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CHURCH SERVICES at the UNITED CHURCH of LUDLOW Service will be shared ELECTRONICALLY (contact [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]). _________________________________________________________________________ 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 (L[email protected]) or Dean Alexander ([email protected]) 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]  Comments are closed.
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