July 22, 2018 Bulletin
July 22, 2018
Welcome, Gathering, and Announcements:
(Portions of the service printed in bold are spoken by the whole congregation. The asterisk (*) indicates congregation stands, but please feel free to sit at any time. Children are always welcome at our services. Books/toys are available at the front and back of the sanctuary.)
Candle Lighting & Centring:
O God return to us – let your face smile on us, and we will be saved. Psalm 80:3
*Opening Hymn: “A Light is Gleaming” #82 VU
Gathering Words:
In the very, very beginning, God said: “Let there be light.”
The light was the light of God’s love for all creation.
It shined to create new beginnings.
It shined to give people purpose.
People loved the light.
They told stories and sang songs about it
The light of God’s love wanted to draw closer.
On a special night, it called to shepherds
It called to wise people
It came to earth in a little baby called Jesus.
Jesus showed us how to shine love’s light
by comforting people who are sad,
sharing with people who have need,
and speaking up for justice for all.
The light of God’s love is shining in you.
Shepherd the light.
Pass it on! Reprinted from Shepherding the Light: A Christmas Coloring book, by Vince Amlin, illustrated by Ted Dawson, United Church of Christ.
Sharing Peace & Blessings:
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace.
Peace be always with you.
And also with you.
Members of the congregation now greet each other with a sign of peace, most commonly a handshake.
Responsive Litany for Christmas in July
from The Christmas Fund website, The United Church of Christ
The Gospel of Luke tells us –
“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”
This is the Candle of Hope.
The shepherds watched over their flocks, year in and year out, sustained by the hope of the Messiah.
Some of the shepherds in our lives are the teachers, counsellors, ministers, musicians, and administrators of our camps and churches; keeping watch over us at busy holiday times and in the long quiet days of summer.
Sung Response: (remain seated) #34 VU
Come now, O God of hope, we are your people;
pour out your spirit, that we be one body.
The angels sang –
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, goodwill among all people.”
This is the Candle of Peace.
The angels sang, not to monarchs and to Caesars, but to simple shepherds. We in our churches hear the echo even now.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said.
We light this candle and honor the reconciliation ministries of our churches.
Sung Response: (remain seated) #34 VU
Come now, O God of peace, we are your people;
pour out your spirit, that we be one body.
Mary sang, “…my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” and then praised God for caring about the lowly, the poor, the hungry, the empty.
We listen to her song and recognize that some of those with needs are in our local churches and communities, as well as being throughout God’s world.
This is the Candle of Joy.
The gifts are simple which bring great joy.
Sung Response: (remain seated) #34 VU
Come now, O God of joy, we are your people;
pour out your spirit, that we be one body.
The story which reminds us of busy shopping and decorated trees is really a simple one and we can hear it any time:
“…this will be sign to you: you will find the child wrapped
in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
This is the Candle of Love.
A star shone above a stable while God’s face shone within it.
We celebrate our love for all those who have been shepherds of hope, peace, joy and love to us, and pray that our faces may shine with God’s love for others.
Sung Response: (remain seated) #34 VU
Come now, O God of love, we are your people;
pour out your spirit, that we be one body.
Gracious God, let your face shine on us in this summer season, when we pause in wonder at your presence as a Shepherd in our lives – saving and restoring us. Amen. from The Christmas Fund website, The United Church of Christ
A Reading from Psalm 80: 1-7; 17-19
The worshipping community calls upon God to rescue them from trouble.
A Reading from Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew proclaims that Emmanuel, God-with-us comes through ordinary, mixed-up people to save ordinary, mixed-up people.
*Hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #1 VU (vs. 1-2; 6-7 & refrain)
Minister’s Message
*Hymn: Joy to the World #59 VU
Invitation for Offering:
God calls all of us to be servants to one another.
Mark tells us that “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Mark 10:45)
*Offertory Verse: “In the Bleak Midwinter” #55 VU ‐ verse 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.
*Offering Prayer:
As we celebrate Christmas in July, we give thanks for the shepherds of our church who have, indeed, offered us hope, taught us about peace, encouraged our joy, and demonstrated your love. Bless us, and the gifts we give, that they may be good tidings of great joy in times of need; living in the name and in the way of Jesus. Amen. The Christmas Fund website, The United Church of Christ
Prayers of the Gathered Community
& The Prayer Jesus Taught, sung version, pg 959 VU
*Benediction for Christmas
(based on Isaiah 9:2-7)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in deepest night, are lit up with a brilliant sight.
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.
The spread of his influence and of his peace will never end.
Therefore, we go into the world with great joy,
and the grace of Bethlehem’s matchless Child,
the love of the God who never ceases to amaze,
and the fellowship of the Spirit who never wearies,
will be with us this holy day and evermore.
Thanks be to God! — written by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
*Recessional: “Emmanuel”
(Words & Music: Bob McGee. Copyright (c) 1976 C.A. Music (div. Of C.A. Records, Inc.)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
his name is called Emmanuel.
God with us, revealed in us,
his name is called Emmanuel.