RESPONDING TO GOD S WORD

Transcription

1 THE 7 th SUNDAY OF EASTER/MOTHER S DAY May 8, :00 am ************************************************************************** Good morning and welcome to all, with a special word of welcome to those worshipping with us for the first time today. We are happy you joined us in worship. If you are a first time worshipper with us, please note your presence on the Yellow Forms found in the bulletin. If you do not have a church home, we invite you to worship with us each Sunday and to participate in other activities and services here. Please stand for acts of worship designated with an asterisk (*). Any who prefer may rise up in spirit only, if physically standing presents difficulties. As a courtesy to other worshippers, kindly refrain from visiting once the prelude has begun. GATHERING CHIMES CALLING US TO PREPARE FOR WORSHIP PRELUDE Great Is Thy Faithfulness Nancy Cook, Organist Welcome and Announcements Pastor and Congregation (The prayer station in the back of the sanctuary is available for lighting a candle or leaving a prayer note any time before, during, or after worship). *PASSING OF THE PEACE *CALL TO WORSHIP: Invited to reconnect: Leader and People L: Come to the birthplace, and we shall be one, even as parent and child are one; P: We come to our Creator, God, who gives us life, whose life in the world is borne by our labor! L: Let us come singing, and we shall be one, even as melody and harmony are one; P: We come to God, our Creator, who gives us song, and to whose lead we lean our voices! L: Let us come dancing, and we shall be one, even as rhythm and motion are one; P: We come to God who gives us dance, and to whose step we adapt our movement! L: Let us come to God who Creates and bless us with exemplary mothers; Unison: We come to our birthplace, and we shall be one! We come to praise and thank the Creator of our mothers who loves us, and takes care of us. We ve come to our Maker, and we shall ever be one! (UMC s Common lectionary, P.99. Paraphrased) *HYMN # 261 Lord of the Dance A LITANY OF MOTHER S DAY (SEE INSERT) Children s Time *PRAISE SONG Pastor Led by Praise Team God s Word in Scripture: New Testament: Acts 1: 1-9 Reader: This is the word of God for the people of God, Cong: Thanks be to God Choir Anthem Soon and Very Soon Keith Griffin, Director Gospel: Matthew 20:20-23 Reader: This is the word of God for the people of God, Cong: Thanks be to God WITNESSING TO THE WORD Theme: The Prize of an Exemplary Motherhood! RESPONDING TO GOD S WORD Rev. Jakes Voker MORNING PRAYER AND THE LORD S PRAYER Pastor 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. OFFERING / OFFERTORY Words of Invitation Giving of Tithes and Offerings Offertory Rhosymedre Nancy Cook, Organist *The Doxology #95 Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

2 *Prayer of Dedication Most gracious God, You create and bless us with exemplary mothers and other provisions for all of which we are deeply grateful. Help us to see our place within your creation as your children and coheirs of Your Kingdom. We offer our lives to your service, and dedicate these gifts to your purpose. Use us and all that we bring to help care for and serve others in our community and the world, through Jesus Christ, our Brother and Friend. Amen. *HYMN #710 Faith of Our Fathers (Mothers) *SENDING FORTH IN GOD S LOVE AND CARE/ BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE Thank you for being a part of today s worship experience. Rest assured God loves you, and so do we! FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 745 Main Street - Racine, Wisconsin (262) (Church) - (262) (Pastor's Residence) Racine1umc@tds.net - Website: Pastor: Rev. Jakes Voker Administrative Assistant: Carol Feest Nancy Cook: Organist Jeff Fernholz: Treasurer Sue Mills: Parish Visitor Connie Boehm: Liturgist Jeanne Whiteside: Media Coordinator Dennis Clay: Pianist Rick Reinhard: Custodian Keith Griffin: Choir Director Amanda Schnaare: Family Ed. & Nurture Ministries Chair NURSERY and CHILD CARE Children are welcome in worship and parents have choices: (1) Children can remain in worship with their parents, (2) a cry room is available in the rear of the sanctuary, or (3) a Nursery is provided downstairs for children. Please make the choice that is most comfortable for you. LAST SUNDAY Worship Attendance 10:00 am 71 Plate/Pledges $ Mission Projects/NAMI $5.00 Roof Replacement Campaign $

3 JOYS AND CONCERNS OF OUR PARISH AND THE WORLD Happy Mother s Day to all mothers everywhere! Our prayers are with the people dealing with severe weather around the country. June Nettles continues with chemotherapy treatments prayers appreciated. Randy Hempel dealing with serious kidney failure/dialysis concerns at the VA Hospital. Dotti Bent had knee replacement surgery. Jeanne Whiteside s brother-in-law, Scott, is dealing with serious heart issues. Bob Feest, brother of Pete & Al, is dealing with serious heart issues prayers appreciated. Peggy Nejedly had shoulder replacement surgery prayers needed. Rev. Wanda Kothlow dealing with heart issues prayers needed. Cathy, sister of Jayne Dresen, complications following ankle surgery. Noel Bragg, brother of Chuck, and Jan Snopko, a good friend of Braggs need our prayers. Marge Hannon dealing with stage 4 cancer. Jeanne Whiteside s niece, Brooke needs prayers. Mike Matulle father-in-law of Nathan Michael, dealing with Parkinson s disease. Achille Cortese fighting cancer with very expensive experimental drugs prayers needed. Dick & Marge Hannon need prayers for several health issues. Paul Burlingame has been diagnosed with re-occurring cancer, prayers appreciated. Pat Held s daughter Michael, son of the Fawcetts, who is battling cancer. Those serving our country in the Military around the world. Our Schools Anonymous concerns A LITANY OF Mothers Day - (Petition and silence) L: A woman of noble character who can find? P: She is worth far more than finest gold and silver! L: A woman of noble character is a crown to her husband and the pride of her family and friends; P: For her words and deeds are centered around and guided by her love of God in Jesus Christ. L: She eagerly opens her doors to strangers and her arms to the ignored poor; P: and extends her arms of generosity to the needy in her neighborhood, community and the world for the sake of her love of and faith in Jesus Christ; L: She is clothed with strength and dignity, and instructs with God inspired wisdom; P: Her husband and family have full confidence in her, and lack nothing to value; L: She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness; P: Her husband, family and neighbors arise and call her a true friend and a blessing to the glory of God Almighty! (Prov. 31: 1ff. select verses paraphrased) Prayer of petition and intercession: L- For mothers who give us life and love that we may in turn show them reverence and love; L- For mothers who have lost a child through death, that their faith may give them hope, and their family, relatives and friends may support and console them; L- For women, though without children, who like mothers, have nurtured and cared for us, L- For mothers who have been unable to be a source of strength, who have not responded to their children and have not sustained their families, UNISON: Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over Your Church. Bless all women, that they may be strengthened in their endeavor to live out their faith as Christian mothers. Let the examples of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with the spirit of deep friendship and respect in obedience to your command with a promise to honor our mothers and fathers so that we may live longer. Grant this O God, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our true friend and brother. Amen. (UMBOW/P.438 mother s Day Prayer paraphrased)

4 COMING THIS WEEK Today, Sunday, May 8 (11:15 am) Fellowship Time, Rear of Sanctuary (2:00 pm) Keith Griffin Pokemon League (5:00 pm) Casa de Dios Worship Service Monday, May 9 (6:00 pm) Keith Griffin Choir Rehearsal (6:30 pm) Casa de Dios Bible Study Wednesday, May 11 (5:00 pm) First Alive Wednesday Pot Luck & Program (5:30 pm) Praise Team Rehearsal (6:00 pm) Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, May 12 (noon) United Methodist Women Spring Luncheon (3:00 pm) Faith to Life Study, Reep Room Friday, May 13 (6:00 pm) Movie & Trivia Night Saturday, May 14 (noon) Sack Lunch Program, St. Luke s Episcopal, hosts ANNOUNCEMENTS THE ALTAR FLOWERS TODAY are provided by Stan and Deb Johnson in celebration of Judy Vasy s birthday, Mother s Day and Stan & Deb s Wedding Anniversary! LOOSE CHANGE OFFERING for May will benefit the local NAMI organization. The Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Racine County (NAMI) is a non-profit organization working to improve the quality of life for all individuals affected by mental illness. To make your contribution, simply place your loose change in the small envelopes found in the pew racks or on the sanctuary tables and place it in the offering plate. Thank you for your continued support of our Mission Projects. FOOD BANK ITEM FOR MAY will be small dish soap. Bring your contribution to church and place it in the crate near the entrances. Thank you for your support of the local food banks. IN GATHERING AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE As we have done in the past, First Church will be preparing personal care kits to be distributed to United Methodist Children s Services and Northcott Neighborhood House. Pastor Jakes will deliver the kits when he attends Annual Conference in June. Today you will find an envelope in the bulletin. We are asking for monetary donations which will be used to purchase Kid s Kits. The United Methodist Women will collect the donations and purchase the necessary items. This way, all will be the same and all contain the required items. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN will have their Spring Luncheon on Thursday, May 12 th at 12 noon in the Social Room. The program will be given by Katie Scheller, founder of The Vivian Foundation which is dedicated to helping children of incarcerated parents. Reservations are needed and may be made with the monthly callers or by calling the church ( ) by noon on Tuesday, May 10. The cost is $8.00. All are welcome. CHOIR RESTS FOR THE SUMMER! The choir will close its season on Memorial Day Weekend, May 29th. The church will need special music to take the choir's place each week. The special music is one piece and can be solos, duets or groups of any kind with any instrument. Please see the sign-up sheet located in the choir room and contact Nancy Cook for confirmation. This is a great opportunity to showcase your musical talents. Please contact your friends and family and inform them of this opportunity. The church will welcome all performers during the summer months. THANK YOU TO ALL who participated in the Youth Group 5 th Annual Lasagna Dinner & Silent Auction on Friday night. Your support is what keeps this group working hard to achieve their goals! FIRSTALIVE POT LUCK & PROGRAM, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 5:00 PM Bring your favorite dish to share and join us for some food, fellowship and fun. All are invited so bring your friends as well. DO YOU HAVE A GRADUATE IN THE FAMILY? Is there a high school or college graduate in the family? If so contact the church office ( ) with the name of the graduate so that we may honor the grads during the 10:00 am worship service on Sunday, June 5 th.

5 CONREGATIONAL MEETING!!! SUNDAY 22 ND May a.m. EVERYONE S INVITED!!! Dear Friends and members, This comes to inform and invite you all to a very important meeting following the worship service on Sunday May 22, The purposes of the meeting are as follow: 1. Review the ministry and mission of our congregation; 2. Solicit additional ministry and mission ideas that would motivate more people to get involved, thus help our congregation to grow in faith and service; 3. Discuss a few other important issues. Please read the following questionnaire, as it will found the basis of our discussions and decisions. Questionnaire: Four questions for congregation s ministry and mission evaluation and focus. There are two ways/levels of determining Church growth: 1. Growth in Faith (Ministry- inward focus) spiritual formation and vitality 2. Growth in Service - outreach (Mission- outward focus) The four basic questions that help determine the direction of a congregation s growth are as follow: 1. Is our congregation (Church) what God intends it to be? ( God s intention for every church/congregation is to grow both spiritually and numerically, become vibrant and thrive Matt. 28:16-20) 2. If no, what is holding us back from becoming a thriving and vibrant congregation/church? 3. What would it take to be a vibrant and thriving congregation as God intends us to be? 4. What one or two gifts / talents or idea (s) are you willing to offer to help our congregation live up to its God s intended purposes for which it exists in this community and the world? Thanks for taking the time to prayerfully read and discern your responses to these questions. Together in the Lord s service, Rev. Jakes Voker, Pastor CONREGATIONAL MEETING!!! SUNDAY 22ND May a.m. EVERYONE S INVITED!!! Dear Friends and members, This comes to inform and invite you all to a very important meeting following the worship service on Sunday May 22, The purposes of the meeting are as follow: 1. Review the ministry and mission of our congregation; 2. Solicit additional ministry and mission ideas that would motivate more people to get involved, thus help our congregation to grow in faith and service; 3. Discuss a few other important issues. Please read the following questionnaire, as it will found the basis of our discussions and decisions. Questionnaire: Four questions for congregation s ministry and mission evaluation and focus. There are two ways/levels of determining Church growth: 1. Growth in Faith (Ministry- inward focus) spiritual formation and vitality 2. Growth in Service - outreach (Mission- outward focus) The four basic questions that help determine the direction of a congregation s growth are as follow: 1. Is our congregation (Church) what God intends it to be? ( God s intention for every church/congregation is to grow both spiritually and numerically, become vibrant and thrive Matt. 28:16-20) 2. If no, what is holding us back from becoming a thriving and vibrant congregation/church? 3. What would it take to be a vibrant and thriving congregation as God intends us to be? 4. What one or two gifts / talents or idea (s) are you willing to offer to help our congregation live up to its God s intended purposes for which it exists in this community and the world? Thanks for taking the time to prayerfully read and discern your responses to these questions. Together in the Lord s service, Rev. Jakes Voker, Pastor