WELCOME TO WORSHIP
April 13, 2025 April 20th & 27 are further down this page.
Palm Sunday
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
RINGING of the BELL/TIME of CENTER
*CALL to WORSHIP
Leader: People of God, do not be afraid, for your Savior is coming,
All: Riding on a donkey, daring to raise the branches of liberation.
Leader: Shout your hosannas in the street and in the sanctuary.
All: Hosanna in the highest! Our Savior has come to set us free!
Leader: Palm branches and praise mark this day with hope.
All: Hosanna, come and save us!
*SONG of PRAISE and SUPPORTING HUMAN JUSTICE
“All Glory, Laud, and Honor” #192
*PRAYER of the DAY
Humble God, you have shown us the way to enter all the Jerusalems of this world. You showed us not to enter our lives with fear, but with humility and courage. As we worship this day, we draw upon your example of Jesus on that humble donkey and we raise our palm branches in rejoicing! We raise our voices, shouting along with your people of every age, “Hosanna in the highest!” Come and save us this day, O Jesus of Jerusalem. 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)
SCRIPTURE Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever. 2 Let Israel say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 19 Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord! 20 This is the Lord’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it. 21 I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help. 22 The stone rejected by the builders is not the main foundation stone! 23 This has happened because of the Lord; it is astounding in our sight! 24 This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate it! 25 Lord, please save us! Lord, please let us succeed! 26 The one who enters in the Lord’s name is blessed; we bless all of you from the Lord’s house. 27 The Lord is God! He has shined a light on us! So lead the festival offering with ropes all the way to the horns of the altar.[a] 28 You are my God–I will give thanks to you!
You are my God–I will lift you up high! 29 Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.
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.
*SONG “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” #190
(Children leave for Sunday School during song)
PRAYER of TRANSFORMATION and RESTORATION
God of hosannas, it would be all too easy to embrace a vision of you as entering Jerusalem with all the pomp and circumstance and violence that power provides. And yet, that is not your way and we confess that we often whisper with the ways of fear rather than shout of your liberation for all people. Help us to lay our lives at your feet and welcome you with shouts of joy. Amen.
WORDS OF GRACE
Dear ones, embrace this word with courage. Leave your fear behind, for it does not have the last word and does not have to be the donkey you ride in on. God offers you the way of hope, humility, and hosannas. Rest in assurance that you are forgiven and embraced in God’s tender arms of love. Amen.
Prayer Concerns and Joys Lifted Up
PASTORAL PRAYER
SCRIPTURE Luke 19: 28-40
Procession into Jerusalem As Jesus came to Bethpage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. 30 He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there with a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘It’s master needs it.’” 32 Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said. 33 As they were untying the cold, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “It’s master needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. 36 As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road. 37 As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. 38 They said, “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.” 39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
Meditation – Rev. Marilyn Wilcox
MUSICAL MEDITATION
INVITATION to GENEROSITY
The laying down of palm branches in the street is an expression of the hope of God among a desperate people. Today we are invited to lay down our treasure as an outpouring of our gratitude for God’s act of salvation in Jesus Christ. Let us give with shouts of hosanna on our lips.
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
God of the great shouts of hope, just as you received the voices of the crowd upon your entry into Jerusalem receive these gifts as an expression of our joy and gratitude. Take our voices and our offerings and use them to proclaim your salvation to all people. Amen and Amen
*SONG “Ride On! Ride On in Majesty” #191
BENEDICTION
People of God, raise your branches high. Sing with shouts of joy. For Jesus has not only entered the city of Jerusalem, but into the hearts of those who are willing to walk in his ways. Go forth not in fear, but in the courage and hope of God our Creator, Jesus our Brother, and the Holy Spirit our Liberator. Amen.
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!
Fear: Service Prayers for Palm/Passion Sunday Year B was written by The Rev. Dr. Chad Abbott, Conference Minister in the Indiana-Kentucky Conference.
April 20, 2025 Easter
Easter Sunday
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
RINGING of the BELL/TIME of CENTER
*CALL to WORSHIP
Leader: At early dawn, when the light was just emerging and the shadows still long and deep the earth began to sing a tender and persistent hallelujah.
People: At early dawn, with the salt of tears still crusting their eyes the women began to sing a grieving and faithful hallelujah.
Leader: And the empty tomb sounded like weeping and questions. Christ, the Wounded One, is risen indeed. Hallelujah.
People: At early dawn, when no one could remember the sound of hope or the promise of a new day rising the world began to sing a fierce and determined hallelujah.
Leader: And the rising up tasted like bread and rejoicing. Christ, the Way of Truth and Life, is risen indeed. Hallelujah.
People: At early dawn, as each day brings forth new agonies and injustices we gather to sing a grateful and liberating hallelujah.
All: Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
*SONG of PRAISE and SUPPORTING HUMAN JUSTICE
“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” #216
*PRAYER of the DAY
Resurrecting God, we meet you in the empty tomb where our griefs and joys, despairs and hope intermingle. Through our prayers and praise this Easter day, open our hearts to remember that the power of love and life will overcome every death-dealing force, no matter how pervasive or persuasive. In this troubling and joyful time, dazzle us with good news, Holy Rising Up One, in whose path we follow and name we pray. 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)
SCRIPTURE Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-15
Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever. 2 Let Israel say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 14 The Lord was my strength and protection; he was my saving help! 15 The sounds of joyful songs and deliverance are heard in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s strong hand is victorious!”
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.
*SONG “He Lives” #226
(Children leave for Sunday School during song)
PRAYER of TRANSFORMATION and RESTORATION
Leader: How many times have we reacted with disbelief to the truths testified by those we perceive as less powerful, treating the ones who know oppression best as untrustworthy, uninformed, and insignificant.
Assembly: Christ, have mercy.
Leader: How many times have we dismissed the visions and wisdom of marginalized voices as idle tales, and failed to recognize this witness to a new future of flourishing for all?
Assembly: God, have mercy.
WORDS OF GRACE
Leader: How many times does God greet our failures with grace and mercy!
Assembly: Hallelujah. Praise our Resurrecting God!
Leader: How many times will God forgive us and call us beloved!
Assembly: Hallelujah. Praise our Rising Up God!
Leader: How many times will God free us in love to begin anew!
Assembly: Hallelujah. Thanks be to God who makes all things new.
Prayer Concerns and Joys Lifted Up
PASTORAL PRAYER
SCRIPTURE Luke 24: 1-2
The empty tomb. Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 They didn’t know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. 5 The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He isn’t here, but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Human One[a] must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the eleven and all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 11 Their struck the apostles as nonsense, and they didn’t believe the women. 12 But Peter ran to the tomb. When he bent over to look inside, he saw only the linen cloth. Then he returned home, wondering what had happened.
Meditation – Rev. Marilyn Wilcox
MUSICAL MEDITATION – Decorating of Blooming Cross “In the Garden” #227
INVITATION to GENEROSITY
As resurrection people, every moment offers us an opportunity to divest from the power of death and invest in the power of new life. How are you being called in this moment to use whatever resources you have to build up a new world of flourishing for all? You are invited to bring your life-affirming, resurrecting intentions to this offering so that together we might roll away every stone of injustice, oppression, and harm until all know the true power of Love.
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
To the witness of new life emerging, God opens us. To the work of new world building, God committed us. To the power of love persisting, God dedicates us. For the calling of faith rising up, God equip us. Amen.
*SONG “Christ Arose!” #224
BENEDICTION
This Blessing comes at early dawn when the day has not yet emerged and the night lingers on our skin. Hallelujah. Even now, new life. Christ has risen indeed.
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!
Worship Elements were edited and adapted from Building Up a New World – At Early Dawn Service Prayers for Resurrection Sunday C was written by Dr. Sharon R. Fennema, who serves as Join the Movement toward Radical Justice Curator with UCC National Ministries.
April 27, 2025 Earth Day observed
Second Sunday of Easter
Opening Words: This Earth Day Sunday is observed on the Sunday closest to April 22. On this day, we express gratitude for God’s beautiful and gracious creations while also reflecting on our relationship with nature. As faithful stewards, we are called to care for God’s creation and cultivate a relationship with nature rooted in respect and harmony rather than exploitation and destruction. Let us renew our commitment to stewardship and reshape our relationship with nature. May our worship today and always reflect a deep reverence for God’s magnificent creation.
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
RINGING of the BELL/TIME of CENTER
*CALL to WORSHIP
Leader: Creator made all that is, and proclaimed that ‘it is good.’ Creator, help us to discover in all You have made in Nature, the good wisdom about the interconnectedness of all things, about balance and about living in harmony.
People: We are not above nature, we are part of Creation; we live by the same laws as all of nature, and need to learn from what God has made.
Leader: Creator, help us discover the power that lies in the wisdom and understanding of our role in the Great Mystery, and in honoring every living thing as a teacher.
All: Creator God, may our spirits be in harmony with Yours as we gather in Your worship! (Honor Creator and Creation by Rev. Jeff Ramsland, Mohawk)
*SONG of PRAISE and SUPPORTING HUMAN JUSTICE
“This is my Father’s World” #59
*PRAYER of the DAY
O Creator God, the earth is full of your creatures. I will sing to the Lord. The sea is great and wide. I will sing to the Lord. The creeping things are innumerable. I will sing to the Lord. Living things both small and great abound. I will sing to the Lord. Amen.
(by Rev. Sheri Smith and Sources: Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b)
*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 the Lord’s Prayer)
Prayer Concerns and Joys Lifted Up
PASTORAL PRAYER
*LESSON and SONG SEGMENT: The Genesis Creation Story
Genesis 1: 1-5 (Day 1)
“For the Beauty of the Earth” # 56 (vs. 1 & 2)
Genesis 1: 6-8 (Day 2)
“From All That Dwell Below the Skies” #49
Genesis 1: 9-13 (Day 3)
“God of the Sparrow, God of the Whale” #70 (vs. 1 & 6)
Genesis 1: 14-19 (Day 4)
“How Great Thou Art” #33 (v.1)
Genesis 1: 20-23 (Day 5)
“All Things Bright and Beautiful” #61 (vs. 1-3)
Genesis 1: 24-25 (Day 6)
“All Creatures of Our God and King” #22
MUSICAL MEDITATION
INVITATION to GENEROSITY
Dear Lord, It is with ultimate gratitude that we contribute our offering so that you can educate us, inspire us and motivate us to be the very best stewards of our beautiful Earth, your most precious gift that sustains our everyday living. With this gift please show us how to nurture and care for our Earth like it is a child of our own. This will ensure that all future generations of all creatures and plants will have fresh water, clean air, and safe and abundant food forever and ever. Amen.
(by Susan Evans, a laity of St. Matthew UMC)
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
Giver of life and all that sustains us; we offer back to you now these gifts of time, talent, and treasure. May they become manna for the hungry, enable comfort for the lonely, provide strength for the weary, and germinate hope in the midst of despair. Remind us that we are the Body of Christ and how we share what you have given is how others will see your generosity; hold us accountable to your will for these gifts, for how we steward is how the world believes you steward. Strengthen us for this solemn task and give us courage to love and give as you do. We pray these things in the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (by Rev. Hannah K. Sotak)
*SONG “Creator God, Creating Still” (vs.1) #62
BENEDICTION
Indeed, we have been called not just as servants, but as companions. We have been appointed to live a life marked by justice, compassion, and humility. And we have been loved so that we may know what it is to love one another! Now in the presence and by the Spirit of the Living God GO and BE the people that God has created and envisions. Amen. (Rev. Joel Daniel Hubbard, III)
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!
Segments of the Worship Service were taken from the 2025 United Methodist Church’s Earth Day Worship Service.
Warm Birthday wishes go out to:
Phillip Arpano Sr. April 4th
April Kristoff April 5th
Ella Cummins April 11th
Erica Hoag April 11th
Cole Jacques April 11th Michelle Garry April 15th
Bob Lidstone April 15th Jeanne Dietel April 29th
Phillip Arpano Jr. April 30th
Happy Anniversary goes out to:
Fred & Teressa Sontag April 9th
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 2,400 gun violence deaths that happened in the US since the start of the year.
- For those affected by the DEI initiatives.
Prayers of Joy and Thanksgiving:
- For gifted preachers sharing their gifts.
- For those who take action.
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
For all joys and concerns mentioned in the Pastor’s Tuesday Email
This week we lift up in prayer: Edie & April, First Parish Church in Berlin, Mike, Michelle, a family going through a rough time, all those observing Nick’s death anniversary, Jackie, Rum (the ferret undergoing surgery), Carol in the loss of her son- Michael, Laurie in the anticipated loss of her job, all facing unemployment, joy in a visit from an uncle, Victoria and Bonnie joining us in church, those who have needs/concerns that go unspoken at this time, Francene, Emily, Monique, Vic, Al, those facing breast cancer and other illnesses, Kim and family, Leanne, Connie & Henry, Gloria Popp, Mary Ellen, June, Everett, those affected by extreme weather events, those affected by gun violence, and all others we now lift up in prayer…
This week in our church:
- Tuesday, Church Council (In church office to prepare for the Annual Meeting to be held May 18th)
- Wednesday, Girl Scouts 5:30pm
- Thursday -Maundy Thursday 6pm – Soup & Bread Supper followed by a brief worship.
- Good Friday – The sanctuary will be open from 10-noon for quiet prayer, guided meditation, and/or nailing “negativity” to the cross.
- Saturday 11am – NAMI Family Support Group meets in Fellowship Hall.
- Next Sunday – 6am service at Clinton Hospital parking lot; followed by a potluck Easter breakfast at the church.
- 10am Worship Live and Virtual/Sunday School “Blooming Cross”
Please keep our special members and friends in your prayers: June, Edie K., Mary Ellen P., and Everett.
Our next Book Study will be on Elaine Pagels “Gnostic Gospels.” We will meet Sunday evening via Zoom at 6:30pm on May 4th giving folks plenty of time to read the book and also time to participate in the Lenten series offered by the Icon Museum.
*If you have not already-please pick up a pledge card at the church (or let Kelly know you need one mailed to you) and let us know how much you can financially support us this year. We thank you for your generosity. Please mail it to the church office or leave it in the offering plate.
- 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.