United in the Spirit, First United Methodist Church of Belmont existsto be more like Jesus Christ for our community and beyond

REV. GEORGE RAGSDALE, SENIOR PASTOR807 South Point Road // Belmont, NC 28012

P: 704-825-2106 // F: 704-825-2176www.fumcbelmont.org

SERVICE OF WORSHIP The Twenty-Fourth Sunday a�er Pentecost – November 4, 2018 – 11:00 a.m.

All Saints Sunday

Jerusalem, Choi Hyun-Joo, age 10

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRAISE AND PRAYER

PRELUDE “Highland Cathedral”

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Kristen Surratt For all who have taught us about the witness and power of love, we give thanks, O Lord. For all in our church who have shown us what it means to serve, we give thanks, O Lord. For all the saints, those who rest from their labors and those who labor still, we give thanks, O Lord. For all your gi�s, we give thanks, O Lord. We rejoice to worship you and sing your praises.

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN No. 711 “For All the Saints”

*PASTORAL PRAYER

CHORAL ANTHEM “In Remembrance” by Jeffery Ames Lux aeterna, luceat eis domine. Turn to me and be gracious, for my heart is in distress. O God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? My tears linger at night, but joy comes in the morning light. Lux aeterna, luceat eis domine. Lord, in your infinite mercy, grant them peace, peace forevermore.

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON (Pg. 652) Isaiah 25: 6-9 Armstrong Family

*NEW TESTAMENT LESSON (Pg. 259) Revelation 21: 1-6a This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

SERMON Rev. George Ragsdale RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

*HYMN OF REFLECTION No. 729 “O Day of Peace That Dimly Shines”

NAMING THE SAINTS Bette Brantley Pettus Armstrong Mary Elizabeth Bowen Debbie Elmore Ballard John Anthony Campolieto

This morning we ring a large bell a�er the reading of the name of each member who has joined the Church triumphant. As each name is read, family members and friends are invited to stand in remembrance.

PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS Almighty God, we give you thanks for all your servants who having finished their course in faith and now rest from their labors. Give us grace, that as we are encouraged by their example and strengthened by their fellowship, we may be partakers with them of the inheritance of the saints in light; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

INVITATION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Gracious God, we thank you for your patient, steadfast love revealed in the lives of your saints. Their guidance, inspiration and influence in our lives is a gi� from you. Yet, we confess, we have been slow to hear, reluctant to learn, uncommitted in our efforts. We repent for this lack of faith and love. We have placed our hope only in the things we can see and touch. We have denied ourselves and those close to us that greater hope in the glory of things unseen. We have placed the saints among us on pedestals, denying our own capacity to grow in knowledge and love of you. May the love of Christ, which so heals and upli�s all saints, forgive us and empower us to live as your beloved children, now and always. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen.

GIVING OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS Offertory “Ain’t Got Time to Die” arr. Hall Johnson

*Act of Praise “Doxology” Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

TAKING THE BREAD AND CUP *THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (Hymnal Pg. 17-18)

*THE LORD’S PRAYER (Hymnal Pg. 895)

*BREAKING THE BREAD

SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP Music During Communion “Nimrod” by Elgar

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

EXTENDING THE TABLE This morning, lay communion servers come forward to receive consecrated bread and wine from this morning’s worship to share with homebound members who cannot be present today. We pray for them, remembering God’s grace that unites us as one within Christ’s holy church.

GOING FORTH AS WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS James and Marsha Harris

*BENEDICTION

*RECESSIONAL HYMN “Blest Are They”

*POSTLUDE “When the Saints Go Marching In” arr. Elizabeth Davis

*Those who are able please stand.

WELCOME! We’re glad you chose to worship with us this morning. We invite you to check out the opportunities we have for children, youth and adults of all ages and stages of life. We offer ministries and a community of faith that will help challenge and encourage you as together we seek to grow as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, serving God and our neighbor in all that we do.

VISITORS: Stop by our welcome table in the narthex as you leave today to receive a small gi� and more information about our church. We would love to know more about you, so please sign the attendance pad as it is passed down your pew and share your contact information so that we can be in touch with you.

ABOUT TODAY’S BULLETIN COVER In 1976, children from around the world were invited to paint the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the unification of the many faiths in the city. Each child drew the city as she imagined it. Each Jerusalem was his own. In today’s cover, a young South Korean girl draws a new Jerusalem where the world’s children dance together and doves of peace watch over the city.

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS This morning we are blessed to welcome new members into our church family. Joining today at our 11 o’clock service by Profession of Faith are James and Marsha Harris. If you would like more information about joining our church family, please call or email Pastor George (704-249-0645 or george@fumcbelmont.org) or speak with him a�er the service today. All guests and newcomers are invited to join us today at noon in Carpenter Hall for Pizza with the Pastor, an informal lunch to meet and greet church staff and members and hear more about our congregation.

ADVENT WORKSHOP - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25THOur Annual Advent workshop, kicking off the Advent season will be on Sunday, November 25th in Carpenter Hall at 5pm. Participants will move through individual stations with cra� & learning opportunities including Chrismon decorating and preparing an Advent Wreath. We will cap off this intergenerational event with the Christmas story. We ask that all participants attending sign up to bring a soup to share. Cornbread and cookies will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Thanks to all who donated fabric and your sewing time to the children’s musical! We are still in need of colorful, patterned fabric of 2 yards or more to complete the costumes. If you are interested in helping now or with future church sewing needs, please email me with your name and phone number! This church has really showed love and support for this project — God bless you!Jennifer Kelso - jkelso01@yahoo.com / cell 484-844-1074.

There will be an administrative council meeting, followed by a charge confer-ence, on Monday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the Route 66 classroom. Hope to see everyone there.

ADMINISTRATIVECOUNCILMEETING

ANDCHARGE

CONFERENCE

SERMON TALKSWednesdays, 6:30 p.m.Following our weekly Meet in the Middle meals, adults will discuss the Sermon and Scripture from the prior Sunday. Participants are welcome to drop in as they are able and child care is available for children of participants who are five years and younger by reservation. Email Kristen@fumcbelmont.org with questions or about child care.

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, November 4 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsal 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 5:00 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal 6:00 p.m. Youth Group 6:30 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal

Monday, November 5 1:30 p.m. Circle IV 7:00 p.m. Administrative Council Meeting/ Charge Conference 7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Wednesday, November 7 1:00 p.m. Deadline for Nov. 18 Bulletin 5:00 p.m. Meet in the Middle 6:00 p.m. Adult Bell Choir Rehearsal 6:15 p.m. Games with God 6:30 p.m. Disciple Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Sermon Talks 6:30 p.m. Active Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, November 8 1:00 p.m. Holy Spirit Small-Group Study 6:00 p.m. Camp GRACE Meeting

Friday, November 9 Youth Lock In

Saturday, November 10 5:30 p.m. Cocaine Anonymous

Sunday, November 11 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsal 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 5:00 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal 6:00 p.m. Youth Group 6:30 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal

USHERS: Alex Bryant, Mike Shrauder, Deems Southard, Daniel Durham

GREETERS: Merle Costner, Linda Piltch, Dottie Moore

ALTAR: Worship Committee

ACOLYTE: Audrey Andrews

CRUCIFER: Sarah Giang

BIBLE BEARER: Jake Jenkins

COMMUNION HELPERS: Rita Green, Julie Evanega

TELLERS: Melanie Andrews, Stephanie Southard, Carrie Jones, Steve Barnette

GAMES WITH GODFollowing our Meet in the Middle dinners, all elementary-aged children are invited to drop in to our weekly Games with God small-groups as they explore their relationship with God through creative study with board games.

For more information or to let us know your child is interested in joining, email Kristen@fumcbelmont.org.

Wednesdays, 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. Led by Jennifer Martin and Kathy Johnston

As our church continues to seek ways to be more like Jesus for our community and beyond, an important week of serving is approaching. Family Promise of Gaston County is committed to helping homeless families achieve lasting independence. While staff and volunteers through the Family Promise center help with job skills training, money management training, housing and employment searching, local organizations like FUMC-Belmont host families for a week at a time offering a safe and warm place to sleep, eat and fellowship each day. On December 2nd, our church will welcome guests of the Family Promise program into our church as we turn classrooms into bedrooms. We will prepare our spaces for families to be our guests for the week through cooking dinners and dining with our guests. Volunteers host a time of fellowship, engaging in relationships with our guests and others serve as overnight hosts. There is a space for everyone with setup, tear down and each night in between! Contact Lynn Hansen to volunteer by emailing lhansen@crowderusa.com.

MEET IN THE MIDDLE

Dinner is $5/person and begins at 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. No reservations needed.

Come and enjoy fellowship over dinner with your church family at Meet in the Middle.

November 7 - Brunswick stew, grilled cheese, cornbread & dessertNovember 14 - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, & green beans

Youth Happenings

Our StaffGeorge Ragsdale - Senior Pastor

Kristen Surratt - Minister of DiscipleshipMargie Ligon - Director of Youth Ministry

Elizabeth Davis - Director of MusicLinda Smith - CDC Director

Janice Pennington - Business ManagerAmanda Sloan - Child Care CoordinatorCarole Bertino - Administrative Assistant

If you have an emergency or have a confidential prayer request, please contact George at the church office (704-825-2106) or his cell (704-249-0645). The names above will

remain on the prayer list for one month unless otherwise notified.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER • Cherry Norton (Sister of Valerie Armeen) • Keela Johnson • Amanda Britt (Aunt of Todd O’Tuel) • Jackie Lewis (Dottie Moore) • Kendall & Travis (Dottie Moore) • Doug Brogden (Jack Page) • Carolyn Bailey (mother of Kara Deal) • Karen Mullinax (Brooke Richardson) • Wayne Crenshaw (Dawn Finn’s father & Bethan Finn’s grandfather) • The Crawford family upon the passing of their father, Clyde • Caleb Campbell and his parents, Coley and Jamie • Danny Atkins (Chris Atkins) • Steve Gooler (Cullen Bostwick) • Liz Gray and family upon the passing of Liz’s father, Frederic Crawford • Martha Taylor • Keith Lowe • Mark Walton (Maggie Moore’s brother) • Linda Weatherford • Steve and Susie Matulis • Young Missionary Cohort 2017-2019 (Lily Sloan) • Alan Austin and Family (Jessica Durham)