CHURCH SERVICES
at the
UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW
Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY
(contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information)
_________________________________________________________________________
If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us.
The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am.
We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Please read and follow these procedures for the safety of all.
If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available.
Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access.
_________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
at the
UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW
Service are shared ELECTRONICALLY
(contact unitedchurch@tds.net for more information)
_________________________________________________________________________
If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us.
The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am.
We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Please read and follow these procedures for the safety of all.
If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available.
Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access.
_________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our worship this week is led by the Rev. Bruce Bishop, who we thank for this gift.
A Warm Welcome to All Visitors.
If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.
Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home
It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 27, at 7:00 pm
Christmas Flowers
A Warm Welcome to All Visitors.
If any member of the congregation may be of service to you, please contact the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.
Regarding Individuals in the Hospital or Sick at Home
It would be greatly appreciated if you know of individuals or family members in the hospital or sick at home, to kindly inform the church office at 802-228-4211 or unitedchurch@tds.net.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
Executive Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 27, at 7:00 pm
Christmas Flowers
Given In loving memory of
Jane Creaser
Don and Virginia Ellison
Pat Liao
By: Laura, Allison, and Jesse
Jane Creaser
Don and Virginia Ellison
Pat Liao
By: Laura, Allison, and Jesse
Weekly Offerings
Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending Offerings and
other cash receipts for the week ending December 20, 2020, were $770.
The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget
by 52 weeks).
Altar Guild
Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of January.
Prayer Concerns
We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, as he
recovers from Covid-19.
We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards,
Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder,
and Evelyn Verro.
If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at
the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net.
Celebrations
George Thomson is celebrating a birthday on Jan. 3.
_________________________________________________________________________
Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending Offerings and
other cash receipts for the week ending December 20, 2020, were $770.
The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget
by 52 weeks).
Altar Guild
Linda Alexander will do the Altar Guild duties for the month of January.
Prayer Concerns
We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, as he
recovers from Covid-19.
We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Pam Dundy, Judy Edwards,
Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder,
and Evelyn Verro.
If you are aware of someone in need of prayer, please leave a message at
the church office by phone, 802-228-4211, or email, unitedchurch@tds.net.
Celebrations
George Thomson is celebrating a birthday on Jan. 3.
_________________________________________________________________________
December 27, 2020 10:00 A.M.
Service of Worship
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
PRELUDE
(All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
preparation for the worship service which follows.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
And also with you.
CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.)
It is good to give thanks to you, O God,
To declare your steadfast love in the morning;
For you have made us glad by your work;
At the works of your hands, we sing for joy.
HYMN 224* Good Christian Friends Rejoice
OPENING PRAYER*
CONFESSION OF SIN
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1: 8-9)
Let us confess our sins before God and one another.
God of everlasting mercy hear our prayer today, as we bring our lives
before you. We come as people who dwell on the past. We want to
face your new day with life and hope in our hearts, but many times the
events of our own lives weigh us down. We forget to forgive one another.
We dwell on our own past mistakes. We refuse to bury dead issues and
worn-out memories. Free us, free us from ourselves, God, so that we
might walk new pathways, alive with grace. . .
SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
The Good News in Christ is that God offers us life at every moment, forgiving
us, and inviting us to the freshness of new beginnings. May God be praised
for this gracious and loving gift.
READING OF SCRIPTURE Galatians 4: 4-7
PSALM 148 Hymnal, page 861
GLORIA 70*
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 2:22-35
HYMN 221 In a Bleak Midwinter
SERMON “A Child of Salvation”
HYMN 237* Sing We Now of Christmas
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”)
PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473
Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
Make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
That makest me dwell in safety.
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY
At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION*
HYMN 250* Once in Royal David’s City
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
DISMISSAL
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
* All who are able may stand.
Service of Worship
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
PRELUDE
(All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
preparation for the worship service which follows.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
And also with you.
CALL TO WORSHIP * (Please Stand.)
It is good to give thanks to you, O God,
To declare your steadfast love in the morning;
For you have made us glad by your work;
At the works of your hands, we sing for joy.
HYMN 224* Good Christian Friends Rejoice
OPENING PRAYER*
CONFESSION OF SIN
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1: 8-9)
Let us confess our sins before God and one another.
God of everlasting mercy hear our prayer today, as we bring our lives
before you. We come as people who dwell on the past. We want to
face your new day with life and hope in our hearts, but many times the
events of our own lives weigh us down. We forget to forgive one another.
We dwell on our own past mistakes. We refuse to bury dead issues and
worn-out memories. Free us, free us from ourselves, God, so that we
might walk new pathways, alive with grace. . .
SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
The Good News in Christ is that God offers us life at every moment, forgiving
us, and inviting us to the freshness of new beginnings. May God be praised
for this gracious and loving gift.
READING OF SCRIPTURE Galatians 4: 4-7
PSALM 148 Hymnal, page 861
GLORIA 70*
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 2:22-35
HYMN 221 In a Bleak Midwinter
SERMON “A Child of Salvation”
HYMN 237* Sing We Now of Christmas
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
LORD’S PRAYER (“trespasses”)
PRAYER RESPONSE Hymnal, No. 473
Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
Make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
That makest me dwell in safety.
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
OFFERTORY
At the Presentation, Hymn 95* Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION*
HYMN 250* Once in Royal David’s City
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
DISMISSAL
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
* All who are able may stand.
_________________________________________________________________________
Lyrics to the Hymns and Responsive Reading
for the December 27 Service
HYMN 224 Good Christian Friends Rejoice
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say: News, news! Jesus Christ is born today!
Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today, Christ is born today!
Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss: News, news! Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened the heaven's door, and ye are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this, Christ was born for this!
Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave: News, news! Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save, Christ was born to save!
HYMN 221 In a Bleak Midwinter
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
2. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
3. Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
but his mother only, in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
4. What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
HYMN 237 Sing We Now of Christmas
Sing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here!
Hear our grateful praises to the babe so dear.
Refrain:
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!
Angels called to shepherds, "Leave your flocks at rest,
journey forth to Bethlehem, find the child so blest." (Refrain)
In Bethlehem they found him; Joseph and Mary mild,
seated by the manger, watching the holy child. (Refrain)
From the eastern country came the kings afar,
bearing gifts to Bethlehem, guided by a star. (Refrain)
Gold and myrrh they took there, gifts of greatest price;
there was never a stable so like paradise. (Refrain)
HYMN 250 Once in Royal David’s City
Once in royal David's city stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed;
Mary, loving mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little child.
He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all,
and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall.
With the poor, the scorned, the lowly lived on earth our Savior holy.
Jesus is our childhood's pattern; day by day, like us he grew;
he was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew;
and he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love;
for that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above;
and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.
Lyrics to the Hymns and Responsive Reading
for the December 27 Service
HYMN 224 Good Christian Friends Rejoice
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say: News, news! Jesus Christ is born today!
Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today, Christ is born today!
Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss: News, news! Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened the heaven's door, and ye are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this, Christ was born for this!
Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave: News, news! Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save, Christ was born to save!
HYMN 221 In a Bleak Midwinter
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
2. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
3. Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
but his mother only, in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
4. What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
HYMN 237 Sing We Now of Christmas
Sing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here!
Hear our grateful praises to the babe so dear.
Refrain:
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!
Angels called to shepherds, "Leave your flocks at rest,
journey forth to Bethlehem, find the child so blest." (Refrain)
In Bethlehem they found him; Joseph and Mary mild,
seated by the manger, watching the holy child. (Refrain)
From the eastern country came the kings afar,
bearing gifts to Bethlehem, guided by a star. (Refrain)
Gold and myrrh they took there, gifts of greatest price;
there was never a stable so like paradise. (Refrain)
HYMN 250 Once in Royal David’s City
Once in royal David's city stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed;
Mary, loving mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little child.
He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all,
and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall.
With the poor, the scorned, the lowly lived on earth our Savior holy.
Jesus is our childhood's pattern; day by day, like us he grew;
he was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew;
and he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love;
for that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above;
and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.
