Lansdale United Methodist ChurchNovember 17, 2019

Western (Wailing) Wall, Jerusalem

Praising God . . . Making Disciples . . . Serving

All300 North Broad St., Lansdale PA 19446

Church (215) 855-8364Fax (215) 855-1534

Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

office@lansdaleumc.org www.lansdaleumc.org

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

What if I climb the highest mountain? You are there! What if I go down, down to the deepest, darkest pit of the dead? There you are too!--Psalm 139:8

9:00 a.m. Worship Service

Greeting and Welcome

We're glad you're attending our traditional service of worship. Your presence is a joy. We hope you feel welcome and important to us. We pray that the Spirit of God will touch your soul as we worship. Large print bulletins and hearing devices are available. An usher will assist you. White Prayer Cards are also available in your pew for sharing your joys and concerns. An usher will collect them during the hymn prior to the Pastor’s Prayer for the People. Please be sure to tell us who you are. Fill out as much information as you like in the Ritual of Friendship booklet in the pew. Pass it along and meet your pewmates.   The (*) signals an invitation to stand if you are comfortable doing so.

Prelude Shalom, My Friends arr. J. Behnke Beau Bells, Dick Lehman, Director

Please prayerfully prepare your heart for worship during the Prelude.

*Call to Worship

Pastor: We may not always sense the Presence,People: when dark and doubt threaten to consume us.Pastor: We may not always feel the Peace that passes understanding,People: when anxiety and despair seek to overcome us.Pastor: And yet, God is with us—Emmanuel—the best of all!People: Let our hearts be open to the Spirit’s comfort.

*Hymn For the Healing of the Nations UMH 428

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Opening Prayer

O God, throughout the ages, you have made known your love and power in unexpected times, ways, and places. May we, your faithful followers, daily perceive the joys and wonders of your pre-sence as we spend our lives in the services of peace, justice, and forgiveness. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Chancel Choir Anthem Shout Amen Althouse

Prayer for Illumination Paul DeLong, Reader

First Reading 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Pew Bible NT 207

*Gospel Reading Luke 21:5-19 Pew Bible NT 85

*Act of Praise Alleluia (Taize) TFWS 2014During the singing of Alleluia, children age 4 through 4th grade are

welcome to join Junior Church held in Bright Beginnings Room. A teacher will meet the children in the area outside the sanctuary doors. All are welcome!

Sermon Jesus and Paul: A Tale of Two Christianities Pastor Bill

*Hymn View the Present through the Promise W&S 3048 White Prayer Cards will be collected during the hymn.

*Affirmation of Faith Apostles’ Creed (Ecumenical) UMH 882

Pastor’s Prayer for the People

Prayer of Confession, Silent Prayers, and Pardon

Holy God, your Scriptures teach us that you are gracious, full of mercy, slow to anger, and radiant with unflinching love. The same Scriptures call us to imitate you. We confess we have not always been gracious or merciful. We are sometimes too quick to anger, and our love is lacking. Forgive us, we pray, in the name of Christ our Lord. Free our hearts to imitate you. Free our spirits to be more gracious and merciful. Free us completely to be joyous

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people, obedient to your call to love, and ablaze with the love of Jesus. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Offering Our Generous Gifts

Generosity is the heartbeat of every Christ-Follower. Generous giving nourishes the soul and promotes goodness in the world. Your offering to God through Lansdale Church touches lives, heals brokenness, expresses trust in God to provide for your future, and praises God for all you have in this life. Thank you for giving generously! Send a text contribution to 73256 with the message LansdaleFirstUMC, or use the QR Code to give electronically.

*Praise God’s Gifts and a Prayer of Gratitude The Lord’s Prayer UMH 895

*Hymn Blessed Quietness (stanzas 1,2,5) TFWS 2142

*Blessing and Going in Peace to Serve

Postlude Andante Harvey

Preparing for 2020 - From Warren Shaedle, Financial Secretary

New pledge cards for 2020 were received last Sunday bringing the Operations Fund total to $117,098, which covers about 30% of the revenue needed in the new year. Additional pledges to the Improvement Fund total at $5,102. We've received 3 new, 7 increased, and 14 pledges unchanged from last year. LUMC desires every member to give generously, prayerfully, and seriously to support our mission. It's been a tough year in money matters. It's not too late to pledge a portion of what God's entrusted to you. On Friday, reminder letters with pledge cards were mailed to those who pledged in past years but perhaps overlooked this important aspect of supporting God’s mission. Pledge cards are available in the Narthex or contact me at warren1438@gmail.com. 

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Interim Pastor's Weekly NotesSchedule: 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Tuesday & Wednesday, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Today in worship we'll hear themes of apocalypse and end times living in the early Christian community. The American version of these themes is "rapture," Biblical prophecy," and "millenarianism" popular among some Prosperity Gospel Evangelicals, some Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, and Jehovah Witnesses, but with little to no support in the Bible. (You may recall names like Hal Lindsey, Harold Camping, and the "Left Behind" novel series.) Apocalyptic episodes in Scripture (2 Kings 6, Ezekiel 28, Book of Daniel, Mark 13, Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Book of Revelation) appear during times of heightened crisis and persecution, revealing what can't be otherwise seen with human eyes and reasoning. Apocalyptic scenes provide a vocabulary of hope for people living in turbulent times. Next Sunday is the last Sunday in the Christian year when the Church traditionally extols the coming of Christ the King to put down the powers and darkness of this world while ushering in a new light, a new heaven, and a new earth. We have one hymn each from our three music sources. Enjoy!    

Keep your eye out for the next edition of the Circuit Rider, which will provide details for upcoming Advent and Christmas happenings. Extra help is needed this year because people once involved are no longer a part of the church. Please step up if you can. After the church's own turbulent season in March of this hear, we need the vocabulary of Advent and Christmas to renew our strength and courage. God is Emmanuel--God with Us! Be of good cheer!

For your calendars, December 1 is the first Sunday of Advent and the Advent Dinner and Decorating event is that evening. December 22 will be a special day including a morning meal fellowship at 8:30 a.m. and a special pre-Christmas musical worship service at 10:00 a.m. Note the time changes for that Sunday. December 24 is Christmas Eve, with services at 4:00 Family Service and 7:00 p.m. Traditional Service. Give some thought of people in your life you can invite to join us.

The weekly bit of liturgics today focuses on the responses to the sermon. A sermon is not a speech but a witness to the power of the Word of God to change lives, heal souls, and motivate mission. Traditionally, the people are invited to respond to the Word proclaimed. In Methodism, responses range from altar calls, testimonies, offerings, calls to discipleship, and reciting creeds. Each of these possibilities witnesses to the variety of ways God reaches into our lives and calls us to respond.   

Bible Study this morning at 10:30 a.m. will focus on chapters 1 and 2 of The Gospel according to Matthew. Within chapters 1 and 2 is an outline of the entire gospel's themes, particularly related to the Jewish heritage of the early Christians. Join us for a detailed study of the stories of Jesus birth and early life.

Commit to praying for your new pastor. The appointment process will begin in January. Pray too for each other, and me. You are in my daily prayers. Have a blessed week.

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What’s Going On? November 17 – November 24

Sunday, November 17 9:00 a.m. Worship Service (Nursery Care – infants-age 3)10:00 a.m. Fellowship – Stringer Auditorium10:30 a.m. Sunday School – All ages10:30 a.m. Verge! Bible Study – Sanctuary12:00 p.m. Youth Group – Hecker Room 6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts – New Horizons Room

Monday, November 1812:00 p.m. AA – Hecker Room 7:00 p.m. Missions Meeting – Conference Room 7:00 p.m. Soul Sister Circle – Library

Tuesday, November 1911:30 a.m. Susannah Wesley Circle – Bistro/Library 6:00 p.m. Daisy Scouts – Sunday School Rooms 7:00 p.m. GA – Hecker Room Wednesday, November 20 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study – West Main Diner 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study – Stringer Auditorium 6:30 p.m. Recovery – Hecker Room 7:00 p.m. Laymen Playmen- Stringer Auditorium 7:30 p.m. NPASF – Conference Room Thursday, November 21 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room

Saturday, November 23 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room

Sunday, November 24 9:00 a.m. Worship Service (Nursery Care – infants-age 3)10:00 a.m. Fellowship – Stringer Auditorium10:30 a.m. Sunday School – All ages10:30 a.m. Verge! Bible Study – Sanctuary11:45 a.m. Youth Ministry Team – Conference Room12:00 p.m. Youth Group – Hecker Room 6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts – New Horizons Room

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Prayers

JOYSBethanne’s mom is healing after a fallSandi’s mom is home from the hospital

CONCERNSHealing:

Jim FisherPete NollAlexSandi’s friend Debi had a bad fall and needsencouragement in her faithSandi’s mom – continued healingMary from cancerMary’s friend Monica from non-canceroustumorsKendra from anxiety/depressionJane’s son, Shirley’s brother, Chuck, from ongoing medical issuesLuann from back issuesMike’s cancer has returnedKen from depression2-year-old hospitalized with breathing issuesSandi’s friend Jim having surgical procedureJanet from knee surgery

Comfort for Greg’s family on the sudden death of his brotherGold Star familiesWill needs to make job decisionsBill, Kathy and Louise, Kathy’s motherPoland—Supporting pastorships between churches in the US and Poland’s UMC

Happy Birthday to You!

Alan Dickel (11/18) Ed Ingram (11/22)Beth Patchell (11/18) Denise Peyton (11/23)Lance Patterson (11/18) Joshua Quintana (11/23)Denise Shaw (11/18)

Happy Anniversary to You!

Gordon & Grace Reinhardt (11/17) Rodger & Lorraine Konyk (11/20)Bill & Jana Cole (11/19)

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We always pray for:Unspoken requestsSafe travels for all those traveling Guidance and wisdom for church leadershipGuidance and wisdom for our government leadershipPeace to worship without fearAll those seeking shelterAll those affected by mental illnessAll affected by natural disastersAll men and women serving in our Armed Forces and their families

PRAYER CHAINContact Joanne Jacoby at (215) 822-3157 if you’d like to add a joy or concern.

Youth Group meets each Sunday from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. If you’re in grades 7 through 12, please join us for games, worship, fun lessons, and fellowship. Any questions, talk to Ian Bonner or Mike Richardson

BRING YOUR FRIENDS!!

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FIRST TIME GUEST?WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!

Please be sure to introduce yourself to one of our ushers.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE! Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.If you’re interested in joining the choir, speak to Rays or any choir member.

New singers are always welcome!

Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.Please have any announcements to Becky (office@lansdaleumc.org) by that time to be included in that week’s bulletin.

ALTAR FLOWERS If you would like to sponsor altar flowers, please contact Joan Johnson or Becky in the church office two weeks in advance. The cost is $65.00.

WORSHIP AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TIMESWorship: 9:00 a.m.

Fellowship in Stringer Auditorium: 10:00 a.m.Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Verge! Bible Study in Sanctuary: 10:30 a.m.

GOD’S YOUTH IN MOTION

Mission Emphasis for November – Red Bird Mission

The Blue Envelope Mission Emphasis for November is designated to support Red Bird Mission, located in the Appalachian mountains of Southeastern Kentucky. Guided by Jesus Christ, they empower individuals and advocates for justice by providing educational, health and community outreach ministries to an area of low-income residents. Since 1921, it has served this isolated, rural distressed area. Chronic poverty, a lack of jobs, poor housing and rugged mountainous terrain present many obstacles to a full life of its residents. Red bird supports a PreK-12 school, along with health and wellness ministries.

To support this emphasis, make checks payable to “LUMC,” memo: “Red Bird.” Use your blue boxed or a yellow pew envelope. You may also give online through our website (www.lansdaleumc.org) or text LansdaleFirstUMC to 73256 to give your gift electronically.

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Wawa Shorti Hoagie Coupons are available year round. They are $4 each, and the UMW receives $1 from each coupon to help support their local and global missions. Order sheets are on the bulletin board or contact Maryellen Reinmiller at 215-913-1666.

Redner’s ReceiptsThe UMW is still collecting receipts from Redner’s. If you shop there, remember to scan your Redner’s card at checkout, then bring your entire receipt and put it in the container in the phone booth.

FellowshipPlease sign up on the bulletin board outside of Stringer to host fellowship.  This is a wonderful time to catch up with old friends or to get to know new friends. The main team members (Luann, Coles, Reinmillers) will usually be in attendance but would appreciate your support.  Thanks!

Giving Tree Is Up! This year’s Giving Tree is in the Stringer lobby and supports Laurel House, Methodist Services and Glad Tidings. Pick a card and bring the gift (with the card attached) to worship on November 24 for dedication.

Make somebody’s Christmas merry!

Coming Up

Annual Potato Filling Sale

Cost: $4.00 per quart Pick Up: November 25Order Forms due November 11 Phone Orders due November 13

Our potato filling makes a great side dish for holiday entertaining and can be frozen for later! Proceeds support our Volunteer in Mission Adult Volunteers. Order forms are on the bulletin board outside of Stringer. Contact Barb Hartmann at 215-896-3350 or e-mail ebhartmann1722@gmail.com with any questions. Barb is also looking for help to make the filling on Monday, November 25. Please contact her if you’re available to help. Thanks!

The Women’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study will not meet on Wednesday, November 27. They will resume their regular meetings on Wednesday, December 4.

The Glad Tidings Christmas Shop will be held at Haws Avenue UMC on Saturday, December 7th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  This shop is sponsored by our Southern Montgomery Mission Link to aid families who need a little extra help with Christmas gift-giving for their children and grandchildren. Pricing of gifts happens on location Thursday, 12/5 at 10:00 a.m.  Set up is Friday evening, 12/6 at 6:00 p.m.  Help is needed at all three time slots, but especially the day of the event.  Please respond to Pastor Sue at kettsue@gmail.com if you are able to help.  Thank you!

Save the Date!

Lansdale UMC will be hosting a Blood Drive on Thursday, December 19, from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Instructions to sign up will be coming shortly.

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This Week in Sunday School

After sharing in fellowship, please join us in one of our adult Sunday school classes at 10:30. Bring your coffee with you!

Verge! Shifts to Bible Study During November and December

Beginning November 3, Pastor Bill will lead a Bible Study on the Gospel according to Matthew's chapters 1-4, which include the Infancy Gospel and the origins of Jesus' early ministry. The study will explore the language, theology, and cultural influences present in the gospel. All that's needed is a desire to learn and your favorite Bible.

New Horizons class will attend Verge! through November.

Wesleyan class study for October through November is The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. In December, we will focus on an Advent Study. We meet upstairs in Room A202 after Fellowship at 10:30 a.m. Come and walk with us on “The Way.”

Upper Room class will be studying God’s Messy Family. The class will meet upstairs in Room A207.

Dig Deeper into the Word

Have Pastor Bill’s sermons on Jesus and Paul spoken to you? Have you been inspired and now want to go deeper into the Word? The LUMC Library has commentaries, Biblical and theological studies as well as reference works. Check out the titles on the LUMC Book Cart and in the library.

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Sermon Notes

Apparently, an active core of busybodies, meddlers, and troublemakers was causing problems in the Thessalonian Christian community. They were directly contradicting the example of the apostles. Because the gospel is a free gift, it ought to produce a life of good works that build the community. However, where meddling, gossiping, and disruptive behaviors flourish, the church is in danger, and Paul’s warning in this reading is directly applicable. The gospel reading is a scene from Holy Week. Jesus is in the temple observing the goings-on. He watches a widow give her last coin to the treasury. Then, Jesus overhears a conversation about the beauty of the temple. This opens the door for an impromptu commentary on the future of the Holy City of Jerusalem. Jesus and Paul offer those in their care principles for active loyalty and living.

Here’s How to Contact Our Pastor and Staff

Interim Pastor – Bill Lentz pastorbill@lansdaleumc.orgAdministrative Assistant – Becky Conrad office@lansdaleumc.orgDirector of Music Ministry – Rays Koshy rjnewkoshy@gmail.comOrganist – Ruth Rineer ruth.e.rineer@gmail.comChildren’s Education Director - Liz Bonner lumceducation@verizon.netBright Beginnings Nursery School Dir. – Liz Bonner BrightBeginnings5@verizon.netNursery Director – Donna Fritz clod21361@aol.comYouth Directors– Ian Bonner and Mike Richardson lumcyouthteam@gmail.comCustodian – Bill Scheetz wps80jr@gmail.com

Emergency Contact – Pastor Bill – 484-767-2352

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