ST. LUKE'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

727 N. Main St., Independence, Missouri 64050

Rev. E. Paul Emily, Pastor

Pastor’s Phone: 816-379-5726 Church Phone: 461-0302

stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org www.stlukesuccindep.org

Margie Foley, Organist/Pianist

Matthew Bennett, Conductor/Violinist
Mariah Moseley, Church Program Coordinator

Nanette Moore, Administrative Assistant
Pastors Emeriti: Rev. David Lyon & Rev. Ralph Koch

*If comfortable doing so, you are invited to stand.
The hymns today come from The Methodist Hymnal.

JUNE 1, 2025

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

SILENT MEDITATION:

“May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as

parts of one body.” (Colossians 3:15)

GATHERING MUSIC

GREETING

PRELUDE “You Will Show Me the Path of Life”

Marty Haugen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 139 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”

LOVE DEN HERREN

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near; join me in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigning bears
thee on eagle’s wings, e’er in his keeping maintaining.
God’s care enfolds all, whose true good he upholds. Hast thou not known his sustaining?

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, who with his love doth befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord, who doth nourish thy life and restore thee,
fitting thee well for the tests that are ever before thee.
Then to thy need God as a mother doth speed, spreading the wings of grace o’er thee.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the amen sound from his people again; gladly forever adore him.

CALL TO WORSHIP (From Psalm 85, The Message)

One: Love and Truth meet in the street.

All: Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss!

One: Truth sprouts green from the ground.

All: Right Living pours down from the skies!

One: God gives Goodness and Beauty.

All: Right Living strides out before God and clears a path for God’s passage.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

Gracious God, we desire to receive the forgiveness and peace that Christ offers all his disciples. Help us to overcome fear, anger, envy and all other states of mind and heart that stand as obstacles to our fellowship and unity with you and with each other. 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 “Pie Jesu”

Andrew Lloyd Webber

SCRIPTURE: John 17:20-26

SERMON: “When Jesus Prayed…”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 121 “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”

WELLESLEY

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea;

there’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner, and more graces for the good!

There is mercy with the Savior; there is healing in his blood.

For the love of God is broader than the measure of our mind;

and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more simple, we should rest upon God’s word;

and our lives would be illumined by the presence of our Lord

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
CALL TO STEWARDSHIP
THE BEAUTY OF SHARED GIFTS “Day by Day”

Linda R. Lamb

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)

You have given us goodness and beauty, O God. Our lives are filled with bounty and blessing. By the power of your Holy Spirit, bless the offerings we bring today. May they reflect a vision for hope. May they extend a mission of mercy. May they breathe a spirit of new life in and through our congregation. May they make a way for peace, uniting all your children as one in Christ, our Lord. Amen

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Invitation

Affirmation and Renewal of Faith

The Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ

We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your

deeds we testify:

You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image,
and set before each one the ways of life and death.

You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior,
you have come to us and shared our common lot,

conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.

You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit,
creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,
binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

You call us into your church
to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
to be your servants in the service of others,
to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil,
to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table,
to join him in his passion and victory.

You promise to all who trust you
forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,
courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
your presence in trial and rejoicing,
and eternal life in your realm which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you.

Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing the Sacrament

*Prayer of Thanksgiving (Unison)

Blessed God, you have been present to us at this table. In Christ, you have drawn us together as one people, called according to your purpose. May your love continue to shine upon us, guiding us as your beloved community. Let the prayer of our Lord that we all may be one, be fulfilled in our lives and in our living. Amen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No.557 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”

DENNIS

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

Before our Father's throne we pour our ardent prayers;

our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.

We share each other's woes, our mutual burdens bear;

and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain;

but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE "He Set Me Free”

Albert E. Brumley

The Liturgist today is Linda Sehrt

Thank you to Carol Lyon for accompanying the hymns today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Sunday, June 8th, will be Pentecost Sunday. We will celebrate the descending of the Holy Spirit upon the early believers and the birth of the Christian church. On Pentecost Sunday, St. Luke’s will have a reception of new members. Anyone who may not be a member but who participates in worship, either in person or virtually, or who is connected through Windows into St. Luke’s, is invited to become a member of the congregation. New members will be received both in person and virtually. If you are interested in becoming a member, or if you have questions, please contact Pastor Paul.

SLIC BREAKFAST
(St. Luke’s Inclusive Coalition)
Please join us at 9:30 am Sunday, June 8th as we take a walk through the St Luke’s journey of becoming an Open and Affirming congregation. We will reminisce on the path we have taken to this point and engage in conversation around how we can continue to be allies during this time of social tension. A light, continental style, breakfast along with coffee and juice will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING
The Strengthen the Church offering will be taken June 8th. It supports the expansion of ministry and growth
of UCC local congregations. Support of this offering helps the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just
world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities
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.

DISASTER RELIEF—ST. LOUIS TORNADOS
Two churches in St. Louis sustained direct impacts and damage from the tornadoes on May 16th. The Missouri Mid-South Conference has set up a special fund just for tornado response. If you would like to donate, put a check or cash, marked Tornadoes, in the offering box.

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

SAVE THE DATES

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.

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

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.

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