April 19, 2026

Worshipping with Hummelstown UCC

Worship online: Streamed weekly on YouTube    Worship in person: Settle in and engage the spirit. 
Bold Type indicates you are invited to read, in unison aloud.
Hymns numbers are included here for the hymnals in the pews. If the music is from another source, it should be included at the end of the bulletin below.
Offerings & Gifts are always welcome, for your use a plate is placed at either entrance to the sanctuary.  A link is included here if you prefer to give online.
Prayer requests and communication cards are available on the clipboards in the pews.  Please place in the offering plates.  If you would like your prayer spoken in service, please give to the pastor before worship begins.
Children & Youth Jesus loved kids and loves yours, so we invite kids to be kids, whether they are wiggly, giggly or quiet. A rocking chair and changing table are available for your use at the back of the sanctuary to the left. Activity bags, crayons and paper are located at the back of the sanctuary. Move, groove and be part of the spirit!

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Third Sunday of Easter 4/19/2026
Building Community…
WELCOME
OPENING MEDITATION                        Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if my sibling sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”
 
PRELUDE       “Let the Whole Creation Cry”           Robert Williams
 
CALL TO WORSHIP                              
One: Forgiveness is something that we love to receive, but often find hard to give. Jesus had much to teach us about forgiveness: to do over and over, and to be in dialogue with God about the process. God of new beginnings, new mindsets, new chapters – we come to you at the start of this week to open ourselves to you.  We focus our attention on your presence – a presence that requires us to become vulnerable in a world that expects us to be strong.
Many: May this time be one where we can move towards becoming our best selves – a life that forgives, loves and repents when necessary.  May these opening hours of the week be one where we can embrace fresh beginnings and keep moving forward. 
One: God, open our hearts and minds to your message for us in this time and place.
 
HYMN            “Dear God, Embracing Humankind”              #502
 
PRAYER OF TRANSFORMATION
Many: Loving God,  we come to worship in the best and worst times throughout our lives.  When life is good, it’s tough to remember you are still part of our lives.  When tough times happen, we then begin to play the blame game.  We blame you.  We blame others when we should take on the responsibility ourselves.  At times, we blame ourselves when the mistake wasn’t ours.
One: We place forgiveness on the back burner because pardoning others takes much work within ourselves.  We would rather hold on to the anger and resentment than take the long road of forgiving those who hurt us.
Many: God, let us move into a new phase of our lives by exploring the path of forgiveness.  We enter this phase knowing that it may take years to work through the pain we’ve endured.  Open our hearts and souls so that we may experience forgiveness through your eyes.  Amen.
 
WORDS OF ASSURANCE              
One: Our God continues to forgive us again and again and wants us to experience the beauty of forgiving others too.  Let us embrace grace and extend that grace to all we meet.
 
PASSING OF THE PEACE
 
HYMN           “Hallelujah”              #236

Message for Younger Disciples
All families, kids or those young at heart are welcome to come forward for a moment of connection at the altar
 
HYMN            “Hallelujah”               #236

Opening to the Spirit’s call…
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
We seek health and healing with… Carl Seibert-cancer, in hospital; Bob Brandis-hospitalized from fall-concussion; Carolyn Williams-moved to Landis Homes; Diane Tillotson; Andrea Quigley; Kerry Watson, in rehab; Laurie Watson; Dustin Perry; John Hoover-at Lebanon Valley Home;
We pray with… Yvonne; Bill Severns; Randy Whitman; Chuck K.; Nancy Bingaman; Hunter; Mary Lohr; Bryce and family; Debbie Husser-kidney failure; Those with cancer: Carol Ann Simpson; Jan Mindish; Peggy Anderson; Tom Ordille; Sue Mannello; Dan Brouse; Becki; Pam; Deb; Kate H.; Ana; Gary Wert; Linda Gemberling; Olivia; Those affected by war & violence, those serving in our armed forces and all first responders;
We grieve with… The families of: Wayne Williams; Andrew Sabol; Rose;
 
LORD'S PRAYER 
Many: Our Creator/Mother/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.
 
ANNOUNCING MISSIONS & MINISTRY
 
CENTERING ON OUR GENEROSITY
One: We are bestowed much in this life, like the ability to Forgive Often so that in letting go we make room for the invitation to give.  Let us embrace every opportunity to Be the Church, care for our neighbors and help all understand what it is to be the hands and feet of Christ.
 
MUSICAL REFLECTION         “Lord, Make Me An Instrument of Thy Peace”                                                    
 
SUNG RESPONSE        (Tune #780)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done
Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Many: Through these offerings of treasures as well as our gifts of time and talent, we build the Church.  We create community.  May we use these gifts in ways that will strengthen the souls of all of those in this building and all of those in our world.  Amen.
 
HYMN     “Sing Them Over Again to Me”      #319
 
Discerning through Story…
GOSPEL         Matthew 6:9-15
“Pray, then, in this way: Our Father in heaven, may your name be revered as holy. May your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our bread for tomorrow. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into testing but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
                             Luke 6:27-30, 36-38
“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Be merciful, just as your God is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you.”
 
EPISTLE        Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

SERMON    We Embrace: Support    Pastor Beth Rogers
Going Forth with God’s Love!
CLOSING HYMN       “Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant”        #539
BENEDICTION
Let us go into the world extending the grace of God. Let us go into our lives extending the love of Christ Let us go into the future extending the encouragement of the Spirit. We have been given the gifts of grace and the ability of forgiveness.  Go forth, knowing that forgiveness changes our world, our church and ourselves.  Amen.
 
POSTLUDE    “The Bond of Love”    Otis Skillings                                                    

Today in worship:
Liturgist: John Horn   Tech: John Horn   Acolyte: Tylah Peterson
Greeters/Ushers: Carole Hoover, Jim Landvater
 
Announcements:
Esther Schutz joins HUCC Staff If you missed the announcements in church, we are delighted to welcome Esther Schutz as our new Director of Music!  Make sure to introduce yourself this Sunday.  If you have wanted a chance to increase your engagement in our music programs, maybe now is the moment.  Talk with Esther today and share how YOU are most impacted by the music ministry of the congregation!

April 19th Outreach & Mission Conversation with Dale Forshey
Following Worship

April 25th Rebuilding Together Sign up in the Sanctuary to assist!

May 9th Hunger Run On Water Street outside the church, cheer on the runners and celebrate community.  Meet at church at 9:30 am! Cheer until they all pass us!  (about 10:30)
May 16th Drag Bingo Fundraiser We need volunteers to staff the concessions booths, and make baked goods to sell especially brownies and bars! Sign up to volunteer on the board in Keller Hall, or call the office.
 
June 12th  Relay for Life Sign up to be part of the team by contacting team captains Wendy Whitehaus Cole or Kris Landvater.  Or bring your change to donate to the collection bottles in sanctuary!

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