March 15 2015 10 a.m. Fourth Sunday in Lent ~ One Great Hour of Sharing Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers. The Lord’s Prayer: 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. Proclamation and Response Hearing the Word of God in Scripture Liturgist, Jackie Yeo Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV) p.827 Gathering Prelude Lighting of the Altar Candles Introit: “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” Chancel Choir * Hymn: “When Morning Gilds the Skies” The United Methodist Hymnal #185 *Hymn: “Just as I Am, Without One Plea” The United Methodist Hymnal #357 * Gospel Lesson: John 3:14-21(NIV) p.752 Pastor Roy May God bless the reading, hearing, understanding and preaching of His Holy Word. Response: AMEN. Welcome Guests! It is a pleasure to have you worship with us today! In the mighty name of our living Lord Jesus, we welcome you to this service of celebration. May you feel Christ’s presence, hear his Word proclaimed, and be blessed, and renewed. Please be sure to sign the guest book and join us again, if possible, in the near future. Please note that Nursery care is available during worship for ages 0-2. The asterisk (*) Indicates to please stand, if you are able. Greeting & Welcome Pastor Roy *Call to worship Liturgist, Jackie Yeo Leader: From the east and the west, People: from the north and the south, Leader: we come to dwell in God’s steadfast love. People: God’s love heals, forgives, and welcomes all! Opening Prayer: Gracious and loving God, we have come to this place to be your faithful disciples. On this Lenten journey, help us grow in our faith and in our relationship with you. Open our hearts t5o love. Open our eyes to the light of your Son. Open our hands to the work of your Holy Spirit. Help us share your grace and follow the ways that lead to new life. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. Ministry Moment Kathy Aborn Children’s Story Time “God’s Global Family” Pastor Roy Children will be dismissed at this time for Sunday school. Finding the Quiet Center Our Time of Intercessory Prayer: We come, together in prayer, with prayers of Joy & Thanksgiving, with prayers for Hope, Healing, and Wholeness. --With prayers for ourselves, and for others, with prayers for our homes, and the world around us. Today, is there an experience of God that you might share in praise of God? Morning Message: “No Condemnation In Christ” Pastor Roy Our Offering: “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” Chancel Choir The United Methodist Hymnal #95 *Giving Glory to God in Song Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Sending Forth *Closing Hymn: “Living for Jesus” The Faith We Sing #2149 *Dismissal with Blessing Pastor Roy *Our parting prayer in song for one another: You are invited to circle the sanctuary, to sing this prayer to one another. May the God of hope go with us every day, filling all our lives with love and joy and peace. May the God of justice speed us on our way, bringing light and hope to every land and race. Praying, let us work for peace; singing, share our joy with all; working for a world that’s new, faithful when we hear Christ’s call. *Organ Postlude Let the fellowship continue – You are invited to join us for coffee in Fellowship Hall downstairs. Men’s Palm Sunday Service March 29, 2015 7am --- see Jeff Aborn for your tickets! 8 Church Street, Stafford Springs, CT 06076 (860) 684-2468 Fax: (860) 684-3418 [email protected] “Like” us on Facebook! Our Web site is www.fumcstafford.org Secretary Office hours: Mon. Weds. & Thurs. 7:30 -12:30 Fri. 7:30 -11:30 Connie Fogarty, Administrative Assistant Church offices Closed Good Friday Our Participants in worship this morning: Jill Gregori - Minister of Music Kathy Aborn – Lay Leader Liturgist – Jackie Yeo Greeters – Donna & Gene Panciera Ushers – Fred Streb, Sheryl Maloney-Platt Nursery Attendant – Connie Fogarty Coffee Hour – Joan Johnson, JoAnn West Counters – Nancy Fisher, Robert Spencer Sound Techs – Butch Hajosy, Gary Symonds, Chris Rossick Rev. Roy Richardson, pastor Weekly Attendance Sunday Worship: Morning Service 136 Evening Service 4 Prayer & Praise: printed before the service Nursery, 4 Pre K -2 , 5 3-5, & Middle School, 8 High School, 0 Adult Study ( 8 groups), 36 Last Year 2014 Worship: 81 Next Sunday, March 22, 2015– Worship Participants Counters –Joan Johnson, JoAnn West, Liturgist –Keith Marin, Greeters – Leroy Atkins, Marshall Loveday, Ushers – Al Higgins, Doug Fassett, Coffee Hour –Polly Streb, Betty Burns. If you are unable to participate next week contact the office by Wednesday. If you have a last minute cancellation and the office is closed it is your responsibility to find a replacement! Thank you!   Our Mission Statement: We, the people of First United Methodist Church of Stafford Springs, are in mission. It is our aim to reach out in genuine acceptance, welcoming people into a growing, life-giving relationship with God in Jesus Christ through vital worship, warm fellowship, and careful attention to people's needs. The last day to order your Easter flowers is March 22, 2015. First United Methodist Church March 15, 2015