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 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
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 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
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, Jan. 27, 7:00 pm
Weekly Offerings
Please mail your offerings to Anne Oakes, 145 Merrill Road, Ludlow,
Vermont 05149.
Altar Guild
Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide our Altar Guild services.
Prayer Concerns
Please keep Mark and Carolyn Gauthier in your prayers as Carolyn recovers
from surgery.
Please keep Courtenay Dundy in your prayers. Her mother, Pam Dundy,
passed away on December 26, 2020. Cards may be sent to Courtenay c/o
The Pettigrew Inn, 13 Pleasant St, Ludlow, VT 05149
We ask that you keep Terry DeYoung's father, Arthur Marin, in your prayers
as he recovers from Covid-19.
We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
James Almond, Terry DeYoung, Kathy Doyle, Judy Edwards,
Jean Eggleston, Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone,
Ginny Kottkamp, Anne Oakes, Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder,
and Evelyn Verro.
_________________________________________________________________________
January 17, 2021 10:00 A. M.
Service of Worship
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
PRELUDE
(All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
preparation for the worship service which follows.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
And also with you.
CALL TO WORSHIP* (Please stand)
We are here to praise God because Jesus Christ has set us free to live.
We are here because in Christ we are forgiven and made whole.
We are gathered because Jesus Christ has united us into one family of faith.
We will witness to the Good News; Jesus Christ frees and unites,
Praise God! Alleluia! Amen.
HYMN 189* Fairest Lord Jesus
OPENING PRAYER*
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine
with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and
obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you
and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
HYMN 463* Lord Speak To Me
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.
Eternal God, you love us steadfastly, but we have trouble loving in
return; you call us, but we have wax-filled ears; You reveal yourself,
but our eyelids are heavy. You lead us toward our neighbor, but we build
walls around ourselves. You hate evil, injustice, and alienation, but we
get used to it. O God, we pray, help us to see ourselves both as we are
and as we might be before you. Draw us by your spirit’s tether into your
forgiving, renewing, and serviceable grace, through the mercies of Christ. . . .
SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
God says to us: You are my chosen ones. I love you. I’m proud of you. Stand
firm in your renewed commitment. Know that I have forgiven you. I call you by
name, you are mine. I have entered into covenant with you and will stand by you
in all times and all places. Dare to live fully the life to which I have called you.
Amen.
Hymn 431* Let There Be Peace On Earth
READING OF SCRIPTURE
THE EPISTLE LESSON I Corinthians 6:12 - 20
HYMN 89* Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
PSALM 139 Hymnal, pages 854-855
GLORIA 70*
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
GOSPEL LESSON John 1: 43-51
HYMN 384* Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
PRAYER CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell
among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you,
and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will
know the power of love at work in the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray . . .
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
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*
Each of us is a fragile miracle,
evidence of God's creative hands, and amazing grace.
We are each unique, unrepeatable gifts to the world.
We are proof of God's love.
And so we who are the gifts of creation now give gifts to our Creator.
Gifts brought in love.
Amen
HYMN God Bless America
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
Do not be dismayed by the brokenness in the world.
All things break.
And all things can be mended.
Not with time, as they say, but with intention.
So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally.
The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.
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
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
PRELUDE
(All are encouraged to use the prelude as a quiet time of meditation in
preparation for the worship service which follows.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13: 13)
And also with you.
CALL TO WORSHIP* (Please stand)
We are here to praise God because Jesus Christ has set us free to live.
We are here because in Christ we are forgiven and made whole.
We are gathered because Jesus Christ has united us into one family of faith.
We will witness to the Good News; Jesus Christ frees and unites,
Praise God! Alleluia! Amen.
HYMN 189* Fairest Lord Jesus
OPENING PRAYER*
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine
with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and
obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you
and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
HYMN 463* Lord Speak To Me
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.
Eternal God, you love us steadfastly, but we have trouble loving in
return; you call us, but we have wax-filled ears; You reveal yourself,
but our eyelids are heavy. You lead us toward our neighbor, but we build
walls around ourselves. You hate evil, injustice, and alienation, but we
get used to it. O God, we pray, help us to see ourselves both as we are
and as we might be before you. Draw us by your spirit’s tether into your
forgiving, renewing, and serviceable grace, through the mercies of Christ. . . .
SILENCE (Silence may be observed for reflection and prayer.)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
God says to us: You are my chosen ones. I love you. I’m proud of you. Stand
firm in your renewed commitment. Know that I have forgiven you. I call you by
name, you are mine. I have entered into covenant with you and will stand by you
in all times and all places. Dare to live fully the life to which I have called you.
Amen.
Hymn 431* Let There Be Peace On Earth
READING OF SCRIPTURE
THE EPISTLE LESSON I Corinthians 6:12 - 20
HYMN 89* Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
PSALM 139 Hymnal, pages 854-855
GLORIA 70*
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
GOSPEL LESSON John 1: 43-51
HYMN 384* Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
PRAYER CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell
among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you,
and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will
know the power of love at work in the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray . . .
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
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*
Each of us is a fragile miracle,
evidence of God's creative hands, and amazing grace.
We are each unique, unrepeatable gifts to the world.
We are proof of God's love.
And so we who are the gifts of creation now give gifts to our Creator.
Gifts brought in love.
Amen
HYMN God Bless America
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING*
Do not be dismayed by the brokenness in the world.
All things break.
And all things can be mended.
Not with time, as they say, but with intention.
So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally.
The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.
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 Readings
for the January 17 Service
Hymn 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.
HYMN 463 Lord, Speak to Me
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak in living echoes of thy tone;
as thou hast sought, so let me seek thine erring children lost and lone.
O strengthen me, that while I stand firm on the rock, and strong in thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand to wrestlers with the troubled sea.
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious things thou dost impart;
and wing my words, that they may reach the hidden depths of many a heart.
O fill me with thy fullness, Lord, until my very heart o'erflow
in kindling thought and glowing word, thy love to tell, thy praise to show.
O use me, Lord, use even me, just as thou wilt, and when, and where,
until thy blessed face I see, thy rest, thy joy, thy glory share.
HYMN 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 as 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 in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Hymn 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.
HYMN 384 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast!
Let us all in thee inherit; let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return and never, nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.
Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee;
changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.
God Bless America
God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home.
Repeat
and Responsive Readings
for the January 17 Service
Hymn 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.
HYMN 463 Lord, Speak to Me
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak in living echoes of thy tone;
as thou hast sought, so let me seek thine erring children lost and lone.
O strengthen me, that while I stand firm on the rock, and strong in thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand to wrestlers with the troubled sea.
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious things thou dost impart;
and wing my words, that they may reach the hidden depths of many a heart.
O fill me with thy fullness, Lord, until my very heart o'erflow
in kindling thought and glowing word, thy love to tell, thy praise to show.
O use me, Lord, use even me, just as thou wilt, and when, and where,
until thy blessed face I see, thy rest, thy joy, thy glory share.
HYMN 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 as 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 in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Hymn 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.
HYMN 384 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast!
Let us all in thee inherit; let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return and never, nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.
Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee;
changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.
God Bless America
God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home.
Repeat
