Centering Words Pastor Nancy It’s the Sunday after Easter; the lilies are gone, and we are alone with our faith. Thomas said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails, and my hand in His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25b NRSV) Easter is past, and we are alone with our faith.
Prelude Only Trust HimArr. Martin
Call To Worship L: Jesus said, “Peace be with you.” P: And some doubted. L: Jesus came through locked doors. P: And some doubted. L: Come and walk in the light of Christ. P: Come, gather in the love of God. L: Come, live in the unity of God’s Holy Spirit.
Opening Prayer (All) Breathe in this place, O Lord, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to open our minds, unlock our hearts, and enliven our faith so that we may welcome the risen one among us. AMEN.
Words of Welcome
Time of Offering Holy God, we give You thanks and praise for light and life and love, and above all, the presence of the living Lord among us. By Your Spirit who breathes within us, strengthen our faith, use our gifts, and work in our lives to bear witness to the resurrection of Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray. AMEN [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to 1007 Church Street, Milton WV 25541. If available, you can also give through your bank. If you wish to make a gift today, there is an offering box located at the parking lot entrance sidewalk.]
Offertory Holy Spirit, Truth DivineArr. Morrison
Pastoral Prayer
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.
Scripture John 20:19–31
Message NO DOUBT ABOUT ITPastor Nancy
Response He Is LordArr. Fettke (seated, sung softly with masks on, please) He is Lord; He is Lord. He is risen from the dead, and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow; every tongue confess That Jesus Christ is Lord.
Closing Let your life be a sign of Christ’s life so that others may come to believe that the Lord is risen indeed. This is the blessing of the Lord: Life Evermore. ALLELUIA! Postlude Faith Is Patience in the NightHorman/Keithahn
Resurrection Sunday, April 4, 2021
Centering Words Pastor Nancy As we notice the stone rolled away and turn from the tomb, we encounter the risen Jesus. As we look in wonder, Jesus calls us by name. Life, not death, is the deepest trust—God’s word for all creation. Alleluia!
Prelude Christ the Lord Is Risen Today Arr. L. Smith
Call To Worship JoAnne Cyrus L: This is the day that the Lord has made. P: Let us rejoice and be glad in it. L: This is the day that sees Christ rise. P: Let us rejoice and be glad in it. L: This is the day of new beginnings, for Christ is risen! P: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Opening Prayer JoAnne Cyrus God of hope, in the midst of death, You move stones and call forth life. When all hope seemed gone, You raised Jesus from the grave. We come before You today, longing for Your life-giving presence. God of new life, raise us up with all Your people. God of joy, fill our hearts with alleluias as we speak Your praises. Glory to God. AMEN.
Words of Welcome
Time of Offering Living God, You gave us the greatest gift of all, the gift of new life. Grateful for this gift, we bring our offerings, the work of our hands. Use our gifts to share Your words of hope, Your promise of forgiveness, and Your blessings with all creation. We are grateful for Your love and offer ourselves that we might walk with our neighbors into Your garden of love. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to 1007 Church Street, Milton WV 25541. If available, you can also give through your bank. If you wish to make a gift today, there is an offering box located at the parking lot entrance sidewalk.] Offertory I Know That My Redeemer Liveth Handel/Arr. Ritter
Pastoral Prayer 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.
Scripture Luke 24:1–12; John 20:11–16
Message InsteadPastor Nancy
Response The shadows of night gave way to the dawn of a new day. The stone barring the way moved to welcome passage. Instead of death, we find new life, new hope, and new possibilities. The One who knows us better than we know ourselves calls us by name. We have seen Jesus and have heard the good news of Easter.
Closing Blessing Christ is risen! The stone is rolled away! The tomb is empty! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Postlude Low in the Grave He LayArr. Smith
* * * * * * * * Welcome Guests: Thank you for joining us for worship today! We hope that you will find our church to be a place where you feel welcome and experience the presence of God in a powerful way.
Noisy Offering: Thank you for your donations for missions last week that totaled $73.78. Your next opportunity to help with missions is Sunday, April 25. Plan now to bring ALL of your loose change.
Special Music by Robert Jackson
Sunday, March 28, 2021 Palm Sunday
Prelude Hosanna, Loud HosannaArr. La Plante
Call To Worship L: Blessed is the coming kingdom. P: Hosanna in the highest! L: When Jesus and His disciples were approaching Jerusalem at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ Just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Blessed is the coming kingdom. P: Hosanna in the highest! L: Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and He sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest!” Then He entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when He looked around at everything, as it was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve. Blessed is the coming kingdom. P: Hosanna in the highest!
Opening Prayer Holy One, You have come in God’s name and for our sake. You have entered our souls in moments of shouted Hosannas and waving cloaks, and You have come just the same to our late nights and our confused hearts. Come to us again, Holy One, and let us follow You. Let Your name be on our tongues and in our hearts. AMEN Words of Welcome and Announcements Pastor Nancy Time of Offering Gracious God, You have given us blessings beyond measure: hearts of mercy, hands of grace, and the presence of Christ in our souls and in our lives. We can never repay what we have received, so help us carry it forward. May we use the gifts of hearts and hands to sustain the weary in word and in deed. May we be awakened to all who long for God’s peace and have courage enough to walk with them. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to 1007 Church Street, Milton WV 25541. If available, you can also give through your bank. If you wish to make a gift today, there is an offering box located at the parking lot entrance sidewalk.]
Offertory The Holy CityArr. E. Smith
Pastoral Prayer Pastor Nancy Jesus suffered death and rose to glory for the life of the world. Let us lift up our hearts in thanks to God and pray for the cares of the world, saying “Save us, O Lord, for your mercy is great.”
Holy God, Your son humbled Himself, even to death, to show us the power of loving service. Guide those holding positions of power, that their decisions give rise to the mutual flourishing of the world You so love. Save us, O Lord, for Your mercy is great.
Healing God, Your son is betrayed and crucified in our violent world each day. Raise us to a new and rightly ordered world through the reconciling love of Christ, where all victims of violence, persecution, shame or terror may stand together with You in peace. Save us, O Lord, for Your mercy is great.
Forsaken God, as Your son suffered His cruel death on the cross, darkness covered the whole land. Enlighten us to care for Your creation, awaken us from our denial and abuse, and help us to alleviate its suffering. Save us, O Lord, for Your mercy is great.
Eternal God, Your son was lovingly cared for as He was laid to rest in a tomb. We remember before You those who are distressed and sorrowful, those who need to be enfolded in Your love. We share the names of Your children who are dear to us… Save us, O Lord, for Your mercy is great.
We ask all this in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
Scripture Luke 19:29–40; John 13:3–15; John 19:1–11
Message Holy Week AttirePastor Nancy
Palms to Passion Closing Lord of all hopefulness, as we have shared the retelling of the parade of palms and coats; as we move with Christ on the journey toward the cross with towels and crowns, with a table of bread and juice, through a garden of prayer and a mockery of a trial, we know that the hard part is ahead this week. Give us the courage to lay bare our own vulnerabilities, that we may see the sacred intersection of our lives and the passion of Christ. Even as we remember the day of crucifixion, help us to hold on to the hope that resurrection and new life are near.
“O Lord, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to my aid!” Do not be gone long, Lord Jesus. We mourn this week, and we await the joy that will come with the dawn of Easter morning. AMEN.
People of God, go into this hard and holy week trusting in God Be filled with the Spirit to walk with Christ to the end. AMEN.
Welcome Guests: Thank you for joining us for worship today! We hope that you will find our church to be a place where you feel welcome and experience the presence of God in a powerful way.
Noisy Offering: We have a “Noisy” can available for the parking lot and one in the sanctuary for all your loose change for missions. Folding money is always accepted as well.
Special Service: The “Journey to the Cross” will be offered Thursday & Friday (check calendar for times). There will be seven stations that help us to remember and hold close the passion of Christ. You are encouraged to wear your mask and observe social distancing. The stations will begin near the library parking lot entrance and move through Friendship Hall and the sanctuary.
Holy Communion: For those who do not wish to come inside the church, we will offer drive-up Holy Communion Thursday, April 1, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Farewell Drive-by: There will be a farewell drive-by for Pastor Bronson on Saturday, April 3, at BUMC from 11:00 till noon. Cards are welcome and can be sent to: 2500 Historic Circle, Morrisville, NC 27560
Invitation to Worship We come to worship the God of mercy. Open the skies and pour down your grace on us, O God. We come to worship the One who died for us. Open our hearts to hear your voice calling, Jesus our Savior. We come to worship.
Time of Prayer God of love and mercy, open us to your presence as we worship you this day. Give us the strength to respond to the cries of your people. Draw us more fully to your image for our lives. In the name of the glorified Christ we pray. Amen
Words of Welcome and Reminders
Offering Time Generous and all-loving God, inspire us to give of ourselves more fully to your love and care. Enable us to respond by caring for others in your name, answering when you beckon us. As we give our gifts we dedicate ourselves to your service in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to 1007 Church Street, Milton WV 25541. If you wish to make a gift today, there is an offering box located at the parking lot entrance sidewalk.
Offertory “The Lord is My Shepherd” (Peterson)
Prayers of the People God of us all, Jesus sought you out in all his days, but especially in his last days, Jesus prayed. We pray to you today, opening our hearts to you as we pray for our community with all of the pain and hurt, with all of the worry and fear. We pray for our state and country and for your world where there is war and strife, injustice, violence and pain. We pray for young children, youth, young and older adults in their need for peace of mind, strength of spirit, and courage to walk faithfully with you. We pray for those who feel alone, who are worried for their loved ones and those who care for the needs of others. We pray for those on our hearts and minds in their need for healing and recovery, in their sorrow and grief, naming before you…
O Lord, we come before you seeking after your ways of care and compassion. We ask that you create in us a clean heart and renew within us a right spirit for the journey of faith. Through Christ, with Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, we glorify you and offer you our gratitude for the great blessings bestowed upon us daily and the celebrations of this time and life. With unending thanks and praise we pray to you now the prayer Jesus gave to his disciples and to us, praying:
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, the power and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Scriptures Matthew 26: 6-13, Luke 10: 25-37, James 5: 13-14
Message “Give Me Oil for My Life” Pastor Nancy White
Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He taketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leaders me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leaders me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me; thy rode and they staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoints my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Closing Blessing In hope, go out in the name of the one who created you. In peace, go out in the way of Christ. In love, go out to be the healing balm of the Holy Spirit.
Postlude “Healer of Our Every Ill” (Haugen)
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There will be a weekly Lenten devotional posted each Wednesday by Pastor Nancy reflecting on “Lent in Plain Sight” by Jill J. Duffield. You may access it on facebook and the church website.
Bethesda UMC is collecting donations for Easter baskets or pre-packaged baskets for the Bethesda Preschool students (ages 3 and 4). If you would want to provide any items or candy, or a compete basket, you are invited to do so by dropping them off by next Sunday here at MUMC.
There will be a drive by goodbye for Pastor Bronson Clark and his family on Saturday, April 3 from 11AM-noon at Bethesda UMC. You should be able to follow the signs to drive around the church. Cards are welcome as well. If you would like to mail a card, the address is 2500 Historic Circle, Morrisville NC 27560
There is to be an Easter Egg Hunt at April Dawn Park on Saturday, March 27 at 4pm, hosted by the Greater Huntington Parks and Rec Department. You may wish to visit their website for more information including preregistration for the hunt. We are contributing 2 prizes for this event.
There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt with the Milton Ministerial Association churches on Sunday, March 28 at 3pm. It will be held on the football field at Milton Elementary School. We are contributing filled eggs and if anyone wishes to help with the hunt, speak to Pastor Nancy for information. It is to be as ‘safe’ an environment as possible for all.
Sunday, March 14, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Lent
Prelude God So Loved the World (Stainer) Lynn McGinnis
Invitation to Worship (ALL) God is good… all the time. All the time… God is good. Come let us worship the God of our salvation,
Time of Prayer God of immeasurable grace, you sent your son into the world that we might be saved and fashioned us in the ways of your love and light. May we walk in ways worthy of your covenant with us. May we seek after your pathways and your mission for us. AMEN.
Words of Welcome and Reminders
Offering Time Merciful God, we thank you for your wonderful works among humankind. Accept this offering with the dedication of our lives and help us to be for the world a symbol of your steadfast love. Amen
If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to 1007 Church Street, Milton WV 25541. If you wish to make a gift today, there is an offering box located at the parking lot entrance sidewalk.
OffertoryAt Jesus’ Feet (Peery)
Prayers of the People Merciful God, hear our prayers as we come to you this day. We come to you as grateful people. Thankful for your grace and mercy and for all of the blessings you give to us. Thankful for your care of our needs and for the joyful celebrations of life with others. We come to you bringing our worries and our concerns. We pray for those of your children who live without clean water or sufficient nourishment. We pray for those of your children who live in fear for their lives and their way of life. We pray for those who walk the streets near us and for those who walk far from us that we will never see. Bring your peace and your provision to each one as you know best. We come before you with the cry of the sick and distressed of those we do know and love. We pray for… Save them from their distress. Heal them of their illness and wounds. Deliver them from their suffering and worry. O God, in Jesus Christ you have shown your love for the world. Receive our prayers. Grant us your light upon the paths we walk. May we seek to walk the paths of Jesus, our Savior who taught us to pray…
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, the power and the glory, for ever. AMEN.
Scriptures Mark 6:7–8; John 1:19–28; Ephesians 6:10–17
MessageThese Boots are Made for God’s Mission Pastor Nancy White Closing Blessing God sends us forth to walk in the light of holy love. God sends us forth to serve in spirit and in truth. Go to walk in the joy of salvation with the light of Christ and the Holy Spirit blessing you.
PostludeWe Walk By Faith
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There will be a weekly Lenten devotional posted each Wednesday by Pastor Nancy reflecting on Lent in Plain Sight by Jill J. Duffield. You may access it on facebook and the church website.
We are planning to have our Easter Garden of flowers for Easter Sunday this year. If you wish to order in memory or in honor, please take care of this today as we must turn the order numbers in tomorrow. The flowers are $15 for tulips, hyacinth or daffodils. The forms are available at the door with the offering box or on the table at the Sanctuary entrance.
Bethesda UMC is collecting donations for Easter baskets or pre-packaged baskets for the Bethesda Preschool students (ages 3 and 4). If you would want to provide any items or candy, or a compete basket, you are invited to do so by dropping them off next Sunday here at MUMC.
It is Pi Day, 3.14, so don’t forget to enjoy some pie today. Take a photo and send to Pastor Nancy or the Facebook page, whether it is apple, cherry, chocolate, pizza pie or chicken pot pie!
Sunday, March 7, 2021 Third Sunday of Lent
Prelude Open the Gates of the Temple (arr. Bish) Lynn McGinnis
Invitation to Worship (ALL) Called by Christ, we gather as one. Blessed by God’s wisdom, we gather to learn. Amazed by God’s love, we gather to worship.
Time of Prayer God of glory and might, speak to us with your wisdom, that we might truly hear you. Display your majesty that we might truly see you. Transform the chaos of our lives with clarity of your call, that we might worship you in spirit and in truth. Amen
Words of Welcome and Reminders
Offering Time God, it is easier to offer our money than it is our lives. Today as we offer these gifts may they reflect our hearts and our living, all bringing your love into the world as they and we are blessed by you. Amen
If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to 1007 Church Street, Milton WV 25541. If you wish to make a gift today, there is an offering box located at the parking lot entrance sidewalk.
Offertory How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings (arr. Peterson)
Prayers of the People Holy God, you have called us to live before you and with one another in all faithfulness. Forgive us the harm and hurt we inflict upon others in our careless ways. Forgive us the hurt we bring to you when we act against your love for us and others. Hear our prayers this day and restore to us communion with you and one another. We pray for people who are victims of the decisions of others and for those who struggle with hostilities or misunderstandings. We pray for those who grieve and who worry as they care for loved ones. We pray for those who are in need of healing of mind, body and spirit. Hold especially close to your heart those we name before you in these moments… We pray for healing and reconciliation, for restoration of your ways in the world. Bring your hope into hearts once more and grant new beginnings and new possibilities for all. Show us your ways to care for one another. Send us in love, with open eyes, ear and hearts to be true to you and your children in the name of Jesus Christ, who calls us to pray together…
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, the power and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Scriptures Luke 15:8; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 21:1; Ezra 2:68
Message PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS Pastor Nancy Closing Blessing May God shine upon you. May Christ fill you with wisdom and strength. May the Holy Spirit guide you, now and forever. Amen
Postlude More Precious Than Silver (DeShazo)
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There will be a weekly Lenten devotional posted each Wednesday by Pastor Nancy reflecting on Lent in Plain Sight by Jill J. Duffield. You may access it on Facebook and the church website.
Sunday, February 28, 2021 Second Sunday of Lent
Prelude When I Survey the Wondrous Cross/There is a Redeemer (arr. Page) Lynn McGinnis
Invitation to Worship Christ died for our trespasses but was raised for our justification Thanks be to God. We trust in God’s promises of salvation and worship God this day. Thanks be to God.
Time of Prayer Trusting in God’s promises, let us pray for the world and for our needs, saying “Holy God, hear our prayers.” God, in Jesus Christ you have opened your covenant to everyone who lives by faith in you. As we trust in your promises, dwelling together in peace, we pray “Holy God…Hear our prayers.” We pray for your peace among nations, for integrity in governments and your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray that the cries of the poor would be heard, that the hungry would be fed and that the oppressed will find deliverance. “Holy God… Hear our prayers.” God you know that needs of those who are ill, those who suffer, those who grieve. You know the heart cries of those who care for others, of those who need relief. We bring to you now our personal concerns, naming aloud and from our hearts…. “Holy God… Hear our prayers.” Grant these prayers, Holy God, by your grace. Stir up in us the will to seek out your kingdom with dedication of our lives in ministry to the world, for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ, through whom we pray together now: 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, the power and the glory, for ever. AMEN.
Words of Welcome and Reminders
Offering Time Almighty God, we thank you for opening up the kingdom to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Accept our gifts and offerings that we may be a sign of your abiding love for the world now. We offer them in the name of Jesus, our Savior. AMEN.
If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to 1007 Church Street, Milton WV 25541. If you wish to make a gift today, there is an offering box located at the parking lot entrance sidewalk.
Offertory Lenten Prayer (Glyncannon)
Scriptures Mark 15:29–33, 37; Hebrews 12:1–3; Philippians 2:1–11
Message “CROSS-stitched Together” Pastor Nancy
Closing Blessing Disciples of Jesus, do not shun the ways of the cross, but follow after Christ. And may the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit uphold you. AMEN.
Postlude Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone
********************** There will be a weekly Lenten devotional posted each Wednesday by Pastor Nancy reflecting on “Lent in Plain Sight” by Jill J. Duffield. You may access it on facebook and the church website.
We intend to begin offering the opportunity for worship in the sanctuary next Sunday, March 7. We will still offer the 101.3 fm transmission and video worship. If you choose to be inside, please be mindful of continued efforts to be cautious with masks and social distance.
Worship Team following worship today. Trustee Meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m. Church Council Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 21, 2021 First Sunday of Lent
Invitation to Worship In God we live and move and have our being. Every breath, every moment, every relationship comes from God. This day we marvel at God’s lavish care of us. This day we worship the God of heaven and earth.
Time of Prayer Let us take time for our silent prayers… God of faithful love and powerful purpose, there are times when we are open to your leading and walk the path of Jesus with courage and hope even when it is fearful. At other times, we claim to be too busy, or too scared, or become too complacent. Today we want to be the people of Jesus, to feast upon the bread of life that sustains us and nourishes us. Today we come before you knowing that it is in your life-giving ways that we find our purposes. We come in these moments full of gratitude for all you have done, and will do for us, even in the midst of difficult days and moments of confusion and worry. We come to re-connect and to bring before you our deepest concerns knowing that you hear our prayers and know our hearts. We pray for… Lord, instill in us the courage to walk the path with Jesus lighting our way. Enter our hearts and our lives that we might be filled with your compassion and hope all our days. Amen.
Words of Welcome and Reminders
Offering Time Because you are the God who saves us, we give these gifts unto you. Because you are the God who blesses us with our daily bread, we return unto you what is yours. Take our lives and our gifts and use them Lord. Use the gifts for your purpose and pleasure. Use us as well, that we might find pleasure in your kingdom. Amen If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to 1007 Church Street, Milton WV 25541. If you wish to make a gift today, there is an offering box located at the parking lot entrance sidewalk.
Scriptures John 6:35–44, Exodus 16:4–12, I Corinthians 11:24
Message “Oh, the Deliciousness of the Bread” Pastor Nancy 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, the power and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift the up to the Lord Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give our thanks and praise The Great Thanksgiving Closing Most bountiful God, we give you thanks for the world you have created, for the gift of life and for giving yourself to us as the bread of life. We thank you for Jesus Christ, whose holy life, suffering and death and glorious resurrection have delivered us. We thank you that in the power of the Holy Spirit you have fed us in this sacrament, united us with Christ and given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. We are your children, and yours is the glory, now and for ever. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. ********************** It is the intention of Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball to create a new charge which will be known as the Milton Bethesda UM Charge. Pastor Nancy White will be the pastor of this charge effective April 1. This will be a change for both congregations, but it is also full of opportunity for ministry and outreach. Please continue to be in prayer for all involved and to pray for God’s guidance moving forward. There will be a weekly Lenten devotional posted each Wednesday by Pastor Nancy reflecting on “Lent in Plain Sight” by Jill J. Duffield. You may access it on facebook and the church website. We intend to begin offering the opportunity for worship in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 7. We will still offer the 101.3 fm transmission and video worship. If you choose to be inside, please be mindful of continued efforts to be cautious with masks and social distance.
Sunday, February 14, 2021 Transfiguration Sunday
Invitation to Worship The light of God is shining around and within. The voice of God is calling, not just from ancient texts but from here and now. The love of God is with us, flowing around and within us. Stay with us, Creator God. Live in us, Christ Jesus. Abide in us, Holy Spirit.
Time of Prayer Let us take time for our silent prayers… We worship You, O God, with songs of praise. We worship You with words of prayer and with ears that listen for You to speak Your saving truth into our lives. We worship You in the silent spaces where we struggle for hope and for courage. We long for a glimpse of Your glory: the glory that shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it; the glory that touches lives with a beauty so holy that it heals the wounded soul; the glory that gives strength to the weary. This morning we speak before You the names on our hearts and minds: We, who stumble and fall so often, worship You, longing for Your light to shine upon us. Dazzle us with Your holy love, draw us into Your purifying presence, speak to us Your transforming truth. Then, grant us grace to live every moment changed by such glory—daring to live with hope and courage and love reflecting the life of Jesus, through whom Your glory shines in the most unexpected ways. AMEN.
Words of Welcome and Reminders Offering Time God of Transformation, we come together as those who have met you on the mountaintop; as those who have experienced your love and blessings. We offer our gifts this morning in response to your blessings in our life. Help us hold our memories of those mountaintop encounters with you in our hearts and seek after others who need those encounters. We pray boldly in Jesus’ name. AMEN. If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to 1007 Church Street, Milton WV 25541. If you wish to make a gift today, there is an offering box located at the parking lot entrance sidewalk.
Scriptures of the Day Mark 9:2–9
Message Transfiguring Love The Rev. Shea James
Sending Forth May God now send us back down the mountain of our worship. We have been changed. We can’t be silent anymore We have seen the Light of the World. Go and share the radiance of love!
We welcome to our worship this morning The Rev. Shea James.,Shea serves as the Director of Young Disciples and Outdoor Ministries for the West Virginia Annual Conference and is an ordained Elder in the West Virginia Conference. Shea is passionate about camp and retreat ministry, studying theology, and helping young people find community in the church. In her free time, you can find her kayaking and hiking with friends, tackling a home repair project, gardening, cooking, or hanging out with her pup Reverend.
This week we begin the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday. Pastor Nancy will be sharing a worship video early in the day which will invite you to remember and begin this time of following Jesus to the cross. We hope that you have received your mailing of the Lenten devotional and the burlap piece with ashen cross.
We are also offering each home a large purple bow as our ‘outward symbol’ of the season. We hope that you will place the bow outside your home on the porch or mailbox where you are able. If you have not received it yet, please check today or be sure to message us to bring you a bow. Be sure to look for the Valentine’s Day video posted today also.