Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost – October 30, 2011 – 8:30AM
Asbury United Methodist Church
Asbury: where the living Spirit awakens us to embrace, serve, and transform our world.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost – October 30, 2011 – Liturgical Color: Green
GOD’S PEOPLE ASSEMBLE
Prelude “Savior, Like a Shepherd/He Leadeth Me” – arr. F. Lopez
Greetings, Introductions, Announcements
Silent Preparation for Worship
*Introit Chancel Choir
Call to Worship (James 1:2-4, 12)
My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests we encounter as occasions for joy. After all, we know that the testing of our faith produces endurance.
Let this endurance complete its work so that we may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing.
Those who stand firm during testing will be blessed. They are tried and true.
They will receive the life God has promised to those who love Him.
*Hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing” #519
*Unison Prayer
Father, we recognize that we live in an “instant” world: Instant health from a pill; Instant answers from Dr. Phil. But You are not an “instant” God. Your love for us is deeper. Forgive our impatience and resistance to Your love. Help us to open our hearts and lives to You, that we may be formed and shaped in Christ's image, in Your time, and according to Your plan. Teach us to accept the authority of Your Word, and to step out in faith, knowing that You can even use those times we really blow it. We praise You, God, for You bring good out of bad, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Response “Lord, Be Glorified” vs. 1 #2150
A TIME OF SHARING AND PRAYING
Passing the Peace of Christ
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Stewardship Moment
Prayer Hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center” vs. 3 #2128
Silent Prayer - Pastoral Prayer - Lord’s Prayer - Choral Prayer Response
READING AND PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
First Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Children’s Time “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam”
As children come forward, let us sing “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam.” Afterward children ages 4 through 2nd grade are invited to Story Hour in the children's library across the hall.
Anthem “I Want to Be Like Jesus” - arr. Keene Chancel Choir
Second Scripture Romans 8:1-4, 28-29
Response: Thanks be to God!
Sermon “What Will Be the Character of My Life?”
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Service of Remembrance
Candles will be lit and a bell will ring in honor of those Asbury members and friends who have died in the past year (see bulletin insert for names). One candle will be lit in honor of all other loved ones.
The Gathering and Presenting of Tithes and Offerings
Offertory ~ Torianna Davis - violin
Please sign the attendance record and pass it on to the next person in the pew, returning it to the beginning of the pew when completed so we may learn one another’s names.
*Doxology “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” #95, alt. rhythm
*Prayer of Dedication
Accept, O Lord, these offerings Your people are making to You today. We ask that the work for which these gifts are used will prosper under Your guidance and in partnership with You, to Your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (adapted, #755, 1966 Methodist Hymnal)
*Hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” vs. 1, 2, 4 #377
Spoken Benediction
*Choral Benediction Chancel Choir
Postlude ~ “Allegro” – G. Martini
Prayer Focus: Lord, in what area of my spiritual life do I need to become more patient and persistent in order to grow more like You?
