“Let me say this plainly: It is not helpful for leaders to remain imprisoned by nostalgia,” Malone said April 27 to about 90 of her fellow bishops and other church leaders from four continents as they began their spring meeting.
“There is a difference between honoring our history and being governed by it. We give thanks for what has been. But we cannot build the future by trying to recreate what no longer serves the mission of God. God is not calling us backward.”
Malone was addressing bishops as they prepare for a first-of-its-kind Leadership Gathering intended to bring together United Methodists from around the world to discern a new direction for the denomination rocked by thousands of church disaffiliations. The gathering is scheduled for Oct. 20-24 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Canada.
Read more at this link.
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| Flowers from Nancy B. |
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| Belinda A. presents UWFaith Mission Recognition pin to Shelley G. |
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| Renea H. offers her ministry of music |
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| Faithful attendance in April |
Joys
+ We celebrate Pastor
Charles’ return to the pulpit today (after a week away from us).
+ We celebrate Pat
R.’s birthday today.
+ We celebrate
that Shelley G. was awarded with a special mission recognition pin from the
United Women in Faith today. In the last year, Shelley began a meaningful
prayer shawl ministry. Church family members and people in their circles of
influence have benefitted from the dozens of beautiful shawls she has lovingly
prayed over while knitting them. It exemplifies Shelley’s “love in action!”
+ We celebrate the
joy of being a member in this church family.
+ We are thankful
for all who work in healing arts to help us.
+ We celebrate
seeing a hummingbird … and for God’s gift of creation.
+ Praise God for
the impactful 2026 Veterans Day on the Hill last Thursday, April 23. Bob S., Sid
T., and Belinda A. rode on the bus that was chartered by the local Disabled American
Veterans (DAV) Glaydon Iverson Chapter #16. This is an annual advocacy event
where veterans, their families, and supporters gather at the Minnesota State
Capitol to influence veterans’ legislation.
+ Praise
God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist and for Mike R. who served
as usher today.
Concerns
+ Praying for all
who are dealing with medical challenges (and the people who love and care for
them): Craig R., Judy C., Karnella S., Pat, Nancy, Paul, Amanda, Gary,
Steve, and Billy.
+ Praying for the
family and friends of all who have recently died.
+ Praying for our country
… and the world.
+ Praying for all
who are impacted directly and indirectly by conflict in the world.
+ Praying for peace.
Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 23)
The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. I seek the grace of God and my cup runneth over. I seek the will of God and my cup runneth over. I seek the strength of God and my cup runneth over. How generous is God's love so much the world cannot contain it. The Lord is my Shepherd, and I lack nothing. - written by the Rev. Roddy Hamilton (Scotland).
Hymn: “Take Up Thy Cross," #415
Prayer: Gentle, yet powerful. Lowly, yet almighty. Shepherd, yet King. In Your gentleness, guide us. In Your power, strengthen us. In Your lowliness, strip from us our selfish pride which only destroys us. In Your great-ness, lift us up that we might aspire to greater things. As a shepherd, call us to be Your servants. As a King, call us to be Your royal priesthood. O God, who is our shepherd and our King, O Christ, who was crucified and is now risen from the dead; O Spirit, who comforts and empowers; O great One in Three, Holy Trinity, this hour, set us free to worship. Amen. - posted on My Redeemer Lives website.
Joys & concerns / Pastoral Prayer
Offering / Doxology
First Lesson: Psalm 23
Hymn: “He Leadeth Me,” #128
Sermon: “The right way”
Hymn: “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us," #
Benediction / Choral Amen
“The worship is ended; let the service begin.”
- John Wesley (On Pleasing All Men)
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| Today's bulletin |
Joys
+ We celebrate God's gift that we can worship together!
Concerns
+ Praying for all who are dealing with medical challenges: Craig R., Judy C., Donna D., Karnella S. … and Dean, Paul, Amanda, Gary, Steve and Billy.
+ Praying for the family and friends of all who have
recently died.
+ Praying for all who are impacted directly and
indirectly by conflict in the world.
+ Praying for peace.
Call to Worship (inspired by Romans 12:2)
Brothers and sisters, we gather in worship today with special remembrance for those called to set-apart ministry. In the words of Paul, “I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God.” Lord, help us worship you with our eyes and our ears; with our mouths and our hands. Because we are rooted in Christ, we give our whole selves to you.
Be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. Lord, help us worship you with our hearts and our minds. Renew our thoughts as we grow in knowledge – that we may sharpen our focus on you.
You will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete. Lord, show us your will for each one of us gathered for worship. Show us your will for our congregation. Help us to please you in our worship, in our service, and in our daily lives.
-- Adapted from Romans 12:1-2 by SVMC Instructors and board members John Hess (So. PA District) and Joe Detrick (Atlantic Northeast District).
Hymn: “Just as I Am, Without One Plea,” #357
Prayer
Gloria Patri: #70
Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer (sung)
Offering / Doxology: #95 / Offering Prayer
Reading and Segmented Singing of Hymn: “There Is a Balm in Gilead,” #375
Scripture Lesson: Romans 12:2
Message from Nancy Beighley
Hymn: “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me,” #2153
“The worship is ended; let the service begin.”
At their individual spring meetings, the boards of Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries, Higher Education and Ministry and United Methodist Communications each unanimously supported a framework to combine their ministries under one structure. United Methodist News is part of United Methodist Communications.
“The unification of these four agencies will allow us to better coordinate our mission and ministry for all levels of The United Methodist Church — from the local church to conferences and general church bodies,” said Dan Krause, the top executive of United Methodist Communications.
“It also allows us to meet the changing needs of the denomination by being nimbler and more aligned.”
To go forward, such a union will need the approval of the next General Conference, scheduled May 8-18, 2028, in Minneapolis. If approved, the unification would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2029.
Read more at this link.
Now, to God the Father, who first loved us, and made us accepted in the Beloved; to God the Son, who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; to God the Holy Ghost, who sheddeth the love of God abroad in our hearts, be all love and all glory in time and to all eternity. Amen.
- John Wesley (from A Collection of Forms of Prayer for Every Day of the Week - Saturday evening)
Joys:
+Praise God for the safe return of the Artemis II astronauts
after a successful 10-day mission in space.
+Praise God for a wonderful church ladies’ gathering
last Wednesday that Karnella hosted at Hidden Creek.
+Praise God for family members who rally to help one
another in times of need.
+Praise God for Easton H. and Savannah H. worshipping
with us today.
+Praise God for a recently attended celebration of life
service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church which featured beautiful handmade quilts
draped over every pew – a celebration of color … and loving attention to detail.
+Praise God for planted flowers, plants beginning to
show signs of growth, new life.
+Praise God for the beautiful church bulletin covers we
enjoy each week.
+Praise God for the gift of living in small towns.
+Praise God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist, Renae H. and for Mike R. who served as usher today.
Concerns:
+Praying for the family and friends of Gen, Nancy B.’s
great niece, who passed away yesterday.
+Praying for the family and friends of all who have recently
died in nearby area communities.
+Praying for school children, their teachers, and
administrative staff members who are navigating the last two months of this
school year.
+Praying for travelling mercies for all those we love.
+Praying continues for Craig R., Judy C., Donna D., and
Karnella S. who are dealing with medical challenges.
+Praying for all who are impacted directly and
indirectly by conflict in the world.
+Praying for peace.
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| Norwich Cathedral - England |
Call to Worship (inspired by Luke 24:45-48)
Hymn: “Easter People, Raise Your Voices,” #304
Litany: Every day is Easter (The Rev. Roddy Hamilton, Scotland)
When Thomas touched the wounds and set himself free, it was Easter day. When Peter’s three “yeses” to Jesus finished his three denials, it was Easter day. When Mary ready to embalm the dead ran in fear from the empty tomb, it was Easter day. When the disciples looked from afar at a breakfast of fish on the beach, it was Easter day. When Emmaus became synonymous with welcome and the breaking of bread with strangers, it was Easter day. When Paul was blinded by the light and recognized the voice niggling in his head, it was Easter day. When the hungry are fed at the table the same table as the rich, it is Easter day. When weapons are beaten to ploughshares and peace is a word to be shouted, it is Easter day. When the stranger is welcomed in community and the lonely are restored to relationship, it is Easter day.
Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer (sung)
Offering / Doxology / Offering Prayer
Epistle Lesson: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Hymn: “The Day of Resurrection,” #303
Sermon: “What Would It Take to Convince You?”
Hymn: “Christ Is Alive,” #318
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| L-R: Korla Schuhmacher, Gloria Sharp, Rita Williamson, Pastor Charles Alkula, Belinda Alkula, Karnella Schwierjohann, and Judy Luksik |
The United Women in Faith (UWFaith) Unit Glenville United Methodist Church met at Hidden Creek (Good Samaritan) in Albert Lea. Thank you, Karnella, for hosting us! Thank you, Korla, for providing yummy refreshments!
Notes from the Gathering ...
- Belinda Alkula welcomed all in attendance, invited sharing of joys/concerns, & offered opening prayer.
- After the recitation of the UWFaith purpose, Belinda shared the spiritual reflection she wrote for the spring edition of the Prairie Winds United Women in Faith District/Area newsletter. (It is posted on the church’s bulletin board.)
- Belinda shared information about the “love in action maps” featuring the UWFaith’ faith-mission outreach in the world – highlighting the Emma Norton Services based in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Article in the March/April edition of “Response” magazine.)
- “Noisy Bucket for Missions” – Our Church Family gives generously!
2025: July to December $214.68
2026: January $31.38 / February $72.30 / March $18.61
– UMW Checking Account Balance, to date: Gloria Sharp reported that now there is $531.62.
– Prepared for Women-led Sunday Worship Service: Sunday, April 19, 2026.
- Refreshments: We concluded with Korla Schuhmacher providing scrumptious refreshments that everyone loved: lemon and raspberry angel food cake rolls, chocolates, snack mix, bottled water, and coffee. It was good to spend the afternoon together.
- Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 13, 2-3:30 pm, at Hidden Creek (Good Samaritan). Host will be Karnella Schwierjohann. Refreshments will be provided by Gloria Sharp.
- John Wesley (sermon On the Resurrection of the Dead)
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| Welcome to Glenville UMC! |
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| Easter joy on display! |
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| Kraig S. is today's reader |
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| Pastor Charles shares the sermon |
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| Gloria's birthday week |
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| Roy B. made a new plaque for Easter! |
Joys:
+Praise God for our ability to safely worship together on
this Easter morning.
+Praise God for the missing pilot that was found safe
in Iran.
+Praise God for Gloria S.' birthday this week.
+Praise God for Rodger and Judy’s new additions to their
family; their granddaughter had twin girls.
+Praise God for Addie’s gift of beautiful lilies and
flowers to adorn the sanctuary.
+Praise God for planted flowers, plants beginning to
show signs of growth, new life.
+Praise God for Mike D. and Rodger & Judy L.
worshipping with us today.
+Praise God for the beautiful weather we are enjoying
today.
+Praise God for the faithful service of our beloved
pianist, Renae H., for Mike R. who served as usher, and for Kraig S. who served
as today's Scripture reader.
Concerns:
+Praying for Nancy B.’s great niece Gen who is dealing
with a medical challenge and for all who love and care for her.
+Praying for the Sharp’s dear friend Paul who is
dealing with pneumonia.
+Praying for travelling mercies for Shelley G. and Sid
T.
+Praying for Sarah S. who is facing a medical challenge
+Praying continues for Craig R., Judy C., Donna D., and
Karnella S. who are dealing with medical challenges.
+Praying for all who are impacted directly and
indirectly by conflict in the world.
+Praying for peace.
“O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; God’s faithful love endures forever!” – Psalm 118:1 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (written by Hippolytus, 190-236 A.D.)
Christ is Risen: The world below lies desolate. Christ is Risen: The spirits of evil are fallen.
Christ is Risen: The angels of God are rejoicing. Christ is Risen: The tombs of the dead are empty.
Christ is Risen indeed from the dead, the first of the sleepers, Glory and power are His forever and ever.
Hymn: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today," #302
Easter Confession (written by Greg Scheer)
Christ has risen, and we have risen to new life with Him. Yet we must confess the ways we have continued to remain in our tombs of sin and death. Living Lord, when we stand before the empty tomb, we don’t always feel the joy of resurrection. We feel fear, doubt, and distrust. We feel empty. Forgive the fear that paralyzes us at the brink of new life. Forgive our doubt of Your love. Forgive our distrust of Your surprising, joyous plan. Fill our emptiness with Your glorious light. Raise us to abundant new life for the glory of Your name.
Words of Assurance: Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Sisters and brothers, Christ has forgiven our sins. Christ calls us to new life. Christ will lead us into righteousness! Amen!
Gloria Patri: #70
Joys & Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (sung)
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 28:1, 9-10 & Mark 16:1-2, 9
Hymn: “He Lives,” #310
Gospel Lesson: Luke 24:8-10 & John 20:1-2, 17-18
Sermon: “The Apostle to the Apostles”
Hymn: “Up From the Grave He Arose,” #322
Benediction / Choral Amen
