Sunday, May 1, 2016

HOLY COMMUNION
[Communion is a time when we celebrate and share in the presence of the risen Christ around His
Table. This is an open Table and all are invited. You need not be a member of this Church or any
Church; you need not be baptized. You need only desire a closer encounter with God. John
Wesley, the founder of the people called Methodists, believed that it is possible to have a
conversion experience during Communion, and so all are welcome at the Lord's Table. We use
unfermented juice of the grape at the service of Holy Communion. Gluten-free bread with separate
cup is available as is the receiving of Communion at your seat – please speak with an usher.]
New Milford
United Methodist Church
The Great Thanksgiving
[please refer to insert “A Celebration of Holy Eucharist” by Rev. Lydia E. Muñoz, 2016]
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.
Sharing of the Bread & Cup
musical selection by Tim Smith
Prayer after Receiving
GOING FORTH
U Closing Hymn #333
“I’m Goin’a Sing When the Spirit Says Sing”
I’M GOIN’A SING
U Commission, Benediction and Passing of the Peace
Postlude
musical selection by Tim Smith
Sixth
Sunday
of Easter
May 01
cover image: collage by pastor alex from
“The Tree of Life from the Stoclet Frieze” by Gustav Klimt, 1862-1918
68 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776 | www.newmilfordumc.org | 860.354.4596
Rev. Alex da Silva Souto, Pastor - mobile: 415.706.5397 | Music Director, Tim Smith
Brinna Kolitz, Youth Leader | Lay Leaders: Marilyn Fuller & Pat Tripp
Ministers: All members of the New Milford UMC
2016
9:30am
You are invited to worship with us in the quiet of prayer, in the joy of song,
and in the desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD Jesus Christ.
Part of our mission is to be a place for all people. All are welcome here! Whatever
your gender, age, race, religious background, economic status, sexual orientation
or condition of ableness, we greet you as a beloved child of God.
* The order of service is subject to change at the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Italicized Bold print invites congregational response in unison.
U Means you are invited to stand if able and comfortable.
People often make fun
Of what they don’t understand,
Especially customs
From a far away land;
But there are some customs
God wants all to follow,
Like showing love and kindness
To give hope for tomorrow.
ENTRANCE & PRAISE
Prelude
musical selection by Tim Smith
Welcome & News
U Opening Hymn #475
“Come Down, O Love Divine”
U Call to Worship [by Pastor Carol Downs]
DOWN AMPNEY
Sue Sterling
Like a river of life-giving water,
God’s power flows through us, returning our strength.
Like green leaves on heaven’s tree of life,
God’s love heals our spirits, restoring our hope.
Each day, we are called to reflect heaven’s glory.
Lord, make us your light in the world!
“Spirit Song”
Pastor Alex
U Hymn of Response #369
“Blessed Assurance”
ASSURANCE
Call to Reconciliation
[adapted from liturgy by Nancy Townley @ ministrymatters.com]
Chancel Choir
Thelma Neufeld
by Thelma Neufeld, April 24, 2016
My friend looks quite different
It is plain to see.
My neighbor talks different
He doesn’t talk like me.
God made all folks different
Because if they were all like me,
What a very boring place
Our world would be.
“Don’t Be Troubled or Afraid”
Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Pardon
PROCLAMATION & RESPONSE
“Dealing With Differences”
Pam Butler
[based on John 5:1-9, 14:23-29; “Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5]
[Prayers of the People, concluding with…]
Prayer for Illumination
Christ our Savior Lives!
Hallelujah, praise Jesus!
Listening for God’s Message
SPIRIT SONG
“I Love You LORD” words & music by Laurie Klein
Sue Sterling
[All children are invited to proceed to Sunday School
for the lesson “Choosing the Seven” based on Acts 6:1-7]
Prayers of the People
Anthem
“John 14:23-29” [NRSV]
Children’s Message [we sing “Halle, Halle, Halleluja” TFWS #2026]
Prayers of Invocation [adapted from prayer by St Augustine 354-430 CE]
Hymn of Praise #347
U Gospel Reading
Peace! Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Jesus came to bring you new life. Believe in Him.
Receive the blessing of hope and peace Jesus Christ,
our Loving Savior. AMEN!
Invitation to Offering
Offering of Tithes and Gifts
U Doxology #94
musical selection by Tim Smith
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ,
whose power up lifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Offertory Prayer [based on John 14:23-29, source unknown]