October 19, 2014 9:00 AM *The congregation stands for the indicated hymns and readings. Gathering We invite you to mark your presence in worship in the black folder at the end of the row and to fill out a PRAYER CARD with any joys or concerns you have. The prayer cards are used for our weekly prayer bookmark. Prelude “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” *Opening Hymn #139 (UMH) Verses 1, 3, & 5 Welcome A warm welcome is extended to all. Especially those who are worshipping at Homestead for the first time or who have returned after an absence. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together. Centering *Call to Worship: Psalm 96:1-6 Leader: O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Congregation: Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is he Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods. Leader: For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Congregation: Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth. Children’s Message: Tracy Youngberg Prayer of Confession: (in unison) Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: Cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen Pastoral Prayer & Joys & Concerns Pastor Jef Olson Lord’s Prayer: (in unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Discovering “There’s Something about That Name” *Hymn #171 (UMH) *Old Testament Reading Micah 6:1-8 The Message Listen now, listen to God: “Take your stand in court. If you have a complaint, tell the mountains; make your case to the hills. And now, Mountains, hear God’s case; listen, Jury Earth—For I am bringing charges against my people. I am building a case against Israel. “Dear people, how have I done you wrong? Have I burdened you, worn you out? Answer! I delivered you from a bad life in Egypt; I paid a good price to get you out of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you—and Aaron and Miriam to boot! Remember what Balak king of Moab tried to pull, and how Balaam son of Beor turned the tables on him. Remember all those stories about Shittim and Gilgal. Keep all God’s salvation stories fresh and present.” How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin? But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously. *Gospel Reading Matthew 15:32-38 The Message But Jesus wasn’t finished with them. He called his disciples and said, “I hurt for these people. For three days now they’ve been with me, and now they have nothing to eat. I can’t send them away without a meal—they’d probably collapse on the road.” His disciples said, “But where in this deserted place are you going to dig up enough food for a meal?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” “Seven loaves,” they said, “plus a few fish.” At that, Jesus directed the people to sit down. He took the seven loaves and the fish. After giving thanks, he divided it up and gave it to the people. Everyone ate. They had all they wanted. It took seven large baskets to collect the leftovers. Over four thousand people ate their fill at that meal. This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Amen. “What Can We Bring to the Lord?” Meditation Pastor Jef Olson Pastor Jef Olson Reflection & Prayer: Receiving the Gifts and Tithes Offertory *Doxology #94 (UMH) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Pastor Jef Olson *Prayer of Thanksgiving Sending *Closing Hymn “Are Ye Able” #530 (UMH) Verses 1 & 4 *Benediction *Postlude Lead Pastor: Rev. Bob Kandels Office Administrator: Traci Zent Accompanist: Jon Davis Contemporary Music Coordinator: Georgia Hurley Traditional Music Coordinator: Deb Rentfrow Our Resident Bishop: Rev. Bruce Ough River Valley D.S.: Rev. Clay Oglesbee Liturgist: Betty Lee Volunteer Parish Nurse: Cindy Hegge Pastor Jef Olson