FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Open hearts, Open minds, Open doors.

The people of the United Methodist Church®

November 4, 2007

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

*Congregation Stands Congregation reads Bold Type

“UMH” = The United Methodist Hymnal

“FWS” = The Faith We Sing Songbook

PRELUDE

“Ode To Thankfulness”

Beethoven

The prelude is a time of centering – of transition from “getting here” to “being here”. Please take the time to quiet your spirit. Be aware of being with others. Feel the spirit of God in the community.

TINTINNABULATORS

"All Glory, Laud and Honor"

arr. Kinyon

WELCOME If you are a visitor with us today, we warmly say welcome. We invite you to join us at the rear of the sanctuary after worship for fellowship and refreshment. Please take a moment and fill out the “Ritual of Friendship” pads at this time. Please list all family members attending today, your address and phone numbers, and then pass the books back through the pews after everyone has signed, so you may greet and know those sitting with you.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND VISITORS

MISSION, MINISTRY AND STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Since we have a great high priest...Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

for God, who has brought each spirit into existence, has shown love and faithfulness to the people of all generations.

Let us remember together the gospel story of God's relationships with humanity and revelation through Christ Jesus,

the story that has claimed and sustained the saints, and which is our blessed inheritance.

Let us worship God with joy and thanksgiving.

*OPENING SONG

“Come, Christians, Join to Sing”

#158 UMH

*INVOCATION

Holy God, we gather in community to give honor and praise to you, the one who is both within and beyond time. Though it is from you that we have come and to you we will return, we rejoice that in our earthly life we can meet and commune with you, spirit with Spirit. We give thanks this day for the legacy of faith with which the saints have gifted us. Help us to be open and receptive, guided by your Holy Spirit, so that we may be inspired to build upon the faith our forbearers have bequeathed to us.

*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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever. Amen

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

As God has formed the saints through calling and commission, correction and forgiveness, so we are formed. In Christ Jesus, God has assured us that we, too, are forgiven and strengthened by the Holy Spirit to continue as they did toward more faithful discipleship. Praise be to God!

*ACT OF PRAISE	“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”			#121 UMH
CHANCEL CHOIR		“Soon and Very Soon”	Jack Schrader

KID’S MINUTES

The congregation sings “Where Children Belong” (p. 2233) as the children come forward

Ushers collect the “Ritual Friendship Pads” at this time

“Where Children Belong”

This, this is where children belong, welcomed as part of the worshipping throng. Water, God’s Word, bread and cup, prayer, and song: This is where children belong

RESPONSIVE READING

Psalm 149

Sing praise to God! Sing a new song of praise;

let the congregations of the faithful sing praise!

Be glad in your maker, you who are called,

rejoice in your ruler,

you who people God's realm;

praise God's name with dancing

accompanied by strings and drums.

"We sing our praise to you, O God."

God has shown kindness in saving the humble;

let the people exult in their triumph,

and sing joyfully all night long;

let them shout in adoration to God,

and proclaim judgment to the godless,

for the faithful are rewarded. Praise be to God!

"We sing our praise to you, O God."

CALL TO PRAYER

Leader: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Leader: Let us pray.

Personal Prayers in Silence

Pastoral Prayer

Lord, our God of the living and dead, we come to us this morning remembering the lives of those in our community who have passed from our presence into yours. We thank you for their time among and the important ways they touched us. We thank you also that they live on in our hearts and continue to guide us and love us. We remember this morning especially those died during the past year and so our grief is still fresh from the pain of their parting: Clara Den Hartog, Helen Shulxtz Bill Carter, James Chingren, Nickie Metzger, Fern Kalseim, Harold Dellit, Dwayne Black, Ida May Lohafer, Robert Ellsworth, Francis Giles, and Don Peterson. We have given these souls back to you and pray that their power to guide and guard us does not diminish but remains strong and true for all the days of our lives. Amen.

*HYMN	“Hymn of Promise”	#707 UMH
SCRIPTURE READING		Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18

1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream. 2 Daniel said: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. 3 Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea. 15 "I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. 16 I approached one of those standing there and asked him the true meaning of all this. "So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: 17 `The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever--yes, for ever and ever.'

SERMON	“Voices of the Dead”	Mark Haverland
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION			See Insert
Communion Medley	“Come To The Table”
Offering plates are placed at the front of the center aisle for your tithes and gifts
*CLOSING HYMN	“For All the Saints”	#711 UMH

*COMMISSIONING

.

Urged on by the faith of the saints, we go to take our place in the unfolding story of Christian history, committed to doing our part in activating God’s dream for creation.

*BENEDICTION

The blessing of the eternally loving God of heaven and earth, the great cloud of saintly witnesses, and the Holy Spirit of power, abides with us always.

Greeters: Chuck & Kathi Fortney (East Door) Liturgist: John Metier

Dick & Deanna Rhiner (West Door)

NURSERY PROVIDED

DURING WORSHIP IN THE NORTHEAST ROOM BEHIND THE SANCTUARY.

Our mission

POSTLUDE

“Peace Descends”

Lani Smith

is to provide the people of the Fort Dodge area

opportunities for spiritual growth,

real friendships, and giving of themselves.

Radio broadcast at 11:05 am each Sunday on KVFD 1400 AM

Truck Site: www.takingittothepeople.org

Email: worship@fumcfortdodge.org

Web Site: www.fumcfortdodge.org

Phone: 515-576-7586

A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION

Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another.

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

Let us offer one another signs of reconciliation and love.

Come to this sacred table, not because you must, but because you may; come to testify not that you are righteous, but that you sincerely love our lord Jesus Christ, and desire to be his true disciples; come not because you are strong, but because you are weak; not because you have any claim on the grace of God, but stand in constant need of his mercy and help; come to seek the presence and Spirit of Christ.

Prayer of Blessing

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ that we may be for the world the Body of Christ redeemed by his blood. By your spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet. Through your Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

The Bread and the Cup

The Prayer of Thanksgiving

Bountiful God, we give you thanks that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Altar Flowers today are given by Virginia Godwin

In Memory of her husband, Richard Godwin

“Fill A Bag”

Lord’s Cupboard

Thanksgiving

Project

Today, November 4^th

paper grocery bags will be

handed out at the 10:00 am

Worship Service

A shopping list of suggested

items will be stapled to each

Grocery bag.

The filled bags are to be returned to the church on Sunday November 11 and Sunday, November 18

These items are especially needed to meet the need of providing basic foods for Thanksgiving dinners for those utilizing the services of the Lord’s Cupboard.

The “Fill the Bag” project

is sponsored by

the Missions Committee

in place of the November Mission Coins Offering.

The Soup is On!!!

The youth will be sponsoring FUMC’s 44^th Annual Soup Supper on November 5^th.

We will be serving from 4:30-7 PM. Tickets will be $5 for adults; $3 for ages 4-11; children 3 and younger are free!! We will be serving homemade chili and vegetable beef soups, relish, drink and dessert!!

Please make sure to mark your calendars and support the youth’s soup supper. This is the largest fundraiser for the youth group and allows them to participate in events to nurture their faith.

The High School Youth Group sold 183 tickets at the 1st Annual Soup Supper Telethon. Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket!

Teenage Girls will attend Revolve Tour

On November 9-10, a group of high school girls from our congregation and others will be attending The Revolve Tour in Minneapolis. This two day event will be jam-packed with speakers and music. The Revolve Tour is a spin-off from the Women of Faith Tour.

This will truly be an enlightening weekend for the girls who are attending. If you would like to learn more, go to www.revolvetour.com and look around!!!

Ruth Circle

Nov 14 9:30 am

Skylight – North Building

Priscilla Circle

Nov 14 1:00 pm

Rose Legler Room,

Heritage Apts.

Vashti Circle

Nov 14 7:00 pm

Hostess – Becky Seltz

Program – Donna Esmay

Jeff Larson, chair of the Finance Committee, has announced this year's stewardship campaign, which will culminate on Commitment Sunday, November 11th. Please watch forletter from Jeff telling you about this year's effort to support Ft Dodge FUMC with your financial pledges.Your church needs you to continue its ministry in Ft. Dodge.

If you did not receive a letter and pledge card, please call the church office at 576-7586

Helpers Needed

With the installation of the new sound system, we need a few volunteers to help operate it. While it may look complex, most of the settings are now where they need to be and it is just a matter turning the system on and starting the recording at the beginning of the service and playing it back at the end. People of all ages are welcome. Let Scott Johnston or the church office know if you are interested.

Webster County Habitat for Humanity is looking for someone from our congregation to organize a work crew of 6-12 people to work in Ft Dodge. No construction experience is needed, a professional manager is on site at all times to help with the crews. Work is primarily done on Saturdays, but can accommodate a week night if more convenient. If interested, call Audra at 576-7586.

Sermons - Bulletins - Newsletters

All on our website at www.fumcfortdodge.org

Artisans Holiday Boutique Sunday, Nov 4 at the Senior Citizen’s Center - 11:30-3:30 pm

The Missions Committee wants to thank the congregation for outstanding support of Blanket Sunday. The amount received was over $1600.00!! That amounts to over 320 Blankets for Church World Service…..Thank you, Thank you.

Sun, Nov 4	23rd Sun after Pentecost	Wed, Nov 7	(continued)
8:45 am	Sunday School	5:15 pm	Confirmation
10:00 am	Worship / Communion	5:30 pm	King’s Kids
5:45 pm	Youth Group	6:00 pm	Wesley Ringers
Mon, Nov 5		7:00 pm	Chancel Choir
10:00 am	Staff Meeting	Thu, Nov 8
4:30-7:00 pm	Soup Supper	9:30 am	Lord’s Cupboard
Tue, Nov 6		12:00 Noon	Call to Prayer
9:30 am	Lord’s Cupboard	Fri, Nov 9	Revolve Tour / MN
12:00 Noon	AA	1:30 pm	Lord’s Cupboard
1:30 pm	I-Cubs	7-Midnight	Friday Night Lights
7:00 pm	Boy Scouts	Sat, Nov 10	Revolve Tour / MN
Wed, Nov 7		Sun, Nov 11	24th Sun after Pentecost
6:30 am	Bible Study	8:45 am	Sunday School
1:30 pm	T4T	10:00 am	Worship
4:30 pm	Joyful Noise	5:45 pm	Study Group
			Veteran’s Day

Your Staff:

The Congregation, The Ministers

Mark Haverland, Pastor

Phyllis Peterson, Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Peterson, Program Coordinator

Audra McKinney, Outreach Coordinator

Mike Richardson, Choirs Director