ST. LUKE'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

JUNE 22, 2025                                                                                      

TWELTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SILENT MEDITATION:  

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

Psalm 100:1-2

GATHERING MUSIC   
                                   
GREETING

PRELUDE “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”                           

Arr.  John Carter

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 707 “Hymn of Promise”                                                     

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.

 HANDBELL CHOIR "Now the Green Blade Rises”                                       

by Hal H. Hopson 

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We come to celebrate God’s promises to us.
All: Surely God is in this place!
One: We come to open ourselves to God’s abundant blessings.
All: Surely God is in this place!
One: We come to see more clearly God’s presence in our lives.
All: Surely God is in this place!
One: We come to see God in the joy of worship.
All: Surely God is in this place!
One: We come to praise, pray, and offer ourselves to God.
All: Surely God is in this place! Let us rejoice!

CALL TO CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Ever present God, we confess that we have hung our harps in the trees. Our songs have failed to be sung. Forgive us for not being aware of your abiding presence with us. Open our eyes to see your face. Open our hearts to know your joy. Open our mouths to sing your praise. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON HYMN No. 348 “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” (vs 1,4)      

THOMPSON

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!

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]

GLORIA PATRI

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.

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 378  “Amazing Grace” (vs 1,3,4)                                     

AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.

 MORNING PRAYER (Unison)

Holy One, you know us already.
Help us to know you better.
Let us see you all around us.
Fill our worship with your Spirit
so that we may learn to recognize your presence in all places.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive those
who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.

CHANCEL CHOIR “Hosanna to the King”                                      

Arr. Jack Schrader

PSALM                                    

Psalm 105:1-6

VIOLIN/PIANO/ORGAN TRIO   “You Are Mine”                                                  

arr. Mark Hayes                                      

Matthew Bennett, Violin, Margie Foley, Piano, John Kritos, Organ

PIANO & VIOLIN DUET “Jesus Loves Me”                                

Arr. Edward F. Burckart
Matthew Bennett & Margie Foley

HANDBELL CHOIR “Gymnopedie, No. 1”                                         

by Erik Satie

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 364 “Because He Lives” (vs 1)                                         

RESURRECTION

God sent his Son, they called him Jesus; he came to love, heal and forgive;
he lived and died to buy my pardon, an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Refrain: Because he lives, I can face tomorrow; because he lives, all fear is gone;
because I know he holds the future, and live is worth the living just because he lives.

GUITAR SOLO “Rock of Ages”                                                    

TOPLADY                              
Natalie Spangler

Violin/Piano/Organ Trio “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne”                             

Richard A. Nichols                                     

Matthew Bennett, Violin, Margie Foley, Piano, John Kritos, Organ

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 504 “The Old Rugged Cross” (vs 1,2,4)          

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he’ll call me some day to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share.  [Refrain]

CHANCEL CHOIR “What a Friend”                                          

Charles C. Converse

VIOLIN/VIOLIN/PIANO TRIO  "Ashokan Farewell”                                                      

Jay Ungar                          

Lisa Jaberg & Matt Bennett, violin and Margie Foley, piano

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION  

CALL TO STEWARDSHIP

OFFERTORY HYMN No. 593 “Here I Am, Lord”                                                       

HERE I AM, LORD

I, the Lord of the sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them: Whom shall I send?

Refrain: Here I am, Lord, Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them. They turn away.
I will break their hears of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain

CELEBRATING STEWARDSHIP

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host:

Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (In Unison)       
Loving God, we offer back to you what we have been given: our treasure, our time,

our talent and our lives. Bless our gifts and multiply them for your purposes. Amen.

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 251 “Go Tell It on the Mountain”                                                 

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Refrain: Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night,
behold throughout the heavens there shown a holy light. (Refrain)

 The shepherds feared and trembled, when lo! above the earth,
rang out the angel chorus that hailed the Savior’s birth. (Refrain)

Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. (Refrain)

BENEDICTION (Unison)
One: God’s spirit is always with you.
All: Wherever we go, God is there!
One: If you ascend to heaven,
All: God is there.
One: If you settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
All: God is there.
One: In all places, God holds us fast.
All: Thanks be to God!

POSTLUDE “How Majestic is Your Name”          

Michael W Smith                                                       

The Liturgist today is Paula McKinney.

Thank you to everyone who participated in todays Sacred Music Worship.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

INDEPENDENCE PRIDE
Join St. Luke’s UCC on June 28th for Independence Pride. There will be booths, food trucks and more. The activities are from 11 am—5 pm. You are welcome to participate and/or volunteer in any or all of the activities. Please see Pete Jaberg for more information.

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL BUDGET MEETING
Annual Congregational Budget Meeting, June 29th, following worship.
This will be a hybrid meeting, in person and on zoom.
The budget and zoom information will be sent out the morning of the meeting.

SHARING TABLE
Take time on Sundays, or anytime during normal office hours, to SHOP at the sharing table. You are invited to contribute something if you would like but most importantly, shop for and receive what is offered.

CHECK IN, SHARE AND COMMENT
If you are worshiping in person, please “Check-in” on Facebook, then, share the service, comment on it and like it. You are encouraged to have your device out during the service. If the music inspires you, tell Matthew and Margie by commenting about how wonderful it was or say thank you. If the sermon speaks to you, comment with how it touched you. If there is a great story during Children’s Moment or a kid makes you laugh, comment and tell what it was. If someone makes a comment, reply to them. We encourage you to connect with those online as well as in person. If you are worshiping online, share and comment on the service. Comment on the things listed above, reply to and/or like other people’s comments. It is so important to stay connected & these are simple ways to do that.

INSTAGRAM
Use this QR code to follow St. Luke’s UCC on Instagram!

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Sundays 10:45 AM Online & In person Worship followed by in person fellowship
Monday—Friday, 9:45 AM Live with Pastor Paul in Windows Facebook Group
Monday & Wednesday, 6:30 PM NA Meeting
For more information about any of these, please email the church office at stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org

GIVING OPTIONS
If you wish to make a donation to St. Luke’s, there are several options available:
1. Check mailed to church office at 727 N. Main, Independence, MO 64050
2. Internet donation – you may now donate from a secure site by clicking on the
Give Now button on the website.  
3. Electronic funds transfer – your offering can be automatically deducted
from your checking or savings account.
To sign up, click here.  After completing the form, contact the church office
stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org for instructions.
4. Vanco Mobile App - download the free app on Google Play or the App Store. Enter St Lukes (without punctuation) as the church name Select St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Independence. From there you can create an account and use the app for donations.
5.  Text the word GIVE to 816-312-5053 and you will be directed to a secure site for giving.

CONNECT
If you are visiting today we would love to connect with you.
Text CONNECT to 816-312-5053 or use the QR code to the right.

PHOTO/VIDEO POLICY
May it be understood that any pictures/videos taken during any church event
may be used for promotion. Church events, including but not limited to,
worship services may be broadcast live on Facebook.
If you are not in agreement with this notify the church office.

JUNE 15, 2025                                                                            

TRINITY SUNDAY

SILENT MEDITATION:

“Those who oppress the poor revile their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.”

 --Proverbs 14:31

GATHERING MUSIC  

GREETING  

PRELUDE “Waitin’ for the Light to Shine”                                       

Roger Miller

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 64 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”                                        

NICAEA

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

CALL TO WORSHIP 

One:  You shall love God with all your heart and soul.

All:     We will praise God as long as we live.

One:  You shall honor God with all your mind and strength.

All:     We will sing of God’s glory all through our lives.

One:  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

All:    We will honor God by honoring these, our sisters and brothers.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

God of Mercy, we could do so much more to make your presence and grace known to others. Open our eyes to see your presence in every person, to hear your voice in the cries of those who suffer. Forgive us for failing to offer the hope and healing that are needed in our day. Let your Spirit of compassion awaken us to the opportunities we have to minister, even to Christ, in the places he dwells among us, hidden in the needs of others. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
 

GLORIA PATRI

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.

MOMENTS WITH MINNIE

PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive those
who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC “Amazing Grace”                         

Traditional American Melody

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:31-46

SERMON: “A King in Sheep's Clothing”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 85 “We Believe in One True God”                                              

RATISBON

We believe in one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
ever present help in need, praised by all the heavenly host;

by whose mighty power alone all is made and wrought and done.

We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Mary's Son,

who descended from his throne and for us salvation won;
by whose cross and death are we rescued from sin's misery.

We confess the Holy Ghost, who from both fore'er proceeds;

who upholds and comforts us in all trials, fears, and needs.

Blest and Holy Trinity, praise forever be to thee!

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
CALL TO STEWARDSHIP  
THE BEAUTY OF SHARED GIFTS “There is a Savior”                  

B. Farrell/G. Nelson/S. Helvering

CELEBRATING STEWARDSHIP — DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host:
Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (In Unison)       

God of steadfast love, receive these expressions of our thanks for all we have received from your hand. We dedicate ourselves and our resources to the working of your eternal purpose for all your children. May this congregation become more and more a source of hope for each of us and for all whom we meet. Amen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 79 “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name” (vs 1-4)              

GROSSER GOTT

Holy God, we praise thy name; Lord of all, we bow before thee: all on earth thy scepter claim;

all in heaven above adore thee. Infinite thy vast domain; everlasting is they reign.

Hark, the glad celestial hymn angel choirs above are raising; cherubim and seraphim,

in unceasing chorus praising, fill the heavens with sweet accord; Holy, holy, holy Lord.

Lo! The apostolic train joins thy sacred name to hallow; prophets swell the glad refrain,

and the white-robed martyrs follow. And from morn to set of sun, through the church the song goes on.

Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit; three we name thee, though in essence only one;

undivided God we claim thee, and adoring bend the knee while we own the mystery.

BENEDICTION  

POSTLUDE “This Little Light of Mine”                                 

Arr.  Mark Hayes

The Liturgist today is Jodie Puhr.

Thank you to Carol Lyon for accompanying the hymns today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SACRED MUSIC SUNDAY
We are going to have a Sacred Music Sunday as worship on June 22nd. If you are interested in contributing
instrumentally or vocally, please contact Matthew either after worship,
by email at matt22bennett@gmail.com or by text at 913-271-5924

INDEPENDENCE PRIDE
Join St. Luke’s UCC on June 28th for Independence Pride. There will be a parade, booths, food trucks and more. Additional information will be given as soon as we know the times and different events. You are welcome to participate in any or all of the activities

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL BUDGET MEETING
Annual Congregational Budget Meeting, June 29th, following worship.
This will be a hybrid meeting, in person and on zoom.
The budget and zoom information will be sent out the morning of the meeting.

SHARING TABLE
Take time on Sundays, or anytime during normal office hours, to SHOP at the sharing table. You are invited to contribute something if you would like but most importantly, shop for and receive what is offered.

CHECK IN, SHARE AND COMMENT If you are worshiping in person, please “Check-in” on Facebook, then, share the service, comment on it and like it. You are encouraged to have your device out during the service. If the music inspires you, tell Matthew and Margie by commenting about how wonderful it was or say thank you. If the sermon speaks to you, comment with how it touched you. If there is a great story during Children’s Moment or a kid makes you laugh, comment and tell what it was. If someone makes a comment, reply to them. We encourage you to connect with those online as well as in person. If you are worshiping online, share and comment on the service. Comment on the things listed above, reply to and/or like other people’s comments. It is so important to stay connected & these are simple ways to do that.

INSTAGRAM Search for St. Luke’s UCC on Instagram!

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES 

10:45 AM Online & In person Worship followed by in person fellowship

Monday—Friday, 9:45 AM Live with Pastor Paul in Windows Facebook Group

Monday & Wednesday, 6:30 PM NA Meeting

Wednesday, 9:30 AM ABC Quilting For more information about any of these, please email the church office at stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org

GIVING OPTIONS If you wish to make a donation to St. Luke’s, there are several options available: 1. Check mailed to church office at 727 N. Main, Independence, MO 64050 2. Internet donation – you may now donate from a secure site by clicking on the Give Now button on the website.   3. Electronic funds transfer – your offering can be automatically deducted from your checking or savings account. To sign up, click here.  After completing the form, contact the church office stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org for instructions. 4. Vanco Mobile App - download the free app on Google Play or the App Store. Enter St Lukes (without punctuation) as the church name Select St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Independence. From there you can create an account and use the app for donations. 5.  Text the word GIVE to 816-312-5053 and you will be directed to a secure site for giving. CONNECT If you are visiting today we would love to connect with you. Text

CONNECT to 816-312-5053 or use the QR code to the right.

PHOTO/VIDEO POLICY May it be understood that any pictures/videos taken during any church event may be used for promotion. Church events, including but not limited to, worship services may be broadcast live on Facebook. If you are not in agreement with this notify the church office.

DECEMBER 22, 2024                                                                                  

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

SILENT MEDITATION: “When the song of the angels is still… The work of Christmas begins…
To make music in the heart.”--Howard Thurman

GATHERING MUSIC  

GREETING  

PRELUDE “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”                      

Arr.  Ruth E. Mackie

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 228 “He Is Born”                                                                          

IL EST NE

Refrain:
He is born, the holy Child, play the oboe and bagpipes merrily!
He is born, the holy Child, sing we all of the Savior mild.

Thru long ages of the past, prophets have foretold his coming;
thru long ages of the past, now the time has come at last! (Refrain)

O how lovely, O how pure is this perfect child of heaven;
O how lovely, O how pure gracious gift to humankind! (Refrain)

Jesus, Lord of all the world, coming as a child among us,
Jesus, Lord of all the world, grant to us thy heavenly peace. (Refrain)

CALL TO WORSHIP

One:  Let us worship our Triune God.

All:    Our God is Lover, Beloved, and Love itself.

One:  God’s love overflows…

All:     Filling heaven and earth with rejoicing. Giving songs to the Angels.

         Setting us in community with one another.

One:  Love reminds us we are never alone.

All:     Love reminds us that God is with us and that our spirits are one in Christ.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

Great and Loving God, your love has waited for our response no matter how long we have been inattentive to your call. Your message of hope and peace is not one that we can ignore any longer. Forgive us and open our spirits to the transforming power of your love. Restore our souls, comfort our sorrows, let your love shape us into the loving community you call us to be. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
 

GLORIA PATRI

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.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE: PEACE

All:    Gracious God, we give thanks for the light that is dawning, even as the days grow so

         short. Open us to your nearness and to the good news of your great love. Breathe upon

         the spark of your love until the warmth and light of it can be felt by all those we meet. We

         pray in the shining name of Jesus. Amen

MOMENTS WITH MINNIE

PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive those
who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC “Mary’s Lullaby”               

Arr. Camp Kirkland and Tom Fettke

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:26-45

SERMON: “Who’s The Angel Now?”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 229 “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”                                               

W Zlobie Lezy

Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall;
oxen lowing, little knowing, Christ the babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the babe is Lord of all.

Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new

saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true.

Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow:

Christ the babe was born for you.

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
CALL TO STEWARDSHIP  
THE BEAUTY OF SHARED GIFTS “The First Noel/Pachelbel’s Canon”         

Arr.  Michael Clawson

CELEBRATING STEWARDSHIP — DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host:
Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (In Unison)       

Loving God, may the offerings we bring express the joy that we know as we stand in your light. Bless these gifts and the work of this congregation. May the message of hope and the expression of your love dawn more fully within our congregation and in all the places our ministry is extended. Amen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 240 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”                                 

MENDELSSOHN          

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King;
peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;
with th'angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th' incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,

born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King!"

BENEDICTION  

POSTLUDE “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”                          

Arr.  Frank Mantooth

The Liturgist today is Paula McKinney.

Thank you to Carol Lyon for accompanying the hymns.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE PAGEANT IS GOING ON THE ROAD

The children are taking the Pageant on the road! They will be performing for the residents at Maywood Terrace on Monday, December 23rd, at 10:15. The children would love to invite anyone in the congregation to join them. In addition to performing, the children will also go bearing gifts of warm blankets. They are collecting money for enough blankets for approximately forty residents. Blankets can be purchased for about $10 each.This is a beautiful opportunity to teach the kids how our congregation works together to share joy and kindness with others. You can donate in person or on the website using the “Give Now” button or on the Vanco App. Please use the Misc tab if donating online.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be Tuesday, December 24th, at 7:00 PM in person or virtual.
Invite a friend to this very special Christmas Eve Worship Service.

HOLIDAY OFFICE, LIVESTREAM AND SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Monday, December 23rd, 9:45 AM—Livestream in Windows and Regular Office Hours
Tuesday, December 24th, 7:00 PM - Candlelight Communion Christmas Eve Service and
NO livestream and Office is Closed
Wednesday, December 25th thru Saturday, December 28th—NO livestreams and Office Closed
(Please contact Pastor Paul on his cell in an emergency)
Sunday, December 29th, 9:30 AM—New Year’s Breakfast (NO Sunday School)
10:45 AM—Worship
Monday, December 30th—9:45 AM—Livestream and Regular Office Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 31st & January 1st—NO livestreams and Office Closed
Thursday, January 2nd—Resume regular schedule

NEW YEAR’S WORSHIP AND BREAKFAST
Let’s celebrate the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 with breakfast, fellowship and worship with your
church family on December 29th. Breakfast at 9:30 followed by worship at 10:45 AM.
 

WINTER WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

If in person worship is canceled due to winter weather conditions, the announcement will be put on the
website, in the Facebook group Windows Into St. Luke’s, and on Channel 9. When looking on Channel 9,
look for St. Luke’s UCC, Independence. There are other churches with the same name.
The service will be livestreamed on Facebook no matter what the weather is.

CHECK IN, SHARE AND COMMENT If you are worshiping in person, please “Check-in” on Facebook, then, share the service, comment on it and like it. You are encouraged to have your device out during the service. If the music inspires you, tell Matthew and Margie by commenting about how wonderful it was or say thank you. If the sermon speaks to you, comment with how it touched you. If there is a great story during Children’s Moment or a kid makes you laugh, comment and tell what it was. If someone makes a comment, reply to them. We encourage you to connect with those online as well as in person. If you are worshiping online, share and comment on the service. Comment on the things listed above, reply to and/or like other people’s comments. It is so important to stay connected & these are simple ways to do that.

INSTAGRAM Use this QR code to follow St. Luke’s UCC on Instagram!

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES 

10:45 AM Online & In person Worship followed by in person fellowship

Monday—Friday, 9:45 AM Live with Pastor Paul in Windows Facebook Group

Monday & Wednesday, 6:30 PM NA Meeting

Wednesday, 9:30 AM ABC Quilting For more information about any of these, please email the church office at stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org

GIVING OPTIONS If you wish to make a donation to St. Luke’s, there are several options available: 1. Check mailed to church office at 727 N. Main, Independence, MO 64050 2. Internet donation – you may now donate from a secure site by clicking on the Give Now button on the website.   3. Electronic funds transfer – your offering can be automatically deducted from your checking or savings account. To sign up, click here.  After completing the form, contact the church office stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org for instructions. 4. Vanco Mobile App - download the free app on Google Play or the App Store. Enter St Lukes (without punctuation) as the church name Select St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Independence. From there you can create an account and use the app for donations. 5.  Text the word GIVE to 816-312-5053 and you will be directed to a secure site for giving. CONNECT If you are visiting today we would love to connect with you. Text

CONNECT to 816-312-5053 or use the QR code to the right.

PHOTO/VIDEO POLICY May it be understood that any pictures/videos taken during any church event may be used for promotion. Church events, including but not limited to, worship services may be broadcast live on Facebook. If you are not in agreement with this notify the church office.