As US 250th nears, bishops discuss democracy

During the American Revolutionary War, a British soldier interrupted a Methodist service in New York and demanded that the worshippers sing “God Save the King.”

When the singing was over, the preacher called on his fellow Methodists to sing a proper concluding hymn by Charles Wesley: “Rejoice, the Lord is King.”

Ashley Boggan, the top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, recounted the incident from the early days of John Street United Methodist Church at the Council of Bishops spring meeting.

“That tension between civic loyalty and theological allegiance has never really left us — not as Methodists, not as citizens of this world,” Boggan told the bishops meeting in Jacksonville and those watching online. “And it’s exactly where today's conversation is going to take us.”

Boggan was introducing two back-to-back panels — one consisting of United Methodist scholars and the other of bishops — about Christian faith and democracy.

The bishops and Boggan organized the conversation ahead of this year’s Fourth of July when Americans will mark the 250th anniversary of the adoption of its Declaration of Independence.

Read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

"Was not another cause of it your despising that excellent help, union with a Christian society? Have you not read, "How can one be warm alone" and, "Woe be unto him that is alone when he falleth"? But you have companions enough. Perhaps more than enough; more than are helpful to your soul. But have you enough that are athirst for God, and that labour to make you so? Have you companions enough that watch over your soul, as they that must give account; and that freely and faithfully warn you, if you take any false step, or are in danger of doing so? I fear you have few of these companions, or else you would bring forth better fruit!"

- John Wesley (On God’s Vineyard)

Today in United Methodist History

After a debate that lasted part of the morning and all afternoon on the first Friday of General Conference, the Rev. Zach T. Johnson stepped forward to propose substitute legislation that he hoped would break the impasse.

He moved that the lawmaking body add one sentence to the denomination’s Book of Discipline that would make women eligible for Methodist “traveling ministry” under the same church rules that governed men.

“This is a positive approach,” Johnson, a delegate from Wilmore, Kentucky, and president of Asbury College, said in speaking to his proposal.

“And it simply says we are willing to admit any woman who can meet the same conditions that men now meet, to enter any conference. It leaves the matter for the conference to decide … the specific requirements for admission.”

A few moments later, delegates supported Johnson’s substitution by a vote of 389 to 297 — a 56.7% majority. Then, by an overwhelming show of hands, the delegates gave their final approval for the change before adjourning at 5:10 p.m. for a delayed dinner break.

Read more at this link.

Scripture lessons for May 10

St Paul's Rock - Mars Hill - Athens

We gather for worship next Sunday on Mother's Day with scripture lessons from John 14:15-21 and Acts 17:22-31.

May 3 at GUMC

We gather to worship

Lay Leader Kraig S. & GUMC receive 100% Mission Share Certificate

Shelley G. reads the Epistle lesson

Savanah assists in serving Holy Communion

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing

Joys

+ We thank God for the gift of laughter! Since Sid T. was not in church today, Nancy B. told a joke to get things started. She said if anyone ever wonders what a difference a person can make – just think about the difference a mosquito in bed can make! 🤍

+ We celebrate Judy L.’s birthday this coming week.

+ We celebrate the joy of being a member in this church family.

+ We are thankful for Jim and Renae H.’s grandchildren Easton and Savannah who are in worship this morning. They rang the church bell, and Savannah assisted Pastor Charles in Holy Communion.

+ We celebrate a generous church family who donated $36.89 in change last month, April 2026. “Change for change” collected in the “noisy (tin) bucket” goes to mission work locally and around the world!

+ Gloria S. thanks God for the gift of time spent with her granddaughter Kalli last week – and the time she spent with Kalli’s second-grade students. Kalli invited Gloria to read two books to them. Special memories were created.

+ The church family celebrates that last week, at the Minnesota DAV Spring Convention, Bob S. was presented with the DAV Chapter Commander of the year award (out of 32 DAV chapter commanders). Thanks be to God for the gift of that surprising recognition for his leadership and the great work the DAV Glaydon Iverson Chapter #16 accomplishes each and every year.

+ We praise God for this church’s recognition for paying 100% of its mission shares (apportionments) in 2025 – supporting mission and ministry locally, nationally, and all around the world. Lay Leader Kraig S. accepted a certificate on behalf of the congregation.

+ We praise God that Nancy B. and her sister are both cancer free now.

+We praise God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist and for Bob S. who served as usher today.

Concerns

+ Praying for Tim K.’s former boss Roger and his wife who just moved to Thorne Crest Senior Living Community – praying that God will bless their transition to a new life chapter there.

+ Praying for all who are dealing with medical challenges (and the people who love and care for them): Korla S., Judy C., Craig R., Karnella S., and Dawn K.’s friend Gen.

+Praying for the family and friends of Sarah Schumacher who died last Thursday, April 30. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 9, at the Crossroads Church in Albert Lea. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service.

+ Praying for our country … and the world.

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

+Praying for peace.

Bulletin for May 3

“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.”  – Psalm 31:1 (NKJV)

Prelude Music

Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship –By the Rev. Tim Graves and posted on LiturgyBits.

Out of a world of cut-throat competition, of winners-and-losers, and too many left behind, we come together. The world’s ways are not our ways. The world’s ways are not Christ’s ways. Out of a world of hatred, violence, individualism, and life-taking power, we gather as God’s people. God’s ways are inclusive, expansive, and life-giving for all peoples. Come and worship the One whose love knows no limits! Swim and splash in the cleansing waters of divine community! Resurrect your spirits and souls in worship of the One! Praise be to the Everlasting One!  

*Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation,” #545

*Prayer: – By the Rev. Roddy Hamilton (Scotland)  

May we honor Your name not by paying it lip service, Lord Jesus, but by trusting the vision it speaks of and the way it calls for. May we honor it by following You, speaking into the world with our actions and showing whom we’ve chosen to follow. May we love in Your name, speak in Your name, care in Your name, be willing to touch the outcast, feed the hungry, remember the sick, visit the imprisoned, clothe the naked, and give water to the thirsty in Your name. Amen.                                                                                                                                                      *Gloria Patri: #70   

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Offering

*Doxology: #95                                                 

*Offering Prayer

Epistle Lesson: 1 Peter 2:1-10

Hymn: “When We All Get to Heaven,” #701

Gospel Lesson: John 14:1-7

Sermon: “Follow the Leader”

Communion: UMH, p. 9-11

*Hymn: “Only Trust Him, “#337

*Benediction

*Choral Amen

Postlude Music

 

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

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

The World Needs Faithful Journalism – Now More Than Ever

In 2025, Reporters Without Borders classified global press freedom as a “difficult situation” for the first time in the index’s 30-year history. More than 4.25 billion people live in countries where press freedom is in a “very serious” state. Last year, 129 journalists were killed on the job, which is a record high since tracking began in 1992.

UM News is one of the last independent, professionally staffed denominational news agencies in the world. While similar operations at other denominations have shut down, UM News has continued to inform and inspire, reporting in five languages, reaching audiences across more than 200 countries, and serving nearly 2 million readers every year. Your support this World Press Freedom Day, May 3, keeps this vital ministry free for all.

https://www.resourceumc.org/en/