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April 2019 Newsletter

April 2019

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Last Updated May 1, 2019

April 2019 Newsletter

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Pittsfield United Methodist Church

1 day ago

Please join us for worship Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 9 a.m. on WBBA Radio (97.5) or live stream from wbbaradio.com. We have included the bulletin so you may join us from home.

Announcements:

Altar flowers are in loving memory of the Wedding Anniversary of my parents Dan & Ethelene Rose from Kay Dunham.

Today:
5:00-6:00p.m. – Spark Youth Group Pizza Party (Ages: Pre-school-5th Grade)
All kids welcome!
Tuesday
7:00a - Men’s Prayer Group (Orr Hall)
6:30p – Administrative Council (Orr Hall)

Mick will be leading a Confirmation Class on March 7th, March 14th, and March 21st at 10 a.m. in the Hillerbranner Room. Please let Mick know if you would like to be a part of this class. It is open to anyone who is in 5th grade or older. Confirmation Sunday will be on Palm Sunday, March 28th.
At this time, Bishop Frank J. Beard has directed the churches of our Conference to maintain the standards of Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. For the Pittsfield UMC, this means that any activity may take place within the church with the following restrictions. All groups are limited to 50 people, or to 25% of the room’s capacity, which is 56 in the sanctuary. Also, the use of masks is required when anyone is in the building or in the main level of the sanctuary, and social distancing of six feet or greater is required in these same places among non-family members. It is very important that we observe these restrictions until the time comes when they are lifted. Hopefully, that time will take place soon.

Our church has sponsored the “Book Nook” at King Park. If you would be interested in helping to keep it clean and books rotated please contact Karen Laflin.

Prelude

Hymn: 555 “Forward Through The Ages”
1. Forward through the ages, in unbroken line, move the faithful spirits at the call divine;
gifts in differing measure, hearts of one accord, manifold the service, one the sure reward.
Refrain:
Forward through the ages, in unbroken line, move the faithful spirits at the call divine.
2. Wider grows the kingdom, reign of love and light; for it we must labor, till our faith is sight. Prophets have proclaimed it, martyrs testified, poets sung its glory, heroes for it died. [Refrain]
3. Not alone we conquer, not alone we fall; in each loss or triumph lose or triumph all.
Bound by God's far purpose in one living whole, move we on together to the shining goal. [Refrain]

Call to Worship/Opening Prayer (AWA)
Called by Christ,
we gather as one.
Blessed by God’s wisdom,
we gather to learn.
Amazed by God’s love,
we gather to worship.
Let us pray. . .
God of glory and might, speak to us with your wisdom, that we might truly hear you.
Display your majesty, that we might truly see you. Transform the chaos of our lives
with the clarity of your call, that we might worship you in spirit and in truth. Amen.

Hymn: 580 “Lead On, O King Eternal”
1. Lead on, O King eternal, the day of march has come; henceforth in fields of conquest
thy tents shall be our home. Through days of preparation thy grace has made us strong;
and now, O King eternal, we lift our battle song.
2. Lead on, O King eternal, till sin's fierce war shall cease, and holiness shall whisper
the sweet amen of peace. For not with swords loud clashing, nor roll of stirring drums;
with deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes.
3. Lead on, O King eternal, we follow, not with fears, for gladness breaks like morning
where'er thy face appears Thy cross is lifted o'er us, we journey in its light; the crown awaits the conquest; lead on, O God of might.

Prayers of The People:

Scripture Lesson: Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV)
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
I Peter 4:7-10 ( NIV)
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

The Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God, Amen

Special Music:

Sermon: “Pouring Ourselves Out For Others”

Sacrament of Holy Communion Page 7 (Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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.

Pages 12 – 15 Word and Service Table II
Prayer of Confession:
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your lovingkindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. Wash us thoroughly from our iniquities, and cleanse us from our sins. For we acknowledge our transgressions, and our sin is ever before us. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hymn: 593 “Here I Am, Lord”
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear My light to them? Who shall I send?

[Chorus]
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go, Lord. If You lead me. I will hold, Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne My people's pain. I have wept for love of them,
They run away. I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them. Whom shall I send?
[Chorus]

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame, I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide, Till their hearts be satisfied. I will give My life to them.
Whom shall I send?

[Chorus]

*Postlude:
Ushers/Greeter: Harley Whitlock
Liturgist: Kay Dunham
Power Point: Shirley Dean ...

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Pittsfield United Methodist Church

1 week ago

Please join us for worship Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 9 a.m. on WBBA Radio (97.5) or live stream from wbbaradio.com. We have included the bulletin so you may join us from home.

Welcome

Announcements:
Today:
11:00a - Worship
5:00-6:00p.m. – Spark Youth Group
6:00-7:30p.m. – Flame Youth Group
7:00-8:30p.m. - Fire Youth Group

Tuesday
7:00a - Men’s Prayer Group (Orr Hall)
8:30a – Pre-School Screening (Basement)
5:30p – Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee (Hillerbranner Room)

Wednesday
8:30a – Pre-School Screening (Basement)

Thursday
12:30p – P.E.O. (Orr Hall)

Friday
12:00 noon- World Day of Prayer at the Nazarene Church in Pittsfield

Mick will be leading a Confirmation Class on February 28th, March 7th, March 14th, and March 21st at 10 a.m. in the new High School Classroom. Please let Mick know if you would like to be a part of this class. It is open to anyone who is in 5th grade or older. Confirmation Sunday will be on Palm Sunday, March 28th.

This years’ World Day of Prayer will be hosted by the women of the Pittsfield Nazarene Church at 12:00 noon on Friday, March 5. A light luncheon will be served afterward. The program was written this year by the women of Vanuatu, an island in the South Pacific. Their theme is “Build on a Strong Foundation” based on the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 7, verses 24-27, which relates the parable of the wise man who built his house upon the Rock. Please plan to attend if you can to join men and women across the world in prayer.The power of Prayer is an awesome power and we are called to use it.

Our church has sponsored the “Book Nook” at King Park. If you would be interested in helping to keep it clean and books rotated please contact Karen Laflin.

Prelude

Hymn: 359 “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” (vs. 1,2,3 & 5)
1. Alas! and did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die? Would he devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?
Refrain:
At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away; it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day.
2. Was it for crimes that I have done, he groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree!
(Refrain)
3. Well might the sun in darkness hide, and shut its glories in, when God, the mighty maker, died for his own creature's sin.
(Refrain)
5. But drops of tears can ne'er repay the debt of love I owe. Here, Lord, I give myself away; 'tis all that I can do.
(Refrain)

Call to Worship/Opening Prayer (AWA)
From generation to generation, God names us and claims us.
Blessed be the Lord, our God.
When we try to tell God what to do, Christ chastens us and leads us back onto the paths of life.
Let all who draw breath come back to the Lord.
From our earliest steps, the Spirit guides our steps and sets before us the ways of life and death.
Let the faithful rejoice in the mysteries of our God.
From generation to generation,
God names us and claims us.
Let heaven and earth praise God’s holy name.
Let Us Pray. . .
Spirit of the ages, name us and claim us according to your purposes,
as you once called Abram and Sarai long ago. Train our ears to hear your call, and tune our hearts to open at the sound of your voice. As we pick up our cross to follow you, raise us to newness of life. For you call us to be children of your covenant, heirs with your Son, and disciples of your grace. Amen.

Hymn: 297 “Beneath The Cross Of Jesus”
1. Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand, the shadow of a mighty rock
within a weary land; a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way, from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.
2. Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see the very dying form of One who suffered there for me; and from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess:
the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
3. I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face; content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss, my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

Prayers of The People:

Scripture Lesson: I Corinthians 1:18-25 (NIV)
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Colossians 2:9-15 ( NIV)
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
The Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God, Amen

Special Music:

Sermon: “Why Was The Cross Necessary?”
Sacrament of Holy Communion Page 7 (Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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.

Pages 12 – 15 Word and Service Table II
Prayer of Confession:
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your lovingkindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. Wash us thoroughly from our iniquities, and cleanse us from our sins. For we acknowledge our transgressions, and our sin is ever before us. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hymn: 298 “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross”
1. When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God; all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.
3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
*Postlude: ...

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Pittsfield United Methodist Church

2 weeks ago

Please join us for worship Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 9 a.m. on WBBA Radio (97.5) or live stream from wbbaradio.com. We have included the bulletin so you may join us from home.

Welcome

Announcements:
Today:
5:00-6:00p.m. – Spark Youth Group
6:00-7:30p.m. – Flame Youth Group
7:00-8:30p.m. - Fire Youth Group

Tuesday
7:00a - Men’s Prayer Group (Orr Hall)
2:00p- Nominations Committee (Orr Hall)
6:00p – Finance Committee - Annual Audit (Orr Hall)

Wednesday
6:30p - Rebekah Fellowship (Orr Hall)

Mick will be leading a Confirmation Class on February 28th, March 7th, March 14th, and March 21st at 10 a.m. in the new High School Classroom. Please let Mick know if you would like to be a part of this class. It is open to anyone who is in 5th grade or older. Confirmation Sunday will be on Palm Sunday, March 28th.

There will be a meeting of the Nominations Committee at 2:00p.m. this Tuesday, February 23rd, in Orr Hall.

The annual church audit will be conducted on Tuesday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. in Orr Hall. All Finance Committee members and all who have helped with church audits in the past are encouraged to attend. Please let Eric Miller or the church office know if you are available to help. All treasurers please turn in to the church office financial records for 2020 by Thursday, February 18. Thank You!

Bishop Frank J. Beard and members of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Extended Cabinet have lifted the suspension of in-person worship in our area of the Conference. Our church may hold public worship with the following restrictions. For regular worship services, people may gather in the public worship space for up to 25% of its capacity. For us, this means that up to 56 people may gather in public worship. The church office is also allowed to open again. All other groups may meet at the church as long as social distancing and face masks are used. Hopefully, all restriction will be lifted in the near future.

Our church has sponsored the “Book Nook” at King Park. If you would be interested in helping to keep it clean and books rotated please contact Karen Laflin.

Upcoming Meetings:
World Day of Prayer will be held March 5 at the Pittsfield Nazarene Church at noon.

Prelude

Hymn: 154 “All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name”
1. All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall; bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all.
2. Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, ye ransomed from the fall, hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all. Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all.
3. Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget the wormwood and the gall, go spread your trophies at his feet, and crown him Lord of all. Go spread your trophies at his feet,
and crown him Lord of all.
4. Let every kindred, every tribe on this terrestrial ball, to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all. To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all.
5. Crown him, ye martyrs of your God, who from his altar call; extol the Stem of Jesse's Rod, and crown him Lord of all. Extol the Stem of Jesse's Rod, and crown him Lord of all.
6. O that with yonder sacred throng we at his feet may fall! We'll join the everlasting song,
and crown him Lord of all. We'll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all.

Call to Worship/Opening Prayer (AWA)
The light of God is shining . . .
shining around and within.
The voice of God is calling . . .
calling not just from ancient texts, but from here and now.
The love of God is with us . . .
flowing around and within us.
Let us pray….
Shine upon us with your grace, that we might see what frightens us and face what threatens us. Flow through us with your mercy, that we might sense your presence, even when we have run away, and that we may know your love,
even when we feel most unlovable. Abide in us with your love,
for your love claims us and makes us whole. Amen

Hymn: 170 “O, How I Love Jesus”
1. There is a name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth; it sounds like music in my ear, the sweetest name on earth.

Refrain:
O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, because he first loved me!

2. It tells me of a Savior's love, who died to set me free; it tells me of his precious blood,
the sinner's perfect plea.
(Refrain)

3. It tells of one whose loving heart can feel my deepest woe; who in each sorrow bears a part that none can bear below.
(Refrain)

Prayers of The People:

Scripture Lesson: John 2:13-19 (NIV)
13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

Romans 12:9-18 ( NIV)
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
The Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God, Amen

Special Music:

Sermon: “The Importance Of Christian Passion”
Sacrament of Holy Communion Page 7 (Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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.

Pages 12 – 15 Word and Service Table II
Prayer of Confession:
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your lovingkindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. Wash us thoroughly from our iniquities, and cleanse us from our sins. For we acknowledge our transgressions, and our sin is ever before us. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hymn: 430 “O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee”
1. O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free; tell me thy secret; help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.
2. Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love; teach me the wayward feet to stay, and guide them in the homeward way.
3. Teach me thy patience; still with thee in closer, dearer company, in work that keeps faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong;
4. In hope that sends a shining ray far down the future's broadening way, in peace that only thou canst give, with thee, O Master, let me live.
*Postlude:
Ushers/Greeter: Jamie Thompson
Liturgist: Kay Dunham
Power Point: Shirley Dean ...

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