EBENEZER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

4901 Woodbine Road

Sykesville, Maryland 21784

October 9, 2011

8:30 AM and 11:00 AM

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Order of Worship

THE PRELUDE “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” Ritter

LIGHTING THE CANDLES

GATHERING AND WELCOME

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus speaks to us through his church, inviting us into God's kingdom.
We are in the church because we want to be in God's kingdom.
We are in the church because we want to accept Christ's invitation.

We are in the church and we want our faith to lead to action.
May our response to Christ lead to faithful witness!

*HYMN “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” UMH No. 160

OPENING PRAYER

 Almighty God, you invite us into your kingdom through your Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus calls us and we want to hear and answer our Lord's invitation to receive your blessings. O God, we feel it is necessary to be in the church. But once we are in the church, we too easily turn away from your call to Christian commitment. We lose interest in Christ's invitation into your kingdom. Forgive us for the apathy we express toward the eternal blessing you share with us through Christ. Help us to be ready, willing, and excited about your promised kingdom. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

ANTHEM (11:00 AM) “Give Thanks” Cherub & Joyful Noise Choirs

CHILDREN’S SERMON (11:00 AM)

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 OT pgs. 526-527

This psalm tells how none of our sins or sufferings should prevent our ascribing glory and praise to the Lord. The more unworthy we are, the more is his kindness to be admired.

ANTHEM (8:30 AM) “Joshua” Chancel Choir

EPISTLE LESSON Philippians 4:4-9 NT pg. 187

Paul invites the new disciples at Philippi to joyously exult in the Lord who is near at hand.

HYMN “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” UMH No.348

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 22:1-14 NT pg. 23

As the evangelist presents the parable of the feast it is an allegory about the rejection of the Jews and the acceptance of Gentiles into the kingdom. The story suggests that God’s kingdom will become known whether people are prepared for it or not.

SERMON “Putting Feet to Your Faith” Rev. Judy Emerson

HYMN “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” UMH No. 381

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Joys and Concerns

Silent Prayer/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.

GIFTS OF THE PEOPLE

Offertory “We Will Glorify” Chimes

*Presentation of Gifts

*Doxology “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” UMH No. 160

Praise God who reigns on high,

The Lord whom we adore,

The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

One God forever more.

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing!

*Prayer of Dedication

God of Peace, we are confronted with so many overwhelming needs in our world.  Walk with us as we set aside our own desires and wants and join the call to alleviate human suffering.  Transform these financial gifts into genuine acts of concern and ministry to others.  In the name of the One who surpasses all understanding, we pray.  Amen. 

*CLOSING HYMN “Jesus Calls Us” UMH No. 398

*BLESSING WITH DISMISSAL

*POSTLUDE

TFWS=The Faith We Sing Hymn Book

UMH=The United Methodist Hymnal

*= Congregation stands as able

This Week

Day	Event	Time
Today	UMYF movie night at Jones’	6:30-8:00 PM
Monday	Feed My Sheep	10:30 AM
Tuesday	Stephen Ministry meeting	7:00 PM
Wednesday	Choir practices	6:00-8:30 PM
Thursday	Craft day at church	9:30 AM
Saturday	Men’s breakfast at church Workday at church	8:30 AM 9:00 AM

INFORMATION NEEDED! We would appreciate getting our college students addresses and birthdays so we can keep in touch with them! Please leave this information on the desk in the church office or e-mail it to church.

CHARGE CONFERENCE Our annual Charge Conference will be held next Sunday, October 16^th at Wesley Freedom UMC. Worship will be at 3:30 PM and our Charge Conference will be held immediately after. All members of the Administrative Council are encouraged to attend. If you are coming and could bring an appetizer/dessert, please let Sue Bergmann know. The following people will be removed from our church membership by Charge Conference action that day unless we hear from them:

Jesse Regan-Laur

Pat Regan-Laur

Tom Laur

Misty Davis

Jennifer Davis

BRUNCH October 30 at 11:00 AM

We will have one worship service at 10:00 AM on Sunday, October 30 and Sunday School will be from 9:00-9:45 AM. Right after the worship service there will be a brunch in the Fellowship Hall. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending!

Nov 13^th

New Members joining the church!

If you would like to become a member of Ebenezer UMC

Please speak with Rev. Judy or make a note on your attendance card!

Join us for the 2011 Fall Fest on October 30^th

The fall fest is being held this year during the brunch and is open to those age infants through 5^th grade. The fun includes crafts, games, and storytime. Don’t forget your costume as we’ll be showing them off as we parade through the brunch!

Parents…this will be a great time for you to enjoy some Brunch conversation while your children are entertained!!

Questions: please contact Julie Jones 410.795.2890