Order of Worship

BOLD indicates congregational SPEAKING participation

GATHERING AS THE BODY OF CHRIST

Prelude

 "Lift Every Voice and Sing"   

UMH #519

Welcome

A Time to Make Connections

Meditation Time

Call to Worship

Liturgist : We all live in different homes, neighborhoods, towns, places.

People: God planted each of us intentionally in each place.

Liturgist: God is the gardener; we are his creations.

People: He waters us, nourishes us, cares for us.

Liturgist: Without the gardener, we would not grow.

People: Praise be to God!

Opening Prayer

Dear Loving and Faithful Gardener, we are forever grateful for your caring and love for each one of us. You tend to each of us as a gardener would tend to his plants: watering, nourishing, and protecting. We are grounded in your soil and lean toward your light, warmed by your love. Help us to extend that love and light to all those around us in the days and weeks ahead. Amen 

Opening Hymn

   “Take My Life” 

UMH #399

Young Disciples' Time

     Beverly Welsh

Joys and Concerns

Lord's Prayer

Prayer Response

   “Sanctuary”      

TFWS #2164

Message in Music

 'Promised Land' from Southern Harmony [1835] 

 Samuel Stennett/Matilda T. Durham  

ATTENTION TO THE WORD OF GOD

Scripture Readings: Philippians 4:4-9 NIV



Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Liturgist: The word of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be to God.  

Message

    “Bloom Where You Are Planted”       

  Beverly Welsh

We Respond

Offertory

      “Hymn of Promise” 

UMH #707

Doxology

 UMH #94

*Offertory Prayer

Compassionate Shepherd, You do not abandon your flock, even when we wander or divide. You gather us in Christ, our righteousness, and teach us to live in unity, mercy, and peace. As we bring these gifts, may they be signs of our desire to follow your way—offering compassion where there has been hurt, justice where there has been harm, and hope where there has been despair. Strengthen us to live as people waiting not in fear, but in faith—serving the reign of Christ not just with words, but with lives shaped by generosity and love. In the name of the One who gathers and leads us always. Amen. (Jeremiah 23:1-6) 

Discipleship Ministries UMC

Closing Hymn

     “Here I Am, Lord"

   UMH #593

The Blessing and Sending Forth 



Leader: Send us forth, O God, with every breath a thanksgiving.

People: Every thought wrapped in compassion,

Leader: Every word filled with kindness,

People: And every deed a channel of Love.

All: Through your grace may our lives become a prayer. Amen.     – Linda Douty   Praying in the Messiness of Life 

Postlude

Fugue on “The Star-Spangled Banner”  

  John Knowles Paine