Sunday, September 19, 2021 17th Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude Christ, the Sure FoundationBirchwood
*Call To Worship Gwen Reed L: Who among you is seeking the wisdom of God? P: We long to hear God’s Word spoken to our hearts. L: Who among you is seeking God’s bright and holy truth? P: We long to learn the ways of wisdom and righteousness. L: Who among you is seeking a Spirit-filled life? P: We long to live lives of holiness and light. L: God grants God’s wisdom generously to all who ask. Come near, people of God! P: Let us worship in wisdom and truth.
*Opening Prayer (Unison) Gwen Reed Lord, the storms of life are raging, and we need You to stand by us. The winds are trying to toss us to and fro, and we need You to stand by us. We want to be prosperous, like the tree planted by the streams of water the psalmist talked about. We, too, want to yield fruit, but life is threatening our productivity. Some of us are so stressed that our leaves are starting to wither. God, we need You to order our steps and give us the strength to handle whatever is on the path that You have assigned. Show us Your grace and Your favor. In Your Son Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.
*Hymn Blessed Assurance#369 UMH (sung softly with masks on, please)
Words of Welcome
Prayer for Our Tithes & Offerings Gracious God, grant us the grace to be extravagant in the gifts we give to You. Help us be wise and just in how we live with the resources we keep. Guide us toward lives that bear the fruit that is pleasing to You: lives full of mercy and compassion. Free us from that which leads us away from You, that we might draw near to You. We pray in the love and hope that is Jesus, 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 I Surrender AllArr. Shea
Bible Presentation
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 James 3:13–4:3; 7–8a (NRSV)
Message My Peace, Not as the World GivesPastor Nancy
*Closing Hymn Near to the Heart of God#472 UMH (sung softly with masks on, please)
*Closing Blessing Go out into a weary world offering the welcome of God. Go out into places of hostility offering the hospitality of Christ. Go out into spaces of brokenness offering the blessing of the Holy Spirit. Go and be living, breathing signs of God’s kingdom by offering a wide welcome wherever you go.
*Postlude Jesus, Draw Me CloseFounds *Please stand as you are able.
Sunday, September 12, 2021 16th Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude Jesus Shall ReignArr. Price
*Call To Worship Gwen Reed L: Look at the heavens! P: They are shouting the glory of God. L: The days and the nights declare the magnificence of God’s creative works. P: Their voice goes through all the earth, and their words reach the ends of the world. L: Let our words of praise be acceptable to You, P: our Lord, our rock, our redeemer.
*Opening Prayer (Unison) Gwen Reed Oh, Lord, in all ways, help us to make the choices in our lives that affirm life, and love, and heart. Do not let us be moved by fear, but help us to make decisions that best work with the brilliant, generous life of Your Holy Spirit, without whom we would be lost. AMEN.
*Hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee#89 UMH (sung softly with masks on, please)
Words of Welcome
Prayer for Our Tithes & Offerings Loving God, Jesus taught us “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” We offer our gifts to You knowing they are part of our treasure, and we do so with the hope that our hearts, our actions, and the words of our tongues will likewise follow. Guide our hearts, minds, and tongues to the words that bring You joy. In Christ’s name, 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 LoveArr. Carter
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 James 3:1–12 (NRSV)
Message Armed & DangerousReverend Benjamin Wells
*Closing Hymn Beneath the Cross of Jesus#297 UMH (sung softly with masks on, please)
*Closing Blessing The time has come. Let us go out into the world proclaiming the Name of Jesus. We know His Name, and the time has come for others to know it as well. Let us testify of His goodness, be witnesses to His mercy, and exemplify the change He has made in our lives. Go, and carry the Name of Jesus with you.
*Postlude I Will Call Upon the LordO’Shields *Please stand as you are able.
Sunday, September 5, 2021 15th Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude Beneath Thy Wings O’ershadingThompson
*Call To Worship Gwen Reed L: We can trust God. P: God is like the mountain: rock solid. L: God loves all the people: P: the poor, the disabled, the outcast, the stranger. L: We can depend on God. P: God feeds the hungry, heals the sick, and restores relationships. L: Praise our loving God. P: Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
*Opening Prayer (Unison) Gwen Reed You are the center, holy God. Your love is where we find balance, Your word is where we find inspiration, Your song is where our hearts sing. Bring us here and now into Your holy presence, God of all, let us worship in the freedom that You bring to all souls. AMEN.
Hymn Jesu, Jesu (Vs. 1–3) #432 UMH (sung softly with masks on, please)
Words of Welcome Pastor Nancy Prayer for Our Tithes & Offerings As we are free to accept Christ’s love, make us free also to give. Create generous hearts in us so that the love of God may spread from this place to our neighbors around us and beyond to our neighbors in the world community. 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 Bind My Heart to TheeRitter
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 James 2:1–10; 14–17 (NRSV)
Message Do You Believe? Then Act Like It Pastor Nancy
Closing Hymn Jesu, Jesu (Vs. 4–5)#432 UMH (sung softly with masks on, please)
*Closing Blessing As you leave this place, remember to walk in God’s ways. Remember to dwell in the goodness of God. Remember to be faithful. May peace be upon you this day and always. AMEN.
*Postlude Sent Out in Jesus NamePena *Please stand as you are able.
Sunday, August 29, 2021 14th Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude I Sing the Mighty Power of God Arr. Ritter
*Call To Worship JoAnne Cyrus L: “Arise and come,” says the Lord. P: We come gladly because every good and perfect gift comes from above. L: “Arise and come,” calls our God. P: We come to worship with joy and thanksgiving.
*Opening Prayer (Unison) JoAnne Cyrus Bountiful God, Giver of all fruit, Your call to righteous living stirs our hearts. Your charge to be doers of the Word and not hearers only, sparks our souls. Inspire true devotion in our hearts that we might waken to the cries of the world and hearken to the needs of Your people. AMEN.
Hymn Lord, I Want to Be a Christian#402 UMH (seated, sung softly with masks on, please)
Words of Welcome Pastor Nancy
Prayer for Our Tithes & Offerings Generous God, may we always remember from where our gifts and blessings come. May the offerings we bring testify to who we are and whose we are. May the gifts reflect our seeking after Your ways in all our days. 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 My Lord and God Southbridge
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 James 1:17–27 (NRSV)
Message Love in ActionPastor Nancy
Closing Hymn Take My Life, and Let It Be #399 UMH (seated, sung softly with masks on, please)
*Closing Blessing Listen to the life-giving words of the Beloved One, Jesus Christ our Lord! Live in God’s love, caring for those in need from a heart filled and blessed by the power of the Holy Spirit. God has blessed you forever with every perfect gift from above, freeing us to rise and live in the embrace of God’s love.
*Postlude Change My Heart, O GodEspinosa
*Please stand as you are able.
Sunday, August 22, 2021 13th Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude Onward, Christian SoldiersArr. Ashford
*Call To Worship JoAnne Cyrus L: How lovely is the dwelling place of God! P: May our hearts become a place where God’s Spirit lives. L: May our words become bold words of love and grace. P: May our worship be worthy of the Lord.
*Opening Prayer (Unison) JoAnne Cyrus Holy One of mystery and power, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below. You keep covenant with Your people and offer steadfast love to all who walk with You with pure and upright hearts. Fill our lives with Your glory. Give us the strength and the power to withstand the forces of evil at work in our lives and in our world. AMEN.
Hymn Standing on the Promises#374 UMH (seated, sung softly with masks on, please)
Words of Welcome Pastor Nancy
Prayer for Our Tithes & Offerings Gracious God, thank You for these gifts. We offer them to You, seeking Your blessing, that they might be used to welcome all, and to inspire faith in our community. We offer our very selves, asking that we might become Your faithful followers. In the name of 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 Are Ye AbleArr. Pugh
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 Ephesians 6:10–20 (NRSV)
Message Grab Your GearPastor Nancy
Prayer of Confession (Unison) Spirit of God, we confess that we put on airs more often than we put on the armor of God. We are guilty of girding ourselves with lies instead of the truth. We try to protect ourselves with arrogance, superstition, and self-reliance instead of righteousness, faith, and Your gift of salvation. Our footsteps do not follow Your path of peace, and we are quick to use Your Word to attack one another, instead of striking out against the sins we personally commit. Forgive us, Holy God. Gift us with the wisdom and strength to change our ways, so that we may live as Your faithful ambassadors of the Good News. AMEN.
Closing Hymn Be Thou My Vision#451 UMH (seated, sung softly with masks on, please)
*Closing Blessing Go from this place boldly proclaiming the love of Christ, so that all may know the name of God. May God arm you with truth and righteousness; may Christ Jesus give you words of Spirit and life; and may the Holy Spirit draw you near to God’s presence. . .and bless you with honor and grace.
*Postlude Soldiers of Christ, AriseWesley/Elvey *Please stand as you are able.
Sunday, August 15, 2021 12th Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude Praise God! Arr. Livingston, Jr.
*Call To Worship JoAnne Cyrus L: Give thanks to God! P: We thank God for joy, for laughter, for abundant blessings of every kind. L: Give thanks to God at all times and for everything! P: We thank God for struggles, for solitude, for fears. L: Give thanks to God at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. P: We thank God that, in Christ, our joys as well as our pain, our losses as well as our laughter, are in God’s heart and hands.
*Blessing of the School Year Dear God, thank You for the gift of education in every form. As our children and youth begin a new school year, may confidence be their foundation and may grace be their guide. May hope be their compass toward a bright future. We pray they would have eyes to the needs of others around them and a compassionate heart to love well. May they face each day with positivity, knowing that no matter what comes their way, they do not face it alone. We thank You for the amazing teachers, faculty and administrators as well. As they prepare for this new year, fill them with strength to lead, grace to guide and hope to thrive in their classrooms, in the hallways and in their varied roles of leadership. Bless them, students and leaders, beyond measure for the days ahead and keep them safe under Your protection. AMEN.
Hymn Come, Christians, Join to Sing#158 UMH (seated, sung softly with masks on, please)
Words of Welcome Pastor Nancy
Prayer for Our Tithes & Offerings Eternal God, our time in this life is limited, and our days are numbered. Yet You have reminded us that if we are wise and use that time well, You have an eternity waiting for us that is beyond our imagining. Help us to focus on what we have, what we can share, and how the gifts we offer this day can bless others until we are joined with them and Your children give You their thanks and gratitude for the rest of eternity. 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 When in Our Music God Is GlorifiedArr. Limbaugh
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 Ephesians 5:15–20 (NRSV)
Message At All Times Pastor Nancy
Closing Hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing #400 UMH (seated, sung softly with masks on, please)
*Closing Blessing Be in this world a sign of Jesus’ presence. Share compassion with all whom you encounter. Live wisely in God’s name, and glorify God in all you do. And may the grace, mercy and wisdom of God be our support, guidance and strength from this day forward and for ever more. AMEN.
*Postlude Give ThanksArr. Barker
*Please stand as you are able.
Sunday, August 8, 2021 11th Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude Holy, Holy, Holy/Holy Is the LordArr. Page
*Call To Worship JoAnne Cyrus L: I will bless the Lord at all times, P: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. L: O magnify the Lord with me, P: and let us exalt God’s name together.
*Opening Prayer (All) JoAnne Cyrus Redeeming God, you satisfy our soul’s hunger through Jesus Christ, the bread of life. Filled with your steadfast love, let us live in love, working honestly to share with the needy, feeding others with the bread of kindness, tenderness and forgiveness. AMEN.
Hymn Many Gifts, One Spirit #114 UMH (seated, sung softly with masks on, please)
Words of Welcome Pastor Nancy
Prayer for Our Tithes & Offerings Patient and merciful God, we hear Your call to live in love as Christ loved us. Our ears hear these words in our worship; our minds know what they mean; our hearts long to follow them; but we know that tomorrow we will be tempted to slip into the familiar life where we ourselves are at the center of our world and the needs we focus on are almost entirely our own. In our giving this day, help us strengthen our resolve to love as Christ loves us, for it is in the name of Jesus that 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 Create Within Me a Clean HeartMoore
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 Ephesians 4:25—5:2 (NRSV)
Message To Be Like JesusPastor Nancy
Response Merciful God, we confess that we have not lived as Your faithful children. We have been angry with the world and nursed grudges against others. We have hoarded the fruits of our labors rather than share to help the needs of others. We have not built up our neighbors with words of kindness. We have not forgiven wrongs done toward us, even though we desire the forgiveness offered through Your son. Heal us. Forgive us. Grant us Your grace once more that we might be one with You and one with each other. Imitating Your ways in our lives. AMEN.
Closing Hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling#384 UMH (seated, sung softly with masks on, please)
Closing Blessing Go out and imitate God, living in love. Put your hope in God’s Word and let your own words be truthful and constructive. May sin rouse your anger, . . . but never let anger cause you to sin. Don’t allow any room for evil. And may God always hear your voice. May Christ Jesus raise you to new life; and may the Holy Spirit nourish you for the life of love. We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, . . . In the name of Christ. AMEN. Postlude Celebrate LoveHanson