Sunday Worship Services

Check back here every Sunday for a new worship service. If you would like to receive the weekly worship video by email or be added to our weekly church email, fill out the "Contact Us" form here.

You can find the ZOOM links to our various virtual activities, meetings, and fellowship under the ZOOM Links tab.

RSVP for In-Person Worship

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)

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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

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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

https://www.strathdeemusic.com/SingalongVideos.html

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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

https://www.strathdeemusic.com/SingalongVideos.html

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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

https://www.strathdeemusic.com/SingalongVideos.html

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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

https://www.strathdeemusic.com/SingalongVideos.html

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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?

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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

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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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Sunday, August 29

"Living The Word" Sunday

James 1:17-27 and Judges 6:11-21, 36-40

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Sunday, May 2

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“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.

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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.

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GUMC Dare to Dance Worship Design Series Trailer

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GUMC Dare to Dance
Worship Design
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