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 Celebration Hymnal.

JULY 6, 2025

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SILENT MEDITATION: “The LORD is my strength and my song; the LORD has given me victory.” (Exodus 15:2)

GATHERING MUSIC

GREETING

PRELUDE “Alimento y Salvacion”
Santiago Fernández

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 92 “For the Beauty of the Earth”

DIX

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth over and around us lies;

Refrain: Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light; (Refrain)

For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind's delight,
for the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight; (Refrain)

For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild; (Refrain)

For thy church, that evermore lifteth holy hands above,
offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love; (Refrain)

For thyself, best Gift Divine, to the world so freely given,
for that great, great love of thine, peace on earth, and joy in heaven: (Refrain)

CALL TO WORSHIP

One: Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind.

All: We come with love and hope.

One: Love your neighbor as yourself.

All: We come with loving hearts.

One: Love, and you will live.

All: We come to worship, that God’s love might live in us.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

God of Grace, we remember times when we have seen others in need, yet we have turned away. We remember times when we have judged a stranger or hated an enemy. We remember times we have withheld our love and care. Forgive us and let us love one another as you have loved us. 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 “Wonderful Peace”

Arr. Mark Hayes

SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 30:9-14

SERMON: “We’ve Got This!”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 393 “Spirit of the Living God” (Sing Twice)

LIVING GOD

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
CALL TO STEWARDSHIP
THE BEAUTY OF SHARED GIFTS “Every Time We Eat This Bread”

Ken Canedo

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 Blessings, you have given us life and guidance for living. We rejoice in the opportunity to receive and share in your grace. May the ministry in which we share bear much fruit, bringing an abundant harvest of joy in our lives and in your kingdom. Amen

RECEPTION OF MEMBERS AND SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Reception of Members

Invitation

Affirmation of Baptism

Vows of Commitment

Recognition of Baptism

Congregational Covenant

Congregation: We welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we continue to grow together in God’s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.

Sacrament of Baptism

Questions

Congregational Covenant

Congregation: We promise our love, support and care.

Pouring and Blessing the Water

Act of Baptism

Congregational Response

Congregation: We give thanks for Genesis as she is baptized and for the grace acknowledged here today in water and in the Holy Spirit. We receive, nurture and befriend her in the household of God’s love.Thanks be to God!

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

Affirmation and Renewal of Faith (Unison) United Church of Canada

We believe in God:
Who has created and is creating,
Who has come in Jesus,
The Word made flesh,
To reconcile and make new,
Who works in us and others by the Spirit.

We trust in God.

We are called to be the Church:
To celebrate God’s presence,
To love and serve others,
To seek justice and resist evil,
To proclaim Jesus,
Crucified and risen,
Our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.

We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

Words of Institution

Sharing the Sacrament

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Unison)

God of grace, you have refreshed us at this table and in this fellowship. Through the gifts of this table, our souls have been encouraged; our spirits renewed; our faith nurtured. With firm assurance in your abiding presence, lead us forth in the power of your Spirit, resting in the promise of your blessing. Amen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 664 “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing”

Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing, the people of God from this dwelling take leave.

The service is ended, O now be extended the fruits of our worship in all who believe.

The see of the teaching, receptive souls reaching, shall blossom in action for God and for all.

God’s grace did invite us, and love shall unite us to work for God’s kingdom and answer the call.

With praise and thanksgiving to God ever living, the tasks of our everyday life we will face.

Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring, embracing God’s children of each tribe and race.

With your grace you feed us, with your light now lead us; unite us as one in this life that we share.

Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving give honor to Christ and that name which we bear.

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “God is Alive”

David Haas

The Liturgist today is Dan O'Neill.

Thank you to Carol Lyon for accompanying the hymns today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HVAC FUND
For those who are wondering, there is an HVAC Fund established for the inevitable replacement of the HVAC system. Support for that fund is being accepted to soften the hit when contracts have been secured to replace the existing system. Immediate plans are underway to accommodate more comfortable in person worship until the unit is replaced. You may donate in person by marking your donation HVAC and placing in the offering box or by donating online or via the app.

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
Sunday, July 27th, during worship, we will celebrate The Rite of Confirmation.
We will celebrate the gifts of the Spirit to our congregation by receiving as members:
Jackson Jaberg & MacKenzie McKinney.
A reception will follow the service.

KIDS’ CLUB

Calling all kiddos! Please join us after church July 20th for Kids Club. We will eat some good food, play fun games and undoubtedly share in some laughs. Parents; feel free to drop off your kiddo following Worship on July 20th for some fun and fellowship. Children will need to wear sunscreen and have a change of clothes/ water shoes for some water activities. Please plan to pick up your child at 1:30.

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

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!