Welcome to Lithia Springs Methodist Church
Sunday worship bulletin for October 27, 2024.
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 honor of Mike and Pam Arther’s fifty-first wedding anniversary.
May they have many more joyful and blessed years together.
*Please stand as you are comfortable.
CHIMING OF THE HOUR
John Gentry
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND INVOCATION
Rev. Thomas Long
PRELUDE
“Meditation for Worship” X. Scharwenka; Arr. Frank Asper
John Gentry
OPENING HYMN*
“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” #458
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
“Come, Christians, Join to Sing” Arr. F. Thomas Simpson
Handbell Choir
PASTORAL PRAYER; LORD’S PRAYER
Rev. Thomas Long
CHILDREN’S TIME
Rev. Thomas Long
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Rev. Thomas Long
For online giving visit:
https://613e4b45.churchtrac.com/give
OFFERTORY
“On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand” Arr. Jason W. Krug
Handbell Choir
DOXOLOGY* #682
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Words Thomas Ken, Music Louis Bourgeois CCLI 1152573
ACOLYTE INSTALLATION AND REAFFIRMATION
The insert may be downloaded here.
Dear Christian Friends,
Baptized into the priesthood of Christ, each of us is called to offer ourselves in service to the Lord of the Church in thanksgiving for what He has done and continues to do for us. As an assembly of believers, it is our privilege to recognize those who are engaged in the work of this congregation especially those who lead us in worship through the ministry of Acolyting.
The following persons have been instructed and have completed the training for Acolytes. We would ask that they come forward as their names are read.
Harriet Frempong
Elizabeth Frempong
Yaw Frempong, Jr.
Alexander Hernandez
Esmeralda Hernandez
Samuel Arther
Ibrahim Taye
Jamal Taye
Aminata Taye
(To the Acolytes) In your studies from the Holy Scriptures, you found that light has a special significance for the worshipers of God.
In the book of Genesis, God created the world and separated the light from the darkness to show his creation and glory.
In the book of Exodus, we find that God led His people through the wilderness to the promised land by a pillar of fire to light the way in the darkness.
In the gospel of John, Jesus said. “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life.”
The light you will carry, the light around which we gather in worship, reminds us of the presence of God, a presence we can gather in ONLY because of the forgiveness we have received in Jesus Christ. It reminds us that we are followers of Christ, the light.
In the gospel of John (10:27), Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me, and I give them eternal life.”
In the gospel of Mark (8:34), Jesus said. “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
All who claim Christ as their Lord are followers of Jesus Christ. For an acolyte, that is the first and most important discipline you can do.
But an Acolyte does more than just follow. An Acolyte is a person who leads the congregation in their worship of God and helps the pastor in public worship.
As an Acolyte,
- You will carry the light of Christ for us to see.
- You will guide our attention towards God as we come together to worship and give thanks to our Lord and God.
- You will direct people in worship since you have learned the names and items of our worship home, the symbols and sacraments, the messages of color and themes of our worship life.
- But most importantly you will be bearers of the light for this congregation, the ones who remind us of the light of Christ, the light we follow.
Therefore, I ask you in the presence of this assembly, are you now willing to undertake this responsibility and role in this worshiping assembly?
If so, answer:
Yes, with the help of God.
And having offered yourselves in the acolyting ministry of this congregation, will you follow our Lord’s example of humble service to others in this world?
If so, answer:
Yes, with the help of God.
Receive, then, the light that leads our way as we gather together to worship our Lord. Bear it for us that we may see in your ministry the light of Christ our Lord.
Let us pray:
God of majesty and light, who has shown us the light of our hope, Jesus Christ, who has come into our dark world. Bless the ministry of those serving as Acolytes who we recognize this day, that they may know the joy of your presence and may worship with us to the glory of your holy name.
For all the people of the church who offer themselves in your name, we give thanks, O God. Give them the joy of service in this special ministry and constant care and guidance as they carry out their duties. Help us all to be both willing servants and thankful recipients of ministry, that in our worship, your name may be glorified, your people live in peace, and your will be done; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.
Amen.
HYMN*
“Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus” #670
SCRIPTURE* Matthew 5:14-16
Jim Lantz
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON
Rev. Thomas Long
HYMN*
“Shine, Jesus, Shine” #217
BENEDICTION*
Rev. Thomas Long
POSTLUDE
“Fugue in G Major” J. S. Bach
John Gentry
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, October 27:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
1:30 p.m. McKown Wedding Shower
Monday, October 28:
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 62
Tuesday, October 29:
7:00 p.m. Kitchen Committee
Wednesday, October 30:
11:00 a.m. Nutrition Class
5:30 p.m. Prayer Group
6:45 p.m. Handbell Choir
7:45 p.m. Chancel Choir
Thursday, October 31:
6:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat
Sunday, November 3:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
Dear church family,
Thank you all for the support you have given us since Will’s sudden passing. Whether you cooked a meal, sent a card, said a prayer or just gave me a hug, we appreciate you. Only God can truly ease our pain, but he has certainly used you to be his hands and feet (as He usually does!) Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
– The Deakin family (including Margaret!)
Hurricane Relief
We can’t thank you enough for your incredible generosity in supporting the hurricane relief efforts in Augusta. Thanks to your kindness, we were able to deliver our first truckload of supplies to Barton Methodist Church last Saturday, bringing hope and help to those who need it most after the recent hurricanes.
We’re organizing another trip to Augusta and would greatly appreciate any non-perishable foods, diapers, wipes, cleaning products, water, or other essentials you can share. If you’d like to contribute, please drop your donations off in the music room of the Children’s Wing. Your support makes a real difference for those in need, and we are so grateful for each of you!
Free Nutrition Classes Oct. 16th—Nov. 20th
The Georgia Department of Public Health will be offering a free 6-week course at LSMC in the Fellowship Hall to promote good health and the prevention of nutrition-related chronic diseases. The classes will be held on Wednesdays from 11-1pm in the Fellowship Hall, starting on October 16th and ending on November 20th. The curriculum focuses on nutrition, physical activity, and food preparation. Each lesson includes a brief physical activity and a recipe demonstration. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate and a cookbook. Please contact the church office to reserve your spot!
Trunk or Treat Oct. 31st
Trunk or Treat is THIS WEEK on Thursday, October 31st. Setup will begin at 6pm and from 6:30pm-8:00pm we will hand out candy to children of the community outside the Children’s Wing. Please contact the church office if you plan to decorate a trunk and candy donations can be dropped off there, as well. Let’s get creative and have some fun!
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry
It’s that time of year again! We are excited to announce our participation in Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse. This wonderful initiative allows us to share God’s love with children in need around the world by filling shoeboxes with gifts that bring joy and hope. We will begin collecting items for shoeboxes on November 1. Come join us on Saturday, November 16 to pack the shoeboxes! Stay tuned for the time and further details about this gathering. Here are some suggested items to donate: Toothbrushes, Socks, Combs and hairbrushes, Pens, pencils, and sharpeners, Crayons and markers, Notebooks, Flip-flops, Flashlights, etc. Please Avoid donating: Candy, Toothpaste, Gum, Seeds, Foods, Liquids, Lotions, as these types of gifts create issues with customs. Join us in making a difference this Christmas season! For more information or to get involved, please contact the church office.
To contact the church office,
please send correspondence to
[email protected]
Or call 770.948.5429