Gathering for Worship (Please register your attendance by signing the pew register.)

Transcription

1 August 20, 2017

2 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST ORDER OF WORSHIP AUGUST 20, 2017 Ringing of the Tower Bell Announcements (* Please stand as you are able.) Gathering for Worship (Please register your attendance by signing the pew register.) Prelude Meditation on Wonderful Words of Life Emma Lou Diemer *Call to Worship (Psalm 73:25-26, New Revised Standard Version) Leader: Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. People: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. *Hymn # 98 To God Be the Glory Opening Prayer Giver of life, we cling to the promise of paradise spoken from the cross into our bleakest places. If you keep speaking up, we can t help but hear you. Where pain is deep and justice denied: break through with love. Where hope is slain, bind our wounds for another day. Where peace has no chance, let passion live on. Where truth is trampled, let the struggle continue.

3 Where fear paralyzes, let forgiveness triumph. O you who are the bearer of all pain, have mercy on us that we might glimpse your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. Pastoral Prayer Rev. Adam B. Snell 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, forever. Amen. *Hymn # 285 To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord Proclamation of the Word Scripture Reading Luke 23: Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one! 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself! 38 There was also an inscription over him, This is the King of the Jews.

4 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us! 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong. 42 Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 43 He replied, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. L: This is the Word of the Lord. P: Thanks be to God. Time of Silent Reflection Sermon Rev. Claire Matheny Response to the Word Offertory Cantabile Raymond H. Haan *Doxology (UMH # 94) 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! LASST UNS ERFREUEN *Prayer of Dedication Rev. Adam B. Snell Affirmation of Faith The Apostles Creed (UMH # 881) 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;

5 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. Reception of New Members Timothy Sechler Shelley Nishi Tyler Nishi Denise Toomer Valerie Ramsey Congregational Response We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

6 Sending Forth *Hymn # 600 Wonderful Words of Life *Benediction *Postlude Trumpet Tune in D Sam Batt Owens You are welcome to remain in a posture of worship until the conclusion of the Postlude, and then join us for conversation and fellowship in the Octagon. Attendance Last Week: 9:00 AM 66 10:30 AM 209 Total 275 Scripture Next Week Revelation 21:1-6 Waters of Paradise Rev. Adam B. Snell, preaching Cover image: Today Thou Shalt Be With Me, linoleum block print by Kerrie James, Opening Prayer adapted from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, M.4.4, p. 619.

7 Announcements Welcome! If you are a guest today, thank you for worshiping with us! Please sign the pew register and introduce yourself to one of our pastors today. Ushers are available at the back of the Sanctuary to provide large print Bibles, Hymnals, and hearing assistance devices. Helpful volunteers at our Visitors Center can assist with other questions. A handicap-accessible restroom with changing table is located past the church office and down the hall. We understand young ones can get wiggly during worship, so if you desire, parents may make use of our nursery for children age 2 and under, or may take children into the Octagon room just off the Narthex where the audio feed of the service can be heard. Summer Sunday School Our two Summer Sunday School classes are meeting today, starting at 10:30 AM. One class is for children ages 2-5, the other for children ages We still have a need for adult leaders and teen helpers on August 27 (ages 6-10) and September 3 (ages 2-5). Each Sunday has a theme, coloring pages, and snacks provided. Teachers are asked to plan a small craft or activity. Sign up in the church office or contact Amy Frontz (ajfrontz84@gmail.com) to get involved. Backpack Build St. Paul s Justice & Compassion Team has partnered with Interfaith Works to get backpacks and supplies to needy children in time for the start of school. We will build the backpacks in Heavener Hall after the 10:30 AM service today Sunday, August 20. 2x4s Build and Eat! Folks in the 20s-40s Ministries are encouraged to come on up to help the J&C Team pack backpacks today in Heavener Hall after 10:30 AM worship service for the Annual Backpack Build organized by Angela Harvey and Leigha Gordillo. We ll have some sandwiches on hand for adults and kiddos! Fall Study Classes Use the insert in today s bulletin or visit the Narthex starting today, Sunday, August 20 to register for one of our Adult Education Fall Study classes. This year we re offering a fascinating variety of topics and formats, including three 6-week courses, one 11-week class, and a one-year Disciple I program. Registration closes September 10, or when classes are full. Classes will take place in the evenings on Mondays or Tuesdays beginning September 11 and September 12. The cost per person is $12 make checks payable to St. Paul s UMC with Fall Study on the memo line. Youth Fellowship Is Back Middle High Youth starts this week! We will be meeting this Friday, August 25, 7:00-8:45 PM for fun, fellowship, and Bible study. There will be a 15 minute Parents Meeting at the beginning of this time to ask questions, make suggestions, and get a feel for what programming will be like. For more information, contact Micah Smartt, msmartt@stpaulsk.org or ext Please note Senior High Youth will have our first meeting on Sunday, September 10.

8 Be the Village! Raising children of faith takes a village, and we need you. The Sunday School year begins on September 10, and we are seeking teachers and volunteers now. Openings exist for the 3-year-old, kindergarten, 3rd grade, and high school classes. Training is provided, as are all materials, lesson plans, and snacks. Each teacher typically leads class twice a month during the 10:30 AM worship hour. Please especially consider volunteering if you have a child of Sunday School age but have not yet donated your time to this valuable ministry. Contact Meg Baker, Director of Christian Education, at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or ext. 104 for more information. Thank you! Essential Conversation on Race Join seasoned facilitator and author Milagros Phillips as we discuss the history of race. Registration is available online now: stpaulsk.org/service/belovedcommunity We ll explore how our current landscape shapes our spiritual journeys and calls us forward as a people of faith. Save the date: Saturday, September 16, 9:00 AM - 12:00 noon in Heavener Hall. Cost is $50 per person. Scholarships are available. Ring! Ring! JR! Calling! The St. Paul s Joyful Ringers! are gearing up for Fall 2017 and we re looking for a few new members to join the fun of bell ringing. We re especially interested in expanding our bass section though we welcome individuals for other positions, too. Whether a musical novice or musically experienced, we can work with you, including offering some private sessions on reading music and/or bell techniques. Anyone age 16 and above interested in ringing should contact Linda Ferrara at lj5352@aol.com or Summer Paradise Scripture & Sermon Series Explore the biblical idea of Paradise with our August scripture and sermon series. We ll look at what it means for our Creator s beauty to infuse the life we lead in the here and now, and point us to the mystery that comes in life beyond what we can now know. Pick up a Guidebook in the Narthex with passages of Scripture and questions for reflection on your own spiritual journey, or visit the website: Pancakes Are Coming The first Pancake Breakfast of the pancake breakfast season will be on Saturday, September 2, 8:00-10:30 AM in Heavener Hall. This will be the 47th year the St. Paul s United Methodist Men have served pancakes for our wider community. As a special treat, gingerbread pancakes will be served in addition to the regular pancakes and bacon, sausage, fruit, eggs, and beverages. The proceeds from this breakfast will be given to the Baltimore/Washington UMC Camping Ministries and to help feed those in need in the Kensington area. Pie with the Pastors Thinking about becoming a member or just want to learn more about life at St. Paul s? Use the insert or sign up in the church office by Thursday, August 31, then join the pastors on Saturday, September 2 at 10:00 AM in Room 109 for homemade pie and relaxing conversation about the Christian faith and this church we call home. Childcare is available upon request.

9 Kensington Labor Day Parade The Labor Day Parade is an annual tradition in Kensington and at St. Paul s. Please sign up to join us using the insert in the bulletin or the sign-up sheet in the church office. On Monday, September 4, join us for a short walk through town beside our float and have fun handing out candy along the way. All ages are welcome to participate, and a St. Paul s t-shirt will be provided for all walkers. Communion Collect We are all about feeding people! Each month, we serve over 100 families in the ZIP code who face hunger. Usually this occurs on the first Sunday and first Monday of the month, but due to the Labor Day holiday we will sort donations on Sunday, September 10 after the 10:30 AM worship service. Families will receive food during distribution night on Monday, September 11. Please donate non-perishable food items in the bins in the Narthex any time. All donations are welcome, from fully packed bags to single boxes of cereal. Shopping lists are available. For more information about volunteering, contact Kim Longsworth, kimberlylongsworth@gmail.com or Prayer Lift and Bible Study Returns Our Tuesday daytime groups took a break this summer, but we re getting back together for weekly meetings starting September 12. Our Prayer Lift is a small group that will meet 10:00-10:45 AM each Tuesday in the Chapel to pray and lift up the joys and concerns shared by St. Paul s members and friends. Come drop in for the Lectionary Bible Study small group, meeting at 10:45-11:30 AM each Tuesday in the Parlor, for a Bible study led by one of St. Paul s pastors. No advanced preparation is necessary. Please contact the church office if you have any questions. Friendship Club Updates Longtime Friendship Club member John Waddell passed away on July 14 after a heart attack, and a memorial service will be held Saturday, August 26 at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church (109 S. Washington Street, Rockville MD), with a reception to follow. John s death leaves a large void in the Friendship Club; he was a dedicated and helpful member who will be missed. If you wish to send a card to his wife Janet and family, please contact Erma McWilliams ( , emcwill436@aol.com) for the Waddell family s mailing address. Also, please put a big circle around October 10 on your calendar as a reminder for the next Friendship Club meeting in Heavener Hall. All older adults are invited to join us starting at 11:30 AM for a short business meeting followed by lunch and entertainment.

10 Weekly Schedule of Activities Sunday 8/20/17 9:00 AM Worship & Communion Sanctuary 9:00 AM Nursery 202 9:30 AM Adult Sunday School Parlor 10:30 AM Worship Sanctuary 10:30 AM Summer Sunday School (ages 2-10) classrooms 200, 201, :30 AM Nursery :30 AM Backpack Build Heavener Hall Monday 8/21/17 10:00 AM Visitation Meeting Library Tuesday 8/22/17 7:00 PM Journey Group 211 Wednesday 8/23/17 No church activities scheduled Thursday 8/24/17 No church activities scheduled Friday 8/25/17 7:00 PM Middle High UMYF (first meeting of the season) Multi-Purpose Room, Youth Lounge Saturday 8/26/17 No church activities scheduled Sunday 8/27/17 9:00 AM Worship & Communion Sanctuary 9:00 AM Nursery 202 9:30 AM Adult Sunday School Parlor 10:30 AM Worship Sanctuary 10:30 AM Summer Sunday School (ages 2-10) classrooms 200, 201, :30 AM Nursery :45 AM Sunday School Teacher & Safe Sanctuary Training Heavener Hall 5:00 PM Council on Youth Ministries 118, Youth Lounge

11 THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given today by Sue Heidel in loving memory of her father, Frank Heidel. SYMPATHY We extend our deepest sympathies to Emmanuel Katta following the death of his brother. OUR KNOWN SICK Names and addresses of St. Paul s members dealing with illness may be found at the Visitors Center and in the church office. Please pick up a copy of the list or contact the church office at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org or If you are a guest today, thank you for worshiping with us! Please sign the pew register and stop by our Visitor Center in the Narthex. Large print hymnals and Bibles are available in the back of the Sanctuary. Sanctuary Hearing Loop People with digital hearing aids that have telecoil receivers ( t-coil ) may now listen to the service directly by turning on the t-coil. St. Paul s Sanctuary has a hearing loop that transmits within the entire seating area. If your hearing aid does not have a t-coil, you may request a headset with portable receiver from the ushers or sound technicians. Please join us in the Octagon following worship today for refreshments and fellowship. Today s refreshments were cheerfully provided by Adda Clark and Diane Kaufman Serving coffee today: Emily Robinson and Diane Stalter

12 Assisting with Worship Today Acolyte Mattison Harvey Crucifer Aaron Bazawada Liturgist Margo Stevenson Greeters Debbie Jarman, Laura Tribble, Jack & Martha Lipscomb Sound Charlie Carson, Rich Rarey, John & Biljana Regan, Emily Robinson Ushers Dan Evans, Curtis Hartmann, Bob Neidecker, Stan Pond, Lyn Walker (captain) Bell Ringer Steve Warner Visitors Center Rachel Evans King Flower Arrangers Ranelle Bruch, Tracey Furman, Lyn Walker, Carol Woodside Senior Pastor Rev. Adam B. Snell Associate Pastor Rev. Claire Matheny / cmatheny@stpaulsk.org Youth Pastor Mr. Micah Smartt / msmartt@stpaulsk.org Director of Christian Education Mrs. Meg Baker / mbaker@stpaulsk.org Director of Music Mr. N. Thomas Pedersen / tpedersen@stpaulsk.org Organist Mr. Marvin Mills / mmills@stpaulsk.org Office Administrator Dr. Erin Bone Steele / stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org Baltimore-Washington Conference District Superintendent Gerard A. Gerry Green, Jr. Bishop LaTrelle Easterling