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

Nanette Moore, Administrative Assistant/Director of Christian Education
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.

JANUARY 19, 2025

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

SILENT MEDITATION: “In these days, may we perceive the wonders at hand, be part of the miracles yet to come, and encounter unexpected delights along the way.” Jan Richardson

GATHERING MUSIC

GREETING

PRELUDE “We Come to Your Table”

Carey Landry and Carol Jean Kinghorn

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 89 “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

HYMN TO JOY

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.

CALL TO WORSHIP (From Psalm 36:1-5)

One: Come! Let us find refuge in the shadow of God’s wings.

All: We are eager for a place of shelter and sanctuary.

One: Come! Feast upon the abundance of God’s mercy.

All: We are ready to hear the truths of God’s word.

One: Come! Drink deeply from the river of pure joy.

All: We are open to the empowering and transforming light of God.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

God of Abundant Blessing, we stand in despair when you wait to fill us with new possibility. We stand in helplessness when you wait to fill us with purpose and power. Forgive us and bless us with the abundance of your grace and joy. Let us become the blessing which you purpose us to be to all your children. 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 “In Heaven’s Eyes”

Phill McHugh

SCRIPTURE: John 2:1-11

SERMON: “Got Wine?”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 644 “Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring”

JESU, JOY OF MAN’S DESIRING

Jesus, joy of our desiring, holy wisdom, love most bright;
drawn by thee, our souls aspiring soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, with the fire of life impassioned,
striving still to truth unknown, soaring, dying round thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding, hark, what peaceful music rings;
where the flock, in thee confiding, drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure; theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead thine own in the love of joys unknown.

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
CALL TO STEWARDSHIP
THE BEAUTY OF SHARED GIFTS “Let All the Earth”

Marty Haugen

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 All Abundance, come, bless these gifts and the ones who bring them. May your Spirit transform our lives and what we have to offer into what is needed to bring the fullness of your joy into our hearts, our homes, our congregation, our neighborhood and our world. Amen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” BEECHER

Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast!
Let us all in thee inherit; let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return and never, nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.

Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be.

Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee;

changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “Yes Indeed”

Sy Oliver

The Liturgist today is John Kritos.

Thank you to Carol Lyon for accompanying the hymns.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

ANNUAL MEETING

January 26th, immediately following worship. This will be a hybrid meeting, both in person and on zoom. You
will be able to join the zoom meeting as soon as worship ends and the meeting will begin when technology is
in place. A link to the zoom meeting will be sent out the week before the meeting

BYLAW CHANGE

At the annual meeting the congregation will be asked to vote on amending the bylaws to strike out “Director of Christian Education” and replace it with “Church Program Coordinator”. This change is requested because the title of this position has been changed. See the picture in the downloadable bulletin as an example of the change. If adopted, the change will be made throughout the bylaws.

PASTOR PAUL’S 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

We will celebrate Pastor Paul’s 10 years of Ministry at St. Luke’s on February 16th, during and after worship. A lot of fun surprises are being planned. You won’t want to miss it.

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

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