CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) _________________________________________________________________________ If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure. Please read and follow these procedures for the safety of all. If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access. _________________________________________________________________________ A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, December 9, at 6:30 pm Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending November 22, 2020, were $1045. The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of November. Prayer Concerns We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net. _________________________________________________________________________ A New Way for Churches Bob Kottkamp and George Thomson have participated in a weekly Zoom partnership called ECCO (Experiment in Covenantal Community Outreach). It is an idea born of a need for pastoral leadership along the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire. It consists of four small churches (Acworth, NH, Bellows Falls, Ludlow and Springfield) all facing problems and trying to stay alive and vibrant to serve their congregations. All the churches are dealing with the fact that they are looking for part time pastors with few if any candidates. It is challenging if not impossible to even find interim pastors. We are working on establishing a collaborative covenantal cluster of possibly one ordained minister, and a combination of licensed lay ministers, semi-retired pastors, and student pastors to support one another and our individual congregations. We have been working with the Conference in developing this model of church leadership. The goal would be to have a person in our houses of worship every Sunday to lead our worship services and then provide opportunities for all the churches to gather together for a wide variety of activities. Now these other activities would be provided virtually through Zoom. Advent Bible Study “A Walk with Mary” during Advent, starting Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm by Zoom for three weeks. E-mail Diane Holme at holmelaw@vermontel.net if you would like to join in or try it out. _________________________________________________________________________ This link provides a quick and easy way to support a second COVID Relief Bill. Across the country COVID cases are rising dramatically. The fall and winter ahead of us hold significant challenge, especially at a time when many people are already facing extreme hardship. People in every community are facing hunger and the threat of eviction or homelessness, in alarming numbers. Since May more than eight million more people have been forced into poverty; many of them Black people and children. The pandemic and the resultant economic disaster won’t go away anytime soon, and Congress needs to start acting like they care by passing a COVID relief bill that is significant in scope; addressing: childcare, paid leave, housing and nutrition assistance, as well as providing funding for state/local/tribal governments to keep essential services running, _________________________________________________________________________ November 29, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship First Sunday of Advent - Hope PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13) And also with you. LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE – HOPE We light this candle to proclaim the coming of the light of God into the world. With the coming of this light there is hope. Because of Christ we not only have hope, but believe that good is stronger than evil. God wants us to work for good in this world. CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.) After such suffering, We watch for a sign, any sign. The sun seems to dim, the moon fails, the stars fall. We need a sign, any sign. Be aware, stay awake, change is coming. We hope that the Human One is on the way, gathering the faithful from the four winds, into a place of peace – We need a sign, any sign. Be aware, stay awake, change is coming. Nature once offered signs to depend on: The fig tree put out tender leaves, and we knew summer was near-- But climate today Is hurting, and unpredictable. We need a sign, any sign. Be aware, stay awake, change is coming. So together we search for a sign of the One who is coming-- Clarity in confusion. Green shoot in a barren landscape. Song arising in a weary soul. Be aware, stay awake, change is coming Come, let us worship! HYMN 131* We Gather Together Invocation Come into our midst, O Holy One, Rider of the Clouds of Heaven, Surprising answer to heartfelt prayer. In whatever way you choose-- Come. Shake us up. Help us find you at work in our lives Showing the way to make all things new. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 80: 1 – 7, Hymnal page 801 GLORIA 70* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. Prayer of Confession This has been a year to lament-- Grief and loss, Crisis when social structures have failed the common good Complicity when age-old prejudices found new and cruel expression: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. This has been a year to wake up-- To read the “signs of the times” To wake up to painful truths, and give them voice To ponder the changes needed for a just world for all: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. This has been a year to call God into our sorry midst-- Show us your face! Encourage us in the face of brutal realities, Empower us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you On the way in which you make all things new. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Silence Assurance of Grace God is faithful, and gives us grace in Christ Jesus. In this fellowship we can count on being in enriched In speech, in knowledge, in every spiritual gift. Let us give thanks, in Christ, we are forgiven and sent forth to work for God’s reign among us. SERMON “Watching and Waiting” HYMN 196* Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE In struggle and in joy, God is faithful to us. We bring forth our offerings – our tithes, our treasures, our least coins – to demonstrate our faithfulness to God. OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* O Faithful One, accept these gifts of our hearts and hands. May they be multiplied and magnified as the living presence of Christ in the world. Amen. HYMN 210* Toda la Tierra – All Earth is Waiting BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* Send us into the world refreshed in hope, Awake, alert, attuned to your presence ready to join your work of blessing for all. Amen. BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. Lyrics to the Hymns
and Responsive Reading for the November 29 Service HYMN 131 We Gather Together We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing; he chastens and hastens his will to make known. The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing. Sing praises to his name; he forgets not his own. Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine; so from the beginning the fight we were winning; thou, Lord, wast at our side, all glory be thine! We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant, and pray that thou still our defender wilt be. Let thy congregation escape tribulation; thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free! HYMN 196 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne. HYMN 210 Toda la Terra – All Earth is Waiting All earth is waiting to see the Promised one, And the open furrows, the sowing of the Lord. All the world, bound and struggling, seeks true liberty; it cries out for justice and searches for the truth. Thus says the prophet to those of Israel, “A virgin mother will bear Emmanuel” for his name is “God with us,“ our brother shall be, with him hope will blossom once more with-in our hearts. Mountains and valleys will have to be made plain; open new highways, new highways for the Lord. He is now coming closer, so come all and see, and open the doorways as wide as wide can be. In lowly stable the Promised one appeared, Yet, feel his presence throughout the earth today, For he lives in all Christians and is with us now; again, with his coming he brings us liberty CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) _________________________________________________________________________ If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure. Please read and follow these procedures for the safety of all. If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access. _________________________________________________________________________ The peace of God be with you, The peace of Christ be with you, The peace of the Holy Spirit be with you and with your loved ones, for an hour, for ever, for eternity. Amen - a Scottish Prayer _________________________________________________________________________ A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, December 9, at 6:30 pm Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending November 15 were $2945. Donations for the church accessibility project were $850. The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of November. Prayer Concerns We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net. Celebrations Lee Kafer celebrates a birthday on November 25. Bob and Ginny Kottkamp celebrate an anniversary on November 26. _________________________________________________________________________ A New Way for Churches Bob Kottkamp and George Thomson have participated in a weekly Zoom partnership called ECCO (Experiment in Covenantal Community Outreach). It is an idea born of a need for pastoral leadership along the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire. It consists of four small churches (Acworth, NH, Bellows Falls, Ludlow and Springfield) all facing problems and trying to stay alive and vibrant to serve their congregations. All the churches are dealing with the fact that they are looking for part time pastors with few if any candidates. It is challenging if not impossible to even find interim pastors. We are working on establishing a collaborative covenantal cluster of possibly one ordained minister, and a combination of licensed lay ministers, semi-retired pastors, and student pastors to support one another and our individual congregations. We have been working with the Conference in developing this model of church leadership. The goal would be to have a person in our houses of worship every Sunday to lead our worship services and then provide opportunities for all the churches to gather together for a wide variety of activities. Now these other activities would be provided virtually through Zoom. _________________________________________________________________________ ECCO EXPERIMENT IN COVENANTAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH Thanksgiving Bible Study Thursday, November 26th Bible Study at 10 am by Zoom. Luke 17:11-19. “Gratitude”. Open to all. This has been an ongoing group since Lent with new folks joining in. All are welcome. Advent Bible Study “A Walk with Mary” during Advent, starting Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm by Zoom for three weeks. E-mail Diane Holme at holmelaw@vermontel.net if you would like to join in or try it out. This link provides a quick and easy way to support a second COVID Relief Bill. Across the country COVID cases are rising dramatically. The fall and winter ahead of us hold significant challenge, especially at a time when many people are already facing extreme hardship. People in every community are facing hunger and the threat of eviction or homelessness, in alarming numbers. Since May more than eight million more people have been forced into poverty; many of them Black people and children. The pandemic and the resultant economic disaster won’t go away anytime soon, and Congress needs to start acting like they care by passing a COVID relief bill that is significant in scope; addressing: childcare, paid leave, housing and nutrition assistance, as well as providing funding for state/local/tribal governments to keep essential services running, _________________________________________________________________________ November 22, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: REIGN OF CHRIST SUNDAY PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude for quiet meditation to prepare for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13) And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.) We are God’s people. Worship the Holy One with gladness; Come into God’s presence with singing. Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and God’s courts with praise. Make a joyful noise! For God is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever, and God’s faithfulness to all generations. Let us worship with thanks and joy! Let us praise God in song and word and prayer HYMN 185 * When Morning Gilds the Skies OPENING PRAYER * CONFESSION OF SIN Loving God, too often, we overlook the needs of people around us while we proclaim our devotion to you. We could do so much more to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, to welcome the stranger, and heal the sick. We fail to see how our prison system diminishes the humanity of all of us, how our medical system denies healing to the poor, how poverty leaves children without coats, how legal obstacles keep the strangers at a distance. Open our eyes to see your presence in every person, and to respond to their needs so that we may be rightly called by your name. Amen. SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS READING OF SCRIPTURE Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 PSALM 100 Hymnal, page 821, Response 1 GLORIA 70* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 25:31-46 SERMON “Wanted: Lost Sheep” HYMN * Oh For a World Where Everyone… Sung to the tune of Hymn # 87 O for a world where everyone respects each other's ways, where love is lived, and all is done with justice and with praise. O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved. We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice. The poor are rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn, outcasts belong, who perishes will rise. O for a world preparing for God's glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE Generosity may come as an impulse, but it is cultivated by the practice of regular giving. Let us today move from beliefs to actions that make a difference in the world. We give in gratitude for God’s gifts to us, and we give because we need to live beyond ourselves. Use this time of offering as an opportunity to grow and to grow the realm of God. OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* God of abundance, we give these offerings of material goods as our commitment to give back to you and to care for your people. Let our giving remind us to see Jesus all around us. Use our offerings of money and of our lives for ministry to your purposes. Amen. HYMN 102 * Now Thank We All Our God BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. Our Service this week is offered by Diane Holme, a member of the ECCO group, which is working to develop new ways to sustain our churches. _________________________________________________________________________ Lyrics to the Hymns
and Responsive Reading for the November 22 Service HYMN 185 When Morning Gilds the Skies When morning gilds the skies my heart awaking cries: May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work and prayer, to Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised! The night becomes as day when from the heart we say: May Jesus Christ be praised! The powers of darkness fear when this sweet chant they hear: May Jesus Christ be praised! Let all the earth around ring joyous with the sound: May Jesus Christ be praised! In heaven's eternal bliss the loveliest strain is this: May Jesus Christ be praised! Be this, while life is mine, my canticle divine: May Jesus Christ be praised! Be this th' eternal song through all the ages long: May Jesus Christ be praised! Oh For a World Where Everyone… Sung to the tune of Hymn # 87 O for a world where everyone respects each other's ways, where love is lived, and all is done with justice and with praise. O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved, where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved. We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice. The poor are rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise. Tell all who mourn, outcasts belong, who perishes will rise. O for a world preparing for God's glorious reign of peace, where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease. HYMN 102 Now Thank We All Our God Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices; who from our mothers' arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us; and keep us still in grace, and guide us when perplexed; and free us from all ills, in this world and the next. All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given; the Son, and him who reigns with them in highest heaven; the one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore. CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) _________________________________________________________________________ If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure. Please read and follow these procedures for the safety of all. If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access. _________________________________________________________________________ A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Windham Association Meeting, Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, December 9, at 6:30 pm. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending November 8, 2020 were $300. Memorial donations to Pat Liao were $1,346.34. The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of November. Prayer Concerns We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net. Celebrations Otto Behrens celebrates a birthday on November 20. _________________________________________________________________________ Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community,” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ A New Way for Churches For the past 7 months, Bob Kottkamp and George Thomson have participated in a weekly Zoom partnership called ECCO (Experiment in Covenantal Community Outreach). It is an idea born of a need for pastoral leadership along the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire. It consists of four small churches (Acworth, NH, Bellows Falls, Ludlow and Springfield) all facing problems and trying to stay alive and vibrant to serve their congregations. All the churches are dealing with the fact that they are looking for part time pastors with few if any candidates. It is challenging if not impossible to even find interim pastors. We are working on establishing a collaborative covenantal cluster of possibly one ordained minister, and a combination of licensed lay ministers, semi-retired pastors and student pastors to support one another and our individual congregations. We have been working with the Conference in developing this model of church leadership. The goal would be to have a person in our houses of worship every Sunday to lead our worship services and then provide opportunities for all the churches to gather together for a wide variety of activities. At the moment these other activities would be provided virtually through Zoom. _________________________________________________________________________ Looking for an Opportunity for Bible Study We have not had bible study offered in our sanctuary for a long time. ECCO is a vehicle for this and in fact is already doing so on a weekly basis. The exciting news is that anyone from all four congregations can participate from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Currently Bible Study is on Thursday mornings from 10 am – 11 am. The current topic is “Into the Wilderness” and is available for everyone. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. I understand that it is a very collegial group and everyone has an opportunity to participate. It is not a lecture! _________________________________________________________________________ Coming Attractions This Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Windham Union Association meeting with Speaker, Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr., President of Chicago Theological Seminary. “He is the President of the Society for the Study of Black Religion. Having written and lectured broadly in the areas of Systematic Theology, African American religion, human rights and the intersection of religion and politics, President Ray’s current work focuses on reinvigorating the public square as a place for all and reclaiming a vital expression of progressive religion in that project.” It will be via Zoom and the link sent out to you for your church’s participation. Thursday, November 26th -Thanksgiving Gathering during Bible Study time. All are welcome. Content in progress. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm- Advent Bible Study for 4 weeks. A Walk with Mary. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. If you have any questions and/or need information on how to connect via Zoom to any of these opportunities please feel free to contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation or contact George at thomson131vt@gmail or Bob at rkottkamp@gmail.com _________________________________________________________________________ Our Service this week is being offered by Peter Andrews, a member of the ECCO group, which is working to develop new ways to sustain our churches. Our pianist the week is Martha Stretton, of Chester, VT, who has graciously agreed to help us while Terry recuperates from her surgery. November 15, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13) And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.) It is good to give thanks to you, O God, To declare your steadfast love in the morning; For you have made us glad by your work; At the works of your hands, we sing for joy. HYMN 117* O God Our Help in Ages Past OPENING PRAYER* RESPONSIVE READING One: Where should I look for help in my need? All: To the majestic mountain peaks that probe our skies or the giants of industry that hem in our cities? One: To the satellites that circle our world or the computers that store up our knowledge? All: The answer to my problems, the fulfillment of my needs must come from God himself, from him who created the skies and the mountains and man to dwell in their midst! One: He is the great God who knows our every desire, whose watchful eye is upon us night and day. All: We can make no move without his knowledge One: His concern for his children is constant; his love for them is eternal. And thus the Lord will keep you, shielding you from the forces of evil as a shade tree shields you from the rays of the blazing sun. All: He does care for you, and he will fight with you against the enemies of your soul. Whether you be coming or going, he knows the course you take and he will go before you. GLORIA 70* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. PRAYER THE CHILD IN US ALL SERMON “Practice Makes Perfect” HYMN 110* A Mighty Fortress is Our God PASTORAL PRAYER LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 451* Be Now My Vision BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* CLOSING ANTHEM Spirit of Life BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. _________________________________________________________________________
Lyrics to the Hymns for the November 15 Service 117. O God, Our Help in Ages Past O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home! Under the shadow of thy throne, still may we dwell secure; sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure. Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting, thou art God, to endless years the same. A thousand ages, in thy sight, are like an evening gone; short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun. Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all who breathe away; they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come; be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home. 110. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth, his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us. The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours, thru him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill; God's truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever. 451. Be Thou My Vision Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that thou art; Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my Wisdom, and thou my true Word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, and I thy true son, Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise; Thou mine inheritance, now and always; Thou and thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my treasure thou art. High King of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. CHURCH SERVICES CONTINUE at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) _________________________________________________________________________ The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get information about Zoom access. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Annual Meeting, Sunday, November 8, following the service. Dedication of newly completed, accessible rear entrance will occur immediately after the meeting. Windham Association Meeting, Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, December 9, at 7:00 pm. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending November , 2020, were $885. Contributions for the Access project were $12,300.The costs for each week are $1,118 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks). Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of November. Prayer Concerns We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Anne Oakes celebrates a birthday on November 12. _________________________________________________________________________ UNITED CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting of the United Church of Ludlow will be held today, Sunday, November 8, 2020, beginning immediately after the service. The congregation will review the events of the past year and plan for the future, as we review the Annual Report. We will elect members to the Executive Board and the various committees that work to ensure the continued operation of the church. There are vacancies for Board President, Board Vice-President, Board Clerk, and an Auditor, an Outreach Committee and an Altar Guild member. If you wish to volunteer for one of these positions, contact George Thomson (802-228-6275 or thomson131vt@gmail.com). _________________________________________________________________________ Zoom Church Services at the United Church of Ludlow We continue to offer access to our church service using Zoom. If you are not already in the “Zoom Community” it is not very hard. We would love to have you join us for Sunday worship. If you have used Zoom before and have it installed on your computer you are ready to go. If you have never used Zoom, please contact us before Sunday so we can help you navigate the program. For help send an email to: Laura Lienhard (Laura_Lienhard@hotmail.com) or Dean Alexander (DiggerDa@aol.com) PLEASE NOTE: You should only have one live microphone at any one location. Please DO NOT use your phone AND the microphone on your computer at the same time. Turn one off. When both are on, rather unpleasant feedback noise can be produced. _________________________________________________________________________ A New Way for Churches For the past 7 months, Bob Kottkamp and George have participated in a weekly Zoom partnership called ECCO (Experiment in Covenantal Community Outreach). It is an idea born of a need for pastoral leadership along the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire. It consists of four small churches (Acworth, NH, Bellows Falls, Ludlow and Springfield) all facing problems and trying to stay alive and vibrant to serve their congregations. All the churches are dealing with the fact that they are looking for part time pastors with few if any candidates. It is challenging if not impossible to even find interim pastors. We are working on establishing a collaborative covenantal cluster of possibly one ordained minister, and a combination of licensed lay ministers, semi-retired pastors and student pastors to support one another and our individual congregations. We have been working with the Conference in developing this model of church leadership. The goal would be to have a person in our houses of worship every Sunday to lead our worship services and then provide opportunities for all the churches to gather together for a wide variety of activities. At the moment these other activities would be provided virtually through Zoom. Looking for an Opportunity for Bible Study? We have not had bible study offered in our sanctuary for a long time. ECCO is a vehicle for this and in fact is already doing so on a weekly basis. The exciting news is that anyone from all four congregations can participate from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Currently Bible Study is on Thursday mornings from 10 am – 11 am. The current topic is “Into the Wilderness” and is available for everyone. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. I understand that it is a very collegial group and everyone has an opportunity to participate. It is not a lecture! Coming Attractions Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Windham Union Association meeting with Speaker, Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr., President of Chicago Theological Seminary. “He is the President of the Society for the Study of Black Religion. Having written and lectured broadly in the areas of Systematic Theology, African American religion, human rights and the intersection of religion and politics, President Ray’s current work focuses on reinvigorating the public square as a place for all and reclaiming a vital expression of progressive religion in that project.” It will be via Zoom and the link sent out to you for your church’s participation. Thursday, November 26th -Thanksgiving Gathering during Bible Study time. All are welcome. Content in progress. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm- Advent Bible Study for 4 weeks. A Walk with Mary. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. If you have any questions and/or need information on how to connect via Zoom to any of these opportunities please feel free to contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation or contact George at thomson131vt@gmail or Bob at rkottkamp@gmail.com _________________________________________________________________________ November 8, 2020 10:00 A.M. Service of Worship TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST PRELUDE (All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in preparation for the worship service which follows.) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13) And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.) It is good to give thanks to you, O God, To declare your steadfast love in the morning; For you have made us glad by your work; At the works of your hands, we sing for joy. HYMN 400* Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing OPENING PRAYER* CONFESSION OF SIN If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1: 8-9) Let us confess our sins before God and one another. God of everlasting mercy hear our prayer today, as we bring our lives before you. We come as people who dwell on the past. We want to face your new day with life and hope in our hearts, but many times the events of our own lives weigh us down. We forget to forgive one another. We dwell on our own past mistakes. We refuse to bury dead issues and worn-out memories. Free us, free us from ourselves, God, so that we might walk new pathways, alive with grace. . . SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS The Good News in Christ is that God offers us life at every moment, forgiving us, and inviting us to the freshness of new beginnings. May God be praised for this gracious and loving gift. READING OF SCRIPTURE Romans 12: 7-16 PSALM 70 Hymnal, page 793 GLORIA 70* Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 18: 1-5 SERMON “Child Like, Not Childish” HYMN 399* Take My Life and Let it Be PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”) PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473 Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; Make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only, That makest me dwell in safety. OFFERTORY SENTENCE OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 593* Here I Am, Lord BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. _________________________________________________________________________
Lyrics to the Hymns and Responsive Reading for the November 8 Service 400. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love. Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I'm come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above. 399. Take My Life, and Let It Be Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love. Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee. Take my voice, and let me sing, always, only, for my King. Take my lips, and let them be, filled with messages from thee. Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose. Take my will, and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee. 593. Here I am, Lord I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save Chorus Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go, Lord, if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? [Chorus] I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people's pain I have wept for love of them, They turn away. [Chorus] I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone I will speak my words to them, Whom shall I send? [Chorus] I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame I will set a feast for them My hand will save [Chorus] Finest bread I will provide, 'Til their hearts be satisfied I will give my life to them, Whom shall I send? [Chorus] _________________________________________________________________________ CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get information about Zoom access. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Annual Meeting, Sunday, November 8, following the service. Dedication of newly completed, accessible rear entrance will occur immediately after the meeting. Windham Association Meeting, Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, December 9, at 7:00 pm. Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of November. Prayer Concerns We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. UNITED CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting of the United Church of Ludlow will be on Sunday, November 8, 2020, beginning immediately after the service. The congregation will review the events of the past yea and plan for the future, as we review the Annual Report. We will elect members to the Executive Board and the various committees that work to ensure the continued operation of the church. There are vacancies for Board President, Board Vice-President, Board Clerk, Trustees (2), Auditor (1), and Outreach (1), and Nominating (4) Committee members. If you wish to volunteer for one of these positions, contact George Thomson (802-228-6275 or thomson131vt@gmail.com) A New Way for Churches For the past 7 months, Bob Kottkamp and George have participated in a weekly Zoom partnership called ECCO (Experiment in Covenantal Community Outreach). It is an idea born of a need for pastoral leadership along the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire. It consists of four small churches (Acworth, NH, Bellows Falls, Ludlow and Springfield) all facing problems and trying to stay alive and vibrant to serve their congregations. All the churches are dealing with the fact that they are looking for part time pastors with few if any candidates. It is challenging if not impossible to even find interim pastors. We are working on establishing a collaborative covenantal cluster of possibly one ordained minister, and a combination of licensed lay ministers, semi-retired pastors and student pastors to support one another and our individual congregations. We have been working with the Conference in developing this model of church leadership. The goal would be to have a person in our houses of worship every Sunday to lead our worship services and then provide opportunities for all the churches to gather together for a wide variety of activities. At the moment these other activities would be provided virtually through Zoom. Looking for an Opportunity for Bible Study? We have not had bible study offered in our sanctuary for a long time. ECCO is a vehicle for this and in fact is already doing so on a weekly basis. The exciting news is that anyone from all four congregations can participate from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Currently Bible Study is on Thursday mornings from 10 am – 11 am. The current topic is “Into the Wilderness” and is available for everyone. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. I understand that it is a very collegial group and everyone has an opportunity to participate. It is not a lecture! Coming Attractions Sunday, November 15th at 3 pm Windham Union Association meeting with Speaker, Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr., President of Chicago Theological Seminary. “He is the President of the Society for the Study of Black Religion. Having written and lectured broadly in the areas of Systematic Theology, African American religion, human rights and the intersection of religion and politics, President Ray’s current work focuses on reinvigorating the public square as a place for all and reclaiming a vital expression of progressive religion in that project.” It will be via Zoom and the link sent out to you for your church’s participation. Thursday, November 26th -Thanksgiving Gathering during Bible Study time. All are welcome. Content in progress. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm- Advent Bible Study for 4 weeks. A Walk with Mary. All you have to do is contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation. If you have any questions and/or need information on how to connect via Zoom to any of these opportunities please feel free to contact Diane at holmelaw@vermontel.net and she will make sure you get your Zoom invitation or contact George at thomson131vt@gmail or Bob at rkottkamp@gmail.com 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. _________________________________________________________________________ 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, 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. November 1, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION 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.) Listen to the good news. God is with us, this day and every day. Because God is with us, we can face each day with courage. We can find some good in everything, for we are never completely alone. God’s goodness sometimes seems to be a trickle, sometimes pulsing spurts, and sometimes a mighty flood. But always God is with us. We worship you, O God, for your goodness. We praise you with our songs. We seek you in our prayers. We offer ourselves to you because you are our God. HYMN 66* Praise My Soul the King of Heaven 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. Caring and compassionate Creator, we enter this place set apart for your worship, knowing that we have failed to see you in other places. We have ignored your beauty around us, in earth and sky, in plants and creatures, in the people who surround us. We have chosen to live more by our fears than by our faith, to be weighed down by what we do not have, rather than rejoicing in your gifts to us. In these moments together, draw us so close that we cannot help but know every day that you are with us, wherever we go. Enlarge our capacity to care, so we may see you in all whom we meet. SILENCE (may be observed for reflection and prayer.) ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS God hears the confession of our hearts and lips. Through Jesus Christ we are forgiven of all our sins, and by the Holy Spirit we are empowered for new life. Thanks be to God for the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE Genesis 22: 1-13 PSALM 34 Hymnal, page 769-770 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 Hebrews 11:17-29 SERMON “Who is a Saint?” 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 OFFERTORY At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th Praise God from whom all blessing flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, you heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION* HYMN 545* The Church’s One Foundation 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 DEDICATION 723* Shall We Gather At the River BENEDICTION AND BLESSING* BENEDICTION RESPONSE DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE * All who are able may stand. Lyrics to the Hymns
and Responsive Reading for the November 11 Service 66. Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, to the throne thy tribute bring; ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore God's praises sing. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King. Praise the Lord for grace and favor to all people in distress; praise God, still the same as ever, slow to chide, and swift to bless. Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious now God's faithfulness. Father-like, God tends and spares us; well our feeble frame God knows; mother-like, God gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes. Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely yet God's mercy flows. Angels in the heights, adoring, you behold God face to face; saints triumphant, now adoring, gathered in from every race. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace. 545 The Church's One Foundation The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the Word. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died. Elect from every nation, yet one o'er all the earth; her charter of salvation, one Lord, one faith, one birth; one holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued. Though with a scornful wonder we see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, "How long?" And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song. Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war, she waits the consummation of peace forevermore; till, with the vision glorious, her longing eyes are blest, and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest. Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won. O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with thee. 723. Shall We Gather at the River Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod, with its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God? Refrain: Yes, we'll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God. On the margin of the river, washing up its silver spray, we will walk and worship ever, all the happy golden day. (Refrain) Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down; grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown. (Refrain) Soon we'll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease; soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace. (Refrain) CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information) The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get information about Zoom access. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 28, 7:00 pm. Annual Meeting, Sunday, November 8, following the service. Altar Guild Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of September. Prayer Concerns We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Linda Potter celebrated a birthday on October 23 Kathy Doyle celebrated a birthday on October 24 Gary Macintyre and Pat Moore celebrate their birthdays on October 25 Fred Marin celebrates a birthday on October 26 Bill and Susan Kneebone celebrate an anniversary on October 27 _________________________________________________________________________ UNITED CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting of the United Church of Ludlow will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2020, beginning immediately after the service. The congregation reviews the events of the past year, and plan for the future, as we review the Annual Report. We will elect members to the Executive Board and the various committees that work to ensure the continued operation of the church. There are vacancies for Board President, Board Secretary, Auditors (2) and the Altar Guild. If you wish to volunteer for one of these positions, contact George Thomson (802-228-6275 or thomson131vt@gmail.com). _________________________________________________________________________ Giving Time - Pledge Time!! Anne Oakes, the Receiver of Offerings of the United Church of Ludlow, recently sent out a statement of contributions to the church through September 30 and the Estimate of Giving (EOG) Form to all those who gifted to the church in the past year. We hope that you will prayerfully and promptly fill out the EOB and return it to Anne in the envelope that was conveniently self- addressed and included with her correspondence. Please understand that this is considered a good faith estimate to allow us to prepare a budget for the church. If your circumstances change, we fully understand, and no explanation is expected or necessary. If you did not receive a letter from Anne and have not recently given to the church and are able, please simply drop her a note and indicate such. Her address is Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. As usual, your support is greatly appreciated and fully deductible for tax purposes to the extent permitted by law. _________________________________________________________________________ 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. _________________________________________________________________________ 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, 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. _________________________________________________________________________ Reformation Sunday Remembrances and Dedications In memory of Marilyn Trick Presented by Penny Trick In Memory of 'Jit' Aurilla Scalee Ellison Manning Presented by John and Carol Wu In Honor of Reverend Harpster Presented by John & Carol Wu In memory of Pat Liao Presented by Dean and Linda Alexander Jean Eggleston Carolyn Gauthier Sheila and Lee Kafer Laura Caravett Laura Lienhard Gary and Marge Macintyre Bob and Sally Watts Nancy and Carl Hagge Brenda and Dick Dansingberg Sandy and Jim Peplau Hank and Wendy Clare Bob and Ginny Kottkamp Anne Oakes and Andy Ohotnicky George and Linda Thomson Ralph and Janet Pace Darrah and Linda Moore Joan and Paul Milza Women of the United Church October 25, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST REFORMATION 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.) You, O God, know our hearts. Guide our hearts, O God. You, O God, see our ways. Shape our ways, O God. You, O God, call our spirits. Call us now, O God, as we call on you. HYMN 431* Let There Be Peace on Earth INVOCATION* CONFESSION OF SIN God of mercy, grace, reconciliation and goodness: We are sorry for so much – For words we cannot bear to say For memories we cannot bear to relive For thoughts we cannot bear to admit. But you know our hearts. Relieve us of our burdens, Bind our hearts not to the unbearable but rather to you So that, in all ways, we may live in the joy of your salvation and the delight of your loving embrace. Amen. SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer) ASSURANCE OF PARDON Happy are we, holy people, when we walk in the ways of our God. Happy are we, beloved ones, as we receive God’s forgiveness. Happy are we, God’s own, Because we are made whole through Jesus Christ. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE Leviticus 19: 1-2 and 15-18 Hymn 89 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee Deuteronomy 34:4-12 Hymn 496 Sweet Hour of Prayer Psalm 90 1-6 and 13-17 Hymnal, PP. 809-810 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 LESSONS 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8 Hymn 189 Fairest Lord Jesus Matthew 22: 34-40 REFLECTION Hymn 572 Pass It On 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 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 Remembrance and Dedication Scripture Sentence Remembrance of the Deceased Prayer Dedication of Special Gifts Hymn 711* All the Saints 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 October 25 Service 431 Let There Be Peace on Earth Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, The peace that was meant to be. With God our creator, children all are we. Let us walk with each other In perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now. With every step I take, Let this be my solemn vow. To take each moment, And live each moment, With peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me. 89 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day! All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heaven reflect thy rays, stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in thee. Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine. Mortals, join the mighty chorus, which the morning stars began; love divine is reigning o'er us, binding all within its span. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife; joyful music leads us sunward, in the triumph song of life. 496 Sweet Hour of Prayer 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! 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! 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! 189 Fairest Lord Jesus Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son, thee will I cherish, thee will I honor, thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring: Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, who makes the woeful heart to sing. Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling starry host: Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer than all the angels heaven can boast. Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine. 572 Pass It On It only takes a spark to get a fire going, And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing; That's how it is with God's Love, Once you've experienced it, Your spread the love to everyone You want to pass it on. What a wondrous time is spring, When all the tress are budding The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming; That's how it is with God's love, Once you've experienced it. You want to sing, it's fresh like spring, You want to pass it on. I wish for you my friend This happiness that I've found; You can depend on God It matters not where you're bound, I'll shout it from the mountain top, I want the world to know The Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on. 707 Hymn of Promise 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. 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. 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. 711 All the Saints For all the saints, who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Refrain: Alleluia, Alleluia! Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light. [Refrain] O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, and win with them the victor's crown of gold. [Refrain] O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. [Refrain] And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. [Refrain] From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. [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. The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get information about Zoom access. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Reformation Sunday, Sunday, October 25, 10:00 am. Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 28, 7:00 pm. Annual Meeting, Sunday, November 8, following the service. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending October 11 were $1655. 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 We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards, Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro. Celebrations Carolyn Gauthier celebrates a birthday on Oct. 20 Penny Trick celebrates a birthday on Oct. 21 Lisha Klaiber celebrates a birthday on Oct. 24 Reformation Sunday, October 25th On Reformation Sunday, remember deceased friends and members who died this past year and dedicate gifts that have been made to the church. There is still time for members and friends of the church to present monetary gifts in memory or in honor of individuals. A dedication form is provided below. To be included in the bulletin for Reformation Sunday, all gifts should be made out to the United Church of Ludlow and be mailed to the church office by Wednesday, October 21st. For more information, you can contact Anne Oakes, Receiver of Offerings, at anneo@tds.net. Memorials for Reformation Sunday In memory of _________________________________________ Presented by _________________________________________ or In honor of _________________________________________ Presented by _________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Giving Time - Pledge Time!! Anne Oakes, the Receiver of Offerings of the United Church of Ludlow, recently sent out a statement of contributions to the church through September 30 and the Estimate of Giving (EOG) Form to all those who gifted to the church in the past year. We hope that you will prayerfully and promptly fill out the EOB and return it to Anne in the envelope that was conveniently self- addressed and included with her correspondence. Please understand that this is considered a good faith estimate to allow us to prepare a budget for the church. If your circumstances change, we fully understand, and no explanation is expected or necessary. If you did not receive a letter from Anne and have not recently given to the church and are able, please simply drop her a note and indicate such. Her address is Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. As usual, your support is greatly appreciated and fully deductible for tax purposes to the extent permitted by law. _________________________________________________________________________ UNITED CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting of the United Church of Ludlow will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2020, beginning immediately after the service. This meeting provides a chance for the congregation to review the events of the past year, assess the current status of the church, and plan for the future, as we review the Annual Report. We will also elect members of the Executive Board the various committees that work to ensure the continued operation of the church. In this regard, there are vacancies for the following positions; Board Secretary, Auditors (2) and the Altar Guild. If you are interested in any of these positions, please leave a message at the church office (802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net) or contact George Thomson (802-228-6275 or thomson131vt@gmail.com). _________________________________________________________________________ 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, 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. _________________________________________________________________________ October 18, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship TWENTIETH 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.) God has called us and chosen us by name. We come to worship declaring God’s sovereignty. From the rising of the sun, God will be known, in all our days. We worship a God who offers us love and support. Let us worship together as a community of faith. HYMN 119* O God of Heaven INVOCATION* God of forever and right now: By your Spirit open our ears to hear your Word to us in scripture, in sermon, in song. Open our eyes to see your Word to us in children’s faces, in troubling statistics and in our action together. Open our hearts to feel your Word to us in the warmth of love, in the ache of sadness, in the energy of commitment. Strengthen our desire for justice for all peoples and our wills to advocate and organize so that all may grow up safe and thrive in community. Amen. CONFESSION OF SIN Gracious God, we confess that we sometimes forget to be your servant people in the world of great need. Forgive us when we feel inadequate forgetting you give us courage and compassion in these times. Move us out of discouragement into determination to serve your purposes. Allow us to grow into your ways and find favor in your sight. Mature with us so that just love may be realized for the world. Daydream with us so that we might do justice holding no malice. Answer these prayers we pray in the name of your Beloved Child, the hope of the world. Amen. SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer) ASSURANCE OF PARDON The Holy One hears our cries and understands better than we understand ourselves. God affirms us and leads us away from the idols we create. God forgives us and opens us to new ways of living as disciples of Jesus. Receive the blessings of God and the new life we are offered as beloved children. Amen. READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 96 Hymnal, pp. 815-816 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 22:15-22 SERMON “What Belongs to God?” 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 God looks upon your face. God assures you when nothing else can. “My presence will go with you”, God says. “I will give you rest”, God prays. Let us carry this spirit into our giving. Let us praise God with our gifts of tithes and offerings. 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* Gracious God, receive the gift of our lives and this offering of our service to carry your love from this place to a world in need. This we pray in the name of Christ, whom with you and the Holy Spirit, reign in our hearts and lives, one God now and forever. Amen. HYMN 730* O Day of God, Draw Nigh 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 October 18 Service 119 O God of Heaven O God in heaven, grant to thy children mercy and blessing, songs never-ceasing; love to unite us, grace to redeem us, O God in heaven, dear Lord, our God. Jesus, Redeemer, may we remember thy gracious passion, thy resurrection: Worship we bring thee, praise we shall sing you, Jesus, Redeemer, Jesus, our Lord. Spirit descending, whose is the blessing: strength for the weary, help for the needy; sealed in our kinship, thine be our worship, Spirit descending, Spirit adored. 382 Have Thine Own Way, Lord 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. 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. 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! 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! 730 O Day of God, Draw Nigh O day of God, draw nigh in beauty and in power; come with thy timeless judgment now to match our present hour. Bring to our troubled minds, uncertain and afraid, the quiet of a steadfast faith, calm of a call obeyed. Bring justice to our land, that all may dwell secure, and finely build for days to come foundations that endure. Bring to our world of strife thy sovereign word of peace, that war may haunt the earth no more, and desolation cease. O day of God, draw nigh as at creation's birth; let there be light again, and set thy judgments on the earth. 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. This week we celebrate Communion. Parishioners may bring their own "bread and wine". The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am. If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us. Procedures designed to minimize the risk of exposure are described later in this newsletter. Please read and follow these procedures for your own, and your fellow congregants', safety. If you are not able to attend in person, the service will be streamed simultaneously using our church Zoom access to allow you to participate. Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get information about Zoom access. A Warm Welcome to All Visitors. If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net. Upcoming Meetings/Events Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 28, 7:00 pm. Reformation Sunday, Sunday, October , 10:00 am. Annual Meeting, Sunday, November 8, following the service. Weekly Offerings Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending October 4, 2020, 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 September. Prayer Concerns Please keep Sheila Kafer in your prayers as she recovers from surgery. Please keep Pam Dundy and Jean Eggleston in your prayers, as they recuperate from recent hospitalizations. We continue to keep the following in our prayers: James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, 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. _________________________________________________________________________ Reformation Sunday, October 25th On Reformation Sunday, we will remember deceased friends and members who died this past year and dedicate gifts that have been made to the church. There is still time for members and friends of the church to present monetary gifts in memory or in honor of individuals. A dedication form is provided below. To be included in the bulletin for Reformation Sunday, all gifts should be made out to the United Church of Ludlow and be mailed to the church office by Wednesday, October 21st. For more information, you can contact Anne Oakes, Receiver of Offerings, at anneo@tds.net. Memorials for Reformation Sunday In memory of _________________________________________ Presented by _________________________________________ or In honor of _________________________________________ Presented by _________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Giving Time - Pledge Time!! Anne Oakes, the Receiver of Offerings of the United Church of Ludlow, recently sent out a statement of contributions to the church through September 30 and the Estimate of Giving (EOG) Form to all those who gifted to the church in the past year. We hope that you will prayerfully and promptly fill out the EOB and return it to Anne in the envelope that was conveniently self- addressed and included with her correspondence. Please understand that this is considered a good faith estimate to allow us to prepare a budget for the church. If your circumstances change, we fully understand, and no explanation is expected or necessary. If you did not receive a letter from Anne and have not recently given to the church and are able, please simply drop her a note and indicate such. Her address is Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Rd., Ludlow, VT 05149. As usual, your support is greatly appreciated and fully deductible for tax purposes to the extent permitted by law. _________________________________________________________________________ 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. _________________________________________________________________________ October 11, 2020 10:00 A. M. Service of Worship NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 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.) We gather this morning to seek the presence of God. With openness and humility, we seek wisdom and strength for our life’s journey. We gather to remember we are called and challenged to serve with Jesus as an example. Let us trust in a God of changing seasons, of abundance and of abiding grace. We gather to marvel at God’s expanding universe and the vision of all inclusive love that unites us as a community of faith here and around this fragile and precious planet. HYMN 657 * This Is the Day INVOCATION For earth, we give you thanks, O God. For rest and work, we give you thanks. For meaning that is simple and sacred, for bonding of family, friends, and the church, for the possibility to hope and live into the future, we give you thanks. For the light of day and the darkness gentle into the night, for the turning of the seasons of the year and celebrations by which we mark our days, we give you thanks. For the gospel story, the salvation of souls, the promise of eternal life, we give you thanks and praise. God of inclusive love, holiness, and splendor guide us as we journey through unchartered paths that we may spread love of you, ourselves, this earth, and of others as if lives depended on it. Amen. CONFESSION OF SIN God pours blessings upon us, even as we choose to go our own way. God is present and seeks to bring healing and wholeness to all. Therefore, I invite you to confess all that would separate you from God or one another. Let us pray. Living God, at times you seem so distant; help us know you are near. At times we stray; invite us as your guest. Being mindful of your presence, we know there are people we keep at a distance; help us bridge the gap between your presence and every person. We pray in the name of Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer) ASSURANCE OF PARDON READING OF SCRIPTURE PSALM 106:1-6, 19-23 Hymnal, pp. 829-830 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 22:1-14 SERMON “The God Who Isn’t” HYMN 427* Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life OFFERTORY SENTENCE Moses stood in the breach between God and humanity. It’s our turn to do the same. What will you give to extend God’s love and care to others? 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* Gracious God, receive the gift of our lives and this offering of our service to carry your love from this place to a world in need. This we pray in the name of Christ, whom with you and the Holy Spirit, reign in our hearts and lives, one God now and forever. Amen. The Sacrament of Holy Communion Invitation Communion Prayer Breaking Bread and Pouring Wine Call to the Supper Sharing the Elements Prayer of Thanksgiving Let us pray Eternal God, we thank you for your presence in the simplicity and splendor of this sacred meal. For the healing you have given us in the broken bread and the pouring out of the cup, we thank you. For the community that you have restored in us through the sharing of life, we thank you. For the courage and strength that you have promised us, we thank you. By the loving power of your Holy Spirit we have been nourished to be the servant church of the servant Christ. Well-fed, may we continue to share your goodness that others may know your love by the lives we live. Amen. HYMN OF THANKSGIVING 192* There’s a Spirit in the Air 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 October 11 Service 657 This Is the Day This is the day, this is the day. That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice, Let us rejoice, And be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day That the Lord has made. 427 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life Where cross the crowded ways of life, where sound the cries of race and clan, above the noise of selfish strife, we hear your voice, O Son of man. In haunts of wretchedness and need, on shadowed thresholds dark with fears, from paths where hide the lures of greed, we catch the vision of your tears. From tender childhood's helplessness, from woman's grief, man's burdened toil, from famished souls, from sorrow's stress, your heart has never known recoil. The cup of water given for you still holds the freshness of your grace; yet long these multitudes to view the sweet compassion of your face. O Master, from the mountainside make haste to heal these hearts of pain; among these restless throngs abide; O tread the city's streets again. Till all the world shall learn your love and follow where your feet have trod, till, glorious from your heaven above, shall come the city of our God! 192 There’s a Spirit in the Air There's a Spirit in the air, telling Christians everywhere: Praise the love that Christ revealed, living, working, in our world. Lose your shyness, find your tongue; tell the world what God has done. God in Christ has come to stay. Live tomorrow's life today! When believers break the bread, when a hungry child is fed, praise the love that Christ revealed, living, working, in our world. Still the Spirit leads the fight, seeing wrong and setting right: God in Christ has come to stay. Live tomorrow's life today! When a stranger's not alone, when the homeless find a home, praise the love that Christ revealed, living, working, in our world. May the Spirit fill our praise, guide our thoughts and change our ways: God in Christ has come to stay. Live tomorrow's life today! There's a Spirit in the air, telling Christians everywhere: Praise the love that Christ revealed, living, working, in our world. CHURCH SERVICES |