The United Methodist Churches of
Cresco and Zion
September 15 & 16, 2018
Pastor Kayla Lange-Carney
Zion Service - Sunday 8:30 A.M.
First Church Service - Sunday at 10:00 A.M.
First Church Service - Sunday at 10:00 A.M.
September 15th and 16th
Call To Worship
We come here today not because we are clever but because God welcomes the slow learners.
We come here not because we are wise, but because God loves us in spite of our folly.
We come knowing that the greatest persons will be found among those who humbly serve like Jesus did, and that the brightest ideas and the deepest truth will come from those who see themselves as little children in Christ’s school.
O Lord, open up our mind and our hearts and enable our lives to declare your praise.
Opening Prayer
Eternal God, whose signature we see, if we dare to look, in the creation of the universe, help us this hour to look and to listen for Your handwriting and Your voice in this place, among these people. Guide us now to focus upon You, knowing that in You, our distractions become new possibilities for action. In our worship we reach out to You, O God, knowing that You have already enfolded us in Your arms. In Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Hymn “Where Charity and Love Prevail #549 vs 1-5
Responsive Reading Psalm 19:1-6,11-14 Sing Response 2 once at beginning and after vs 6, and 14
Preparing to Pray #2200 “Lord Hear My Prayer”
Children’s Sermon
Scripture: James 3:1-12
Message: Did I say that?
Prayer of Confession
O God, we live our lives as best we can—dealing with difficult relationships and situations, putting failures and disappointments behind us, and moving into each new day with as much energy, goodwill, and optimism as we can muster. But here, right now, we seldom have the right answers, we seldom seek your higher wisdom in our lives, we just move ahead. Forgive us for not asking for your insight. Fill us with your wisdom, that we may live lives of goodness and peace. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news! When we come before God in humility and honesty, God draws near to us with forgiveness and renewed blessing. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace!
Thanks be to God! Amen
Hymn “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” #297
Offering
Doxology
Hymn “Take My Life and Let it Be” #399 vs 1 and 2
The Blessing
Postlude
Announcements
V Sunday, September 16
Youth Group-7:00 P.M.
V Wednesday, September 19
Men’s Breakfast-6:30 A.M.
Bible study-9:15 A.M.
Choir-6:30 P.M.
Methodism Class-7:15 P.M.
Items for the October newsletter are due at noon
Items for the October newsletter are due at noon
*Zion will host their Annual Salad Luncheon at 11:00 A.M. Their theme is “This is the Day that He Has Made.” Lunch will follow Russ Gier’s and Deanne Weis’ musical entertainment. Everyone is welcome and feel free to bring a friend. A free will offering will be taken.
V Sunday, September 23
Youth Group-7:00 P.M.
V On Friday, September 21st the NE District UMW Annual Meeting is at Janesville beginning at 9:00 A.M.
V The 41st Annual Hospital Auxiliary Quilt Auction is Saturday, September 22nd starting at 12:00 noon.
V Continue to purchase supplies for the UMCOR Health and School kits to be distributed in the United States. Lists are in the back window.
V Howard County Community Hospice is seeking individuals interested in serving as volunteers. More information is on the bulletin board.
V There are sign up sheets at the back of church: treats for fellowship & lighting candles.
V Have a great day and a great week!
Prelude—Zion—Gaye Pedersen
Cresco—Melodee Balk
Worship Leader—Vicki Reinhart
Welcome/Announcements-Please pass the friendship pads.
*Call to Worship
L: When all hope is gone, Lord,
P: You are born.
L: When the darkness is complete,
P: You come.
L: When all things are beyond despair,
P: We find you.
L: You roll back the stone
P: And are there to greet us.
*Opening Prayer
From chaos and emptiness, from loneliness and lifelessness, come Creator come. From darkness and shapelessness, from the abyss and awfulness, come Creator come. From fearfulness and hopelessness, from weakness and dreadfulness, come Creator come. Amen.
*Hymn #92— “For the Beauty of the Earth” (vs. 1, 2, 5, & 6)
Responsive Reading #848—Psalm130:1-8
Sing the response twice at the beginning and the end.
Prayers of the People
The Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns
Preparing to Pray-TFWS #2200—“O Lord, Hear My
The Pastoral Prayer Prayer” The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Sermon
Scripture—Psalm 88:1-18
Message—Mental Health Sermon Series Part 1
When You Feel Alone
Confession
Out of the depths of despair, we cry to you, O God. We are lost in a world of pain and suffering. When we put our trust in weapons of war, we find no peace. When we put our faith in our own resources, we feel the ache of our true needs. When we put our hope in the health of our bodies, we suffer pain and find no healing. Come to us, O God. Forgive our doubts and fears. Heal our brokenness that we may rejoice in your steadfast love. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
L: There is forgiveness and healing with God. God’s steadfast love has the power to redeem our brokenness and make us whole. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace!
P: Thanks be to God! Amen.
TFWS #2209— “How Long, O Lord ”
The Sharing of our Tithes, Gifts and Offerings
* “The Doxology”—Hymn #95
*Hymn #262— “Heal me, Hands of Jesus”
*Benediction
*Response—Cresco- “The Blessing”
Zion– Hymn #557”- “Blest Be the Tie” (vs. 1)
Postlude
Announcements
V Sunday, August 12
Zion’s Food Stand- Lime Springs Sweet Corn Days-11:00 A.M
V Tuesday, August 14
“Day for Girls” sewing day-9:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M.
V Wednesday, August 15
Men’s Breakfast-6:30 A.M.
Bible study-9:15 A.M.
V Saturday, August 18
Pastor will be at a district meeting-7:00 A.M.-3:30 P.M.
Saturday worship-5:00 P.M.
V Sunday, August 19
“Back to School Blessing” for all who will be attending school
V Today is “2nd Sunday Change Day.” If you have any pocket/billfold change, consider donating for books for children 0-4 years old at the Early Childhood Center.
V September is our month for Meals on Wheels. The sign up sheet is at the back of the sanctuary.
V Items for the September newsletter are due in the office Tuesday, August 21st.
V Methodist pastors from the area will meet at First Church on Friday, August 24th at 10:00 A.M.
V Pastor will start a new class on Wednesday, September 5th at 7:15 P.M. It will be every Wednesday for 8 weeks. If you are interested in joining the church or just want to know more about Methodist history and theology, this is the class for you. Please let Pastor know by August 15th so materials can be ordered.
V If you would like to be on the Prayer Chain email Ward Kowalke at wardevk@gmail.com or call him at 563-203-7514. If you have a prayer request, email or call him also.
V Sign up sheets at the back of church:
—Provide treats for fellowship
—Adults and/or youth to light candles
V The church’s website is www.crescoumc.com.
V The church’s email address is crescoumc@gmail.com and the church secretary’s email address is umc@outlook.com.
V Watch us on Internet TV. Go to www.ustream.tv, click on WATCH, then SEARCH and type in CUMC.
V The NE District Weekly on Wednesday’s website is
northeast.iaumc.org/weeklyonwednesday. Click on the date.
V Have a great day and a great week!