May 13, 2018 AND NOW, GRATITUDE

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1 May 13, 2018 AND NOW, GRATITUDE As my days in active ministry come now to an end (and I am still getting accustomed to that statement), I find that I am overwhelmed with gratitude that, more than any other sense. Gratitude. Gratitude for my parents, who took me early to the church and for the people in the churches in Dallas and Acworth who taught me in my first years that the church can be a wonderful and supportive community. For Ms. Agnes Hay, my first Sunday School teacher, who kept me in the nursery, whom I do not remember but will never forget. For this Annual Conference and the churches and congregations that I have been fortunate to serve. In all instances, my time has been a labor of love. For some minister friends with whom I have laughed, cried, played, and prayed. They know who they are, and they know that I love them. My children sat through lots of sermons through the years and were the very first acolytes in the history of the First United Methodist Church of Atlanta! I think they re expecting a plaque or something for that effort. Sorry, boys. They have been among my most ardent cheerleaders. I have worked with some incredibly talented people, staff members who knew their jobs better than I and who lived up to my trust, and yours, in them. The staff here today at MFUMC is the best, most creative group with which I have ever worked. I marvel at the work of these dedicated professionals. As much as anyone in my life, I am thankful for Bobbi. She has loved me in both high and low moments and has given my congregations a marvelous gift: she has given them a happy and contented minister, one who, coming from the peace of his own home, could engage the chaos of the world around us. In the home that she has created, I write sermons, contemplate my own faith, lick my wounds, gather my strength, and get out of bed each morning ready to do battle in this great Cause. Her presence around the church is somewhat subdued; her presence in my heart and mind is both powerful and profound. I am thankful for you, with whom I have spent these last fifteen years. This has been a marvelous place to live out my calling. You have encouraged me and trusted me. The nature of my job dictates that I have had to make some decisions that were not subject to public examination. I read once that In the absence of information, we get to choose how we fill the void with skepticism or with trust. For those of you who have chosen trust, I am grateful. And I am grateful for the creative spirit of God, incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth, that found a place and a voice for me. I was chosen not because I am good, but because God is good. Let s not forget that. And now thank you. Thank you and know that I love you today, I will love you tomorrow, and I will love you all the tomorrows that follow.

2 THE WORSHIP OF GOD May 13, 2018 Mother s Day (White) Please stand as you are able. WELCOME AND PARISH NOTICES (8:55 am & 11:10 am) INVITATION TO WORSHIP Leader: Leader: Leader: Dr. Sam R. Matthews Rev. Brian Smith Sing to the Lord a new song! We worship a God of wonder. Sing praises to our God! We worship a God of saving love. Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth! We worship a God who, like a mother hen, wraps us up in the shadow of God s wings. At the sound of the bell, please prepare your hearts and minds for worship. INTROIT My Mother s Love (Tom Shelton) Mothers & Children You gave me life, and all your love. You gave me wings to be what I dream of. You held me close, calmed all my fears. You re always there to wipe away my tears. A child s heart, a mother s love, a special bond designed by God above. Throughout my life, you will be there, to catch me when I fall, and nurture me with care, I pray that God will keep me thankful of, my Mother s love. I watch you grow, I see you change, my love for you will always be the same. Wher-e er you go, what-e er you do, my love for you will always be there too. A mother s heart, a child s love, a special bond designed by God above. Throughout your life, I will be there, to catch you when you fall, to nurture you with care, I pray that God will keep me thankful of, my child s love. Your love s a lamp, to light my way, reflecting Gods deep love for me each day. A special gift, God gave to me. And courage to know when to set you free. A mother s heart, a child s love, a special bond designed by God above. Throughout my life, I will be there, to catch me when I fall, and nurture you with care, I pray that God will keep me thankful of, my mother s love. PROCESSIONAL HYMN NO. 92 For the Beauty of the Earth DIX AFFIRMATION OF FAITH NO. 881 The Apostles Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. *universal

3 GLORIA PATRI NO. 71 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. GREATOREX ANTHEM (11:15) A Prayer of St. Patrick (Richard DeLong) Carol & Chorister Choirs Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ above me, Christ beneath me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger, Christ in all that love me, Christ in all. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM Hymnal p. 44 (11:15) Emily Ellen Brown Daughter of Linzi & Jared Brown CHILDREN S SERMON RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES (11:15) Dr. Matthews Dr. Matthews Rev. Lori Ethridge 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, forever. Amen. PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD S PRAYER GIVING OF GOD S TITHES AND OUR OFFERINGS OFFERTORY There s a Wideness in God s Mercy (Maurice Bevan) Chancel Choir There s a wideness in God s mercy like the wideness of the sea; There s a kindness in his justice which is more than liberty. There is no place where earth s sorrows are felt than up in heav n; There is no place where earth s failings have such kindly judgment giv n. For the love of God is broader than the measure of man s mind; And the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind. But we make his love too narrow by false limits of our own; And we magnify his strictness with a zeal he will not own. There is plentiful redemption in the blood that has been shed; There is joy for all the members in the sorrows of the Head. There is grace enough for thousands of the new worlds as great as this; There is room for fresh creation in that upper home of bliss. If our love were but more simple, we should take him at his word; And our lives would be all gladness in the joy of Christ our Lord.

4 DOXOLOGY NO. 94 LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 24:44-53 New Testament, p. 111 Leader: The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON ASCENSION Dr. Matthews INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP HYMN NO. 445 Happy the Home When God Is There ST. AGNES BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE God Be with You till We Meet Again (Hymnal No. 673) Dr. Matthews Chancel Choir POSTLUDE Finale from Symphony No. 1 (Louise Vierne) Organist GIFTS TO MFUMC: In memory of Raymond Cole by Beverly & Ray Taylor. In memory of Mary Ruth Cauthorn by Jean & Tom Hawkins. In memory of Allene Thompson by Gay & Dennis Runnion and Patricia Goldston. In memory of Edmund Allen by Larry Allen, Leah & Darrell Baxter and Robin & Glenn Burch. In memory of Leila Kent by Beverly & Ray Taylor and Anne & Lawson Thigpen. GIFTS TO THE MFUMC ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION: In memory of Leila Kent by Jean Galt.

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8 This week at MFUMC FLOWERS: The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Betty and Bob Sheldon s 65 th wedding anniversary by their children Fran & Don Sutton, Shirley & Randy Bryant, grandchildren, Anna & Aaron White, Ashley Bryant, Lauren Sutton and great grandchildren, Etta Grace White and Mason Bryant. The rose on the Altar Table today is given to the glory of God and in celebration of the birth of Samuel Henry Aikens, son of Laura and Adam Aikens, on May 3, SYMPATHY: To Tom & Lulu Cauthorn at the death of Lulu s mother, Louisa Ferguson, on April 30. To the family of Robert Gibson Monroe at his death on May 2. To the family of Dr. Spencer Grady Mullins Jr. at his death on May 4. Next Sunday, May 20, Dr. Sam Matthews will retire after 47 years of ministry. He will preach that morning, followed by a retirement celebration for him and Bobbi that afternoon from 2-5 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Join the Senior Adults for BBQ and Bluegrass in the Park on Polk Pavilion on Wednesday, May 16 at noon with entertainment provided by The Pathfinders. Cost $10. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 835) From the Youth Ministry: Ignite 2018 is August at Woodlands Camp in Cleveland, GA. Registration is now open! Grab your spot for $165.00! All students from 6th-12th grade are invited for a weekend of crazy games, engaging worship, and small groups with a few of the most awesome people we know! (Mike Smith, ext. 808). Learn more about upcoming mission trips: Sunday, May 27. Information meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Wesley Dining Room about the Summer of 2019 trip to Honduras to work with children affected by HIV/AIDS. Sunday, June 3. Information meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the Wesley Dining Room about the September medical mission trip to Peru. Sunday, June 10. Planning meeting about the Czech Republic Mission Trip will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the Wesley Dining Room. Lunch will be provided. (Forrest Cate, ext. 806) Worship Leaders Senior Minister: Dr. Sam R. Matthews Associate Ministers: Rev. Brian Smith Rev. Lori Ethridge Director of Music Mark Ridings Organist: Brian Parks Pianist: Brenda Brent The Men of the Church host pick-up basketball games on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. All ages and ability levels welcome. For more information, contact Adam Cogbill, at adamcogbill@gmail.com or Forrest Cate at ext The Guatemalan mission team is collecting "wish list" items to take down to Guatemala with them on June 3. Please place items in boxes next to the elevator during the month of May. Wish list: peanut butter, muffin mixes (including wheat/bran), boy's toiletry items, snacks for lunch boxes, teenage goody bag items (7 boys, 3 girls), boxers (boys large and men's small), socks (boys shoe size 7/8). (Forrest Cate, ext. 806) From the Children's Ministry Vacation Bible School is the week of June 25! We need contributions for mission, science and craft projects as well as snacks. For more information and to et us know if you are able to help provide these items, please visit (Karen Baudet, ext. 805) Don t forget Summer camps for all ages. To learn more, visit mariettafumc.org/summer. Little Lambs Donation Closet. Don't want to consign but want to clean out your closets? Donate your items to our consignment closet - proceeds benefit Children's, Local Missions and Weekday School. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 812) 9 a.m. Service: Acolyte: Hadley Harris Bible Bearer: Sarah Kate Harris