News & Events
Worship
Sunday, November 28, 2021
First Sunday of Advent
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST
GATHERING MUSIC
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Noel with Variations”
~ Claude Louis Balbastre, ed. Olive Nelson Russell
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” – tune – “Stuttgart”
~ Jon Spong, adp. Henry J. Gauntlett
PRELUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Carol of the Bells” – “Ukrainian Carol”
~ Leontovich-Wilhusky, arr. William Simon
CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING
Pastor Jeffrey D. Hall
THE SACRAMENT OF SILENCE
INSTRUMENTAL
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Be Thou My Vision” – tune – “Slane”
~ arr. Richard Elliott
WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jeffrey
*CALL TO WORSHIP
John Palmer
L: The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P: And also with you.
L: During Advent we watch and wait and prepare to welcome the Christ-child into the world.
P: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
L: During Advent we prepare for a life of discipleship and watch faithfully for signs of God’s light and love.
P: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
L: During Advent, we lift up our heads and look for signs of God’s justice and righteousness.
P: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)
John Palmer
God of Advent, there is so much worry and anxiety around the world. Things seem unsettled and unstable. And yet the story of faith reminds us to hope for tomorrow. Help us to live with a hope that is fearless to love and faithful to serve. Teach us to sing your praises, O God. Teach us to open our hearts and welcome your wondrous grace, your wide embrace, and your infinite mercy. Amen.
HYMN
Maggie Harris, Sue Livingstone, Tom Waldrop, John Palmer
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” ~ UMH #196
ADVENT PRAYER & CANDLELIGHTING
Pastor Jeffrey
L: Let us pray.
P: Loving God, as we enter this Advent season, we open all the dark places in our lives to the healing light of Christ. Show us the creative power of hope. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, that we may walk in the light of Christ. Let us take time, in the busyness of this season, for quiet reflection. We will let ourselves be surprised by wonder. We will welcome Christ into our hearts. We will be a people of hope. Amen.
HYMN
Maggie Harris, Sue Livingstone, Tom Waldrop, John Palmer
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” ~ UMH #110, vs. 1
TIME FOR YOUTH
Robbie Frederiksen, Youth Ministry Director
THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (In Unison)
John Palmer
Guide us, O God, by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
John Palmer
Psalm 25
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who are they that fear the Lord? He will teach them the way that they should choose. They will abide in prosperity, and their children shall possess the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. O guard my life, and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all its troubles.
L: The Word of Life.
P: Thanks be to God. Amen.
PRAYER CARDS COLLECTED
HYMN
Maggie Harris, Sue Livingstone, Tom Waldrop, John Palmer
“Sweet Hour of Prayer” ~ UMH #496
JOYS AND CONCERNS / THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey
SCRIPTURE READING
John Palmer
Luke 21:25-36
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.
L: The Word of Life.
P: Thanks be to God. Amen.
SERMON
Pastor Jeffrey
Stand Up and Raise Your Heads
THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE WORD
WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS
John Palmer
The Church and its ministry will flourish tomorrow because of the hopeful, expectant generosity that lives in us today. Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God in gratitude, heartfelt commitment, and praise.
OFFERTORY
Maggie Harris, Sue Livingstone, Tom Waldrop, John Palmer
“There’s a Song in the Air“
Words, Josiah G. Holland; Music, Karl P. Harrington
*DOXOLOGY
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” ~ UMH #95
HYMN
Maggie Harris, Sue Livingstone, Tom Waldrop, John Palmer
“Take My Life and Let it Be” ~ UMH #399
THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS FOR MINISTRY
*BENEDICTION
Pastor Jeffrey
POSTLUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” – tune – “Wachet Auf”
~ arr. Thomas Chesterton, Paul Manz
* Stand as you are able
November “Spire”
Worship
Sunday, November 7, 2021
OPEN HOUSE WORSHIP
As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Psalm 42:1-2
INSTRUMENTAL OPENING
Kevin McCullough, Contemporary Music Director
Get Coffee and Be Seated
OPENING MUSIC
Praise Band
“Blessed Be the Name of the Lord”
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jeffrey D. Hall
OPENING PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey
WORSHIP IN SONG
Praise Band
“With Every Act of Love”
TIME FOR CHILDREN
Shelley Ahn-Wong, Director of Children’s Ministries
WORSHIP IN SONG
Praise Band
“Fear Is a Liar”
JOYS AND CONCERNS
SCRIPTURE READING
Mark 12:38-44
As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
SERMON
Pastor Jeffrey
A Bright Hope for Tomorrow 4
CELEBRATION OF GIFTS
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Praise Band
“Love You So Much”
WORSHIP IN SONG
Praise Band
“Oceans”
BENEDICTION
Pastor Jeffrey
CLOSING MUSIC
Praise Band
“Oceans” (Reprise)
October Spire
News
Worship
Sunday, October 3, 2021
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST
GATHERING MUSIC
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” – tune – “Toplady”
~ arr. Jack C. Goode, Don Hustad
“This Is My Father’s World” – tune – “Terra Beata”
~ arr. Diane Bish
PRELUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Tranquillity”
~ Elizabeth B. Jackson
WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tom Carson
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Marna Taylor
L: The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P: And also with you.
L: If God is for us, who is against us?
P: He who gave his son, now gives the Spirit.
L: The Holy One is in our midst.
P: Equipping us for ministry in the service of Christ.
L: In Christ we are more than conquerors.
P: For nothing can separate us from the love of God!
*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)
Marna Taylor
God of our yesterdays and tomorrows, nothing is permanent but your love; nothing is certain except your presence. When the winds of change blow, and the mountaintop experiences give way to the stark reality of the valley, remind us you are with us still. If we should be tempted to worry or fear, help us to abide in your grace. Open our hearts, that we may know the truth of your presence and the glory of your love.
*HYMN
Sue Livingstone, Linda Juhl, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer
“God of Grace and God of Glory” ~ UMH #577
TIME FOR CHILDREN
Shelley Ahn-Wong, Children’s Ministry Director
THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (In Unison)
Marna Taylor
Guide us, O God, by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Marna Taylor
Psalm 13
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”; my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
L: The Word of Life.
P: Thanks be to God. Amen.
*APOSTLES’ CREED
Tom Carson
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayer Cards Collected
HYMN
Sue Livingstone, Linda Juhl, John Palmer
“Old Time Religion”
~ arr. Moses Hogan, adap. Benjamin Harlan
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Tom Carson
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SCRIPTURE READING
Marna Taylor
Romans 8:31-39
What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
L: The Word of Life.
P: Thanks be to God. Amen.
SERMON
Tom Carson
Things Ain’t Like They Used to Be
THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE WORD
WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Marna Taylor
Giver of all good gifts, your blessings of love and life fill our world with hope for the future. Receive our tithes and offerings as an expression of our love, gratitude, heartfelt commitment, and praise. Amen.
OFFERTORY
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Scherzetto”
~ Robert J. Powell
*DOXOLOGY
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” ~ UMH 95
*HYMN
Sue Livingstone, Linda Juhl, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer
“In Christ There is No East or West” ~ UMH #548
THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS FOR MINISTRY
*BENEDICTION
Tom Carson
POSTLUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Toccata in F Major”
~ Dietrich Buxtehude
* Stand as you are able
News
Worship
Sunday, September 26, 2021
OPEN HOUSE WORSHIP
INSTRUMENTAL OPENING
Kevin McCullough, Contemporary Music Director
Get Coffee and Be Seated
OPENING MEDITATION
“On Becoming”
OPENING MUSIC
Praise Band
“God of Wonders”
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rev. Dave Wolf
WORSHIP IN SONG
Praise Band
“Beautiful One”
TIME FOR YOUTH
Robbie Frederiksen, Director of Youth Ministries
CELEBRATION OF GIFTS
Praise Band
“Love You So Much”
SCRIPTURE READING
Ken Kasper
Psalm 42:1-5
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
SERMON
Rev. Dave Wolf
Wind in Our Sails
JOYS AND CONCERNS
Rev. Dave Wolf
PASTORAL PRAYER / THE LORD’S PRAYER
Rev. Dave Wolf
WORSHIP IN SONG
Praise Band
“Jesus, Hope of the Nations”
SENDING FORTH
CLOSING MUSIC
Praise Band
“Jesus, Hope of the Nations” (Reprise)
News
Worship
Sunday, September 19, 2021
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST
GATHERING MUSIC
Patricia Milstead, organ
PRELUDE
Patricia Milstead, organ
“An Appalachian Air” ~ Gilbert Martin
CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING
Rev. Jeffrey D. Hall
THE SACRAMENT OF SILENCE
INSTRUMENTAL
“There’s Something About That Name” ~ UMH #171
WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rev. Jeffrey D. Hall
*CALL TO WORSHIP
John Palmer
L: The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P: And also with you.
L: Jesus challenges us in today’s gospel:
P: Whoever wants to be first must be last and servant of all.
L: Then Jesus took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them:
P: Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes not only me but the one who sent me.
L: To change the world we must change the way we love and welcome all children!
P: May we learn to love all children as if they were our own!
*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)
John Palmer
Holy One, with the presence of our children we welcome you with joyful hearts this morning. Teach us the way to make the last first and to be servants of all. Guide us in your way of humility and service. Show us how to become disciples of Jesus Christ — your Child and our Brother. We ask for blessings on all your children in your Holy Name. Amen.
*HYMN
Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, John Palmer, Tom Waldrop
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” ~ UMH #89
TIME FOR CHILDREN
Shelley Ahn-Wong, Director of Children’s Ministry
THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (In Unison)
John Palmer
Guide us, O God, by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
John Palmer
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8
Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
L: The Word of Life.
P: Thanks be to God. Amen.
PRAYER CARDS COLLECTED
HYMN
Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, John Palmer, Tom Waldrop
“Near to the Heart of God” ~ UMH #472
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Rev. Jeffrey D. Hall
PASTORAL PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Rev. Jeffrey D. Hall
SCRIPTURE READING
John Palmer
Mark 9:30-37
They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.
Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
L: The Word of Life.
P: Thanks be to God. Amen.
SERMON
Rev. Jeffrey D. Hall
Whoever Welcomes One Such Child
THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE WORD
WORSHIP WITH TITHES & OFFERINGS
John Palmer
Opening our hands and our hearts to the children of this world in Christ’s name, let us worship with our tithes and offerings.
OFFERTORY
Patricia Milstead, organ
“Siciliano” ~ Domenico Scarlatti
*DOXOLOGY
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” ~ UMH 95
*HYMN
Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, John Palmer, Tom Waldrop
“Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service” ~ UMH #581
THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS FOR MINISTRY
*BENEDICTION
Rev. Jeffrey D. Hall
POSTLUDE
Patricia Milstead, organ
“An Exultant Alleluia” ~ Lani Smith
* Stand as you are able