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 Celebration Hymnal.

MARCH 30, 2025

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

SILENT MEDITATION:

“You can’t conceive, my child, nor can I or anyone the ... appalling ... strangeness of the mercy of

God.” --Graham Greene from the novel Brighton Rock

GATHERING MUSIC

GREETING

PRELUDE "Lenten Meditation"
Ron Loree

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No.648 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
BEECHER

Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of Heav'n 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 ev'ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit Into ev'ry troubled breast;
Let us all in thee inherit, Let us find thy promised 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, Never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, Serve thee as thy host 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 Heav'n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise!

CALL TO WORSHIP

One: This is a day of forgiveness and reconciliation.

All: We celebrate the mercy and grace of our God.

One: Come from all the places you have wandered.

All: We gather in the gracious welcome of God.

One: Come in your pain and brokenness.

All: We gather in the healing and hope of God.

One: Come in your weakness.

All: We gather to seek God’s abiding strength.

One: Come, and do not delay.

All: Our souls long to return to God.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

Holy God, we confess that the paths we find ourselves on seem to be going nowhere. We have taken wrong turns and find ourselves far from where you have called us to be. By your Spirit, you call us to return to you. Incline our hearts to be open to your call which seeks to restore us into your fellowship and grace. Guide our feet in peace as our souls long to return to the way of Christ. 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 "Near the Cross"

Arr. Alexander Kruchkov

SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

SERMON: "On the Current of Love"

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 508 “Love Lifted Me”

SAFETY

I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–Now safe am I.

Refrain: Love lifted me, Love lifted me, When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me; Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.

All my heart to Him I give, Ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live, Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true Merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too, To Him belongs. [Refrain]

Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves;

He will lift you by His love Out of the angry waves.

He's the Master of the sea, Billows His will obey;

He your Savior wants to be–Be saved today. [Refrain]

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
CALL TO STEWARDSHIP
THE BEAUTY OF SHARED GIFTS "Were You There?"

Arr. Marilynn Ham

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)

O God, you have opened our eyes and shown us the way to return to you. The way to which you have called us leads us to see and respond to the needs of others. Receive the offerings of our hands and the gratitude of our hearts. We ask you to bless the gifts that we bring so that more people may know your grace and love. Bless the ministry of our congregation that this offering makes possible. Amen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 349 “O How He Loves You and Me”

PATRICIA

O how He loves you and me! O how He loves you and me! He gave His life; what more could He give?

O how He loves you; O how He loves me; O how He loves you and me!

Jesus to Calv’ry did go; His love for sinners to show. What He did there bro’t hope from despair.

O how He loves you; O how He loves me; O how He loves you and me!

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE "This Joyful Eastertide"

Hugh S. Livingston, Jr.

The Liturgist today is Pete Jaberg

Thank you to John Kritos for playing the organ today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LENTEN STUDY

7:00 PM on the following Tuesday evenings. It will be hybrid, both in person and on zoom. If you would like to receive reminders about the study as well as the zoom link, text the word Rivers to 816-312-5053

“Lenten Rivers”
April 1st “Let Justice Roll Down Like the Waters”
April 8th “Step Into the Waters”
April 15th “Think Like a River”

SHARING TABLE
By popular demand the Sharing Table is back to provide relief for stretched budgets. You are invited to contribute what you might be able to and receive what is offered. Suggestions for contributions are shelf stable meal type items such as soups, spaghetti o’s, fruit cups, etc.

THANK YOU
The Dreamers class would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Blessing Bag Supply drive. Due to your generous donations, we are able to provide hygiene kits to over 20 people in need. The donations far surpassed our initial goal and will be a much appreciated resource for those in the community. Thank you for joining us as we share God’s generous love with those in need!

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING

One Great Hour of Sharing is one of four special mission offerings of the United Church of Christ. This inter-denominational Lenten Offering helps end hunger, provides disaster relief and refugee aid, and promotes self-development worldwide. By participating in the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, we follow Christ’s command to Be the Light.

Offering envelopes are available in the back of the sanctuary by the offering box.
You may also donate online or on the app.

WESTERN ASSOCIATION SPRING GATHERING
April 5th, 9:30 AM—2:00 PM
Blue Springs Terrace, Blue Springs, MO
Gather for a day of outside work, worship, fellowship & food. Lunch will be provided at noon. Make sure to bring work gloves. Registration is $10/person which includes lunch. If you have questions or would like to attend, contact the church office.

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!