A Warm Welcome to All Visitors
 
        If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the
        ​church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.
 
Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home
 
        It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members
        in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at
        802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.
 
Upcoming Meetings/Events
 
        Executive Board Meeting - Wednesday, April 28, 7:00 pm
 
Weekly Offerings
 
        Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on March 21 were $1165. 
        The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by
        52 weeks).
 
        Please continue to mail your offerings to our Receiver of Offerings, Anne Oakes,
        at 145 Merrill Road, Ludlow, Vermont 05149.
 
Altar Guild
 
        Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide our Altar Guild services.
 
Prayer Concerns
 
We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
 
        Lorraine Fitzgibbons, James Almond, Arthur Marin,
        Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle, Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards,
        Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer,
        Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker,
        Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro.
 
Celebrations
 
        Brenda Dansingburg celebrates a birthday on March 30th
        Bernie and Loren Stolp celebrate an anniversary on April 4
        Nancy Hagge celebrates a birthday on April 5
        Bob and Sally Watts celebrate an anniversary on April 5
        Sally Watts celebrates a birthday on April 9
 
Let’s Say Thank You in a Big Way
 
Have you ever noticed when you arrive at the church in the winter, the driveway is always plowed?  For as many years as we can remember Wayne Hammond has plowed the parking area at our church.  He has never charged us for his services.  It is his donation to the church.
 
 We think it is way past time to thank him for his generosity.  Let’s put together a gift basket for him with gift certificates, gift cards, homemade goodies, jams, syrups or whatever else you think would be appropriate.
 
You can leave it in the church in the designated box on the table in the social hall or call George or Linda and they will come to you to pick it up.
 
ECCO Lenten Bible Study in March
 
Diane Holme invites you to a Lenten Bible Study organized by the ECCO group, continues today and next Sunday at 12:30 pm.
 
To join the Bible Study Group click the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82274055795?pwd=UVZJRzlhcXVoYWdvbmFJREJTSDNEZz09
or join the meeting using your Zoom App with
Meeting ID: 822 7405 5795 and
Passcode: 810856
 
or using your phone, the one tap mobile number is +13017158592,,82274055795#,,,,*810856#
_________________________________________________________________________

March 28, 2021                                                                                            10:00 A.M.
 
Service of Worship
Sixth Sunday In Lent
Palm 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
            Cry out, people of faith; rejoice and praise God!
            If we did not sing praise, the very stones would cry out!
            Cry out, people of faith; for your Savior draws near to Jerusalem.
            Hosanna! God saves! Blessed is the One who comes in God’s name.
            Blessed is Jesus Christ, who did not turn back for fear of the Cross.
            Praising God who loves us, and lets us share Christ’s sufferings and face
            our path of faith with courage and hope.
            Hosanna! God saves! Blessed is the One who comes in God’s name.
 
SOLO                                                 "The Holy City"                       Weatherly and Adams

INVOCATION
 
            As crowds of people welcomed Jesus when he rode into Jerusalem,
            acclaiming him as their ruler, so we welcome you, Creator, Christ and Spirit. 
            Above all human powers and dominions, you lay rightful claim to our lives.
            We have come to share the way of the Cross wherever it might lead us. 
            Amen.
 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
 
            Let us confess before God our tendency to profess our faith when we feel
            enthusiastic and deny our faith when we are afraid or unwilling to risk our lives.
 
            O God, we are like the people of Jerusalem so long ago.
            We are hungry for a hero. We crave some glimpse of greatness
            and the spectacular. You call us into a world of suffering and ask us
            to stand for peace and justice and speak out for those who have little
            power and influence. Forgive us when we feel inadequate and weak,
            indifferent and silent in the face of horror.  Bring to us your Presence
            of wisdom, courage and love creating a world of promise and hope.
            Amen.
 
SILENCE
 
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
 
READING OF SCRIPTURE
 
            Hebrew Testament                                  Isaiah 50:4—9a
 
            Psalm 31: 1-16                                        pp.764-765  response 1
 
GLORIA 70*
 
            Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
            and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
            beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
            world without end.  Amen.  Amen.
 
Gospel Lesson                                            Liturgy of the Palm and Passion
 
SERMON                                          “Where have we been and where are we going?”
 
HYMN * 292                                                What Wondrous Love Is This
 
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.
 
CALL TO OFFERING
 
OFFERTORY SOLO                           “The Crucifixion”                            S. Barber
 
DOXOLOGY *
 
            At the Presentation, Hymn 95*             Old 100th
            Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
            Praise him, all creatures here below;
            Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION *
 
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 appreciate our soloists, Lisha Klaiber and Janice Edwards, for sharing their gifts of music this morning. 
 
May HOLY WEEK be a time of prayer and reflection.  Read the Bible passages from John18-19 as we await the coming of EASTER. 
_________________________________________________________________________

Lyrics to the Hymns and
Responsive Reading
for the March 28 Service
 
HYMN * 292            What Wondrous Love Is This
 
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
 
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of life
to lay aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
to lay aside his crown for my soul.
 
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,
while millions join the theme I will sing, I will sing;
while millions join the theme I will sing.
 
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and through eternity I’ll sing on.

 
Psalm 31: 1-16                                           pp.764-765  response 1
​

CHURCH SERVICES
at the 
UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW

are shared ELECTRONICALLY
Contact unitedchurch@tds.net
or call 802-228-4211
for more information.
​_________________________________________________________________________

​If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us.
The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am.
We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Please read and follow those procedures for the safety of all.

If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available.
Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access.  ​
​_________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS

We wish to thank Rev. Christine Boardman for leading our worship service this morning and throughout the Lenten Season

A Warm Welcome to All Visitors
 
      If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the
      church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.
 
Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home
 
      It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in
      the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211
      or unitedchurch@tds.net.
 
Upcoming Meetings/Events
 
      Executive Board - Wednesday, March 24, 7:00 pm
 
Weekly Offerings
 
      Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on March 14 were $735. 
      The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by
      2 weeks).
 
      Please continue to mail your offerings to our Receiver of Offerings, Anne Oakes,
      at 145 Merrill Road, Ludlow, Vermont 05149.
 
Altar Guild
 
      Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide Altar Guild services.
 
Prayer Concerns
 
      We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
 
            James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Arthur Marin, Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle,
            Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier,
            Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes,
            Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro.
 
Celebrations
 
      Dalene Behrens celebrates a birthday on March 22nd
      Brenda Dansingburg celebrates a birthday on March 30th

​Let’s Say Thank You in a Big Way
 
      Have you ever noticed when you arrive at the church in the winter, the driveway
      is always plowed?  For as many years as we can remember Wayne Hammond
      has plowed the parking area at our church.  He has never charged us for his
      services.  It is his donation to the church.
 
      We think it is way past time to thank him for his generosity.  Let’s put together
      a gift basket for him with gift certificates, gift cards, homemade goodies, jams,
      ​syrups or whatever else you think would be appropriate.
 
      You can leave it in the church in the designated box on the table in the social hall
      or call George or Linda and they will come to you to pick it up.

 
ECCO Lenten Bible Study in March
 
      Diane Holme invites you to a Lenten Bible Study organized by the ECCO group,
      which continues today and next Sunday at 12:30 pm.
 
      To join the Bible Study Group, click the following link
 
      ​https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82274055795?pwd=UVZJRzlhcXVoYWdvbmFJREJTSDNEZz09
 
      or join the meeting using your Zoom App with
 
      Meeting ID: 822 7405 5795 and
      Passcode: 810856

or using your phone, the one tap mobile number is +13017158592,,82274055795#,,,,*810856#
_________________________________________________________________________

            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
 
            Let us gather to worship.
            O God, we wish to see Jesus!
            We come to worship, to pray, and learn.
            We come looking for Jesus in Scripture lessons,
            in our own life experiences, in helping our world,
            in prayers for each other.
            We seek to follow in the way of Jesus.
            We lay bare before God and one another our own wilderness journey
            filled with some gladness and hope, with reluctance and sorrow,
            with fear and confusion.
            O God, speak to us, show us,  touch us with your presence!
            Let our Lenten journey lead us to Jesus, so that we may show Jesus forth
            ​in our lives, our faith community, and our world.         Amen.
 
HYMN * 153            Thou Hidden Source of Calm Repose

INVOCATION
 
            God of the journey, you invite us, the church,
            “to accept the cost and joy of discipleship”
            and “to be your servants in the service of others.” 
            In so doing, may your presence be our guide and Jesus our model. 
            May we respond to you in loving faithfulness.  Amen.
 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
 
            God, you seek us and we flee. You offer us an easy yoke, and we tie
            ourselves with cares and burdens. You forgive us, and we hoard our
            complaints against our brothers and sisters. Give us conversion that
            turns us into the light; teach us a repentance alive in works of love;
            lead us into the narrow path; guide us through the valley of the shadow. 
            Call us to follow Jesus Christ and in his way to live and suffer, die and
            rise again. Amen.

SILENCE

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
 
READING OF SCRIPTURE
 
      HEBREW TESTAMENT                        Jeremiah 31:31-34
 
      PSALM 51:1-17            pp.785-786 Response 2
 
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 12:20-33
 
SERMON                                          “We wish to see Jesus”
 
HYMN * 592                        When the Church of Jesus
 
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.

CALL TO OFFERING
 
OFFERTORY
 
DOXOLOGY *
 
            At the Presentation, Hymn 95*             Old 100th
            Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
            Praise him, all creatures here below;
            Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION *
 
            God, there are many who “wish to see Jesus.” In joy and celebration of
            the many gifts that we share, we ask you to bless all of our offerings. 
            ​May Jesus shine in all the world.  Amen.
 
CLOSING HYMN * 586      Let My People Seek Their Freedom
 
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
 
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
 
DISMISSAL
             Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
            ​Thanks be to God.
 
POSTLUDE
 
*  All who are able may stand.

​Lyrics to the Hymns and
Responsive Reading
for the March 21 Service
 
HYMN * 153            Thou Hidden Source of Calm Repose
 
Thou hidden source of calm repose, thou all-sufficient love divine,
my help and refuge from my foes, secure I am if thou art mine;
and lo! from sin and grief and shame I hide me, Jesus, in thy name.
 
Thy mighty name salvation is, and keeps my happy soul above;
comfort it brings, and power and peace, and joy and everlasting love;
to me with thy dear name are given pardon and holiness and heaven.
 
Jesus, my all in all thou art, my rest in toil, my ease in pain,
the healing of my broken heart, in war my peace, in loss my gain,
my smile beneath the tyrant's frown, in shame my glory and my crown,
 
In want my plentiful supply, in weakness my almighty power,
in bonds my perfect liberty, my light in Satan's darkest hour,
in grief my joy unspeakable, my life in death, my heaven in hell.
 
 
HYMN * 592                        When the Church of Jesus
 
When the church of Jesus shuts its outer door,
lest the roar of traffic drown the voice of prayer,
may our prayers, Lord, make us ten times more aware
that the world we banish is our Christian care.
 
If our hearts are lifted where devotion soars
high above this hungry, suffering world of ours,
lest our hymns should drug us to forget its needs,
forge our Christian worship into Christian deeds.
 
Lest the gifts we offer, money, talents, time,
serve to salve our conscience, to our secret shame,
Lord, reprove, inspire us by the way you give;
teach us, dying Savior, how true Christians live.
 
 
CLOSING HYMN *  586                 Let My People Seek Their Freedom
 
“Let my people seek their freedom in the wilderness awhile,
from the slave pens of the Delta, from the ghettos on the Nile”:
So God spoke from out of Sinai, so God spoke and it was done,
and a people crossed the waters toward the rising of the sun.
 
“Let my people seek their freedom in the wilderness awhile,
from the aging shrines and structures, from the cloister and the aisle”:
so the Son of God has spoken, and the storm clouds are unfurled,
for God’s people must be scattered to be servants in the world.
 
When we murmur on the mountains for the old Egyptian plains,
when we miss our ancient bondage, and the hope, the promise, wanes;
then the rock shall yield its water and the manna fall by night,
and with visions of a future shall we march toward the light.
 
In the maelstrom of the nations, in the journeying into space,
in the clash of generations, in the hungering for grace,
in the agony and glory, we are called to newer ways
by the Lord of our tomorrows and the God of earth’s todays.
 

            ​            ​A Warm Welcome to All Visitors
 
            If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the
            church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.
 
Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home
 
            It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in
            the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or
            unitedchurch@tds.net.
 
Upcoming Meetings/Events
 
            Executive Board Meeting - Wednesday, March 24, 7:00 pm
 
Weekly Offerings
 
            Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on March 7 were $4540.
            The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by
            2 weeks).
 
            Please continue to mail your offerings to our Receiver of Offerings, Anne Oakes,
            ​at 145 Merrill Road, Ludlow, Vermont 05149.
 
 
Altar Guild
 
            ​Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide our Altar Guild services.
 
Prayer Concerns
 
            We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
 
            James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Arthur Marin,
            Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle, Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards,
            Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
            Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder,
            and Evelyn Verro.
 
 
Celebrations
 
            Lee and Sheila Kafer celebrate an anniversary on March 18th
            Dalene Behrens celebrates a birthday on March 22nd
 
ECCO Lenten Bible Study in March
 
            Diane Holme invites you to a Lenten Bible Study organized by the ECCO group,
            continuing for the following three Sundays at 12:30 pm. (March 14, 21, and 28)
 
Contact the Church Office for the Zoom Link for these meetings.
​​_________________________________________________________________________

             
PRELUDE
            (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
            preparation for the worship service which follows.)
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
 
            The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
            of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
 
            ​And also with you.
 
CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.)
 
            It is good to give thanks to you, O God,
            To declare your steadfast love in the morning;
            For you have made us glad by your work;
            At the works of your hands, we sing for joy.
 
HYMN 57*                                                               O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
 
OPENING PRAYER*
 
CONFESSION OF SIN
 
            ​If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
 
            If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins
            and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.    (I John 1: 8-9)
 
            Let us confess our sins before God and one another.
 
            God of everlasting mercy hear our prayer today, as we bring our lives before
            you.  We come as people who dwell on the past.  We want to face your new
            day with life and hope in our hearts, but many times the events of our own
            lives weigh us down.  We forget to forgive one another.  We dwell on our
            own past mistakes.  We refuse to bury dead issues and worn-out memories. 
            Free us, free us from ourselves, God, so that we might walk new pathways,
            alive with grace. . .
 
SILENCE        (observed for reflection and prayer)
 
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
 
            The Good News in Christ is that God offers us life at every moment, forgiving us,
            and inviting us to the freshness of new beginnings.  May God be praised for this
            gracious and loving gift.
 
READING OF SCRIPTURE                                     Isaiah 60: 1-3
 
PSALM 1                                                                   page 738, Response 2
 
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 16: 19-31
 
SERMON                                                                  “True Belief”
 
HYMN 514*                                                            Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
 
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
 
OFFERTORY
 
DOXOLOGY
 
            At the Presentation, Hymn 95*             Old 100th
            Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
            ​Praise him, all creatures here below;
            Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION*
 
HYMN 568*                                                             Christ for the World We Sing
 
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
 
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
 
DISMISSAL
 
            Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
            ​Thanks be to God.
 
POSTLUDE
 
*  All who are able may stand.
​​_________________________________________________________________________

Lyrics to the Hymns and
Responsive Reading
for the March 7 Service
 
 
HYMN 57                 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
 
 
O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace!
 
My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of thy name.
 
Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life, and health, and peace.
 
He breaks the power of canceled sin, he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean; his blood availed for me.
 
He speaks, and listening to his voice, new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.
 
Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb, your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your Savior come, and leap, ye lame, for joy.
 
In Christ, your head, you then shall know, shall feel your sins forgiven;
anticipate your heaven below, and own that love is heaven.
 
 
HYMN 514*                        Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
 
 
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory his army shall he lead,
till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
 
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict, in this his glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve him against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.
 
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle, the next the victor's song.
To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;
they with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.

 
HYMN 568*                        Christ for the World We Sing
  
Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with loving zeal;
the poor, and them that mourn, the faint and overborne, sin-sick and sorrow-worn,
whom Christ doth heal.
 
Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with fervent prayer;
the wayward and the lost, by restless passions tossed, redeemed at countless cost,
from dark despair.
 
Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with one accord;
with us the work to share, with us reproach to dare, with us the cross to bear,
for Christ our Lord.
 
Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring, with joyful song;
the newborn souls, whose days, reclaimed from error's ways, inspired with hope and praise,
to Christ belong. 

​

A Warm Welcome to All Visitors

           If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact
          the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.

Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home

          It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in
          the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211
          or unitedchurch@tds.net.
 
Upcoming Meetings/Events
 
          Executive Board Meeting - Wednesday, March 24, 7:00 pm
 
Weekly Offerings
 
          Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on February 28 were $1225. 
          The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by
          52 weeks).
 
          Please continue to mail your offerings to our Receiver of Offerings, Anne Oakes,
          at 145 Merrill Road, Ludlow, Vermont  05149.
 
Altar Guild
 
          Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide our Altar Guild services.
 
Prayer Concerns
 
          We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
 
          James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Arthur Marin,
          Kathy Doyle, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston,
          ​Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
          Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker,
          Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro.
 
Celebrations
 
          Jean Eggleston celebrates a birthday on March 11th
          Lee and Sheila Kafer celebrate an anniversary on March 18th
 
ECCO Lenten Bible Study in March
 
          Diane Holme invites you to a Lenten Bible Study organized by the ECCO group,
          starting this Sunday, and continuing the following three Sundays at 12:30 pm. 
          (March 7, 14, 21, and 28)
 
          To join the Bible Study Group click the following link
          https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82274055795?pwd=UVZJRzlhcXVoYWdvbmFJREJTSDNEZz09
 
          ​or join the meeting using your Zoom App with
          Meeting ID: 822 7405 5795  and
          Passcode: 810856
 
          or using your phone, the one tap mobile number is
          ​+13017158592,,82274055795#,,,,*810856#

PRELUDE
          (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
          preparation for the worship service which follows.)
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
SHARIING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
 
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 gather this day to worship our God, whose words and ways challenge us.
          God invites us to lose our selfishness to find ourselves.
          God calls us to be fools in the world to show forth the wisdom of Christ.
          God urges us to empty ourselves to discover life’s fullness.
          God bids us to be obedient to a divine will so we might know true freedom.
          We come to worship our Creator, seeking to have our faith challenged
          into growth.
          We root our faith in worship, seeking to find nourishment for our spirits
          in this growing season of Lent.
 
HYMN 368 *                                                            My Hope Is Built
 
INVOCATION (Unison)    
 
          Thankful are we for all the blessings of this life; love, freedom, bounty
          and beauty. We celebrate the many ways you have come to us sharing
          our common life.  We celebrate this day our spiritual ancestors and the
          teachings of Jesus.  Be close to us as we seek to follow Jesus in the
          shadow of the cross and as we commune with you and your whole
          human family.  May your divine care for us always empower us to care
          for all of Creation.  Keep close as we walk in the way that brings life.  Amen.
 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:                     
 
          In this season of Lent we reflect on those things that lead us away from
          the life we desire.  We focus on whatever we do that oppresses and
          enslaves others who, like us, are created in the image of the divine.  And
          now we seek the grace that frees us to live in faithfulness to holy love.
 
SILENCE
 
ASSURANCE OF PARDON

          The God of who brought the Israelites out of Egypt, is the power that frees us
          from our sin. Live in the grace of God’s love as you walk in the way of Jesus
          and surely you shall find mercy at the end of that road.  Amen.
 
READING OF SCRIPTURE
 
OLD TESTAMENT                                                   Exodus 20: 1-17
 
PSALM 19                                                                pp. 750-751 Response 1
 
GLORIA 70
 
          Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
          and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
          beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
          world without end.  Amen. Amen.
 
THE GOSPEL LESSON                                            John 2:13-22
 
SERMON                                                                  “Captured by Sin”
 
INTRODUCTION TO OUR OFFERING
 
          Our tokens offered here are but symbols of our lives of sacrifice lived every day.
          May we give ourselves to the world as a holy offering acceptable to you,
          O God, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.
 
OFFERTORY
 
DOXOLOGY *
 
          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 *
 
          Receive these gifts, Holy One.  Sanctify them by your Spirit and drive
          away any ill motives.  Accept, we pray, our humble offering.  Amen.
 
COMMUNION HYMN 617 *                               I Come with Joy
 
A CALL TO COMMUNION
 
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
 
THE LORD’S PRAYER (trespasses….)
 
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
 
SHARING THE BREAD AND WINE
 
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
 
CLOSING 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 to the Hymns and
Responsive Reading
for the March 7 Service
 
 
HYMN 368 *                                                            My Hope Is Built
 
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
 
Refrain:
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.
 
When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.
(Refrain)
 
His oath, his covenant, his blood supports me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.
(Refrain)
 
When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found!
Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!
(Refrain)
 
 
 
COMMUNION HYMN 617 *                               I Come with Joy
 
 
I come with joy to meet my Lord, forgiven, loved and free,
in awe and wonder to recall his life laid down for me,
his life laid down for me.
 
I come with Christians far and near to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love in Christ's communion bread,
in Christ's communion bread.
 
As Christ breaks bread and bids us share, each proud division ends.
The love that made us makes us one, and strangers now are friends,
and strangers now are friends.
 
And thus with joy we meet our Lord. His presence, always near,
is in such friendship better known; we see and praise him here,
we see and praise him here.
 
Together met, together bound, we'll go our different ways,
and as his people in the world, we'll live and speak his praise,
we'll live and speak his praise.
 
 
CLOSING HYMN 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 his kingdom we behold his 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 man 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.
​_________________________________________________________________________