Worship

WELCOME TO WORSHIP

May 18, 2025


Fifth Sunday of Easter

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS   

RINGING of the BELL/TIME of CENTER

*CALL to WORSHIP 

Leader: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from Heaven.

People: Praise God on the heights.

Leader: Praise God, all of you who are God’s messengers.

People: Let all praise God’s name.

*SONG of PRAISE and SUPPORTING HUMAN JUSTICE

   “Let All Things Now Living”                                                                                         #717      

*PRAYER of the DAY 

With gratitude for the presence of God’s resurrecting spirit in and among us, and acting through us, we offer our prayers. Praise be to God’s love and direction. Amen.

*AFFIRMING and CONNECTING (Passing of the Peace) We sing: “Peace be with You” Twice.

* 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.   (Be seated)

Moment for All God’s Children (The Children are invited forward for a special message)

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 and ever.  Amen.(Children leave for Sunday School after prayer.)

SCRIPTURE   Psalm 148: 1-5 (New International Version)

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise God in the heights. 2 Praise God, all angels; praise God, all God’s heavenly hosts. 3 Praise God, sun and moon; praise God, all you shining stars. 4 Praise God, you highest heavens and your waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for God commanded and they were created.

*SONG  “Live in Charity ”                                                                                                   #523              

PRAYER of TRANSFORMATION and RESTORATION 

Love beyond all knowing, we recognize how deeply limited our understanding of love is, how often we fail to recognize Love’s true practice and meaning, how much the powers and principalities of this world co-opt the idea of “love” for death-dealing purposes. For the ways we have wounded your Love, O God, forgive us. For the ways we have wounded your Love, O God, forgive us.

WORDS OF GRACE 

Leader: Let your spirit receive this assurance: in all these things we are more than forgiven through the One who loves us. Therefore, we are convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. Thanks be to God.

Prayer Concerns and Joys Lifted Up

PASTORAL PRAYER 

SCRIPTURE  John 13: 31-35

Love commandment. When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Human One[a] has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify the Human One[b] in himself and will be glorify him immediately. 33 Little children, I’m with you for a little while longer. You will look for me– but, just as I told the Jewish leaders, I also tell you now– ‘Where I’m going, you can’t come.’ 34 “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. 35 This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

Meditation – Rev. Megan Stowe (our United Methodist District Superintendent)

MUSICAL MEDITATION                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

INVITATION to GENEROSITY 

When Jesus said, just as I have loved you, you should also love one another, I think he meant, Love like twelve years of bleeding stopped by one touch, Love like let the one who is without sin, cast the first stone, Love like let the children come to me, Love like 5000 people fed by bits and pieces and collective care,  Love like tables turned and injustice resisted, Love like feet washed and meals shared, This is the love we are called to continue embodying in our world. Through our offerings, let us love as Jesus loves us.

Passing of the Plate

DOXOLOGY  (Use whatever words are comfortable for you)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God all creatures here below; praise God above ye heavenly host.  Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost).  Amen

PRAYER of DEDICATION and THANKSGIVING

Let Love be our offering. Let Love be our giving. Let Love be our dedication. Let Love be our calling. Let Love be our prayer. Amen.

*SONG   “Jesus Loves Me”                                                                                                 #113

BENEDICTION 

People of Love, as you go from this place, let love be what blesses you, People of Love, let love be your blessing, this day and every day until glory comes.

SUNG “Amen”

Postlude

* Please stand if you are able.

Bold– Words in bold are said in unison. 

Our worship has ended ~ Let our service begin!

Up a New World – “Looking for Love”: Service Prayers for Easter 3C was written by Dr. Sharon R. Fennema, who serves as Join the Movement toward Racial Justice Curator with UCC National Ministries.

Warm Birthday wishes go out to:

Gloria Parkinson  May 2nd                                                                             Donald Dobeck  May 4th

Janice Ganusko  May 5th                                                                                Larry Gilman  May 6th

Brett Cooper  May 7th                                                                                    Julie Cummins  May 8th

Heather McNamara May 16th                                                                     Fred Sontag  May 17th

Eric Furman  May 21st                                                                                    Daryl Jent Jr. May 21st

Oscar Turcotte May 22nd                                                                               Kelly Ryan  May 24th

Happy Anniversary goes out to:

Jane Anne & Larry Crossman  May 30th

Marilyn Wilcox & Michael Hinkley  May 16th




For all joys and concerns mentioned in the Pastor’s Tuesday Email

This week we lift up in prayer:  Prayers go out from our congregation to all for: all who mourn the loss of Pope Francis, the new Pope Leo, the world, nation, community, those affected by gun violence and extreme weather events, Kevin, Jackie, Kurt, Teressa, Alana, Connie & Henry, Marcy, Francene, Emily, Gloria, June, April, Edie, Kim, Leanne and family, Aiden, Marie, Susan, Betty Ann, Will, Mike, Angela, Patti, Amy, Audrey, Cindy, Linda, Brian, those facing upcoming surgeries, a family of a teen who was hospitalized for mental health reasons and for the youth, a young person who faces many challenges and needs support/encouragement, Michelle, Joan, Olivia, elderly couple moving for Rehab, a granddaughter who is struggling, Diane, those facing food/utility/housing insecurities, a struggling infant grandchild, siblings serving our nation, first responders, Pam’s aunt’s family, the Poulin family on the loss of Mary Ellen, the Wilcox family on the loss of Everett, Haddie, Alyssa, Derek, Olivia, John, Nikki & Mike and all others that were left out–but God knows who they are. Prayers for all listed and those whose names go unspoken. Joys: Deb’s Mom attending a Derby Party, for all women who serve in mothering roles, and more!

This week in our church:

  • Tuesday – 7pm (Zoom) Church Council
  • Next Sunday – 
  •                          10am Worship Live and Virtual

I will be away through Saturday. If you have a situation where you need a pastoral presence, please reach out to Teressa or Kelly for the pastor who will be on call.

The Annual Meeting of the Southern New England Conference/UCC will be held on Saturday, June 7th- please be in touch with me if you would like to attend. This meeting is an online meeting and will just take up your morning.

Please keep our special members and friends in your prayers:  June, Edie, April, Mary Ellen’s family, and Everett’s family. 

Prayers of Intercession:

  • Prayers for peace as wars and conflicts continue to escalate around the world. Injustices and inequalities manifest as racism, discrimination, gender-based violence, economic disparities, and other issues.
  • For those grieving or suffering due to the 4,950 gun violence deaths that happened in the US in 2025. 
  • For those who are discontented.

Prayers of Joy and Thanksgiving:

  • For delegates who will participate in the Annual Meeting for both denominational regions.
  • For those with moral courage.
  • For those who help fill the needs of our local churches.

Flowers for Altar, use the sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the upstairs foyer to select your Sunday, indicate if the flowers are in memory/honor of someone. You will bring the flowers on the selected day.  Any questions please contact Kelly at uccclintonma@gmail.com or leave a message on the church answering machine 978-365-9232 or email Teressa at blgst2@comcast.net

Happenings at United Church

(Please notify the church office with any events or meetings.)

Important Deadlines! 

Bulletin Announcements are due to the office by the end of day each Wednesday.

Any items submitted after the deadline may not be included in the publication. 

Support Our Church’s Local Community Meal Mission!

The United Church of Clinton is committed to nourishing our community through a monthly pizza meal at the WHEAT Community Cafe. Each month, our congregation generously provides a delicious dinner featuring pizza, caesar salad, and cookies – all at a cost of over $200!

How You Can Help

Your donation can make a real difference in supporting this vital local outreach program. By contributing, you help ensure that neighbors in need receive a warm, nutritious meal on the third Monday of the month.

Why It Matters

WHEAT Community Connections serves residents in Clinton and surrounding towns, providing critical food support and community connection. Every contribution helps sustain this important mission of care and compassion through our donation of a monthly meal.

Call to Action

Please consider giving to this meaningful local outreach and help keep our part in providing these community meals going strong!

Online Giving Did you know that you can process your weekly contribution 

or any other donation supporting  The United Church of Clinton  right on our website?  Go to www.ClintonUnitedChurch.org and click the blue button on the right that says “online giving.”

We, The United Church of Clinton, have always lived our vision statement, “God’s People Loving and Serving God.” We believe that each of us have been created in God’s image, an image that is diverse, compassionate, and welcoming. We look to live our mission statement as we continue to love God and our neighbors passionately. We encourage and create a sense of love and belonging to God’s family including but not limited to people of all ages, cultures, races, economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identities, physical or mental abilities, family structures, or spiritual traditions. All are welcome to join fully in the life of the church including participating in leadership roles, encouraging and creating a sense of love and belonging to God’s family. We live and bear testimony to our faith by being an example of Christian living, welcoming all no matter where an individual may be on life’s journey. Reaching out to our local, national and global communities of neighbors using our spiritual gifts in faithful service to those in need. We commit ourselves to becoming an Open and Affirming Congregation and Reconciling Church Member.

  • Happenings at United Church
  • (Please notify the church office with any events or meetings.)
  • Important Deadlines! 
  • Bulletin Announcements are due to the office by the end of day each Wednesday.
  • Any items submitted after the deadline may not be included in the publication. 
  • Support Our Church’s Local Community Meal Mission!
  • The United Church of Clinton is committed to nourishing our community through a monthly pizza meal at the WHEAT Community Cafe. Each month, our congregation generously provides a delicious dinner featuring pizza, caesar salad, and cookies – all at a cost of over $200!
  • How You Can Help
  • Your donation can make a real difference in supporting this vital local outreach program. By contributing, you help ensure that neighbors in need receive a warm, nutritious meal on the third Monday of the month.
  • Why It Matters
  • WHEAT Community Connections serves residents in Clinton and surrounding towns, providing critical food support and community connection. Every contribution helps sustain this important mission of care and compassion through our donation of a monthly meal.
  • Call to Action
  • Please consider giving to this meaningful local outreach and help keep our part in providing these community meals going strong!
  • Online Giving Did you know that you can process your weekly contribution 
  • or any other donation supporting  The United Church of Clinton  right on our website?  Go back to www.ClintonUnitedChurch.org and click the blue button on the right that says “online giving.”
  •  
  • We, The United Church of Clinton, have always lived our vision statement, “God’s People Loving and Serving God.” We believe that each of us have been created in God’s image, an image that is diverse, compassionate, and welcoming. We look to live our mission statement as we continue to love God and our neighbors passionately. We encourage and create a sense of love and belonging to God’s family including but not limited to people of all ages, cultures, races, economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identities, physical or mental abilities, family structures, or spiritual traditions. All are welcome to join fully in the life of the church including participating in leadership roles, encouraging and creating a sense of love and belonging to God’s family. We live and bear testimony to our faith by being an example of Christian living, welcoming all no matter where an individual may be on life’s journey. Reaching out to our local, national and global communities of neighbors using our spiritual gifts in faithful service to those in need. We commit ourselves to becoming an Open and Affirming Congregation and Reconciling Church Member.