UNION CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CHURCH OFFICE 748-6329 PASTOR BROWN 748-1358
March 2, 2008 COMMUNION SUNDAY 8:30 AM
PRELUDE: Betty Phinney
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 8:25 AM
*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 KJV
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.
People: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the same loaf.
Leader: Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.
People: Christ our Paschal Lamb is offered up for us, once for all, when He bore our sins on His body upon the cross; for He is the very Lamb of God that taketh away the sins for the world: wherefore let us keep a joyful and holy feast with the Lord.
All: What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him, God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
*HYMNS OF PRAISE: “Lift High the Cross” #159
“The Wonderful Cross” Insert
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
*GLORIA PATRI: #70
UNISON PRAYER: “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy name through Christ our Lord who has taught us to pray:”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CHOIR ANTHEM: “My Faith Looks Up To Thee” Adult Choir
Welcoming Our Visiting Friends
Sharing of Our Testimonies, Joy and Blessings
Sharing our Prayer Concerns
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING: Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory: O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ: O Lord God, Lamb of God, son of the Father; that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord; Thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
INVITATION:
Pastor: Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in His holy ways: Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort, and make your humble confession to almighty God.
CONFESSION IN UNISON:
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men: We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against Thy divine majesty. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. For Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please Thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of Thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAY FOR PARDON:
Pastor: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of Thy great mercy hast promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn to Thee; Have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness; and bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE:
Leader: Here what comfortable words the Scriptures say to all that truly turn to the Lord:
Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:1-2
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY
HYMN OF PREPARATION: “Amazing Grace #378
SCRIPTURE READING: John 9:1-12; 35-38 Pew Bible #1038
MESSAGE: “Mud pies and miracles” Pastor Brown
COMMUNION SERVICE:
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks unto the Lord.
People: It is meet and right so to do.
Leader: It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify Thy glorious name, evermore praising Thee, and saying:
People: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts: Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Glory be to Thee, O Lord most high! Amen.
Leader: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of Thy tender mercy didst give Thine only son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by the one offering of Himself, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in His holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of His precious death until His coming again: Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech Thee, and grant that we, receiving these Thy creatures of bread and wine, according to Thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of His passion, death, and resurrection, may be partakers of the divine nature through Him: Who in the same night that He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, Take eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise after supper He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is My blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins; to this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me. Amen.
All: We do not presume to come to this Thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in Thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Thy table. But Thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to partake of this Sacrament of Thy Son Jesus Christ, that we may walk in newness of life, may grow into His likeness, and may evermore dwell in Him, and He in us. Amen.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS:
PRAYER OF CONSECREATION: “O Lord, our heavenly Father, we, Thy humble servants, desire Thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching Thee to grant, that, by the merits and death of Thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in His blood, we and Thy whole Church may obtain forgiveness of our sins, and all other benefits of His passion. And here we offer and present unto Thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto Thee; humbly beseeching Thee that all we who are partakers of this Holy Communion may be filled with Thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto Thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech Thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses; through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory be unto Thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
HYMN OF DEDICATON: “How Can We Sinners Know” #372
THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY: 8:30 AM
WORSHIP LEADER: Jim Geer
GREETERS: Jennifer and Aaron Scott
NURSERY: Betsy Shumaker
USHER: Adam Rosenbarker
AUDIO: Bob Deuel
JR. CHURCH: Sarah Rosenbarker
*ALLELUIA *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE
Altar is open for prayer. You are welcome to come to the Altar, praying for someone or praying for self 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 24, 2008
ATTENDANCE:(82/52,134) TOTAL OFFERING:$
GENERAL:$ DESIGNATED:$
COMMUNION STEWARDS: Liz Haas and Jan Avery
CHURCH CALENDAR for the WEEK of March 2, 2008
TODAY: 8:30 AM First Worship Service
9:50 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Second Worship Service
9:30 AM Wesley United Methodist Church Service
WED: 6:00 PM Soup/Supper
6:30 PM Bible Study
FRI: 7:00 PM TV Ministry – Cable Channel 4
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Jessica Burelle, Sarah Deuel, Evvie Binder (pneumonia), Baby Liam Alexander Ewing (he is at home), Ed Hower, Francis Potter (Betty Fowler’s sister-in-law), Christopher Fowler (Vivian Perkin’s son), Chuck Loeffler, Bettye Tuzza, Kathleen Budnovitch (Millie Rood’s friend), Irene Boyer, Jean Warfield, George Cameron, Irving Rosenbarker, Connie Perry, Pamela Jean (Jack and Alice Black’s niece), Bob English, Jack Black, Ethel Hower, Yvonne Arnold, 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, Mahlon Tewksbury and Paul Carpenter. We extend a Christian sympathy to the family of John Pipher and to the family of Eric Munck.
SPECIAL NEEDS : Vin and Sherri Rosenbarker, Alex Madison (mass on his kidney), Kim Soundararaj (breast cancer) and Jonathan Brown, (30 yr. old who has cancer).
THOSE SERVING IN IRAQ: Alan Votakpa, 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
March 2, 2008 COMMUNION SUNDAY 11:00 AM
PRELUDE: Betty Phinney
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 11:00 AM
*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 KJV
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.
People: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the same loaf.
Leader: Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.
People: Christ our Paschal Lamb is offered up for us, once for all, when He bore our sins on His body upon the cross; for He is the very Lamb of God that taketh away the sins for the world: wherefore let us keep a joyful and holy feast with the Lord.
All: What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him, God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
*A TIME OF PRAISE: “There Is Power In The Blood”
“Nothing But The Blood”
“Spirit Fall On Us”
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
UNISON PRAYER: “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy name through Christ our Lord who has taught us to pray:”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CHERUBS: “Ho, Ho, Ho Hosanna”
JUNIORS: “Clap Your Hands”
Welcoming Our Visiting Friends
Sharing of Our Testimonies, Joy and Blessings
Sharing our Prayer Concerns
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING: Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory: O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ: O Lord God, Lamb of God, son of the Father; that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord; Thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
INVITATION:
Pastor: Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in His holy ways: Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort, and make your humble confession to almighty God.
CONFESSION IN UNISON:
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men: We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against Thy divine majesty. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. For Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please Thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of Thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAY FOR PARDON:
Pastor: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of Thy great mercy hast promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn to Thee; Have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness; and bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE:
Pastor: Here what comfortable words the Scriptures say to all that truly turn to the Lord:
Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:1-2
OFFERTORY
*A TIME OF WORSHIP: “The Wonderful Cross”
“Here Is Love”
“Only Always”
HYMN OF PREPARATION: “Amazing Grace #378
SCRIPTURE READING: John 9:1-12; 35-38 Pew Bible #1038
MESSAGE: “Mud pies and miracles” Pastor Brown
COMMUNION SERVICE
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks unto the Lord.
People: It is meet and right so to do.
Leader: It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify Thy glorious name, evermore praising Thee, and saying.
People: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts: Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Glory be to Thee, O Lord most high! Amen.
Leader: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of Thy tender mercy didst give Thine only son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by the one offering of Himself, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in His holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of His precious death until His coming again: Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech Thee, and grant that we, receiving these Thy creatures of bread and wine, according to Thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of His passion, death, and resurrection, may be partakers of the divine nature through Him: Who in the same night that He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, Take eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise after supper He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is My blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins; to this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me. Amen. We do not presume to come to this Thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in Thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Thy table. But Thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to
partake of this Sacrament of Thy Son Jesus Christ, that we may walk in newness of life, may grow into His likeness, and may evermore dwell in Him, and He in us. Amen.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS:
PRAYER OF CONSECREATION: “O Lord, our heavenly Father, we, Thy humble servants, desire Thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching Thee to grant, that, by the merits and death of Thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in His blood, we and Thy whole Church may obtain forgiveness of our sins, and all other benefits of His passion. And here we offer and present unto Thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto Thee; humbly beseeching Thee that all we who are partakers of this Holy Communion may be filled with Thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto Thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech Thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses; through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory be unto Thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
HYMN OF DEDICATON: “How Can We Sinners Know” #372
*ALLELUIA *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE
Altar is open for prayer. You are welcome to come to the Altar, praying for someone or praying for self 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 24, 2008
ATTENDANCE:(82/52,134) TOTAL OFFERING:$
GENERAL:$ DESIGNATED:$
THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY: 11:00 AM
WORSHIP LEADER: Craig Sabin
GREETERS: Al and Evvie Binder
NURSERY: Sandhya Naik
USHER: Rich Henry
AUDIO: Bill Jubin
JR. CHURCH: Sue Bongiorno
COMMUNION STEWARDS: Liz Haas and Jan Avery
CHURCH CALENDAR for the WEEK of March 2, 2008
TODAY: 8:30 AM First Worship Service
9:50 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Second Worship Service
9:30 AM Wesley United Methodist Church Service
WED: 6:00 PM Soup/Supper
6:30 PM Bible Study
FRI: 7:00 PM TV Ministry – Cable Channel 4
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Jessica Burelle, Sarah Deuel, Evvie Binder (pneumonia), Baby Liam Alexander Ewing (he is at home), Ed Hower, Francis Potter (Betty Fowler’s sister-in-law), Christopher Fowler (Vivian Perkin’s son), Chuck Loeffler, Bettye Tuzza, Kathleen Budnovitch (Millie Rood’s friend), Irene Boyer, Jean Warfield, George Cameron, Irving Rosenbarker, Connie Perry, Pamela Jean (Jack and Alice Black’s niece), Bob English, Jack Black, Ethel Hower, Yvonne Arnold, 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, Mahlon Tewksbury and Paul Carpenter. We extend a Christian sympathy to the family of John Pipher and to the family of Eric Munck.
SPECIAL NEEDS : Vin and Sherri Rosenbarker, Alex Madison (mass on his kidney), Kim Soundararaj (breast cancer) and Jonathan Brown, (30 yr. old who has cancer).
THOSE SERVING IN IRAQ: Alan Votakpa, 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)
AMAZING GRACE
The story of the human condition continues past the Patriarchs, through the sons of Israel, into refuge in Egypt from famine, down into slavery in Egypt from refuge, and on to the stories of the Exodus. How incredible it must have been to be alive then! Egypt was a tremendous power. Moses was raised in the palaces of the Pharaohs. A member of God's chosen people by birth and a member of royalty by upbringing, it was practically unavoidable that Moses should rise to power and recognition. But there was to be a detour along the way. He came to a situation in which he was unable to balance his passion for the Hebrew people with his power to "execute" the law. He killed a man -- an individual of sacred worth in the eyes of God, and an Egyptian who was entitled to better treatment in the eyes of the Pharaoh. Moses fled. Instead of rising to the head of government, Moses learned to lead sheep. He learned to seek what was best for humble creatures who needed his guidance.
Caring for flocks of sheep is no easy task. It will keep even the most industrious person busy, but there is still time to ponder God's creation and the role of people in it. How much time did Moses spend wondering about his role in God's plan? What did he think about his relationship to the Hebrew nation as he worked in the fields with the animals? Did he keep a watchful eye over his shoulder to see if Pharaoh's guards were coming? How must it have felt to flee from justice in the only home he had ever known; to be a social outcast from the Hebrews and a criminal outcast from the Egyptians?
Fortunately, the story of Moses did not end there. He encountered God in the burning bush and answered the call to return to Egypt and lead his people to freedom. God left the past in the past. And Moses left the past in the past, too.
This week's featured hymn is among the best loved and most sung hymns in the world. Written by John Newton (1725-1807), Amazing Grace expresses the redeemed sinner's appreciation for salvation. Newton had been a slave trader before his conversion to Christianity. Afterward, he answered the calling to serve the Lord in ordained ministry, and he became outspoken in his opposition to slavery. His tombstone bears this inscription:
John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.
COMING EVENTS
Please remember to change your clocks one hour forward on March 8.
Sunday, March 9--Drama presentation, Simon Peter, with Dr. Jim Geer,
Saturday March 15--The wedding of Michelle and James.
Sunday, March 16--Palm Sunday. The Choir will present the Easter Cantata at both services.
Wednesday, March 19--Ron Goldberg will share on Passover at 6:30 p.m.
Maundy Thursday, March 20--7:00 p.m. Communion service.
Good Friday, March 21--Combined Good Friday service, will be held at the Nazarene Church, Rt. 26, Endicott, at 6:00 p.m.
Holy Saturday, March 22--11:00 a.m. Easter egg hunt for the children.
12:00 luncheon for the children, serving hotdogs and candy.
Easter celebrations, Sunday, March 23--6:30 Sunrise service,
7:30 a.m. family breakfast
8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Easter Worship services.
Sunday, March 30--The youth will be sharing an Easter drama during both services.
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
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.
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED will celebrate WORLD DAY OF PRAYER on Friday, March 7th at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Main Street, Endicott. Breakfast will be at 9:00 a.m. (Donation $4.00). Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex or call Millie Rood at 862-9947 by March 2nd. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. The Service will begin at 9:30 a.m. We will learn about Guyana, a land of many contrasts and surprises – a country of Six Peoples and many waters; a mixed media collage lifts up the uniqueness of the world-renowned Kaieteur Falls while capturing the complexity of Guyana’s cultural heritage through the faces of Guyanese women. ALL ARE WELCOME.
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
The Relay For Life of Western Broome is coming soon, June 14 and 15 at Sammon Field, Vestal. Please help us to promote the Relay in our Western Broome community by including the following announcement (or facsimile) in your church bulletin in the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for your support! Relay For Life of Western Broome will be held June 14 and 15 at Sammon Field, Vestal. Relay For Life is an overnight celebration of life and cancer survivorship. Teams of people from the community have fun while raising much needed funds to fight cancer. Contributions to the Relay For Life help the American Cancer Society fight cancer in four ways: research, education, advocacy and patient services. If you are interested in joining a team, volunteering your time or making a donation to support the Relay For Life of Western Broome, contact Gina Chapman, (607) 766-6907 or call 1-800-ACS-2345
IT’S TIME TO ORDER YOUR EASTER PLANT! Order deadline will be March 10
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_________________________________________
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A FUN EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
What: Silent Auction FUNdraiser toward the building fund
When: Saturday April 19, 2008
Where: Fellowship Hall
Why: To raise money, excitement and awareness of what the Lord can do as we collect money for the building fund.
What kinds of things will be auctioned off?
This highly depends on the creativity of our congregation and those who are willing to go out and generate donations. Some initial ideas?
Gift baskets from those who sell Pampered Chef, PartyLite, Lia Sophia, Avon, Mary Kay, etc.
Gift certificates from those who provide services – haircuts, piano lessons, voice lessons, cake decorating, oil changes, professional services such as counseling, audiology, massage, tutoring, etc.
Donations from those who sew, quilt, crochet, or create other works of art such as beautiful paintings
Gift certificates/gift baskets from local businesses not far from our church, such as Our Country Hearts, Giant markets, Nezuntoz, Phil’s Chicken House, (where do you go out to eat after church?), etc
Gift certificate/Gift basket from Arrowhead Christian Bookstore and other local Christian stores, then take a look in the Christian Yellow Pages, who else would be willing to make a donation.
Baskets that have a cookbook and cookie cutters, a basket with candles and bubble bath, wine and crackers, kitchen towels and a special recipe, a basket of books that you’ve already read (in good condition) and would like to pass along
A basket of baby bibs, onesies, baby toys, diapers, etc
A kid’s basket with crayons, coloring books, stickers, doodle pad, little toys, etc
Get your family, Sunday school class, men’s group, woman’s group, youth group etc to donate a collective basket. Options are limitless here!!! Creativity will be the key! We don’t need expensive donations - think of things that would make nice gifts, items that people would be willing to bid on!
Stay tuned as more details will be made available as April draws near!
Thank you in advance for your participation and willingness to generously donate to this FUNdraiser! If you have questions, more ideas or want to be involved in this event, please contact Deborah Eckhardt, 772-2472.
Sunday evening, March 9, 7:00 p.m.
A Special Evening Worship Experience
“Simon Peter”
On Sunday evening, March 9, at 7:00 p.m., we will be sharing in a special kind of worship experience with the presentation of the dramatic monologue, “Simon Peter”. This presentation provides us with a worship experience through sacred drama and music, by sharing a part of this disciple’s life with our Lord Jesus Christ. Through his monologue, Peter shares with us some of the joys and conflicts of knowing Christ as a brother, of walking and talking with Him, and of experiencing the power of His Spirit. As we listen to him, we, too, can share in his agony in denial and, then, in his tremendous victory through forgiveness. We will each have the opportunity to reflect upon our own lives, to consider what they have been, and then to share, with Peter, in the promise of what they can be through the presence and power of the living God. Please plan to attend! (And bring a friend or two!)
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CHURCH OFFICE (785-5349) OR 748-6329 PASTOR BROWN 748-1358
March 2, 2008 COMMUNION SUNDAY 8:30 AM
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC 9:25 AM
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 KJV
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.
People: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the same loaf.
Leader: Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.
People: Christ our Paschal Lamb is offered up for us, once for all, when He bore our sins on His body upon the cross; for He is the very Lamb of God that taketh away the sins for the world: wherefore let us keep a joyful and holy feast with the Lord.
ALL: What no eye has seen, nor ear hear, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him, God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
*HYMN OF PRAISE: “All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord” #554
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
UNISON PRAYER: “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy name. Lord God, Your ways are holy and good and Your love is strong and true. You are swift to answer those who trust in You, those who walk in Your ways and who make Your living Word their daily hope. Bless, we pray, our gathering today. Touch our hearts and our minds with the fire of Your Holy Spirit. Grant that our praise may be more than words, our prayer more than speech, our songs more than mere harmony. Teach us and comfort us, strengthen us and lead us that we might draw closer to You. We ask it in Jesus' name who has taught us to pray:”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SHARING IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me, uttering slanders against me, my adversaries and foes, they shall stumble and fall. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.” Psalm 27:1-3 RSV
Welcoming Each Other into the House of the Lord
Sharing Of Our joys and blessings
Sharing our Prayer Concerns
PRAYER VERSE: “One thing have I asked of the LORD,
that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days
of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD,
and to inquire in His temple. For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of
trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent, He will set me high
upon a rock.” Psalm
27:4,5 RSV
MORNING PRAYER
SPECIAL MUSIC: Lisa McBride
OFFERTORY VERSE: “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the LORD!” Psalm 27:13,14 RSV
Presentations of Tithes and Offerings
*DOXOLOGY #95
*HYMN OF PREPARATION: “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” #294
SCRIPTURE: John 9:1-12; 35-38 Pew Bible #1664
MESSAGE: “Mud pies and miracles” Pastor Brown
COMMUNION SERVICE: #26
*HYMN OF INVITATION: “Amazing Grace” #378
*BENEDICTION
The story of the human condition continues past the Patriarchs, through the sons of Israel, into refuge in Egypt from famine, down into slavery in Egypt from refuge, and on to the stories of the Exodus. How incredible it must have been to be alive then! Egypt was a tremendous power. Moses was raised in the palaces of the Pharaohs. A member of God's chosen people by birth and a member of royalty by upbringing, it was practically unavoidable that Moses should rise to power and recognition. But there was to be a detour along the way. He came to a situation in which he was unable to balance his passion for the Hebrew people with his power to "execute" the law. He killed a man -- an individual of sacred worth in the eyes of God, and an Egyptian who was entitled to better treatment in the eyes of the Pharaoh. Moses fled. Instead of rising to the head of government, Moses learned to lead sheep. He learned to seek what was best for humble creatures who needed his guidance.
Caring for flocks of sheep is no easy task. It will keep even the most industrious person busy, but there is still time to ponder God's creation and the role of people in it. How much time did Moses spend wondering about his role in God's plan? What did he think about his relationship to the Hebrew nation as he worked in the fields with the animals? Did he keep a watchful eye over his shoulder to see if Pharaoh's guards were coming? How must it have felt to flee from justice in the only home he had ever known; to be a social outcast from the Hebrews and a criminal outcast from the Egyptians?
Fortunately, the story of Moses did not end there. He encountered God in the burning bush and answered the call to return to Egypt and lead his people to freedom. God left the past in the past. And Moses left the past in the past, too.
This week's featured hymn is among the best loved and most sung hymns in the world. Written by John Newton (1725-1807), Amazing Grace expresses the redeemed sinner's appreciation for salvation. Newton had been a slave trader before his conversion to Christianity. Afterward, he answered the calling to serve the Lord in ordained ministry, and he became outspoken in his opposition to slavery. His tombstone bears this inscription:
John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.