The United Church of Clinton
November 15, 2026
Pastor, Rev. Marilyn Wilcox
Musician, Kate Lyczkowski
Lay Reader, Kelly Colby
Ministers, The People of God
WELCOME TO WORSHIP
Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
RINGING of the BELL/TIME of CENTER
*CALL to WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalms 123 and 90)
One: Lift up our spirits to the God enthroned in the heavens!
Many: The Holy One is our dwelling place from generation to generation.
One: Lift up our hearts to the God who shapes us and guides us.
Many: The Holy One is God, forming the earth, the world, and the universe.
One: Lift up our worship before the Holy One who is God.
Many: The Holy One teaches us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Praise God!
*SONG of PRAISE and SUPPORTING HUMAN JUSTICE
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” #2
*PRAYER of the DAY
Present God, we worship you and honor your name. Open our hearts with thanksgiving, awe, and possibility. Make your word be written on our hearts and your purpose ignite a fire within our souls. As we gather as a community, may our faith be renewed, our trust strengthened, and our courage increased. Be glorified in our midst, O God. Amen.
*AFFIRMING and CONNECTING (Passing of the Peace) We sing: “Peace be with You”.
* 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)
A Moment for All God’s Children
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.
*SONG “Take My Life” #609
SCRIPTURE Psalm 123 (New International Version, Revised)
I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven. 2 As the eyes of the slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy. 3 Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt. 4 We have endured no end of ridicule from the arrogant, of contempt from the proud.
PRAYER OF TRANSFORMATION and NEW LIFE
Righteous God, too often, we seek positions of privilege and power for our own benefit. We accept the ways of the world in order to receive validation, acceptance, and temporary satisfaction. Transform our hearts and our ways to reflect your kindom. Grant us courage to live as you demonstrate and empower us for your glory and honor. Amen.
WORDS of GRACE
Christ-follower, God is with you. Receive wisdom and power to continue in the way of Jesus through trials and struggle. Find your validation and affirmation in the unconditional and boundless love of God. Embrace the guidance of the Spirit and the companionship of Jesus as you choose justice and righteousness as your position and purpose. Amen.
Prayer Concerns and Joys Lifted Up
PASTORAL PRAYER
SCRIPTURE Matthew 25: 14-30 (Pastor Marilyn will read)
Meditation – Rev. Marilyn Wilcox
Musical Meditation
INVITATION to GENEROSITY
Let us position ourselves for a generous life and demonstrate that commitment through our resources of time, talent, and treasure for the glory of God.
Passing of the PlateDOXOLOGY (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 (Creator, Christ, and Spirit One/Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). Amen. (turn over)
PRAYER of THANKSGIVING and DEDICATION
Generous God, please receive these gifts from the position of love to elevate the position of our neighbor, our witness, and our faith community. Magnify them and bless us as we give. Amen.
*SONG “Lead Me, Guide Me” #583
BENEDICTION
May love position you for service. May trust position you for faithfulness. May hope position you for the kindom. And, may peace positon you to rest in the covenant of God. Amen.
SUNG “Amen”(feel free to clap along!)
Postlude
* Please stand if you are able.
Bold– Words in bold are said in unison.
Our worship has ended ~ Let our service begin!
Warm Birthday wishes go out to:
Patrick Ruperto November 2nd Donald Dobeck Jr. November 5th
Eli Turcotte November 11th Pamela Jent November 16th
Joseph Facendola November 20th David Wheeler November 23rd
Emma Smith Ruperto November 24th Christian Smith November 27th
Happy Anniversary go out to:
Perry & Dawn Sivert November 15th
Position Yourself: Service Prayers for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Year A was written by Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister of Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.
We are looking for volunteers to light the Advent Candles. If you are interested please let Teressa or Pastor Marilyn know.
During the First Hymn we have a collection for Item Appeal. Thank you for your generosity!
For all joys and concerns mentioned in the Pastor’s Tuesday email.
Remember in your prayers our special members: June and Edie K. and Kitty.
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CLINTON
109 Haskell Avenue Clinton, Massachusetts 01510
Website: clintonunitedchurch.org E:Mail: Uccclintonma@gmail.com
rev.marilyn.uccclintonma@gmail.com
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 go back to our website home page? Click the blue button on the right that says “online giving.”