ST. PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Sunday, March 7, 2021

1235 Summer Hill Road, Auburn, PA 17922

Church Office: 570-754-7225

Rev. Ken McDowell, Pastor: 610-207-4783

Office Hours: Tuesday – Friday; 9am–12pm

email: summerhillucc@gmail.com

website: www.summerhillucc.com

www.facebook.com/summerhillucc

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1782 239 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE 2021

Sunday, March 7, 2021 10:30am

Third Sunday in Lent

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Rev. Ken McDowell, Pastor Pianist- Rae Ann Borger

CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH

The Concerns of the Ministry / Announcements of the Church

This morning we remember in prayer St. John, Tamaqua from our Schuylkill Association Prayer Calendar.

Please read the announcements that are in this downloadable bulletin, as well as those we post on our Facebook site,

our emails, and our phone calls, and then help spread the word to those who do not have access to any of those

messages.

(Communion note: This morning, as some of us are gathered together here at church while many are

gathering with us virtually from their homes, we all are invited to the same table. Those present this

morning are invited to bring their own bread and drink to use during Communion, or pick up a bag of

individually prepared elements from the table in the narthex, as we will not be distributing the elements

during the service. For those at home who feel moved to participate as an act of remembrance, you

may gather bread and drink and partake as we do when we are gathered together.

LENTEN CANDLES

Pastor: In the days of Noah, the LORD saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth.

People: And the LORD was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth, and it grieved him to his

heart.

Pastor: So the LORD said, "I will blot out from the earth the human beings I have created.

People: Together with animals and creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made

them."

[Extinguish one candle. Do not light it again until Easter]

Pastor: But Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD.

People: And God did not totally destroy his creation. He showed us his mercy, through Noah.

(Genesis 6:5-8)

RESPONSIVE HYMN NO. 354………………...…………………………………………..“Just as I am” (verse 3)

Just as I am, though tossed about, With many a conflict many a doubt,

fightings and fears within, without O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

INVOCATION

GATHERING FOR THE WORD

PRELUDE

The congregation may stand.

SOLEMN DECLARATION.........................................................................................................................Sung “Amen”

CALL TO WORSHIP

Pastor: Called by Christ,

People: We gather as one.

Pastor: Blessed by God’s wisdom,

People: We gather to learn.

Pastor: Amazed by God’s love,

People: We gather to worship.

Pastor: Let us sing praises to our Crucified and Risen Lord. Amen.

OPENING HYMN NO. 255……………………………………………………………….“Beneath the Cross of Jesus”

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Beneath the cross of Jesus I gladly take my stand–

the shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land,

a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,

from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus my eye at times can see

the very dying form of One who suffered there for me;

and from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I confess–

the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place;

I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face,

content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,

my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

CALL TO CONFESSION

CONFESSION OF SIN (Unison)

When we set up barriers that prevent others from knowing the truth of your love, forgive us and break

down those walls. When we set up barriers in our own minds and lives that keep us from knowing the

truth of your love, break down our walls with your grace. When we are confused by the world’s wisdom,

break through our muddled minds and shine the clarity of your teachings. Draw us ever closer to you, to

one another, and to the beauty of your wisdom and your love. Amen.

MOMENT OF PERSONAL CONFESSION

KYRIE

Pastor: Lord, have mercy upon us.

People: Lord, have mercy upon us.

Pastor: Christ, have mercy upon us.

People: Christ, have mercy upon us.

Pastor: Lord, have mercy upon us.

People: Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Pastor: Christ reduces the barriers we set up to dust and ashes,

People: that blow away to nothing in the power of his mercy and his grace.

Pastor: We are no longer divided or separated, but are united in the wisdom and the love of God! Amen.

THE GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, it is now and ever shall

be, world without end. Amen.

The congregation may be seated.

ENGAGING THE WORD

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

READING OF THE WORD:…...…………………………………………………………………Lector, Mike Fessler

Old Testament: Exodus 20:1-17

Psalm: Psalm 19 (read responsively)

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Lector: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

People: Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.

Lector: There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;

People: yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the

heavens he has set a tent for the sun,

Lector: which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with

joy.

People: Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from

its heat.

Lector: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the

simple;

People: the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear,

enlightening the eyes;

Lector: the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

People: More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and

drippings of the honeycomb.

Lector: Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

People: But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.

Lector: Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be

blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

People: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock

and my redeemer.

Epistle Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Gospel Lesson: John 2:13-22

Lector: This is the Word of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be to God.

SCRIPTURE RESPONSE........................................................................................“Let Thy word abide in us, O Lord.”

SERMON..................................................................................................................................“Missing the Big Picture”

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

The congregation may remain seated.

HYMN OF REFLECTION NO. 51…………………………..…..…………………………....…“How Great Thou Art”

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

consider all the worlds thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:

how great thou art, how great thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:

how great thou art, how great thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander

and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,

and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. [Refrain]

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And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,

sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,

that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,

he bled and died to take away my sin. [Refrain]

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration,

and there proclaim, "My God, how great thou art!" [Refrain]

The congregation may stand.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Unison) ....................................................................………………..The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,

born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;

he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven,

and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins;

the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

The congregation may be seated.

PASTORAL PRAYER

Pastor: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Pastor: Let us pray.

SILENT PRAYER

PRAYER RESPONSE

Hear our prayer, O Lord; Hear our prayer, O Lord; Hear our prayer, O Lord, And grant us Thy peace. Amen.

CALL TO OFFERING

The congregation may stand.

OFFERING RESPONSE & DEDICATION................................................................................................DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly

host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation:

Communion Prayer:

Pastor: God be with you.

People: And also with you.

Pastor: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to God.

Pastor: Let us give thanks to God Most High.

People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Pastor: Holy God, we praise and bless you for the creation and the gift of life…………With the faithful in every

place and time, we praise with joy your holy name:

The Seraphic Hymn:

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Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; Heaven and earth are full, are full of the majesty of Thy glory, Hosanna,

Hosanna, hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna

in the highest!

The congregation may be seated.

Words of Institution:

Prayer of Consecration:

Pastor: Consecrate therefore, by your Holy Spirit, these gifts of bread and wine, and bless us, that as we receive

them at this table, we may offer you our faith and praise, we may be united with Christ and with one another, and

we may continue faithful in all things.

People: In the strength Christ gives us, we offer ourselves to you, eternal God, and give thanks that you

have called us to serve you.

Pastor: We ask these things in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray saying...

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And

lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the

glory, forever. Amen.

Breaking of the Bread:

Lifting of the Cup:

Call to the Supper:

The Sharing of the Elements:

Blessing of the Children:

The congregation may stand.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving: (Unison)

All: We thank you God, for inviting us to this table where we have known the presence of Christ and have

received all Christ’s gifts. Strengthen our faith and increase our love for one another, and let us show

forth your praise in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

GOING WITH THE WORD

COMMISSION

Pastor: Blessed by God’s wisdom,

People: We go forth refreshed and renewed.

Pastor: Called by Christ,

People: We go now to serve.

Pastor: Amazed by God’s love,

People: We go now to love.

BENEDICTION

THE THREEFOLD AMEN............................................................................................................Amen. Amen. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN NO. 260……………..………………………………….........................…“The Old Rugged Cross”

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame;

and I love that old cross, where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me;

for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]

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In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see;

for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me. [Refrain]

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear;

then he'll call me some day to my home far away, where his glory forever I'll share. [Refrain]

SILENT MEDITATION

POSTLUDE

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Portions of today’s worship resources were reproduced or adapted from the UCC’s Book of Worship, Worship

Elements by Mary J. Scifres from the 2021 Abingdon Worship Annuals edited by Mary J. Scifres and B. J. Beu.

CCLI Copyright License Number 3253621 and CCLI Streaming License Number 20179084.

-The bulletins in honor of Jeremiah Nagle’s Birthday (Feb. 24) and Abram Nagle’s Birthday (March 3) by

grandparents, Tom and Lucinda Nagle.

-Coronavirus (Covid-19) Notice: Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding during this

unprecedented time. We will continue to limit the seating capacity in our sanctuary to allow practicing safe social

distancing and require the wearing of masks while inside and unable to maintain 6 foot distance. We will continue to

monitor the level of occurrences in our area and all recommendations to keep the most vulnerable safe. As the situation

changes, we will provide updates via Facebook, our website, and announcements in the bulletin and newsletter. We

will continue to Live Stream our services on Facebook and on our website. Bulletins for each service are available on

our web site at www.summerhillucc.com and will also be distributed on our Facebook page at

www.facebook.com/summerhillucc.

-When the weather permits, we will worship outdoors. We will announce via Facebook by 9:00am on Sunday

mornings if we intend to move outdoors, using the general guidelines of near 60 degrees, dry, and low winds. Please

dress appropriately and bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket.

-Financially Supporting the Ministries of St. Paul's -We want to say a huge thank you to all who have been able to

send donations. Every last one helps to make an impact on keeping our ministries strong in a time that they are so

greatly needed. You can mail your tithes and offerings to the church, use your online banking tools or visit our website

to donate with Tithe.ly. Please contact the church if you have any questions.

-The March Communion Offering will support the Schuylkill Association cleaning buckets.

-The March designated items are paper products (paper towels, toilet tissue, napkins, etc.). We will be helping at

the Schuylkill Haven Food Pantry on Monday, March 15 at 8:30am, and on Friday, March 19 at 1pm. Please speak

to Verna Ebling or contact the church office if you would like to help or donate items.

Don't let the spirit of giving slip away. The need to replenish the food pantry is even more important during the cold

winter months following the Holidays. We know this can be a difficult time to be out and about with the winter weather

and the pandemic. So let us do the driving and heavy lifting for you. We will again be doing a drive by food drive

Wednesday, March 17th. This is a food collection. Any food collected will be taken to the Sch. Haven Food Pantry

for distribution during their regular monthly distribution dates. Anyone who would like to participate should either text

or email us their name and address (570-449-0825 or bkochguers@comcast.net) and we will be sure to pick up your

donation. Donations can also left at the church. We will pick up at the church between 9-12am each day. Home pick-

ups will be between 3:30-5:30 in the afternoon when the boys are finished school.

-We would like to do a card shower for our organist, Bonnie Light. If you would like to send a get well card, her

address is: 8850 Old Route 22, Bethel, PA 19507.

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-Wednesday evening Lenten services will be held each Wednesday evening at 7pm and will continue through

March 24. Each week during the season of Lent, Lenten services will be done as a meditation online. The schedule for

Holy Week and Easter services is listed in the March newsletter.

-Bible Study Series “Half Truths”-Every Thursday night from 7:00 – 8:00 PM we are meeting online via Zoom for

Bible Study. We are currently exploring popular sayings that miss the point using Adam Hamilton’s book, Half

Truths. It’s never too late to join! Please contact the church office for more information.

-Living a Healthy Life- Join Daikon’s free 6-session chronic disease self-management workshop on how to lessen

pain, fatigue and live a good quality of life while dealing with an on-going health condition. Spouses and caregivers

welcome. For ages 50+. Location: 23 Meadowbrook, 23 Meadowbrook Drive, Rt. 183, Schuylkill Haven, PA; Dates:

Every Monday, March 1 through April 5; Time: 10am–12:30pm. *COVID-19 safety precautions will be practiced.

To register, please contact Diakon Community Services at 570-624-3017 by 2/22.

-There will be a blood drive sponsored by the Sch. Haven Council of Churches on Thursday, March 11 from

12:30-5:30 PM at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Sch. Haven.

-Easter Lily orders will be accepted now. The cost is $6.75 and the final deadline for orders is March 16. Please

call the church office or contact Ardith Moyer or Verna Ebling. Order forms are available at the church and in the

February Newsletter. You do not need an order form to place an order. No standing orders please.

-On Sunday, March 14, we will receive the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering. OGHS, the refugee,

relief and development offering of the UCC, transforms lives through health, education, agricultural, and emergency

relief initiatives in 138 countries. You do not need a special envelope. Just make a note specifying OGHS.

-The next Consistory Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7:00pm.

-An outdoor mulch and grounds clean up will be held on Saturday, March 20 beginning at 8:00am. ALL HANDS

ON DECK – Children would be great. Please bring gloves, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows.

-When you or a loved one is sick or in the hospital: When you or a loved one is sick or in the hospital for an extended

stay, please notify the church office. Please do not assume that the pastor will know you are there. We are served by

many different area hospitals and do not know which one you may utilize. So please do not hesitate to let us know your

condition so that Pastor Ken can provide you with spiritual care!

-Prayer Shawl Ministry – Are you sitting around bored with nothing to do?? Now is a great time to join our Prayer

Shawl Ministry. If you are interested in crocheting, we can hook you up! Call the church office for details. If you know

of someone who could use a prayer shawl, please contact the church office.

-Do You Know a Church Member Who Is Not Online??? The church is reaching out in new and amazing ways. Our

Live Steaming services on Facebook have been reaching hundreds of people who normally would not worship with

us. One week alone over 1,000 people viewed our worship service! God’s message of hope and love is reaching more

people in more ways than ever. But there are those we are not reaching. Do you know any members who have not been

able to watch our worship services online? Call the church office at 570-754-7225 so we can help them either see or

listen in on our services. We are always trying new things to reach everyone, and we don’t want anyone to miss a thing!

-Call the Church Office if you need anything! Our church voicemail system is there to answer your calls 24 hours a

day and 7 days a week. Please leave a message with your name, number, and what you are calling about. The staff will

be notified remotely of your call and will get back to you as soon as possible. The church office number is 570-754-

7225. You can also email us at summerhillucc@gmail.com.

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-Prayer is Powerful! Please continue to call the church office or email us your prayer concerns to be included on our

prayer list. We believe in the power of prayer and want to pray for you. We have a prayer concerns email group for

anyone who would like to join. Contact the church office and we will be happy to add you to the email distribution

list. The Agape Committee continues to send cards to members on the prayer concerns list, so please continue sharing

your concerns with us. Thank you!!

PRAYER CONCERNS: All those earnestly seeking God’s help in difficult times, Military personnel & National

Leaders, family and friends of Sharon Koch, Leroy Knapp, Glennis Eifert, Dale Krause, family and friends of Jim

Stepen, Cathy Krause, John Satterwhite, John Miller, Louise M. Hutchinson, Leroy Knapp, Carolyn Rauenzahn, Dave

Peiffer, Denise Heim

CANCER PATIENTS: Amanda, Juliette, Olivia Bensinger, Carol Blankenhorn, Jean Bolton, Kasara Boltz, Clem

Botek, Rev. Elaine Boyer, Gary Brassington, Betty Brown, Nicole Bulson, Jessica Burtz, Susan Carlson, Jim Connely,

Scott Cutter, Joseph Defazio, Clara DeGrast, Albert Dorko, Earl Ebling, Craig Everly, Nancy Foulke, Guy Fidler,

Rebekah Fisher, Ron Flitcraft, Jamie Fox, Gemma Geary,Wayne Glass, Linda Greene, Frank Grigalonis, Glenn Haag,

Wayne Herring, Sr., Mike Hughes, Michelle Halanar, Darlene Hay, Betsy Hedner, Julia Heller, Karen Hewitt, Jessica

Holm, Mina Horan, Janice Idell, Sheila Irwin, Julie Jeffcoat, Barbara Jones, Dan Kasper, Harry Keiffer, Brittany Kiapes,

Frank Kintzel, Jena Kohler, Brett Koperna, Victor Kubiak, Gail Kunkel, Thomas Lehman, Bonnie Light, Lori Mack,

Sally Magalenso, Robert McAuliffe, Wanabi Mesubed, Gary Miller, John Miller, Karen Miller, Marge Minchoff, Jerry

Moyer, Shirley Myers, Mariah Nabholz, Tom Nagle, Jay Newswanger, Tann O’Donnell, Lisa Prettyman, Barb Reno,

Carol Rollhausen, Betty Rumpf, Connor Satterwhite, Mary Schell, Gracie Schneider, Erin Selcher, Tracy Smerlick,

Kathy Smith, Vivian Smulley, Glenn Springer, Josh Staskowski, Bruce Stees, Diane Stock, Kevin Thornburgh, Joseph

Verello Sr., Leon Weaver, Cannon Wiggins, John Wolfe, Nancy Zimmerman

FOR THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021

Sunday, March 7

7:00 PM -Cub Scout Leader Meeting

Monday, March 8

7:15 PM -Boy Scout Meeting

Tuesday, March 9

7:00 PM -Cub Scout Meetings

Wednesday, March 10

7:00 PM -Online only Lenten Worship Service

Thursday, March 11

7:00 PM -Bible Study via Zoom

Sunday, March 14 *Pastor Ken & Bonnie Light’s Birthdays *Daylight Savings Time Begins

10:30 AM -Worship with the Celebration of Baptismal Anniversaries and the OGHS Offering

*Lectionary Readings for next week:

Numbers 21:4-9

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Ephesians 2:1-10

John 3:14-21

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