ST. LUKE'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

APRIL 18, 2025                                                                                                                            

GOOD FRIDAY

SILENT MEDITATION:  

“Burst forth, all the dark well-springs of my life! Come flying all my nights, dark birds of guilt, descend upon me with outstretched wings: I will go into deepest sorrow that I may find my God. -Gertrude von Le Fort

GATHERING MUSIC

GREETING

PRELUDE “What Wondrous Love is This”                                 

Arr.  John Carter. 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

One:  We gather together on this day of sadness and grief.

All:     We need one another as we bear the absence of light.

One:  Where is God amid this tragedy and suffering?

All:     God mourns with us now in this time of trouble.

One:  We are bewildered by so much we do not understand.

All:     Is this the end of all our hopes and dreams?

HYMN No. 424 “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone”                                                               

MAITLAND

Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free? 

No, there's a cross for everyone, and there's a cross for me. 

How happy are the saints above, who once went sorrowing here! 

But now they taste unmingled love, and joy without a tear. 

The consecrated cross I'll bear till death shall set me free; 

and then go home my crown to wear, for there's a crown for me.

OPENING PRAYER (Unison)

God of all creation, we come to you out of our need. Often, we are overwhelmed by the darkness of suffering. We know what it is to be anxious over uncertainty and to grieve loss. As we behold the cross, we are reminded that our human needs are met with power of your unceasing love and grace.  Draw us to the cross and let us know more fully a sense of your presence and promise. Assure us that you are with us in our darkness. Amen

SPECIAL  MUSIC “O Magnum Mysterium”                                 

Morten Lauridsen         

Lisa Jaberg, violinist   

MEDITATION “Where Would We Go?”

HYMN No. 288 “Were You There?” (vs 1,4,5)                                                                    

WERE YOU THERE

Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when the sun refused to shine? Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble .Were you there when the sun refused to shine?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb? Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh! sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

Gracious God, our sins are too heavy to carry, too present to run away from, and too deep to undo.  Forgive what our lips tremble to name, what our hearts can no longer bear, and what has become for us a consuming darkness. Set us free from a past that we cannot change; open to us a future in which we can be changed; and grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image; through Jesus Christ, the light and hope of the world.  Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

HYMN No. 290 “Go to Dark Gethsemane”                                                                                   

REDHEAD 76

Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the tempter's power;
your Redeemer's conflict see, watch with him one bitter hour.
Turn not from his griefs away; learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

See him at the judgment hall, beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;
O the wormwood and the gall! O the pangs his soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; learn of Christ to bear the cross.

Calvary's mournful mountain climb; there, adoring at his feet,
mark that miracle of time, God's own sacrifice complete.
"It is finished!" hear him cry; learn of Jesus Christ to die.

Early hasten to the tomb where they laid his breathless clay;
all is solitude and gloom. Who has taken him away?
Christ is risen! He meets our eyes; Savior, teach us so to rise.

A SERVICE OF SHADOW

Shadow of Agony-John 12:27-33

Shadow of Unshared-Vigil Matthew 26:36-46

Shadow of Betrayal and Arrest-Matthew 26:47-56

Shadow of Denial-Luke 22:54-62

Shadow of Verdict-Mark 15:1-14

Shadow of the Cross-Mark 15:16-26

Shadow of Death-John 19:28-30

Through the Darkness-Matthew 27:54

POSTLUDE "Go to Dark Gethsemane"                                                

Rex Koury

During the Postlude, please take an opportunity to meditate upon the cross.
When you are ready, you may leave silently in hope of the coming light.

APRIL 20, 2025                                                                            

EASTER

SILENT MEDITATION: 

"The Resurrection is not a single event, but a loosening of God's power and light that continues to

alter all things, infusing them with the grace and power of God's own holiness. It is as though a

door was opened, and what poured out will never be stopped, and that door cannot be closed."

--Megan McKenna

GATHERING MUSIC  

GREETING  

PRELUDE "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth"                                

G. F.  Handel

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 322  “Up from the Grave He Arose”                                   

CHRIST AROSE

Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,
waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain: Up from the grave he arose,
with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior;
vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord! [Refrain]

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord! [Refrain]

CALL TO WORSHIP 

One:  The chorus of creation cries out:

All:     Christ the Lord is risen, Alleluia!

One:  The babbling brooks of spring sing:

All:     Christ the Lord is risen, Alleluia!

One:  The lilies in silent splendor ring:

All:     Christ the Lord is risen, Alleluia!

One:  Open wide your heart and lift your voice!

All:     With all heaven and earth, we sing out with joy.

          Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

Loving God, despair, pain, and fear are part of our lives. Sometimes we let them overwhelm us. Sometimes we let them hold back the Spirit of the Holy that longs to flow within us. Let your living water fill our lives with your mercy and grace, forgiving our sin and raising us up to newness of life in our Living Lord. 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.

CHANCEL CHOIR “All Praise to Thee, Eternal Lord”                            

Arr.  Rob Roy Peery

SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:1-12    

SERMON:“Resurrection River”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 302 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (vs 1-3)                  

EASTER HYMN

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia! Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
CALL TO STEWARDSHIP  
THE BEAUTY OF SHARED GIFTS "Easter Celebration"                              

Arr. by Howard F. Stark                                                                                      

Handbell Choir
                                                                             

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 Restored Hope, with love in our hearts we bring our offerings.  Despite worries and fears, we dare to give away a part of what we think we need for ourselves.  In the face of suffering, our priorities are changed.  The love of Christ awakens a love within us and among us.  In giving we move beyond the shadows of fear into the light of Easter’s hope.  May our gifts bring hope to others.  Amen

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

Affirmation of Faith  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

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Unison)

Loving God, through the grace and mercy that are proclaimed at this table, you have called us from the shadows that would entomb our souls. In Christ’s glorious resurrection, you have raised us up and set our feet on the path of life. You have filled us with joy and given us a message of hope. By the Spirit of the Holy, let us share the good news that Christ the Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 310 “He Lives”                                                                                 

ACKLEY

I serve a risen Savior, he’s in the world today; I know that he is living, whatever foes may say. 

I see his hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer, and just the time I need him, he’s always near. 

Refrain: He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today! 

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. 

He lives, he lives, salvation to impart! You ask me who I know he lives? He lives within my heart. 

In all the world around me I see his loving care, and though my heart grows weary, I never will despair. 

I know that he is leading through all the stormy blast; the day of his appearing will come at last. (Refrain) 

Rejoice, rejoice O Christian, lift up your voice and sing eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! 

The hope of all who seek him, the help of all who find; none other is so loving, so good and kind. (Refrain)

BENEDICTION  

POSTLUDE "Resurrection Medley"                                       

Ralph Carmichael                                 

The Liturgist today is Julie Sehrt

Thank you to John Kritos for playing the organ today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

KIDS TABLE
There will be NO Kids’ Table available today, Sunday, April 20th.

SAVE THE DATE
LIVING MEMORIAL COMMITTEE MEETING
May 1st, immediately following worship

Easter Lilies

Purchased by:           Dedication:

Carol Lyon-In Memory of Dave

Jeff & Marita Ray-In Memory of Loved Ones

Mel & Linda Sehrt-In Memory of Loved Ones

Dan O’Neill-In Memory of Mom & Dad

Pat Boeger & family-In Memory of Loved Ones

Julie & Chris Bernard-In Memory of Dale & Norma Kesner and Dewey, Ann & Loretta Bernard

Paul & Dianne Emily-In Memory of Our Parents

Rosie Kuenne-In Memory of Bill

Jeff & Ginger Ruoff-In Memory of Our Families

Karen Zuiderhof & Marilyn King-In Memory of Loved Ones

Jane Morman-In Memory of Loved Ones

Barry & Teresa Harris (2 Lilies)-In Memory of Loved Ones

John Kritos-In Memory of Jan Dunstan

John Kritos-In Memory of George Kritos

John Kritos & Matt Meeks-In Memory of Juanita Meeks

Mike & Nanette Moore-In Memory of Loved Ones

Connie Trotter-In Memory of Ruth & Ellis Linnenbringer

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.