Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,

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: