U Doxology #94 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God Praise, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up lifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Offertory Prayer [by John A. Brewer @ ministrmatters.com]

GOING FORTH

U Closing Hymn #369 “Blessed Assurance” ASSURANCE

U Commission, Benediction and Passing of the Peace [by © 2014 Thom M. Shuman @ lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com]

May the blessings of the One who is the Way be with you in the days to come. May God guide our feet wherever we go. May the blessings of Jesus who is our Life be with you in the days to come. May he lead us by the hand to those who are our sisters and brothers in need. May the blessings of the Spirit of Truth be with you in the days to come. May we journey with the Spirit to that way which is everlasting.

Postlude musical selection by Tim Smith

You are invited to worship with us in the quiet of prayer, in the joy of song, and in the desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD Jesus Christ.

Part of our mission is to be a place for all people. All are welcome here! Whatever your gender, age, race, religious background, economic status,

sexual orientation or condition of ableness, we greet you as a beloved child of God. 68 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776 | www.newmilfordumc.org | 860.354.4596

Rev. Alex da Silva Souto, Pastor - mobile: 415.706.5397 | Music Director, Tim Smith Youth Leader, Brinna Kolitz | Lay Leaders: Tony Dossantos & Mike Walsh

Ministers: All members of the New Milford UMC

* The order of service is subject to change at the leading of the Holy Spirit. Italicized Bold print invites congregational response in unison. U Means you are invited to stand if able and comfortable.

Listening Assistance Devices & LARGE PRINT BULLETINS are available at the narthex

ENTRANCE & PRAISE

Prelude musical selection by Tim Smith

Welcome & News

U Opening Hymn #452 “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” [v.v. 1, 2] OLIVET

U Call to Worship [by © 2014 Thom M. Shuman @ lectionaryliturgies] Chris Prause

We are God's household, crafted by the Architect of creation: our hearts a shelter for the outcast; our hands open to the stranger. We are God's people, created in the divine image: to tell others of God's love, to offer mercy as freely as we have received it. We are God's children, called to give of ourselves: chosen to serve the lost and lonely, gifted to minister to a hurting world.

Prayer of Invocation & LORD’s Prayer Pastor Alex [by © 2014 Thom M. Shuman @ lectionaryliturgies]

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Message on the Steps Pastor Alex [inspired by writing by Carolyn By Brown at ministry matters.com. Children are invited to continue to worship at the Sunday School room for the lesson “Peter and Tabitha” based on Acts 9:36-43]

Prayers of the People [adapted from prayer “Staying Faithful” by John van de Laar]

We really would prefer it, Jesus… to love ones in our homes and families,

who need to know they can depend on us; to our brothers and sisters in faith, who need us to strengthen and welcome them,

even as we need their companionship; to the people of our neighborhood and city, who need us to be good citizens,

and conscientious justice seekers; to the people of our nation, who need our constant prayers,

and our commitment to participate in political, economic and social systems; to the people of the world,

who need us to embrace them and care for them, even though it may offer us no benefit, and have no direct impact on our lives;

[prayers of the people are lifted up to God…]

Teach us the love that stays faithful for the long haul, Jesus, the persistence that will not give up,

and the grace to trust Your faithfulness, even when we cannot see results. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Hymn Praise #452 “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” [v.v. 3, 4] OLIVET

Anthem “Glorify Thy Name” by Donna Adkins Chancel Choir

PROCLAMATION & RESPONSE

Prayer for Illumination [by John A. Brewer @ ministrmatters.com] Anna Burns

O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is Your name in all the earth. We pray this day that we may come to a clearer understanding that You have more interest in our character

than in our comfort. Where we have need of correction, speak plainly to us and grant us the courage to make the changes You would bring in our lives.

May the love we express for You on this Sunday morning continue throughout the coming week. Strengthen this congregation, we pray, in order that we may become more effective in our ministry, in our service, and in our witness to the community.

In the name of the risen Christ, amen.

U Gospel Reading John 14:1-14 [VOICE] Chris Prause

Listening for God’s Message Pastor Alex

U Hymn of Response #467 “Trust and Obey” TRUST AND OBEY

Offering of Tithes and Gifts musical selection by Tim Smith