United in the Spirit, First United Methodist Church of Belmont existsto be more like Jesus Christ for our community and beyond

REV. GEORGE RAGSDALE, PASTOR807 South Point Road // Belmont, NC 28012

P: 704-825-2106 // F: 704-825-2176www.fumcbelmont.org

SERVICE OF WORSHIPThe Twenty-Third – November 12 , 2017 – 8:30 a.m.

PRAISE AND PRAYER

*SONG “Blessed Be Your Name”

Verse 1 Blessed be Your name In the land that is plentiful Where Your streams of abundance flow Blessed be Your name

Verse 2 Blessed be Your name When I'm found in the desert place Though I walk through the wilderness Blessed be Your name

Pre-Chorus Ev’ry blessing You pour out I’ll Turn back to praise When the darkness closes in Lord Still I will say

Chorus Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your name Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your glorious name

Verse 3 Blessed be Your name When the sun's shining down on me When the world's all as it should be Blessed be Your name

Verse 4 Blessed be Your name On the road marked with suffering Though there's pain in the offering Blessed be Your name

Pre-Chorus

Chorus CCLI Song # 3798438

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For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com5616422 # esneciL ILCC

*SONG ”uoY roF ereH gnitiaW“

Verse 1 If faith can move the mountains Let the mountains move We come with expectation Waiting here for You Waiting here for You

Verse 2 You're the Lord of all creation And still You know my heart The Author of salvation You've loved us from the start

Chorus 1 Waiting here for You with our hands

And it's You we adore Singing alleluia

Verse 3 You are ev'rything You've promised Your faithfulness is true We're desp'rate for Your presence All we need is You

Chorus 1

Bridge Singing alleluia alleluia (2X)

Chorus 2 Waiting here for You with our hands

And it's You we adore singing alleluia CCLI Song # 5925663

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*PRAYER

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

*GOSPEL LESSON (NT Pg. 28) Matthew 25: 1-13 This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

SERMON Rev. George Ragsdale

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION : Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of Mystery, we want to stay awake and be ready for your surprises, but we are tired and overcome with the usual routine. We want to wait patiently for the fulfillment of your kingdom, but we are frustrated by our need for immediate gratification. We want to believe your promises from ancient days, but we are overwhelmed with postmodern doubts. Come to us again, O God. Awaken us with your unexpected grace. Shock us with your

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.

to God by placing them in the offering plate when you come forward to receive communion.

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

*TAKING THE BREAD AND CUP

*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. …we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. … as we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. … now and for ever. Amen.

*THE LORD’S PRAYER 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, for ever. Amen.

*BREAKING THE BREAD

SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP Music During Communion

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.

GOING FORTH AS WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

*BENEDICTION

*SONG “Forever Reign”

Verse 1 You are good You are good When there's nothing good in me You are love You are love On display for all to see You are light You are light When the darkness closes in You are hope You are hope You have covered all my sin

Verse 2 You are peace You are peace When my fear is crippling You are true You are true Even in my wandering You are joy You are joy You're the reason that I sing You are life You are life In You death has lost its sting

Chorus (Oh) I'm running to Your arms I'm running to Your arms The riches of Your love will always be enough Nothing compares to Your embrace Light of the world forever reign

Verse 3 You are more You are more Than my words will ever say You are Lord You are Lord All creation will proclaim You are here You are here In Your presence I'm made whole You are God You are God Of all else I'm letting go

Bridge My heart will sing no other Name Jesus Jesus (Repeat 4x)

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*POSTLUDE *Those who are able please stand

WELCOME! We’re glad you chose to worship with us this morning. We invite you to check out the opportunities we have for children, youth and adults of all ages and stages of life. We offer ministries and a community of faith that will help challenge and encourage you as together we seek to grow as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, serving God and our neighbor in all that we do.

VISITORS: information about our church. We would love to know more about you, so please sign the attendance pad as it is passed down your pew and share your contact information so that we can be in touch with you.

SCHOOL BACKPACK PROGRAM: We will be packing backpacks now through the end of May. If you can help please call or text Ann McKenney at 704-616-1495.

CHURCH UPDATES VIA TEXT MESSAGING Did you know our church sends occasional news and important updates via text message? If you haven’t signed up yet, text FUMCBELMONT to 313131 or visit www.fumcbelmont.org/text. You can opt out at any time.

Like FUMC? Like Facebook? Then "like" FUMC on Facebook! It's a great way to get updates on events, receive inspirational messages, and share our mission with the community. To like our page, just go to facebook.com/fumcbelmont or search for "First United Methodist Church Belmont" on the site/app.

Advent WorkshopNovember 26, from 4:00-6:00pm.

Participants will have an opportunity to make Chrismons to decorate our tree in Carpenter Hall, Advent wreaths, nativity sets, and much more.

Visit www.fumcbelmont.org/adventworkshop for more details and to register. Participants are asked to bring a crock pot of soup to share.

Youth handbell practiceSundays - 5:00 pm

Youth choir practiceSundays - 5:30 pm

Youth group meets Sundays - 6-8:00 pm

NOVEMBER 26, 2017

$13. (must prepay by Nov. 19 to reserve your tube)

SNOWLESS TUBING

YOUTH GROUP

We will be decorating the sanctuary with red and white poinsettias Sunday, December 17th. If you would like to place a poinsettia in memory or in honor of someone, please turn in the required information to the church office along with payment of $13.00 for each poinsettia. Checks should be made out to FUMC Belmont. The deadline to order is Monday, December 4th.

In Memory of: _____________________________________________________________________

In Honor of: _______________________________________________________________________

Number of Red Poinsettias __________ Number of White Poinsettias __________

Given by: _________________________________________ Amount Enclosed _____________

POINSETTIA ORDERS!

Sunday, November 12 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 5:00 p.m. Youth Bells 5:30 p.m. Youth Choir 6:00 p.m. Youth Group

Monday, November 13 6:30 p.m. Disciple Bible Study

Tuesday, November 14 2:45 p.m. Take Two 7:00 p.m. Staff Parish Relations Committee

Wednesday, November 15 6:00 p.m. Adult Bell Choir 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. Youth Bible Study

Thursday, November 16 7:00 p.m. Lay Leadership Committee Sunday, November 19 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 5:00 p.m. Youth Bells 5:30 p.m. Youth Choir 6:00 p.m. Youth Group

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Our StaffGeorge Ragsdale - Pastor

Janice Pennington - Business ManagerKristen Surratt - Director of Discipleship Ministries

Margie Ligon - Director of Youth MinistryJohn Bailey - Interim Director of Music

Laura Beatty - Interim Director of Contemporary MusicLinda Smith - CDC Director

Carole Bertino - Administrative Assistant

If you have an emergency or have a confidential prayer request, please contact George at the church office (704-825-2106) or his cell (704-249-0645). The names above will remain on the

prayer list for one month unless otherwise notified.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

• Debbie Ballard (mother of Chelsea & Josh Elmore) • Cheryl Fleming • Alan Austin and Family (Jessica Durham) • Bette Armstrong • Keith Lowe • Young Missionary Cohort 2017-2019 (Lily Sloan) • Steve and Susie Matulis • Puerto Rico Hurricane Victims • John Campolieto • Cindy Paige (friend of Rachel Patterson) • Family of Amy Maier upon the passing of her step-dad (Rachel Patterson) • Keith Williams (Uncle of Melanie Andrews) • Jane Washam and family upon the passing of her sister, Nancy Rhyne • Matthew W. Marvin, recovering from surgery (Dawn F.) • Shanda Fangman and family upon the passing of her father Ken Threatt • Eula Jones • Family of Grayden Clayton upon his passing (friend of Sam Pruitt) • Jennifer Overcash’s dad who had surgery and her mom as she cares for him • Beverly Karr • Larry Morton (father of Courtney Morton)