Lansdale United Methodist ChurchNovember 10, 2019

Poppies in Flanders Field, Belgium

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-second Sunday after Pentecost

Catch on fire and people will come for miles to see you burn.--John Wesley (1703-1791)

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 Nun Danket Alle Gott Lachenauer

Please prayerfully prepare your heart for worship during the Prelude.

*Call to Worship

Pastor: Welcome to God’s house of prayer.People: It is a joy to be together in Christ’s name.Pastor: We will find healing for our souls.People: We need God’s healing touch.Pastor: We will find a mission for living.People: We need God’s mission to focus our lives.Pastor: Let us be united in the fullness of God’s presence.People: Let us gather in hope and joy to worship and praise.

*Hymn This Is My Song UMH 437

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Veterans Day Remembrance Once Crimson Poppies Bloomed

In 1918, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, at the 11th hour, an Armistice took effect bringing the horrors of World War I to an end. In 2012, British Methodist minister, Andrew Pratt, wrote a poem to commemorate America’s Veterans Day and Britain’s Remembrance Day.

Chancel Choir Anthem Prayer of St. Francis Litz

Prayer for Illumination Alex Holnick, Reader

First Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 Pew Bible NT 206

*Gospel Reading Luke 20:27-38 Pew Bible NT 84

*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 We are God’s People (stanzas 1-3) TFWS 2220 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 and Prayer of Gratitude

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 Lift Praise ST. DENIO

The Lord’s Prayer UMH 895

*Hymn Joy in the Morning TFWS 2284

*Blessing and Going in Peace to Serve

Postlude Two Versets Sacramento

Preparing for 2020 - From Warren Shaedle, Financial Secretary

New pledge cards for 2020 were received last Sunday bringing the Operations Fund total to $108,098, which covers about 26% 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 13 stable pledges. 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: Monday: 3:00-8:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Today in worship we'll observe a remembrance of Veterans Day. A century ago, the Paris Peace Treaty of 1919 was signed in the Versailles Hall of Mirrors, closing a chapter on World War 1, an armed conflict that reached numbers of dead and wounded among combatants and civilians at levels seen before. War continued into the 20th and 21st centuries with ever-heightening powers to kill and destroy. Our prayers today will be for all who offered and sacrificed their lives in American wars, and for the Prince of Peace to come and save us from our "warring madness."

I will meet with our marvelous staff members this week to coordinate all the happenings of Advent and Christmas. The plan this year is to focus our time and energy on gatherings that celebrate the season, teach about the faith, and delight the hearts and souls of people of all ages. For your calendar, December 22 will be a special day including a morning meal fellowship and a special pre-Christmas musical worship service. Give some thought of people in your life you can invite to join us.

The weekly bit of liturgics today focuses on the sermon. Many Protestant worship services focus centrally on the weekly sermon, written usually by clergy, trained to interpret the Word of God for the increase in faith and knowledge of God's people. Proclamation of the Word is not solely an act of the preacher but is a community act of sharing the message of God's grace and love for all people, and calling people to respond to that grace and love, which heals and makes us new people in Christ.

Last week, I began a new Sunday morning Bible Study at 10:30 a.m. on The Gospel according to Matthew.  It's my goal to complete a detailed look at chapters 1-4 by year's end, examining seriously the story of Jesus from his infancy until his adult appearance in Galilee to begin his mission on God's behalf. When was the last time you studied the Scriptures? If it's been a while, join the group and expand your mind and heart in the Word of God. 

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 10 – November 17Sunday, November 10 – Men’s Retreat 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 11 – Office Hours 11:30-4:30

11:00 a.m. AA Anniversary Luncheon – Stringer Auditorium 3:30 p.m. Staff Meeting – Conference Room 6:00 p.m. Finance Meeting – Conference Room 7:00 p.m. Church Council – Wesleyan Room

Tuesday, November 12 – Circuit Rider 6:00 p.m. Daisy Scouts – Sunday School Rooms 7:00 p.m. Church and Society– Conference Room 7:00 p.m. GA – Hecker Room Wednesday, November 13 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 Thursday, November 14 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room

Saturday, November 16 7:00 p.m. “100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice” – Stringer Auditorium 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room

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

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Prayers

JOYSBirth of Derna Elizabeth-Deb’s grandniece

CONCERNSHealing:

Jim FisherPete NollAlexSuccessful surgery for Deb M.Sandi’s friend Debi had a bad fall and needsencouragement in her faithSandi’s mom in the hospital with a heart conditionMary from cancerMary’s friend Monica from non-canceroustumorsKendra from anxiety/depressionJane’s son, Shirley’s brother, Chuck, from ongoing medical issuesLuann from back issues

Will needs to make job decisionsComfort for Peter S. as he cares for his elderly motherBill, Kathy and Louise, Kathy’s motherAnita and her family—her father passed on to be with the LordPeru—Strengthen the work of indigenous pastors and lay leaders in the South Andean Inca District

Happy Birthday to You!

Nicole Scarpaci (11/10) Kathy Beebe (11/14)Katherine Vance (11/13) Lauren Klauger (11/14)

Happy Anniversary to You!

Sherri & Ed Bennett (11/13) Dan & Terry Jenkins (11/16)Douglas & Kathleen Kober (11/14)

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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 Janet Harper at (215) 699-3026 if you’d like to add a joy or concern.

Youth Group has resumed its regular weekly meetings 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!

THANK YOU!

Thanks to all who helped make last week’s craft fair so successful. Our food sale raised $274.00, the UMW craft table raised $226.00, and the rental of tables by over 25 vendors raised $435.00, for a grand total of $935.00! The money raised from the table rent will be split between Bright Beginnings and LUMC operations. This success wouldn’t have happened without all of you who came out to help on Friday night and Saturday.

Doris Shaedle and Nancy Silknitter

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.

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!

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Save the Date – November 16 at 7 pm ---- Stringer Auditorium“100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice”

Elouise Cobell (Blackfeet) filed a class-action lawsuit in 1996 alleging the federal government’s mismanagement of the trust funds of more than 500,000 American Indians—and won! The Church and Society Work Area brings you this dramatic documentary as this year’s focus on Native American Awareness.

Our church family, our friends and neighbors are invited.

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.

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Sermon Notes

Church conflict leaves everyone ill at ease. Rumors swirl, people lose trust or cut off, and the whole system is anxious and threatened. Paul’s congregation in Thessaloniki was anxious about his teaching on end times, which led to rumors and that upset the people. His letter was an encouragement to keep firm in the faith and not be alarmed, anxious, or shaken. "Stick to sound doctrine and remember the teachings of Christ and the apostles," was his counsel. Paul called his church to pray in troubled times, remembering God's love and grace. In the Gospel reading, Jesus is embroiled in a fake argument over the Torah's teaching about the resurrection. Jesus faced down the challenge to his teaching by offering a new Word about afterlife and justice. Both Paul and Jesus are leaders who have confidence and trust in God’s control of the past, the present, and the future.        

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 – 484-767-235212