Welcome Pastor Nancy O God, keep our whole country under Your protection. Wipe out sin from this land; lift it up from the depth of sorrow, O Lord, our shining light. Save us from deep grief and misfortune, Lord of all nations. Bless us with Your wisdom and make this a nation having no authority but that of Love as found in Jesus Christ.
Prelude FinlandiaArr. Hughes
* Call To Worship L: God calls us to worship today. P: We are here! L: Sing to the Lord, all you faithful. P: Our hearts sing without ceasing. L: Praise God for God’s abundant blessings. P: We give thanks to God’s holy name.
* Opening Prayer (Unison) O God, we are gathered to meet with You this morning. Open our hearts to the many ways You will speak to us. Call us out of our everyday lives to share Your message of love and grace. Challenge us today to look within ourselves so that we may be Your disciples. AMEN.
* Hymn The Battle Hymn of the Republic#717 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving God of great blessings, Your church exalts You. You have given us life everlasting, freedom and favor. You have blessed us with Your wisdom and the Holy Spirit’s presence with us. We seek Your help to use these gifts to continue to honor You by loving our neighbors with grace and compassion, love and mercy in the way of Christ our Savior. AMEN.
[If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory Offertory on “St. Catherine”Arr. Young
Prayers of the People
Hymn Blessed Be the Name #63 UMH
Song of the Day Blessed By Martina McBride
Scripture Matthew 6:30–33 (NRSV) Philippians 4:19 (NRSV)
MessageMore Than I DeservePastor Nancy
* Closing Hymn Now Thank We All Our God#102 UMH
* Sending Forth The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. AMEN.
* Postlude Let Freedom RingMansfield
* You may stand if you wish.
June 26, 2022 3rd Sunday After Pentecost Noisy Offering
Welcome Pastor Nancy Re-direction. Re-creation. Re-focus. God invites us to come near that we might know God’s call upon us, that we might drink deeply of Christ’s love for us, and the Spirit lead us in new ways of living witness.
Prelude He Leadeth Me! O Blessed ThoughtArr. Lewis
* Call To Worship L: The Spirit is here, P: inviting us to worship. L: The Spirit is here, P: in each of our lives. L: The Spirit is here, P: in our gathered community. L: The Spirit is here, P: guiding us together in love, peace and patience.
* Opening Prayer (Unison) Speak to us, Spirit of wisdom and truth, as we worship this day. Bind us together into a community of love and peace. Live and move in our lives, that we may grow in Your Spirit. Deepen our faithfulness, and display the love, peace, patience, kindness, and generosity You have planted in our souls. AMEN.
* Hymn Where He Leads Me #338 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving Bear fruit with these gifts we bring, O Lord. May they bring a double share of Your presence to all who are touched by them. Bless us also that we may grow in Your Spirit toward even more generosity and love for Your world. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory I Need Thee Every HourArr. Southbridge
Prayers of the People
Hymn Something Beautiful #394 UMH
Song of the Day Unanswered PrayersBy Garth Brooks
Scripture Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Peter 5:6–7 (NRSV)
MessageGod’s AnswerPastor Nancy
* Closing Hymn Take Time to Be Holy#395 UMH
* Sending Forth The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. AMEN. * Postlude Cry of My HeartButler
* You may stand if you wish.
June 19, 2022 Father's Day
Welcome Pastor Nancy Re-direction. Re-creation. Re-focus. God invites us to come near that we might know God’s call upon us, that we might drink deeply of Christ’s love for us, and the Spirit lead us in new ways of living witness.
Prelude This Is My Father’s WorldArr. Hughes
* Call To Worship L: When forces in the world threaten us, when our bodies or spirits turn against us, there is One who seeks us. P: One who meets us, One who heals us, whose love washes over us and sets us free for joy. L: This One is the Lord. P: Let us worship God.
* Opening Prayer (Unison) O God who is greater than the most powerful forces in this world, enable us to be still and know that You are God. O Lord who answers out of the whirlwind of everyday life, breathe in us Your Holy Spirit to strengthen, comfort, and guide us in the midst of the storm. O still, small voice, speak to us this hour that we might become makers of Your peace in our homes, in our communities, in our world. We pray all this in the name of the One who calmed the raging sea. AMEN.
* Hymn Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty#64 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving Generous God, You are always with us, always caring for us, always drawing us together. We are so grateful for Your loving presence. We bring our gifts before You today, that this offering may reach out in love to Your people everywhere. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory Jesus, the Very Thought of TheeSetting, Whitsett
Prayers of the People
* Hymn Near to the Heart of God#472 UMH
Scripture 1 Kings 19:1–4; (5–7); 8–15a (NRSV)
MessagePastor Nancy
Father’s Day Recognition
* Closing Hymn O How I Love Jesus#170 UMH
* Sending Forth May God feed us. May Christ protect us. May the Spirit wash over us with the love of God. * Postlude Awesome GodMullins
* You may stand if you wish.
June 12, 2022 Trinity Sunday
Welcome Robert Jackson
Prelude Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty Arr. Livingston, Jr.
* Call To Worship L: God calls to each of us, beckoning us P: to experience the peace of Christ. L: God implores each of us P: to discover the truth of life lived with the Holy Spirit. L: Let us celebrate the faith we hold P: in the One who poured out love unto us.
* Opening Prayer (Unison) We thank You, O Lord, for giving us love and peace, through Your Son, Christ Jesus: for offering us the key to all spiritual knowledge through Your Holy Spirit. Grant Your wisdom in the midst of concerns. Bless us all with the assurance of Your presence with us in all times. Guide us toward Your ways, in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN.
* Hymn Grace Greater than Our Sin#365 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving We rejoice with thankful hearts this day and offer You our deepest gratitude and praise. As we return to You a portion of Your blessings to us, use them to protect, bless, heal, and comfort. Multiply the gifts and bless the giver we pray. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory Lord God, AlmightyHuisman
Prayers of the People
* Hymn There’s Something About That Name#171 UMH
Scripture John 16:12–15 (NRSV)
MessageWhat Is It?Reverend Okey Harless
* Closing Hymn Standing on the Promises#374 UMH
* Sending Forth
* Postlude Holy Spirit, Faithful GuideArr. Hughes
* You may stand if you wish
June 5, 2022 Pentecost & Holy Communion
Welcome Pastor Nancy
Prelude No, Not One!/Shout to the LordArr. Page
* Call To Worship L: The Day of Pentecost has come, and we are together. Let us face bravely into the winds of God. P: Surely God is in this place! The works of God surround us. . .listen. . .look! L: The Spirit of God fills us with amazement. God sets us afire with wonder and awe. P: We will sing to God as long as we live; we will celebrate the gifts of God.
* Hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling#384 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving God of wind and fire, breathe Your Holy Spirit over us again this day. May Your Spirit give us the power to be the church You had hoped we would be, one body, one people seeking to build Your beloved community of justice, mercy, and hope. As we bring our tithes and offering to You this day, set us on fire once again. Fill us with Your power; in Christ, we pray. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory Like the Murmur of a Dove’s SongSetting, Carter
Prayers of the People
Scripture Acts 2:1–21 (NRSV)
MessagePastor Nancy
Sacrament of Holy Communion The funds collected in the special offering basket go to ECCHO. Invitation Prayer of Confession (Unison) God of majesty and power, we tremble when we become aware of who You are. Who are we that You should visit us or expect something from us? We confess our preference for the predictable. We admit our resistance to Your Spirit. We acknowledge our misuse of Your gifts to us. We prefer our divisions to Your unity. Forgive us, O God of power and might, that we might forgive. Draw us back into a right relationship with You, and with one another. AMEN. Words of Assurance God has reached out to us once again, offering salvation, making us whole, drawing us into community where life is integrated and filled with meaning. The Spirit comes to us, making holy the commonplace. We are forgiven. The Great Thanksgiving 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 Spirit Song#347 UMH
* Sending Forth Pastor Nancy Now may the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, guide you in the ways of God and fill you with the peace that only Christ can give. * Postlude Shine, Jesus, ShineKendrick
* You may stand if you wish.
May 29, 2022 Seventh Sunday of Easter/Ascension Sunday/Noisy Offering
Welcome Pastor Nancy As Jesus is lifted up to the heavens, we are reminded to look beyond earthly power to the power of the Most High. The one who ascended will come again, bringing new life and new hope.
Prelude A Mighty Fortress Is Our GodArr. Bish
* Call To Worship L: Clap your hands, people of God. P: Shout to God with cries of joy. L: Look to the heavens, brothers and sisters in Christ. P: Witness the power of our God. L: Clap your hands, people of God. P: Shout to God with cries of joy.
* Opening Prayer (Unison) God of mystery, open our eyes to behold the risen Christ, who ascended to You in glory. Open our hearts to the wonders of Your love for us. Focus our thoughts on the power of Your salvation found in His sacrifice, that we would be found worthy of Your great gifts and clothed with Your power on high. AMEN.
* Hymn We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations#569 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor Nancy Gracious God, Your love and mercy call forth our compassion and thanksgiving. In appreciation for Your blessing of our lives, we offer these gifts from our hearts. Receive them, we pray in the name of the one who ascended to heaven, that our lives here on earth may be filled with Your Spirit. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory Lord, I Look to TheeArr. Paxton
Prayers of the People
Hymn God of the Ages#698 UMH
Scripture John 17:20–26 (NRSV)
MessageWe Are WitnessesPastor Nancy
* Hymn Blest Be the Tie That Binds#557 UMH
* Sending Forth Pastor Nancy Lift up your eyes to the heavens. Trust the Spirit’s power. Go as witnesses to the Risen Lord. * Postlude Life EternalPeterson
* You may stand if you wish.
May 22, 2022 Sixth Sunday of Easter
Welcome Pastor Nancy God is with us no matter where we are in our lives. We are each welcomed into God’s kingdom, as were those before us and as will be those who come after us.
Prelude For the Beauty of the EarthArr. Taylor
* Call To Worship L: Jesus dwells among us, teaching us to believe in His name. P: Let us offer God our thanks. L: The Holy Spirit dwells among us, guiding us down the paths of life. P: Let us offer God our praise. L: God dwells among us, beckoning us to worship. P: Let us offer God our worship.
* Opening Prayer (Unison) O Loving God, we thank You for Your companionship in all of life. We come to You today to offer our praise, to profess our love, and proclaim our faith. Nurture our hearts in this time with Your teachings, and nurture our minds with Your grace. AMEN.
* Hymn Shall We Gather at the River#723 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor Nancy Creator God, You continue to bless our lives. Wherever we find ourselves, the bounty of Your gifts meet us there. Here we are to share the bounty with others as You have shared with us. May those who need these gifts find You present as they receive what they need. May paths be lit with Your light. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory ’Tis So Sweet to Trust in JesusArr. Mansfield
Prayers of the People
Hymn Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus#349 UMH
Scripture Acts 16:9–15 (NRSV)
MessageWe Are WitnessesPastor Nancy
* Hymn Trust and Obey#467 UMH
* Sending Forth Pastor Nancy God has a place for you to dwell with Him. Jesus has provided a place for each of us. May we spread the message of God’s love so that others may also find their place to dwell in peace and love. * Postlude Help Us Accept Each OtherKaan/Bach
* You may stand if you wish.
May 15, 2022 Fifth Sunday of Easter UM Foundation Sunday
Welcome Pastor Nancy Jesus commands us to love one another. Sharing the same love God so richly bestows upon each of us.
Prelude All Things Bright and BeautifulArr. Scott
* Call To Worship L: Alleluia! Christ is alive, let all the people praise Him. P: Let all creation sing with joy. Alleluia! L: Trusting in the love of God to make all things new, let us confess our sin to God and our neighbor.
* Opening Prayer (Unison) God of mercy, Your command to love one another across all differences opens us to new horizons, yet we often respond with fear and judgement that hinders Your goal for humanity. Forgive our sins, we pray, and give us a true repentance that leads to life for all creation. We pray in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
* Declaration of Forgiveness L: God’s promises are trustworthy and true; your sins are forgiven. Be at peace to serve the Lord, and may you always be known by your love.
* Hymn Soon and Very Soon #706 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor Nancy Loving God, we give You thanks for the ministry to which You call us in the name of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. Accept these gifts for Your mission to heal all creation. May they be a testament to Your love for us as we share them in love for You; through Jesus Christ we pray. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory The Gift of LoveSetting by Carter
Prayers of the People
Hymn Majesty, Worship His Majesty#176 UMH
Scripture John 13:31–35 (NRSV)
MessageWe Are WitnessesPastor Nancy
* Hymn There’s Within My Heart a Melody#380 UMH
* Sending Forth Pastor Nancy As you leave this place, know that our worship is only beginning. Go to love others as God has first loved us. In all that we see, hear, and take into our hearts, may the love of Christ be with us, now and forever more. AMEN. * Postlude We Will Glorify the King of KingsParis
* You may stand if you wish.
May 8, 2022 Fourth Sunday of Easter Mother's Day
Welcome Pastor Nancy This Mother’s Day we celebrate those who have nurtured us in life. Sometimes they were not our mothers at all, but we have been shaped and cared for by them. For certain, while many of us have a positive role model in our mothers, others have had a different experience. We are thankful today for the shining examples of faith and family, and we lift up those whose wounds still need healing on this day. We say “thank you” to all of those who have helped to raise up disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Prelude
* Call To Worship L: See what love has been given to us, that we should be called children of God. P: By this we know love, that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, and lived and died, that God’s love might be made plain among us. L: Therefore, beloved, let us know love, not only in word and in speech, but in deed and in truth. P: Because we love one another, we know that we have passed from death into life. All: This is the victory that overcomes the world, through Jesus our risen Christ. AMEN.
* Opening Prayer (Unison) Almighty God, to whom all honor belongs, in this season of Easter rejoicing, You have gathered a people to praise Your name eternally. Join our song with all of heaven as we worship You this day in the glorious light of Christ. Open our hearts to feed on Your goodness that we might dwell evermore deeply in You. AMEN.
* Hymn All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name#154 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor Nancy Holy God, You work wonders beyond our imagination. Thank You for all the faithful people You have inspired in the history of the church. You have sent into our lives kind Christians who have encouraged us in beautiful ways. Help us to keep growing as disciples led by Your Spirit. May we become more devoted to good works and acts of charity, so that others will be blessed in turn. We pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory
Prayers of the People
Scripture Acts 9:36–43 (NRSV)
MessageWe Are WitnessesPastor Nancy
Mother’s Day Recognition
* Hymn Precious Lord, Take My Hand#474 UMH
* Sending Forth Pastor Nancy Go forth to follow paths of righteousness; go forth to follow paths of peace; and may God’s goodness and mercy follow you as you serve the risen Lord. * Postlude
* You may stand if you wish.
May 1, 2022 Third Sunday of Easter
Welcome Pastor Nancy The season after Easter is where we consider what it means to walk with Jesus into eternity. But it is not about life after death, or rather not only about life after death. It is very much about life before death, life in the face of death. It is about bearing witness to a life that resembles a kin-dom existence right here and right now. It is this life, this justice and righteousness, this hope and this glory to which we can say with confidence, “We are witnesses.”
Prelude It Is Well with My SoulArr. DeCou
* Call To Worship L: If God could redeem Saul of Tarsus, a man dedicated to destroying those who followed Jesus, turning him into the great apostle that he was, then there is hope for all of the lost, beloved ones. P: We must work to reclaim both the helpless and the hopeless, the homeless and the destitute. We cannot afford to stop until everyone on the face of the earth recognizes just how loving and powerful God is!
* Opening Prayer (Unison) O God, teach our hearts where and how to seek You, where and how to find You. You are our God. You have made us and remade us. You have bestowed on us all the good things. Teach us to seek You, to desire what You desire. May we find You in our loving, and in our loving, may we be drawn closer to You. AMEN.
* Hymn Easter People, Raise Your Voices#304 UMH
Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor Nancy Redeeming God, we confess to You that, like Saul, we have been blind, even in our sightedness, to what You are doing in the world. We need our eyes to be truly opened, Lord, to who You really are. Let our blindness fall away, and let us see the good that we can do—through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and our witness—to help usher in Your kingdom here and now. May the gifts we give this morning be just the beginning of bringing about the world You desire. We pray it in the name of the risen Christ. Amen.
[If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory As We Gather at Your TableArr. Evanovich
Prayers of the People
Scripture Acts 9:1–6 (7–20)
MessageWe Are Witnesses: Who Are You, Lord?Pastor Nancy
Service of Holy Communion
Service of Word and Table III #15–16 UMH The funds collected in the special offering basket go to ECCHO.
* Hymn Go, Make of All Disciples#571 UMH
* Sending Forth Pastor Nancy Let us go forth into the world as people of the resurrection, who can look evil in the eye and see beyond it to the Risen Savior. Let us go forth as Easter people, certain that the day will come when God shall turn all our mourning into dancing. Let us go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit and practice resurrection. Let God’s people say, “AMEN!” * Postlude Open Our EyesCull
* You may stand if you wish.
April 24, 2022 Second Sunday of Easter
Welcome Pastor Nancy The season after Easter is where we consider what it means to walk with Jesus into eternity. But it is not about life after death, or rather not only about life after death. It is very much about life before death, life in the face of death. It is about bearing witness to a life that resembles a kin-dom existence right here and right now. It is this life, this justice and righteousness, this hope and this glory to which we can say with confidence, “We are witnesses.”
Prelude My Lord, What a Morning!Thygerson
* Call To Worship Brad Stewart L: As we hear God calling, how can we keep from singing? How can we keep our lips from proclaiming the good news that Jesus Christ is risen? P: Through His blood, He has freed us from sin, bringing us forgiveness and love. L: Whether we have seen or believe without seeing, we have found life in His name. P: In Christ’s name, we give thanks and praise.
* Opening Prayer (Unison) Brad Stewart O living Christ, as the good news of Easter energized Your first disciples, so energize us to dynamic life within our congregation. As Your Spirit gave them courage to stand tall before the powers of this world, so empower us to proclaim Your gospel and work for justice and peace. By Your presence with us now, make us one in love and mission. AMEN.
* Hymn Up from the Grave He Arose#322 UMH
Prayers of the People
Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor Nancy O God of our Salvation, we are witnesses to Your amazing deeds! By the resurrection of Your Son Jesus, You have opened the gate to eternal life. We are grateful for Your gifts of forgiveness and a new start. Let the obedience of Christ, the righteous one, become the chief cornerstone of our lives. Help us to use our spiritual gifts and monetary blessings to be a testimony to Your glory. We dedicate ourselves and our offerings through Christ our risen Lord. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory Consider the LiliesSouthbridge
Scripture Luke 24:13–35
MessagePastor Nancy We Are Witnesses: On the Road to Emmaus
* Response (Unison)) Dear God, thank You for walking with us each day of our lives, even when we are unaware of it. Help us continue Christ’s ministry by walking with those who need us. Empower us to be who You need us to be, and show us how to show Your love to others, that we may change lives. AMEN.
* Hymn I Love to Tell the Story #156 UMH
* Blessing Pastor Nancy Go from here as witnesses of what you have seen and heard. Share God’s love with those you meet. Bring hope to those who are in despair. Live lives of gratitude and praise. And may the love of God, the peace of Jesus Christ, and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit be within you and among you until we meet again. AMEN. * Postlude Sent Out in Jesus’ NamePeña
* You may stand if you wish.
April 17, 2022 Easter Sunday
Opening Words Pastor Nancy Early on the first day of the week, the disciples of Jesus went to the tomb where He had been buried only to find that the stone had been rolled away. The tomb was empty. We gather today as disciples of Jesus Christ, on the first day of the week, to celebrate the good news of the gospel: Christ has risen! Christ has risen indeed!
Prelude Low in the GraveArr. Smith Acolyte: Zeta Lawson
* Call To Worship Brad Stewart L: People of God, we are witnesses to these things: P: That Christ died, hanging on a cross; That God raised Him from the dead on the third day; That He is coming again in glory. L: This is the good news we tell to the world: P: Christ is risen! Alleluia!
* Opening Prayer (Unison) Brad Stewart Alleluia! We praise You, O God, for the power of Your saving love revealed in the resurrection of our Lord. As You have raised Jesus from the dead, give to us the gift of everlasting life, that we may worship You forever, through Christ, our risen Savior. AMEN.
* Hymn Christ the Lord Is Risen Today#302 UMH
Words of Welcome Pastor Nancy
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer (Unison) 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.
The Gospel Lesson John 20:1–18 Connie Stewart
Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor Nancy We praise You, O God, and give You thanks that You have given us such joy, such grace, and such hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. Let our lives be proof of that good news. Let all our words and actions, our love and service bear witness to Your resurrection power; for the sake of our living Lord, Jesus Christ. AMEN. [If you wish to support Milton United Methodist Church with your tithes and gifts, please mail them to MUMC, 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, and there are offering plates at the doors of the sanctuary.]
Offertory I Know That My Redeemer LivethHandel/Arr. Ritter
Scripture Acts 10:34–43
MessageEaster WitnessesPastor Nancy
* Response (Unison)) Risen Christ, as the early disciples were witness to your acts of loving kindness and your ministry of peace, as we hear your story anew, prepare our hearts to share the glory of Easter. May we be inspired to preach peace; to comfort those who weep; to help those who are lost; and to proclaim our faith.
Special Music for Easter Robert Jackson
* Hymn He Lives#310 UMH
* Blessing Go with joy to tell the good news: Jesus Christ is risen! Jesus lives! Alleluia * Postlude Rejoice! Be Glad! Kendall