Today in Methodist History

On this date in 1790, John Wesley (then 87) preached his last outdoor sermon at Winchelsea, East Sussex.

The print, which is mid-1800s, depicts the scene.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

Wesley's dwelling house still stands substantially unaltered on the south side of the open space in the front of the chapel. He occupied the three rooms on the ground floor and was head of the household of London preachers who dwelt above, as a significant entry in his Journal shows, December 9, 1787: 

"I went down at half an hour past five, but found no preacher in the chapel, though we had three or four in the house. [From the minutes of the Conference we may infer that these were Dr. Coke, Mr. Creighton, Samuel Bradburn, and John Atlay.] So, I preached myself. Afterwards, inquiring why none of my family attended the morning preaching, they said it was because they sat up too late. I ... therefore ordered that (1) everyone under my roof should go to bed at nine, that (2) everyone might attend the morning preaching."

(from website of the Wesley Center for Applied Theology, 1999)

Scripture lessons for October 11

We continue to move through the month of October next Sunday 

with lessons from Matthew 22:1-6 and Matthew 22:7-14.

Today at GUMC

Joys

Thanks be to God for …

+ Donna D.’s successful recent surgery.

+ The joy of autumn, sunny and cooler weather.

+ Traveling mercies … and then the joy of returning home.

+ Family reunions and family milestone gatherings (weddings, etc.).

+ The wonderful services of the Disabled American Veterans Glaydon Iverson Chapter #16. Their good works impact all descendants of area veterans.

+ Praise God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist, Renae H., and for Roy and Nancy B. who served as ushers today.

Concerns

+ Bob S. spoke about his longstanding relationship with the Vinh Long Outlaws Association's reunion he recently attended in Sterling, Virginia.

+ Praying for traveling mercies for those apart from us.

+ Praying for all who are dealing with medical challenges, specifically, Karnella S., Shelley G.’s brother-in-law Craig, Bob S.’ friend Meryl B., Nancy B.’s son-in-law Chris and neighbor Jerry, Dawn's granddaughter Crosby, Donna D., Tony H., Sandy D.’s nephew Jay, and a teenager who is very ill.

+ 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 October 4

“Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!” – Psalm 133:1 (CEB)

*Call to Worship (posted on Worship Offerings)

+Around the world people gather to break bread and pour wine. +We gather with them in heart and mind. +Around the world the broken body is made whole. +As part of that body we join in its unity. +Around the world the Banquet of God is prepared for the table. +We, who share in the banquet, come eagerly to be fed. +Let us worship together, let us share God’s bounty. +Let us worship together. 

*Hymn: “How Firm a Foundation," #579

*Prayer: (posted on Kir-shalom)

Loving and Gracious God—Holy one of Israel — tender one to all who call upon You with repentant and believing hearts: bless us, we pray, with Your presence this day. Teach the little ones who have gathered to learn Your ways, inspire those who seek Your wisdom, energize those who are exhausted, comfort those who grieve, and strengthen those who are weak. Indeed, O God, fill all of our hearts with Your praise and lead us in holiness and righteousness in this hour and in the hours to come. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.

*Gloria Patri #70  

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Offering

*Doxology:  #95

*Offering Prayer

First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-10

Hymn: “God of Grace and God of Glory,” #577

Second Lesson: Exodus 20:12-17

Sermon: “Which one is your favorite?”

Communion: UMH, p. 13-14 & The Lord’s Prayer      

*Hymn: "Jesus Calls Us," #398

*Benediction

*Choral Amen

Postlude Music

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

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

Say Something Sunday: The Church & Cornell

Once again, unchecked sexual violence has made the headlines. As the Cornell case spreads across news feeds, United Methodists should be asking what is a faithful response. How do we do no harm and instead do good? 

News like this lands differently depending on our own experiences, and that is real. For survivors of sexual harm, we acknowledge the pain, grief, and trauma that may be triggered by reports of sexual abuse and institutional failures to respond, and we speak out in solidarity. Collectively, we cannot stay where we are, mired in a culture of tolerating abuses of power, where too many people may not be the perpetrators of violence but remain passive bystanders who fail to interrupt harm. At Cornell, seven men are accused of sexual assault, but dozens more were made aware of the abuse in a group chat as it was taking place, and not one of them did a single thing to stop it. 

So, as people of faith, we have to ask: Are we actually cultivating practices that equip us to actively resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves? Will we be a Church that stays silent in the face of harassment and violence, or one that speaks with a prophetic voice? 

Most of us would quickly say we do not condone abuse. But how do we make that real? How do we ensure our stated values become our lived practices? 

Every church needs to say something. Every church needs to do something. Now is the time for pastors and lay leaders everywhere to speak up. Say something on Sunday. If you don’t know where to start, read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

True meditation is no other than faith, hope, love, joy, melted down together, as it were, by the fire of God’s Holy Spirit; and offered up to God in secret.

- John Wesley (commentary on 1 Timothy 4:15)