“We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” - Rabindranath Tagore CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services continue at the United Church of Ludlow. The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.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 pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events
Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending August 23, were $720. The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Jean Eggleston will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of August. Prayer Concerns Please keep Susan Kneebone in your prayers. You may write to Susan at Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community, 49 Cedar Hill Drive, Windsor, VT 05089 Please keep Marian Van Guilder who lives in Excelsior, MN, in your prayers. She is the mother of Pam McLaughlin of Mount Holly. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ August 30, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 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.) Blessed be the name of our God from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of God is to be praised. It is good to give thanks to God, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; To declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night. HYMN 577* God of Grace and God of Glory PRAYER OF INVOCATION* We worship you, O God, and thank you that you receive us when we turn to you. We turn to you now, trusting the promise of Jesus Christ to be with us whenever two or three gather in his name. Come to us and fill us with your Spirit of unity and truth, that we may serve you in he world; for we pray in Jesus Name. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 25, Response #1 Hymnal, pages 756-757 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 14: 1, 7-14 SERMON “Insignificant Dots” HYMN 388* O Come and Dwell in Me 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 “All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.” - Deuteronomy 16:17 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* HYMN 396* O Jesus, I Have Promised 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. “We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” - Rabindranath Tagore _________________________________________________________________________ Lyrics to the Hymns for the August 30 Service God of Grace and God of Glory God of grace and God of glory, on the people pour thy power; crown thine ancient church's story, bring her bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour. Lo! the hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ, assail his ways! Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days, for the living of these days. Cure thy children's warring madness, bend our pride to thy control; shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss thy kingdom's goal, lest we miss thy kingdom's goal. Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore; let the search for thy salvation be our glory evermore. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving thee whom we adore, serving thee whom we adore. O Come and Dwell in Me O come and dwell in me, Spirit of power within, and bring the glorious liberty from sorrow, fear, and sin. Hasten the joyful day which shall my sins consume, when old things shall be done away, and all things new become. I want the witness, Lord, that all I do is right, according to thy mind and word, well-pleasing in thy sight. I ask no higher state; indulge me but in this, and soon or later then translate to thine eternal bliss. O Jesus, I Have Promised O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; be thou forever near me, my Master and my friend. I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide. O let me feel thee near me! The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear; my foes are ever near me, around me and within; but Jesus, draw thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin. O let me hear thee speaking in accents clear and still, above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will. O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control; O speak, and make me listen, thou guardian of my soul. O Jesus, thou hast promised to all who follow thee that where thou art in glory there shall thy servant be. And Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend. _________________________________________________________________________ CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services continue on site at the United Church of Ludlow. The doors will open at 9:45 am, and worship will begin at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.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 pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events
Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending 8-16-20 were $1520 including $100 in memory of Pat Liao. The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Jean Eggleston will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of August. Prayer Concerns Please keep Bill and Susan Kneebone in your prayers as Susan begins a new phase of life as a resident at the skilled nursing facility Cedar Hill, Windsor, VT. You may write to Susan at Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community, 49 Cedar Hill Drive, Windsor, VT 05089 We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Annie Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Congratulations to Jean Eggleston on her recognition by the Ludlow Rotary Club as their 2020 Community Service Award recipient for unselfishly devoting herself to working to improve the quality of life in the community as well as providing needy citizens with the means to enhance their lives. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ August 23, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 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* (Matthew 16:13-20) (Please Stand.) Who do you say I am? Some say Moses, some say Elijah, Prophet who comes with a word from the Holy. Who do you say I am? Some say Messiah, some say “Human One” Healer who shares the life of the Holy. Who do you say I am? Some say Emmanuel, God-with-us, Some say Wisdom, teacher of truth Some say Ruler of Peace, Bringer of Justice. And you, Who do you say I am? You are the Body to which we belong; We are your members, each needed, treasured. In you we are transformed into your Hope, your Love, your Vision, You are the One we long for, the One we seek here today, The One who empowers our lives. Come, Let us worship! HYMN 605* Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters PRAYER OF INVOCATION* Holy One, we tell your story today as a conspiracy of hearts; The defiant midwives, the laboring women, the daughter of power and the daughter of poverty join forces to protect the children of Israel and so set the stage for liberation. Meet us here today and show us the gifts we have to offer in the service of your kin-dom-- resilience, clear-sightedness, courage, compassion-- setting the stage for a Just World for All. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 124 Hymnal, pages 846 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 HEBREW PASSAGE Exodus 1:8 - 2:10 SERMON “Cunning, Compassion and Courage” HYMN 358* Dear Lord and Father of Mankind 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 “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers--so many caring people in this world.” (Fred Rogers, 20th Century) 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* HYMN 664* Sent Forth by God's Blessing 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 August 23 Service 605. Wash, O God, Our Sons & Daughters Wash, O God, our sons and daughters, where your cleansing waters flow. Number them among your people; bless as Christ blessed long ago. Weave them garments bright and sparkling; compass them with love and light Fill, anoint them; send your Spirit, holy dove and heart's delight. We who bring them long for nurture; by your milk may we be fed. Let us join your feast, partaking cup of blessing, living bread. God, renew us, guide our footsteps; free from sin and all its snares, one with Christ in living, dying, by your Spirit, children, heirs. Oh, how deep your holy wisdom! Unimagined, all your ways! To your name be glory, honor! With our lives we worship, praise! We your people stand before you, water washed and Spirit born. By your grace, our lives we offer. Recreate us; God, transform! 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. 643. Sent Forth by God’s Blessing Sent forth by God’s blessing, Our true faith confessing, The people of God from His dwelling take leave. The Supper is ended. O now be extended The fruits of this service in all who believe. The seed of His teaching, Receptive souls reaching, Shall blossom in action for God and for all. His grace did invite us, His love shall unite us To work for God’s kingdom and answer His call. With praise and thanksgiving To God ever-living, The tasks of our ev’ryday life we will face. Our faith ever sharing, In love ever caring, Embracing His children of each tribe and race. With Your feast You feed us, With Your light now lead us; Unite us as one in this life that we share. Then may all the living With praise and thanksgiving Give honor to Christ and His name that we bear. “Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate.” - Francis Chan CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services continue on site at the United Church of Ludlow. The doors will open at 9:45 am, and worship will begin at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.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 pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events
Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending July 26 were $540 The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Jean Eggleston will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of August. Prayer Concerns Please keep Bill and Susan Kneebone in your prayers as Susan begins a new phase of life as a resident at Cedar Hill, Windsor, VT, in the skilled nursing section. Please keep Margo Marrone and family in your prayers. Please keep Dean Alexander in your prayers for speedy recovery from his recent surgery. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Annie Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Congratulations to Jean Eggleston on her recognition by the Ludlow Rotary Club as their 2020 Community Service Award recipient for unselfishly devoting herself to working to improve the quality of life in the community as well as providing needy citizens with the means to enhance their lives. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ August 16, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 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 gathered to give witness of the enduring realities of life. We have come to affirm that life is a gift, that the gift is good, and that it comes from God. We are gathered to renew our hope in Jesus Christ, as we travel life’s long journey. We find God in the paths of your present and our past, but we also trust in God’s love in our future. The same God guides us all the way, every day of our lives, and beyond life. Let us praise God with our whole hearts and entrust our lives to God’s hands. HYMN 732* Come, We that Love the Lord PRAYER OF INVOCATION* We give you all praise, O God of salvation. We come with devotion to you, O Christ our redeemer. We honor you, O Holy Spirit, our source of encouragement; one God who sustains us with your love and your presence. Hear our words of reverence as we bow down before you. Grace us with your presence, that we may learn of your way. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 91 Hymnal, pages 810-811 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 Matthew 15: 21-28 SERMON “Out of Order” 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 “I will freely sacrifice to you: I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.” Psalm 54:6 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* HYMN 375* There is a Balm in Gilead 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. “Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate.” - Francis Chan Lyrics of the Hymns
for the August 16 Service 732. Come, We That Love the Lord 1. Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; join in a song with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne. 2. Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God; but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad. 3. The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets before we reach the heavenly fields, or walk the golden streets. 4. Then let our songs abound, and every tear be dry; we're marching through Emmanuel's ground, to fairer worlds on high. 382. Have Thine Own Way, Lord 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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! 4. 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! 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. 1 Some times I feel discouraged, and think my work’s in vain. But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. (Refrain) 2 Don't ever feel discouraged, for Jesus is your friend, and if you look for knowledge he'll ne'er refuse to lend. (Refrain) 3 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) Responsive Reading for the August 16 Service CHURCH SERVICES RESUME at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services have begun on site, again. The doors will open at 9:45 am, and worship will begin at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants’ safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.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 pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events
Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending July 26 were $520 The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of August. Prayer Concerns Please pray for Margo Marrone and family on the passing of her husband, Tom. Please keep Dean Alexander in your prayers for speedy recovery from his recent surgery. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Annie Oakehers, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Congratulations to Jean Eggleston for her recognition by the Ludlow Rotary Club as their 2020 Community Service Award recipient for unselfishly devoting herself to working to improve the quality of life in the community as well as providing needy citizens with the means to enhance their lives. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services to Continue at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ August 9, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 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.) Blessed be the name of our God from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of God is to be praised. It is good to give thanks to God, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; To declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night. HYMN 73* O Worship the King PRAYER OF INVOCATION* O God, for the sun and the stars, the mountains and the valleys, we your children come to you offering our thanks and seeking your presence. Be among us, opening our hearts to the sway of your power and your peace. We dedicate this service to you. We trust that you will work through our songs and our sayings so that we will leave this place knowing your hand has touched us. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 67 Hymnal, page 791 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 12: 35-40 SERMON “Look Again” HYMN 454* Open My Eyes, That I May See 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 “Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6: 33 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* HYMN 663* Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name 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 of the Hymns for the August 9 Service 73. O Worship the King 1. O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing God's power and God's love; our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise. 2. O tell of God's might, O sing of God's grace, whose robe is the light, whose canopy space, whose chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form, and dark is God's path on the wings of the storm. 3. The earth with its store of wonders untold, Almighty, thy power hath founded of old; hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree, and round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea. 4. Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite? It breathes in the air, it shines in the light; it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain. 5. Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, in thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail; thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend. 454. Open My Eyes, That I May See 1. Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me; place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! 2. Open my ears, that I may hear voices of truth thou sendest clear; and while the wavenotes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine! 3. Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere; open my heart and let me prepare love with thy children thus to share. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine! 663. Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name 1. Savior, again to thy dear name we raise with one accord our parting hymn of praise; guard thou the lips from sin, the hearts from shame, that in this house have called upon thy name. 2. Grant us thy peace upon our homeward way; with thee began, with thee shall end the day. From harm and danger keep thy children free, for dark and light are both alike to thee. 3. Grant us thy peace throughout our earthly life; peace to thy church from error and from strife; peace to our land, the fruit of truth and love; peace in each heart, thy Spirit from above; 4. Thy peace in life, the balm of every pain; thy peace in death, the hope to rise again; then, when thy voice shall bid our conflict cease, call us, O Lord, to thine eternal peace. |