Welcome to Lithia Springs Methodist Church
Sunday worship bulletin for July 12, 2026
Wi-Fi is available for our guests.
A printable PDF version of this bulletin can be downloaded here.
The flowers in the chancel area are given to the glory of God and in remembrance of Cynthia Lynne Anderson’s birthday, July 7, 1962, by Dale Anderson, and in loving memory of Elsie B. Turpin by the Turpin Family.
Chiming of the Hour
Glenn McElroy
Welcome, Announcements, and Invocation
Rev. Thomas Long
Prelude
“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”
Glenn McElroy
Arr. Lani Smith
Call to Worship
Psalm 119:105-112
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
Hymn*
“I Stand Amazed in the Presence”
№ 122
Affirmation of Faith*
The Apostles’ Creed
№ 691
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Anthem
“People Need the Lord”
Soloist: Vickie Brubaker
Arr. Tom Fettke
Pastoral Prayer; Lord’s Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
Offertory Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
For online giving, visit: https://my.lithia.giving/
Offertory
“Wonderful Grace of Jesus”
John Gentry & Glenn McElroy
Arr. Mary McDonald
Doxology*
№ 682
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Words Thomas Ken; Music Louis Bourgeois
CCLI 1152573
Hymn*
“Be Thou My Vision”
№ 49
Scripture*
Lucretia Dallas
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Rev. Thomas Long
Hymn*
“I Love to Tell the Story”
№ 160
Benediction
Rev. Thomas Long
Postlude
Postlude on “Love, Mercy, and Grace”
Glenn McElroy
Arr. James Conley
If you have been visiting with us, we would love to be able to connect with you!
Please take a Visitor’s Card from the pew, complete it, and place it in the offering plate.
Thank you for worshiping with us!
This Week’s Schedule
Today, July 12:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service
4:00 p.m. Youth Group
Monday, July 13:
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Tuesday, July 14:
7:00 p.m. Administrative Council
Wednesday, July 15:
4:00 p.m. Prayer Group
Thursday, July 16:
7:00 p.m. Men’s Group
Sunday, July 19:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service
VBS Was a Bright Success!
What a joy-filled week we had at Vacation Bible School! We are so thankful for every child, family, volunteer, teacher, helper, kitchen worker, decorator, craft leader, recreation leader, musician, and behind-the-scenes servant who helped make this week possible. Throughout the week, our children learned the wonderful truth that Jesus is the Light — the Light who shines in the darkness, guides our steps, and gives us life. We give thanks to God for the laughter, learning, worship, friendships, and seeds of faith planted during VBS. Thank you, church family, for praying, serving, giving, inviting, and loving so well. What a great week of ministry!
Please Note: Meeting Date Changes
Several meeting dates have changed. Administrative Council will meet on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Chapel. The Men’s Group will meet on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Treehouse Room. The Trustees Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM on the Third Floor. Also, there will be no Children’s Sunday School on Sunday, July 19. Please update your calendars accordingly.
Community Night @ LSMC – Thursday, July 23
Join us for Community Night at Lithia Springs Methodist Church on Thursday, July 23, from 6:00–8:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall! Because of the weather during VBS, we were unable to hold our planned water activities or celebrate reaching our mission goal. We’re making it up at Community Night! Join us for supper, fellowship, water games, and plenty of fun. Indoor games and activities will also be available for adults and anyone who prefers to stay dry. As promised, Sam will be covered in Silly String in celebration of meeting our VBS mission goal! Everyone is invited!
Church-wide Potluck Luncheon – Sunday, July 26
Join us for a church-wide Potluck Luncheon on Sunday, July 26, 2026, immediately following Sunday worship. Meats, bread, and drinks will be provided. Please bring vegetables, salads, or desserts to share. The Hospitality Committee will be in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 9:30 AM to receive your items.
Prayer Requests
Please remember to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ in your prayers throughout the week:
Sherry & George Walker • Sandra Rodriguez • McCant & Joetta Hayes • Wanda Wilkerson • Dale Arrington • Steve Gay • David Hutton • Sadie Grace McCoy • Kenneth Bowden • Jane Williams • Angela Hughes • Family of Elsie Turpin • Families in Nigeria & Venezuela
To contact the church office,
please send correspondence to
office@lithiaspringsmethodist.org
PastorThomas@lithiaspringsmethodist.org
or call 770.948.5429
Office hours 10am-2pm
lithiaspringsmethodist.org
youtube.com/@LithiaSpringsMethodistChurch
facebook.com/LithiaSpringsMC
instagram.com/lithiaspringsmethodistchurch
For online giving, visit: https://my.lithia.giving/