CHURCH SERVICES
at the
UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW
are shared ELECTRONICALLY
Contact unitedchurch@tds.net
or call 802-228-4211
for more information.
_________________________________________________________________________
If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us.
The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am.
We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Please read and follow those procedures for the safety of all.
If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available.
Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access.
_________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We thank Rev. Bruce Bishop for leading our worship service this week.
at the
UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW
are shared ELECTRONICALLY
Contact unitedchurch@tds.net
or call 802-228-4211
for more information.
_________________________________________________________________________
If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us.
The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am.
We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Please read and follow those procedures for the safety of all.
If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available.
Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access.
_________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We thank Rev. Bruce Bishop for leading our worship service this week.
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 to leave a message or send an email to
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
Gill Home Board Meeting – has been rescheduled for April.
Executive Board Meeting - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7:00 pm
Weekly Offerings
Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending January 31, 2021,
were $1095.. The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual
budget by 52 weeks).
Please continue to mail your offerings to our Receiver of Offerings, Anne Oakes, at
145 Merrill Road, Ludlow, Vermont 05149.
Altar Guild
Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide our Altar Guild services.
Prayer Concerns
We ask that you keep David and Beth Almond's son, James, in your
prayers as he continues his recovery at home.
We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Arthur Marin, Kathy Doyle, Judy Edwards,
Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder,
and Evelyn Verro.
Celebrations
Ann Matulonis celebrates her birthday on February 7th.
Andy Ohotnicky celebrates his birthday on February 11th.
_________________________________________________________________________
February 7, 2021 10:15 A.M.
SERVICE OF WORSHIP
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
COMMUNION SUNDAY
PRELUDE
(All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
preparation for the worship service which follows.)
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 today, seeking the peace Christ gives.
We gather, despite many a conflict, many a doubt, within our souls.
We gather, longing for the breath of God’s spirit to give us courage
and renewal.
Come, Christ Jesus, be our guest. Bless us through the power of your
Spirit and give us the courage to live as your disciples day by day.
HYMN 398* Jesus Calls Us
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1: 8-9)
Let us confess our sins before God and one another.
God of compassion have mercy upon us as we confess our sin. In
Christ you bring light, yet we still dwell in darkness. Your word offers
guidance, but we choose to ignore your counsel. You promise renewal,
but we heed not your wisdom. We bow to the gods of this world,
choosing to hide from your truth. Speak to us again from beyond the
clouds of our sinfulness; dazzle us anew with the light of Christ’s love;
restore and forgive us….
SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news. God is light, and in God there is no darkness.
“If we say we have fellowship with God while we walk in darkness, we
lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as
God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood
of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin.” God is faithful and just,
and Jesus Christ forgives us our sin.
READING OF SCRIPTURE
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Kings 19: 19 - 21
PSALM 19 Hymnal, page 750
Response 2
GLORIA 70*
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 9: 9 - 12
SERMON “Is God Calling You?”
Hymn 348* Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
HYMN 474* Precious Lord Take My Hand
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION
BLESSING OF THE ELEMENTS
THE LORD’S PRAYER
BREAKING THE BREAD AND LIFTING THE CUP
THE COMMUNION
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Let us give thanks.
Bountiful God, we give you thanks that you have refreshed us at your
table by granting us the presence of Christ. Strengthen our faith,
increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in
courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
HYMN 569* We’ve a Story To Tell To The Nations
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
POSTLUDE
* All who are able may stand.
_________________________________________________________________________
SERVICE OF WORSHIP
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
COMMUNION SUNDAY
PRELUDE
(All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
preparation for the worship service which follows.)
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 today, seeking the peace Christ gives.
We gather, despite many a conflict, many a doubt, within our souls.
We gather, longing for the breath of God’s spirit to give us courage
and renewal.
Come, Christ Jesus, be our guest. Bless us through the power of your
Spirit and give us the courage to live as your disciples day by day.
HYMN 398* Jesus Calls Us
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1: 8-9)
Let us confess our sins before God and one another.
God of compassion have mercy upon us as we confess our sin. In
Christ you bring light, yet we still dwell in darkness. Your word offers
guidance, but we choose to ignore your counsel. You promise renewal,
but we heed not your wisdom. We bow to the gods of this world,
choosing to hide from your truth. Speak to us again from beyond the
clouds of our sinfulness; dazzle us anew with the light of Christ’s love;
restore and forgive us….
SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news. God is light, and in God there is no darkness.
“If we say we have fellowship with God while we walk in darkness, we
lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as
God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood
of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin.” God is faithful and just,
and Jesus Christ forgives us our sin.
READING OF SCRIPTURE
THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Kings 19: 19 - 21
PSALM 19 Hymnal, page 750
Response 2
GLORIA 70*
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 9: 9 - 12
SERMON “Is God Calling You?”
Hymn 348* Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
HYMN 474* Precious Lord Take My Hand
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION
BLESSING OF THE ELEMENTS
THE LORD’S PRAYER
BREAKING THE BREAD AND LIFTING THE CUP
THE COMMUNION
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Let us give thanks.
Bountiful God, we give you thanks that you have refreshed us at your
table by granting us the presence of Christ. Strengthen our faith,
increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in
courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
HYMN 569* We’ve a Story To Tell To The Nations
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
POSTLUDE
* All who are able may stand.
_________________________________________________________________________
Lyrics to the Hymns and Responsive Reading
for the February 7 Service
HYMN 398 Jesus Calls Us
Jesus calls us o'er the tumult of our life's wild, restless sea;
day by day his sweet voice soundeth, saying, "Christian, follow me!"
As of old the apostles heard it by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred, leaving all for Jesus' sake.
Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world's golden store,
from each idol that would keep us, saying, "Christian, love me more!"
In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures, "Christian, love me more than these!"
Jesus calls us! By thy mercies, Savior, may we hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience, serve and love thee best of all.
Hymn 348 Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he's waiting and watching, watching for you and for me.
Refrain:
Come home, come home; you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home!
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies, mercies for you and for me?
[Refrain]
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming, coming for you and for me.
[Refrain]
O for the wonderful love he has promised, promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me.
[Refrain]
HYMN 474 Precious Lord Take My Hand
Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn,
Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand, Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
HYMN 569 We’ve a Story To Tell To The Nations
We've a story to tell to the nations, that shall turn their hearts to the right,
a story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light,
a story of peace and light.
Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright;
and Christ's great kingdom shall come on earth, the kingdom of love and light.
We've a song to be sung to the nations, that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
a song that shall conquer evil and shatter the spear and sword,
and shatter the spear and sword.
(Refrain)
We've a message to give to the nations, that the Lord who reigneth above
hath sent us his Son to save us, and show us that God is love,
and show us that God is love.
(Refrain)
We've a Savior to show to the nations, who the path of sorrow hath trod,
that all of the world's great peoples might come to the truth of God,
might come to the truth of God.
(Refrain)
for the February 7 Service
HYMN 398 Jesus Calls Us
Jesus calls us o'er the tumult of our life's wild, restless sea;
day by day his sweet voice soundeth, saying, "Christian, follow me!"
As of old the apostles heard it by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred, leaving all for Jesus' sake.
Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world's golden store,
from each idol that would keep us, saying, "Christian, love me more!"
In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures, "Christian, love me more than these!"
Jesus calls us! By thy mercies, Savior, may we hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience, serve and love thee best of all.
Hymn 348 Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he's waiting and watching, watching for you and for me.
Refrain:
Come home, come home; you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home!
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies, mercies for you and for me?
[Refrain]
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming, coming for you and for me.
[Refrain]
O for the wonderful love he has promised, promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon, pardon for you and for me.
[Refrain]
HYMN 474 Precious Lord Take My Hand
Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn,
Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand, Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
HYMN 569 We’ve a Story To Tell To The Nations
We've a story to tell to the nations, that shall turn their hearts to the right,
a story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light,
a story of peace and light.
Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright;
and Christ's great kingdom shall come on earth, the kingdom of love and light.
We've a song to be sung to the nations, that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
a song that shall conquer evil and shatter the spear and sword,
and shatter the spear and sword.
(Refrain)
We've a message to give to the nations, that the Lord who reigneth above
hath sent us his Son to save us, and show us that God is love,
and show us that God is love.
(Refrain)
We've a Savior to show to the nations, who the path of sorrow hath trod,
that all of the world's great peoples might come to the truth of God,
might come to the truth of God.
(Refrain)
