Wednesday with the Wesleys

John Wesley’s translation of Philippians 4:8 —

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things; The things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

John Wesley‘s commentary on Philippians 4:8 —

Finally - To sum up all. Whatsoever things are true - Here are eight particulars placed in two fourfold rows; the former containing their duty; the latter, the commendation of it. The first word in the former row answers the first in the latter; the second word, the second and so on. True - In speech. Honest - In action. Just - With regard to others. Pure - With regard to yourselves. Lovely - And what more lovely than truth? Of good report - As is honesty, even where it is not practised. If there be any virtue - And all virtues are contained in justice. If there be any praise - In those things which relate rather to ourselves than to our neighbour. Think on these things - That ye may both practise them yourselves, and recommend them to others.

Scripture lessons for November 15

The next-to-last Sunday of the liturgical year is upon us next Sunday, and with it, lessons from Matthew 25:14-18 and Matthew 25:19-30.

Today at Glenville UMC

Joys

Thanks be to God for …
+ Jim and Renae’s wedding anniversary this week.
+ Tim and Dawn K.’s grandson Max worshipping with us today.
+ The wonderful church conference yesterday at Open Doors UMC in Wells.

+ Joyful, loving Ad Board meetings.

+ Shelley G.’s joy at attending her grandson’s hockey game and celebrating his team’s wins.
+ Shelley G.’s ongoing prayer shawl ministry that provides prayer shawls for Todd K. and Bonita M.
+ Gloria S.’ joy about the news that her son’s oldest daughter is expecting a baby in May 2027.
+ Donna D.’s joy that they created a fifth-generation photo of family members.
+ The much-needed rain in Bemidji that Roy and Nancy B.’s son reported.
+ Tim K.’s answered prayer that his combine started working again last Sunday.
+ Praise God for the faithful service of Sandy D. served as usher today.

Concerns
+ Praying for traveling mercies for those apart from us.
+ Praying for all who are dealing with medical challenges, specifically Shelley G.’s brother-in-law Craig, Bob S.’ friend Meryl B., Nancy B.’s sister Rose, Tony H., Sandy D.’s nephew Jay, a teenager who is very ill, Korla S.’ sister Kay and brother Kevin, Dawn K.’s great nephew Breken in Texas, Janet J., Todd K., Mike H., Roy B., and Jim H.
+ Praying for successful cataract surgeries for Roy and Nancy B. in the next couple of weeks.
+ Praying that God gives the strength and courage caregivers need while caring for their loved ones.
+ Praying for all who are struggling with food and housing insecurity.
+ Praying for all impacted by extreme weather conditions.
+ Praying for all who are impacted directly and indirectly by conflict in the world.
+ Praying for peace. 

Bulletin for November 8

 “I raise my eyes to You – You who rule heaven.”   Psalm 123:1 (CEB)

Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship (Bruce Powers)                                                 

Put aside the distractions of this world’s many gods. Stand in awe before God’s love. Prepare to worship in sincerity and faithfulness. The Lord Jesus and His God, we will serve, and His voice we will trust and obey, that generations to come may know their God. Stand up and celebrate the good news this day so that others may set their hope in the living God. We will not hide our thanks and praise but tell of the glorious deeds of the Lord and all the wonders God has done for us.

*Hymn: “Amazing Grace,” #378

*Prayer (Moira Laidlaw, posted on Liturgies Online)

We worship You, O God, as the one in whom we have placed our hope. We share the desire of Your people of old to tell of the blessings You have affected in our lives. When we think about the greatest blessing of all—the gift of Yourself in human flesh—Jesus Christ—we joyfully acknowledge that our hope in You is not misplaced. We choose to serve You because You chose to touch our lives so graciously in Christ. May our faithful witness and the service of our lives reveal the depth of our love and gratitude as we worship You, O God, and as we praise and adore You in Jesus’ name and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

*Gloria Patri, #70   

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer                                                   

*Doxology: #95                                                   

*Offering Prayer

First Lesson: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-15

This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Hymn: “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” #133

Second Lesson: Joshua 24:16-25

This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon: “Words to live by"

*Hymn: “How Great Thou Art,” #77   

*Benediction

*Choral Amen

Postlude Music

“The worship is ended; let the service begin.”

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

2026 Charge Conference

District Superintendent, Rev. Michelle Hargrave

Our Charge Conference was held this afternoon at Open Door UMC in Wells. Glenville UMC was represented by Belinda A. and Gloria & Bob S. along with Pastor Charles.
 

Wednesday with the Wesleys

O Merciful God… I look upon you as my friend, my only refuge and constant benefactor. When I grieve for my sins, it is not for fear of punishment, but from the cutting reflection of my… ingratitude in offending my creator and preserver, the God in whom I live and move and have my being, the God to whom I owe infinitely more than I can conceive… [Let me] give thanks and say continually, “Lord, not my will, but yours be done,” Amen.

- Mrs. Lefevre, early English Methodist leader

Prayer for Election Night

God of grace and mercy,

As this day draws to a close, we place before you our nation, our communities, and one another.

For those who are anxious, grant peace. For those who are weary, grant rest. For those who are hopeful, grant wisdom. For those who are afraid, grant courage. For those who are grieving, grant comfort. For those who are celebrating, grant humility. And for all of us, grant the grace to remember that our lives are bound together, and that our calling to love one another remains.

We pray for those who have offered themselves for public service, for those entrusted with counting votes, and for those who will bear the responsibility of leadership. Give them prudence, integrity, humility, and a commitment to the common good.

Guard us from contempt and indifference. Keep us from allowing our differences to diminish the dignity of another. Where there is harm, give us courage to speak. Where there is injustice, give us strength to act. Where there is division, help us seek peace without surrendering truth.

And as night falls, keep watch over those who cannot rest, those who fear for their families, those whose livelihoods and futures are uncertain, and those whose voices too often go unheard. You know the fears we carry, both those born of uncertainty and those grounded in the realities of our world. Grant us wisdom to discern what is before us, courage to face what must be faced, and love that moves us to care for one another, our communities, and all creation.

Form in us the mind of Christ. Teach us to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Remind us that our first allegiance is to you and that our neighbors remain entrusted to our care.

When morning comes, awaken us again to the work of love.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our hope. 
Amen.

Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church