First United Methodist Church of Montclair September 21, 2014 +++ Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost +++ 10:00 AM

Abbreviations Key: * - If able, please stand where indicated. UMH - United Methodist Hymnal Bolded text - said in unison by all. FWS - The Faith We Sing Songbook

CALLED TO PRAISE AND PRAY *Processional/Introit Praise Ye The Triune God - R. J. Hughes

Welcome and Announcements

*Call to Worship Leader: Give thanks to the Lord. Call on God’s holy name. All: Sing praises to our God. Tell of God’s wonderful works. Leader: Shout to the Lord. Proclaim the miracles that bless the people with life. All: Give thanks to our God. Let everything that draws breath praise God!

*Opening Hymn Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (vs.1, 3, 5) UMH 160

Invocation Leader: Caretaker God, as we wander in the wilderness of our lives, lead us with your cloud by day and with your pillar of fire by night, that we may never lose our way. Bless us with your presence, Holy One, that we may know the strength of your hand and the tender mercy of your love. Feed us with your bread from heaven, that we may taste your Spirit and shout your praises. Amen.

Prayer of Confession All: God of infinite patience, O how we love to complain: the journey is too long, we are hungry, we are thirsty, we are tired and want to go home, life isn’t fair… Yet, do not forsake us in our grumbling, but shower us with your blessings of old, for we are weary of our own complaining and long to make a fresh start. Open our minds to the glories of your love and we will shine like the sun. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

(Pausing for Silent Prayer and Confession…)

Assurance of Pardon Pastor: Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. All: Rejoice, sisters and brothers in Christ, and count your blessings, not your troubles. Show gratitude in all things and you will find peace. Amen!

Sharing Our Joys & Concerns

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer

Responsive Hymn Hear Our Prayer Voices of Praise

HIGHER EDUCATION PRESENTATION

Words of Wisdom Clarence Pratt, Ednah Nwafor, Michael Stewart (Children from 2 to 9 years old are dismissed to the Children’s Room)

Higher Education: Its Purpose and Mission Nicole Peaks & Paula Blackman

Presentation of Recipients & Giving of Gift Sylvia Bryant

CALLED TO THE WORD *Psalter Lesson Psalm 105:1-11 UMH 828

Hebrew Lesson Exodus 16:11-15 Pew Bible, p.63

Epistle Lesson Philippians 1:21-30 Pew Bible, p.196

Anthem Hush + I Want to Be Ready Voices of Praise

*Gospel Lesson Matthew 20:1-16 Pew Bible, p.21

Sermon “The Unfair Kingdom of God” Pastor Earl Kim

*Passing the Peace of Christ

CALLED TO SHARE Offering Amazing Grace Nicole Peaks

*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

*Prayer of Dedication Pastor: Generous God, you provide for all our needs, if we but put our trust in you. When the Israelites were hungry in the wilderness and began to complain, you gave them bread in the form of manna to eat in the morning, and quail to satisfy their hunger in the evening. All: You gave just enough, to be consumed with gratitude and trust. Generous God, help us to give with gratitude for all we have received from your goodness, and with trust in your faithfulness. We pray in the name of Christ our Savior. Amen.

CALLED TO SUPPORT *Prayer of Support Pastor: O God of wisdom, we offer thanks and praise for the gift of new beginnings and for the opportunity to learn and wonder. All: Grant them your grace that in your light they may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble. Pastor: Bless all as they now finish this course of study. All: Walk with them as we move forward in life. Instill in them a confidence in the future you plan, where energies may be gathered up and used for the good of all people; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.

CALLED TO WITNESS IN THE WORLD

*Closing Hymn Because He Lives UMH 364

*Benediction

*Circle of Blessing Shalom to You UMH 666

Postlude God of Majesty & Hope – Beatrice Miller

This Sunday’s Worship Team

Preacher: Pastor Earl Kim Music Director: Ken Rapp Liturgist: Gloria Foster Reader: David Winful Children’s Church: Leslie Lester Acolyte: Amaka Nwafor Ushers: Joe & Annie Myers

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of MONTCLAIR

24 North Fullerton Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042 (973) 744-4086 fumcmontclair@gmail.com www.firstmontclair.org

September 21, 2014: Higher Education Sunday

OPEN HEARTS – OPEN MINDS – OPEN DOORS

We belong to the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Rev. John Schol, Bishop Rev. Manuel Sardinas, District Superintendent

Earl Kim, FUMC Pastor Dr. Michael Stewart, Lay Leader Linda Piedra, Administrative Assistant

Our Mission Statement

As members of the First United Methodist Church of Montclair, our mission is to love, encourage, and equip each other to live as true disciples of Jesus Christ;

and by inviting, embracing, nurturing, and empowering ALL others, raise up new disciples of Jesus Christ.