Scripture lessons for September 20

Our lessons for next Sunday are from Psalm 105:1-6, 37-43 and Philippians 1:21-30.

Today at Glenville UMC

Bob Sharp's Birthday is This Week!

(Click on picture to see video of him being sung "Happy Birthday!")

Ad Board Meeting Today

Joys

+ Thanks be to God for the gift of Bob S. whose birthday will be observed this week.

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

+ Thankful for the wonderful Farming of Yesteryear event in Kiester yesterday. It was a fun time for people of all ages. Young people received encouragement and praise as they operated farm equipment.

+ Praying for students, administration, and staff during this new school year.

+ The twenty-fifth anniversary of 9-11 last Friday caused us to appreciate and be grateful for all firefighters, police, rapid responders, medical staff, and trained service dogs (too) who stand ready to help us when we need help. Thanks be to God for them and their willingness to serve.

+ 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 traveling mercies for those apart from us.

+ Praying for Dale S. who is settling into life in Owatonna.

+ Praying for Korla S.’ friend who is going into rehab to fight addiction.

+ Praying for the family and friends of Shelley’s friend Scott who died last week.

+ Praying for the family and friends of Bruce Merris who died yesterday.

+ Praying for the family and friends of RaNae Ellen Steene who funeral is tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Glenville.

+ 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. and Nancy B.’s son-in-law Chris and neighbor Jerry 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 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 13

 “The Lord is my strength and power; God has become my salvation.” 

- Exodus 15:2 (CEB)

Prelude Music

Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship (B.J. Beu, Ministry Matters website)

Reconciling God, we would rather gossip about those who sin against us, than speak to them privately;

we would rather parade our wounds for all to see, than quietly work toward forgiveness and reconciliation. 

Help us choose the harder road, the road that opens possibilities for real healing, real forgiveness, and real growth in Your Spirit.

Help us place the best interests of our community of faith above our own need for public vindication. Amen.

*Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," #89

*Prayer (from John Birch)

Whenever self-obscures the needs of others, forgive us. Whenever we forget who our neighbor is, forgive us. Whenever we pass by on the other side, forgive us. Whenever we forget to say, "Well done," forgive us. Whenever we forget to simply give thanks, forgive us. Whenever we forget the path that we tread, forgive us. For all those times we bring a tear to Your eye, bring us back into Your forgiving arms and teach us once again, Your way. Amen.

*Gloria Patri #70  

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer     

*Doxology #95  

*Offering Prayer

Epistle Lesson: Romans 14:1-12

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

Hymn: “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy,” #121

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 18:21-35

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

Sermon: “Why should I forgive ____?”

*Hymn: "Freely, Freely," #389

*Benediction

*Choral Amen

Postlude Music

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

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

As to the matter of seeking, I have always found private prayer the truest touchstone. I do not mean it was never well with me when prayer was difficult. No, that is not the mark. But when I labor most in prayer, I get best forward. When I am very conversant with the throne of grace, I soon discern there is a passage from that to the holy of holies, and a continual look brings a continual power. For while we abide in Jesus, he stands as walls and bulwarks of salvation round the believing soul. In that spot may you and I forever dwell!

- Mary Bosanquet Fletcher (letter to Mrs. Dalby, December 26, 1792)

A Blessing for Workers and All Seeking Work

Blessed are You, ever-creating God, in Your image, our lives are made; in Your glory, we offer all the work of our hearts and hands and minds. Blessed are You, O God, now and forever!

Blessed are you whose work is repaid, for by your work, and by the payment you receive your lives and the lives of others around you and around the world are blessed. We thank God for you day by day.

Blessed are you whose work is unpaid, who offer what you can to enrich the lives of others, through time, talents, skill, strength, and love. We praise God for your generous labor!

Blessed are you who seek work but have not found it, or whose work now is not yet what it may be yet still you seek, that your gifts may be shared more fully. We praise God for your diligent seeking and pray you may soon find! Yours is the glory in their labors.

Yours is the glory in all our lives, in Jesus' name. Amen.

UMC Communications, 2015

Scripture lessons for September 13

As the days of summer begin to dwindle, we turn next Sunday to Romans 14:1-12 and Matthew 18:21-35 for our worship service lessons.

Today at Glenville UMC

Kraig S. is having a birthday this week!

 Joys

+ Sid T. thanked God for the privilege of offering military honors at Marion Theodore "Ted" Spain’s funeral yesterday, a 103-year-old Navy man who led an amazing life.

+ Thanks be to God for the gift of Kraig S. whose birthday will be observed this week.

+ Thanks be to God for opportunities to travel the world and then return to the church family with stories of adventure and travel. (Church member is going to Norway this week!)

+ Thanks be to God for a wonderful Daisy Fest in Albert Lea yesterday. It was a beautiful day to celebrate small-town America, where neighbors came together to enjoy being together and supporting one another. While the music played, couples danced; children played; and the pet parade was a lot of fun!

+ 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 9-11 attacks twenty-five years ago. This week will be a somber one for many in the country. 

+ Praying for traveling mercies for those apart from us.

+ Praying for Judy L.’s daughter, Linda, who is having eye surgery this week.

+ Praying for the family and friends of Linda B.’s niece Renee who died last week.

+ Praying for the family and friends of Ruth V. whose daughter Mandi V. died two weeks ago; the funeral is this coming Friday at the Albert Lea First United Methodist Church. Visitation begins at 10 am; funeral begins at 11 am.

+ Praying for all who are dealing with medical challenges, specifically, Karnella S., Craig R., Shelley G.’s brother-in-law Craig and friend Scott, and Nancy B.’s neighbor Jerry 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 impacted by extreme weather conditions, specifically the people of Nepal who are dealing with the aftermath of massive town-destroying flooding.

+ Praying for all who are impacted directly and indirectly by conflict in the world.

+ Praying for peace.