Wednesday with the Wesleys

True meditation is no other than faith, hope, love, joy, melted down together, as it were, by the fire of God’s Holy Spirit; and offered up to God in secret.

- John Wesley (commentary on 1 Timothy 4:15)

Scripture lessons for October 4

October at Glenville UMC gets underway next Sunday with two lessons, both addressing the Ten Commandments: Exodus 20:1-10a and Exodus 20:12-20.

September draws to a close

Autumn arrives at Glenville UMC

Korla S. is today's reader

Faithful attendance in September  

Jim H.'s birthday is this coming week

(Click on picture to see the video taken today)

Joys

+ Praise be to God for the miraculous news about our Craig R. whose latest scan showed no sign of cancer; he is cancer-free now.

+ Praise God for this beautiful season of autumn (... and for the beautiful seasonal decorations at the church).

+ Thanks be to God for Rita W.'s safe return from her trip to Norway.

+ Looking forward to our church conference gathering on Saturday, November 7 at the Open Door United Methodist Church in Wells.

Concerns

+ Praying for traveling mercies for those apart from us.

+ Praying for all who are dealing with medical challenges, specifically, Karnella S., Shelley G.’s brother-in-law Craig, Bob S.’ friend Meryl B., Nancy B.’s son-in-law Chris and neighbor Jerry, Dawn's granddaughter Crosby, Donna D., and Judy L.

+ Praying for all who are struggling with food and housing insecurity.

+ 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 27

 “Listen, my people, to my teaching; tilt your ears toward the words of my mouth.” 

Psalm 78:1 (CEB)

Prelude Music

Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship – (from the Church of Scotland)

Almighty God, You have built Your Church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. Join us together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may become a holy temple, acceptable to You: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

*Hymn: “To God Be the Glory,” #98

*Prayer (from Liturgies Alive: Models of Celebrations website)

Let us pray that the Lord may guide our world. Lord, mighty God, You lead the world and all humanity to their destiny in You. Give to the leaders of the world and of our country a vision of the future that is both imaginative and realistic, and respectful of human rights and dignity. Help us to bear witness in everyday life to the values of the Gospel and to be involved in the work of freedom, integrity, and justice. May we thus build up a community that foreshadows our heavenly homeland. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Gloria Patri #70  

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer                                                

*Doxology:  #95

*Offering Prayer

Epistle Lesson: Philippians 2:1-11

Hymn: “Trust and Obey,” #467

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 21:23-32  

Sermon: “By whose authority?”

*Hymn: “He Touched Me,” #367

 *Benediction

*Choral Amen

Postlude Music

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

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

We urgently need One-Handled Bags!

If you sew—or know someone who does—this is a great project to take on right now. Midwest Mission is making more kits than ever, and we need more bags to keep up.

One-Handled Bags are used to pack our Student Kits, Feminine Hygiene Kits, and Layette Kits. Every bag you make helps us prepare these kits to send hope and empowerment around the world.

Have some time and fabric to spare? Pick up your sewing machine and help us fill this need!

Find the One-Handled Bag pattern: midwestmission.org/patterns

And if you know a sewer who might enjoy this project, please share this post with them!

Wednesdays with the Wesleys

I fear, wherever riches have increased (exceeding few are the exceptions) the essence of religion, the mind that was in Christ, has decreased in the same proportion.

Therefore, do I not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any revival of true religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality. And these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, and anger, and love of the world in all its branches.

- John Wesley (The Danger of Increasing Riches)

Prayer for the first day of autumn

O God of Creation, You have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.

As we embrace these autumn months,

May the earlier setting of the sun

Remind us to take time to rest.

May the crunch of the leaves beneath our feet

Remind us of the brevity of this earthly life.

May the steam of our breath in the cool air

Remind us that it is you who give us

Your breath of life.

May the scurrying of the squirrels and the migration of the birds

Remind us that You call us to follow Your will.

We praise You for Your goodness forever and ever.

Amen.

– Author Unknown

Scripture lessons for September 27

The first Sunday of Autumn will see us turn to Philippians 2:1-11 and Matthew 21:23-32 for our scripture lessons.

Today at Glenville UMC

It's Donna's birthday week

 

Joys

+ Thankful for yesterday’s wonderful gathering of the Prairie Winds United Women in Faith Area (District) at the First UMC at Redwood Falls. Pastor Charles and Belinda presented the program about the Fresh Expressions Movement to create new opportunities to connect with neighbors in churches’ neighborhoods.

+ Praise God for the gift of Pastor Charles’ mother’s 95^th birthday this week.

+ Praise God for Karen G. worshipping with us today.

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

+ 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 the severe flooding in nearby New Richland yesterday.

+ Praying for traveling mercies for those apart from us.

+ Praying for the county’s Humane Society’s animal shelter that is at capacity.

+ Praying for Korla and Kraig S. as they manage without a functioning hot water heater and that it will be working again very soon.

+ 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., Nancy B.’s son-in-law Chris and neighbor Jerry, and Roy B. 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 who are struggling with food and housing insecurity.

+ 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 20

“All the nations that You’ve made will come and bow down before You, Lord; they will glorify Your name!”  – Psalm 68:35 (CEB)

Prelude Music

Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship (United Church of Christ)

Come into the sanctuary and look around. Behold the beauty and splendor of God’s people. All of us – rich and poor, employed and unemployed, tired and refreshed. Behold the beauty and splendor of God’s people. We believe God’s steadfast love is better than life, so let our lips praise God as long as we live. We also often doubt God’s love. We often doubt that God will really provide when it matters. But this is what matters today: God said, “Come all who are thirsty, come to the water, and you that have no money, come, buy and eat.” All of us – rich and poor, employed and unemployed and desperately hanging on. So, with faith – both bold and timid – let us worship God!

*Hymn: “Morning Has Broken,” #145

Prayer: (written by John van de Laar)                               

Though You are God, with all the influence and status that the name implies, You refused to pull rank and parade Your power among us. Instead, You chose to step down into our experience, living among us, as one of us, with all the struggle and suffering that goes with being human. More than that, You adopted the role of a servant, washing feet, serving people of no reputation or social standing and giving of Yourself completely. As incredible as it sounds, You are the God who serves, and we can respond in no other way than to give ourselves to You in praise. Amen.     

*Gloria Patri #70   

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer                                                 

Invitation to the Offering

*Doxology: #95

*Offertory Prayer

First Lesson: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-43

Hymn: “O Jesus, I Have Promised,” #396

Epistle Lesson: Philippians 1:21-30

Sermon: “The attitude of Christ”

*Hymn: “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing,” #671

*Benediction

*Choral Amen

Postlude Music

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

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

 

Weary souls that wander wide

From the central point of bliss,

Turn to Jesus crucified,

Fly to those dear wounds of His:

Sink into the purple flood;

Rise into the life of God!

Find in Christ the way of peace,

Peace unspeakable, unknown;

By His pain He gives you ease,

Life by His expiring groan;

Rise exalted by His fall,

Find in Christ your all in all.

- Charles Wesley

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.

Bulletin for September 6

“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song; sing God’s praises in the assembly of the faithful!”   – Psalm 149:1 (CEB)

*Call to Worship: (posted on the Presbytery of the Cascades)

+God said, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, +but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord.” +Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, +and I will give you rest.” +We come in the name of the Spirit, resting from our labors, +let us worship God this day!

*Hymn: “Come, Christians, Join to Sing," #158

*Prayer: (Rev. Richard J. Fairchild’s Kir-shalom website)

Hear the Good News: Paul writes to Timothy: "Do not be ashamed of testifying to God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of God's own purpose and the grace God gave us in Christ Jesus years ago." By that grace, we are saved. Let us believe the good news of the gospel! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. If you would have the fullness of joy that God has stored up for you, be you likewise gracious and forgiving. Amen.       

*Gloria Patri #70  

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Offering 

*Doxology #95  

*Offering Prayer

First Lesson: Psalm 23

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

Hymn: “God Will Take Care of You” #130 (chosen by Pat Roell)

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:25-34

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

Sermon: “What, me worry?” 

Communion: UMH, p. 13-14 and The Lord’s Prayer      

*Hymn:  "Blest Be the Tie That Binds," #557

*Benediction

*Choral Amen

Postlude Music

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

*Please rise in body or in spirit.