Myers Park
United Methodist Church
Unity
A Service of Christian Worship
May 1, 2016 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m.
Sixth Sunday After Easter
WE GATHER
Welcome
Please pass the hospitality pads at this time.
Passing of the Peace
Chiming of the Holy Trinity
Opening Voluntary
Trumpet Tune in G Jeremy Bankson
Call to Worship from Psalm 71
I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord God,
I will praise your righteousness, yours alone.
O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to you;
my soul also, which you have rescued. Processional Hymn No. 89
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee HYMN TO JOY
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, we know
love is patient where we are quick-tempered.
Love is kind when we are indifferent.
Love is not envious, or boastful or arrogant.
The Creed No. 885 A Modern Affirmation We believe in God the Father,
infinite in wisdom, power and love,
whose mercy is over all his works,
and whose will is ever directed to his children’s good.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
Son of God and Son of man,
the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace,
the ground of our hope,
and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death.
We believe in the Holy Spirit
as the divine presence in our lives,
whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance
of the truth of Christ,
and find strength and help in time of need.
We believe that this faith should manifest itself
in the service of love
as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord,
to the end
that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. Amen.
Gloria Patri No. 71 GREATOREX
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
Love is not rude despite our unkind behavior.
Love does not insist on getting its own way,
building a false sense of our importance.
Love is not irritable and does not rejoice in wrongdoing.
May God show us mercy,
forgive us our sins against love
and lead us into abundant life. Amen.
Words of Assurance
…In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to God. Amen.
Anthem
On Earth Has Dawned This Day of Days Jeremy Bankson
Commissioned (2016) in honor of Margaret Ann Schrum.
See insert. The congregation is invited to join in singing the final stanza.
WE HEAR AND RESPOND TO THE WORD
Epistle Reading 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Reader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Prayers of the People
After each petition, we enter into the prayer together with these words:
Pastor: Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer
Offertory
Festival Piece on “St. Anne” Eugene Butler
The congregation is invited to join in singing the final stanza.
O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.
Before the hills in order stood or earth received her frame
from everlasting Thou art God to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone,
short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun.
Time like an ever rolling stream bears all its sons away,
They fly forgotten as a dream dies at the opening day.
O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
be Thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home! Doxology LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Prayer of Dedication
WE GO OUT TO SERVE
Closing Hymn No. 68
When in Our Music God Is Glorified ENGELBERG
Benediction
Benediction Response
Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore His sacred name.
Come, Christians, follow this triumphant sign.
The hosts of God in unity combine.
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore His sacred name. Closing Voluntary Fanfare and Flourish James Curnow
_______________________________________________________________
Stand as you are able
WORSHIP LEADERS
PREACHER
Dr. James C. Howell, Senior Minister
LITURGISTS
Dr. Melanie Dobson, Minister of Faith Formation
Rev. Parker Haynes, Associate Minister
LAY READERS
Hilary Coman (8:30), Cameron Caudle (9:45), Lindsay Jones (11:00)
MUSICIANS
James R. Jones, Director of Music and Organist
Brian Childers, Director of Music for Children and Youth
Elizabeth Whitener, organ
Jeremy Bankson, conductor
da Capo Brass
Myers Park Bells
Chancel Choir
Amanda Williams, soprano
CRUCIFERS
Avery Buie (8:30), Trent Mulligan (9:45), Mattie Price (11:00)
ACOLYTES
David Felkner and Jack Felkner (8:30)
Skylar Neal and Caroline Boulware (9:45)
Andrew Wilks and Bennett Wilks (11:00)
BIBLE CARRIERS
Micah Wilson (8:30), Morgan Weintraub (9:45), Emsley Jones (11:00) ________________________________________________________________
Jeremy Bankson, Associate Minister of Music at First-Plymouth Church in
Lincoln, Nebraska, shares his passion for congregational song by leading the
Plymouth Ringers, First-Plymouth Chorale, Youth Orchestra, and Plymouth Brass.
He also assists with the Plymouth Choir and Abendmusik Chorus and shares in
playing the 110 rank Schoenstein organ. Jeremy serves as Executive Director of
the Abendmusik at First-Plymouth Concert Series and teaches organ at Hastings
College. A native Nebraskan, he received his Bachelor of Music degree from the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he also pursued graduate studies in choral
conducting. He served churches in Beatrice, Nebraska, and Fort Wayne, Indiana,
before moving back to serve at First-Plymouth in 2007. Active as a composer and
arranger, he has led workshops, clinics and hymn festivals for the Fellowship of
American Baptist Musicians, Association of Lutheran Church Musicians,
American Guild of Organists, Leadership Program for Musicians, Augsburg
Fortress and other churches and institutions around the country. His compositions
can be found in the catalogs of MorningStar Music Publishers, Augsburg Fortress
Press and Concordia Publishing House and have been heard on the nationally
syndicated radio programs The Lutheran Hour, With Heart and Voice, and Sing for
Joy. Many of Jeremy’s arrangements can be heard on the following recordings:
Sing with All the Saints in Glory, Hymns from First-Plymouth, Carols from First-
Plymouth, and Easter at First-Plymouth.
On Earth Has Dawned this Day of Days
Notes From Composer Jeremy Bankson
It is with great delight that I received the invitation from Director of Music Jimmy
Jones to write a new piece for Myers Park United Methodist Church in honor of
Margaret Ann Schrum. We discussed the idea of a new hymn tune that would
incorporate an Easter text. It’s not uncommon to find great texts that have not been
set to great tunes, and thus remain relatively unknown. That was the case for this
text written by Nikolaus Hermann and translated by Charles Sanford Terry.
The next task was to create a new tune. Since the idea was to create an anthem that
the congregation could join in singing, I wanted to write a tune in a fairly
traditional hymn style. It needed to be interesting without being difficult. The
result is a tune that has been named Myers Park in honor of the church where it
premieres this morning. While the tune was conceived with this text in mind, it is a
meter that will allow it to be sung with numerous other texts. Hopefully this will
allow this tune to be used more frequently than just during the Easter season.
The piece begins with a straightforward presentation of the tune, accompanied by
brass and organ. Stanza two begins to use some text painting. The interlude leading
to stanza two employs a raised E natural that hopefully implies something “out of
the ordinary” to the listener. Gently sung “alleluias” are the accompaniment for a
soloist who conveys the narrative of the story accompanied by singing bells – a
relatively new technique that also has a sense of mystery to the sound. The idea is
to set up an image of that first Easter morn and approaching the tomb. The stanza
begins with a loose adaptation of the melody, but ends with a more straightforward
harmonization which I think has a triumphant quality as the text talks about “who
over death and victr’y won.” The next stanza begins with a four-part harmonization
of the text that depicts the angel’s message, and proclamation that “The Lord is
risen from the dead.” At this point, the text begins to erupt with joy, and so the
choir has shouts and acclamations of “let joy begin,” concluded by a shout that the
tomb is empty. The shouts of joy are accented with bells and fanfares that include
the mysterious e-natural in the form of a fanfare. This interlude sets up a final
stanza where all join in singing the melody along with a descant and the combined
instrumental forces. There is one more “nod” to the idea of resurrection as this
piece concludes.
I’m told that Margaret Ann Schrum is a fan of high notes, so the last four bars of
the piece include a descant that rises to the highest note at the end. Christ is risen!
Alleluia!
Notes On Today’s Music
Although 450 years separate the lives of Nikolaus Hermann and Jeremy Bankston,
today they have joined hands to create a marvelous, musical celebration of Easter
Day. The story of Easter is familiar to Christians everywhere – how three women
approached the tomb to find it empty. They were greeted by an angel who told
them that “the Lord is Risen.” The story comes alive in Mr. Bankston’s music as
the choir, handbells, organ and brass call and respond to each other. Each segment
is punctuated by a stirring “hallelujah.” After the contemplative days of Lent, the
waiting is over.
This word “Hallelujah” is Hebrew for “Praise ye the Lord.” But what does it really
mean? As we listen to this music, we discover how this ancient exclamation of joy,
hope and love is a fitting summary of Christ's incomparable mission — and His
promise of new life for us all.
Jim Willoughby.
TODAY AT MYERS PARK
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH…
WELCOME! We are thankful you are here, worshiping with us. If you’re just
getting to know us, we are a community that welcomes people from all walks of
life. Any staff member, usher or church member is glad to answer questions, or
share directions. Check out the Guest Information bookcases in the narthex
gathering space outside the Sanctuary or drop by the Welcome Center in the lobby
of the Parish Life Building for resources so you can get to know us better. New
guests are invited to pick up a complimentary drink tumbler at the front desk, in
the Sanctuary narthex and by the Jubilee Hall door.
DISCOVER MYERS PARK Want to learn more about our church family and
how to get involved? Our Discover Myers Park class shares about the life of the
church. The next Discover Myers Park is at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, June 12, in the
lobby of Parish Life Building for coffee, fellowship and conversation. You don’t
need to sign up in advance, just come and join us. Reach Rev. Parker Haynes at
[email protected] to learn more.
CELEBRATING STEPHEN MINISTRIES
This morning at worship, we lift up Stephen Ministries, laypersons trained to offer
care to people experiencing tough times. Information on how to become a Stephen
Minister, and how to secure the services of one, is available from 8:30 a.m. to noon
today in the lobby of the Parish Life Building. Rev. Bill Roth, Minister of
Congregational Care, writes: “Stephen Ministers are laypeople – Christian men and
women – trained to provide one-on-one care to those facing a difficult time in life
such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation or some other
crisis. While our Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, there is a common
thread: Their passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of
need.” Details: Rev. Bill Roth at 704-295-4835 or [email protected].
WELCOME, CHILDREN Bright blue bags with fun activities for your children
are at the Sanctuary entrances. Please return them after worship.
THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God and in honor
of Margaret Ann Schrum and in memory of John L. Schrum Jr. by their family.
THE FLOWERS IN THE NARTHEX are given to the glory of God and in
loving memory of Marion Blanton Gibson by her family.
THE FLOWERS IN THE CHAPEL NARTHEX are given to the glory of God
and in celebration of the marriage of Caroline Hodgin and Brian Ives on Saturday
at the church.
HOLY COMMUNION THIS MORNING Holy Communion is celebrated each
Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the memorial chapel behind the Sanctuary except when it is
given in worship services.
CLASS FOR SINGLES The new Faith and Fellowship Sunday School class for
singles in their 30s and 40s meets at 9:45 a.m. this morning in Room 260 in the
Youth Building, exploring Unusual Questions – From The Gospel Of John. The
class, and all singles in that age group, are invited to dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday,
May 10, at the Treehouse restaurant, 4423 Sharon Road across from SouthPark
mall. RSVP to Kelly McLaughlin at [email protected].
MUSIC FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH Music Ministries offers opportunities for
children and youth: Junior Handbells (Grades 2-5) meets at 3:00 p.m. Sundays in
Room 229 in the Snyder Building. Youth Bells (Grades 6-12) meets at 4:00 p.m.
Sundays in Room 229. Youth Choir (Grades 6-12) meets at 5:00 p.m. Sundays in
Room 141. Alleluia Choir (Grades K-1) rehearses at 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays in
Room 148. Junior Choir (Grades 2-5) rehearses at 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays in Room
141. Details: Director of Music For Children and Youth Brian Childers at 704-295-
4806 or [email protected].
SUNDAY NIGHT YOUTH Youth and friends in Grades 6-12 are invited each
Sunday evening for Sunday Night Youth from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. in the Parish Life
Building basement. Come for dinner, worship, fellowship and fun. To learn more,
reach Director of Youth Ministries Lauren Stines at [email protected].
YOUNG ADULTS BOOK STUDY All young adults are invited to a weekly
book study at 7:00 p.m. Sundays in Room 108 of the Parish Life Building. The
group is studying Dr. Howell’s book, What Does The Lord Require? Copies are
available. Details: Dr. Melanie Dobson at 704-295-4840 or [email protected].
GOODNESS GRACIOUS! The volunteer-run gift shop in the Parish Life
Building, where sales support outreach, will offer its wares for sale on tables along
the hallway outside the Church Library in Room 111. The tables will be set up
today through Friday, May 13. The shop offers plenty of Mother’s Day
possibilities, including Bibles, books, cards, housewares and assorted gifts.
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DOWNLOAD OUR APP The Myers Park United Methodist Church mobile app
is available for download. You’ll find the latest sermons from Dr. Howell and our
pastoral staff, live streaming worship services and other resources to help you stay
connected online and in real life. To download, search for Myers Park Methodist in
the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Windows Marketplace.
PRAY FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE Please pray for The United Methodist
General Conference starting May 10 in Portland, Ore., and for the delegates from
our church, Dr. Howell and Sandy Hieronymus. You can follow the news from
General Conference at gc2016.umc.org and at www.myersparkumc.org/GC2016,
where you will also find Dr. Howell’s reflection. The upcoming Cornerstone
church newsletter will also feature more on the General Conference.
THIS MORNING’S ANTHEM
This morning at the 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary services, the Chancel
Choir, Myers Park Bells and da Capo Brass premiere a new anthem, On Earth Has
Dawned This Day Of Days, composed by Jeremy Bankson and commissioned in
honor of long-time Chancel Choir member Margaret Ann Schrum. Today also
marks the premiere of the hymn tune, Myers Park, which serves as the main theme
for this anthem. We hope this beautiful hymn will one day be included in hymnals
throughout the world. Read more about the composer and the anthem elsewhere in
today’s worship bulletin. We welcome Jeremy to worship this morning.
WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST…
TALK ABOUT RACE, YOUTH, FOOTBALL
Our churchwide conversation on race continues with a unique panel discussion at
4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22, in Jubilee Hall: Myers Park High School football coach
Scott Chadwick and several members of his squad will share how they have
tackled the barriers of race and class to build unity. They’ll be joined by Charlotte
magazine Executive Editor Michael Graff, whose three-part series on the Mustangs
team chronicled these issues and inspired this program.
MARTHA CIRCLE LUNCHEON The Martha Circle will hold its annual
luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, in Room 106 in the Parish Life
Building. Please bring $6 for the meal, and the health kits for UMCOR.
http://www.myersparkumc.org/GC2016
H.O.T. WEDNESDAY H.O.T. Wednesday is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each
Wednesday in Jubilee Hall. This week’s menu: Grilled chicken breast, baked
potato or sweet potato, mixed veggies, rolls, salad, desserts and ice cream. Make
reservations at [email protected] or call 704-376-5520 (option six) by
noon each Tuesday. The Goodness Gracious! gift shop in the Parish Life lobby is
open until 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays when H.O.T. Wednesday meets.
GIVE A GIFT, HELP LIBRARY Here’s a great gift idea for Mother’s Day (May
8) or any other time, and a way to help the Church Library: Make a donation to
buy a book that’s already in the library, in Room 111 in the Parish Life Building.
Instructions, prices and books on the library wish list are at the main desk in the
library. Details: Linda Myers at 704-907-0864 or [email protected].
‘CREATION’ CONCERT, SILENT AUCTION The Chancel Choir and 36-
piece orchestra will present Haydn’s oratorio, The Creation, at 4:00 p.m. Sunday,
May 15, in Jubilee Hall. It’s a free event, no tickets are required. Making the
afternoon even more extraordinary, UMAR artists have created seven pieces of
artwork representing the seven days of creation. They will be on display May 11-
15 outside Jubilee Hall. You are encouraged to place bids on the artwork for sale,
then donate the pieces to the church for permanent display. Proceeds will benefit
the ministry to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
LEARN ABOUT PLANNED GIVING Chris McLeod, who is helping educate
the congregation about the importance of planned giving, will lead a program at
7:00 p.m. Monday, May 16, in Francis Chapel on How To Make A Difference
Forever: Strategies For Giving Through Your Estate. Chris will guide us as we
determine the focus and scope of the charity we are considering supporting; the
type of gift, and how to make sure our intentions for that gift are honored. Look for
more about the launch of our planned giving educational initiative.
WOMEN’S RETREAT REUNION The women’s retreat will celebrate a decade
of fellowship, faith development and fun with a 10th anniversary reunion at 7:00
p.m. Friday, May 20, in Jubilee Hall. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Guests
will reminisce as well as look forward to future retreats. Women are encouraged to
bring a friend and reconnect with retreat sisters, or come and make new friends as
you make plans to attend the retreat for the first time. RSVP by May 13 to
Christine Mull at 704-295-4815 or [email protected].
CAMP TEKOA WEEKEND The annual Camp Tekoa Family Weekend in the
N.C. mountains is May 20-22, offering families, friends, long-time church
members and those new to our faith family a chance to share fellowship, fun
activities, worship and more. The deadline to sign up is May 10. Visit
www.myersparkumc.org/children or reach Jenna Zello at [email protected].
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YOUNG ADULTS PICNIC All young adults ages 20 to 35 are invited to a
cookout at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Marion Diehl Park, 2219 Tyvola Road,
shelter No 1. To RSVP and sign up to bring a side dish to share, reach Katherine
Jones at [email protected].
PERFORMING ARTS CAMP It’s Cool In The Furnace, a performing arts camp
for rising Grades 2-8, is August 15-19 at the church. Cost is $200 per student.
Details: Nancy Hamff at 704-295-4831 or [email protected].
GROWING IN FAITH…
CHILDREN, YOUTH MUSIC RECOGNITION A Children and Youth Music
Recognition Service at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, in the Sanctuary will
feature the Alleluia Choir, Junior Choir, Junior Bells, Youth Choir and Youth
Bells. Each group will present a selection, and participants will be recognized for
their leadership in worship.
SIGN UP FOR CONFIRMATION Youth who will be rising eighth-graders in
2016-17 can sign up now for Confirmation at www.myersparkumc.org
(Confirmation tab). Youth Ministries is preparing for an exciting year, and has
been praying for the Confirmation class of 2017. The 65 members of the 2016
class will be confirmed at the three Sanctuary services on Sunday, May 15. We are
also seeking adult mentors to work with youth. Reach Director of Youth Ministries
Lauren Stines at [email protected].
NAPA BREAKFAST PROGRAM Jeff Conway, owner of Napa on Providence
and the Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses in Charlotte, will share his testimony at a
breakfast gathering at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Napa, 110 Perrin Place. A
weekly Bible study meets at Napa. RSVP to Ryan Blalock at
ADULTS PLUS! Our ministry to ages 55 and over invites all to its next gathering
at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, in Room 103 of the Parish Life Building as
Nara Melknonyan of Project AGAPE in Armenia talks about the ministry’s
humanitarian work in the Nagorno-Karabagh region. Lunch (chicken tetrazzini)
follows at noon in Jubilee Hall. For reservations by noon May 17, call 704-376-
5520 (option two) or e-mail [email protected].
SERVING OTHERS…
ZOE MISSION EVENT The World Outreach-sponsored ZOE event at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 2, in Francis Chapel will feature Gaston Warner and Reegan
Kaberia sharing how we can help orphans and other vulnerable children become
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fully self-reliant and know of God’s love. ZOE has 28,000 children enrolled in its
programs. The ministry is active in Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Liberia,
Guatemala and India. Details: Brandon Lowery at
SERVE DINNER AT MEN’S SHELTER A few more volunteers are needed to
serve dinner at the Men’s Shelter from 5:15 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 3. Sign up
at www.myersparkumc.org/serve.
MISSION: BRAZIL A meeting at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, in Room 104 of
the Parish Life Building will share information on the mission trip September 17-
26 to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mission-goers will do light construction, share
fellowship at a nursing home, build relationships at a teen center and partner with a
United Methodist church in a favela (impoverished neighborhood). Details: Donna
Sheehan at [email protected].
GET A COW FOR MOM We’re offering the Alternative Gift Market for
Mother’s Day (May 8). Support missions by buying a meaningful gift to honor
mom, perhaps clean bedding for the Men’s Shelter or chickens for orphans in
Kenya. Shop at www.myersparkumc.org/serve.
DONATE DIAPERS Help new moms in need by donating diapers in the Parish
Life lobby bin.
CAREER DAY AT SEDGEFIELD MIDDLE Inspire a student on Career Day
Friday, May 13. Careers especially needed are nurses, EMTs and computer
programmers, though all are welcome. Help is also needed at Sedgefield Middle
running a club Fridays from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Details are at
www.myersparkumc.org/serve.
CATCH ‘ANNIE’ AT SEDGEFIELD Enjoy the production of Annie by our
partner middle school at 6:45 p.m. Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, time
TBA. The costumes were created by our church sewing ministry. Sedgefield is at
2700 Dorchester Place.
Myers Park United Methodist Church Mission Statement:
We are the body of Christ, growing in faith and serving others.
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