Worship for Sunday August 7, 2016

August 5, 2016

This will be a special Sunday here at First UMC as we say good-bye to Pastor David and Julie Bard after eleven years of ministry with us.  Pastor David is now Bishop David Bard and he will be the resident United Methodist Bishop of the Michigan area beginning September 1.  Join us for worship with communion at 10 a.m. followed by a potluck meal and celebration.

Scripture Reading: Luke 12:32-40

Sermon: Be Ready, Not Afraid

Invitation to Worship (adapted from a Wendell Berry poem)

Whatever happens

those who have learned

to love on another

have made their way

into the lasting world

and will not leave,

whatever happens.              Welcome to worship.

Morning Prayer: Gracious God, God of all times and places, God of all people.  You in whose Presence we are connected across time and space, we give thanks for such connections and we give thanks for your steady love in the midst of life’s changes.  You have blessed this season in our lives.  Your Spirit has touched and transformed our lives and our life together.  We trust that your Spirit will continue to be at work in our church and in our lives.  Life is good-bye.  Life is hello.  Life is joy.  Life is grieving.  Through it all, there is your love and ours.  In Jesus.  Amen.

Songs: Welcome; Here I Am, Lord; We Are Called

Musicians: Velda Graham Bell, organ; Tapestry (band), under the direction of Cynthia Coffin-Langdon; Sanctuary Choir, under the direction of Michael Goodlet; Strikepoint (bells), under the direction of Bill Alexander; Peterson Family Strings (Rebecca, Josie, Joshua and Kevin Peterson); Carol Donahue, harp