World Communion Sunday October 1, 2017 GATHERING

THE WELCOME THE PRELUDE “Prelude on ‘Morning Has Broken’” Bock LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE CALL TO WORSHIP based on Psalm 107: 1-7, 33-37

As we assemble here, from the east and the west, the north and south, let us recall with gratitude the many blessings of God.

O give thanks to God, who is always good, whose steadfast love endures for ever!

Let all the redeemed sing their praise together, for God has turned desert experiences into pools of

water, and made parched souls become like springs of living water.

O give thanks to God, who is always good, whose love in Christ Jesus endures forever! ~ written by Bruce Prewer

OPENING PRAYER *SONG OF PRAISE “For the Fruit of All Creation” p. 36 *CALL TO CONFESSION

When we come together and confess, we recognize our humanity and pray for peace over our brokenness. Together, let us pray the prayer of confession:

*UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION Jesus, we ask that you take these prayers to the heart of God. We know the ways in which sin separates us from God. We confess our reticence to claim the sin in our lives. Today may we move past the prideful notions of our piety and look closer at what we don’t do. For sometimes the greatest sin of all is our own complicity with what is wrong in the world. We want to love as you commanded, Jesus, but too often catch ourselves justifying the injustice of hunger, poverty, war, and all the prejudices we didn’t know we had. Forgive us so that we may catch ourselves righting our wrongs. Forgive us so that the lessons we learn at the Spirit’s nudging may help bring the peace and love you seek in our families, the church, and the world. Help us to be more holy in our hearts. Amen. *WORDS OF ASSURANCE Christ is our peace and reconciles us to God. In our confession, we are promised God’s mercy and are assured that God’s grace will follow us all the days of our lives. What wondrous love is this? In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.

Remembering your mighty and merciful acts, we take this bread and this wine from the gifts you have given us, and celebrate with joy the redemption won for us in Jesus Christ. Accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving as a living and holy offering of ourselves, that our lives may proclaim the One crucified and risen.

Great is the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and juice, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ. By your Spirit unite us with the living Christ and with all who are baptized in his name, that we may be one in ministry in every place. As this bread is Christ’s body for us, send us out to be the body of Christ in the world. Intercessions for the church and the world are offered. Lead us, O God, in the way of Christ. Give us courage to take up our cross and, in full reliance upon your grace, to follow him. Help us to love you above all else and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, demonstrating that love in deed and word in the power of your Spirit. Give us strength to serve you faithfully until the promised day of resurrection, when, with the redeemed of all the ages, we will feast with you at your table in glory. Through Christ, all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit in the holy church, now and forever. Amen.

BREAKING OF THE BREAD *COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE Upon receiving the bread and cup, you may say, “Thanks be to God.” PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION

Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SENDING

*SENDING SONG “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love” p. 203 *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE “Festival Postlude” Zipoli

*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. A-men, a-men. INVITATION TO THE OFFERING PRAYER OF DEDICATION OFFERTORY “Ave Verum” Mozart

THE WORD SCRIPTURE READING Mark 15: 1-20 MESSAGE Slave of All *SONG OF RESPONSE “Your Only Son” p. 518

THE EUCHARIST INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, O Lord our God, creator and ruler of the universe. In your wisdom, you made all things and sustain them by your power. You made us in your image, setting us in your world to love and serve you and to live in peace with your whole creation. From generation to generation you have guided us, sending prophets to turn us from wayward paths into the way of righteousness. Out of your great love for the world you sent your only Son among us to redeem us and to be the way to eternal life. Therefore we praise you joining our voices with choirs of heaven, and with all the faithful of every time and place who forever sing to the glory of your name. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. As one of us, he knew our joys and sorrows, and our struggles with temptation. He was like us in every way except sin. In him we see what you created us to be. Though blameless, he suffered willingly for our sin. Though innocent, he accepted death for the guilty. On the cross he offered himself, a perfect sacrifice, for the life of the world. By his suffering and death, he freed us from sin and death. Risen from the grave, he leads us to the joy of new life.

MOMENTS FOR MEDITATION

“And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to

serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10: 44-45

ANNOUNCEMENTS WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY ~ Today we will be celebrating communion as we keep in mind our brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world. To learn more about the history and purpose of this celebration, please see the insert.

LIFELIGHT LE MARS ~ Le Mars will be hosting our first Lifelight Festival on today from 5-8 p.m. at Rejoice Community Church. This free event will bring Christian Music Artists Jonny Diaz, Boby Bugattii, Rachelle Hope, Bread of Stone and more to our community. Josh Brewer will be speaking and the BMX Stunt Dudes will be entertaining. For more information, contactwww.lifelight.org. All are invited to attend! Our youth group will be meeting at 6 p.m. Please let Rob Bixenman know if you plan to attend, so he can watch for you.

MORNING AT HILLVIEW ~ Next Sunday, October 8th, we will meet out at Hillview Park for our Annual Fall Retreat! Worship will be at 10:00 AM, followed by a time of sharing by our commissions about what is coming up in ministry at PUCC. During this time, children will have a special adventure in the park! A meal of pork loin, prepared by some of the elders, will conclude the morning. Please bring something to contribute to the meal. We suggest, if your last name begins with the letters A-M to bring a salad or vegetable, N-Z bring a dessert. Meat and drinks will be provided. Please bring your own table service. Please call the office if you would like a ride to Hillview Park.

THANK YOU ~ Dear PUCC Session, Thank you for helping pay for my camp tuition. I attended Art Explosion Camp with my friend Amanda and we had a great time! I can’t wait to go back next summer. Thanks again, Katie Cunningham

CHURCH WORK DAY ~ There will be a church work day on Saturday, October 7th from 8:00 AM –Noon. The work consists of all outside work, especially in the grove. Please come and help if you are able.

SYMPATHY ~ We extend our sympathy to the congregation of Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley, Iowa upon the unexpected death of their pastor, Rev. Jeff Filkins, on Tuesday, September 19th. He had served in this church for 13 years and was 58 years old. Jeff is survived by his wife Nancy and their three children. Jeff and Nancy attended the Living Lord’s Supper this past Palm Sunday here at PUCC.

PARENT'S MEETING ~ Pastor Jan would like to meet with the parents of upcoming confirmation students following worship on October 15th. Confirmation class will begin on Thursday, October 19th.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE ~ Will meet today following worship in Room 105.

MESSENGER ~ Our monthly newsletter was delivered electronically on Friday. If you receive a hard copy, please pick it up in the narthex. Additional copies are available in the narthex for our guests.

BOARD

OF ELDERS

Mike Cunningham, Clerk

Roger Dempster

Linda Smith

Arlo Swalve

Arnie Keunen Pat Penning, Treasurer

Sue Schneider

Jeff Peters

Connie Marcotte

Lon Penning

Patty Bendlin

MODERATOR

Rev. Jan Christensen

504 6th Avenue SE

Office: 546-6624

Cell: 541-3586

puccpastor@premieronline.net

Pucclemars.com

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Presbyterian UCC

BOARD OF DEACONS

Cris Collins 540-5489

Tom Jeneary 546-8766

Jeanine Penning 546-4637

Dennis Smith 546-7580

Teri Brock 548-4611

Kay Koch 546-6905

Teresa Peters 540-4668

Mary Bomgaars 546-6470

Scott Goeken 540-9447

CALENDAR

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

9:15 AM - Sunday School

10:00 AM - Worship/Communion

11:00 AM - Fellowship

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2

Office Closed

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

7:00 PM - Choir Practice

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

10:00 AM - Worship at Hillview Park!

11:00 AM - Fellowship

OFFICE HOURS

The church office is open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.,

1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Tuesday through Friday.

You may also contact the office through e-mail,

puccoffice@premieronline.net, or phone 546-6624

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR THOUGHTS

AND PRAYERS

Dacia and Kevin Bolton-Bates

Holly and Stormie

Ruth Farley

Tyler Finley

Wayne Maass

Pat Wetrosky

Clint & Alyce Kass & family

Family of Dale Christensen

Others grieving the death of loved ones

Please pray for First Presbyterian Church, in Sac

City, IA, and their pastor, Randy Russom

WELCOME EVERYONE! If you are here today, looking for a friendly church...where you will be loved and accepted regardless of your age, class,

race, ethnicity, or lifestyle orientation...where you will be challenged to reflect on your beliefs, acknowledge your doubts, ask your questions, and grow in faith...where God’s desire for

compassion, healing, reconciliation, justice and joy is preached...where you are given the opportunity to put your

faith into action through effective outreach ministries...then we trust you will feel at home here! No matter who you are, or

where you are in your life journey… You are welcome here!

Presbyterian United Church of Christ 858 Seventh St. S.E. Le Mars, IA 51031

SERVING THIS SUNDAY USHERS - Bill Bomgaars, Rod Scholten Roger & Karen Dempster GREETER - Mary Bomgaars READER - Tom & Pam Jeneary CANDLE LIGHTERS - Cunningham Family HOST/HOSTESS - Cunningham Family AUDIO/VISUAL - Lon Penning NURSERY - Open but Unattended ORGANIST– Laurey Zwart MUSIC DIRECTOR - Deb Thompson PASTOR - Rev. Jan Christensen

SERVING NEXT SUNDAY USHERS - Arnie Keunen, Carter Alcorn Roger & Karen Dempster GREETER - Jeannine Keunen READER - Mike Cunningham CANDLE LIGHTERS - Melvin Family HOST/HOSTESS - Hall Retreat AUDIO/VISUAL - Lon Penning NURSERY - Open but Unattended ORGANIST– Laurey Zwart MUSIC DIRECTOR - Deb Thompson PASTOR - Rev. Jan Christensen

MISSION STATEMENT Followers of Christ serving, growing and reaching out as a

loving and engaged faith community with opportunities for all.

HOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The HAP mission is to assist, members of PUCC or referrals made by members, who are physically and/or financially unable to complete small projects around their home. The members of the HAP Ministry, will screen, and plan small projects that assist people with various needs in their home. Please contact the office for a request form.

October 1, 2017

puccoffice@premieronline.net Pucclemars.com

712.546.6624

Prayer Matters

In reviewing the prayer list, a decision was made to make some changes. Knowing the importance of prayer, we are including names of people who are currently facing special circumstances which call for our special attention in prayer. We recognize however, that we all need prayer. Therefore, you are encouraged to make a plan to faithfully lift your church family in prayer regularly. Please make a habit of visiting the Shut Ins and Special Needs List included in the Messenger monthly. We also encourage you to pick up the most recent copy of the church directory and begin making your way through it, lifting one another in prayer.