CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services continue at the United Church of Ludlow. The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get information about Zoom access. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7:00 pm. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending September 13, 2020, were 1,420. 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 September. Prayer Concerns Please keep Anne Matulonis in your prayers as she continues her recovery from a broken hip. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: Dean Alexander, James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. If you wish to add someone to the Prayer List, please send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net. Celebrations If you wish to add someone to the Celebrations List, please send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ September 20, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship SIXTEENTH 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* (inspired by Matthew 20:1-16) (Please Stand.) Our eyes are heavy. Our hope is soaring. We wait in the marketplace. Our God is gracious. Our feet are tired. Our expectations rise. We are hired first. Our God is merciful. Our backs are sore. Our spirits are low. We are paid last. Our God is slow to anger. Our tempers flare. Our anger rages. We take what belongs to us. Our God abounds in steadfast love. Let us worship God! HYMN 494* Kum Ba Yah OPENING PRAYER* (inspired by Matthew 20:1-16) Call all the laborers, O God, call your laborers who woke early, Call your laborers who came late, call your laborers who feel wronged, Call your laborers who feel overlooked. Call your laborers who have no employment, Call your laborers who can't feed their children with this wage, Call your laborers who know they are working in your fields, Call your laborers who use their wage to increase your love, Call all your laborers, O God, tell us to roll up our sleeves For we know that we have work to do. Let us find you in the work we share here and now, in Christ's presence we pray. Amen. PRAYER OF CONFESSION If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1: 8-9) Let us confess our sins before God and one another. God of forgiveness grant us your favor as we make our confession. You call us to excellence: we fall short of your confidence in us. You grant to us grace: we abuse your gifts. You expect our decisions to match your desires, our love to be genuine in obeying your will: yet we trust our appetites rather than relying on your goodness. We look to our comfort rather than our neighbor’s need. In Christ, have mercy on us and forgive our sin. SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS Paul assures us of God’s reconciling graciousness when he writes, “You know the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ, that though he was rich yet for your sake he became poor, so that by the poverty you might become rich.” In Christ we may dwell in the richness of God’s favor, and rest assured in the fullness of God’s redeeming forgiveness. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 145:8-21 Hymnal, pages 857-858 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. EPISTLE LESSON Philippians 1:21-30 THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 20: 1-16 SERMON "How do we keep the faith?" HYMN 534* Be Still, My Soul JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also, with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE When our eyes are heavy, we dream of another world. When our spirits are low, we turn to each other. When our anger flares, we need each other's gifts most. We give our gifts of tithes and offerings to create your realm of heaven. OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 670* Go Forth for 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. _______________________________________________________________________ Lyrics of the Hymns
for the September 20 Service 494. Kum Ba Yah Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah. Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah. Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah. Oh, Lord, kum ba yah! Someone's praying, Lord, kum ba yah. Someone's praying, Lord, kum ba yah. Someone's praying, Lord, kum ba yah. Oh,, Lord, kum ba yah! Someone's crying, Lord, kum ba yah. Someone's crying, Lord, kum ba yah. Someone's crying, Lord, kum ba yah. Oh, Lord, kum ba yah! Someone needs you, Lord, kum ba yah. Someone needs you, Lord, kum ba yah. Someone needs you, Lord, kum ba yah. Oh, Lord, kum ba yah! Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah. Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah. Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah. Oh, Lord, kum ba yah! Let us praise the Lord, kum ba yah. Let us praise the Lord, kum ba yah. Let us praise the Lord, kum ba yah. Oh, Lord, kum ba yah! 534. Be Still, My Soul Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to your God to order and provide; in every change God faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul: your God will undertake to guide the future, as in ages past. Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know the Christ who ruled them while he dwelt below. Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored. Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last. 670. Go Forth for God Go forth for God, go to the world in peace; be of good courage, armed with heavenly grace, in God's good Spirit daily to increase, till in the kingdom we see face to face. Go forth for God, go to the world in peace. Go forth for God, go to the world in love; strengthen the faint, give courage to the weak; help the afflicted; richly from above God's love supplies the grace and power we seek. Go forth for God, go to the world in love. Go forth for God, go to the world in strength; hold fast the good, be urgent for the right; render to no one evil; Christ at length shall overcome all darkness with his light. Go forth for God, go to the world in strength. Go forth for God, go to the world in joy, to serve God's people every day and hour, and serving Christ, our every gift employ, rejoicing in the Holy Spirit's power. Go forth for God, go to the world in joy. CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services continue at the United Church of Ludlow. The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get information about Zoom access. “Forgive others as quickly as you expect God to forgive you.” - Anonymous A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7:00 pm. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending September 6 were $690. 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 September. Prayer Concerns Please keep Anne Matulonis in your prayers as she continues her recovery from a broken hip. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: Dean Alexander, James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Linda and Dean Alexander are celebrating an anniversary on Sept. 13th. Beth Almond is celebrating a birthday on Sept. 13th. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. ________________________________________________________________________ September 13, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship FIFTEENTH 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.) May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. May you have the power to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. Now to the One who is able to accomplish far more than all we can ask or imagine. To God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Let us worship God! HYMN 98* To God Be the Glory OPENING PRAYER* PRAYER OF CONFESSION If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1: 8-9) Let us confess our sins before God and one another. God of forgiveness grant us your favor as we make our confession. You call us to excellence: we fall short of your confidence in us. You grant to us grace: we abuse your gifts. You expect our decisions to match your desires, our love to be genuine in obeying your will: yet we trust our appetites rather than relying on your goodness. We look to our comfort rather than our neighbor’s need. In Christ, have mercy on us and forgive our sin. . . . SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS Paul assures us of God’s reconciling graciousness when he writes, “You know the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ, that though he was rich yet for your sake he became poor, so that by the poverty you might become rich.” In Christ we may dwell in the richness of God’s favor, and rest assured in the fullness of God’s redeeming forgiveness. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 103 Hymnal, pages 824-825 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: 21-35 SERMON “Underlined For All Eternity!” HYMN 121* There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also, with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20: 35 OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 348* Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling 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. “Forgive others as quickly as you expect God to forgive you.” - Anonymous Lyrics to the Hymns
for the September 13 Service 98. To God Be the Glory To God be the glory, great things he hath done! So loved he the world that he gave us his Son, who yielded his life an atonement for sin, and opened the life-gate that all may go in. Refrain: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear his voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice! O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, and give him the glory, great things he hath done! O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, to every believer the promise of God; the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. (Refrain) Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done, and great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son; but purer, and higher, and greater will be our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. (Refrain) 121. There's a Wideness in God's Mercy There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea; there’s a kindness in God's justice, which is more than liberty. There is welcome for the sinner, and more graces for the good! There is mercy with the Savior; there is healing in his blood. For the love of God is broader than the measure of our mind; and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. If our love were but more simple, we should rest upon God's word; and our lives would be illumined by the presence of our Lord. 348. Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me; see, on the portals he's waiting and watching, watching for you and for me. Refrain: Come home, come home; you who are weary come home; earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home! Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, pleading for you and for me? Why should we linger and heed not his mercies, mercies for you and for me? [Refrain] Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, passing from you and from me; shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming, coming for you and for me. [Refrain] O for the wonderful love he has promised, promised for you and for me! Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me. [Refrain] _____________________________________________________________________ CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services continue at the United Church of Ludlow. CelebrationsThe doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7:00 pm. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending August 31 were $420. The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Prayer Concerns Please keep Susan Kneebone in your prayers. You may write to Susan at Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community, 49 Cedar Hill Drive, Windsor, VT 05089 Please keep Marian Van Guilder who lives in Excelsior, MN, in your prayers. She is the mother of Pam McLaughlin of Mount Holly. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Linda Thomson is celebrating a birthday on Monday, September 7. Wish her a Happy Birthday when you see her. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ September 6, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST LABOR SUNDAY COMMUNION SUNDAY PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS 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.) Come to Christ, the living bread who satisfies those who hunger and thirst for what is right. Come to Christ, who gives living water that you may never thirst again. Come to Christ, that being filled, you may minister to the hunger and the thirst of others. Come to God, to worship and praise through Jesus Christ who gives us life. HYMN 97 * For the Fruits of This Creation (tune of Hymn 688) INVOCATION CONFESSION OF SIN Gracious God, too often we take you for granted. When you call us to leave the situations that constrain us, we are too complacent to hear your voice, and too timid to leave what is familiar. Make us ready to go where you lead us. Amen. SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 119 Hymnal, page 841 Response 3 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 18:15-20 OFFERTORY SENTENCE God gives to us continually. In each breath, we receive God’s spirit. Responding to God’s generosity, let us give to God in thanksgiving. OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* SERMON “We Need to Talk” HYMN 613* O Thou Who This Mysterious Bread Holy Communion Invitation Great Thanksgiving Words of Institution Elements are Received Prayer of Thanksgiving after Communion (in unison) Gracious God, we thank you for this meal and for all of the ways you nourish us. Grow in us that we may nourish others. Sustain us as we press toward the goal of your call in Christ Jesus. Amen. HYMN OF THANKSGIVING 581* Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. ________________________________________________________________________ Lyrics to the Hymns for the September 6 Service 97 For the Fruits of This Creation For the fruits of this creation, thanks be to God; for good gifts to every nation, thanks be to God; for the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping, future needs in earth's safekeeping, thanks be to God. In the just reward of labor, God's will is done; in the help we give our neighbor, God's will is done; in our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing, in the harvests we are sharing, God's will is done. For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God; for the good we all inherit, thanks be to God; for the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us, most of all, that love has found us, thanks be to God. 613 O Thou Who This Mysterious Bread O Thou who this mysterious bread didst in Emmaus break, return, herewith our souls to feed, and to thy followers speak. Unseal the volume of thy grace, apply the gospel word; open our eyes to see thy face, our hearts to know the Lord. Of thee communing still, we mourn till thou the veil remove; talk with us, and our hearts shall burn with flames of fervent love. Enkindle now the heavenly zeal, and make thy mercy known, and give our pardoned souls to feel that God and love are one. 581 Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service Lord, whose love in humble service Bore the weight of human need, Who upon the cross, forsaken, Worked Your mercy’s perfect deed: We, Your servants, bring the worship Not of voice alone, but heart; Consecrating to Your purpose Every gift which You impart. Still Your children wander homeless; Still the hungry cry for bread; Still the captives long for freedom; Still in grief we mourn our dead. As you, Lord, in deep compassion Healed the sick and freed the soul, By Your Spirit send Your power To our world to make it whole. As we worship, grant us vision, Till your love’s revealing light In its height and depth and greatness Dawns upon our quickened sight, Making known the needs and burdens Your compassion bids us bear, Stirring us to ardent service, Your abundant life to share. Called by worship to your service, forth in your dear name we go, To the child, the youth, the aged, Love in living deeds to show; Hope and health, good will and comfort, Counsel, aid, and peace we give That your servants, Lord, in freedom, May your mercy know and live. “We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” - Rabindranath Tagore CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services continue at the United Church of Ludlow. The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events
Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending August 23, were $720. The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Jean Eggleston will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of August. Prayer Concerns Please keep Susan Kneebone in your prayers. You may write to Susan at Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community, 49 Cedar Hill Drive, Windsor, VT 05089 Please keep Marian Van Guilder who lives in Excelsior, MN, in your prayers. She is the mother of Pam McLaughlin of Mount Holly. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ August 30, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13) And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP* (Please Stand.) Blessed be the name of our God from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of God is to be praised. It is good to give thanks to God, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; To declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night. HYMN 577* God of Grace and God of Glory PRAYER OF INVOCATION* We worship you, O God, and thank you that you receive us when we turn to you. We turn to you now, trusting the promise of Jesus Christ to be with us whenever two or three gather in his name. Come to us and fill us with your Spirit of unity and truth, that we may serve you in he world; for we pray in Jesus Name. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 25, Response #1 Hymnal, pages 756-757 GLORIA 70* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 14: 1, 7-14 SERMON “Insignificant Dots” HYMN 388* O Come and Dwell in Me JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also, with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE “All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.” - Deuteronomy 16:17 OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 396* O Jesus, I Have Promised BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. “We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” - Rabindranath Tagore _________________________________________________________________________ Lyrics to the Hymns for the August 30 Service God of Grace and God of Glory God of grace and God of glory, on the people pour thy power; crown thine ancient church's story, bring her bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour. Lo! the hosts of evil round us scorn thy Christ, assail his ways! Fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days, for the living of these days. Cure thy children's warring madness, bend our pride to thy control; shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss thy kingdom's goal, lest we miss thy kingdom's goal. Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore; let the search for thy salvation be our glory evermore. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving thee whom we adore, serving thee whom we adore. O Come and Dwell in Me O come and dwell in me, Spirit of power within, and bring the glorious liberty from sorrow, fear, and sin. Hasten the joyful day which shall my sins consume, when old things shall be done away, and all things new become. I want the witness, Lord, that all I do is right, according to thy mind and word, well-pleasing in thy sight. I ask no higher state; indulge me but in this, and soon or later then translate to thine eternal bliss. O Jesus, I Have Promised O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; be thou forever near me, my Master and my friend. I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide. O let me feel thee near me! The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear; my foes are ever near me, around me and within; but Jesus, draw thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin. O let me hear thee speaking in accents clear and still, above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will. O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control; O speak, and make me listen, thou guardian of my soul. O Jesus, thou hast promised to all who follow thee that where thou art in glory there shall thy servant be. And Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend. _________________________________________________________________________ CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services continue on site at the United Church of Ludlow. The doors will open at 9:45 am, and worship will begin at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events
Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending 8-16-20 were $1520 including $100 in memory of Pat Liao. The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Jean Eggleston will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of August. Prayer Concerns Please keep Bill and Susan Kneebone in your prayers as Susan begins a new phase of life as a resident at the skilled nursing facility Cedar Hill, Windsor, VT. You may write to Susan at Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community, 49 Cedar Hill Drive, Windsor, VT 05089 We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Annie Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Congratulations to Jean Eggleston on her recognition by the Ludlow Rotary Club as their 2020 Community Service Award recipient for unselfishly devoting herself to working to improve the quality of life in the community as well as providing needy citizens with the means to enhance their lives. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ August 23, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13) And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP* (Matthew 16:13-20) (Please Stand.) Who do you say I am? Some say Moses, some say Elijah, Prophet who comes with a word from the Holy. Who do you say I am? Some say Messiah, some say “Human One” Healer who shares the life of the Holy. Who do you say I am? Some say Emmanuel, God-with-us, Some say Wisdom, teacher of truth Some say Ruler of Peace, Bringer of Justice. And you, Who do you say I am? You are the Body to which we belong; We are your members, each needed, treasured. In you we are transformed into your Hope, your Love, your Vision, You are the One we long for, the One we seek here today, The One who empowers our lives. Come, Let us worship! HYMN 605* Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters PRAYER OF INVOCATION* Holy One, we tell your story today as a conspiracy of hearts; The defiant midwives, the laboring women, the daughter of power and the daughter of poverty join forces to protect the children of Israel and so set the stage for liberation. Meet us here today and show us the gifts we have to offer in the service of your kin-dom-- resilience, clear-sightedness, courage, compassion-- setting the stage for a Just World for All. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 124 Hymnal, pages 846 GLORIA 70* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. THE HEBREW PASSAGE Exodus 1:8 - 2:10 SERMON “Cunning, Compassion and Courage” HYMN 358* Dear Lord and Father of Mankind JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also, with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers--so many caring people in this world.” (Fred Rogers, 20th Century) OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 664* Sent Forth by God's Blessing BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. Lyrics to the Hymns
for the August 23 Service 605. Wash, O God, Our Sons & Daughters Wash, O God, our sons and daughters, where your cleansing waters flow. Number them among your people; bless as Christ blessed long ago. Weave them garments bright and sparkling; compass them with love and light Fill, anoint them; send your Spirit, holy dove and heart's delight. We who bring them long for nurture; by your milk may we be fed. Let us join your feast, partaking cup of blessing, living bread. God, renew us, guide our footsteps; free from sin and all its snares, one with Christ in living, dying, by your Spirit, children, heirs. Oh, how deep your holy wisdom! Unimagined, all your ways! To your name be glory, honor! With our lives we worship, praise! We your people stand before you, water washed and Spirit born. By your grace, our lives we offer. Recreate us; God, transform! 358. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways; reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence, praise. In simple trust like theirs who heard, beside the Syrian sea, the gracious calling of the Lord, let us, like them, without a word, rise up and follow thee. O sabbath rest by Galilee, O calm of hills above, where Jesus knelt to share with thee the silence of eternity, interpreted by love! Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease; take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of thy peace. Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm; let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, O still, small voice of calm. 643. Sent Forth by God’s Blessing Sent forth by God’s blessing, Our true faith confessing, The people of God from His dwelling take leave. The Supper is ended. O now be extended The fruits of this service in all who believe. The seed of His teaching, Receptive souls reaching, Shall blossom in action for God and for all. His grace did invite us, His love shall unite us To work for God’s kingdom and answer His call. With praise and thanksgiving To God ever-living, The tasks of our ev’ryday life we will face. Our faith ever sharing, In love ever caring, Embracing His children of each tribe and race. With Your feast You feed us, With Your light now lead us; Unite us as one in this life that we share. Then may all the living With praise and thanksgiving Give honor to Christ and His name that we bear. “Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate.” - Francis Chan CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services continue on site at the United Church of Ludlow. The doors will open at 9:45 am, and worship will begin at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events
Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending July 26 were $540 The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Jean Eggleston will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of August. Prayer Concerns Please keep Bill and Susan Kneebone in your prayers as Susan begins a new phase of life as a resident at Cedar Hill, Windsor, VT, in the skilled nursing section. Please keep Margo Marrone and family in your prayers. Please keep Dean Alexander in your prayers for speedy recovery from his recent surgery. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Annie Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Congratulations to Jean Eggleston on her recognition by the Ludlow Rotary Club as their 2020 Community Service Award recipient for unselfishly devoting herself to working to improve the quality of life in the community as well as providing needy citizens with the means to enhance their lives. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ August 16, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13) And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP* (Please Stand.) We are gathered to give witness of the enduring realities of life. We have come to affirm that life is a gift, that the gift is good, and that it comes from God. We are gathered to renew our hope in Jesus Christ, as we travel life’s long journey. We find God in the paths of your present and our past, but we also trust in God’s love in our future. The same God guides us all the way, every day of our lives, and beyond life. Let us praise God with our whole hearts and entrust our lives to God’s hands. HYMN 732* Come, We that Love the Lord PRAYER OF INVOCATION* We give you all praise, O God of salvation. We come with devotion to you, O Christ our redeemer. We honor you, O Holy Spirit, our source of encouragement; one God who sustains us with your love and your presence. Hear our words of reverence as we bow down before you. Grace us with your presence, that we may learn of your way. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 91 Hymnal, pages 810-811 GLORIA 70* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 15: 21-28 SERMON “Out of Order” HYMN 382* Have Thine Own Way, Lord JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also, with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE “I will freely sacrifice to you: I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.” Psalm 54:6 OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 375* There is a Balm in Gilead BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. “Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate.” - Francis Chan Lyrics of the Hymns
for the August 16 Service 732. Come, We That Love the Lord 1. Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; join in a song with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne. 2. Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God; but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad. 3. The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets before we reach the heavenly fields, or walk the golden streets. 4. Then let our songs abound, and every tear be dry; we're marching through Emmanuel's ground, to fairer worlds on high. 382. Have Thine Own Way, Lord 1. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the potter; I am the clay. Mold me and make me after thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still. 2. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Search me and try me, Savior today! Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now, as in thy presence humbly I bow. 3. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Wounded and weary, help me I pray! Power, all power, surely is thine! Touch me and heal me, Savior divine! 4. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Hold o'er my being absolute sway. Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me! 375. There Is a Balm in Gilead Refrain: There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. 1 Some times I feel discouraged, and think my work’s in vain. But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. (Refrain) 2 Don't ever feel discouraged, for Jesus is your friend, and if you look for knowledge he'll ne'er refuse to lend. (Refrain) 3 If you can’t preach like Peter, if you can’t pray like Paul, just tell the love of Jesus, and say he died for all. (Refrain) Responsive Reading for the August 16 Service CHURCH SERVICES RESUME at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services have begun on site, again. The doors will open at 9:45 am, and worship will begin at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants’ safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events
Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending July 26 were $520 The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of August. Prayer Concerns Please pray for Margo Marrone and family on the passing of her husband, Tom. Please keep Dean Alexander in your prayers for speedy recovery from his recent surgery. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Annie Oakehers, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Congratulations to Jean Eggleston for her recognition by the Ludlow Rotary Club as their 2020 Community Service Award recipient for unselfishly devoting herself to working to improve the quality of life in the community as well as providing needy citizens with the means to enhance their lives. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services to Continue at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ August 9, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13) And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP* (Please Stand.) Blessed be the name of our God from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of God is to be praised. It is good to give thanks to God, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; To declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night. HYMN 73* O Worship the King PRAYER OF INVOCATION* O God, for the sun and the stars, the mountains and the valleys, we your children come to you offering our thanks and seeking your presence. Be among us, opening our hearts to the sway of your power and your peace. We dedicate this service to you. We trust that you will work through our songs and our sayings so that we will leave this place knowing your hand has touched us. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 67 Hymnal, page 791 GLORIA 70* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 12: 35-40 SERMON “Look Again” HYMN 454* Open My Eyes, That I May See JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE “Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6: 33 OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 663* Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. Lyrics of the Hymns for the August 9 Service 73. O Worship the King 1. O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing God's power and God's love; our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise. 2. O tell of God's might, O sing of God's grace, whose robe is the light, whose canopy space, whose chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form, and dark is God's path on the wings of the storm. 3. The earth with its store of wonders untold, Almighty, thy power hath founded of old; hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree, and round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea. 4. Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite? It breathes in the air, it shines in the light; it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain. 5. Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, in thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail; thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end, our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend. 454. Open My Eyes, That I May See 1. Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me; place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! 2. Open my ears, that I may hear voices of truth thou sendest clear; and while the wavenotes fall on my ear, everything false will disappear. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine! 3. Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere; open my heart and let me prepare love with thy children thus to share. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine! 663. Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name 1. Savior, again to thy dear name we raise with one accord our parting hymn of praise; guard thou the lips from sin, the hearts from shame, that in this house have called upon thy name. 2. Grant us thy peace upon our homeward way; with thee began, with thee shall end the day. From harm and danger keep thy children free, for dark and light are both alike to thee. 3. Grant us thy peace throughout our earthly life; peace to thy church from error and from strife; peace to our land, the fruit of truth and love; peace in each heart, thy Spirit from above; 4. Thy peace in life, the balm of every pain; thy peace in death, the hope to rise again; then, when thy voice shall bid our conflict cease, call us, O Lord, to thine eternal peace. CHURCH SERVICES RESUME at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services have begun on site, again. The doors will open at 9:45 am, and worship will begin at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants’ safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. When you live in the light of eternity, your values change. - Rick Warren A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events
Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending July 26 were $675 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 July. Prayer Concerns Please pray for Margo Marrone and family on the passing of her husband, Tom. Also keep Pam Dundy who is in Dartmouth Hospital with pneumonia in your prayers. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Annie Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services to Continue at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ August 2, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship NINTH 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.) Come, let us gather in the awareness of God’s love. God’s love has brought us to this place; it has made us a church. We can live with confidence and hope, in the assurance that we are forgiven and accepted by a power greater than ourselves. Because we are forgiven, we too can forgive. Let us praise this God of endless grace, and offer our hearts’ true worship. HYMN 383* This Is a Day of New Beginnings 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. Most loving God, we can scarcely comprehend the scope of your forgiveness, we can hardly believe your amazing care for us. We confess that often we close ourselves off from your saving presence; and in our pride, we withhold forgiveness from other people. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, grant us the assurance of your love. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for your grace that overflows with love toward others. . . . SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer>) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FOREGIVENESS God hears our cries and forgives all who are penitent and believing. God provides the resources for our rescue and redemption. Whoever trusts God will not be disappointed. Whoever reaches out to others in the Spirit of Christ will know the joy of God’s love. You are forgiven. You are accepted. You are loved. Share these gifts. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 98 Hymnal, pages 818-819 GLORIA 70 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 12: 13-21 (Laura) SERMON “What Am I 'Here After' ”? PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. 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 “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and prosper for us the work of our hands—O prosper the work of our hands!” Psalm 90: 17 OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 599* Break Thou the Bread of Life INVITATION THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Lift up your hearts We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is meet and right so to do. We give thanks to you, O holy Lord. . . . With patriarchs and prophets, apostles and martyrs, with your church on earth and with all the company of heaven, we magnify and praise you, we worship and adore you, O Lord Most Holy: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Hymnal, page 21 WORDS OF INSTITUTION THE LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) BREAKING THE BREAD AND LIFTING THE CUP THE COMMUNION PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Let us give thanks. We thank you, God, for inviting us to this table where we have known the presence of Christ and have received all of Christ’s gifts. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and let us show forth your praise in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. HYMN OF THANKSGIVING 451* Be Thou My Vision BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. Lyrics of the Hymns
for the August 2 Service 383. This Is a Day of New Beginnings 1 This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone. 2 For by the life and death of Jesus, God's mighty Spirit, now as then, can make for us a world of difference, as faith and hope are born again. 3 Then let us, with the Spirit's daring, step from the past and leave behind our disappointment, guilt, and grieving, seeking new paths, and sure to find. 4 Christ is alive, and goes before us to show and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new. 5 In faith we'll gather round the table to taste and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new. 599. Break Thou the Bread of Life 1. Break thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me, as thou didst break the loaves beside the sea; beyond the sacred page I seek thee, Lord; my spirit pants for thee, O Living Word! 2. Bless thou the truth, dear Lord, to me, to me, as thou didst bless the bread by Galilee; then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall; and I shall find my peace, my all in all. 451. Be Thou My Vision 1 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. 2 Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; thou my great Father, I thy true son; thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one. 3 Be thou my battle shield, sword for my fight; be thou my dignity, thou my delight, thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tow'r: raise thou me heav'n-ward, O Pow'r of my pow'r. 4 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. 5 High King of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'n's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all. CHURCH SERVICES RESUME at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) Church services have begun on site, again. The doors will open at 9:45 am, and worship will begin at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants’ safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. “Love is the bread of life: you have to make it everyday if you want it fresh.” - James Arthur Baldwin A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events -Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, July 29, 7:00 pm. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending 7-19-20 were $1655 which includes $50 received in memory of John Reavis. 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 July. Prayer Concerns Anne Matulonis is at The Pines, 99 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701. She is in room 203 B. Prayers for her as she begins this next chapter in her life. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Annie Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Otto and Dalene Behrens will be celebrating a wedding anniversary on July 27th. Laura Lienhard will be celebrating a birthday on July 28th. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES The following procedures were developed to minimize the risk of attending services at the United Church of Ludlow. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The new entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational to facilitate access by those with difficulty managing stairs. Masks are required and should be worn when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. We ask anyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded should contract tracing be required. You will then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except to those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for the cushions placed in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. If you wish to sing during the hymns, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". Offerings will not be collected during the service. We ask that you continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and mailing it to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. When services are over, everyone should leave the church building using the rear door. You should only stop if you need to use the rest rooms, which will be available at all times. If you wish to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services to Continue at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ July 26, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship EIGHTH 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* God has made this day. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Let us worship the living God. To God, Fountain of Life, Living Word, and Spirit of Holiness, be praise in all the earth. HYMN 400* Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing PRAYER OF INVOCATION Creating God, who brought us into this world, breathed your Spirit into us, and endowed us with your likeness: we give thanks to you for our creation and for the cords of love that bind us and nourish us in the community you have created. We pray for your continued presence to feed and sustain us as a family you have formed, and which bears your name. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 145 Hymnal, pages 857-858 GLORIA 70* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. THE GOSPEL LESSON John 6: 1-14 SERMON “Always Leftovers” HYMN 402* Lord, I Want to Be a Christian JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety OFFERTORY SENTENCE “I will freely sacrifice to you. I will praise your name, O Lord; for it is good.” Psalm 54: 6 - OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 133* Leaning on the Everlasting Arms 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. “Love is the bread of life: you have to make it everyday if you want it fresh.” - James Arthur Baldwin Lyrics of the Hymns
for the July 26 Service 400. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 402. Lord, I Want to Be a Christian 1 Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart. 2 Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart. 3 Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart. 4 Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart; Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart. 133. Leaning on the everlasting arms 1 What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms; what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms. Refrain: Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms. 2 O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms; O how bright the path grows from day to day, leaning on the everlasting arms. [Refrain] 3 What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms. [Refrain] “God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginnings of prayer.” - Mother Theresa A warm welcome to all visitors. If the Pastor or any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or Rev. Harpster at 802-875-8895. His email is harpsterd@vermontel.net. Please be sure to sign the guestbook located at the entrance to the church. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the pastor, Rev. Harpster. Upcoming Meetings/Events -Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, July 29, 7:00 pm. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending 7-12-20 were $930. 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 July. Prayer Concerns Anne Matulonis is at The Pines, 99 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701. She is in room 203 B. Prayers for her as she begins this next chapter in her life. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Carolyn Gauthier, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Annie Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebration CHURCH SERVICES RESUME at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW This Sunday, July 19th, church services on site will begin, again. If you are comfortable attending in person, the doors will open at 9:45 am, and worship will begin at 10:00 am. Procedures have been designed to minimize the risk of exposure. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants’ safety. CHURCH REOPENING PROCEDURES We ask everyone who might need water or other refreshment to please bring your own, as the kitchen will not be available. Everyone will enter and exit the church through the rear door. The entrance is now complete, along with the new walkway from Elm St. The LULA is operational. Masks will be required when entering the church and at all times when moving about inside. Upon entering you will be greeted by a church member, offered a mask if you do not have one and instructed to sanitize your hands with the sanitizer located inside the doorway. You will be asked some questions about your health and your name and address will be recorded for any potential contract tracing. You should then proceed immediately to your pew in the sanctuary. There will be no congregating inside the church building. Other than the sanctuary and bathrooms, all other areas of the church are off limits except for those participating in the service. Upon entering the sanctuary, please look for cushions in the pews. These cushions indicate where seating may take place in order to maintain proper social distancing. They will be placed in pairs, but if any core family group is attending, please feel free to add space in your area, keeping in mind the location of those around you. While we are encourage keeping masks on at all times, masks MAY be removed when you are seated in your pew. Keep in mind that masks should be worn any time you are talking with your neighbor, speaking aloud during the service, and moving throughout the building. During the hymns, if you wish to sing, it must be done with the mask in place, and in a soft speaking voice. Announcements and prayers will be offered without microphones, so please stand and speak clearly wearing your mask. When communion is celebrated, parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". When services are over, the Deacon will instruct the congregation to leave in an orderly fashion, by pew, and everyone will leave the church building immediately, using the rear door, and only stopping to use the rest rooms, which are available at all times. For the time being, we are asking that people continue your weekly offering by writing a check to The United Church and sending it in to Anne Oakes at 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. Thank you so much. For those choosing to mix socially after services, please do so away from the exit so as not to make others leaving feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind, this is the first phase of reopening our church, and we are sure adjustments to practices will need to be amended as time and circumstances dictate. We encourage anyone with thoughts, fears or suggestions to contact either our President, George Thomson, Rev. Harpster, Deacon Laura Lienhard or Trustee Dean Alexander. We look forward to worshiping together with all of you, whether in person or through the internet and pray that we soon will be able to return to a more normal worship experience together in God's house. Zoom Church Services Continue at the United Church of Ludlow We will continue to offer access to the 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. The invitation will be sent separately. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at a number below. If you have used Zoom before and have it downloaded to your computer you do not need to contact us, but if you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can add you to the invitation we will be sending out Sunday morning. New to Zoom? We can help you navigate the program. Just ask. Laura Lienhard Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com Dean Alexander DiggerDa@aol.com PLEASE NOTE: At any one location, you should only have one live microphone. Please make sure to NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer. Turn one off. When both are on, this causes rather unpleasant reverberations for everyone. July 19, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship SEVENTH 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 * Listen, for the voice of God comes near! Listen, for God’s voice is not obtrusive. We come to worship the God who became one of us, Who calls us by name, Who is Love Incarnate, Who is! Let us gather together in joy and hope. Let us worship the God of Love! HYMN 496* Sweet Hour of Prayer PRAYER OF INVOCATION O God, most loving Parent, we thank you that you are not a faraway God, hidden in magnificence in the heaven; we thank you that you commune with us in the depths of our souls. You know us through and through; you hear our prayers; you heal our sorrows. Like a father, you are compassionate; like a mother, you comfort us. Help us to live in childlike trust in you, that we may be free to live with courage as your children on earth. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 46, Response #2 Hymnal, pages 780-781 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 11: 1-13 SERMON “Pause Awhile” HYMN 404* Every Time I Feel the Spirit JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, 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 “Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40 OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 707* Hymn of Promise 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. “God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginnings of prayer.” - Mother Theresa Lyrics of the Hymns for the Church Service on July 19, 2020 496. Sweet Hour of Prayer 1. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer! 2. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! the joys I feel, the bliss I share of those whose anxious spirits burn with strong desires for thy return! With such I hasten to the place where God my Savior shows his face, and gladly take my station there, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! 3. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! thy wings shall my petition bear to him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless. And since he bids me seek his face, believe his word, and trust his grace, I'll cast on him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! 404. Every Time I Feel the Spirit Refrain: Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, I will pray. Yes, every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, I will pray. 1 Upon the mountain, my Lord spoke, out his mouth came fire and smoke. All around me looks so shine, ask my Lord if all was mine. (Refrain) 2 Jordan river runs right cold, chills the body, not the soul. Ain't but one train on this track, runs to heaven and right back. (Refrain) 707. Hymn of Promise 1 In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 2 There's a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; there's a dawn in every darkness bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 3 In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. More Opportunities for Religious Engagement This Summer For the past 4 months, Bob Kottkamp and George Thomson have been participating in a Covenantal Group meeting via Zoom. The group consists of representatives of four small churches in our area who are exploring alternative and innovative approaches to meeting the religious needs of our communities. Two of the churches are looking for (or will soon) a pastor; one has a part time pastor and the other has just hired a pastor. Rev. Paul Sangree the Associate Conference Minister of the Vermont Conference, United Church of Christ, has attended the sessions as well. We know from the Conference that there is a serious shortage of ordained ministers to fill all the current openings. We have been putting our creative minds together to design a different delivery system. For the summer, we have hired a Summer Intern as part of our Experimentation in Covenantal Community Outreach (ECCO) to try something different. Please read the Newsletter below and meet Ana Kelsey-Powell. Ana has listed several things that she is spearheading this summer. Any member of a congregation from any of the four churches is welcome and encouraged to participate in the activities. Please feel free to join in on a Bible Study, a book study, “Just Mercy” study or informal pastoral chats about anything! Contact information is available in the July Newsletter. |