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. _________________________________________________________________________ ANNOUNCEMENTS Our worship this week is led by the Rev. Bruce Bishop, who we thank for this gift. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 27, at 7:00 pm Christmas Flowers Given In loving memory of Jane Creaser Don and Virginia Ellison Pat Liao By: Laura, Allison, and Jesse Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending December 20, 2020, were $770. The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of January. Prayer Concerns We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, as he recovers from Covid-19. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net. Celebrations George Thomson is celebrating a birthday on Jan. 3. _________________________________________________________________________ December 27, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13) And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.) It is good to give thanks to you, O God, To declare your steadfast love in the morning; For you have made us glad by your work; At the works of your hands, we sing for joy. HYMN 224* Good Christian Friends Rejoice 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 Galatians 4: 4-7 PSALM 148 Hymnal, page 861 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 2:22-35 HYMN 221 In a Bleak Midwinter SERMON “A Child of Salvation” HYMN 237* Sing We Now of Christmas 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 250* Once in Royal David’s City 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 December 27 Service HYMN 224 Good Christian Friends Rejoice Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: News, news! Jesus Christ is born today! Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today, Christ is born today! Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice; now ye hear of endless bliss: News, news! Jesus Christ was born for this! He hath opened the heaven's door, and ye are blest forevermore. Christ was born for this, Christ was born for this! Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice; now ye need not fear the grave: News, news! Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save, Christ was born to save! HYMN 221 In a Bleak Midwinter In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago. 2. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. 3. Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss. 4. What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him: give my heart. HYMN 237 Sing We Now of Christmas Sing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here! Hear our grateful praises to the babe so dear. Refrain: Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel! Angels called to shepherds, "Leave your flocks at rest, journey forth to Bethlehem, find the child so blest." (Refrain) In Bethlehem they found him; Joseph and Mary mild, seated by the manger, watching the holy child. (Refrain) From the eastern country came the kings afar, bearing gifts to Bethlehem, guided by a star. (Refrain) Gold and myrrh they took there, gifts of greatest price; there was never a stable so like paradise. (Refrain) HYMN 250 Once in Royal David’s City Once in royal David's city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed; Mary, loving mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little child. He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall. With the poor, the scorned, the lowly lived on earth our Savior holy. Jesus is our childhood's pattern; day by day, like us he grew; he was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew; and he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness. And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love; for that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above; and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone. 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. _________________________________________________________________________ ANNOUNCEMENTS Our worship this week, and throughout the Advent Season is led by Christine Boardman, who we thank for this gift. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Christmas Eve Service - Thursday, December 24, 4:00 P.M. (Zoom only) Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 27, at 7:00 pm Christmas Flowers Given In loving memory of Jane Creaser Don and Virginia Ellison Pat Liao By: Laura, Allison, and Jesse If you would like to donate for Christmas flowers in memory of or in honor of a loved one, please contact Linda Alexander. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending December 6, 2020, were $500. The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of December. Prayer Concerns We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, as he recovers from Covid-19. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net. Pastor Harpster’s Address Reverend Dr. Donald E. Harpster 1716 Horne Creek Drive Durham, North Carolina 27703-7845 Phone: 919-302-6011 don.harpsterNC@gmail.com _________________________________________________________________________In loving memory of Jane Creaser Don and Virginia Ellison Pat Liao Given By: Laura, Allison and Jesse ECCO EXPERIMENT IN COVENANTAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH A Virtual Christmas Eve Service In addition to our Zoom Christmas Eve service from 4 -5 PM a virtual service will be available any time on Christmas Eve Day thanks to the ECCO group. This Virtual Christmas Eve service is produced by a collaboration of members of five area churches called ECCO, Experimental Covenantal Community Outreach. Members from the United Church of Ludlow, the First Congregational Church -UCC, Springfield, the United Church of Bellows Falls -UCC, the Grafton Community Church and the Acworth Congregational Church (NH) each created a segment of the worship service which includes scripture readings and music. There is traditional Christmas music that you can sing to and special music that you can listen to. Linda Thomson is the reader and Dean Alexander is our soloist for this service. Patrick Cody of Okemo Valley Television has generously overseen the production of this virtual service. There are many options for attending this Christmas Eve service safely from the comfort of your own homes. It will be broadcast on three public access television stations serving the area at 7 PM on Christmas Eve. Okemo Valley Television (channel Comcast 1076 and VTel 166), Springfield Area Public Access Television- SAPA (channel Comcast 1077 and VTel 160), and the Falls Area Community Television FACT (channel Comcast 1076 and VTel 172) have all agreed to broadcast it simultaneously for which the participants are grateful. If more flexibility in time is needed or if you do not have access to cable, it will also be available for viewing anytime on Christmas Eve from the websites of each of the stations, on Facebook and on You Tube and from each of the church’s websites. _________________________________________________________________________ December 20, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship Fourth Sunday of Advent – LOVE l 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. THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES O Holy One, we light this fourth candle of love And marvel at your desire to be one with us. Let its flame summon hearts grown cold into the warmth of a people living in the light of Love. Fill our lives with Love, making room there for friends and strangers. God be with us as we work for justice and peace in the service of Hope. God be with us in this Light of Love. CALL TO WORSHIP* Sing out, my soul! Sing of the holiness of God: Who has delighted in humanity; lifted up the poor, satisfied the hungry, given voice to the silent, and grounded the oppressor. God has blessed the full-bellied with emptiness, And given the gift of tears To those who have never wept; God has desired the darkness of the womb, and inhabited our flesh-- Sing of the longing of God: Sing out, my soul! HYMN 203 * Hail to the Lord’s Anointed INVOCATION O Wondrous God, send your Messenger to us today with a word of grace if we are fearful, move us to Confidence. If we are weary, offer us rest. If we are empty, fill us with Hope. We have been searching for you far away. Let us find you at home in our midst, changing hearts and minds urging us to join your work of Love. We pray in the name of the One who is coming, Jesus, the Christ. Amen. THE PSALTER READING Psalm 89 1-4, 19-37 Hymnal page 807 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 PRAYER OF CONFESSION God, we confess that it is not easy to watch and to wait in the wilderness of this time together. Our world worships power and materialism while you send us the Prince of Peace. How difficult it is to speak the truth in love as we witness to your intention of justice while there are louder voices shouting the message of hatred and division. We turn to you now asking for courage and kindness that we may live fully as your beloved children. Forgive us and clear away a path for love every step we take. Silence ASSURANCE OF GRACE THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 1:26-38 SERMON “Birthing a Promise” HYMN 217 * Away in the Manger SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let is Pray. THE LORD’S PRAYER (trespasses) PRAYER RESPONSE 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. CALL TO OUR OFFERING 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 Christmas Hallelujah Dean Alexander 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 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. CLOSING HYMN 242* Love Came Down at Christmas BENEDICTION AND BLESSING * BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE _________________________________________________________________________
Lyrics to the Hymns and Responsive Reading for the December 20 Service HYMN 203 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed Hail to the Lord's Anointed, great David's greater Son! Hail in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free; to take away transgression, and rule in equity. He comes with succor speedy to those who suffer wrong; to help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong; to give them songs for sighing, heir darkness turn to light, whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious in his sight. He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth; love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in his path to birth. Before him, on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go, and righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow. To him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend; his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end. The tide of time shall never his covenant remove; his name shall stand forever; that name to us is love. HYMN 217 Away in the Manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes; I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray; bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. HYMN 242 Love Came Down at Christmas Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine; Love was born at Christmas; star and angels gave the sign. Worship we the Godhead, Love incarnate, Love divine; worship we our Jesus, but wherewith for sacred sign? Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine; love to God and all men, love for plea and gift and sign. 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. _________________________________________________________________________ ANNOUNCEMENTS Our worship this week, and throughout the Advent Season is led by Christine Boardman, who we thank for this gift. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Christmas Eve Service - Thursday, December 24, 4:00 P.M. (Zoom only) Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 27, at 7:00 pm Christmas Flowers If you would like to make a donation for Christmas flowers in memory of or in honor of a loved one, please contact Linda Alexander. If possible, please contact Linda by December 13. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending December 6, 2020, were $500. The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of December. Prayer Concerns We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, as he recovers from Covid-19. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net. Pastor Harpster’s Address Reverend Dr. Donald E. Harpster 1716 Horne Creek Drive Durham, North Carolina 27703-7845 Phone: 919-302-6011 don.harpsterNC@gmail.com _________________________________________________________________________ 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 Advent Bible Study “A Walk with Mary” continues during Advent, with the final session on Thursday, December 17th at 7 pm by Zoom. E-mail Diane Holme at holmelaw@vermontel.net if you would like to join in or try it out. _________________________________________________________________________ December 13, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship THIRD Sunday of Advent – JOY 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. A READING 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES O Holy One, we light this third candle, and delight in the sparkle of its outrageous reminder to “rejoice”! Let its flame cast light into shadowy places and show where work is to be done. Let a community of builders be formed in the Light of Joy. Let Joy find home in our hearts, and make space for your presence there, As we work for justice and peace in the service of Love. God be with us in this Light of Joy. CALL TO WORSHIP* Rejoice! The spirit of God is sending us: to bring good news to the oppressed, to comfort the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to proclaim the year of favor among God’s people. Rejoice! The work of the Spirit is calling us: to rebuild ancient relationships ruined by injustice, to repair the cities as places of hope, to restore land devastated across generations. to proclaim the year of favor among God’s people. Rejoice! The Glory of the Spirit is leading us: to cast off any faint spirit and put on the mantle of praise, to take root as the plantings of the HOLY ONE, to display God’s glory. Come, let us worship in Joy! HYMN 198 * My Soul Gives Glory to my God INVOCATION Holy One, builder who delights in making spaces of safety and beauty, Matchmaker who rejoices in presenting new spouses with a future of hope, fill us today with the gifts we need to join you in your life-sustaining, hope-giving work in the world; let us share your joyful vision of beauty and justice in this world you have created and loved. In the name of the One who is coming, Amen. THE PSALTER READING Psalm 126 Hymnal page 847 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. WITNESS TO JOY Instead of a typical Confession of Sin, today let us try something that may be equally challenging in light of the difficult year we have spent: Let’s give witness instead to signs of Joy in our midst, signs that our God is doing something new, and calling us to faithfulness in our contexts. What are signs of hope, of encouragement, of change, of comfort, that point to the Holy One at work? Are there signs which call us to join in, or amplify these signs in our community? Encourage people to answer out loud. Assurance of Grace Holy one, we give you thanks that you meet us in our struggles, and call us into a future of hope and joy. You have promised to be faithful, and we open our hearts to you in trust, in the name of the one you send, Jesus. THE GOSPEL LESSON John 1:6-8, 19-28 SERMON “An inside job” HYMN 211 * O Come, O Come, Emmanuel SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. THE LORD'S PRAYER (trespasses) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. CALL TO OUR OFFERING 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 AND 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 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. CLOSING HYMN 216* Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming BENEDICTION AND BLESSING * BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE _________________________________________________________________________ Lyrics to the Hymns
and Responsive Reading for the December 13 Service HYMN 198 My Soul Gives Glory to my God My soul gives glory to my God, My heart pours out its praise. God lifted up my lowliness in many marvelous ways. My God has done great things for me: Yes, holy is this Name. All people will declare me blessed, And blessings they shall claim. From age to age to all who fear, Such mercy love imparts, Dispensing justice far and near, Dismissing selfish hearts. Love casts the mighty from their thrones, Promotes the insecure, Leaves hungry spirits satisfied; The rich seem suddenly poor. Praise God, whose loving covenant supports those in distress, Remembering past promises With present faithfulness. HYMN 211 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times did give the law in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem, unto your own and rescue them! From depths of hell your people save, and give them victory o'er the grave. Refrain\ O come, O Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home. Make safe for us the heavenward road and bar the way to death's abode. Refrain O come, O Bright and Morning Star, and bring us comfort from afar! Dispel the shadows of the night and turn our darkness into light. Refrain O come, O King of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind. Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain HYMN 216 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming From tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse's lineage coming As men of old have sung. It came, a flower bright, Amid the cold of winter When half-gone was the night. Isaiah 'twas foretold it, The Rose I have in mind: With Mary we behold it, The virgin mother kind. To show God's love aright She bore to men a Savior When half-gone was the night. This Flower, whose fragrance tender With sweetness fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor The darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God, From sin and death He saves us And lightens every load 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. _________________________________________________________________________ ANNOUNCEMENTS Our worship this week, and throughout the Advent Season is led by Christine Boardman, who we thank for this gift. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, December 9, at 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Service - Thursday, December 24, 5:00 P.M. (Zoom only) Christmas Flowers If you would like to make a donation for Christmas flowers in memory of or in honor of a loved one, please contact Linda Alexander. If possible, please contact Linda by December 13. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending November 29, 2020, were $1220. 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 December. 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. Pastor Harpster’s Address Reverend Dr. Donald E. Harpster 1716 Horne Creek Drive Durham, North Carolina 27703-7845 Phone: 919-302-6011 _________________________________________________________________________ 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 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. _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ December 6, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship Second Sunday of Advent – PEACE 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. SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS A Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 The Lighting of the Advent Candles O Holy One, we light this second candle, A candle offering peaceful comfort to weary spirits after a year of pain and loss. Let its glow remind us of your tender care and warm our lives in the Light of Peace. Let it guide us to your presence in our midst, Leading us to your Justice and Joy in the service of Love. God be with us in this Light of Peace. Call to Worship * Let us hear what God will speak, Tender words for a burdened people: Comfort, comfort, my people! The days of sorrow are ending! Let us hear what God will speak, Encouraging words for an anxious people: Prepare a way for the Holy One, Through deserts of despair build a highway for our God! Let us hear what God will speak, words of vision for a weary people: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss! Come, let us worship! Hymn 200 * Tell Out, My Soul Invocation O Holy One, you are tender shepherd, architect of the Way, beguiling hope of all who go looking for you deep in their lives. Surprise us here with sweetness, challenge, vision. Surprise us with whatever we may need in this moment to recognize you and follow you into the future. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Beloved. AMEN. THE PSALTER READING PSALM 85 Hymnal page 806 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 The year past has been riddled with crisis and losses: Covid-19, natural disasters of fire and hurricane, exposure of societal injustices rooted in racist and sexist structures, and painful political reckonings. In this moment we are called to examine our hearts for our role in the last year: to name what traditionally have been called Sins of Commission-- that is, what we may have done to contribute to the pain and chaos of these days; Sins of Omission-- that is, what we may have left undone which contributed to the pain, or failed to help alleviate suffering. Silence ASSURANCE OF GRACE Comfort, comfort, my people, says the God of Justice and Compassion. You are forgiven your sin, And showered with grace to change your life, And to work toward the kingdom of the One who is to Come: New heavens and new earth, where righteousness is at home. Amen. THE GOSPEL READING Mark 1:1-8 A MEDITATION HYMN 204 Emmanuel, Emmanuel Call To Our Offering 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 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. AN ORDER FOR COMMUNION THE INVITATION – HYMNAL 618 THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION SHARING THE BREAD AND WINE THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION CLOSING HYMN 218* It Came Upon the Midnight Clear BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* Go forth into the world energized to seek signs of God’s future everywhere: especially in the unruly, unkempt, and persistent voices of Prophets in our midst: calling us to prepare the way in our lives and our world For the Holy One who is coming! Amen. BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE _________________________________________________________________________ Lyrics to the Hymns and Responsive Reading for the December 6 Service 200 Tell Out, My Soul Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice; tender to me the promise of God's word; in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of God's name! Make known God's might, who wondrous deeds has done; God's mercy sure, from age to age the same; God's holy name, the Lord, the mighty One. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of God's might! Powers and dominions lay their glory by; proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight, the hungry fed, the humble lifted high. Tell out, my soul, the glories of God's word! Firm is the promise and God's mercy sure. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord to children’s children and forevermore! 204 Emmanuel, Emmanuel Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel God with us, revealed in us His name is called Emmanuel 218 It Came upon the Midnight Clear It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: "Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven's all-gracious King." The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing. Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled, and still their heavenly music floats o'er all the weary world; above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing, and ever o'er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow, look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing. O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing! For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old, when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing. _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
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