Wednesday with the Wesleys

Beware you are not a fiery, persecuting enthusiast. Do not imagine that God has called you (just contrary to the spirit of Him you style your Master) to destroy [women's and] men's lives, and not to save them. Never dream of forcing [them] into the ways of God. Think yourself and let think. Use no constraint in matters of religion. Even those who are farthest out of the way never compel to come in by any other means than reason, truth, and love.

- John Wesley (The Nature of Enthusiasm)

Scripture lessons for June 14

We continue this week and the Third Sunday after Pentecost with a unique summer sermon series. Pastor Charles will be preaching this summer on the favorite hymns of the congregation each Sunday!

This week's hymn, chosen by Shelley G., is "Just as I Am, Without One Plea" #357.

Our scripture lessons will come from Psalm 116:1-2,2-19 and Romans 5:1-8.

Today at Glenville UMC

The table is set.

Pastor Charles & Mike R. prepare to serve.

The people gather for communion.

Sharing the love of Christ.

Joys:

+ Pastor Charles is excited about the summer sermon series based on the congregation's favorite hymns. We began today with Mike R.'s choice of "Standing on the Promises."

+ Sid T. is happy to share about the star gazing opportunities coming up.

+ We shared the photo of Todd the Bear at the Glenville UMC (thanks to Photoshop)! Our church was part of the flurry of Facebook posts depicting Todd all around the area.

+ Belinda A. shared the news that Pastor Charles is a candidate for Albert Lea city council from Ward 4.

+ Korla K. is blessed to share that she tried raw asparagus for the first time from their garden (after running over it with the lawnmower) and loved it!

+ Pastor Charles was happy to report that our blog has recorded it's 2,500th "hit."

+ Belinda A. is looking forward to leading a United Women in Faith retreat on Tuesday at Normandale Hyland UMC. And she is looking forward to the gathering

Concerns:

+ Cheryl R. asks for prayers for those working outdoors in the summer heat.

+ Sandy D. lifted up the family of Bruce Paulson who recently died.

 + Traveling mercies are desired for those on the go this summer.

Bulletin for June 7

“All you who are righteous, shout joyfully to the Lord!” – Psalm 33:1 (CEB)

Prelude Music

Welcome & Announcements

 *Call to Worship — inspired by Psalm 145:1-5

The Holy One is here in this community of faith: Great is our God and greatly to be praised! Let us bless the Holy Name forever and ever, great is our God and greatly to be praised! Let us meditate on God’s wondrous works, great is our God and greatly to be praised! Let us bless and praise God’s name forever and ever, great is our God and greatly to be praised!       

*Hymn: “I Come With Joy,” #617

 *Litany — based on Psalm 34:1-10 — from Stone Soup, a liturgy on the Seekers Church website.

Living Rock of Abundant Life, the poor cried out; You heard and saved them from all their troubles. To those who have nothing, your promise is this: whatever is needed will be given. Your eyes are on those who do justice, and Your ears are open to their voice. To those who yearn for peace, your promise is this: whatever is needed will be given. Your arms enfold the brokenhearted, and You rescue those whose spirits are crushed. To those who fear the future, your promise is this: whatever is needed will be given. O taste and see how good God is! Happy are those who take refuge in the Living Rock. — from Stone Soup, a liturgy on the Seekers Church website.

*Gloria Patri: #70   

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Offering 

*Doxology:  #95 

*Offering Prayer

 First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-9

 Hymn: “Standing on the Promises,” #374 (Chosen by Mike R.)

Epistle Lesson: Romans 4:13-25

 Sermon: “Promises made, promises kept”

 Communion: UMH, p. 9-11

 *Hymn: “Lord of the Dance,” #261

 *Benediction

 *Choral Amen

 Postlude Music

 

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

 *Please rise in body or in spirit.

A bear of a day

Todd takes a moment to visit Glenville UMC

Thanks to the AI skills of Val Lockhart, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce's Executive Director, Glenville UMC is now part of the local social media interest in Todd the Bear!

Todd, a real black bear, began hanging around Todd Park in Austin, Minnesota a few days ago and has made his way into Freeborn County. And now he has begun "appearing" via social media in settings across southern Minnesota!

Wednesday with the Wesleys

I would be given up, both soul and body, to serve the members of Christ. My firm resolution was to be wholly given up to the church, in any way that He pleased. I desired not to be idle, but employed as those described by St. Paul to Timothy, “If she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, and diligently followed after every good work.” I can hardly express with what power these words would come to my mind. It seemed to me, the Lord had planned out all my way; and I only wished so to walk.

- Mary Bosanquet-Fletcher, early Methodist preacher

Today in Methodist History

Today is the 300th birthday of one Philip William Otterbein. Bishop Otterbein was a German-American clergyman who co-founded the United Brethren in Christ, a predecessor denomination to The United Methodist Church. He was born on June 3, 1726, in Dillenburg, Germany.