CHURCH SERVICES
at the
UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW
are shared ELECTRONICALLY
Contact unitedchurch@tds.net
or call 802-228-4211
for more information.
_________________________________________________________________________
If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us.
The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am.
We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Please read and follow those procedures for the safety of all.
If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available.
Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access.
_________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We wish to thank Rev. Bruce Bishop for leading our worship service this Sunday.
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, May 26, 7:00 pm
Weekly Offerings
Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on April 11 were $350.
The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks).
Please continue to mail your offerings to our Receiver of Offerings, Anne Oakes, at 145 Merrill Road, Ludlow, Vermont 05149.
Altar Guild
Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide our Altar Guild services.
Prayer Concerns
We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
Lorraine Fitzgibbons, James Almond, Arthur Marin, Jean Eggleston,
Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle, Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards, Anne Oakes,
Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp,
Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro.
Celebrations
Bill Kneebone celebrates a birthday on April 25
Larry Humm celebrates a birthday on April 27
Dick Dansingburg celebrates a birthday on May 10
_________________________________________________________________________
Exciting News!
at the
UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW
are shared ELECTRONICALLY
Contact unitedchurch@tds.net
or call 802-228-4211
for more information.
_________________________________________________________________________
If you are comfortable attending in person, please join us.
The doors open at 9:45 am, and worship begins at 10:00 am.
We follow procedures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Please read and follow those procedures for the safety of all.
If you are not able to attend in person, a simultaneous Zoom stream is available.
Send an email to unitedchurch@tds.net to get Zoom access.
_________________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We wish to thank Rev. Bruce Bishop for leading our worship service this Sunday.
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, May 26, 7:00 pm
Weekly Offerings
Offerings and other cash receipts for the week ending on April 11 were $350.
The costs for each week are $1,320 (derived by dividing the annual budget by 52 weeks).
Please continue to mail your offerings to our Receiver of Offerings, Anne Oakes, at 145 Merrill Road, Ludlow, Vermont 05149.
Altar Guild
Linda Alexander and Carol Wu provide our Altar Guild services.
Prayer Concerns
We continue to keep the following in our prayers:
Lorraine Fitzgibbons, James Almond, Arthur Marin, Jean Eggleston,
Kathy Doyle, Rick Doyle, Mindy Doyle, Judy Edwards, Anne Oakes,
Carolyn Gauthier, Sheila Kafer, Susan Kneebone, Ginny Kottkamp,
Evelyn Tucker, Herb Van Guilder, and Evelyn Verro.
Celebrations
Bill Kneebone celebrates a birthday on April 25
Larry Humm celebrates a birthday on April 27
Dick Dansingburg celebrates a birthday on May 10
_________________________________________________________________________
Exciting News!
The church will open on Sunday, May 2, 2021 according to the Vermont Forward Roadmap to Reopening
We will move to universal guidance:
Indoor Gatherings-
After Church, beginning on Sunday, May 16, 2021, we will have coffee hour in the fellowship hall for those who would like to stay. For those who do not yet feel comfortable, both the front and back doors will be open for you to enter or depart from the church!
If you have any questions or are unsure about anything please contact Dean or Laura. Please refer to vermont.gov for complete guidance and additional detail.
_________________________________________________________________________
We will move to universal guidance:
- Stay at Home if sick
- Wear a mask
- Six foot spaces
- Practice good hygiene
Indoor Gatherings-
- 1 unvaccinated person per 100 square feet up to 150 plus any number
- We will start using offering plates again. If you feel uncomfortable, please
- We will continue to use the Prefilled Communion cups and wafer sets
After Church, beginning on Sunday, May 16, 2021, we will have coffee hour in the fellowship hall for those who would like to stay. For those who do not yet feel comfortable, both the front and back doors will be open for you to enter or depart from the church!
If you have any questions or are unsure about anything please contact Dean or Laura. Please refer to vermont.gov for complete guidance and additional detail.
_________________________________________________________________________
WINDHAM UNION ASSOCIATION
SPRING GATHERING
SPRING GATHERING
The Annual Spring gathering of the Windham Union Association is this evening, May 2nd at 7 p.m.!! By popular demand, the Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, Jr., president of Chicago Theological Seminary will present a lecture, "Race, Poverty, and the Mission of the Church."
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86363892342?pwd=T3crSDEwYnFUYUpKWHVqdzNuQWR3Zz09
Meeting ID: 863 6389 2342
Passcode: 656445
_________________________________________________________________________
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86363892342?pwd=T3crSDEwYnFUYUpKWHVqdzNuQWR3Zz09
Meeting ID: 863 6389 2342
Passcode: 656445
_________________________________________________________________________
May 2, 2021 10:00 A.M.
SERVICE OF WORSHIP
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
COMMUNION SUNDAY
SERVICE OF WORSHIP
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
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 61* Come, Thou Almighty King
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 EPISTLE LESSON I John 4: 7-21
PSALM 19 Hymnal, page 750-1
Response 1
GLORIA 70*
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
THE GOSPEL LESSON John 15: 1-8
SERMON “The Mark of a Christian”
Hymn 413* A Charge to Keep I Have
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 292* What Wondrous Love Is This
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 374 * Standing on the Promises
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
POSTLUDE
_________________________________________________________________________
(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 61* Come, Thou Almighty King
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 EPISTLE LESSON I John 4: 7-21
PSALM 19 Hymnal, page 750-1
Response 1
GLORIA 70*
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
THE GOSPEL LESSON John 15: 1-8
SERMON “The Mark of a Christian”
Hymn 413* A Charge to Keep I Have
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 292* What Wondrous Love Is This
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 374 * Standing on the Promises
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE
POSTLUDE
_________________________________________________________________________
Lyrics to the Hymns and Responsive Reading
for the May 2 Service
HYMN 61* Come, Thou Almighty King
Come, thou almighty King, help us thy name to sing,
help us to praise!
Father all glorious, o'er all victorious,
come and reign over us, Ancient of Days!
Come, thou incarnate Word, gird on thy mighty sword,
our prayer attend!
Come, and thy people bless, and give thy word success;
Spirit of holiness, on us descend!
Come, holy Comforter, thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour.
Thou who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
and ne'er from us depart, Spirit of power!
To thee, great One in Three, eternal praises be,
hence, evermore.
Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see,
and to eternity love and adore!
Hymn 413* A Charge to Keep I Have
A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage to do my Master's will!
Arm me with jealous care, as in thy sight to live,
and oh, thy servant, Lord, prepare a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray, and on thyself rely,
assured, if I my trust betray, I shall forever die.
HYMN 292* What Wondrous Love Is This
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of life
to lay aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
to lay aside his crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,
while millions join the theme I will sing, I will sing;
while millions join the theme I will sing.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and through eternity I’ll sing on.
HYMN 374 * Standing on the Promises
Standing on the promises of Christ my King, through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior;
standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God.
[Refrain]
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword, standing on the promises of God.
[Refrain]
Standing on the promises I cannot fall, listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all, standing on the promises of God.
[Refrain]
for the May 2 Service
HYMN 61* Come, Thou Almighty King
Come, thou almighty King, help us thy name to sing,
help us to praise!
Father all glorious, o'er all victorious,
come and reign over us, Ancient of Days!
Come, thou incarnate Word, gird on thy mighty sword,
our prayer attend!
Come, and thy people bless, and give thy word success;
Spirit of holiness, on us descend!
Come, holy Comforter, thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour.
Thou who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
and ne'er from us depart, Spirit of power!
To thee, great One in Three, eternal praises be,
hence, evermore.
Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see,
and to eternity love and adore!
Hymn 413* A Charge to Keep I Have
A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage to do my Master's will!
Arm me with jealous care, as in thy sight to live,
and oh, thy servant, Lord, prepare a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray, and on thyself rely,
assured, if I my trust betray, I shall forever die.
HYMN 292* What Wondrous Love Is This
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of life
to lay aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
to lay aside his crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,
while millions join the theme I will sing, I will sing;
while millions join the theme I will sing.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and through eternity I’ll sing on.
HYMN 374 * Standing on the Promises
Standing on the promises of Christ my King, through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior;
standing, standing, I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God.
[Refrain]
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword, standing on the promises of God.
[Refrain]
Standing on the promises I cannot fall, listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all, standing on the promises of God.
[Refrain]
