Today at Glenville UMC

Joys

+ Praise God for the blessing of visitors in worship today: Jared, Micah, Ezra, and Jed P.

+ Praise God for Dawn K.’s 98-year-old aunt, Esther Nelson’s birthday.

+ Praise God that Dawn K. has successfully completed P.T. after her recent surgery.

+ Praise God for the amazing accomplishment of Kellen and Devon K. winning the silver medal at the state golf championship.

+ Praying that God will bless all students, school administration, staff ... students and all involved in homeschooling efforts ... all beginning a new school year.

+ Praise God for Bob and Gloria S.’ participation in a wonderful birthday celebration for Gene S.’ 89^th birthday party, complete with his favorite homemade angel food cake with strawberries.

+ Thanks be to God for Gloria S. good visit with Karnella S.

+ Thanks be to God for the much-needed rain last week.

+ Thanks be to God for Nancy B.’s sharing this wisdom: “Winners are losers who never gave up.”

+ The church family is thankful that Sandy D. helped with the caring of Dale’s cats until they were rescued.

+ Praise God that Belinda A. is feeling better now and has returned to worship.

+ Praise God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist, Renae H., and for Kraig S. who served as usher today.

Concerns

+ Praying for traveling mercies for those apart from us.

+ Praying for Dale S.’ adjustment to his new living arrangement.

+ Praying for all who are dealing with medical challenges, specifically, Karnella S., Craig R., and Shelley G.’s brother-in-law Craig and friend Scott 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.

Bulletin for August 30

Bitterroot River, Montana

“For in the one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”   – 1 Corinthians 12:13

Prelude Music

Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship – (from Free Indeed by Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson)

The Spirit of God bids us, “Come.” Let everyone who hears within their hearts, “Come.” Hear the whole earth rejoice and the coastlands sing of our God’s steadfast love. We come to rejoice in the Holy One, our God. We give thanks for God sets us free! Let everyone who is thirsty for the Spirit, “Come.”  Let anyone who wishes “Come,” and receive the water of life as a gift. We come to rejoice in the Holy One, our God. We give thanks for God’s steadfast love that brings joy to our hearts in the night, lights our lives like the dawn, and sets us free. Amen.

*Hymn: “Be Still, My Soul,” #534

*Prayer: (posted on the MAD-e-Lena blog)

O God, we gather at Your waters, as a hot and bothered crowd gathers on the beach on a sweltering, summer day. O God, we drink at Your fountain, as a parched dog laps at the fresh, running water of a creek. O God, we await Your refreshment, as a tired worker watches for the change of shift. Quench our thirst, satisfy our longings. May we be refreshed and restored in You; and teach us where to find the bucket and how to carry it so that we might draw that water for those who most need it. Amen.

*Gloria Patri #70   

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer                                               

*Doxology #95  

*Offering Prayer

Gospel Lesson: John 4:1-13

Hymn: “Shall We Gather at the River,” #723 (chosen by Sandy Dahlum)

Second Lesson: Revelation 22:1-5

Sermon: “The sound of water”

*Hymn: "Where He Leads Me," #338

*Choral Amen

Postlude Music

A look back in time

Hernnhut, Saxony - circa 1757

It was August 1738 - 288 years ago - when John Wesley decided to travel to Germany, specifically to study at the Moravian headquarters at Herrnhut in Saxony.

You may recall the Wesley brothers had traveled to Georgia in October 1735 where they met a group of Moravians. History indicates that John, especially, was greatly impacted by the Moravians' faith. Once back in England, John's transformative Aldersgate experience occurred on May 24, 1738, at a Moravian meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. It was on the heels of his conversion that he headed to Herrnhut. Upon his return from Germany, John drew up rules for "bands" and published a collection of hymns for the bands to use. The rest, as they say, is UMC history!

Wednesday with the Wesleys

If, therefore, God were thus to exert his power, there would certainly be no more vice; but it is equally certain, neither could there be any virtue in the world. Were human liberty taken away, men would be as incapable of virtue as stones. Therefore, (with reverence be it spoken,) the Almighty himself cannot do this thing. He cannot thus contradict himself, or undo what he has done. He cannot destroy out of the soul of man that image of himself wherein he make him: And without doing this, he cannot abolish sin and pain out of the world. But were it to be done, it would imply no wisdom at all; but barely a stroke of omnipotence. Whereas all the manifold wisdom of God (as well as all his power and goodness) is displayed in governing man as man; not as a stock or stone, but as an intelligent and free spirit, capable of choosing either good or evil. Herein appears the depth of the wisdom of God, in his adorable providence; in governing men, so as not to destroy either their understanding, will, or liberty.

John Wesley (On Divine Providence)

Today in Methodist History

On this day (24 August) in 1707, Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon was born. She was an early supporter and follower of Wesley, and she later followed George Whitefield’s more Calvinist teachings (vs John Wesley’s Arminian beliefs). As well as establishing many chapels in England, she helped fund the building of chapels and missionary work in America.

Scripture lessons for August 30

Middle Boulder Creek, Colorado

We will continue the summer worship series next Sunday with "Shall We Gather at the River," #723, chosen by Sandy Dahlum.

Our scripture lesson will come to us from John 4:1-13 and Revelation 22:1-5.

Today at Glenville UMC

Joys:

+Sanda D. celebrated that all four of Dale S.'s indoor cats have been rescued and taken to a shelter in Blue Earth!

+Korla S. is joyful to welcome the Sparks family to worship.

+ Shelley G. is blessed to have time with her son, Paul, today.

+Kraig S. is thankful for the beautiful weather we're having.

+Bob S. gives thanks for getting projects done around the house, getting needed health care treatment, and attending the 75th birthday of a friend.

+Roy B. felt joyful in sharing a family story.

Concerns:

+Korla S. asked for prayers for a friend, J.C., who had a heart attack but is thankfully able to be at home.

+Rita W. asks prayer for her brother, Richard, who is having health concerns in San Francisco.

+Roy & Nancy B. are having procedures in Mason City this week.

+Pastor Charles asks for continued prayer for Belinda and himself as they deal with health issues.