La Plata United Methodist Church

6th Sunday after Easter

May 17, 2020

Traditional Worship (11:00)Prayer Before Worship

O God, our God, teach me your ways. In the midst of uncertainty,

teach me your faithful and steadfast peace. In the midst of fear,

teach me your perfect love. In the midst of this life, teach me the

path that leads to life eternal. In the midst of this world, teach me

to live in your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prelude Cheryl Reckeweg

Lighting the Altar Candles, When the Prayer Before Worship has finished and the Prelude

begins, please quiet yourselves in preparation for worship.

Welcome, News & Opportunities

Opening Hymn UM Hymnal, xxx

“As The Deer”

Sunday School Teacher Recognition

Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer of Intercession

Special Music David Hamner

“What Faith Can Do”

1st Gospel Lesson John 9: 1-12

Passing the Peace of ChristThe Peace of the Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Children’s Moment Kathy Stapleson

Claiming our Miracles

The Offertory David Hamner

“How Great is Our God”

The Doxology UM Hymnal, 95

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all

creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly hosts.

Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication (Pastor)

The 2nd Gospel Lesson John 9: 13-25

This is the word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

The Message Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl

“The One Thing We Know”

Closing Hymn The Faith We Sing, xxxx

“Amazing Grace” (with extension 3 verses)

Benediction

Congregational Response UM Hymnal, 665

“Go Now In Peace”

Go now in Peace Go now in Peace

May the love of God surround you

Everywhere, Everywhere You may go

Postlude Cheryl Reckeweg

Organist: Cheryl Reckeweg; Liturgist: Kathryn Greene

Service Prayer Partners: Sandy & Jeanette Tull

Tech Crew: Mark Stancliff, Logan Marsh & Lynn Elmwood

The Scripture LessonsJohn 9: 1-12 (NIV)

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned,this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works ofGod might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’seyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man wentand washed, and came home seeing.His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same manwho used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was.Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”“How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to goto Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”“Where is this man?” they asked him.“I don’t know,” he said.

John 9: 13-25 (NIV)

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus hadmade the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. Therefore the Pharisees also askedhim how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed,and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.”But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyeshe opened.”The man replied, “He is a prophet.”They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent forthe man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? Howis it that now he can see?”“We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how hecan see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak forhimself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already haddecided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of thesynagogue. That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling thetruth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind butnow I see!”

Stop, Drop, and Pray…do it every day!Family! As we deal with being apart in person, we are forever connected in

spirit. To each other and to our God, who holds us together in the hollow of his

hand. Every morning at 10am, let us lift up our voices TOGETHER in prayer. Put

a notification or alarm on your phone or other device. Tell your friends and

neighbors, especially those who do not have access to our online newsletter.

We have received notice that others OUTSIDE of our church have begun to

pray at that same hour as well. IT IS CATCHING ON! Please spread the word! Let

God hear the faith of his people! Praise him and call upon his power and peace

in this unsettling time.

Preacher’s Pop-Up PrayerAs we continue to connect with one another and the church during the week,

do not forget Preacher’s Pop-Up Prayer. Every Thursday at 7pm, Pastor Susan will

provide a timely devotional and prayer time. Current prayer requests can be made

live in the comments section. Those who would like the opportunity, need only be

friends of the Church’s Facebook page. Search for LaPlataUmc and hit the “friend”

or “follow” button. Then, you will receive notifications when the Pop-Up goes live.

At times, Pop-Up Prayer is uploaded when previously recorded. Just check the

page around the 7pm hour. Here at La Plata, we are trying to connect in every

way possible. NOTHING will separate our family!

GiftsAs we navigate these unchartered waters, please remember that though the

church building is closed, the work of the church goes on. Please remember the

church in your faithful giving. In order to make it as easy as possible to share your

gift, a link is provided in the comments section during the "offering" time during

our online worship service. In addition, you may go to our website, laplataumc.org

or mail your gifts to 3 Port Tobacco Rd, La Plata, Md 20646. God bless you as you

have a part in God's work in the world!

TEXT YOUR TITHE - in less time than it takes to write a check, you can make

weekly offerings by sending a text message. Check out the instructions in The

Grapevine and on our Web Site of how to get started and you can continue to

support the work of our church by texting your tithe.

HERE’S THE SCOOPSUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER RECOGNITION - Today we are recognizing our

wonderful Sunday School teachers. With their leadership LPUMC offered ten

classes each week for all ages. They planned and lead classes, caring for our

children, youth and adults and helped build and strengthen faith foundations. We

also had extremely dedicated substitutes that willingly stepped in to help out.

Thank you to: Erica Blass, Emily Boggs, Polly Boggs, Sharron Brown, Vanessa

Brown, Amy Carney, Stephen Davis, Karen Grace, Tom Grace, Beth Groth, Jason

Groth, Trish Holcomb, Becki Katt, Julie Keesee, Sarah Leonard, Deb Lucas, Rachel

Luther, Kevin Lyng, Randi McWilliams, Amber Pinto, Lexy Posey, Don Purdy, Betty

Risley, Jim Risley, Julie Robbins, Jim Roberts, Stephanie Robertson, Doug Sayers,

Terry Stancliff, Sylvia Stevens, Amber Sullivan, Carrie Summers, Adam Todd,

Jessica Tompkins, Lauren Warring and Hillary Welch. YOU all made our year in

Sunday School successful. Thank You!

A MESSAGE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE - Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in

the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your

ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

La Plata UMC is blessed!

In this season of miracles, we stand amazed and humbled by the financial gifts

that we’ve received in the last month. In a wonderful act of faith, the Marion Kraft

estate bequeathed the church a generous gift. We are thankful for Marion’s

faithfulness as a member of our congregation, and with this gift, she will continue

to be a part of our ministry. In addition, we were approved for the Small Business

Administration’s Payroll Protection Program. The funds we received from this

program will cover our payroll, mortgage interest, and utility expenses for the next

two months. We are also pursuing a technology grant with the

Baltimore-Washington Conference that will help also offset some other expenses.

Most importantly, we lift up our church family. We are especially blessed by your

generous giving. With the church facilities closed, we increased digital giving

options. We continue to receive consistent offerings via snail-mail, online giving,

and text messaging. All these gifts and offerings provide financial relief in these

unprecedented times. We are able to meet our monthly expenses and support our

community through Lifestyles of Maryland.

The Finance Committee continues to assess our financial health for the remainder

of the year, keeping in mind that some of our larger fundraisers may yet be

affected. We are hopeful that together, and with trust in God, we will make it

through these challenges stronger. We are humbled, inspired, and thankful for

what we have received. We remain people of hope and witnesses of God’s grace.

ASP FUNDRAISER - As a result of COVID-19, we lost two of our best fundraisers

. . . the Soup, Stew & Chili Cook-off and the Mexican Fiesta. As restrictions relax

and we are permitted to gather once again, we will explore the potential for

rescheduling these events. In the meantime, we are planning to continue with our

bench building project as both a fundraiser and tool training for our youth. These

sturdy benches are 48” long; made with pressure-treated lumber and are

paintable or stainable. Each bench sells for $100 and we will deliver to any

location in the commuting area. In addition, we are offering a pair of Christmas

Angels (cut from 3/8’ plywood; painted and staked; ready to use) for $100 / pair.

Please reply to John Carns carns@comcast.net or 301.848.0060 (text) to let im

know how many benches and angels ASP can make for you.

ASP TEAM TO MAKE LOCAL HOME REPAIRS - As another way to keep our teams

together and active, we are looking for some local ASP-like projects to work on this

summer. If you or you know of someone in our church or community with a dire

need please let me know and we will see if it is something we are able to assist

with. This can include but not be limited to: decks; ramps; flooring; dry-wall

repair; painting; miscellaneous repairs, etc. We would expect the homeowner to

reimburse for any materials required to do the work.Thanks and stay tuned

regarding re-scheduling of cancelled events.

SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION - Our conference has made the difficult decision

to cancel all summer camps offered at West River and Manidokan. As they said:

"the safety and well-being of every child is a foundational principle of Retreat and

Camping Ministries and one that guided our process. Providing a haven where

every child is safe, protected, and valued continues to be paramount to every

dimension of the summer camp." So, enjoy family time this summer and consider

a camp through BWC for summer 2021! Anyone who had registered will hear from

Camps and Retreats directly about your refund.

SILENT AUCTION CANCELED- We are sad to say that we have made the decision

to cancel our Silent Auction for 2020. We will be back in April of 2021, so save all

those items you been collecting for next year's auction.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY DURING THIS TIME - Your church remains

grateful for your faithful tithing during this time when we can't accept offerings

the way we normally do. We are so blessed by your offerings and we are

continuing the work of the church in many ways. Your giving enables us to give

much needed assistance to our community. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

CLAIM YOUR BLESSING! - At La Plata Church, we are claiming this time in our

lives as the season of Miracles! Now, more than ever, we need to double down on

God's provision and power in spite of the world. You can have a part in this, by

claiming your miracle or blessing and making a small video about it. Send a video

giving praise to God about some way he is breaking into your life and where you

are seeing God in action! Then, send it to the Facebook page of Mark Stancliff, our

Technology Chair. Your video will be included in one of our worship services so we

can all praise God

together! We will be concentrating on God's mighty acts for the next few months,

so keep an eye out....the miracle of birth....the uniting of spirits in

marriage......healings...... God making a way when you thought there was no

way..... God is still at work! Catch him in the act....and share!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - Children and Youth are our greatest resource.

They are not only the future of the Church, they are the PRESENT! La Plata Church

is currently accepting applicants for the position of Director Of Christian Education

and Youth Ministry. Corrie Roberts, who will hold this position until May 31, has

tendered her resignation to serve God in other ways. This is a 20 hr/wk PART-TIME

staff position. Applicants should submit a resume and references. At least one year

experience working with children and/or youth or comparable training is

preferred. If you have a heart for children and youth or know someone who does

and may have an interest, please contact the church office for more information.

Make a difference in the life of our church and in the lives of the younger members

of our church family. Position specifics are available upon request. Deadline for

applicants is June 1. Thank you!

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR SUPER HEROS!- The costume guild and friends at Port

Tobacco Theater are making mask covers and caps for Charles Regional Medical

Center personnel. Because of the great demand for masks for everyone, supplies

are running short. In particular:

• Elastic for masks – ¼” or smaller to go around the ears. Elastic is sold out many

places and can be ordered, mostly from China – which takes at least a month to

arrive.

• Materials to make ties for caps – ½” single fold bias tape (made by Wrights)

works well, but other similar items could be used. Cotton would be best. Buttons

for caps ½” to 5/8” work well. These go on the cap above the ear so that the elastic

strap can go over the button and save the top of the ear from chafing. Regular flat

buttons, 2 or 4 holes are fine. Not shank buttons.

If you have any of these items sitting around gathering dust, we could really use

them right now so that we don’t have to slow down production. Just for one

department at the hospital, they have requested 60 sets (mask and cap). If you

have a question, please feel free to call Pat Brennan (240) 346-4080. Pat will pick

up regularly any items dropped off in this bin, so that distribution to those sewing

can be made. Thanks for any and all contributions,

Trading Frustration for the Fruit of the SpiritBy: Kristine Brown

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23

Pulling into the driveway after a day full of travel setbacks, I let out a final sigh. I

couldn’t remember ever being happier to arrive home. I thought about everything that

happened, both to and from our destination. The airline switching our flight at the last

minute, causing a mad dash between terminals. The flight home being cancelled,

which resulted in lost luggage. Quite possibly the craziest travel day ever! wanted to

put it all behind me, put my feet up, and relax the rest of the evening. But instead of

finding solace in the comforts of home, conviction set in. Something bothered me about

it, and it wasn’t the lost luggage. I realized through all the frustrating mishaps of our

day, I’d failed to display the fruits of the Spirit.

I remember when my children learned about the nine fruits of the Spirit in Sunday

school. We even worked at home to memorize them. Love, joy, peace, patience,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I understood the value

of these character traits and wanted to instill them in my kids. But I’ve discovered

through life’s ups and downs that memorizing them is the easy part. Showing them?

Not so easy. So when life’s frustrations hit, how do I demonstrate the values Paul spoke

about in his letter to the Galatians? How do I trade my frustration for the nine fruits?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Paul penned these words to encourage the early Christian church to “walk in the

Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16) He longed for them to understand the difference between

living a holy life based on laws of the past and one based on freedom in Christ. His

message brought out a new truth for believers of the day. They could still live with the

virtues of God’s goodness and resist their sinful nature. But they didn’t need legalism

to do it. The key to this newfound freedom was to live by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Frustration, bitterness, complaining. We all deal with them on a daily basis. We want

to show love to our neighbor but get triggered by life’s chaos and struggle to maintain

the ideals Paul described. Thankfully, just as Paul’s wisdom gave hope to the early

church, we can discover the same hope today. We won’t be able to maintain the fruits

if we try in our own strength. But when we remember to walk in the Spirit, the fruits

will flow freely from us.

James 3:11 reinforces this hope. “Can both freshwater and saltwater flow from the

same spring?” Filling up with the freshwater of the Holy Spirit will ensure our ability

to keep our hearts in the right place when we’re tempted by frustrating circumstances.

Whether it’s patience with the airline attendant, kindness toward another driver on the

road, or joy in the middle of the grocery checkout line. We can conquer whatever

comes our way by whispering the words, “Come, Holy Spirit.” His presence will breathe

peace, joy, and patience into any situation.

Bulletin Bloopers

Next Sunday is the family hay ride and bonfire at the Fowlers. Bring your own hot

dogs and guns. Friends are welcome! Everyone comes for a fun time.

Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say “hell” to someone who doesn’t care

much about you.

The peace-making meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a

conflict.

The sermon this morning: Jesus Walks on the Water. The sermon tonight:

Searching for Jesus.

The agenda was adopted…the minutes were approved…the financial secretary

gave a grief report.

The missionary from Africa speaking at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine: Name:

Bertha Belch. Announcement: “Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the Way

from Africa.”

"The Senior Choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to

join the choir."

Don’t let worry kill you off – let the Church help.

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So

ends a friendship that began in their school days.

The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind and they may be seen

in the church basement Friday.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?” Come

early and listen to our choir practice.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new

members and to the deterioration of several others.

"Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our Church and community."

"Church office will be closed Monday. Halleluia. Halleluia."

"A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday."

Our Prayer ListPlease pray:For our friends and family who have medical issues

Tom Berry

Wade Beswick

Karyl Beverage

Margaret Bowie

Frank Brinson

Patricia Buckler

Sue Carns

Jennifer Carpenter

Jerome Church

Cathy Compton

Harolly Coombs

Joyce Dean

Lane Duque

Sandra Fykes

Remy Zachary

Gordon

Carl Greene

Peggy & Laurie

Hamilton

Randy Hill

Christina Kingsbury

Francis Lewis

Donna McKenzie

Ed McKenzie

Johnny McPherson

Renee Nash

Carl Occhipinti

Mary Perry

Frank Quinn

Mary Beth Reckeweg

Melissa Faith Rollins

Crystal Rupprecht

Patty Rupprech

Donna Sarnacki

Tabitha Schneider

Carol Sorenson

Rosalie Snyder

Don Stapleson

Michael Stewart

Brian Thomason

Jeanette Tull

Sandy Tull

Linda Valente

Mike Williams

Please pray:For our friends and family who are living in Nursing Homes, Assisted

Living or home bound:

Lennis Bridgett Mike Merritt Sharon Ferguson

Iris Dickerson Ann Bergerstock

For our friends and family who are grieving:

Joyce Clerico and family as they mourn the passing of her sister, Dorothy

“Dottie” Stevens.

Continue to pray for:

Medical personal as the put their lives at risk caring for those with Covid 19.

Researchers as they strive to develop a cure for this virus. The leaders of our

country, may the Holy Spirit be present at every meeting as they keep us informed.

Our Pastors as the continue to find new ways to minister to their flock and keep us

all connected. For each other that Christ will calm our fears and keep us safe.

Our Church Staff & Church Leadership Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor

Rev. Ed Chance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retired Pastor / Visitation

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Christian Ed & Youth Ministry

Karen Hamner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Administrator

Patricia Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choir Director

Linda Dent Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist

Cheryl Reckeweg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinator of Ministries

Laurie Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Treasurer

Archie Verdiglione, Sr. . . . . . . . . . Building Superintendent

Jim Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Sexton

Bill Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Groundskeeper

Julie Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Director

Trish Carruth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asst. Preschool Director

Mark Stancliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Council Chair

Archie Verdiglione, Sr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lay Leader

Kevin Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board of Trustees President

Tom Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff-Parish Relations Chair

Kathryn Greene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finance Committee Chair

Mark Stancliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technology Chair

Our Church Motto for 2020

"Making disciples, building community, living by

faith…together"

‘Friend’ us on Facebook:

La Plata Umc

3 Port Tobacco Road

La Plata, Maryland 20646-2824

Office: 301-934-2288

Email: laplataumc@gmail.com

On the web: www.laplataumc.org

Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl cell:

240-217-6369

CCLI License # 2524825