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
July 29, 2016
We would be delighted to have you join us for our 10 a.m. worship service. Child care and children’s activities provided.
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:13-21
Sermon: A Few Words From Your Flight Attendant
Morning Prayer: Gracious God, how rich are the stories Jesus tells, and how they have such power to hold up a mirror to our lives. Once there was a wealthy man who wanted to enjoy the fruits of his labor. What’s wrong with that? Do we have to be working all the time? The heart of the story which seeks to find its way into our hearts is not in the man’s wealth but in his refusal to use it for anyone other than himself. Our prayer, O God, is to be rich in love so that we can love extravagantly, even wastefully. In Jesus. Amen.
Songs: Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above; Loving Spirit; Many Gifts, One Spirit
Musicians: Velda Graham Bell, organ; Mary Wright, cello with Carolyn Carver, piano; Brandon Veale, tenor
July 22, 2016
Come join us for worship at 10 a.m. We would be delighted to have you with us. Stay for coffee and conversation following.
Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-13
Sermon: Truckin’
Morning Prayer: Gracious God, are you a God who demands persistence, perhaps even a measure of groveling, or are you a God who invites our persistence because of your constant love, your ever-present gracious acceptance, your persistent generosity? We think we know because we know your love and faithfulness. Grant us the grace to be courageous and persistent in prayer, generosity, doing justice, seeking peace, and love. In Jesus. Amen.
Songs: O God, Our Help in Ages Past; Seek Ye First; We Are God’s People
Musicians: Velda Graham Bell, organ; Hans Arvidson-Hicks, piano; Mary Whitlock vocals with Steve Mattson drums and Jenna Mattson violin; Jenna Mattson, violin
July 14, 2016
Join us for our 10 a.m. worship service. We would be delighted to welcome you. Stay and have a cup of coffee with us.
No sermon this week. Instead, we’ll have a service of songs, with opportunities to pick some of your favorites.
Musicians:Bill Alexander, Mike Goodlet, Cynthia Coffin-Langdon, Velda Bell, handbell quartet; Tapestry, praise band
July 7, 2016
Join us for our 10 a.m. worship service. We would be delighted to welcome you. Stay and have a cup of coffee with us.
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-37
Sermon: Whatever Happens
Morning Prayer: Gracious God, hearing the well-known story told by Jesus about a good Samaritan, we see that much about the world remains the same – violence and treachery leave people wounded and bleeding on the edges of the world. Too often people turn away, busy in their own lives – even respectable people, even well-intentioned people. What also remains the same is that compassion and love heal, and that all are capable of being compassionate and loving. By your grace and the power of your Spirit, guide us in the way of compassion, the way of love, the way of Jesus, in whom we pray. Amen.
Songs: Rejoice in God’s Saints; Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart; The Servant Song
Musicians: Velda Graham Bell, organ; Libby Gaalaas, clarinet; String Ensemble: Josie Peterson, Nakiah Lanthier, Elaina Mattson and Jenna Mattson, violin; Joshua Peterson, Kevin Peterson, viola; Rebecca Peterson, cello; Rowan Racette, bass
