EBENEZER UNITED
(410)795-6136
Rev. Judith A. Emerson, Pastor
3rd
Sunday of Easter
Mother’s
Day
PRELUDE Variations
on “O Sons and Daughters” Dandrieu
LIGHTING THE
CANDLES
PROCESSIONAL
WELCOME
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Let the people assemble; God calls each
one of us by name.
The
promises of God are to us and our children,
and to mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers near and far.
We gather as a community of faith, united in
mutual concern and caring.
May
our eyes and ears be open to the special message this hour holds for us.
Come, listen for God’s living and abiding
Word of truth!
*HYMN “For the Beauty of the Earth”
Stanzas 1-4
PRAYER
This day, O God, we gather with eager
hearts, hungry for your Word, yearning for the joy you promise in love. We come
to celebrate your love as we lift to you those who have given us life, those
who have loved us, those who have blessed us, and those who have taught us, our
mothers. May your blessing pour out upon these women of faith who have been
mothers to us along our journey. We praise you, O God, for your gift of love,
both gentle and fierce, both strong and humble, both kind and true. Where we
have been so blessed, we give our grateful praise. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
FROM
THE OLD TESTAMENT Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 OT pgs. 533-534
This psalm is an offering of thanksgiving and praise by one who has
been rescued
from death.
HYMN “Amazing Grace”
Stanzas
1-4
FROM THE GOSPELS Luke 24:13-35 NT pgs. 84-85
Our Gospel is the story
of how two disciples were met by a stranger on the road to Emmaus. That
evening, as he breaks bread with them, they know the stranger to be Jesus.
HYMN “Abide with Me”
SERMON “Love from
the Heart of God” Rev. Judy Emerson
Matthew 12:46-50 from The
Message
“While
he was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers showed up. They were
outside trying to get a message to him. Someone told Jesus, "Your mother
and brothers are out here, wanting to speak with you." Jesus didn't
respond directly, but said, "Who do you think my mother and brothers
are?" He then stretched out his hand toward his disciples. "Look
closely. These are my mother and brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The
person who obeys my heavenly Father's will is my brother and sister and
mother."
HYMN “Near
to the Heart of God”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Joys and Concerns
The Christ Candle holder on the altar today is given from
the congregation of
Sophia J. Bunting, beloved aunt of our
Pastor’s family.
Recognition of Graduates
Hope Allen,
Amanda Brown,
Luke Daigle,
Nick Kehyari,
Becky Middleton,
Stephanie Wells, St. Mary’s College
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 (
*Presentation of Gifts
*Doxology “Alleluia, Alleluia”
Alleluia,
alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia,
alleluia! Give praise to his name.
Spread
the good news o’er all the earth;
Jesus
has died and has risen.
Alleluia,
alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia,
alleluia! Give praise to his name!
*Prayer of Dedication
We respond with generous hearts, O God, and
give thanks for renewed inspiration and songs of love in our midst. We are glad
for the opportunity to give and pray that our offerings will be used to glorify
your holy name. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
*HYMN
“All Things Bright and Beautiful”
*DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING
*POSTLUDE
This Week
|
Day |
Event |
Time |
|
Monday |
Feed My Sheep |
|
|
Tuesday |
|
|
|
Wednesday |
Choir practice |
|
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
Luke Daigle, Troop #882 would like
to thank the many members and friends at EUMC who supported his Eagle Scout
Project in our cemetery this spring. It is now complete except for the
installation of two marble benches which should be in place within the next few
weeks. Please take a moment to look at the pictures on the bulletin board or
stop out at our cemetery and look at the meditation garden.
EASTER CANDY
Thank you to those who organized our Easter Candy fundraiser this year. We made over $1,200.00 on this project. There were many who contributed time and talent to make this happen and we thank you! Special thanks to Michelle Dahl for coordinating this event in many ways.
PLANT
Last week Buck and Laura Scott provided home grown plants for our summer gardens. A total of $225.00 was raised for our Good Samaritan Fund. Thank you for donating to such a wonderful outreach of our church.
YOUTH PROGRAM
Last Sunday we concluded our weekly youth program with an
AMAZING
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
Plan on joining us at the 11:00 AM Worship
Service on Sunday, May 22nd as two of our youth will be baptized and
seven of our youth will be confirmed. Following the Confirmation Service we
will have cake and punch in the fellowship hall where members of our
congregation can come and welcome the newest members of our church; Ebenezer’s
Confirmation Class of 2011.
ESCAPE CONCERT
Our Chancel Choir will participate in the
annual Escape Ministry Choir Festival and Hymn Sing next Sunday, May 15th
at
CHURCH FAMILY CAMPING WEEKEND
Our family camping weekend will be held May
27-30 at
NURSERY POSITION
Our Staff Parish
Relations Committee is preparing to interview candidates to share the position
of Nursery Coordinator. Melissa Pollack has been sharing this position for
several years. Even though Melissa will continue to serve as our Youth
Director, as the mother of three she now has her own nursery to coordinate and
she is ready to offer someone else at EUMC the opportunity to work in our
nursery with Susan Rodriguez on Sunday mornings.
This is a paid position that
requires nursery coverage for both worship services and Sunday school each
week. If you are interested in learning more about this opening on our staff,
please contact Deb Mathias, Chairperson of SPRC or Rev. Judy Emerson at revjae@aol.com or by calling the church
office.
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.
FINANCE COMMITTEE will meet on Thursday, May 19 at