FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

A community of faith committed to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with a hurting world through words and actions

 

MAY 6, 2007                                        “EMBRACE THE FUTURE”                          9:30 A.M. SERVICE

AND HOLY COMMUNION

 

We welcome you to this service of praise and adoration.   Let God speak to you through the songs and the message, and enjoy the fellowship of those who are seeking the Lord and the spiritual help that we need for daily living.

 

WELCOME                                                                                                     Worship Leader: Sue Harris 

 

WORSHIP IN SONG: HERE I AM TO WORSHIP (by Tim Hughes)

Light of the World, You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see. 

Beauty that made this heart adore You, hope of a life spent with You.

So, here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God. 

And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.

 

King of all days, oh so highly exalted, glorious in heaven above. 

Humbly You came to the Earth You created, all for love’s sake became poor.

 

So, here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God. 

And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.

And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. (Repeat)

 

So, here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God. 

And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.  (2000 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music)

 

WE HAVE A VISION  (Chris Falson)

We have a vision for this nation, we share a dream for this land;

we join the angels in celebration, and by faith we speak revival to this land.

Where ev’ry knee shall bow and worship You, and ev’ry tongue confess that You are Lord;

give us an open heaven and anoint our prayers this day, and move Your sov’reign hand across this nation.

(1990 Seam of Gold/Maranatha! Music)

 

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER  (by Vicky Beeching)

Everlasting God, the years go by, but You’re unchanging. 

In this fragile world, You are the only firm foundation. 

 

Chorus:  Always loving, always true, always merciful and good, so good.  Yesterday, today, and forever. 

You are the same, You never change.  Yesterday, today, and forever;

You are faithful, and we will trust in You.  We will trust in You.

 

Uncreated One, You have no end and no beginning, earthly powers fade, but there is no end to Your kingdom. 

 

Chorus:  Always loving, always true, always merciful and good, so good.  Yesterday, today, and forever. 

You are the same, You never change.  Yesterday, today, and forever; You are faithful, and we will trust in You.  We will trust in You.  We will trust in You.   (2002 Thankyou Music)

 

 

OPENING PRAYER

 

THE HEART OF WORSHIP (by Matt Redman)

When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come; longing just to bring something that’s of worth that will bless Your heart.  I’ll bring You more than a song, for a song in itself is not what You have required.  You search much deeper within through the way things appear; You’re looking into my heart.

 

Chorus: I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus. 

I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it, when it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus.

 

King of endless worth, no one could express how much You deserve. 

Though I’m weak and poor, all I have is Yours, ev’ry single breath.  (1997 Kingsway Thankyou Music)

 

HOLY GROUND  (by Christopher Beatty)

This is holy ground.  We're standing on holy ground. For the Lord is present and where He is is holy.

This is holy ground. We're standing on holy ground for the Lord is present and where He is is holy.

 

These are holy hands.  He's given us holy hands. He works through these hands and so these hands are holy.

These are holy hands.  He's given us holy hands. He works through these hands and so these hands are holy.

(1893 Meadowgreen Music Co.)

 

HOLY GROUND  ( By Geron Davis)

We are standing on holy ground.  And I know that there are angels all around.

Let us praise Jesus now.  We are standing in His presence on holy ground.    (1983 Meadowgreen Music)

 

BRINGING OUR NEEDS TO GOD (Prayers of the People)

 

PRAYER RESPONSE:  I LOVE YOU, LORD   (by Laurie Klein)

I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You. O my soul, rejoice! 

Take joy, my King, in what You hear: may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.  (1980 House of Mercy Music)

 

 

WORSHIP IN GIVING: Offering 

“EMBRACE THE FUTURE” DVD PRESENTATION

 

 

SHARING THE WORD:  Scripture:        Ephesians 3:14-21

                                                  Message:          “A Celebration of Ministry”                   Pastor Steve Donat

 

PRESENTATION OF PLEDGE CARDS

 

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION - The congregation is invited to receive Communion at the Communion rails.  Come forward when you are ready, and receive the Communion elements with joy.  These symbols represent the Body and Blood of Jesus offered for our forgiveness and new life.  The invitation to receive comes from Jesus himself, and is not based on membership in this or any other Church.  While you are waiting for your place at the Communion rail, take advantage of this quiet time to meditate, and offer your personal prayer and praise to God.

      

GOING FORTH:  The Benediction

 

 

A NOTE TO PARENTS:  Child care is provided for infants and children up to 4 years old in the Education Building during Sunday school and worship hours. 

 

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK:    Worship:  481             Sunday School: 180  

 

ACOLYTE:  Samantha Bewley

 

USHERS: Ed Florida, Ruth Florida, John Clawges, Kathy Clawges, David Stepp

 

THE CHANCEL BOUQUET HAS BEEN GIVEN BY: Jim Ottignon, to the Glory of God and in memory of wife, Ruth and his father James A. Ottignon.

PRAYER CONCERNS: Steve Greer, Faye Sienkiewicz, Mary Louise Shingleton,  Christine Crane, Michael Zayas, Julia Rowe (friends of The Nachsin’s),  Pat & Gary Rutledge (niece & nephew of Hugh & Marion Hamilton),  Eric Spruel, Robin Weitz (friend of Ann Woodworth),  Christopher Nicklen (brother of Fiona Nicklen), Maryellen Martin (sister-in-law of Debra & Ed Vernier), Drew Spinelli, Carolyn Szalkowski, Samantha Adams (3 yrs. old - friend of Linda Wanagas), William Schill (father of Dave Schill), Mariana Peguero.

SERVING IN IRAQ:  Mark Dougherty, Jr., grandson of Marilyn McClendon, David Wichmann, friend of Rick & Linda Young, Scott Berner, grandson of Ray & Jean Berner,  Lt. Col. David Ottignon,

Dennis Matulewicz (brother of Kelly Hudak), Josh Soper (son of Betsy Heinz’s cousin).   

 

The Staff of First United Methodist Church

                            Stephen Donat, Senior Pastor                              Joan Armstrong, Administrative Assistant

                            HeyYoung Horton, Associate Pastor                 Karen Halligan, Membership Secretary

                            Glenn Rodgers, Director of Music                      Sue Harris, Parish Nurse

                            Karen Murray, Director of Christian Ed.            Curt Diehl, Property Maintenance Coordinator

                            Karen Sims, Interim Youth Director

Church Office Contacts

                                Phone: 856-235-0450                                 Fax: 856-235-2722       

                             E-mail: church@meetwithGod.com                 Website: www.meetwithGod.com

                                                                                                                                                         (CCLI License No. 782839)