Online Worship - Sunday, May 2, 2021
“God & Science”
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Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made.
~ Romans 1:20
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As we continue in our sermon series, Faith & Reason: A Thinking Person’s Guide to Faith, we will talk this week about Science and Religion. What we'll see is that science and religion are not at odds with each other but reinforce each other. God is a God of science and science helps us to understand God's creation.
Please register your attendance here! You can also list prayer requests as well. To be added to the Prayer Chain click here. Don’t forget to join us on ZOOM for a special time of fellowship. Click here to join!
See below for the Order of Worship.
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Sunday Worship
May 2, 2021 - 11 AM
“God & Science”
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Welcome to Trinity online.
As we prepare for a time of worship, we invite you to find an intentional space in your home for worship. We encourage you to light a candle or place something that
reminds you of Trinity or your connection with God nearby. Children are invited
to take out their worship boxes to prepare for worship.
Prelude: Come and Feast ~ Lee Dengler
Paul Taylor, baritone
Eat this bread. Drink this wine. Join the table, come and dine. There is healing for your soul, so come and feast, and be made whole. In this time, you will be blest. Come to Christ, He is your rest. There is healing for your soul, so come and feast, and be made whole. Eat this bread. Drink this wine. At this table you will find there is life for all who eat, so come and feast, be made complete. Lay your cares and burdens here. You are free, no need to fear. There is life for all who eat, so come and feast, be made complete. Eat this bread. Drink this wine. Earthly signs of Love divine. We remember what they mean, and so we feast and are made clean. At this table you will find there is more than bread and wine. There is food to feed the soul, so come and feast, and be made whole.
Welcome and Announcements
As we light our candles in the sanctuary, I invite you to join us in lighting your own candle at home. As we place the cross in the holder, we invite you to place something that reminds you of Trinity or your connection with God in front of you.
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Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 19:1-4, Psalm 8:3, and Isaiah 40:28)
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
The Lord is the everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you have set in your place--
The Lord is the everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth.
How majestic is your name in all the earth!
The Lord is the everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth.
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Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God - Hymnal no. 102
The United Methodist Hymnal ©1989 The United Methodist Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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Prayer of Confession and Pardon
Merciful God,
we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church.
We have not done your will,
we have broken your law,
we have rebelled against your love,
we have not loved our neighbors,
and we have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All pray in silence.
Hear the good news:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that proves God’s love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to God. Amen.
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Passing of the Peace
Children’s Time: Tom Tyler
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Solo: Songs of Faith ~ Various composers and lyricists
Paul Taylor, baritone
Who made the mountain, who made the tree, Who made the river flow to the sea, And who hung the moon in the starry sky? Somebody bigger than you and I. Who makes the flowers bloom in the spring, Who writes the song for the robin to sing, And who sends the rain when the earth is dry? Somebody bigger than you and I. He lights the way when the road is long, Keeps you company. With love to guide you He walks beside you, Just like He walks with me. When I am weary, filled with despair, Who gives me courage to go on from there, And who gives me faith that will never die? Somebody bigger than you and I. If God isn’t real, Then who paints the sunset, And who put the moon and the stars in the sky? If God isn’t real, There’s no hope for the future, Just a slave while we live and a grave when we die. There’d be no need for prayer if He wasn’t there, No one to make your fears depart; If God isn’t real, Then what is this I feel? Oh, He’s real for He lives in my heart. He can turn the tides and calm the angry sea. He alone decides who writes a symphony. He lights ev’ry star that makes our darkness bright. He keeps watch all through each long and lonely night. He still finds the time to hear a child’s first prayer. Saint or sinner call and always find Him there. Though it makes Him sad to see the way we live, He’ll always say, “I forgive.” He can touch a tree and turn the leaves to gold. He knows ev’ry lie that you and I have told. Though it makes Him sad. . . . My God is real, real in my soul; My God real for I can feel Him in my soul.
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1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
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1 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light..
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
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Invitation to the Offering
We invite you to consider giving on-line or giving by text! To give on-line, click here. To give by text, text “GIVE” to 703-783-3034. For further information about online giving, visit here.
Offertory
All good gifts come from you, dear Lord,
and from these riches we bring this offering.
Help us to use it for the furtherance of your purpose in this place,
and for the benefit of those in need. Amen.
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The Great Thanksgiving
Holy Communion is a sacrament in the United Methodist Church. We believe Christ is present in the sacrament and that through one Spirit, we, though many, are made into one Body. Holy Communion is an embodied experience meant to be shared in Christian community. During this season, we practice online communion as an extraordinary means for observing the sacrament that is permitted “in Extremis” for the present crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic. For additional information about online communion, we encourage you to read this letter from Bishop Sharma Lewis. We will consecrate the elements on the church’s altar table and on your tables at home.
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The Prayer of Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
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...And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith...
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...Through your Son Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father,
now and forever.
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Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father,
who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Breaking the Bread and the Sharing the Bread and Cup
We will consecrate the elements on the Church’s Altar table and on your tables at home.
Prayer After Communion
Eternal God,
we give you thanks for this holy mystery
in which you have given yourself to us.
Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit,
to give ourselves for others,
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
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Hymn: How Great Thou Art - Hymnal no. (verses 1, 2, 4)
The United Methodist Hymnal ©1989 The United Methodist Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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Dismissal with Blessing
During this time, children are invited to take one of the stickers and place it on your clothing to remember that you are sent into the world remembering the love of God and Jesus Christ.
Postlude: Nun Danket Alle Gott ~ G.F. Kaufmann
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The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and in celebration of Dylan & Taylor Hoganson’s 14th birthday.
Worship Online this Sunday: While we aren’t meeting in person, we will be worshiping online via livestream on Trinity’s Facebook page and through our website. Each Saturday evening, we will send out an email with links to the worship sites and the bulletin for worship that Sunday. This Sunday, we will invite you to be intentional about finding a space in your home to worship and to be truly present in a time of worship. For additional questions about how to worship online, please contact the Church Office.
Youth Group: 6th-12th graders, join us for In Person Youth Group the rest of the year. We will meet in Trinity’ s Courtyard from 5:30-7:00 PM each Sunday through June 13th! Email Hannah Day Donoghue with any questions or concerns.
Faith & Reason: A Thinking Person’s Guide to Faith: Join us as we continue our sermon series to address the questions that we struggle with in our faith. How do we make “sense” of these difficult realities and still have a vital faith in God? Through this sermon series, we will address some of the difficult questions we face as Christians: Is belief in God unscientific? Is the Bible the literal Word of God? Who goes to Heaven and Who goes to Hell? Why is there so much evil in the world? Why do people suffer? Join us for this important sermon series.
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Today’s prelude: As several sources commenting on Lee Dengler’s deeply reverent and contemplative “Come and Feast” have put it, “The profound text of this communion piece is a moving commentary on the symbolism of that sacred feast and what it means to the life of the believer. Warm, inviting melodies; rich, deep harmonies; and dramatic dynamic contrasts draw the listener to the Lord’s table and toward a truer understanding of the communion sacrament.” Dengler composes a wide range of choral, vocal, and piano works and has over 220 works published by most of the nation’s major music publishers. Originally written for choir, the piece is performed today as a vocal solo. © 2002, Shawnee Press. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-713613. All rights reserved.
Today’s Solo: “Songs of Faith” is a selection of songs that consider such questions as “Who created the wonders of nature?" and “What if God isn’t real?” They express faith that not only is God real and the creator and Lord of Nature, but also that God is a loving and forgiving parent who walks with us, guides, us, comforts us, and gives life meaning. The songs include “Somebody Bigger Than You and I,” “If God Isn't Real,” “He,” and “My God Is Real (Yes, God Is Real).” “Somebody Bigger Than You and I”: by Johnny Lange, Hy Heath, and Sonny Burke (Copyright © 1951, 1968 by Bulls-Eye Music, Inc. International Copyright Secured. Made in U.S.A. All Rights Reserved.). “If God Isn't Real”: Words and music by Arthur Smith (Copyright © 1960 by Clay Music Corporation. International Copyright Secured. Made in U.S.A. All Rights Reserved.). “He”: Words by Richard Mullen, music by Jack Richards (Copyright © 1954, 1969 by Avas Music Publishing Co., Inc. International Copyright Secured. Made in U.S.A. All Rights Reserved.). “My God Is Real (Yes, God Is Real)”: Words and music by Kenneth Morris (Copyright © 1944 by Kenneth Morris. Copyright renewed. Published by Unichappell Music, Inc. International Copyright Secured. Made in U.S.A. All Rights Reserved.). Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-713613. All rights reserved.
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Trinity Community News & Prayers |
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Join the Trinity Prayer Chain: During times of trial and uncertainty, we pray to grow in our faith and encourage one another. To respond to our growing prayer needs, we will be starting an email prayer chain to share our prayer concerns with one another. We will share joys as well as concerns and needs. If you are interested in being part of this prayer chain or have a prayer request, please email us here.
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Trinity Church’s Weekly News |
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As we prepare for when and how we can gather together safely, we have come up with a proposed timeline for hybrid worship. For more information, visit our website here.
PHASE 1: Outdoor Worship
Primary Worship (Sunday at 11 AM) remains online. We will add once a month Outdoor Communion services at 9 AM, in addition to online worship at 11 AM.
PHASE 2: Limited Hybrid Worship begins
We will begin in-person, indoor worship in the Sanctuary that will be live-streamed online. In person attendance will be limited based on safety restrictions and limits imposed by the Governor’s Office and by the Virginia Conference. At this time, there are strict restrictions for in person worship including the preacher being masked or wearing a face shield and no live soloists. These restrictions are anticipated to change over time. The Healthy Church Team will work on details and logistics.
Timeline: Starting July 11, 2021
PHASE 3: Open Hybrid Worship
In-person, indoor worship in the Sanctuary live streamed will continue. As restrictions are lifted, we will be able to invite more people into the sanctuary for worship.
Timeline: September 12, 2021
Please note all of these in-person gatherings will follow appropriate protocols to ensure safety for all such as masking and social distancing, among other safety protocols. This timeline is subject to change based on guidance we receive from the VA Governor’s Office and the VAUMC Bishop’s Office and we will keep you posted on changes as needed.
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Youth Mission Week! Youth 6th-12th graders, join us for a mission meeting on May 2nd after Youth Group. Come hear about what we tentatively have planned for our Neighboring Mission Week! The date of the mission trip will be July 18th-23rd. On July 18th we will have a required worship blessing as well as begin mission activities. This is a Youth and Guardians meeting! Email Hannah Day Donoghue with any questions or concerns.
Volunteers Needed to Help with Food Ministry: Mission is seeking volunteers who are willing to make food deliveries to Rising Hope Mission Church on Tuesday or Thursday mornings. Someone from the Mission Team will determine delivery contents and will help you load your vehicle. Sign up here. For additional questions or concerns contact Mary Gillman.
Centering Prayer meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, via Zoom. Centering Prayer is a 20 minute practice to sit in quiet prayer to make ourselves open to God. A reading is shared by the leader with a short discussion prior to the prayer time. Click here to connect. For more information contact, Alva Smircina.
COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Information for Alexandria City Residents who are 65 years and over: If you are 65 and over, or have a condition that places you at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, please complete this registration form by clicking here. For more information contact Alexandria City Health Department.
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How to give at Trinity:
There are three ways to give at Trinity!
1. Give online through our online donation portal.
2. Give by text at 703-783-3034. Just send a text that says “Give” and the Amount.
For further questions about how to give, visit here!
Trinity has switched our financial management system from Vanco to Breeze. If you still give through Vanco, you can access your Legacy Vanco account here. We encourage you to switch to Breeze, our new online management system as soon as you can. Please cancel your Vanco account first and then set up your new giving through Breeze. Thank you for however you give, it is all very much appreciated! For additional questions or concerns, contact the Church Office.
Did you know you can support Trinity UMC with a tax-free transfer from your IRA? If you are age 72 (or 70½ before Jan 1, 2020) and have a Traditional, Rollover, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA, you are required by law to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) annually. But did you know that you can use the RMD as a way to make a tax-free transfer to a charity, including Trinity UMC? The transfer must be directly from your IRA to Trinity, and your broker can help you with this process so that you get the full tax benefit. Please notify Trinity when you authorize a transfer so that we may confirm receipt.
Another way to provide financial support to Trinity is with a gift of stock. Please consult with your broker and a tax adviser (prior to selling stocks intended to benefit Trinity) on how to handle to maximize the tax benefits. But if you do decide to give stock – please contact the church help. We can provide a form for your broker or tax adviser to facilitate the transfer.
As always, Trinity is very grateful for any gifts. It makes everything we do at Trinity possible. If all else fails - please contact Rich McKinney. Thank you again for your giving - no matter how you give!
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Sunday, May 2nd
9:00 PM Outdoor Communion Worship Service in the Courtyard
11:00 AM Worship at via Facebook Live and Trinity Website
12:00 PM Fellowship Time via Zoom
5:30 PM Youth Group in the Courtyard
Wednesday, May 5th
6:00 PM Centering Prayer via Zoom
Thursday, May 6th
8:30 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal via Zoom
Sunday, May 9th ~ Mother’s Day
11:00 AM Worship at via Facebook Live and Trinity Website
12:00 PM Fellowship Time via Zoom
5:30 PM Youth Group in the Courtyard
Wednesday, May 5th
6:00 PM Centering Prayer via Zoom
Thursday, May 6th
8:30 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal via Zoom
Sunday, May 9th
11:00 AM Worship at via Facebook Live and Trinity Website
12:00 PM Fellowship Time via Zoom
5:30 PM Youth Group in the Courtyard
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