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.

 

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

 
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.

            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
​_________________________________________________________________________

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

 

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
​_________________________________________________________________________

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. 
​_________________________________________________________________________

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.

​_________________________________________________________________________