCERNS 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 * Easter begins in despair. Our life, our love, our hope forever dead, crushed by boulder, bottled up in a cave. Who will roll away the stone? Easter takes us by surprise, early in the morning. The obstacles we expect to face are removed. Where once death and despair lay locked in time, now the bright light of hope like wings flies out of emptiness. It is at first, too good to be true, unbelievable. Where has he gone? Where have you taken him? The unexpected, the fear might make us run away from the tomb. Be not afraid is a welcome response. We discover Jesus, the crucified, was risen. We recognize the one who loves us having given up his life for us. And all who encounter the Risen One whether gently aroused or doubting find a joy and purpose. What we thought was lost has been found and we are free to believe and to love God, ourselves and others. Christ is risen, risen indeed. Alleluia! HYMN 307 * Christ Is Risen INVOCATION (in unison) Giver of life, we come this morning with our alleluias, lilies, and song. We come to worship with beauty and in truth because we have found the faith to believe in Jesus. He has transformed our lives that we might love without fear. Accept our worship, bless the sacrament we share and be present in the coming time of Spring and the season of Easter. Amen. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Known in all of creation, God’s love is ancient and endures. Our faith may wax and wane while God is steadfast. Let us confess our sin and our need of God. God, we come before you as those who have been baptized into the death of Jesus, and who seek to be raised to new life in Christ. We live with fear, even of death itself. We cannot let go of what would separate us from others and our best selves. You value life and each person and all of creation. Lift us up that we might carry the light of Christ with courage and determination. Forgive us when we neglect our responsibility to serve others and to create a world of goodness, joy, justice, and gentleness. Through Jesus Christ who has promised to be with us always, Amen. SILENCE WORDS OF ASSURANCE PSALM 118:14-24 pp. 839-840 Response 2 GLORIA 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 Mark 16:1-8 SERMON “Now What?” HYMN 311 * Now the Green Blade Riseth 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 * INVITATION COMMUNION PRAYER THE LORD’S PRAYER (trespasses…) BREAKING BREAD AND POURING WINE SHARING THE ELEMENTS PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING * For the healing you have given us in the brokenness of bread and the pouring out of cup, we thank you. For the community that you have restored in us through the sharing of life, we thank you. For the courage and strength that you have promised to us, even as we have honored the ones of courage in our past, we thank you. Send us forth from this place in love, freeing us to work out justice with gentleness and power known in the presence of the Risen Christ, Amen. CLOSING HYMN 310 * He Lives 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 and Responsive Reading
for the April 4 Service HYMN 307 * Christ Is Risen Christ is risen! Shout Hosanna! Celebrate this day of days. Christ is risen! Hush in wonder; all creation is amazed. In the desert all-surrounding, see, a spreading tree has grown. Healing leaves of grace abounding bring a taste of love unknown. Christ is risen! Raise your spirits from the caverns of despair. Walk with gladness in the morning. See what love can do and dare. Drink the wine of resurrection, not a servant, but a friend; Jesus is our strong companion. Joy and peace shall never end. Christ is risen! Earth and heaven nevermore shall be the same. Break the bread of new creation where the world is still in pain. Tell its grim, demonic chorus: "Christ is risen! Get you gone!" God the First and Last is with us. Sing Hosanna everyone! HYMN * 311 Now the Green Blade Riseth Now the green blade riseth, from the buried grain, Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain; Love lives again, that with the dead has been: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green. In the grave they laid Him, Love who had been slain, Thinking that He never would awake again, Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green. Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain, Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain; Quick from the dead my risen Lord is seen: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green. When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain, Jesus' touch can call us back to life again, Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green. HYMN * 310 He Lives I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today I know that He is living, whatever men may say I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer And just the time I need Him He's always near (Refrain) He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today He walks with me and talks with me Along life's narrow way He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart In all the world around me I see His loving care And though my heart grows weary I never will despair I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast The day of His appearing will come at last (Refrain) Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian Lift up your voice and sing Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find None other is so loving, so good and kind (Refrain) _________________________________________________________________________ |