We urgently need One-Handled Bags!

If you sew—or know someone who does—this is a great project to take on right now. Midwest Mission is making more kits than ever, and we need more bags to keep up.

One-Handled Bags are used to pack our Student Kits, Feminine Hygiene Kits, and Layette Kits. Every bag you make helps us prepare these kits to send hope and empowerment around the world.

Have some time and fabric to spare? Pick up your sewing machine and help us fill this need!

Find the One-Handled Bag pattern: midwestmission.org/patterns

And if you know a sewer who might enjoy this project, please share this post with them!

Wednesdays with the Wesleys

I fear, wherever riches have increased (exceeding few are the exceptions) the essence of religion, the mind that was in Christ, has decreased in the same proportion.

Therefore, do I not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any revival of true religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality. And these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, and anger, and love of the world in all its branches.

- John Wesley (The Danger of Increasing Riches)

Prayer for the first day of autumn

O God of Creation, You have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.

As we embrace these autumn months,

May the earlier setting of the sun

Remind us to take time to rest.

May the crunch of the leaves beneath our feet

Remind us of the brevity of this earthly life.

May the steam of our breath in the cool air

Remind us that it is you who give us

Your breath of life.

May the scurrying of the squirrels and the migration of the birds

Remind us that You call us to follow Your will.

We praise You for Your goodness forever and ever.

Amen.

– Author Unknown

Scripture lessons for September 27

The first Sunday of Autumn will see us turn to Philippians 2:1-11 and Matthew 21:23-32 for our scripture lessons.

Today at Glenville UMC

 

Joys

+ Thankful for yesterday’s wonderful gathering of the Prairie Winds United Women in Faith Area (District) at the First UMC at Redwood Falls. Pastor Charles and Belinda presented the program about the Fresh Expressions Movement to create new opportunities to connect with neighbors in churches’ neighborhoods.

+ Praise God for the gift of Pastor Charles’ mother’s 95^th birthday this week.

+ Praise God for Karen G. worshipping with us today.

+ Thanks be to God for the joy of cooler weather.

+ Praise God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist, Renae H., and for Mike and Cheryl R. who served as ushers today.

Concerns

+ Praying for all impacted by the severe flooding in nearby New Richland yesterday.

+ Praying for traveling mercies for those apart from us.

+ Praying for the county’s Humane Society’s animal shelter that is at capacity.

+ Praying for Korla and Kraig S. as they manage without a functioning hot water heater and that it will be working again very soon.

+ Praying for all who are dealing with medical challenges, specifically, Karnella S., Craig R., Shelley G.’s brother-in-law Craig, Bob S.’ friend Meryl B., Nancy B.’s son-in-law Chris and neighbor Jerry, and Roy B. who are dealing with health issues.

+ 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 September 20

“All the nations that You’ve made will come and bow down before You, Lord; they will glorify Your name!”  – Psalm 68:35 (CEB)

Prelude Music

Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship (United Church of Christ)

Come into the sanctuary and look around. Behold the beauty and splendor of God’s people. All of us – rich and poor, employed and unemployed, tired and refreshed. Behold the beauty and splendor of God’s people. We believe God’s steadfast love is better than life, so let our lips praise God as long as we live. We also often doubt God’s love. We often doubt that God will really provide when it matters. But this is what matters today: God said, “Come all who are thirsty, come to the water, and you that have no money, come, buy and eat.” All of us – rich and poor, employed and unemployed and desperately hanging on. So, with faith – both bold and timid – let us worship God!

*Hymn: “Morning Has Broken,” #145

Prayer: (written by John van de Laar)                               

Though You are God, with all the influence and status that the name implies, You refused to pull rank and parade Your power among us. Instead, You chose to step down into our experience, living among us, as one of us, with all the struggle and suffering that goes with being human. More than that, You adopted the role of a servant, washing feet, serving people of no reputation or social standing and giving of Yourself completely. As incredible as it sounds, You are the God who serves, and we can respond in no other way than to give ourselves to You in praise. Amen.     

*Gloria Patri #70   

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer                                                 

Invitation to the Offering

*Doxology: #95

*Offertory Prayer

First Lesson: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-43

Hymn: “O Jesus, I Have Promised,” #396

Epistle Lesson: Philippians 1:21-30

Sermon: “The attitude of Christ”

*Hymn: “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing,” #671

*Benediction

*Choral Amen

Postlude Music

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

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

 

Weary souls that wander wide

From the central point of bliss,

Turn to Jesus crucified,

Fly to those dear wounds of His:

Sink into the purple flood;

Rise into the life of God!

Find in Christ the way of peace,

Peace unspeakable, unknown;

By His pain He gives you ease,

Life by His expiring groan;

Rise exalted by His fall,

Find in Christ your all in all.

- Charles Wesley