FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pleasant Valley and Camden Avenues

Moorestown, New Jersey

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

JANUARY 6, 2008                               HOLY COMMUNION                               11:00 A.M. Service                                                  

 

LARGE PRINT BULLETINS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX

HEARING DEVICES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM USHERS

Numbers in the bulletin refer to pages in the United Methodist Hymn book located in the pews

 

 

  PRELUDE                                Improvisation on “We Three Kings”                                  Holden           

 

  GREETING

 

 CALL TO WORSHIP:

   Arise; shine, for your light has come!

   We are called out of our darkness into light.

   Lift up your eyes and look around.

   We rejoice in the gift of light.

   Come let us worship the God of light and joy and peace.

   We come to kneel at the cradle of the babe, the Light Incarnate.                                              

 

     INTROIT                                     

 

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 577      God of Grace and God of Glory  

 

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Ever patient God,

We are a people who live in thick darkness. We stumble around bombarded by news of war and poverty, famine and genocide, injustice and oppression. The maelstrom of things and issues and people of the dark can overwhelm and paralyze us.

Help us be people of the light, shining your light of righteousness, peace, and joy into all the dark places of our lives and world. Unlock the mystery and glory of the babe born in Bethlehem. Turn our aimless wanderings into a journey of purpose guided by your star. Let the light break into our lives and our world, and transform us into people of the light.       Amen.

 

SCRIPTURE READING                                    Luke 6:35-38

 

CALL TO PRAYER  365                   Grace Greater Than Our Sin                       Chorus only

 

PASTORAL PRAYER  

 

WE CELEBRATE OUR LIFE IN CHRIST

We welcome all who are worshiping with us this morning.  Please fill out the blue-colored card that you will find in the bulletin.  Write any special prayer requests on the back, and pass them face down to the center aisle.

 

  PRESENTATION OF OUR GIFTS AND TITHES  

 

  MINISTRY OF MUSIC                    Wise Souls Still Seek Him                                        Wetzler

                                                                   Adult Choir

*DOXOLOGY 95

      Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below:

praise him above, ye heavenly host;

praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

  HYMN OF PREPARATION 358   Dear Lord and Father of Mankind                                           

 

  SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

     The Sacrament of Baptism will be administered to: Joshua Peter Moseley,

     born October 5, 2007 to Aaron and Rebecca Moseley

                                                                          

  SERMON                                           “No Easy Answers, I”                          Pastor Steve Donat

                                                           Can I Really Forgive?                                                    

 

 THE GREAT THANKSGIVING                                                                                                 Page 13

 

  GIVING THE BREAD AND CUP

        In the United Methodist Church all Christians are welcome to receive Communion.  As you   come forward to receive the Elements, you may stand if you are unable to kneel.  If you are             unable to come forward, let an usher know, and the Elements will be brought to you.

For those members with grape juice allergies, whole grapes are available.

 

  HYMNS DURING COMMUNION

372     How Can We Sinners Know, vs 1 & 6            390  Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive, vs. 1&4

389    Freely, Freely, verse 1                                  408  The Gift of Love, vs. 1&3

389  Freely, Freely, verse 2

 

  PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

 

*CLOSING HYMN 365                    Grace Greater Than Our Sin

 

*BENEDICTION

 

*POSTLUDE                                                       

*While the congregation stands, those who would find this uncomfortable may remain seated.

 

A NOTE TO PARENTS

We love children and your little ones are welcome in our worship service.  On those days when your child is fussy, the parlor located behind the sanctuary provides an excellent place to care for your child and still participate in the worship service.

 

USHERS:  Jerry Mengel, Gloria Bahnck, Ellen Edwards, Bob Edwards, Larry Shay

 

COMMUNION USHERS:  Bill Potter, Glen Haegele, Paul Gager, Gene Foster

 

ACOLYTES:    Michelle Machamer and Katie Clawges

 

GREETERS:  Rick and Linda Young

 

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK:  Worship: 565                                                                                                                      

 

THE CHANCEL BOUQUETS HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY:  Ms. Helen Morrissey, to the Glory of God and in memory of her daughter, Kathy Morrissey.

PRAYER CONCERNS:  Steve Greer, Stanton Webb (husband of Barbara Webb), Charlie Stocksdale, Matt & Kelly Petroski (friends of Rick & Linda Young), Janet Coshland (daughter of Alan Coshland), Walter Connor (brother of Grace Immler), Faye Sienkiewicz, Richard Kling (Doug Blackman’s brother-in-law), David Lawrence (brother of Sue Potter),  Heidi Ramey and son Tommy Jester, Tink Scherer (mother of Martha Oliver), Marisa Wieland, Ruth Allen, Felecia Frugoli, Doris Ball (mother of Sharon Marchiano), Louise McMeans, Dale Duffin.

PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY TO: Donna Rolfs and family on the death of her husband Don Rolfs and to Lucy Vogt and family on the death of her father Lidio Zezza.

SERVING IN IRAQ:  Lt. Col. David Ottignon, Josh Soper (son of Betsy Heinz’s cousin), Robert Woodard (grandson of Bill & Julia Wood), Joshua Moore (nephew of Carol Veldon), James Shields (son of Marcia Shields), Michael McMaster.

 

                                                                                                             

Church Office Contacts

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

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

(CCLI License No. 782839)