Welcome to Lithia Springs Methodist Church
Sunday worship bulletin for July 26, 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 memory of Randy Arnold’s birthday by his family.
Chiming of the Hour
Glenn McElroy
Welcome, Announcements, and Invocation
Rev. Thomas Long
Prelude
“I Love to Tell the Story”
Glenn McElroy
Arr. Lani Smith
Responsive Call to Worship*
Psalm 105
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
O descendants of Abraham his servant, O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.
He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations.
Hymn*
“I Have Found a Friend in Jesus”
№ 142
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
“The Promises of God”
Chancel Choir
Arr. Stan Pethel
Pastoral Prayer; Lord’s Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
Children’s Time
Rev. Thomas Long
Offertory Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
For online giving, visit: https://my.lithia.giving/
Offertory
“Ivory Palaces”
John Gentry & Glenn McElroy
Arr. Tedd Smith & Don Hustad
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*
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
№ 116
Scripture*
Olivia Frempong
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 NIV
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Rev. Thomas Long
Hymn*
“Sweet Hour of Prayer”
№ 440
Benediction
Rev. Thomas Long
Postlude
“Since Jesus Came into My Heart”
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 26:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
12:00 p.m. Potluck Lunch
4:00 p.m. Youth Group
Monday, July 27:
7:00 p.m. Scouts BSA Troop 62
Wednesday, July 29:
4:00 p.m. Prayer Group
Sunday, August 2:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
A Note from the Turpin Family
Elsie Turpin cherished her LSMC family, and we, her family, are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, kindness, prayers, and support you have shown during this time of loss.
Thank you, the Turpin Family
Church-wide Potluck Luncheon – Today!
Join us for a church-wide Potluck Luncheon today, July 26, 2026, immediately following Sunday worship. Meats, bread, and drinks will be provided.
Ghana Clothing Drive
The Crusaders Sunday School Class is holding a clothing drive for the people of Ghana. Michael Offei, a member of this class, is involved with a ministry in this country, and they have asked for help. This ministry needs items of clothing for children, women, and men as they help those in need. (Please note: Ghana is in West Africa, where the weather is hot.) Please bring your lightly used clothing to the church. It will be boxed up and shipped to Ghana in a few weeks. Thank you for your help as we share with the people in Ghana.
Mobile Food Pantry Ministry
In partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Good Samaritan Center of Douglasville, our Mobile Food Pantry provides fresh food to our community through a convenient drive-through distribution beginning at 2:00 PM. This outreach takes place every other month on the third Saturday (August 15, October 17, and December 19). Volunteers are an essential part of this ministry and are asked to arrive at 12:00 PM to help prepare and serve. If you would like to be part of this meaningful outreach, please contact the church office—or if you need food or know of someone who does, plan to drive through and spread the word.
HVAC Committee Meeting
The HVAC Team will hold an important meeting on August 4 at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Your participation helps ensure our facilities remain comfortable and welcoming for everyone.
District Men’s Breakfast – Saturday, August 29
All men are invited to join together for the District Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, August 29 at 9:00 AM at Flint Hill Global Methodist Church, located at 4072 Hiram Sudie Rd., Hiram, GA 30141. This gathering offers a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, encouragement, and connection with men from across the district. Come enjoy a warm meal and meaningful conversation.
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 • Dale Arrington • Steve Gay • David Hutton • Kenneth Bowden • Jane Williams • Jonas Long • Bill Garren • Bonnie Standridge
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/