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March 6, 2022
Galena UMC 3-6-22 10:30 AM 1 LENT Worship in-person & streaming and bulletin with announcements
Lent 1 “Ordinary lives can be holy”
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.’" - Luke 4: 1-13
We find ourselves hungry for many things that we believe will bring us satisfaction. The devil lays a bet that Jesus will jump at the chance for glory, fame, and the quick fix. Who wouldn’t? But Jesus keeps up the pithy one-liners long enough that the Tempster just has to slink away. What are the temptations that catch your ear, singing out promises that your life should be more special than it is? What if ordinary life is already holy–as is?
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); New Revised Standard Version (NRSV); All adaptation and use permission granted. All liturgy and leader parts Marcia McFee © www.worshipdesignstudio.com/goodenough. Used and adapted with permission.
“Good Enough” theme song by Marsha Charles, Marcia McFee, Chuck Bell. Used with permission of Worship Design Studio. “A Blessing Before a Fast” from Good Enough: 40’ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Used with permission. Purchase the book at www.katebowler.com/goodenough; readings from RCL Year C
February 20, 2022
Galena UMC 2-20-22 7 th Sunday After the Epiphany
Black History Month
African Americans have played crucial roles in the development of America. Through this lens of
reform, may we examine anew our responsibility for the living out of God’s Beloved Kingdom!
“’But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you’” (Luke
6:27).
Jesus makes a controversial claim about how to treat those who believe and act
differently:
Love your enemies. Sustain all regardless of your judgment of them as good or bad.
Be merciful because God is merciful.
Here, Jesus turns our focus from an obsession with perfection to a posture of
compassion.
Gracious God, empower our boldness, enliven our dreams and inspire our actions. Amen
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A
#11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The
Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common
English Bible (CEB); New Revised Standard Version (NRSV); All adaptation and use permission granted.
February 13, 2022
Galena UMC 2-13-22 6thSunday After the Epiphany
Black History Month
African Americans have played crucial roles in the development of America. Through this lens of reform, may we examine anew our responsibility for the living out of God’s Beloved Kingdom!
Scriptures: Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1 Luke 6:17–26 CEB
…Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17;5-10
Blessed are those who don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked; or stand in the way of sinners; …They are like trees planted by streams of water that yield their fruit in season, and their leaves do not wither. In all they do, they prosper. Psalm 1
17 Jesus came down from the mountain with them and stood on a large area of level ground. A great company of his disciples and a huge crowd of people …came to hear him and to be healed from their diseases…20 Jesus raised his eyes to his disciples and said:“Happy are you who are poor, because God’s kingdom is yours.21 Happy are you who hunger now, because you will be satisfied… Luke 6:17–26
God is creating a realm, bringing it to life with us by that same power that came from Jesus, in which no one is hungry or mourning or poor or disregarded at the very same time that others are abundantly well-fed, rich, laughing, and respected. It’s the modernity of these two opposite conditions that God promises to remedy, and we are called to address in our own lives.
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); New Revised Standard Version (NRSV); All adaptation and use permission granted.
January 23, 2022
Today, we recognize The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which has a history of over 100 years, in which Christians around the world have taken part in a worship prayer services for visible Christian unity. By annually observing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Christians move toward the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper "that they all may be one." (cf. John 17:21) As members of the body of Christ, we are called to help break the cycle of greed, to proclaim release to captives and victims of all forms of violence, to extend hospitality to strangers, and to proclaim the good news to the whole creation. Scripture: … For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. … If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a NRSV Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues … When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue …He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor...”… Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” . Luke 4:14-21 NRSV Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)- All used & adapted by permission;
January 16, 2022
Galena UMC Jan. 16, 2022 Abundance for All
Today, we recognize Human Relations Day. Human Relations Day reminds us of Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community that speaks of loving every neighbor as ourselves.
It calls us into “neighborhood,” into being a neighbor, with all kinds of people in all kinds of places. We give thanks for those already working to bring the vision to reality
and join together to continue this work of God’s kingdom more fully.The wedding in Cana sets up the rest of the Gospel with one grace upon grace moment or abundance when you least expect it.
Scripture: …Your loyal love, Lord, extends to the skies; your faithfulness reaches the clouds. Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea.
: Psalm 36:5-10
…There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 and there are different ministries and the same Lord; 6 and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good. 8 A word of wisdom is given by the Spirit to one person, a word of knowledge to another according to the same Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:4-8
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and 2 Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They don’t have any wine.” Jesus replied, “Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn’t come yet.”… This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. John 2: 1-11
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission;
January 9, 2022
This is the day in our church calendar when we celebrate Jesus’ baptism.
It is the day we are encouraged to remember the role baptism has played in our own
life.
It is a day we are challenged to remember that, along with Jesus, we are beloved by
God and empowered to participate in the rebuilding of God’s realm.
Scripture: But now, says the LORD—the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you,
Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t
sweep over you. Isaiah 43:1-7 CEB
You, divine beings! Give to the LORD— give to the LORD glory and power!... The LORD’s voice
is over the waters; the glorious God thunders; the LORD is over the mighty waters.
The Lord’s voice is strong; the LORD’s voice is majestic….Let the LORD give strength to his
people! Let the LORD bless his people with peace! A Psalm of David Psalm 29 CEB
Then Jesus was baptized by John, and afterwards, while Jesus was praying, the heavens opened.
And the Holy Spirit came down to Jesus in the form of a dove. Then a voice sounded, saying,
“You are my Beloved. With you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:15–17, 21–22 CEB Adaptation
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); Worship Design Studio -The Inn adaptation; Marcia McFee ©www.worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
January 2, 2022
Epiphany is the moment when we suddenly see or understand something in a new or clear way—and, in particular, the sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature of something, and in the church, we mean the manifestation of the divinity of Jesus as recognized by the wisemen, or Magi. Traditionally, Epiphany has been celebrated on January 6, the 12th day of Christmas, but more recently is celebrated on this, the first Sunday in January. Today our sanctuary is lit again with the Christ Candle that illumines the Door of Welcome. May this light shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60:1-6
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men[a] from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising,[b] and have come to pay him homage……… 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Matthew, chapter 2.
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); Worship Design Studio -The Inn adaptation; Marcia McFee ©www.worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
December 26, 2021
Sunday after Christmas: “Dwelling”
Developed in the 14th century, the word “dwell” became known as a “lingering” or “abiding.” It had connections to “in-habit”–another word developed at that time. After an Advent/Christmas season of focusing on housing the holy, how will we linger and abide in this habit of hospitality? What habits did you invite into your heart in this season that you desire to take with you into the new year? How might we sustain the dwelling places that feed, house, clothe those who need it most?
Scripture: As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:12-17 (NRSV)
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to their custom. After the festival was over, they were returning home, but the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem… After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were shocked.
His mother said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he said to them. Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother cherished every word in her heart. Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people. - Luke 2:41-52 (CEB)
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI
License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist
Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by
Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); Worship Design Studio -The Inn adaptation;
Marcia McFee ©www.worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
Christmas Eve, Dec, 24
12-24-21 Galena UMC Christmas Eve: “The Inn” In-Person & Streaming at 7 PM or watch at your convenience. Attached Bulletin with announcements
The Inn is now open for business. The long-awaited Messiah has been born and on him the light shines. We have only to open the doors of our lives and to say “welcome.” Our Advent journey has led us to this moment when the light shining through a closed door becomes one opened to new possibilities, new relationships. What a poignant moment for us this year as the light–the hope, peace, joy and love–multiplies from one illuminated heart and hand to another.
Please join us.
Blessings and love, Pastor Catiana
Scriptures:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined… For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. - Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. - Luke 2: 1-7 [8-20] (NRSV
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI
License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist
Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by
Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); Worship Design Studio -The Inn adaptation;
Marcia McFee ©www.worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
Sunday, December 19
12-19-21 Galena UMC Advent 4: “Room with a View (Love)”
In-Person & Streaming at 10:30 am or watch at your convenience.
As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces,
one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you.
…
His origin is from remote times, from ancient days.
because he will surely become great throughout the earth;
he will become one of peace. - Micah 5:2-5a (CEB)
Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
because the mighty one has done great things for me.
…” - Luke 1: 46-55
This has been an Advent season of prophets: Jeremiah, Baruch, Isaiah, Micah. And
now the prophet is Mary–the woman who was the original house for the holy. She was
“the inn,” her womb gestating love for the world. With all her heart, she proclaims that
the lowly are lifted, the hungry are fed, mercy reigns. Like Mary, we must envision, must
see, must prophesy and act on that vision for the world that God continues to call us to
co-create. What is the view from the room that God has prepared?
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI
License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist
Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by
Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); Worship Design Studio -The Inn adaptation;
Marcia McFee ©www.worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
Sunday, December 12
12-12-21 Galena UMC Advent 3: “How Much is Enough? (Joy)”
In-Person & Streaming at 10:30 am or watch at your convenience.
Advent 3: “How Much is Enough? (Joy)”
God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid.Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my
shield, and has become my salvation.”……Shout and sing for joy, city of Zion,
because the holy one of Israel is great among you. - Isaiah 12: 2-6 (CEB)
Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives.… - Luke 3: 10-14 (CEB)
As John baptized new converts, he invited them to live with “changed hearts and lives.” When asked
how to do that, his answers all point to making sure no one is cheated or left without the basic
necessities of life, including the right to not be harassed. A full life of joy, which the prophet Isaiah
describes as an ever flowing spring, is the birthright of all children of God. May we act to make it so.
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A
#11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith
We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible
(CEB); Worship Design Studio -The Inn adaptation; Marcia McFee ©www.worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
Sunday, November 28
November 28th Galena UMC
1st Sunday of Advent In-Person & Streaming at 10:30 am
or watch at your convenience
Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4
Advent 1: “Making Room (Hope)”
In a time when so many are suffering the economic consequences of the pandemic, we are invited to create room for more hope in the world as we learn to reallocate and multiply resources in ways that are just and right. As we enter the Advent season, we pray that we may become houses where the Holy will be born anew–offering respite, sustenance and care, opening the doors ever wider to those seeking shelter from the onslaught of life. As we study the biblical prophets that call us to care for our neighbors and “make room in the inn,” the lonely and frightened spaces within us are filled with the light of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 33: 14-16 and Psalm 25: 4-5 (CEB)
Make your ways known to me, Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth—teach it to me—
because you are the God who saves me.
I put my hope in you all day long. - Psalm 25: 4-5 (CEB)
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); Worship Design Studio -The Inn adaptation;Marcia McFee ©www.worshipdesignstudio.com/theinn
Sunday, November 21
November 21st Galena UMC Thanksgiving Sunday Service In-Person & Streaming at 10:30 am or watch at your convenience.
Honor God with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce.
Scriptures: Joel 2:21-27 O children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God…
Matthew 6:25-33 …Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.,,,
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
We gather together this Sunday before Thanksgiving to give thanks for God and each other, our community of faith, our family and friends, our neighbor and the stranger. As we move into the week, may we remember to thank God for God’s blessings and presence through all our challenges and joys.
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & Common English Bible (CEB); Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission; Benediction- Bread for the Journey- Ruth Duck; Africana Worship Book for Year B, Valerie Bridgeman Davis and Safiyah Fosua, eds., (Discipleship Resources, 2007), 73.; Prayer Song: Stepping In Words/Music by Christopher Grundy; Piano Arr: Cathy Chamblee; Worship Design Studio; Permission granted
Sunday, November 7
11-14-21 Galena UMC Sunday Service “Compassion for the Poor”
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 16, 22-23; James 2:1-10, 14-17 & Again Remembering Our Saints
Addressing justice issues align with the way of Jesus and are woven into the fabric of our faith and thus are tasks of our church communities but it is up to us to live it out. Problems arises because most people operate under the quiet assumption that everyone’s life is similar to their own. That’s why both our Old Testament and New Testament lessons call us to open our eyes to the reality of the world around us and the ways our culture works to disadvantage certain people based on characteristics that are often beyond the control of those being discriminated against.
So what does all of that mean in a practical sense for those of us living in Galena, Illinois in the 21st century? As a small church, we certainly can’t do a lot to help alleviate poverty. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything. Together with the First Presbyterian Church and Grace Episcopal Church, we’re taking action and inviting those in our community, to join us in a special ministry to help people who are currently overwhelmed by medical debt. Each week we send forth voicing God’s call to go and live the Gospel…be the Body of Christ in the world. Today we invite you to a joint sending forth with built in concrete action. Join us.
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net
#A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); NRSV; Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission.Video by Jim & Jean Strathdee ;
https://www.strathdeemusic.com/SingalongVideos.html
Sunday, November 7
Galena UMC November 7, 2021, All Saint’s Day Sunday
Remembering God’s Faithful Witnesses
Gospel: John 11:32-44 “Unbind him, and let him go.”
We are assured that death is not final by God’s promises, by the presence of Christ, and by the action of Christ reported in today’s Gospel reading. We remember the story of Lazarus—dear friend of Jesus, who became sick and died. His sisters—Mary and Martha, brought their lament, their sorrow, their grief to Jesus. And what did Jesus do? Jesus went to the place of death, went to the tomb of Lazarus, and raised Lazarus up from death! That’s a glimpse. a sign of God’s intentions for us and for the world. And what does God intend? God intends to make all things new!!
Today our candles remind us of the saints—the ones who have gone before us, and the ones who are newer to our community of faith. In Christ, they are with us at the table—even if we are separated from them by death. For death is not a barrier for Christ—in him, we are all held together, mysteriously, in the promise that, through him, God makes all things news.
If streaming or viewing later, join us for communion with bread or cracker & water or juiceMusic reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net
#A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); NRSV; Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission.Video by Jim & Jean Strathdee ;
https://www.strathdeemusic.com/SingalongVideos.html
Sunday, October 31
"The Way of Love" Scripture: Mark 12:28-34 and Ruth 1:1-18
Synopsis: The Bible is full of stories of God’s outpouring of love for God’s people, communities, and the Earth. God’s very nature is loving. This week’s scripture explores what it means for people to offer love. There is a commandment for people to love self, neighbor, and God – and to keep these in balance. There are faithful family bonds of love, love is shown as the foundation of relationship, and love is named as the most important rule of faith.
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net
#A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); NRSV; Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission.Video by Jim & Jean Strathdee ;
https://www.strathdeemusic.com/SingalongVideos.html
Sunday, October 24
Oct. 24, 2021 Galena UMC Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am In-person & Live Streaming-FaceBook & Website
Attachments: Bulletin with announcements & COVID Return Report
"Following the Jesus Way" Scripture: Mark10"46-52 & Psalm 34:1-8
Synopsis: The desire to follow a path that leads to justice and freedom runs deep in many hearts. Sometimes it dwells within the least expected people. Bartimaeus is one such person. Not only does he seek to be healed, but he is also eager to be part of a movement and a purpose. This week we are invited to explore our own longing to follow the Jesus way and to acknowledge what holds us back. We are challenged to broaden our understanding of who God calls and welcomes.
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net
#A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); NRSV; Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission.Video by Jim & Jean Strathdee ;
https://www.strathdeemusic.com/SingalongVideos.html
Sunday, October 17
Galena UMC Sunday Worship- 10/17/21 In-Person and live-streaming at 10:30 am –Service posted on Facebook and our website. Bulletin-Announcement Attached
Blessings,
Pastor Catiana
October 17, 2021“Servant Leadership: Compassion and Caring
Scriptures: Mark 10:35-45 (NRSV) and Psalm104:1-13, 24-35
Jesus challenges the culture…then and now. Jesus has told the disciples three times that there will be suffering, persecution and death ahead of them. However, James and John only “hear” about the celebration of Kingship, asking to be on either side of Jesus in all his glory. In God’s realm, greatness is only measured by service. 42“You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43 But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Only in being with others, not considering yourself above others, does one experience the joy of true discipleship.
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net
#A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); NRSV; Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission.
Sunday, October 10
Sacred Earth: Sacred Work - Week 6 ”Healing Relationship"
A Worship Design Studio series adaptation in collaboration with
the Creation Spirituality Communities Working Group
Sacred Earth: Sacred Work “Healing Relationships”
"Dear friends, if God loved us this way, we also ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. If we love each other, God remains in us and God's love is made perfect in us. This is how we know we remain in God and God remains in us, because we have been given a measure of God's Spirit." - 1 John 4: 7-21
We live in sacred relationship with every other living thing. Our food, our health, our homes, our vocations are all part of an interconnected community. Creation hangs in the balance when we forget this connection. We acknowledge that our species and the entire earth community depends upon the healing of harm already done, moving toward sustainability or the future, and harmony that offers live-giving coexistence for all. Can we embrace our responsibility to care? Now is the time, if we want a future.
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net
#A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission; Adaptations © www.worshipdesignstudio.com-subscriber- adapted series: Sacred Earth: Sacred Work- a Worship Design Studio collaboration with Creation Spirituality Communities Working Group.
Sunday, October 3
"Then God scattered them from there all over the world. And they had to quit building the city. That’s how it came to be called Babel, because there God turned their language into “babble.” From there God scattered them all over the world." Genesis 11: 1-9
Creation Spirituality rejoices in and courageously honors the rich diversity within the
Cosmos which is expressed in every individual and embodies multiple cultures, religions, and ancestral traditions. Creation is rife with theme and variation and yet fear has driven us to try to tame, label and homogenize it. What do we lose when we privilege dominant voices and limit perspectives? Diversity is another name for God and should be celebrated!
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission; Adaptations © www.worshipdesignstudio.com-subscriber
Sunday, September 26
Galena UMC Sunday Worship- 9/26 In-Person at 10:30 am – Due to in service Conference meeting, service was recorded but there were problems with the recording which caused the posting delay. Service is now being placed on Facebook and our website. LINK: Sacred Earth: Sacred Work - Week 4 “Sacred Creative Vocation” A Worship Design Studio series adaptation in collaboration with the Creation Spirituality Communities Working Group Made in the image of the Creator, every one of us carries within us the capacity to be a mystic, to be creative, to be visionary, and to be an agent for positive change. It is our responsibility to say "here I am, send me" and to cultivate our capacity to benefit earth and all it’s creatures. What are we creating in this world that will cause positive ripples into the future? Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission; Adaptations © www.worshipdesignstudio.com-subscriber
Sunday, September 19
Sacred Earth: Sacred Work - Week 3 The Paths of Life
A Worship Design Studio series adaptation in collaboration with the Creation Spirituality Communities Working Group
"You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever." - Psalm 30
The spiritual journey can be understood as a dance moving in and out of four mystical paths, each with their own gifts: awe and wonder; letting go; creativity; compassion and justice. These "cycles of life" are born out of the seasons of the planet and remind us that there is a time for everything and that fluctuations of the spirit are part of being human. Can we accept the Holy invitation to move fully into all the rhythms of life?
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission; Adaptations © www.worshipdesignstudio.com-subscriber
Sunday, September 12
Galena UMC Sunday Worship- September 12, 2021 *10:30 am (new time)
Sacred Earth: Sacred Work - Week 2 Spirit of Compassion
A Worship Design Studio series adaptation in collaboration with the Creation Spirituality Communities Working Group
Synopsis: It is through the work of spiritual practice that we move beyond fear into compassion and discover our deep and true selves. Engaging in spiritual practices–whether that looks typically religious (like praying) or not (like walking) have intentionality in common. They draw us closer to the Creator and who we were created to be–free and compassionate beings. What practices in your life draw you closer to your true essence and closer to compassion for others?
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net
#A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & CEB (Common English Bible); Seasons of the Spirit RCL B 2021- Used & adapted by permission; Adaptations © www.worshipdesignstudio.com-subscriber
Sunday, September 5
Join us for our 10AM Sunday Worship Service: "Sacred Earth: Sacred Work” !!!
We will return to 10:30 am Sunday Worship on September 12. We will be masking Sunday for the safety of all.
SYNOPSIS
As God's beloved, we are called to focus our attention on God as the giver of good gifts and to make these gifts and God's goodness known to all people throughout all the earth, particularly the poor and vulnerable. We are to be doers and not just listeners of God's Word. The sermon play, Gideon: The Least of These, lifts that God can work through anyone to do amazing things as long as those people keep their focus on God.
The play was written by Rev. Jim McCrea, First Presbyterian Church of Galena for the Fifth Sunday service of four Galena Churches.
SCRIPTURE
Genesis 1: 1-25 & Psalm 33:1-9
VISIT US ONLINE!
Visit Galena United Methodist Church online at galenaumc.org for a pdf of our Sunday Bulletin and Newsletter, weekly Virtual Worship Services, Bible Studies, and much more!
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Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & NRSV (New Revised Standard Version); Liturgy: Seasons of the Spirit 2020-21 Summer - Used & adapted by permission; Sermon: Gideon-The Least of These, an original play by Rev. Jim McCrea.
Sunday, August 29
"Living The Word" Sunday
As God's beloved, we are called to focus our attention on God as the giver of good gifts and to make these gifts and God's goodness known to all people throughout all the earth, particularly the poor and vulnerable. We are to be doers and not just listeners of God's Word. The sermon play, Gideon: The Least of These, lifts that God can work through anyone to do amazing things as long as those people keep their focus on God. The play was written by Rev. Jim McCrea, First Presbyterian Church of Galena for the Fifth Sunday service of four Galena Churches.
James 1:17-27 and Judges 6:11-21, 36-40
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & NRSV (New Revised Standard Version); Liturgy: Seasons of the Spirit 2020-21 Summer - Used & adapted by permission; Sermon: Gideon-The Least of These, an original play by Rev. Jim McCrea.
Sunday, August 22
"Filled with the Spirit" Sunday
Ephesians make astonishing claims: "God unites everything in the universe through Christ (Ephesians 1:10) and God has created a new humanity out of the old animosities (2:14-16). Putting on the breastplate of righteousness recalls how our new self was created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (6:14; 4:24)." In this text, the spiritual arming of the church is nothing other than putting into practice the new reality created through Christ that Ephesians has already described. The church stands “against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11) by its love and reconciliation, by the peace and righteousness for which it longs and works in the world and within its own fellowship, and by its mutual prayer and proclamation. The Good News is the mutual indwelling of God in us & us in God.
Psalm 84; Ephesians 6:10–20; John 6: 51-58
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & NRSV (New Revised Standard Version); Series: Quest by Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/quest; Used & adapted by permission; For more educational materials like the video clip we showed from https://youtu.be/yYcvjQuP4OM and https://youtu.be/MK3o7yY3wfA, please visit www.ricksteves.com. Video clip used with permission from GBHEM, UMC. Full webinar available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3sL-RKnTM.
Sunday, August 15
Quest--Travel as a Spiritual Act, Week 4: “Returning Home”
As we bring our series on travel to a close, we contemplate what it means to return home. After stretching our spirits and our love to include more of the glorious creation and its peoples, we return to a home that will never be the same to us. We have returned with “guests”–memories of new friends and new perspectives. Perhaps we also return with new convictions to be more active and loving citizens of humanity right where we reside. Jesus says “abide in me” and follows that up with the commandment to love one another. The beauty of travel as a spiritual act is, as Rick Steves says, that our prized souvenirs are the “strands of different cultures we decide to knit into our own character.”
Psalm 36: 5-9 and John 15: 1-17
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & NRSV (New Revised Standard Version); Series: Quest by Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/quest; Used & adapted by permission; For more educational materials like the video clip we showed from https://youtu.be/yYcvjQuP4OM and https://youtu.be/MK3o7yY3wfA, please visit www.ricksteves.com. Video clip used with permission from GBHEM, UMC. Full webinar available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3sL-RKnTM.
Sunday, August 8
Quest--Travel as a Spiritual Act, Week 3: “The Reflection”
When we begin to broaden our experience in our travel, we may move through a personal crisis if the plurality of religious thought and practice has not come into close view in our lives before. And yet, if we continue to reflect, what feels so different may not be as far from us as we first imagined. The light we seek and life-sustaining river that runs through the “Kin-dom” of God is full of common themes across religions: peaceful coexistence, food & shelter, love & compassion for those suffering and oppressed. How can deeper reflection about our own hesitation to connect to the wider human family free us to explore more possibilities for a better world?
Isaiah 65: 17-25 and Rev. 21: 22-26
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & NRSV (New Revised Standard Version); Series: Quest by Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/quest; Used & adapted by permission; For more educational materials like the video clip we showed from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_IjEhDqTvE, please visit www.ricksteves.com. Video clip used with permission from GBHEM, UMC. Full webinar available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3sL-RKnTM&t=0s.
Sunday, August 1
Quest--Travel as a Spiritual Act, Week 2: “The Encounter”
Jesus often crossed paths with others not from his “tribe.” He did not shy away. He most often sought out these opportunities. He met people in their daily lives and locales, such as the Samaritan woman at the well and her community, and engaged with them at the point of their deepest yearning. When we seek out and open to new encounters, new people, new relationships, we allow ourselves a spiritual rendezvous with humanity. And in this act, we discover more spiritual depth within us than we previously imagined.
John 4: 7-40 and Psalm 121
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; & NRSV (New Revised Standard Version); Series: Quest by Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/quest; Used & adapted by permission; For more educational materials like the video clip we showed from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik8LN..., please visit www.ricksteves.com. Video clip used with permission from GBHEM, UMC. Full webinar available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3sL-RKnTM.
Sunday, July 25
Quest--Travel as a Spiritual Act, Week 1: “Leaving Home”
Leaving Egypt was not a pleasure excursion for the Hebrew people. But the story of their pilgrimage in the desert in the Book of Exodus reminds us that traveling, moving, leaving home, is part of our Judeo-Christian tradition. Each of us finds ourselves sometime in life needing to leave the familiar in order to grow and to thrive. Beginning a journey involves leaving “home”–whether that is a physical place in order to explore another part of the world, or changing a mindset that keeps us from expanding our spiritual capacity. What must we do to embark into the unknown?
Psalm 121; Exodus 13: 17-21
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House;The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and NRSV (New Revised Standard Version); Series: Quest by Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/.Quest; Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, July 18
"Creating a New World" (8th Sunday of Pentecost)
Our final service of this series offers the vision of the New Creation–a world where we are no longer strangers or aliens because of our differences. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been a Christian all your life or if you are unsure about your path, we are all part of the house that God is building and the reconciling love of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone, the one that anchors and structures the whole thing. Let us tend "to building" this house, this new creation, together!
Psalm 23; Mark 6: 30-35, 53-56; Ephesians 2: 17-22
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). Liturgy adapted from Seasons of the Spirit © 2018 & 2021 Woodlake Publishing, Inc.: RCL B. Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/; Used and adapted by permission. Communion- Words of Institution by Phillip Jones & Taize Community.
Sunday, July 4
"Sharing the New Creation" Sunday (6th Sunday of Pentecost)
Thank you to Pastor Patricia Allen-Stewart for filling in for Pastor Catiana, who is out-of-town visiting her family.
Synopsis: As disciples of Jesus, we are called to believe that living a new way is possible, and also to share that good news with others. Not all of us are called or equipped to preach, heal or cast out demons in the biblical sense! But by our very attempts to live in peace and wholeness, we can live a life of example and witness to others.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 5: 1-5 and 9-10; Mark 6: 1-13
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and NRSV (New Revised Standard Version)Liturgy adapted from Seasons of the Spirit © 2018 &2021 Woodlake Publishing, Inc.: RCL B
Sunday, July 11
"God’s Economy" Sunday (7th Sunday of Pentecost)
Living in a time of economic insecurity can contribute to our yearning for a different way of doing things. Dishonesty breeds mistrust in a world where debts are rarely forgiven. But if we tend God’s economy, grace overflows. As the Common English Bible translation says, we have a “down payment on our inheritance” through the Holy Spirit, applied toward our transformation. What would it mean to really live in the trust that we are forgiven, that even now God is transforming us through love... and there is plenty to go around!
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 and Ephesians 1:3-14
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). Liturgy adapted from Seasons of the Spirit © 2018 & 2021 Woodlake Publishing, Inc.: RCL B. Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/; Used and adapted by permission. Communion- Words of Institution by Phillip Jones & Taize Community.
Sunday, June 27
"Healing Old Wounds" Sunday (5th Sunday of Pentecost)
Synopsis: When we tend to our relationship with God, we connect with the power of new life and healing. Sometimes there are wounds that have remained with us over the years and we continue to “bleed” even though we think ignoring them will make them go away. Jesus says to the woman in our scripture story for this week that her faith has healed her. Are willing to move confidently toward Jesus, knowing his very presence in our lives can end the pain that we’ve carried around for a long time?
Scripture: Mark 5: 21-43
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and NRSV (New Revised Standard Version)Liturgy adapted from Seasons of the Spirit © 2018 &2021 Woodlake Publishing, Inc.: RCL B
Sunday, June 20
"Living Out Loud" Sunday (4th Sunday of Pentecost)
Synopsis: The poet Mary Oliver asks in one of her works, “What are you going to do with your one wild, precious life?” The Apostle Paul is trying to spread the Gospel news of new life in Christ, but new Christian communities, like the one at Corinth, frustrate him with their petty feuds and small thinking. “Open yourselves!” is the message here. What do you tend and nurture? Fear or hope? One leaves us small, the other offers us expansive possibilities!
Scripture: Samuel 17; Mark 4:35-41; 23-32; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Psalm 107:1-3
Music reproduced by permission: Streaming licenses added. OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969;; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and NRSV (New Revised Standard Version)Liturgy adapted from Seasons of the Spirit © 2018 &2021 Woodlake Publishing, Inc.: RCL B
Sunday, June 13
"Planted with Care" Sunday (3rd Sunday after Pentecost)
Synopsis: Every little thing we do with compassion is a small seed that can sprout into good things beyond our imagining. Like "paying it forward" or "random acts of kindness," we can tend a new creation with a small droplet that ripples out in ever-larger circles of caring relationships.
Can you think of small acts of compassion that changed your life? God is working through others and through you!
Scriptures: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; and Mark 4: 26-34
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, June 6
Expanding Family Sunday (2nd Sunday After Pentecost)
Synopsis: Tending the New Creation summer series invites us to see our own personal spiritual renewal connected to the renewal of community, creation & the world.
This Sunday, we expand our concepts of family. In the scripture Jesus confirms that kinship in God's Realm can go beyond bloodlines. We can re-create family in so many ways, whether we grew up with a family of origin that offered us support or did not. Who is our kin? All those who seek to live together in love!
Scriptures: 1 Samuel 8: 4-11, 16-20; and Mark 3: 20-35
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, May 30
Peace with Justice Sunday (5th Sunday Ecumenical Worship)
Synopsis: Tending the New Creation summer series invites us to see our own personal spiritual renewal connected to the renewal of community, creation & the world. Peace With Justice Sunday is also Trinity Sunday. We are invited to see the God of Creation, where the Body of Christ is at work, and where the Spirit is living and moving. Peace with Justice Sunday falls on our "5th Sunday" Ecumenical Worship. In place of a normal sermon, we have a play written by Pastor Jim McCrea of First Presbyterian. The play, "On the Trail of the Trinity," stars members from each congregation.
Scriptures: Isaiah 6:1-8 and Romans 8:12-17
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, May 23
Pentecost Sunday
Synopsis: Ezekiel has a vision of a valley full of bones receiving life, breath, sinew and flesh after encountering the word of God. When they arise, they receive Spirit and they dance! As Easter people, we celebrate the Spirit that continues to give life and breath to our dry bones. We dare to dance in the face of fear, in the face of cynicism, in the face of despair. We dare to dance “as long as we live” for we, like the early Christians, are the recipients of the Spirit of God which intercedes even when we think we can’t make it to the dance floor. In hope we are saved!
Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Acts 2:1-21
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, May 16
“Gone Up with a Shout: Clap Your Hands!”
Ascension Sunday - (7th Sunday of Easter)
Synopsis: As Jesus prepares to leave the disciples, he opens their minds and blesses them. After he ascends, they return to Jerusalem with great joy and a desire for continually worshiping and blessing God in the temple. What happens when the eyes of our hearts are enlightened? We know the hope to which we have been called. As we wait for the Spirit with hope, we celebrate with abandon because we have no other ruler than the One who reigns with love and justice.
Scriptures: Psalm 47: 1-6 and Luke 24: 44-53
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, May 9
“Who Can Withhold: Break Forth!”
(6th Sunday of Easter)
Synopsis: The Psalm for this Sunday describes everything in creation offering joyful noises to God. Our joy is complete because the joy of Christ resides within us. We cannot help but break forth. This joy is available to all, realizes the community in the Acts scripture. The Holy Spirit finds its way even and especially in what feels like unlikely people and places. Where do we see the Spirit at work? And who can withhold the living water and our living praise? No one!
Scriptures: Psalm 98 and Acts 10:44-48
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series. www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, May 2
“From You Comes My Praise: Guide My Steps” (5th Sunday of Easter)
The Ethiopian says, “How can I understand, unless someone guides me?” So Philip begins to proclaim the good news of Jesus and the eunuch commands his chariot to stop so that he can go down to the water and be baptized. How has the testimony of the people in our lives and through the generations guided our steps into dances of praise at the good news that we are loved and blessed? What transformation is possible as we abide with God, the vine from which we find our sustenance?
Scriptures: Acts 8:26-40 & John 15: 1-8
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Adapted by permission.
Sunday, April 25
“By This We Will Know: The Dance of Love”
(Fourth Sunday of Easter/Earth Day)
Easter is the unstoppable, unpredictable expression of God’s love for humankind! The call of Jesus is to live fully in the power of that love – alive in each of us. We learn about that divine love as it is embodied in the person and ministry of Jesus, the one who is compared to a good shepherd. As we look to him to learn how to love, may our hearts praise the One who raised Jesus and raises us to abundant life and love!
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
GUMC Third Sunday of Easter!
Jesus comes to us in our abundance as well as in our brokenness. Jesus goes ahead of us and we find him in our blessings. Eastertide is the season of the church that begins with Easter Sunday and ends with the Feast of Pentecost. Northern Illinois Conference, United Methodist Church Cabinet celebrates the Risen Lord, a "gift" to you.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, April 18
Sunday, April 11
GUMC Second Sunday of Easter!
Dancing requires that we pay attention to our dance partners. It requires finding a rhythm together. The Sunday after Easter brings the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples and breathing the Holy Spirit on them. Other scriptures this week point to the power of being together, of finding fellowship in the presence of Jesus and the presence of the community. What does it take to dance together? Scriptures: John 20:19-22 and 1 John 1:1-4
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, April 4
GUMC Easter Sunday Celebration!
As Easter people, we are called to dance our dances of freedom for all the world to see–even and perhaps especially in times of great difficulty. Dances of hope. Dances of justice. Dances of love. During this season, post-resurrection stories point to the joy of living in the beloved community and extending that fellowship through our witness as we dare to dance again! Scripture: John 20:1-18
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Used with permission. Worship series design © Worship Design Studio by Marcia McFee. Used, adapted, and streamed with permission. www.worshipdesignstudio.com. Special Easter Message from interim, Bishop John L. Hopkins, retired Bishop of The United Methodist Church.
Friday, April 2
GUMC Holy Week: Good Friday
This Good Friday is the culminating moment of our worship series which invites us to consider a commission from Christ to his disciples: to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. These are the very things his disciples have seen him do and that we have sought to witness for our own lives in this Lenten season of recovery.
What will we do with this commission? How will we address ongoing pain with hope and conviction even though we, ourselves, are “healed and yet still healing?”
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely; www.chuckbellmusic.com; Used with permission. Worship series design © Worship Design Studio by Marcia McFee. Used, adapted, and streamed with permission. www.worshipdesignstudio.com.
Thursday, April 1
GUMC Holy Week: Good Friday Worship Service
This culminating moment of our worship series invites us to consider a commission from Christ to his disciples: to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. These are the very things his disciples have seen him do and that we have sought to witness for our own lives in this Lenten season of recovery.
What will we do with this commission? How will we address ongoing pain with hope and conviction even though we, ourselves, are “healed and yet still healing?”
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely; www.chuckbellmusic.com; Used with permission. "We Lay Our Broken World" used with permission by Tony Payne and Anna Briggs. Worship series design © Worship Design Studio by Marcia McFee. Used, adapted, and streamed with permission. www.worshipdesignstudio.com.
GUMC Dare to Dance
Worship Design
Series Trailer
Dare to Dance in hope, love, and justice this Easter Season. Glimpse into the next 8 weeks at Galena United Methodist Church with our Easter Season Worship Series trailer.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely; www.chuckbellmusic.com; Used with permission. Worship series design © Worship Design Studio by Marcia McFee. Used, adapted, and streamed with permission. www.worshipdesignstudio.com.
Sunday, March 28
Palm Sunday
We have seen that the stories of Jesus’ healing ministry are filled with words and deeds. Our ability to forgive ourselves and others is the foundation that can transform infirmities and allow us to move on. We integrate our beliefs and actions for the health of the whole. The parade of compassionate power we celebrate today is underscored by a story of transformation, symbolizing our ability to fuel our movement of recovery. We glorify God for beautiful words and works of wholeness and share that treasured beauty with others. We know there will still be pain, but we also know love will win.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely; www.chuckbellmusic.com; Used with permission. Worship series design © Worship Design Studio by Marcia McFee. Used, adapted, and streamed with permission. www.worshipdesignstudio.com.
Sunday, March 14
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Prolonged times of difficulty can impede our ability to stay creative. The picture of our lives is dulled and hope for a brighter future can fade. We need a touch of inspiration to awaken us from our sleep, as we hear in one of this week’s healing stories. We also awaken to our agency to seek out the Divine Healer, reaching out to touch the power we know can restore our intellect and imagination. We emerge ready to re-engage with the world, seeking solutions, creating different pictures of life renewed just as a mosaic artist creates beauty from broken pieces of glass.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, March 21
Fifth Sunday of Lent
The demands of following Jesus are great. He shows us that sometimes we must make extraordinary efforts to move in a new direction. As we consider the health of humanity, we cannot ignore the need to heal the very planet that sustains us. We live in the increasing chaos of a beleaguered environment and the hoarding of resources. We want to be “saved” by something or someone else, but we discover this week that we are in the boat with the One who shows us our power to turn it around, to calm the storm.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely; www.chuckbellmusic.com; Used with permission. Worship series design © Worship Design Studio by Marcia McFee. Used, adapted, and streamed with permission. www.worshipdesignstudio.com.
Sunday, March 7
Third Sunday of Lent
Those who collect shoreline or beach glass often become “archeologists,”seeking out any clues about its story. It often takes much time to bring out the truth behind it. This week we acknowledge the power of truth-telling as a healing property. Certain stories that have shaped our lives, leaving us without the ability to see who we truly are in the eyes of God and leaving us without the ability to speak the depth of our stories of struggle. We focus on the importance of recovery of mental health, reclaiming our sense of who we are and proclaiming new redemptive stories of divine worth. God gathers us as a scavenger gathers every precious surviving piece of glass along the water's edge.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, February 28
Second Sunday of Lent
God, who seeks humanity’s wholeness, gathers us as a scavenger gathers every precious surviving piece of glass along the water's edge. For we are precious! We affirm our commitment to be the Body of Christ knowing we cannot be personally healed until we see the interconnected community as part of the process of healing. Jesus has the power to re-vision the family of God in which false boundaries are overcome. In a year of the devastating loss of livelihood, we consider the economic health that reimagines the status quo.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, February 21
First Sunday in Lent: Each of us is created a precious and holy vessel of embodied love. We have been through a harrowing time since last Lent that has shattered our sense of wholeness–body, mind, and spirit–like a glass vessel fractured into pieces. Let us enter a Lenten “season of recovery” as we focus on Jesus, the Healer of our every ill.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
This Ash Wednesday is part of a worship series in which the main metaphor is shards of broken beach glass. In preparation for this service, please gather a candle, a bowl with some sand or dirt in it, and a bit of water. "Ash Wednesday is a time of naming brokenness. As we enter Lent, we commit to enter also into a season of healing and recovery that requires the naming of what has been shattered as a first step. We take “the yoke” of responsibility as disciples of Jesus to be the Body of Christ–a body of those who need healing and offer healing in the world. The promise of Jesus is that he is with us in our weariness and burdens." Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Wednesday, February 17
Sunday, February 14
Transfiguration Sunday ends our Epiphany Worship Series, "God is Holding Your Life." Psalm 50 comes at the end of our series, speaking of an active God whose light shines for all time and in all places. God is not silent but calls for all to remember that they can act on God's behalf, holding all suffering peoples in the hands of prayer and care and transforming the world.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Lenten Worship
Season Series Trailer
Join us on Ash Wednesday as we begin our Lenten series, "A Lenten Season of Recovery," created by Dr. Marcia McFee, visionary and creator of Worship Design Studio.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, February 7
Psalm 147: "God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Beautiful scriptures of healing and God's love. We wait, we hope, we stay firm in our faith, knowing as our ancient ancestors did, that God is indeed holding our lives.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, January 31
This week is our 5th Sunday Worship Service we share with three other Galena churches: First Presbyterian, Lord of Love Lutheran, and Westminster Presbyterian.
The message is focused on the following words by Moira B. Laidlaw: “The word of the Lord came to Jonah saying, ‘Go. Now. At once.’ Jonah fled in the opposite direction. The word of the Lord came to Simon and Andrew, James and John and immediately they responded by following Jesus. Who are we? Reluctant Jonah's or eager disciples?"
Sunday, January 24
"Turn now your gaze upon the earth. Where is the One who never sleeps? We call the One who guards you now, your spirit safe in holy keep. God is holding your life we believe." This week, we focus on wonderful scriptures of God's call from Psalm 62: "In God alone, my soul finds rest." This continues our worship series adapted from Dr. Marcia McFee and series guest composer, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, January 17
Psalm 139 brings home this message: we are in an intimate relationship with God. There is nowhere we go that God is not present–no state of our being that results in our being abandoned. God has knit us together, has woven us, knowing us from before our beginning. God, indeed, is holding our lives. Another focus in the first service is remembering The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr and our commitment to Human Relations Day."
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, January 10
Strength and peace is the prayer of the Psalm this week. The Psalmist says "let me count the ways" that we can know the strength of the Holy One. With awe and wonder we behold the presence of God in all elements of creation-water, fire, air, earth. And it is this glory that assures us that God, indeed is holding our lives.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, January 3
"God Is Holding Your Life" is a journey of assurance for the new year. We don't live in a land ruled by Kings, as the hearers of the first Psalm of this series, Psalm 72, did. Nevertheless, the petitions of the psalmist for justice, deliverance, defense of the poor and oppressed, and peace for all peoples is an undergirding theme of our faith. We are reminded that a just society is one that proclaims “these lives are precious” and worthy of protection.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, December 27
The Good News that we have proclaimed for this Advent season ends with the second chapter of Luke that starts, “When the time came…” Indeed, the time has come for us to move from the narrative of birthing to the narrative of redemption. The story of Jesus’ ritual cleansing as a child contains stories of people who had been waiting for this moment. But the time of waiting is over–for us too. Like Isaiah who says, “for Zion’s sake I won’t stay silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I won’t sit still,” we will not stop our songs of resistance until justice shines out like a light for all.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Christmas Eve!
We return to the story of Jesus' birth as it was told in the Gospel of Luke. This is the account we read again and again on this holy night, for the author gives us the most beloved detail. We so desire to believe the Good News of the messengers that is the cumulative of humanity's pain of birth: "don't be afraid" for unto us a sign has come that will be to all people...on earth, come that there will be to all people..."on earth, peace." Have a candle handy and lift it high as you sing "Silent Night" with our UM brothers & sisters around the world.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, December 13
Today's message, "I Believe in God: Ode to Joy", turns to the message in both Luke and Isaiah. We long to hear the promise that a reason for joyful praise is the good news on the way! "He managed to create an anthem of joy that embraces the transcendence of beauty over suffering. Isaiah 57:14-19 and Luke 1:1-4; 26-56.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, December 20
The "great light" prophesied by Isaiah in today's text is echoed in the first strains of John's Gospel good news: the light that brings peace, that saves the people from all that would extinguish it, has been there from the beginning. The Word is made flesh and dwells among us. Will we believe it? Will we embody the peace meant for all humanity? Service inspired by Worship Design Studio.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, December 6
Even in the midst of fear, of challenge, of struggle, God can ignite the flame of love within us helping us face the fear of difference and opening our hearts to see what love can do.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.
Sunday, November 22
Thanksgiving memories and stories shaped from the Good News that God is with us not only in times of abundance but also in times of adversity. We are to reflect the generosity of God in such a way that God's realm of peace and justice is continually established and future blessings are thus ensured.
Music reproduced by permission: OneLicense.net #A7029009; CCLI License A #11409969 & CCLI Streaming; United Methodist Hymnal Copyright: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; The Faith We Sing © 2000 by Abingdon Press; Worship & Song © 2011 by Abingdon Press; and Common English Bible (CEB); Music as indicated arranged or composed by Chuck Bell (all instruments & vocals, daughters, Lucy & Blakely); www.chuckbellmusic.com; Series resources from Dr. Marcia McFee's Worship Design Series: www.worshipdesignstudio.com/easterdance. Used and adapted by permission.