Lansdale United Methodist ChurchOctober 27, 2019
Ravenna Mosaic of the Pharisee and the Publican, 5th-6th century
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 a.m.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
God Almighty split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them generous drink like the ocean depths. – Psalm 78:15
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 As the Deer Ham
Please prayerfully prepare your heart for worship during the Prelude.
*Call to Worship
Pastor: God our Maker gives us all we have in this life.People: Christ our Lord calls on us to give generously
and cheerfully.Pastor: We gather to give the resources, time and gifts God has given
us.People: We give cheerfully and without hesitation or pressure.Pastor: Generosity is measured not by what we have, but what we give
away.People: We give joyfully as an act of loyalty to our God.Pastor: May God bless our church and our people through our giving.People: May God bless our community and our world through our
love.
*Hymn Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me UMH 361
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Opening Prayer
Gracious God, give us generous hearts:to share whatever gift it is that you have given to us;to acknowledge you as the giver of all good gifts;to give without counting the cost;to share without expecting something in return;to be wise in the way of caring for others and ourselves;to hold all our resources with open hands;to align our lives with the gospel of love and time in its light;to be gracious and inclusive in our giving;to recognize our blessings in each passing day;to know the freedom that comes with true generosity;to accept our talents and use them in service of others;to grow in grace and giving thanks for everything;to be satisfied with what we have;to be wise enough to know what we need;to deeply love you, God, with hearts strong enough to give when asked.We ask this in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
Act of Praise Jesus, Name Above All Names TFWS 2071
Prayer for Illumination Stephen Nwogwugwu, Reader
First Reading 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Pew Bible NT 213
*Gospel Reading Luke 18:9-14 Pew Bible NT 81
*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 The Power of Your Love Bullock
Sermon Jesus and Paul: A Tale of Two Christianities Pastor Bill
*Hymn Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord TFWS 21314
Have your White Prayer Cards ready to give to an usher!
Pastor’s Prayer for the People
Prayer of Confession, Silent Prayers, and Pardon
Holy God, your Scriptures teach us that you are gracious, full of 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.
Blessing Our 2020 Pledge Cards See Screens
We would do well to multiply our generous acts of love, not to keep count of them before God, but to love God more deeply, more completely, more seriously.
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 $200 needed weekly to support church office expenses. 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 Praise God UMH 94
*The Lord’s Prayer UMH 895
*Hymn Christ for the World We Sing UMH 568
*Blessing and Going in Peace to Serve
Postlude Interlude in G minor Elzbét
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There is no Verge! Bible study this morning. Next week, Pastor Bill will begin the study on the Gospel of Matthew.
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Interim Pastor's Weekly NotesWeekly Schedule: Tuesday, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Saturday attendance at Annual Charge Conference from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Today is Generosity Sunday! Pledge cards will be collected and placed on the communion table for a blessing. When God calls churches to ministry, God asks that we connect to that call with all that we are and all that we have. Giving is an essential source of alignment with God's desired ends for our church. Continuing a bit of liturgical teaching: The Prayer for Illumination readies our hearts and minds for hearing and proclaiming the word of God through preaching and various types of responses to the word. The prayer is prayed by the week's reader, whose prayer is uttered on behalf of all the people of God.
Next Sunday, November 3rd, we will mark and celebrate All Saints’ Sunday. We will remember Pearl Rhodes, Ralph Kinnamon, Cora Clemmer, and Gordon "Bud" Williams. I extend an invitation to all of you to bring framed pictures of the beloved saints in your life, no larger than 5x7 if possible, to be placed on the communion table or around the sanctuary as our "Great Cloud of Witnesses."
I am grateful to all church leaders who had Charge Conference forms to complete and submit this year in preparation for the conference on November 2. I appreciate Becky Conrad who shepherded that process with her gracious way of keeping all of us on task. The technological system used this year was new and cumbersome, but the world is changing, and the church is changing with it. You can expect a report on the charge conference in the December issue of the Circuit Rider.
Looking ahead: Advent begins on Sunday, December 1st. With that day, comes traditions of decorating the church with the symbols of the season; of lighting the candles of the Advent Wreath and the Christmas Trees; of singing beloved carols; and basking in the glory of the Nativity Scene. Mark your calendars with the times of the two Christmas Eve services: 4:00 p.m. will be a casual family service; then, at 7:00 p.m., merry worshippers will gather for a traditional service of candles, carols, and holy communion. Search your minds for people you can recommend our church to and tell them about our services.
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 27 – November 3
Sunday, October 27 9:00 a.m. Worship Service (Nursery Care – infants-age 3)10:00 a.m. Fellowship – Stringer Auditorium10:30 a.m. Sunday School – All ages11:30 a.m. Beau Bells Rehearsal11:45 a.m. Youth Ministry Team – Conference Room12:00 p.m. Youth Group – Hecker Room 6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts – New Horizons Room
Monday, October 2812:00 p.m. AA – Hecker Room 7:00 p.m. Tech Team – Conference Room
Tuesday, October 29 7:00 p.m. GA – Hecker Room Wednesday, October 30 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 Thursday, October 3110:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Bright Beginnings Halloween Party – Stringer Auditorium 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room
Friday, November 110:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Bright Beginnings Halloween Party – Stringer Auditorium 6:00 p.m. Set up for Craft Fair - Stringer Auditorium
Saturday, November 2 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Craft Fair – Stringer Auditoriuim10:00 a.m. Charge Conference – Christ UMC 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room
Sunday, November 3 – All Saints’ Day 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
JOYS & CONCERNSHealing:
Jim FisherPete NollMary M. battling cancerJoanne’s son with brain cancerGeri’s nephew Kevin, from lymphatic cancerMel recovering from breast cancer surgeryHelen’s husbandMillie’s cancer has returned, having surgeryDeb’s friend, Christina, medical issues
Bill, Kathy and Louise, Kathy’s motherAnita and her dad – he’s on hospiceFlorence for peace and relief from stressCarpenter’s Calling mission trip to Fayetteville, NCGood test results for Sandi’s sister SallyThe Snyders’ friend Jack is having more medical testsComfort for Mary’s friend’s family on the sudden loss of a loved oneCorinne’s marriagePat needs hearing aidsDemocratic Republic of Congo: Missionary, Najungu, celebrating a birthday
Happy Birthday to You!Michael Lease (10/27) Kristen Hettel (10/31)Eric Enger (10/29) Zoe Kenick (11/1)Lee Pitts (10/29) Alex Klauger (11/2)Ava Paris (10/30) Bill Patchell (11/2)Erica Antoine (10/31)
Happy Anniversary to You!Jon & Christine Regino (10/27) Hugh & Patti Transue (10/27)Dale & Sharon Miller (10/27) Bob & Cathy Kennedy (11/2)
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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!
Giving Tree Is Up! This year’s Giving Tree is in the Stringer lobby and supports Laurel House, Methodist Services and Glad Tidings. Pick a card and bring the gift (with the card attached) to worship on November 24 for dedication.
Make somebody’s Christmas merry!
Preparing for 2020 - From Warren Shaedle, Financial Secretary So far in October we have received over $36,100 in pledges for 2020. Pastor Bill is dedicating the commitment cards today but it is never too late to pledge your financial support for God’s church here in Lansdale. Let us all prayerfully consider how we can continue our financial support of God’s work in Lansdale through the remaining weeks of 2019 and into 2020.
Coming Up
Our 2nd Annual Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 2 from 9 am to 2 pm in Stringer Auditorium. Come and Shop our 27 crafters. Great gifts, great deals! A light lunch of hot dogs, chili, and baked goods will be available. Proceeds benefit our United Methodist
Women, Bright Beginnings Nursery School and Operations budget. If you are donating a craft item to be sold at our craft table, please leave it in the church office by November 1. Please consider helping to set up tables on Friday, November 1 at 6:00 p.m. We need you!!!
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,
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!
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Dig Deeper into the Word
Have Pastor Bill’s sermons on Jesus and Paul spoken to you? Have you been inspired and now want to go deeper into the Word? The LUMC Library has commentaries, Biblical and theological studies as well as reference works. Check out the titles on the LUMC Book Cart and in the library.
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!
Verge! Pastor’s Bible Study
Pastor Bill has been sharing a Bible Study on the subject of boundaries. However, during the months of November and December, Pastor Bill will be teaching a traditional Bible Study on the Gospel of Matthew, as we prepare for the dominance of Matthew’s Gospel beginning in Advent. The Bible Study over these two months will focus on the first three chapters, which represent aspects of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
Wesleyan class study for October through November is The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. In December, we will focus on an Advent Study. We meet upstairs in Room A202 after Fellowship at 10:30 a.m. Come and walk with us on “The Way.”
Upper Room and New Horizons adult Sunday school classes will attend Verge! in the sanctuary.
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Sermon Notes
As his death drew near, Paul spoke of a “crown of righteousness” he awaited. While he persevered in the faith, he cast doubts on the future of anyone who had deserted him in his gospel ministry. Though 2 Timothy tends to paint the final days of Paul in heroic colors, he himself never failed to speak of his connection to God. The reading from Luke’s Gospel picks up where last week’s reading left off—with another parable, which Jesus addressed to all who had confidence in their own righteousness. Jesus taught that reliance on one’s own goodness before God is a flimsy defense. Jesus and Paul were heroic leaders who remained close to God for strength and power to overcome their adversities.
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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