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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.
Casual Worship – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship – 10:45 a.m.
March 30, 2008
Theme: Puzzling Questions – Where is the joy in life?
WORSHIP PREPARATION THOUGHT: “Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.” Sir Winston Churchill
8:15 – 8:30 a.m. – MEETING GOD IN MUSIC
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS & COMPLETION OF PRAYER CARDS
GATHERING
OPENING PRAYER
*MEETING GOD “Awesome God” (sing twice) Faith #2040
IN MUSIC “Clap Your Hands” Faith #2028
“Celebrate Love” Faith #2073
As we sing, please hold up completed Prayer Requests Cards so that the ushers may collect them.
CENTERING
PRAYERS
THE LORD'S PRAYER Page #895
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (UNISON)
We believe in God, who is goodness, joy, love and laughter. We believe in God who brings hope to all situations and ever works for our good.
We believe in Jesus Christ, who is God made flesh. We believe that the angels laughed at His birth and that in His life, death and resurrection, Jesus gives us the ability to experience joy even in the face of sin and death.
We believe in The Holy Spirit, God's breath, Christ, Spirit, Holy Laughter, moving among and through us, cleansing and freeing us with the refreshment which only laughter can bring.
We believe. Help us to believe with joy!
*MEETING GOD “I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me” Faith #2151
IN MUSIC
GOD'S WORD Isaiah 35:1-10 & John 15:8-11
APPLYING “ What If He Chuckled?” Pastor Joy
THE WORD
*MEETING GOD “Spirit, Spirit of ‘Joyfulness'” Faith #2120
IN MUSIC (change word “gentleness” to “joyfulness”)
RESPONDING
THROUGH MUSIC “Give Thanks” Faith #2036
THROUGH OFFERING
THROUGH PRAISE “We Bring a Sacrifice of Praise” Faith #2031
SENDING FORTH
*BLESSING AND COMMISSION
*CLOSING SONG “Shout to the Lord” Faith #2074
* Indicates those in the congregation who are able will please stand.
Following worship, our Stephen Ministers are available for one-on-one prayer.
Please come to the communion area, and someone will meet you.
Please join us after worship for a Coffee Fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.
The flowers on the altar are in honor of Dean and Eldon Heer's birthdays,
given by Mike and Linda Erwin.
OUR WORSHIP LEADERS
Joy Caschetta , Pastor Richard Boyd, Diaconal Minister of Music
Conrad Steinhoff, Worship Assistant Susan Niederer, Musician
Geneva Bennet and Kay Dunn, Flowers Harry Biel, Sound
Marilyn Boyd, Visitation Person
Ushers: Vernon Snead, Captain; Frank C. Avry, Mike Bennett, Dean Brewer , Janet Eckert , Sy Korte, Rock Schaefer, and Jeff Thornton