Myers Park United Methodist Church

A Service of Christian Worship

October 2, 2016 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m.

World Communion Sunday

WE GATHER

Welcome

Please pass the hospitality pads at this time.

Passing of the Peace

Chiming of the Holy Trinity

Introit Sing with Joy (8:30) Lynn Bailey Morning Has Broken (9:45, 11:00) arr. Diane Bish

 Call to Worship Leader: Today we are invited to a joyful feast, hosted by Jesus Christ. Foreign Language: All who are hungry will find the bread of life here. All: All who are hungry will find the bread of life here. Foreign Language: All who are thirsty will find a fountain of grace here. All: All who are thirsty will find a fountain of grace here. Foreign Language: All who are lost will find safety here. All: All who are lost will find safety here. Foreign Language: All who are lonely will find a friend here. All: All who are lonely will find a friend here. Foreign Language: All who are broken will find healing here. All: All who are broken will find healing here. Foreign Language: All who have been wandering will find a home here. All: All who have been wandering will find a home here. Leader: For this is a heavenly banquet, and you are welcome! All: Let us worship God!

 Opening Hymn Look Who Gathers at Christ’s Table HYFRYDOL Look who gathers at Christ’s table! Hear the stories that they bring. Some are weeping; some are laughing; some have songs they want to sing. Others ask why they’re invited, burdened by the wrong they’ve done. Christ insists they all are welcome. There is room for everyone.

Clouds of light surround the table ancient followers appear, Saints confessing how they wrestled with their guilt, their doubt and fear. Peter tells of his denying Christ was ever in his sight. Paul relates his fruitless efforts to obliterate the light.

Their sad stories are repeated in a thousand different ways, But they share one thing in common: they all end in thanks and praise For the host who has invited north and south and east and west To converge around this table, where all life is fed and blest.

Bring your joy and bring your sadness, and prepare to be surprised By the host whose hands are wounded, who will open wide your eyes When he blesses bread and breaks it, truth and manna from above! And then passes wine that wakens in your heart the taste of love.

The Creed No. 885 A Modern Affirmation  We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, power and love, whose mercy is over all his works, and whose will is ever directed to his children’s good. We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of man, the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace, the ground of our hope, and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in our lives, whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance of the truth of Christ, and find strength and help in time of need. We believe that this faith should manifest itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord, to the end that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. Amen.

 Gloria Patri No. 71 GREATOREX Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Prayer of Confession God of grace and glory, we thank you that you judge us not by the perfection of our actions, but by the readiness to live boldly by faith. Help us, as individuals and as a congregation, to trust you and follow where you lead, that in Christ your name may be glorified in all the earth. Amen.

Words of Assurance …In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen.

WE HEAR AND RESPOND TO THE WORD

Psalter Reading Psalm 137 Reader: This is the Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

Prayers of the People After each petition, we enter into the prayer together with these words: Pastor: Lord, in your mercy, People: Hear our prayer.

Offertory A Jubilant Song (8:30) Mary Lynn Lightfoot Cantate Domino canticum novum. Sing to the Lord a new jubilant song! Cantate Domino canticum novum omnis terra. Sing to the Lord all the earth!

Let the sea roar and the floods clap their hands! Let the hills sing together for joy! Let the heavens and the earth all rejoice, for the Lord is greatly to be praised!

Proclaim God’s salvation! Declare God’s great glory! Lift up a jubilant song and make joyful noise!

Soon-ah Will Be Done (9:45, 11:00) arr. William Dawson Soon-ah will be done a-with the troubles of the world, going home to live with God. I want to meet my mother, I’m going to live with God. No more weeping and a-wailing, I’m going to live with God. I want to meet my Jesus, in the morning Lord, I’m going to live with God.

 Doxology LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

 Prayer of Dedication

WE COME TO THE LORD’S TABLE

 Hymn No. 617 I Come With Joy (Stanzas 1-2) DOVE OF PEACE

 The Great Thanksgiving

 The Lord’s Prayer No. 895

Giving and Receiving of Holy Communion

Communion Music Homeward Bound (8:30) arr. Jay Althouse In Meeting We Are Blessed (9:45, 11:00) Troy Robertson He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands arr. Moses Hogan

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.

WE GO OUT TO SERVE  Closing Hymn Until All Are Fed

 Benediction

 Benediction Response Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore his sacred name. Come, Christians, follow this triumphant sign. The hosts of God in unity combine. Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore his sacred name.

 Closing Voluntary  Toccata Brilliante Fred Bock ______Stand as you are able

WORSHIP LEADERS  PREACHER Dr. James C. Howell, Senior Minister  LITURGISTS Dr. Melanie Dobson, Minister of Faith Formation Rev. Parker Haynes, Associate Minister Bishop Patrick Streiff, Bishop of Central and Southern Europe  LAY READERS Suzette Sells (8:30), Bill Tobias (9:45), Fred Hunter (11:00)  MUSICIANS James R. Jones, Director of Music and Organist Nicolas Haigh, Music Associate and Organist Alleluia Choir (8:30) Women’s Choir (8:30) Chancel Choir (9:45, 11:00)  CRUCIFERS Matthew Buie (8:30), Carter Long (9:45), William Gourlay (11:00)  ACOLYTES Dean Lowery and Sadie Scott (8:30) Sarah Holshouser and Alexandra Eliasek (9:45) Andrew Wilks and Bennett Wilks (11:00)  BIBLE CARRIERS Emerson Smith (8:30), Elizabeth Long (9:45), Courtney Weintraub (11:00) ______

TODAY AT MYERS PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… WELCOME! We are thankful you are here, worshiping with us. If you’re just getting to know us, we are a community that welcomes people from all walks of life. Any staff member, usher or church member is glad to answer questions, or share directions. Check out the Guest Information bookcases in the narthex gathering space outside the Sanctuary or drop by the Welcome Center in the lobby of the Parish Life Building for resources so you can get to know us better. New guests are invited to pick up a complimentary drink tumbler at the front desk, in the Sanctuary narthex and by the Jubilee Hall door.

WELCOME, CHILDREN Bright blue bags with fun activities for your children are at the Sanctuary entrances. Please return them after worship.

WELCOME, BISHOP STREIFF This morning, we welcome Bishop Patrick Streiff, head of The United Methodist Church in Central and Southern Europe, to serve as liturgist at our three Sanctuary services. The Bishop is leading a campaign to establish an endowment to fund theological education for clergy in Africa, Europe and the Philippines, where the church is growing but funding and seminaries are scarce. Learn more at www.endowftecc.org.

DISCOVER MYERS PARK Want to learn more about our church family, how to get involved and perhaps join our congregation? Our Discover Myers Park class shares about the life of the church. Discover Myers Park meets at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, October 23, in the lobby of Parish Life Building for coffee, fellowship and conversation. You don’t need to sign up in advance for these gatherings, just come and join us. Reach Rev. Parker Haynes at [email protected] to learn more.

GLUTEN FREE WAFERS Those who are gluten intolerant can receive a gluten- free wafer during Holy Communion at the communion rail on the pulpit side. Those interested should indicate their desire to receive this optional wafer to the Communion server when kneeling at the rail.

THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the marriage of Lindsay A. Bowen and Kelly William Mathews on Saturday at the church.

HELP US STOP HUNGER NOW On this first #LiveDifferently weekend, join us this morning in the Parish Life Building basement to help pack meals for the Stop Hunger Now ministry. No need for a reservation, just come down and work a shift (or two) – from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 1:30 p.m. The popular meal-packing event is supported by Jubilee Plus!, the second-mile church fund that goes to outreach. Gifts to Jubilee Plus! are always welcome, visit www.myersparkumc.org.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST…

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Bring your pooch and other pets to the Blessing of the Animals at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 9, on the church lawn (Queens Road side), weather permitting. Please make sure Fido and Co. are on a leash, carrier or otherwise under control.

BE AN AMBASSADOR Ambassadors are being recruited to greet folks on Sunday morning, help newcomers find their way and generally make our church as warm and welcoming as possible. All ages are welcome. Training will be provided. To sign up or learn more, reach Rob Dellibovi or Julie Patrick at [email protected]. MARTHA CIRCLE All women are welcome to join the Martha Circle at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 5, in Room 104 of the Parish Life Building. Susan Sayrs will talk about the Assistance League of Charlotte. JOIN THE PLAY GROUP Adults with young children are invited to take a midweek break each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on the Providence Road playground. Some 25 moms and dads and 35 children under age five have been enjoying the fellowship and fun, then grabbing dinner at H.O.T. Wednesday. H.O.T. WEDNESDAY H.O.T. Wednesday offers a delicious meal and fellowship from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday in Jubilee Hall. This week’s menu: Spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce, meat sauce, salad bar, garlic bread, desserts and ice cream. Make reservations at [email protected] or call 704-376-5520 (option six) by noon each Tuesday. The Goodness Gracious! gift shop in the Parish Life lobby is open until 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays when H.O.T. Wednesday meets.

CPR/AED CLASS Learn adult and infant CPR and how to use the automated external defibrillators (AED) around the church at a class from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, in Room 110 of the Parish Life Building. Cost is $30, paid in advance. RSVP to Carmen Rivera at 704-295-4818 or [email protected]. YOUTH AND THE POLICE Parents and others are invited to Youth Ministries’ Coffee Talk from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Sunday, October 9, in Jubilee Hall as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Capt. Norman Garnes helps us explore police interaction with youth. How should you and your family interact with the police? What are your rights and responsibilities? FLU, PNEUMONIA SHOTS Flu and pneumonia shots will be given from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, in Room 108 of the Parish Life Building to those ages nine and older. Details: Parish Nurse Susan Mobley at 704-295-4836 or [email protected]. GIVE BLOOD You can donate blood from 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, October 16, in the Youth Building Gym. Appointments are recommended: Reserve a time from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. this morning and Sunday, October 9, in the Parish Life Building lobby or by calling 704-376-8584. MEDICARE D COUNSELING Church members Nick Beard, Ron Knape, Jan Nomina and Bill Spier will offer one-on-one counseling on Medicare prescription drug plans Mondays through Thursdays in the Church Library (Room 111) in the Parish Life Building starting Monday, October 17 and running through Tuesday, December 6. They’ll hold meetings between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Bring your list of medications and dosages. To make an appointment, contact Carmen Rivera at 704- 295-4818 or [email protected]. EXPLORING LGBTQ ISSUES All are invited to the next Adults Plus! program at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, in Room 103 of the Parish Building: A spokesperson from Charlotte Pride will explore Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About LGBTQ Issues But Were Afraid To Ask. The nonprofit works to enrich and empower LGBTQ people across the Carolinas. A barbecue lunch follows at noon in Jubilee Hall. For a lunch reservation, call 704-376-5520 (option two) or e- mail [email protected]. ADVICE FOR PARENTS Young parents and others are invited to a workshop – Advice For Parents: Preparing For The Unexpected – at 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 24, in Room 105 of the Parish Life Building. Estate planning attorney Sydney Warren and Ashley Gilbert, widowed at a young age with one child, will talk about the importance of writing a will, guardianship and getting your affairs in order. To reserve child care before October 17, e-mail [email protected]. The workshop is being organized by a new church committee focused on planned giving. Details: Executive Director Saribeth Dozier at [email protected]. PHANTOM OF THE ORGAN Children of all ages, come in your Halloween costume for the annual Phantom of the Organ concert at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, in the Sanctuary.

GROWING IN FAITH… PILGRIMAGE TO IONA, SCOTLAND Want to take a pilgrimage to Iona and Scotland in July 2017? Dr. Melanie Dobson will lead up to 14 people (children ages 4-12 may be accompanied by a parent) to share worship, work, fellowship and meals. Reservations are due by October 3. To learn more, reach Melanie at 704- 295-4840 or [email protected]. SPIRITUAL WELLNESS Health care providers in all fields are invited to a four- part series, Spiritual Wellness, meeting Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in Room 108 of the Parish Life Building. Details: Dr. Melanie Dobson at 704-295-4840 or [email protected]. WORSHIP READINESS Families with children in Grades K-5 are invited to Worship Readiness For Families: Helping Parents And Children Worship Together. The class will follow H.O.T. Wednesday, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. on October 5, 12 and 19. Parents will be in Room 237 in the Snyder Building and children in Room 239. Child care is offered to ages five and under. E-mail [email protected] and include names and ages of your children. NEW MONASTICISM This new short-term small group study will be offered by Dr. Melanie Dobson Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. October 6 to November 10 in Room 105 of the Parish Life Building. It’s for those seeking a deeper spiritual life in the context of community. Details: www.myersparkumc.org/small-groups.

SERVING OTHERS… LOAD THOSE TRUCKS With CMS off on Monday, children in Grades 3-5 are invited to help sort and load donations for the Loaves & Fishes truck from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 3. To help, e-mail Heidi Giffin at [email protected]. The church supports the Loaves & Fishes food pantry through Jubilee Plus!, the second-mile church fund that supports outreach. Gifts to Jubilee Plus! are always welcome, visit www.myersparkumc.org/give. MISSION: LOUISIANA Church members Pete and Mary Kelly, whose last journey to Louisiana was featured in the Cornerstone church newsletter, will lead a team to help flood victims around Baton Rouge October 15-26. Team members can stay for all or part of the trip. Details: Mary Kelly at 704-377-1223 or [email protected]. SERVE WITH MISSIONARIES We are hosting a Costa Rican mission team of four pastors and their wives, along with our Costa Rican missionary Wil Bailey, on October 8-15. Serve alongside them as they head out into the Charlotte community to work at nonprofits. Wil will share his work in Costa Rica with us at H.O.T. Wednesday on October 12. Details are at www.myersparkumc.org/serve. CLEANING SUPPLIES FOR SEDGEFIELD Donations of cleaning products are welcome through Sunday, October 16, to share with families at Parents Night at Sedgefield Elementary School. Blue bags with a list of requested supplies are in the Parish Life Building lobby. To learn more, visit www.myersparkumc.org/serve.

Myers Park United Methodist Church Mission Statement: We are the body of Christ, growing in faith and serving others.