CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net 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. _________________________________________________________________________ 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, December 9, at 6:30 pm Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending November 22, 2020, were $1045. 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 November. Prayer Concerns 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. _________________________________________________________________________ A New Way for Churches Bob Kottkamp and George Thomson have participated in a weekly Zoom partnership called ECCO (Experiment in Covenantal Community Outreach). It is an idea born of a need for pastoral leadership along the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire. It consists of four small churches (Acworth, NH, Bellows Falls, Ludlow and Springfield) all facing problems and trying to stay alive and vibrant to serve their congregations. All the churches are dealing with the fact that they are looking for part time pastors with few if any candidates. It is challenging if not impossible to even find interim pastors. We are working on establishing a collaborative covenantal cluster of possibly one ordained minister, and a combination of licensed lay ministers, semi-retired pastors, and student pastors to support one another and our individual congregations. We have been working with the Conference in developing this model of church leadership. The goal would be to have a person in our houses of worship every Sunday to lead our worship services and then provide opportunities for all the churches to gather together for a wide variety of activities. Now these other activities would be provided virtually through Zoom. Advent Bible Study “A Walk with Mary” during Advent, starting Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm by Zoom for three weeks. E-mail Diane Holme at holmelaw@vermontel.net if you would like to join in or try it out. _________________________________________________________________________ This link provides a quick and easy way to support a second COVID Relief Bill. Across the country COVID cases are rising dramatically. The fall and winter ahead of us hold significant challenge, especially at a time when many people are already facing extreme hardship. People in every community are facing hunger and the threat of eviction or homelessness, in alarming numbers. Since May more than eight million more people have been forced into poverty; many of them Black people and children. The pandemic and the resultant economic disaster won’t go away anytime soon, and Congress needs to start acting like they care by passing a COVID relief bill that is significant in scope; addressing: childcare, paid leave, housing and nutrition assistance, as well as providing funding for state/local/tribal governments to keep essential services running, _________________________________________________________________________ November 29, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship First Sunday of Advent - Hope 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. LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE – HOPE We light this candle to proclaim the coming of the light of God into the world. With the coming of this light there is hope. Because of Christ we not only have hope, but believe that good is stronger than evil. God wants us to work for good in this world. CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.) After such suffering, We watch for a sign, any sign. The sun seems to dim, the moon fails, the stars fall. We need a sign, any sign. Be aware, stay awake, change is coming. We hope that the Human One is on the way, gathering the faithful from the four winds, into a place of peace – We need a sign, any sign. Be aware, stay awake, change is coming. Nature once offered signs to depend on: The fig tree put out tender leaves, and we knew summer was near-- But climate today Is hurting, and unpredictable. We need a sign, any sign. Be aware, stay awake, change is coming. So together we search for a sign of the One who is coming-- Clarity in confusion. Green shoot in a barren landscape. Song arising in a weary soul. Be aware, stay awake, change is coming Come, let us worship! HYMN 131* We Gather Together Invocation Come into our midst, O Holy One, Rider of the Clouds of Heaven, Surprising answer to heartfelt prayer. In whatever way you choose-- Come. Shake us up. Help us find you at work in our lives Showing the way to make all things new. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 80: 1 – 7, Hymnal page 801 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 of Confession This has been a year to lament-- Grief and loss, Crisis when social structures have failed the common good Complicity when age-old prejudices found new and cruel expression: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. This has been a year to wake up-- To read the “signs of the times” To wake up to painful truths, and give them voice To ponder the changes needed for a just world for all: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. This has been a year to call God into our sorry midst-- Show us your face! Encourage us in the face of brutal realities, Empower us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you On the way in which you make all things new. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Silence Assurance of Grace God is faithful, and gives us grace in Christ Jesus. In this fellowship we can count on being in enriched In speech, in knowledge, in every spiritual gift. Let us give thanks, in Christ, we are forgiven and sent forth to work for God’s reign among us. SERMON “Watching and Waiting” HYMN 196* Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 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 In struggle and in joy, God is faithful to us. We bring forth our offerings – our tithes, our treasures, our least coins – to demonstrate our faithfulness to God. 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* O Faithful One, accept these gifts of our hearts and hands. May they be multiplied and magnified as the living presence of Christ in the world. Amen. HYMN 210* Toda la Tierra – All Earth is Waiting BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* Send us into the world refreshed in hope, Awake, alert, attuned to your presence ready to join your work of blessing for all. 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 November 29 Service HYMN 131 We Gather Together We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing; he chastens and hastens his will to make known. The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing. Sing praises to his name; he forgets not his own. Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine; so from the beginning the fight we were winning; thou, Lord, wast at our side, all glory be thine! We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant, and pray that thou still our defender wilt be. Let thy congregation escape tribulation; thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free! HYMN 196 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne. HYMN 210 Toda la Terra – All Earth is Waiting All earth is waiting to see the Promised one, And the open furrows, the sowing of the Lord. All the world, bound and struggling, seeks true liberty; it cries out for justice and searches for the truth. Thus says the prophet to those of Israel, “A virgin mother will bear Emmanuel” for his name is “God with us,“ our brother shall be, with him hope will blossom once more with-in our hearts. Mountains and valleys will have to be made plain; open new highways, new highways for the Lord. He is now coming closer, so come all and see, and open the doorways as wide as wide can be. In lowly stable the Promised one appeared, Yet, feel his presence throughout the earth today, For he lives in all Christians and is with us now; again, with his coming he brings us liberty CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net 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. _________________________________________________________________________ The peace of God be with you, The peace of Christ be with you, The peace of the Holy Spirit be with you and with your loved ones, for an hour, for ever, for eternity. Amen - a Scottish Prayer _________________________________________________________________________ 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, December 9, at 6:30 pm Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending November 15 were $2945. Donations for the church accessibility project were $850. 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 November. Prayer Concerns 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 Lee Kafer celebrates a birthday on November 25. Bob and Ginny Kottkamp celebrate an anniversary on November 26. _________________________________________________________________________ A New Way for Churches Bob Kottkamp and George Thomson have participated in a weekly Zoom partnership called ECCO (Experiment in Covenantal Community Outreach). It is an idea born of a need for pastoral leadership along the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire. It consists of four small churches (Acworth, NH, Bellows Falls, Ludlow and Springfield) all facing problems and trying to stay alive and vibrant to serve their congregations. All the churches are dealing with the fact that they are looking for part time pastors with few if any candidates. It is challenging if not impossible to even find interim pastors. We are working on establishing a collaborative covenantal cluster of possibly one ordained minister, and a combination of licensed lay ministers, semi-retired pastors, and student pastors to support one another and our individual congregations. We have been working with the Conference in developing this model of church leadership. The goal would be to have a person in our houses of worship every Sunday to lead our worship services and then provide opportunities for all the churches to gather together for a wide variety of activities. Now these other activities would be provided virtually through Zoom. _________________________________________________________________________ ECCO EXPERIMENT IN COVENANTAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH Thanksgiving Bible Study Thursday, November 26th Bible Study at 10 am by Zoom. Luke 17:11-19. “Gratitude”. Open to all. This has been an ongoing group since Lent with new folks joining in. All are welcome. Advent Bible Study “A Walk with Mary” during Advent, starting Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm by Zoom for three weeks. E-mail Diane Holme at holmelaw@vermontel.net if you would like to join in or try it out. This link provides a quick and easy way to support a second COVID Relief Bill. Across the country COVID cases are rising dramatically. The fall and winter ahead of us hold significant challenge, especially at a time when many people are already facing extreme hardship. People in every community are facing hunger and the threat of eviction or homelessness, in alarming numbers. Since May more than eight million more people have been forced into poverty; many of them Black people and children. The pandemic and the resultant economic disaster won’t go away anytime soon, and Congress needs to start acting like they care by passing a COVID relief bill that is significant in scope; addressing: childcare, paid leave, housing and nutrition assistance, as well as providing funding for state/local/tribal governments to keep essential services running, _________________________________________________________________________ November 22, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: REIGN OF CHRIST SUNDAY PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude for quiet meditation to prepare 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 God’s people. Worship the Holy One with gladness; Come into God’s presence with singing. Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and God’s courts with praise. Make a joyful noise! For God is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever, and God’s faithfulness to all generations. Let us worship with thanks and joy! Let us praise God in song and word and prayer HYMN 185 * When Morning Gilds the Skies OPENING PRAYER * CONFESSION OF SIN Loving God, too often, we overlook the needs of people around us while we proclaim our devotion to you. We could do so much more to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, to welcome the stranger, and heal the sick. We fail to see how our prison system diminishes the humanity of all of us, how our medical system denies healing to the poor, how poverty leaves children without coats, how legal obstacles keep the strangers at a distance. Open our eyes to see your presence in every person, and to respond to their needs so that we may be rightly called by your name. Amen. SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS READING OF SCRIPTURE Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 PSALM 100 Hymnal, page 821, 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 Matthew 25:31-46 SERMON “Wanted: Lost Sheep” HYMN * Oh For a World Where Everyone… Sung to the tune of Hymn # 87 O for a world where everyone respects each other's ways, where love is lived, and all is done with justice and with praise. O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved. We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice. The poor are rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn, outcasts belong, who perishes will rise. O for a world preparing for God's glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease. 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 Generosity may come as an impulse, but it is cultivated by the practice of regular giving. Let us today move from beliefs to actions that make a difference in the world. We give in gratitude for God’s gifts to us, and we give because we need to live beyond ourselves. Use this time of offering as an opportunity to grow and to grow the realm of God. 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* God of abundance, we give these offerings of material goods as our commitment to give back to you and to care for your people. Let our giving remind us to see Jesus all around us. Use our offerings of money and of our lives for ministry to your purposes. Amen. 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. Our Service this week is offered by Diane Holme, a member of the ECCO group, which is working to develop new ways to sustain our churches. _________________________________________________________________________ Lyrics to the Hymns
and Responsive Reading for the November 22 Service HYMN 185 When Morning Gilds the Skies When morning gilds the skies my heart awaking cries: May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer, to Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised! The night becomes as day when from the heart we say: May Jesus Christ be praised! The powers of darkness fear when this sweet chant they hear: May Jesus Christ be praised! Let all the earth around ring joyous with the sound: May Jesus Christ be praised! In heaven's eternal bliss the loveliest strain is this: May Jesus Christ be praised! Be this, while life is mine, my canticle divine: May Jesus Christ be praised! Be this th' eternal song through all the ages long: May Jesus Christ be praised! Oh For a World Where Everyone… Sung to the tune of Hymn # 87 O for a world where everyone respects each other's ways, where love is lived, and all is done with justice and with praise. O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved. We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice. The poor are rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn, outcasts belong, who perishes will rise. O for a world preparing for God's glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease. 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. CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net 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. _________________________________________________________________________ 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 Windham Association Meeting, Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, December 9, at 6:30 pm. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending November 8, 2020 were $300. Memorial donations to Pat Liao were $1,346.34. 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 November. Prayer Concerns 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 Otto Behrens celebrates a birthday on November 20. _________________________________________________________________________ Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We 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. _________________________________________________________________________ A New Way for Churches For the past 7 months, Bob Kottkamp and George Thomson have participated in a weekly Zoom partnership called ECCO (Experiment in Covenantal Community Outreach). It is an idea born of a need for pastoral leadership along the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire. It consists of four small churches (Acworth, NH, Bellows Falls, Ludlow and Springfield) all facing problems and trying to stay alive and vibrant to serve their congregations. All the churches are dealing with the fact that they are looking for part time pastors with few if any candidates. It is challenging if not impossible to even find interim pastors. We are working on establishing a collaborative covenantal cluster of possibly one ordained minister, and a combination of licensed lay ministers, semi-retired pastors and student pastors to support one another and our individual congregations. We have been working with the Conference in developing this model of church leadership. The goal would be to have a person in our houses of worship every Sunday to lead our worship services and then provide opportunities for all the churches to gather together for a wide variety of activities. At the moment these other activities would be provided virtually through Zoom. _________________________________________________________________________ Looking for an Opportunity for Bible Study We have not had bible study offered in our sanctuary for a long time. ECCO is a vehicle for this and in fact is already doing so on a weekly basis. The exciting news is that anyone from all four congregations can participate from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Currently Bible Study is on Thursday mornings from 10 am – 11 am. The current topic is “Into the Wilderness” and is available for everyone. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. I understand that it is a very collegial group and everyone has an opportunity to participate. It is not a lecture! _________________________________________________________________________ Coming Attractions This Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Windham Union Association meeting with Speaker, Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr., President of Chicago Theological Seminary. “He is the President of the Society for the Study of Black Religion. Having written and lectured broadly in the areas of Systematic Theology, African American religion, human rights and the intersection of religion and politics, President Ray’s current work focuses on reinvigorating the public square as a place for all and reclaiming a vital expression of progressive religion in that project.” It will be via Zoom and the link sent out to you for your church’s participation. Thursday, November 26th -Thanksgiving Gathering during Bible Study time. All are welcome. Content in progress. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm- Advent Bible Study for 4 weeks. A Walk with Mary. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. If you have any questions and/or need information on how to connect via Zoom to any of these opportunities please feel free to contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation or contact George at thomson131vt@gmail or Bob at rkottkamp@gmail.com _________________________________________________________________________ Our Service this week is being offered by Peter Andrews, a member of the ECCO group, which is working to develop new ways to sustain our churches. Our pianist the week is Martha Stretton, of Chester, VT, who has graciously agreed to help us while Terry recuperates from her surgery. November 15, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship 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.) 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 117* O God Our Help in Ages Past OPENING PRAYER* RESPONSIVE READING One: Where should I look for help in my need? All: To the majestic mountain peaks that probe our skies or the giants of industry that hem in our cities? One: To the satellites that circle our world or the computers that store up our knowledge? All: The answer to my problems, the fulfillment of my needs must come from God himself, from him who created the skies and the mountains and man to dwell in their midst! One: He is the great God who knows our every desire, whose watchful eye is upon us night and day. All: We can make no move without his knowledge One: His concern for his children is constant; his love for them is eternal. And thus the Lord will keep you, shielding you from the forces of evil as a shade tree shields you from the rays of the blazing sun. All: He does care for you, and he will fight with you against the enemies of your soul. Whether you be coming or going, he knows the course you take and he will go before you. 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 SERMON “Practice Makes Perfect” HYMN 110* A Mighty Fortress is Our God 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 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 451* Be Now My Vision BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* CLOSING ANTHEM Spirit of Life 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 November 15 Service 117. O God, Our Help in Ages Past O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home! Under the shadow of thy throne, still may we dwell secure; sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure. Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting, thou art God, to endless years the same. A thousand ages, in thy sight, are like an evening gone; short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun. Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all who breathe away; they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come; be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home. 110. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth, his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us. The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours, thru him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill; God's truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever. 451. Be Thou My Vision Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that thou art; Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my Wisdom, and thou my true Word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, and I thy true son, Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise; Thou mine inheritance, now and always; Thou and thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my treasure thou art. High King of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. CHURCH SERVICES CONTINUE at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) _________________________________________________________________________ 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. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get information about Zoom access. 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 Annual Meeting, Sunday, November 8, following the service. Dedication of newly completed, accessible rear entrance will occur immediately after the meeting. Windham Association Meeting, Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, December 9, at 7:00 pm. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending November , 2020, were $885. Contributions for the Access project were $12,300.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 November. Prayer Concerns 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. Celebrations Anne Oakes celebrates a birthday on November 12. _________________________________________________________________________ UNITED CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting of the United Church of Ludlow will be held today, Sunday, November 8, 2020, beginning immediately after the service. The congregation will review the events of the past year and plan for the future, as we review the Annual Report. We will elect members to the Executive Board and the various committees that work to ensure the continued operation of the church. There are vacancies for Board President, Board Vice-President, Board Clerk, and an Auditor, an Outreach Committee and an Altar Guild member. If you wish to volunteer for one of these positions, contact George Thomson (802-228-6275 or thomson131vt@gmail.com). _________________________________________________________________________ Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We 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. _________________________________________________________________________ A New Way for Churches For the past 7 months, Bob Kottkamp and George have participated in a weekly Zoom partnership called ECCO (Experiment in Covenantal Community Outreach). It is an idea born of a need for pastoral leadership along the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire. It consists of four small churches (Acworth, NH, Bellows Falls, Ludlow and Springfield) all facing problems and trying to stay alive and vibrant to serve their congregations. All the churches are dealing with the fact that they are looking for part time pastors with few if any candidates. It is challenging if not impossible to even find interim pastors. We are working on establishing a collaborative covenantal cluster of possibly one ordained minister, and a combination of licensed lay ministers, semi-retired pastors and student pastors to support one another and our individual congregations. We have been working with the Conference in developing this model of church leadership. The goal would be to have a person in our houses of worship every Sunday to lead our worship services and then provide opportunities for all the churches to gather together for a wide variety of activities. At the moment these other activities would be provided virtually through Zoom. Looking for an Opportunity for Bible Study? We have not had bible study offered in our sanctuary for a long time. ECCO is a vehicle for this and in fact is already doing so on a weekly basis. The exciting news is that anyone from all four congregations can participate from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Currently Bible Study is on Thursday mornings from 10 am – 11 am. The current topic is “Into the Wilderness” and is available for everyone. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. I understand that it is a very collegial group and everyone has an opportunity to participate. It is not a lecture! Coming Attractions Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Windham Union Association meeting with Speaker, Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr., President of Chicago Theological Seminary. “He is the President of the Society for the Study of Black Religion. Having written and lectured broadly in the areas of Systematic Theology, African American religion, human rights and the intersection of religion and politics, President Ray’s current work focuses on reinvigorating the public square as a place for all and reclaiming a vital expression of progressive religion in that project.” It will be via Zoom and the link sent out to you for your church’s participation. Thursday, November 26th -Thanksgiving Gathering during Bible Study time. All are welcome. Content in progress. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm- Advent Bible Study for 4 weeks. A Walk with Mary. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. If you have any questions and/or need information on how to connect via Zoom to any of these opportunities please feel free to contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation or contact George at thomson131vt@gmail or Bob at rkottkamp@gmail.com _________________________________________________________________________ November 8, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship TWENTY-THIRD 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.) 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 400* Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing 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 (Silence may be 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 Romans 12: 7-16 PSALM 70 Hymnal, page 793 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 18: 1-5 SERMON “Child Like, Not Childish” HYMN 399* Take My Life and Let it Be 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 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 593* Here I Am, Lord 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 November 8 Service 400. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love. Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I'm come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above. 399. Take My Life, and Let It Be Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love. Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee. Take my voice, and let me sing, always, only, for my King. Take my lips, and let them be, filled with messages from thee. Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose. Take my will, and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee. 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 Chorus 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, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? [Chorus] I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people's pain I have wept for love of them, They turn away. [Chorus] I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone I will speak my words to them, Whom shall I send? [Chorus] 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 [Chorus] Finest bread I will provide, 'Til their hearts be satisfied I will give my life to them, Whom shall I send? [Chorus] _________________________________________________________________________ |