Lansdale United Methodist ChurchOctober 13, 2019
Praising God . . . Making Disciples . . . Serving
All
300 North Broad St., Lansdale PA 19446Church (215) 855-8364
Fax (215) 855-1534 Office Hours:
Mon. – Thurs., 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-11:30 [email protected] www.lansdaleumc.org
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Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Generosity will be rewarded: give a cup of water, and you will receive a cup of water in return. – Proverbs 11:25
9:00 a.m. Worship Service
Greeting and Welcome
We're glad you're attending our traditional service of worship. Your presence is a joy. We hope you feel welcome and important to us. We pray that the Spirit of God will touch your soul as we worship. Large print bulletins and hearing devices are available. An usher will assist you. White Prayer Cards are also available in your pew for sharing your joys and concerns. An usher will collect them during the hymn prior to the Pastor’s Prayer for the People. Please be sure to tell us who you are. Fill out as much information as you like in the Ritual of Friendship booklet in the pew. Pass it along and meet your pewmates. The (*) signals an invitation to stand if you are comfortable doing so.
Prelude Elegy Barr
Please prayerfully prepare your heart for worship during the Prelude.
*Call to Worship
Pastor: We all have gifts. We all have something to share.People: The world needs what we have to give.Pastor: Let’s share what we have.People: Let’s share who we are.Pastor: Let’s do it all for the glory of God.People: All our gifts come from God.Pastor: Let us worship God with our abundant gifts!
*Hymn Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee (1-3) UMH 175
Opening Prayer
O Holy God, teach me to be as generous, as you have been generous with me. Teach me that all I am, and have, are gifts of love from you. And remind me daily that gifts are meant to be shared. Show me the joys of generosity. Help me to understand that people I
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know, and don’t know, depend on me for help. Remind me that the world is my parish, and my parish needs me to heal the wounds of our times. Generous God, make me a gift to others in your name. I ask this through Christ, my loving, generous Lord. Amen.
Act of Praise I Sing Praises to Your Name TFWS 2037
Baptismal Covenant II UMH 39It is a joy to welcome Skylar Schmid Garretson, her parents Vanessa
Schmid and Jason Garrretson, her sponsors Ryan C. Schmid and Megan Schmid, and her extended family, to be presented as a candidate for the Sacrament of Baptism on this Lord’s Day.
Prayer for Illumination Alex Holnick, Reader
First Reading 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Pew Bible NT 212
*Gospel Reading Luke 17:11-19 Pew Bible NT 80
*Act of Praise Alleluia (Celtic) TFWS 2043During the singing of Alleluia, children age 4 through 4th grade are
welcome to join Junior Church held in Bright Beginnings Room. A teacher will meet the children in the area outside the sanctuary doors. All are welcome!
Chancel Choir Anthem Sing and Shout the Victory LarsonWayne Wylie, Soloist
Sermon Jesus and Paul: A Tale of Two Christianities Pastor Bill
*Hymn All Hail King Jesus TFWS 2069 Have your White Prayer Cards ready to give to an usher!
Pastor’s Prayer for the PeopleIt is our joy to commission several persons leaving on a mission trip
this week to Fayetteville, NC.
Prayer of Confession, Silent Prayers, and Pardon
Holy God, your Scriptures teach us that you are gracious, full of
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mercy, slow to anger, and radiant with unflinching love. The same Scriptures call us to imitate you. We confess we have not always been gracious or merciful. We are sometimes too quick to anger, and our love is lacking. Forgive us, we pray, in the name of Christ our Lord. Free our hearts to imitate you. Free our spirits to be more gracious and merciful. Free us completely to be joyous people, obedient to your call to love, and ablaze with the love of Jesus. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflections on Generosity Month
Generosity is the heartbeat of every Christ-follower. Generous giving nourishes the soul and promotes goodness in the world. Today, you have an opportunity to contribute to the operational costs of our church, like gas, electricity, water, and sewer cost, which average $2,000 per week. Thank you for your giving! Send a text contribution to 73256 with the message LansdaleFirstUMC, or use the QR Code to give electronically.
*Praise God’s Gifts Lift Praise ST. DENIO
*The Lord’s Prayer UMH 895
*Hymn In the Cross of Christ I Glory (1-3) UMH 295
*Blessing and Going in Peace to Serve
Postlude Give Me Jesus Shaw
From Warren Shaedle, Financial Secretary – UPDATE!
A few weeks ago Pastor Bill announced that September 29 would be giving Catch-Up Sunday. Great news! Several members of our church family were able to generously respond. Some were able to Catch-Up their pledge, some were able to Go Beyond their pledge, and some were able to make a new pledge to LUMC. As we moved into October, our additional envelope giving has increased to $16,000! God is good! This additional giving is a combination of catch up, pay to end of year, new commitment and unexpected gifts. May we all prayerfully consider how we can continue this gracious and generous financial support of God’s work in Lansdale.
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Interim Pastor's Weekly NotesWeekly Schedule: Monday, 3:30-9:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 3:00-8:00 p.m.; Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Today is a Baptism Sunday. The first of two sacraments, Baptism is the unrepeatable outward and visible sign of God's inward and invisible grace. This grace is the unmerited love of God which comes before, accompanies, and follows to aid us in sensing what John Wesley called the first wish to please God; the first dawning light of God's will; and the first slight transient conviction that we are made for loving God and our neighbor, not for sin. Charles Wesley wrote a poem about this grace. One of its lines is: You need not one be left behind, for God has bid all humankind...the invitation is to all! Baptism opens the way to the second sacrament, The Lord's Supper, which we are called to receive frequently. Embrace this high moment when we baptize a young child and witness a powerful reminder of God's inexhaustible love for all people. You should find both the liturgy and music accessible today. Teaching time: The function of an opening prayer is to invoke the presence of the triune God upon the worship service. If you look at the order of service carefully, you will see that our order is many types of Christian prayers linked together with music, Bible readings, sermons, and sacraments. Prayer is the center of our worship experience.
For those who missed it last week, Warren's note about Catch Up Sunday on September 29th is on page 4, announcing some good results. Thank you! You can catch up your giving or offer your full pledge before the end of the year at any time. Please also consider the tremendous good you can do by giving electronically. Cash flow is always a challenge for local churches.
I had two meetings this week that I will write about in more detail next week. I visited Manna on Main (thanks to the kindness of Warren), and I had a meeting with the principal and guidance counselor at Oak Street Elementary School to inquire about a high impact holiday gift opportunity. More details to come.
Please be in prayer for the lay leadership of the church as they prepare for the annual Charge Conference on Saturday, November 2. Many are working diligently on the required reports that link us in the connection. Then, of course, pray, pray, pray every day for your new pastor, for each other, and for me. You are in my daily prayers. Have a blessed week.
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What’s Going On? October 13 – October 20
Sunday, October 13 9:00 a.m. Worship Service (Nursery Care – infants-age 3)10:00 a.m. Fellowship – Stringer Auditorium10:30 a.m. Sunday School – All ages10:30 a.m. Verge! Bible Study – Sanctuary12:00 p.m. UMW Indoor Picnic – Stringer Auditorium12:00 p.m. Youth Group – Hecker Room 6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts – New Horizons Room
Monday, October 14 – Office Hours 11:30-4:30 12:00 p.m. AA – Hecker Room 3:30 p.m. Staff Meeting – Conference Room 7:00 p.m. Church Council – Wesleyan Room Tuesday, October 15 7:00 p.m. Church and Society – Conference Room 7:00 p.m. GA – Hecker Room Wednesday, October 16 – Office Closed 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study – West Main Diner 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study – Stringer Auditorium 6:30 p.m. Recovery – Hecker Room 7:00 p.m. Discipleship/Evangelism – Lounge 7:30 p.m. NPASF – Conference Room Thursday, October 17 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room
Saturday, October 19 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room
Sunday, October 20 9:00 a.m. Worship Service (Nursery Care – infants-age 3)10:00 a.m. Fellowship – Stringer Auditorium10:30 a.m. Sunday School – All ages10:30 a.m. Verge! Bible Study – Sanctuary12:00 p.m. Youth Group – Hecker Room 6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts – New Horizons Room
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Prayers
JOYSChuck had successful surgery
CONCERNSHealing:
Jim FisherPete NollJean Lowe recently put on hospice careChuck, Jane’s son, and Shirley’s brotherJoanne’s cat, PeanutMaureen from rare skin cancerSandi’s friend Ed had a heart attackMary M. battling cancerMichelle F. battling cancerChristine G.’s husband battling cancerJoanne’s son with brain cancer
Comfort for Joanne on the death of her husbandCorinne’s marriagePat needs hearing aidsComfort for the Trongone family at the passing of MikeStrength for Sandi’s nephew, Drew, to overcome a difficult challengeSafe travel for Joanne’s granddaughter, Maddie, and her fatherOur churchComfort and hope for Jim, Noel, and ErinNigeria: Jalingo United Methodist Church Orphanage
Happy Birthday to You!Brittany Fasano (10/13) Rick Antoine (10/17)Erin Fisher (10/13) Marilyn Rau (10/18)Jim Ney (10/13) Sean Bonner (10/19)Ron Joyce (10/13) Julie Heiselmoyer (10/19)Lydia Mensah (10/15) Madison Josephson (10/19)Louise Lehman (10/16) Lee Kashishian (10/19
Happy Anniversary to You!Rick and Erica Antoine (10/19)
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We always pray for:Unspoken requestsSafe travels for all those traveling Guidance and wisdom for church leadershipGuidance and wisdom for our government leadershipPeace to worship without fearAll those seeking shelterAll those affected by mental illnessAll affected by natural disastersAll men and women serving in our Armed Forces and their families
PRAYER CHAINContact Janet Harper at (215) 699-3026 if you’d like to add a joy or concern.
Youth Group has resumed its regular weekly meetings each Sunday from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. If you’re in grades 7 through 12, please join us for games, worship, fun lessons, and fellowship. Any questions, talk to Ian Bonner or Mike Richardson
BRING YOUR FRIENDS!!
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FIRST TIME GUEST?WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!
Please be sure to introduce yourself to one of our ushers.
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE! Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.If you’re interested in joining the choir, speak to Rays or any choir member.
New singers are always welcome!
Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.Please have any announcements to Becky ([email protected]) by that time to be included in that week’s bulletin.
ALTAR FLOWERSIf you would like to sponsor altar flowers, please contact Joan Johnson or Becky in the church office two weeks in advance. The cost is $65.00.
WORSHIP AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TIMESWorship: 9:00 a.m.
Fellowship in Stringer Auditorium: 10:00 a.m.Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.
Verge! Bible Study in Sanctuary: 10:30 a.m.
GOD’S YOUTH IN MOTION
Mission Emphasis for October – UMCOR International Assistance
The Blue Envelope Mission Emphasis for October is designated to help UMCOR again. Our last Blue Envelope for UMCOR was specifically for national assistance. This month’s Blue Envelope is designated specifically for international assistance. With the recent damage caused by Hurricane Dorian, donations can be put to good use.
To support this emphasis, make checks payable to “LUMC,” memo: “UMCOR.” Use your blue boxed or a yellow pew envelope. You may also give online through our website (www.lansdaleumc.org) or text LansdaleFirstUMC to 73256 to give your gift electronically.
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Wawa Shorti Hoagie Coupons are available year round. They are $4 each, and the UMW receives $1 from each coupon to help support their local and global missions. Order sheets are on the bulletin board or contact Maryellen Reinmiller at 215-913-1666.
Redner’s ReceiptsThe UMW is still collecting receipts from Redner’s. If you shop there, remember to scan your Redner’s card at checkout, then bring your entire receipt and put it in the container in the phone booth.
FellowshipPlease sign up on the bulletin board outside of Stringer to host fellowship. This is a wonderful time to catch up with old friends or to get to know new friends. The main team members (Luann, Coles, Reinmillers) will usually be in attendance but would appreciate your support. Thanks!
Coming Up
UMW Indoor Picnic TODAY
All ladies are invited to join us for the annual UMW indoor picnic TODAY at noon in Stringer Auditorium. We will be celebrating the UMW’s 150th birthday! You do not have to be a member of a circle at LUMC to attend. All women and Pastor Bill (an honorary UMW member) are invited to attend.
Our 2nd Annual Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 2 from 9 am to 2 pm. We need you to make this a success. Please plan to come and shop our many great crafters. In addition to crafts, we will have a light lunch and baked goods available. On the bulletin board is a
sign-up sheet of items needed for Chef Paul to prepare the lunch and to sign up to bring some baked goods for us to sell. All monies raised from lunch and baked goods sale will go to our United Methodist Women's Missions. Table rent received will be split between our Operations budget and Bright Beginnings Nursery School. Please help us advertise the Craft Fair on your social media accounts or bring a friend with you. Questions, contact Doris Shaedle or Nancy Silknitter.
Adult Dine-Around
Let's all get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather by attending the Adult Dine-Around. We will meet at the Pizza Time Saloon, 1900 West Point Pike, West Point at 11:30 A.M. on Thursday, Nov. 7th. It will help greatly if you sign up on the bulletin board opposite Stringer Auditorium. Questions? Please call Marlene Ney at 215-822-8067.
9 th Annual Men’s Retreat is November 8-10. This year’s theme is Understanding Your Unique Identity with special guest speaker The Rev. Mark D. Moore. The retreat will be at Camp Innabah,
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712 Pughtown Road, Spring City, PA 19475 and will cost $115 for the weekend. For more information, see the poster in the Stringer lobby and on the UMM bulletin board. All men are welcome – invite your friends!
Save the Date – November 16 at 7 pm ---- Stringer Auditorium“100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice”
Elouise Cobell (Blackfeet) filed a class-action lawsuit in 1996 alleging the federal government’s mismanagement of the trust funds of more than 500,000 American Indians—and won! The Church and Society Work Area brings you this dramatic documentary as this year’s focus on Native American Awareness.
Our church family, our friends and neighbors are invited.
This Week in Sunday School
After sharing in fellowship, please join us in one of our adult Sunday school classes at 10:30. Bring your coffee with you!
The Upper Room and New Horizons adult Sunday school classes will attend Verge! in the sanctuary. The Wesleyan class will attend their regular Sunday school class upstairs in the Wesleyan classroom.
Verge! Pastor’s Bible Study
Verge is a boundary word. Pastor Bill is sharing a Bible Study on the subject of boundaries in our relationships with God and each other. Having healthy boundaries helps to manage relationships personally, professionally, and spiritually. God is a God of boundaries. We will explore boundaries to be on the verge of something new as God’s beloved community here in Lansdale.
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Sermon Notes
In the first reading, Paul says that perseverance is a hallmark of Christian life—a manifestation of a true union with Christ. We identify with Christ by the way we live, and doing so runs the risk of suffering for Christ. Those who suffer for Christ find comfort to persevere coming from the risen Christ himself. Union with Christ is a grace-filled connection to God’s love for us, the terribly flawed people who carry God’s Word to the world. In the Gospel reading, we learn who and what truly matters to Jesus. The story of the grateful Samaritan illustrates that Jesus is firmly with those on the fringes of life, or our concern, and of our vision. The Samaritan’s recognition of Christ’s generosity taught him to stick to Christ when life’s harsh realities threaten to overwhelm us. Both Jesus and Paul reveal perseverance in the quest to fulfill their missions.
Here’s How to Contact Our Pastor and Staff
Interim Pastor – Bill Lentz [email protected] Assistant – Becky Conrad [email protected] of Music Ministry – Rays Koshy [email protected] – Ruth Rineer [email protected]’s Education Director - Liz Bonner [email protected] Beginnings Nursery School Dir. – Liz Bonner [email protected] Director – Donna Fritz [email protected] Directors– Ian Bonner and Mike Richardson [email protected] – Bill Scheetz [email protected]
Emergency Contact – Pastor Bill – 484-767-2352
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