March 22 2015 10 a.m. Fifth Sunday in Lent 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. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers. Gathering Prelude Lighting of the Altar Candles Introit: “Man of Sorrows” Chancel Choir * Hymn: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” The United Methodist Hymnal #420 Greeting & Welcome Pastor Roy *Call to worship Liturgist, Keith Marin Leader: Are you feeling tired and worn out? People: Call on the name of the Lord. Leader: Are past mistakes weighing heavily upon you? People: Come to the fount of living waters. Leader: Are you the person you wish to be? People: Seek God’s help, and it shall be granted for you. Leader: Are you looking for a better path? People: Ask Christ to show you the way. Opening Prayer: God of the unknown, our souls are troubled until they find their rest in you. Afraid that we have not truly lived, we fear our own mortality and the deaths of those dear to us. Help us to face the future unafraid, that we may know in the very marrow of our bones the truth of Christ’s words; “Truly, truly, I said to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies it bears much fruit.” In our living and in our dying, renew us in the knowledge that you are drawing all people to yourself. Amen. Children’s Story Time “Praising God” Pastor Roy Children dismissed to Sunday school classes at this time. 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? 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, Keith Marin Epistle Lesson: Hebrews 5:5-10(NIV) p.848 *Hymn: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” The United Methodist Hymnal #297 * Gospel Lesson: John 12:20-33(NIV) p.762 Pastor Roy May God bless the reading, hearing, understanding and preaching of His Holy Word. Response: AMEN. Morning Message: “The Source of Salvation” Pastor Roy Our Offering: “The Call” 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: “The Servant Song” The Faith We Sing #2222 *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. 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 – Keith Marin Greeters – Leroy Atkins, Marshall Loveday Ushers – Al Higgins, Doug Fassett Nursery Attendant – Connie Fogarty Coffee Hour – Polly Streb, Betty Burns Counters – Nancy Fisher, Pat Klus Sound Techs – Butch Hajosy, Gary Symonds, Chris Rossick Rev. Roy Richardson, pastor Weekly Attendance Sunday Worship: Morning Service 79 Evening Service 11 Prayer & Praise: pastor away Nursery, 1 Pre K -2 , 2 3-5, 0 Middle School, 4 High School, no class held Adult Study (4 groups), 16 Last Year 2014 Worship: 78 Men’s Palm Sunday Service March 29, 2015 7am --- see Jeff Aborn for your tickets! Men’s Palm Sunday 7AM Participants: Greeters – Gene Panciera & Al Higgins, Ushers – Fred Streb, Leroy Atkins Communion Servers – Pastor Roy & Gordon Giller Next Sunday, March 29, 2015– Worship Participants 10AM service Counters –Joan Johnson, JoAnn West, Liturgist –Polly Streb, Greeters – Lisa & Sarah Smith, Ushers –Tom Reilly, Leroy Atkins, Coffee Hour – Nancy Fisher, Cara Ravetto. 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!   The last day to order your Easter flowers is TODAY --March 22, 2015. First United Methodist Church March 22, 2015