UNION CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CHURCH OFFICE 748-6329 PASTOR BROWN 748-1358
February 10, 2008 8:30 AM
PRELUDE: Betty Phinney
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 8:25 AM
*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “Seek the LORD while He
may be found, call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and
the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the LORD, that He may have mercy on him, and to our God, for
He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55: 6-7 RSV
*CALL TO WORSHIP: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I declared not my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to Thee, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; then Thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. Therefore let every one who is godly offer prayer to Thee; at a time of distress, in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach Him. Thou art a hiding place for me, Thou preservest me from trouble; Thou dost encompass me with deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not keep with you. Many are the pangs of the wicked; but steadfast love surrounds him who trusts in the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Psalm 32 RSV
HYMNS OF PRAISE: “O Worship the King” #73
“And Can It Be that I Should Gain” #363
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
*GLORIA PATRI: #70
UNISON PRAYER: “O God of love and blessing, our heavenly Father, O most holy One above once again as we enter the forty days of Lent, help us honour our beginnings in
You. Help us to remember that it was in a beautiful garden that our journey with You began. In our attempts to understand Your purpose for us, give us open hearts and minds. Guide as we struggle to understand that it is not ourselves we need to deny, but those things that distract us from being our true selves with You and with one another. Send Your Spirit upon us and lead us in the way we should go as we worship You in this hour, and in all the hours to come before we celebrate the mystery of the cross and of the resurrection. In this we pray in Jesus’ name who has taught us to pray:”
LORD’S PRAYER
CHERUBS: “Touch Your Finger”
JUNIORS: “Lord I Lift Your Name on High”
SHARING IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God.” Romans 5:8,9 RSV
Welcoming Our Visiting Friends
Sharing of Our Testimonies, Joy and Blessings
Sharing our Prayer Concerns
PRAYER VERSE: “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God.” Romans 8:1,2 RSV
PRAYER CHORUS: “Take Time to Be Holy” #395
OFFERTORY VERSE: “and he said to Him, "All these I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! for it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.” Matthew 4:9-10 RSV
OFFERTORY CHORUS: CD Special
Presentations of Tithes and Offerings
*DOXOLOGY: #95
HYMN OF PREPARATION: “Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley” Insert
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4:1-11/Romans 5:12-19 Pew Bible #935/1094
MESSAGE: “Tempting and Testing” Pastor Brown
*HYMN OF INVITATION: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” #382
*ALLELUIA *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE
The Altar is open for prayer. You are welcome to come to the Altar, praying for someone or praying for yourself with commitment to Christ for the first time or for rededication of your life to Him. Someone will join you at the Altar to pray with you.
RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS & STEWARDSHIP FOR February 3, 2008
ATTENDANCE: (64/44,108) TOTAL OFFERING:$4919.87
General:$3598.35 Designated:$1321.52
THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY: 8:30 AM
WORSHIP LEADER:
GREETERS: Gordon & Donna Glover
NURSERY: Betsy Shumaker
USHER: Adam Rosenbarker
AUDIO: Bob Deuel
JR. CHURCH: ___________________________________________________
CHURCH CALENDAR for the WEEK of February 10, 2008
TODAY: 8:30 AM First Worship Service
9:50 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Second Worship Service
12:30 PM Fellowship Luncheon
9:30 AM Wesley United Methodist Church Service
TUES: 6:00 PM Men’s Cell Group
6:00 PM Women’s Group Meeting
WED: 6:00 PM Soup/Supper
6:30 PM Bible Study
FRI: 7:00 PM TV Ministry – Cable Channel 4
SAT: 6:00 PM Couple’s Banquet
___________________________________________________________________________
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Edward Lucia(upcoming tests, Jean Warfield’s grandson), Chuck Loeffler, Carl Grube (paralyzed, 37 yr. old brother of Kim Soundararaj), Gail C. (upcoming biopsy), Bernard Kohler (85 yr. old has emphysema, Betty DuBois's cousin), Corie (on bed rest expecting twins), Bettye Tuzza, Kathleen Budnovitch (Millie Rood’s friend), Ernie Peckham, Sr. (surgery on 2-18-08), Irene Boyer, John Pipher, Jean Warfield, Judy Pflug, Linda Ayer, George Cameron, Patsy Carmon, Irving Rosenbarker, Connie Perry, Pamela Jean (Jack and Alice Black’s niece), Bob English, Millie Rood, Jack Black, Ethel Hower, Yvonne Arnold, Rachel Polhamus, Jonathan (Nate Young’s grandson), Orin White, Jeffery Sibley, Diane Ryans, Linda Fisher, Ralph Kocik, June Smith, Chad Grindel (Ray & Betty Fowler’s grandson), Dorothy Sedlacek, Ruth Ross, Alana Otis, Don & Lillian Eckler, Andy & Ann, Eloise & Mahlon Tewksbury and Paul Carpenter.
SPECIAL NEEDS : Vin and Sherri Rosenbarker, Alex Madison (mass on his kidney), Kim Soundararaj (breast cancer) and Danielle DeGaramo (who has cancer)
THOSE SERVING IN IRAQ: Alan Votakpa, Shawn Gent, Frank Simser, Kevin McPherson - Rich's cousin, now on his 8th tour in Iraq, Kyle Chanitz, Scott McPherson, Christopher Simser, Jr., Adam Tatusko and Nicholas Tokos. Please pray for our Nation, Kenya and Orissa, India.
PRAYING FOR OUR MISSIONARIES: Doug/Karen (Frisch) Lehman (Africa), Jim /Shawn Ramsay (Georgia/Mission Society), Peter/Esther Pereira (India), Dave/Jean Coles (Indonesia), Neal/Mari Hicks (Japan), Guido/Kim (Warren) Orellana (Ecuador), Dr. Jeff/Marilyn Lester (Medics International), Dr.Terry/Renee Wortz, Elizabeth Salisbury(USA), Gary/Rebecca Mink (Africa), Leroy/Peg Jones (USA), Larry/Marian Byrnes (Indiana/OMS), Christopher/Rashaell Jones (Ecuador)
UNION CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CHURCH OFFICE 748-6329 PASTOR BROWN 748-1358
February 10, 2008 11:00 AM
PRELUDE: Betty Phinney
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 11:00 AM
*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “Seek
the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked
forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the LORD, that He may have mercy on him, and to our God, for
He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55: 6-7 RSV
*CALL TO WORSHIP: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I declared not my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to Thee, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; then Thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. Therefore let every one who is godly offer prayer to Thee; at a time of distress, in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach Him. Thou art a hiding place for me, Thou preservest me from trouble; Thou dost encompass me with deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not keep with you. Many are the pangs of the wicked; but steadfast love surrounds him who trusts in the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Psalm 32 RSV
*A TIME OF PRAISE: “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus”
“Jesus, Lover Of My Soul”
“Shout To The Lord”
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
UNISON PRAYER: “O God of love and blessing, our heavenly Father, O most holy One above once again as we enter the forty days of Lent, help us honour our beginnings in
You. Help us to remember that it was in a beautiful garden that our journey with You began. In our attempts to understand Your purpose for us, give us open hearts and minds. Guide as we struggle to understand that it is not ourselves we need to deny, but those things that distract us from being our true selves with You and with one another. Send Your Spirit upon us and lead us in the way we should go as we worship You in this hour, and in all the hours to come before we celebrate the mystery of the cross and of the resurrection. In this we pray in Jesus’ name who has taught us to pray:”LORD’S PRAYER
CHOIR ANTHEM: “The Father’s Love” Adult Choir
A TIME OF PRAYER
A TIME OF WORSHIPPING WITH OUR TITHES, OFFERINGS AND
SPECIAL MUSIC:
*A TIME OF WORSHIP: “Blessed Be Your Name”
“Draw Me Close”
“Breathe”
SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 4:1-11/Romans 5:12-19 Pew Bible #935/1094
MESSAGE: “Tempting and Testing” Pastor Brown
*HYMN OF INVITATION: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” #382
*ALLELUIA *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE
The Altar is open for prayer. You are welcome to come to the Altar, praying for someone or praying for yourself with commitment to Christ for the first time or for rededication of your life to Him. Someone will join you at the Altar to pray with you.
RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS & STEWARDSHIP FOR February 3, 2008
ATTENDANCE: (64/44,108) TOTAL OFFERING:$4919.87
General:$3598.35 Designated:$1321.52
THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY: 11:00 AM
WORSHIP LEADER: Debbie Haines
GREETERS: Bill & Abby Woodward
NURSERY: Sandhya Naik
USHER: Rich Henry
AUDIO: Bill Jubin
JR. CHURCH: Bill and Abby Woodward______________________________
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CHURCH OFFICE (785-5349) OR 748-6329 PASTOR BROWN 748-1358
February 10, 2008 9:30 AM
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC 9:25 AM
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “Seek the LORD while He
may be found, call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the LORD, that He may have mercy on him, and to our God, for
He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55: 6-7 RSV
*CALL TO WORSHIP: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I declared not my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to Thee, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; then Thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. Therefore let every one who is godly offer prayer to Thee; at a time of distress, in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach Him. Thou art a hiding place for me, Thou preservest me from trouble; Thou dost encompass me with deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not keep with you. Many are the pangs of the wicked; but steadfast love surrounds him who trusts in the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Psalm 32 RSV
*HYMNS OF PRAISE: “O Worship the King” #73
“And Can It Be that I Should Gain” #363
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
UNISON PRAYER: “O God of love and blessing, our heavenly Father, O most holy One above once again as we enter the forty days of Lent, help us honour our beginnings in
You. Help us to remember that it was in a beautiful garden that our journey with You began. In our attempts to understand Your purpose for us, give us open hearts and minds. Guide as we struggle to understand that it is not ourselves we need to deny, but those things that distract us from being our true selves with You and with one another. Send Your Spirit upon us and lead us in the way we should go as we worship You in this hour, and in all the hours to come before we celebrate the mystery of the cross and of the resurrection. In this we pray in Jesus’ name who has taught us to pray:” LORD’S PRAYER
SHARING IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God.” Romans 5:8,9 RSV
Welcoming Each Other into the House of the Lord
Sharing Of Our joys and blessings
Sharing our Prayer Concerns
PRAYER VERSE: “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God.” Romans 8:1,2 RSV
MORNING PRAYER
SPECIAL MUSIC: Lisa McBride
OFFERTORY VERSE: “and he said to Him, "All these I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! for it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.” Matthew 4:9-10 RSV
Presentations of Tithes and Offerings
*DOXOLOGY #95
*HYMN OF PREPARATION: “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus” #349
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4:1-11/Romans 5:12-19 Pew Bible #1500/1753
MESSAGE: “Tempting and Testing” Pastor Brown
HYMN OF INVITATION: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” #382
*BENEDICTION
Tempting and Testing/James 1:13-14
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death. A mature Christian knows that places of temptation are actually places where we grow a lot. It is a strange aspect of the Christian life. There is little in the life of the Spirit that is as empowering as victory over the enticement of sin. We come out stronger. It is little wonder that some in the first century were saying "God tempted me so I would grow!" But nothing could be further from the truth. Oh the testing is allowed by God to be sure. But the tempting itself is never from God. James is pretty bold in this introspection. No, it is not even "the devil that made me do it" that he will chant. It is "my own evil desire". We actually know the drill on this, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death. There are times when, in our human arrogance, we think we can play with desire, but it drags us away. Sin and death a separation from God, are the result. God would never tempt us toward that! He actually can't do that. He can only draw you to Himself. But on that road toward God, God can lead us or allow us into the place of testing. The Scripture is clear about that. The Spirit of God led Jesus into the desert to be tempted (Lk. 4:1-2). God knows that, at times, it is the only place where we will find ourselves. Jesus taught that temptation was a place we should go only if there is no other way. He instructed us to pray: "Lead us NOT into the place of temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). For Jesus, the temptation in the desert was a time to rebuke the tempter with God's Word. For us it is likely the same. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7. Paul seemed to have a grasp of the struggle and how to find victory when he wrote to the church at Corinth: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it". (1 Cor. 10:13) There is always a way out. Tempted lately? Hang in there. The victory will make you strong. God is not tempting you, but He is very much in charged of shaping You. Lord, Lead me not into the place of temptation, but as I find myself there let me stand up to the test and see Your way out. Let me learn quickly what it is You want me to learn in every trial of life I encounter. Make me into who You want me to be. Amen.
NOTES___________________________________________________________________
PRACTICE FOR THE EASTER CANTATA-“Behold! God’s Holy Lamb” by Mark Hayes. We are practicing Wednesday nights at 7:30 pm. All are welcome
JEREMIAH PEOPLE-Will be in concert at Union Center UMC on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The Jeremiah People have wowed audiences for nearly 30 years with their unique style of music, laughter and drama. The mission of the Jeremiah People is to inspire the church, energize the family and challenge believers and non-believers alike with the message of Hope found in Jesus Christ.
FIVE FOR FIVE CONCERT-April 11, 2008. Sponsored by UCUMC. This concert will be held at Boulevard UMC, Binghamton. There will be five National Christian bands performing. Tickets may be purchased at Arrowhead and Ticket-tron at the price of $5.00. This is a mega Youth event! Call the Church office for more information. 607-748-6329.
BUILDING PROJECT FUNDRAISER EVENT-April, 2008. For more information contact Deborah Eckhardt at 772-2472.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S DAFFODIL DAYS-Every year, the American Cancer Society welcomes the arrival of Spring with thousands of Daffodils. The magnificent flower is also the Society’s Symbol of Hope…that cancer will be eliminated as a major health problem. It is our hope that you will join us in continuing to make a difference in the fight against cancer by participating in the Daffodil Days campaign. A bunch of 10 fresh-cut daffodils is $10 each, potted plants are $10 each, a Bear and a Bunch is $25 each. Place your order by February 22. Please place your order by calling the Church office at 748-6329 or you may order online at http://daffodil.acsevents.org/southern_ny. Thank you for supporting our goal to conquer cancer! Peg Blackman, Daffodil Coordinator.
DANIEL AND THE LIONS’ DEN BUS TRIP-On April 16 to Lancaster, PA. Back by popular demand “Daniel and the Lions’ Den” returns to the Sight & Sound Theatre. Your faith will be encouraged as you witness Daniel stand against the evil of his day. Trip includes shopping, lunch at Bird in Hand Restaurant and the 4pm show. Adults/$90, Teens$75 and children 12 and under $60. Call St. Joseph’s Church, Endicott, parish office, 748-0442 (9-4 M-F) for more information.
Tempting and Testing/James 1:13-14
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot
be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by
his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has
conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth
to death. A mature Christian knows that places of temptation are actually
places where we grow a lot. It is a strange aspect of the Christian
life. There is little in the life of the Spirit that is as empowering as
victory over the enticement of sin. We come out stronger. It is
little wonder that some in the first century were saying "God
tempted me so I would grow!" But nothing could be further from the
truth. Oh the testing is allowed by God to be sure. But the tempting
itself is never from God. James is pretty bold in this introspection. No, it
is not even "the devil that made me do it" that he will chant.
It is "my own evil desire". We actually know the drill on this,
after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full
grown, gives birth to death. There are times when, in our human
arrogance, we think we can play with desire, but it drags us away. Sin
and death a separation from God, are the result. God would never tempt us
toward that! He actually can't do that. He can only draw you to
Himself. But on that road toward God, God can lead us or allow us
into the place of testing. The Scripture is clear about that. The Spirit
of God led Jesus into the desert to be tempted (Lk. 4:1-2). God knows
that, at times, it is the only place where we will find ourselves. Jesus
taught that temptation was a place we should go only if there is no other
way. He instructed us to pray: "Lead us NOT into the place of
temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13).
For Jesus, the temptation in the desert was a time to rebuke the tempter with
God's Word. For us it is likely the same. Submit yourselves, then,
to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7. Paul seemed to
have a grasp of the struggle and how to find victory when he wrote to the
church at Corinth: "No temptation has seized you except
what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted
beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way
out so that you can stand up under it". (1 Cor. 10:13) There is
always a way out. Tempted lately? Hang in there. The victory will
make you strong. God is not tempting you, but He is very much in charged of
shaping You. Lord, Lead me not into the place of temptation, but as I find
myself there let me stand up to the test and see Your way out. Let me
learn quickly what it is You want me to learn in every trial of life I encounter.
Make me into who You want me to be. Amen.
IT’S TIME TO ORDER YOUR EASTER PLANT!
Easter Lillies—5 bloom $8.50
Hyacinths—3 flower (6 inch pot) $7.25
Daffodils—(6 inch pot) $7.25
Mums—(6 inch pot) $7.95
Tulips—3 flower (4 inch pot) $3.95
6 flower (6 inch pot) $7.25
To order your Easter plants please fill out the form below. Thank you.
In honor of_______________________________________________
In memory of_____________________________________________
Presented by______________________________________________
Will pick-up______________________________________________
Deliver to a shut-in_________________________________________ DEAR CHURCH FAMILY-After returning from our EXCEL weekend, where the focus was “surrender, service and scripture”, the youth group has decided to begin this New Year with a service project for the soldiers related to members of our church family. You can help. There will be collection boxes placed in the fellowship hall and the narthex of the Church, we will be collecting the following items through the month of February and will send our boxes early in March. Thank you in advance for your help with this project.
Batteries, powdered drink mixes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving cream and razors, soap, playing cards, phone cards, gum and hard candy, popcorn, bug spray, lip gloss, magazines, game and puzzle books, granola bars, small hand held games, breath mints, paperback books, DVDs, combs and brushes.