Nurturing children, supporting families, creating community as we share our faith. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2 Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship 10:45 AM Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors WELCOME TO WORSHIP November 16, 2014  23nd Sunday after Pentecost GATHERING AS COMMUNITY Assistive listening devices are available from ushers. PRELUDE PASTOR’S GREETING: The doors are open wide. God welcomes us here! This is the day that the Lord has made, so then let us rejoice and be glad in it. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN & LIGHTING OF CANDLES: All Creatures of Our God and King (vs. 1, 7) Hymnal #62 WORDS OF WELCOME LAY MESSAGE Amy Friedrich *PASSING THE PEACE: Pastor: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Pastor: Let us greet one another with signs of peace and love. *CALL TO WORSHIP: (please stand as you are able) Welcome to a time of wonder And music that calls us home. Welcome to a time to hear God’s words that inspire and challenge And to reminders that we are offered holy hospitality. Hospitality moves us to open our lives both to those we know and those we do not know as well, and even to strangers. Hospitality leads us to fully live with open minds, open hearts, open doors. *Indicates stand, if you are able. Bold indicates all join in. FWS indicates black Faith We Sing book OPENING PRAYER: Hospitable God, you invite us to a banquet where the last may be first, and the humble and the mighty trade places. Let us share your abundance with no fear of scarcity; let us greet strangers as angels you have sent! Send your spirit now, so that we may find a place at your table and welcome others with radical hospitality. In the name of Jesus, Guest at all our tables, we pray. AMEN. WE HEAR THE WORD TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES HYMN OF PREPARATION: Help Us Accept Each Other (vs. 2) Hymnal #560 OLD TESTAMENT READING: Genesis 18:1-8 (Abraham shows extravagant hospitality to three strangers who pass by his tent. He unknowingly has hosted God.) L: The Word of God for the people of God SPECIAL MUSIC MESSAGE P: Thanks be to God The Heart of Worship “The Power of Hospitality” Chancel Choir Rev. Linda Stueve OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS Ryan and Lindsay Dea (Emma and Andrew) Joe and Melissa Lake (Parker, Hannah, and Ashlyn) Troy and Stephanie Schultzen (Dusty, Alyssa, and Brady) Craig and Donna Eggleston (renewal of past membership) on screen SHARING OUR TITHES, GIFTS, AND OFFERINGS: OFFERTORY PRAYER OF GRATITUDE: O God you invite us to participate in a community characterized by hospitality. Help us to share your hospitality with those whose lives are restricted or crushed by the meanness of this world. Make us not only receivers of all that you have given, but also generous and unpretentious givers that all may know your loving care. Amen. 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. *CLOSING HYMN: There’s a Spirit in the Air Ministers: All the Church Members Organist/Choir Director: Mike Cooper Pianist Mel Laake Ushers & Greeters: Jim & Jamie Cockburn Jed & Elizabeth Alexander Liturgist: Beth Keyt Acolytes: Alexander family Visual Tech: Kim Sacker Chris Reames (trainee) Nursery: JoAnne Keltner Janine Reames Janitorial: Sacker Family Administrative Assistant: Shirlee Cagle (vs. 1, 2, 5, 6) Hymnal #192 *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE (Please be seated for a moment of reflection.) Please join us for refreshments following worship in Fellowship Hall. VAN METER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Church School: 9:30 AM Worship Service 10:45 AM Office: P.O. Box 149 100 Hazel St Van Meter, IA 50261 Phone: 515-996-2572 Fax: 515-996-2117 Email: office@vmumc.com Christian Education Dir. Stacy Peterson Kids’ Care Director: Beth Keyt Pastor: Linda Stueve 996-9001 (home) 490-2534 (cell) Linda.stueve@vmumc.com (e-mail) Field Outreach Minister: Karen Nelson District Superintendent: David Weesner Bishop: