“Let me say this plainly: It is not helpful for leaders to remain imprisoned by nostalgia,” Malone said April 27 to about 90 of her fellow bishops and other church leaders from four continents as they began their spring meeting.
“There is a difference between honoring our history and being governed by it. We give thanks for what has been. But we cannot build the future by trying to recreate what no longer serves the mission of God. God is not calling us backward.”
Malone was addressing bishops as they prepare for a first-of-its-kind Leadership Gathering intended to bring together United Methodists from around the world to discern a new direction for the denomination rocked by thousands of church disaffiliations. The gathering is scheduled for Oct. 20-24 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Canada.
Read more at this link.
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| Flowers from Nancy B. |
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| Belinda A. presents UWFaith Mission Recognition pin to Shelley G. |
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| Renea H. offers her ministry of music |
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| Faithful attendance in April |
Joys
+ We celebrate Pastor
Charles’ return to the pulpit today (after a week away from us).
+ We celebrate Pat
R.’s birthday today.
+ We celebrate
that Shelley G. was awarded with a special mission recognition pin from the
United Women in Faith today. In the last year, Shelley began a meaningful
prayer shawl ministry. Church family members and people in their circles of
influence have benefitted from the dozens of beautiful shawls she has lovingly
prayed over while knitting them. It exemplifies Shelley’s “love in action!”
+ We celebrate the
joy of being a member in this church family.
+ We are thankful
for all who work in healing arts to help us.
+ We celebrate
seeing a hummingbird … and for God’s gift of creation.
+ Praise God for
the impactful 2026 Veterans Day on the Hill last Thursday, April 23. Bob S., Sid
T., and Belinda A. rode on the bus that was chartered by the local Disabled American
Veterans (DAV) Glaydon Iverson Chapter #16. This is an annual advocacy event
where veterans, their families, and supporters gather at the Minnesota State
Capitol to influence veterans’ legislation.
+ Praise
God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist and for Mike R. who served
as usher today.
Concerns
+ Praying for all
who are dealing with medical challenges (and the people who love and care for
them): Craig R., Judy C., Karnella S., Pat, Nancy, Paul, Amanda, Gary,
Steve, and Billy.
+ Praying for the
family and friends of all who have recently died.
+ Praying for our country
… and the world.
+ Praying for all
who are impacted directly and indirectly by conflict in the world.
+ Praying for peace.
Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 23)
The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. I seek the grace of God and my cup runneth over. I seek the will of God and my cup runneth over. I seek the strength of God and my cup runneth over. How generous is God's love so much the world cannot contain it. The Lord is my Shepherd, and I lack nothing. - written by the Rev. Roddy Hamilton (Scotland).
Hymn: “Take Up Thy Cross," #415
Prayer: Gentle, yet powerful. Lowly, yet almighty. Shepherd, yet King. In Your gentleness, guide us. In Your power, strengthen us. In Your lowliness, strip from us our selfish pride which only destroys us. In Your great-ness, lift us up that we might aspire to greater things. As a shepherd, call us to be Your servants. As a King, call us to be Your royal priesthood. O God, who is our shepherd and our King, O Christ, who was crucified and is now risen from the dead; O Spirit, who comforts and empowers; O great One in Three, Holy Trinity, this hour, set us free to worship. Amen. - posted on My Redeemer Lives website.
Joys & concerns / Pastoral Prayer
Offering / Doxology
First Lesson: Psalm 23
Hymn: “He Leadeth Me,” #128
Sermon: “The right way”
Hymn: “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us," #
Benediction / Choral Amen
“The worship is ended; let the service begin.”
