+ 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.
- Mary Bosanquet Fletcher (letter to Mrs. Dalby, December 26, 1792)
+ 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.
“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
*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
Postlude Music
“The worship is ended; let the service begin.”
*Please rise in body or in spirit.
Our scripture lesson will come to us from Psalm 23 and Matthew 6:25-34.
+ 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.’ 89th 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.
 |
| 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
*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
Postlude Music
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.
Hernnhut, Saxony - circa 1757
John Wesley (On Divine Providence)
 |
| Middle Boulder Creek, Colorado |
Our scripture lesson will come to us from John 4:1-13 and Revelation 22:1-5.
+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.
