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Myers Park
United Methodist Church
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A Service of Christian Worship
April 3, 2016 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m.
Ascension Sunday
WE GATHER
Welcome
Please pass the hospitality pads at this time.
Passing of the Peace
Chiming of the Holy Trinity
Opening Voluntar
Fanfare on HYMN TO JOY arr. Richard Nichols
Call to Worship from Psalm 68
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord. O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel;
and whose power is in the skies. Awesome is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! Processional Hymn No. 304
Easter People, Raise Your Voices REGENT SQUARE
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
Merciful God,
Too often we stand looking toward the heavens for you.
Like the disciples, we are lost when we can’t feel your presence.
Teach us to look instead at our brothers and sisters in need.
Forgive us when we fail to be your light in the world.
Strengthen us to carry on your work in your holy name. 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.
Anthem
Gentle Voice (8:30) Lee Dengler
Far above the noise of life, there’s a voice that is gently calling.
“Leave behind your cares and strife. Come to me. I will give you rest.
Bring your fear and bring your pain.
Bring your anger, and bring your worry.”
Do you hear the voice of Jesus, gently calling, “Come unto me”?
Gentle voice, so meek and mild; gentle words of understanding.
“You are my beloved child. Come to me. I will give you rest.
Bring your fear and bring your pain.
Bring your heartaches and bring your sorrow.”
Do you hear the voice of Jesus, gently calling, “Come unto me”?
Gentle voice, so full of love. Gentle words so rich in mercy.
“You are my beloved child. Come to Me. I will give you rest.” “Since By Man Come Death”
from Messiah (9:45, 11:00)
G. F. Handel
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Congregational Response Child of Blessing, Child of Promise STUTTGART
Child of blessing, child of promise,
baptized with the Spirit’s sign;
with this water God has sealed you
unto love and grace divine.
Child of God your loving parent,
learn to know whose child you are.
Grow to laugh and sing and worship,
trust and love God more than all.
WE HEAR AND RESPOND TO THE WORD
New Testament Reading Acts 1:1-14
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.
The Lord’s Prayer
Offertory
When in Our Music God is Glorified (8:30) arr. Bruce Neswick
When in our music God is glorified,
and adoration leaves no room for pride,
it is as though the whole creation cried: Alleluia!
How often, making music, we have found
a new dimension in the world of sound,
as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia!
So has the church, in liturgy and song,
in faith and love, through centuries of wrong,
borne witness to the truth in every tongue: Alleluia!
Let every instrument be tuned for praise!
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia! Amen!
One Faith, One Hope, One Lord (9:45) Craig Courtney
One faith, one hope, one Lord, one church for which He died,
one voice, one song, we lift in praise
to Him who was and is and shall be evermore.
There is one body, one spirit, as you were called to one hope.
One Lord, baptism and faith, one God and Father of all,
above all, and through all, who is in you all.
Though we be many people, diverse with various gifts,
we are given to each other for the unity of faith,
that we grow in the knowledge of the Son of God,
in the fullness of Christ.
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 GO OUT TO SERVE
Closing Hymn No. 318
Christ is Alive TRURO
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 Echoes of Joy Hans-André Stamm
_______________________________________________________________
Stand as you are able
WORSHIP LEADERS
PREACHER
Dr. James C. Howell, Senior Minister
LITURGISTS
Rev. Barbara Barden, Minister of Adult Education
Rev. Ellen Robison, Minister of Worship and the Arts
LAY READERS
Peter Huff (8:30), Lynn Rogers (9:45), Dennis Myers, III (11:00)
MUSICIANS
James R. Jones, Director of Music and Organist
Robert Moody, conductor
Brian Winegardner, trumpet
Women’s Choir (8:30)
Chancel Choir (9:45, 11:00)
CRUCIFERS
Ansley Cowan (8:30), Trent Mulligan (9:45), Haley Godwin (11:00)
ACOLYTES
David Cowan and Andrew Cowan (8:30)
Josie Bishop and Elizabeth Beasley (9:45)
Andrew Wilks and Wray Farlow (11:00)
BIBLE CARRIERS
Turner Curtis (8:30), Linde Fonville (9:45), Charlie McLaurin (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.
DISCOVER MYERS PARK Want to learn more about our church family and
how to get involved? Our Discover Myers Park class shares about the life of the
church. Discover Myers Park meets next at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, April 10, in the
lobby of Parish Life Building for coffee, fellowship and conversation. You don’t
need to sign up in advance, just come and join us. Reach Rev. Parker Haynes at
[email protected] to learn more.
WELCOME, CHILDREN Bright blue bags with fun activities for your children
are at the Sanctuary entrances. Please return them after worship.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM Receiving the sacrament of Baptism
at this morning’s 8:30 a.m. service is Maximilian Perry Schimmel, son of Laura
and Spencer Schimmel. Being Baptized at the 9:45 a.m. service are Elyse Ann
Knezevic, daughter of Candice and Dan Knezevic; Emily Elizabeth Mitchell,
daughter of Liz and Chris Mitchell; Anna Henderson Taylor, daughter of Lauren
and Chris Taylor; and Elsie Caroline Willingham, daughter of Bailey and Brandon
Willingham. Being Baptized at the 11:00 a.m. service are Taylor Paige DiCicco,
daughter of Jen and Dave DiCicco; Lila Mikhael Giordano, daughter of Kristen
and Joe Giordano; Alexander McKiernan Hieronymus, son of Ashley and Stephen
Hieronymus; and Lucius Chibueze Ukwu, son of Chioma and Charles Ukwu.
THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God and in loving
memory of Mr. and Mrs. P.W. Plyler and their son, Wes, from Ellen and Blair
Plyler.
HOLY COMMUNION THIS MORNING Holy Communion is celebrated each
Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the memorial chapel behind the Sanctuary except when it is
given in worship services.
NEW CLASS FOR YOUNG COUPLES A new Sunday School class for young
families and couples (20s and 30s) – the Agape class – begins at 9:45 a.m. this
morning in Room 262 upstairs in the Youth Building. The first study will focus on
Love to Stay: Sex, Grace, and Commitment by Adam Hamilton. A class picnic is
set for 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in Latta Park. Kids are invited, of course. To
learn more, e-mail [email protected].
GOSPEL OF MARK The Ownbey Sunday School invites all to a four-week
study of the Gospel of Mark at 9:45 a.m. Sundays starting this morning in Room
110 of the Parish Life Building. Together, the class will explore Hearing Mark – A
Listener’s Guide by Elizabeth Malbon. Details: Class member Reatha Andrew at
MUSIC FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH Music Ministries offers opportunities for
children and youth: Junior Handbells (Grades 2-5) meets at 3:00 p.m. Sundays in
Room 229 in the Snyder Building. Youth Bells (Grades 6-12) meets at 4:00 p.m.
Sundays in Room 229. Youth Choir (Grades 6-12) meets at 5:00 p.m. Sundays in
Room 141. Alleluia Choir (Grades K-1) rehearses at 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays in
Room 148. Junior Choir (Grades 2-5) rehearses at 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays in Room
141. Details: Director of Music For Children and Youth Brian Childers at 704-295-
4806 or [email protected].
SUNDAY NIGHT YOUTH Youth and friends in Grades 6-12 are invited each
Sunday evening for Sunday Night Youth from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. in the Parish Life
Building basement. Come for dinner, worship, fellowship and fun. To learn more,
reach Director of Youth Ministries Lauren Stines at [email protected].
DOWNLOAD OUR APP The Myers Park United Methodist Church mobile app
is available for download. You’ll find the latest sermons from Dr. Howell and our
pastoral staff, live streaming worship services and other resources to help you stay
connected online and in real life. To download, search for Myers Park Methodist in
the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Windows Marketplace.
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA Miss a sermon? Want to share a Sunday
message? Watch videos, listen to podcasts, share and connect on social media –
24/7 – plus find exclusive content and photos. Connect
at www.facebook.com/myersparkumc, follow us on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/myersparkumc and on Instagram at
www.instagram.com/myersparkumc. Subscribe to our Podcast, Myers Park UMC
Sermons, available for free on iTunes. Subscribe to our YouTube channel,
www.YouTube.com/MyersParkMethodist.
WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST…
MONDAY: ARCHAEOLOGY OF JESUS
Shimon Gibson, the preeminent archaeologist in the City of Jerusalem, will present
The Archaeology Of Jesus In Bethlehem And Jerusalem at 7:00 p.m. Monday,
April 4, in Jubilee Hall. He is a guest lecturer at UNC Charlotte this semester. This
talk, originally scheduled for March 15, was postponed due to Shimon’s illness.
Join us for what promises to be a fascinating program.
ALSO MONDAY; EXPLORE END OF LIFE Starting Monday evening, four
programs in April will help navigate end-of-life issues. The series, Tying Up Loose
Ends, will gather Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel. On April 4, Parish
Nurse Susan Mobley and Marilyn Morenz will discuss living wills and health care
power of attorney. On April 11, Dr. Melanie Dobson will explore aging and
spirituality. On April 18, Director of Communications Ken Garfield will talk about
obituaries. On April 25, Rev. Bill Roth will discuss funerals. No reservations are
needed. The congregation and community are invited. For child care, reach Susan
Mobley at 704-295-4836 or [email protected].
COMMUNICATIONS SURVEY Want to offer thoughts on how the church
shares its news and tells its stories in print and online? Take a brief
communications survey available on the home page of www.myersparkumc.org.
H.O.T. WEDNESDAY H.O.T. Wednesday is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each
Wednesday in Jubilee Hall. This week’s menu: Meatloaf, party potatoes, green
peas, rolls, salad, 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.
WANT TO PLAY HANDBELLS? Two new adult handbell groups, Southern
Bells and Intermediate Bells, are forming. Southern Bells meet Mondays from
10:00 to 10:45 a.m. in Room 229 in the Snyder Building. Intermediate Bells meet
Sundays starting today from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, also in Room 229. Interested? Reach
Director of Music for Children and Youth Brian Childers at 704-295-4810 or
GIVE BLOOD The blood drive is 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 17, in the
Youth Building Gym. Appointments are recommended. Make one from 9:15 to
11:00 a.m. this morning and Sunday, April 10, in the Parish Life lobby.
CHOIR CONCERT The Choir of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New
York will perform at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at First United Methodist, 501
N. Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte. Tickets at $25 are available at
www.CarolinaTix.org. Our church is helping sponsor the concert.
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD Church members are welcome to attend the
Administrative Board dinner meeting, the next one at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April
21, in Room 108 of the Parish Life Building.
SPRING CARNIVAL The Children’s Circle preschool annual Spring Carnival is
10:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in the Parish Life parking lot (indoors if it
rains). Featured will be pony rides, photo booth, a pie-throwing contest for
children, Chick-fil-A, cupcakes by Southern Cake Queen, hot dogs by JJ’s Red
Hots and more. To get involved, reach Jennifer Baker Whitworth at 704-574-6516
GROWING IN FAITH…
FOCUS ON REFUGEES Church member Rachel Humphries of Refugee Support
Services in Charlotte will talk about her work and the refugee experience with the
Martha Circle at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, in Room 104 of the Parish Life
Building. Visitors, of course, are welcome.
EXPLORING MERCY Park Road Baptist Church at 3900 Park Road will host a
four-evening series on Mercy at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays from April 6-27. Dr.
Howell will launch the series April 6 with a look at the theological implications of
mercy. Other topics: Educational policy on April 13, economics on April 20, and
an open dialogue on April 27. To reserve a spot at dinner, call 704-523-5717.
ADULTS PLUS! The ministry to ages 55 and over welcomes everyone to its next
meeting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, in Room 103 of the Parish Life
Building as Rev. Bill Roth explores Learning To Pray Without Ceasing. Lunch
(meat loaf and more) follows in Jubilee Hall. To make a $5 lunch reservation, call
704-376-5520 (option two) or e-mail [email protected] by noon April 19.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Registration has started for Vacation Bible
School, set for June 20-23 for children age four through fifth grade. This year’s
theme is Surf Shack: Catch The Wave Of God’s Amazing Love. You have until
April 30 to register your child. To volunteer, reach Jennifer Ross at
[email protected]. To learn more, e-mail Sarah Sumner at
[email protected] or visit the Children’s Ministries web page at
www.myersparkumc.org/children.
AND SUMMER FUN DAYS, TOO You can also register your child for Summer
Fun Days through May 30. The two weeks of camp are July 11-15 and 18-22 from
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for preschoolers and 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for kids in
Grades K-5. Information packets and registration forms are outside the Children’s
Ministries offices in the Snyder Building and at www.myersparkumc.org/children.
SERVING OTHERS…
GOD’S GREEN EARTH As Spring blooms, our church garden beside the Parish
Life Building needs help composting and tilling from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturday,
April 9. Charlotte Green, a collection of six urban gardens, needs teams for Plant
Day on Saturday, April 16. Sign up at www.myersparkumc.org/serve.
LILY PAD HAVEN Lily Pad Haven provides safe houses and transitional
services for victims of human trafficking. We are collecting paper towels, toilet
paper, disinfecting wipes and feminine hygiene products through Friday, April 22.
Donations go in the Parish Life lobby bin.
GRATITUDE FOR MEN’S SHELTER The Men’s Shelter serves 400 men each
night. To show gratitude to the 60 staffers, we are seeking donations of $10
Dunkin Donut gift cards. You can drop them off at the front desk in the Parish Life
lobby. Details: Jen Rothacker at [email protected].
ARMENIA MISSION DEADLINE April 10 is the deadline to sign up for the
mission trip to Armenia July 17-29. Details: Jack Hankins at 704-941-0691 or
TAKE AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP (IN CHARLOTTE) Build a relationship
with a refugee neighbor new to Charlotte through Refugee Support Service’s
Fruitful Friends program. Refugees are eager to practice their English, explore the
city and learn about the culture. Reach Rachel Humphries at
MEXICO FOR YOUNG ADULTS, COLLEGE STUDENTS Experience a
week of building relationships, constructing a home, playing soccer with children,
worshiping with Mexican neighbors and bonding with staff and volunteers of Faith
Ministry in Reynosa, Mexico, on May 15-21. Reach Kate Weddington Baker at
704-340-7317 or [email protected].
FREEDOM SCHOOL COMING Help celebrate our decade of partnership with
Freedom School by reading with scholars, chaperoning field trips, providing
snacks and more, June 16 to July 27. To learn more, reach Ellen Underwood at
Myers Park United Methodist Church Mission Statement:
We are the body of Christ, growing in faith and serving others.