Olivet United Methodist Church Rejoicing in Jesus – Growing our faith – Passing it on!

Fourth Sunday of Easter May 3, 2020

We extend a warm welcome in the name of Jesus Christ to all here today. *Please stand in body or spirit.

WE GATHER

Welcome and Announcements

Invocation: Pastor: The Lord is my shepherd. People: I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)

*Call to Worship Pastor: Sisters and brothers, let us gather together with glad and

generous hearts. People: For many signs and wonders are being done among us. Pastor: Let us break bread together and share our lives in common. People: Let us give what we can to all who have needs so that all people, no matter who they are,

may regard us with good will. Pastor: Let us devote ourselves to our prayers and to the gospel. All: For in this way, God will add to our numbers every day. Let us worship God!

Hymn of Praise Great is Thy Faithfulness 140 Prayer of the Day

WE PROCLAIM

Prayer for the Illumination of Scripture (in unison) Loving God, we pray that your Holy Spirit will strengthen us to be devoted to the teachings of your Word, that through it we may hear your voice and follow it into eternal life. Amen.

New Testament Lesson Acts 2:46-47 Gospel Lesson John 10:1-10

Reader: The Word of God for the people of God People: Thanks be to God!

Sermon Hearts Overflowing Rev. Linda Motter

WE RESPOND

Hymn of Response They’ll Know We are Christians TFWS 2223

Ways to Give and Receive the Offering *Doxology (presentation of the offering) 95 *Offertory Prayer

A FEAST OF LOVE AND COMFORT

Invitation

Hymn Blest Be the Tie That Binds 557 (verses 1-3) (During the singing, draw near a plate of food and cup of coffee/tea. Gather at the table.)

Pastoral Prayer The Lord’s Prayer (in unison)

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 glory, forever. Amen.

Blessings at the Table

*Closing Hymn Blest Be the Tie That Binds 557 (verse 4) *Benediction & Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

Currently, all Olivet UMC buildings are closed through May 15 due to the covid-19 virus. In the meantime, each Sunday the 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM worship services will be held by conference call, as well as the activities indicated below.

One to two minutes before the worship service or activity begins, call 1-480-297-0773. When prompted, enter code 6709359#

When prompted, say your name and then you will be connected.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Sun, May 3 Youth Gathering by Zoom 5:30 – 7:30 PM Mon – Fri, May 4-8 Daily Devotional w/Pastor Linda (by conf call) 10 AM Mon, May 4 Marjorie Knoll Prayer Group @ Asbury 10:15 AM

(No visitors outside of Asbury during covid-19) No Weight Watchers Meeting Tues, May 5 Disciple Bible Study by conference call 10:00 AM & 6:30 PM Wed, May 6 No Strummers or Choir Practice Thurs, May 7 No Ripple Center Worship High School Youth Confirmation by Zoom 10:30 AM Fri, May 8 Pastor’s Sabbath (day of rest/day off) Church Office Closed Sat, May 9 No Alcoholics Anonymous No Holy Yoga Sun, May 10 Worship Connection by conference call 8:30 AM Mother’s Day No Children’s Sunday School Traditional Worship by conference call 11:00 AM No Hermitage Worship Youth Gathering by Zoom 5:30 – 7:30 PM

For prayer needs, call Joan Holmes at 410-394-3405,

Alma Rita Joy 410-326-3413 or Pastor Linda Motter 410-326-8400 Office

When you are facing a difficulty, faith issues or serious illness, Pastor Linda is here for you at

lindamotter@icloud.com or at 410-570-4858.

Olivet UMC, 13575 Olivet Rd, Lusby, MD 20657 410-326-8400 – olivetumc-lusby.org

Olivet United Methodist Church Rejoicing in Jesus – Growing our faith – Passing it on!

Pastor: Rev. Linda Motter Ministers: Everyone in the Congregation

Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020

With our church buildings closed at least through May 15, 2020 to prevent spread of the coronavirus, our Olivet church family continues to worship via conference call. With God, all things are possible!

Easter is not just a day but a season! For the Easter season through Pentecost on May 31, our sermon series theme is Matters of the Heart. To live as Easter people is to live knowing that death is not the final word. Using Lectionary scriptures, we are considering what it meant for people to understand that life had overcome death.

It’s telling that today’s Lectionary scripture occurs just after Jesus teaches about spiritual blindness. Today’s Gospel of John 10 passage is spoken to the Pharisees, dedicated Jewish believers, known for living to the letter of the Law. Jesus uses a common example from their everyday living –the example of a shepherd and his sheep. However, the Pharisees do not understand what Jesus is saying. That’s when Jesus clearly says, “I am the gate for the sheep.” No longer can the Pharisees claim that they do not understand. Jesus came so that believers may have life, and have it abundantly.

Prayer: Gracious God, strengthen me to live the abundant life that Jesus offers. Amen.