CENTERPORT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH centerportumc.org IN-PERSON, OUTDOOR WORSHIP AUGUST 15, 2021

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT # 6: GENEROSITY

PRAYER FOR MEDITATION The Spirit weaves us together. Even the broken threads of our lives can be trimmed and melded. Even the tattered seams can be mended and joined. Diverse colors, various patterns, and unique fabrics, are all welcome here! Let us now bring ourselves, amazing and broken, awesome and torn, and find a new unity. May the Spirit weave us together with one hope, one faith, bound together in unity and love.

WELCOME AND BREATH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

OPENING PRAYER God of unity and peace, bind us together as we worship. Strengthen the ties that make us your family. Guide us to hear your calling as you speak in our lives. Build us up in love, that we may grow in our knowledge and our love for you. Speak your truth to us that we may lead lives worthy of your calling. Amen.

OPENING HYMN # 2236 (v. 1-2, 4) “Gather Us In” The Faith We Sing

Here in this place new light is streaming, now is the darkness vanished away See in this space our fears and our dreamings, brought here to you in the light of this day Gather us in, the lost and forsaken, gather us in, the blind and the lame Call to us now and we shall awaken, we shall arise at the sound of our name

We are the young, our lives are a mystery, we are the old who yearn for your face We have been sung throughout all of history, called to be light to the whole human race Gather us in, the rich and the haughty, gather us in, the proud and the strong Give us a heart so meek and so lowly, give us the courage to enter the song

Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven light years away But here in this place the new light is shining, now is the kingdom, now is the day Gather us in and hold us forever, gather us in and make us your own Gather us in, all peoples together, fire of love in our flesh and our bones

MORNING PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

PRAYER SONG “” , Cody Carnes Leap of Faith

I've seen it before, felt it before, peace I can't explain Love that won the war, is here now, can you feel it now? Let it cover you

Chorus: Let the Spirit rise up, let it break through the walls, beat down the doors, And crash through the windows, and cover the earth, the earth, the earth, the earth (2X)

Bricks won't hold it in, lies won't hold it down, love will let it out, and we will let it drown The darkness, the fears and brokenness, can you feel it now? Let it cover you (Chorus)

Fear has no choice but to bow, chains have no choice but to break Shame has no choice but to leave, in Your presence (4X) (Chorus)

OFFERING

PRAYER OF DEDICATION God of miraculous grace, transform our gifts into the work of ministry. Transform our lives into your presence in the world. Through these gifts, may we grow in the knowledge of Christ and be strengthened in the unity of faith. In your loving name we pray. Amen.

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION Loving God, open our hearts and minds to the light of your Word. May the words we hear transform us and guide us as we learn to love. Amen.

SCRIPTURE LESSON Acts 2:43-47 New Revised Standard Version Pentecost People

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

MESSAGE “Let’s Get Together” Pastor Roy

CLOSING SONG “Get Together” The Youngbloods Leap of Faith

Love is but a song we sing, fear's the way we die You can make the mountains ring, or make the angels cry Though the bird is on the wing, and you may not know why

Chorus: Come on, people now, smile on your brother Everybody get together, try to love one another right now

Some may come and some may go, He will surely pass When the one that left us here, returns for us at last We are but a moment's sunlight, fading in the grass (Chorus)

If you hear the song I sing, you will understand, listen You hold the key to love and fear, all in your trembling hand Just one key unlocks them both, it's there at your command (Chorus)

BENEDICTION

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Per the Bishop’s directive, MASKS ARE NOW REQUIRED AT INDOOR SERVICES FOR EVERYONE

Social distancing and contact tracing protocols are still in place. If you feel sick, please stay home. If you have come into contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 over the previous 14 days, please stay home.

There are several precautions that ALL people attending need to follow

· Masks are required for everyone attending indoor worship.

· Once you arrive, everyone MUST check in with an usher for instructions and attendance purposes (contact tracing)

· ·Social Distancing (minimum 6') is required at all times (those living in the same household may sit together, but need to be at least 6 feet from everyone else).

· ·All children must stay with their parents/adults at all times

· ·There will be no Sunday School or Children's time

· ·Offering Stations will be available (no passing of offering plates)

· ·No Passing of the Peace

· ·No fellowship hour or social gathering time at any time

These guidelines MUST be strictly followed by everyone. We will not be able to continue leading Worship if even one person refuses to comply with these guidelines. Please remember these precautions are for the safety of everyone present and those you may contact following the worship service.

Even with all of these differences in our service, worship is still deep, engaging, and powerful - a wonderful time of celebration. For anyone not able to attend, we will be recording and posting to our online platforms later on Sunday morning/early afternoon.

Please contact Pastor Roy ([email protected] or 914-330-1789) for any needs or concerns. Pastor Roy and the Re-Opening Team