THE WORSHIP OF GOD
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Red) Reconsecration of the Sanctuary WELCOME AND PARISH NOTICES (8:55 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.)
Dr. Sam R. Matthews
INVITATION TO WORSHIP Rev. Brian Smith This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!" This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. Blessed be the Lord; may God's glory fill the whole earth. Let us give thanks that God's love makes all things new. Blessed be the Lord; may God's glory fill this Sanctuary! PRELUDE
The Music Of The Spheres MFUMC Orchestra and Handbell Choir
arr. Kevin McChesney
INTROIT Surely The Lord Is In This Place Terre Johnson [Composed for the Music Ministry of MFUMC to celebrate the Sanctuary rededication.] Surely the Lord is in this place. How awesome is this place, for it is none other than the house of God, and the gate of heaven. (Genesis 28:16-17) *HYMN
God Of Grace
Hymnal 577
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed Hymnal 881 I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick 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.
*GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end, Amen. ANTHEM
Alleluia, This Is The Day Brad Croushorn Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” The right hand of God is exalted; the right hand of God has struck with power. I shall not die, but I shall live, and declare the works of God. The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. Alleluia! (Psalm 118)
LITANY OF RECONSECRATION Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this is a day of rejoicing! We have come together to reconsecrate the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Marietta. We celebrate that this house of worship has been restored and renewed. Let us now rededicate it for service and celebrate its holy use. With grateful hearts we give thanks for this sacred space—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
God, you promise your special presence whenever two or more gather in your name. By the power of your Holy Spirit reconsecrate this house of worship. Bless and sanctify what we do here, that this place may be holy for us and a house of prayer for all people. With grateful hearts we give thanks for this sacred space—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
With the Holy Spirit, God, this Sanctuary will be used for the proclamation of your Word and the celebration of communion and baptism, the pouring out of prayer and the singing of your praise. This Sanctuary will offer space for professions of faith, wedding ceremonies and celebrations of death and resurrection. Guide and empower us in all our worship. With grateful hearts we give thanks for this sacred space—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
We give thanks for the vision and dedication of all who have contributed to this great work. Gifts of time and money, gifts of prayer and patience, gifts of creativity and leadership. For carpenters and construction workers, for needle-pointers and interior decorators, for architects and foremen, for all whose talents have made today possible. With grateful hearts we give thanks for this sacred space—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Bless us as we worship here, O God. May we encounter your Spirit and experience your grace. May we grow in faith and find ourselves transformed and renewed. May our worship draw us ever closer to one another, ever closer to you as our creator, and ever closer to that true self, made in your image that is within each of us. Come, Holy Spirit. Fill us and make us new. And as we give thanks for this beautiful place of worship, let us remember that our worship is never limited to this particular space. God, send us out from here to be your servants in the world, sharing the blessings of Christ with each person that we meet. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. BAPTISM Richard Kenneth Halcik (9 a.m.) Son of Lauren and Mike Halcik
Eloise Anne Rollor (11:15 a.m.) Daughter of Beth and Isaac Rollor
CHILDREN’S SERMON *HYMN
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty (verses 1 and 4)
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER GIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERINGS
Hymnal 64
Rev. Elaine Wilder
OFFERTORY O How Amiable Ralph Vaughan Williams O how amiable are thy dwellings: thou Lord of hosts! My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her a house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young: even thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be alway praising thee. The glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us: prosper thou the work of our hands upon us. O prosper thou our handywork. Congregation joins: O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. *DOXOLOGY 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.
*SCRIPTURE LESSON
II Kings 8: 22-30
SERMON
THE TEMPLE
Dr. Matthews
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
*HYMN
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (verses 1, 3, and 4)
Hymnal 89
*BENEDICTION *CHORAL RESPONSE
Surely The Lord Is In This Place
*POSTLUDE
Herbert Colvin
Symphony No. 1: Finale
(*Those who are able, please stand) Holy Communion served in the Latimer Chapel at 10 a.m.
Louis Vierne
Among those who have labored valiantly and obediently to make Restore to Glory! possible are these people who serve in elected positions. They met regularly, planned creatively, and used our resources efficiently. They have respected our past and helped us dream of the future. We acknowledge them today. Board of Trustees Kelly Bachman Ray Buday Micky Blackwell Tom Cauthorn James Eubanks Steve Fisher Jerry George Andrea Hall Tom Halliburton Jerre Hartley Kelly Krivsky
Interiors Committee Billie Blackwell Julie Bozeman Lucy Browning Hayley Hedrick Angela Konop Denise Lew Tony Whitlock-Marshbanks Bob Pou, Assistant Project Manager Paul Girardeau, Architect Jerry Mann, Facilities Director
The kneelers on the altar have been a labor of love for a small cadre of women for almost a decade and a half. Exquisite work like this, as is true for all great art, is not quickly done! We are grateful to those who gave their time, talent, and treasure for this marvelous project. The kneelers will be dedicated and their creators thanked in a special moment on October 4, World Communion Sunday.
This week at MFUMC HOSPITALIZED: Connie Roukoski FLOWERS: The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the Glory of God, surrounding us in this restored house of worship, by the Board of Trustees. SYMPATHY: To Reynold and Patsy Jennings at the death of his mother, Kathryn Land Jennings, on September 11, 2015. To Jim and Carol Boone at the death of her sister, Kathryn Baker, on September 13, 2015. GIFTS TO MFUMC: In memory of Ralph Wheeler by Carolyn & Frank Croker and Pat Goldston. In memory of Laura Whorton by Carol Worley, Elizabeth Robertson, Jane Worley and Don Smith. A Closer Look is a class for visitors and new members who want to discover more about the mission and ministry of Marietta First United Methodist. The class begins today at 10:10 a.m. in the Parlor and runs for 5 weeks. Pre-registration not required. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840) 2016 Women's Retreat at Serenbe in February. Mark your calendar for this wonderful weekend of rest and rejuvenation. February 5-6, 2016. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826) Mission teams are forming now for travel to Ecuador November 9-16 and for travel to Albania November 8-15. You can be a part of life-changing community development as a team member or prayer partner. Visit www.mariettafumc.org to learn more. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806) Fuse Children’s Ministries offers many meaningful and fun activities for the whole family! Sunday morning Fuse Worship and Sunday School, Wednesday night Bible study, family events such as Tailgate Treats and Advent Wednesday, Power 45, Fuse Sports and more. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812) The Music Ministry will host an Open House on Wednesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. in Room 263. Join members of the Adult Choir, Handbell Choir and Orchestra to make new connections, enjoy a snack and participate in a typical rehearsal. Childcare is provided. Musicians of all skill levels are needed. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)
Worship Leaders Senior Minister Dr. Sam R. Matthews
The Drama Ministry announces auditions for Amahl and the Night Visitors on Tuesday, September 22 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. in the Choir Room. Singers, musicians, dancers and actors are invited to participate in this year’s Christmas production. Contact the music office for sheet music and additional information. (Brian Parks, ext. 7809) All men of the church are invited to join the MFUMC Men's Softball Team and play against the Boy Scout Team on Tuesday, September 29 beginning at 7 p.m. on the activity field. A cookout will follow in the Park Pavilion. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806) The Senior Adult Ministry provides luncheon speakers, day trips to historic and cultural sites as well as overnight excursions. Join us as we return to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to hear a concert by organist Charles Higgs on Tuesday, September 29. We will depart at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow the concert in the St. Luke’s parish hall. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835) The Hospitality Ministry is looking for friendly, creative and energetic volunteers to help greet on Sundays, provide special event set-up and décor and be helpers at Church Family Supper on Wednesdays. (Beth Dawson, ext. 7829) Blessing of the Animals will take place on Saturday, October 10 at 10 a.m. in the Park Pavilion. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)
Director of Music Bryan Black Organist Brian Parks
Associate Ministers Rev. Elaine Wilder Rev. Brian Smith
Pianist Brenda Brent
Minister to Senior Adults Rev. Lori Ethridge
Music Associate/Ensembles Judy Jones
9 a.m. Service Acolytes: Sarah Kate Harris and Rainey Hill Bible Bearer: Mattie Garrett 11:15 a.m. Service Acolytes: Brinson Griffeth and Rainey Hill Bible Bearer: Elizabeth Elsey
