EBENEZER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

4901 Woodbine Road

                                                 Sykesville, Maryland 21784

(410)795-6136

www.ebenezerumchurch.org

Rev. Judith A. Emerson, Pastor

May 22, 2011

8:30 AM and 11:00 AM

5th Sunday of Easter

 

PRELUDE                                           “He Leadeth Me”                           arr. by Larry Shackley   

LIGHTING THE CANDLES                                        

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

       Recognition of Sunday school Attendance                                                Meghan Estes

               Congratulating our students and teachers

       Recognition of God and Family Program                                                   Susan Brown

               Shaun Christopher Arnold

       Recognition of God and Life Program                                             Rev. Judy Emerson

               Jeffrey Thomas Arnold                    

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP

 Our shepherd invites us to this time of worship;

        As we share our lives with one another our souls are restored.

        Christ came that all might have an abundant life.

        We acknowledge and rejoice in this gift!  Amen.      

 

*OPENING HYMN                          “Victory in Jesus”                                   UMH No. 370

 

PRAYER

       Lead us now, O God, through the maze of our existence, as you led your people long ago. Keep us from resisting your word of judgment or shrinking from the challenges of discipleship. Call us by name and show us the pathways you would have us travel. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

FROM THE EPISTLES                        1 Peter 2:2-10                                         NT pg. 219

       This reading presents images from the Old Testament, describing Christians as a chosen people called to God’s service.     

ANTHEM (8:30 AM)                                                                                  Cherub Choir

Joyful Noise Choir

 

CHILDREN’S SERMON (8:30 AM)                                                                      Julie Jones

 

FROM THE GOSPELS                      John 14:1-14                                   NT pg. s. 102-103

       Jesus speaks with his disciples and tells them that he is the way, the truth and the life.

 

ANTHEM (11:00 AM)                  “If We Seek the Lord”                                   Chancel Choir

 

SERMON                                      “Who Are You?”                          Rev. Judy Emerson

 

HYMN                                           “We Are the Church”                                  UMH No. 558

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

       Joys and Concerns

       Pastoral Prayer

       The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.  Amen.     

 

THE GIFTS OF THE PEOPLE

       Offertory   (8:30 AM)    “The King of Love, My Shepherd Is”                  

    Jen Klausmeyer and Brenda Sebly

       *Presentation of Gifts

       *Doxology                                                                                                   UMH No. 94

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up lifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

 

       *Prayer of Dedication

Loving God, as a generous church and joyful people we ask you to guide

our efforts that we may use these offerings in ways that reflect renewed    discipleship. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

BAPTISMAL COVENANT I (11:00 AM)                                                             UMH No. 33

 

       Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith                                                UMH No. 34

       Thanksgiving over the Water                                                                             UMH No. 36

       Baptism                                    Donald Kenneth Roe, III

 Katelyn Mary Elizabeth Roe

       Confirmation                                                                                             UMH No. 37

Confirmation Class 2011

    Leaders: Rev. Judy Emerson and Susan Brown

 

Class of 2011                              Mentors

Jeff Thomas Arnold                                    Scott Murchie

Andrew Gauvin                                          Jim Lutz

Carson Stone Kaylor                                 Buck Scott

Donald Kenneth Roe, III                            Jim Huff

Katelyn Mary Elizabeth Roe                       Carolene Will

Laura Nicole Spitalniak                              Susan Sager

Haley Elizabeth Wildbore                           Julie Jones

 

       Reception into the United Methodist Church                                                      UMH No. 38

       Reception into the Local Congregation                                   

       Commendation and Welcome

 

*HYMN                         “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”                  TFWS No. 2153

  

*DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING

 

*POSTLUDE

 

 

 

      This Week

Day

Event

Time

Thursday

Craft day at church

9:30 AM

 

 

CONFIRMATION RECEPTION

There will be a reception for our Confirmands right after the 11:00 AM Service today. Please join us for cake and punch and greet our newest church members!

 

FAMILY BOWLING NIGHT

Our planned family bowling night for June 26th  has been cancelled due to the

bowling alley closing.

 

 

 

GOD AND FAMILY/GOD AND LIFE PROGRAMS

A variety of religious emblem programs are used by the Boy Scouts of America to encourage youth to learn about their faith. Programs are created, administered and awarded by the various religious groups, not the BSA, but each program must be recognized by the BSA. God and Family and God and Life are two of these programs developed to help young people grow in their understanding of the Christian faith and discover ways of translating their faith into action.  Jeff Arnold and Shaun Arnold have completed these programs this year and today we celebrate their accomplishments.

 

NEWSLETTER

If you have an article you would like to see in the June/July newsletter, please have it in to the church office by this Tuesday, May 24th.

 

NEW CHURCH KNEELER

Today we have the honor of using our very own kneeler for the first time. A special thank you to Jim Lutz who made this kneeler for our church. What a wonderful addition to our worship experience.

 

CEMETERY COMMITTEE

We are trying to electronically update the records for our cemetery. If you have a deed to one of the plots in our cemetery or know of someone who does, please contact the church office so we can update our information regarding deeds and owners. If you have questions, you may contact Kenny Wean, Chairperson of our Cemetery Committee or Rev. Judy.