April 21 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Early light on Sunday

Bells warm up before worship

Fourth Sunday of Easter

(link to today's worship)

Today’s Meditation Verse: “This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; He has become the cornerstone!” —Acts 4:11

Welcome...Pastor Charles

Prelude...Louise Cook / “Just as I Am” by William Bradbury

*Call to Worship (Psalm 23, 1 John 3:16-24)...Amy Abshire

Day by day, God leads us: To the deep, deep pools of peace, to the green, lush lawns of grace. Day by day, Jesus calls us: To pour out ourselves in service, to anoint the stranger with hope. Day by day, the Holy Spirit shows us: The community we could be, the family we are called to become.

—Rev. Thom Shuman, posted on Lectionary Liturgies

*Hymn...“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” (UMH #155)

Psalm 23...Amy Abshire

The Lord Jesus is my Soul Shepherd who meets all my needs and makes me smile. He gets me to stop working and to relax with Him in His Father’s loving arms; He takes me into a quiet place to be still and know that He is God and I am loved; He heals and rejuvenates my whole being with His grace from the inside out. He holds my hand at the crossroads and walks me onto the path of life.

Even though I go through dark and difficult times, I don’t fear anything bad because You are with me. You discipline me in love and converse patiently with me to bring out the best in me; You prepare a celebration to bless and honor me right in front of my enemies.

You anoint me with Your Spirit to minister to others out of the overflow of Your love to me. I can count on Your generous favor and tender mercy coming to me wherever I go. I will live in the presence of Christ as His beloved in all things and at all times!

—Bill & Kristi Gaultiere, posted on Soul Shepherding

Epistle Lesson: 1 John 3:16-24...Amy Abshire

Bell Anthem...“Lord Be Glorified,” arranged by Michael Helman

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Pastor Charles

Gospel Lesson: John 10:11-18...Pastor Charles

This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon...Pastor Charles / “It’s not that baaaad”

*Hymn...“A Charge to Keep I Have” (UMH #413)

*Words for the Journey...Pastor Charles

Postlude...Louise Cook / “On Eagle’s Wings,” arranged by Douglas Wagner