La Plata United Methodist Church

5th Sunday after the Epiphany

February 9, 2020

Café Worship (8:30)*You may leave your cell phones ON, but set to vibrate or silent, please*

Feel free to share on social media that you are here at La Plata Church, ready toworship the Lord in joy!

Welcome & Centering*Opening Prayer (Together)May my heart and mind be united in love for God,service for humankind, compassion for all and biasagainst none. May this be my pledge before my God.Amen.

Greeting Each Other in the Name of Christ

Musical Moment Love Lifted MeI was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shorevery deeply stained within, sinking to rise no morebut the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cryfrom the waters lifted me, now safe am ILove lifted me (even me) Love lifted me (even me)when nothing else could help, Love lifted meLove lifted me (even me), Love lifted me (even me)When nothing else could help, Love lifted me!

Announcements & Invitations

Mission Moment Kim Williams

Time of Prayer:Sharing Our Week’s Blessings, Trials, and Requests,Silent Prayers, Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (Together)Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy

name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth asit is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Andforgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those whotrespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, andthe power, and the glory forever. Amen.

ReloadScriptures for the Day

The Hebrew Bible Lesson Joshua 24: 14-18 The Hebrew Bible Lesson Joshua 24: 22-27

The Message Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl“Where is Your Stone?”

Benediction

*Please rise in body or in spirit

Liturgist: Tina McCormick; Service Prayer Partner: Doris White

Traditional Worship (11:00)*You may leave your cell phones ON, but set to vibrate or silent, please*

Feel free to share on social media that you are here at La Plata Church to

celebrate and worship the risen Lord!

Prayer Before WorshipMay my heart and mind be united in love for God, service for

humankind, compassion for all and bias against none. May this be

my pledge before my God. Amen.

Prelude Linda Dent Mitchell

Lighting the Altar Candles,

& A Time of Quiet MeditationWhen the Prayer Before Worship has finished and the Prelude

begins, please quiet yourselves in preparation for worship.

Presentation of the Colors

Introit: Cherub Choir

“Chatter with the Angels”

Welcome, News & Opportunities

Mission Moment Kim Williams

Call to Worship

From every tribe and nation

We come to worship God

From every age and time

We join with the Eternal congregation in praise

We will not turn but remain on your path

We will not waiver but cling to your truth

With your help, we will succeed

With your help, we will be faithful

Thanks be to God! Amen.

*Opening Hymn UM Hymnal, 396

“O Jesus I Have Promised”

The Invocation (Together)

O God, your will is that all your children should grow into fullness

of life. We lift to you the ministry of scouting. We offer you thanks

for camping, to teach us that the world is our great home; for study

and work, to build character; for service, to see our responsibility

to those in need; for encouragement in genuine patriotism and

vital faith. Bless the work of scouting, in this place and around the

world, that, through its efforts, the young may, like our Lord,

increase in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with you and all

people. Amen.~ Frank Trotter (20th Century)

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

And also with you.

Let us greet our neighbors and extend God’s peace to each other.

Children’s Message Kathy Stapleson

Anthem: Cherub Choir

“All Night, All Day”

The Hebrew Bible Lesson Joshua 24: 14-18

The Offertory Crimson Angels

“Here I Am To Worship”

*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 Hebrew Bible Lesson Joshua 24: 22-27

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

Thanks be to God.

The Message Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl

“Where is Your Stone?”

*Closing Hymn UM Hymnal 399

“Take My Life, And Let It Be”

*Benediction

Retiring of the Colors

*Congregational Response The Faith We Sing, 2080

“All I Need Is You”

All I need is you, Jesus, all I need is you.

You are the source of all I need. All I need is you.

Postlude Linda Dent Mitchell

*Please rise in body or in spirit

Acolyte: Hailey Leonard; Liturgist: Jean Earnshaw

Organist: Linda Dent Mitchell; Cherub Choir Co-Director: Linda Dent Mitchell

Cherub Choir Co-Directors: Sherry McConnell, Judi Gordon, Rev. Sue Carns;

Service Prayer Partner: Archie Verdiglione, Sr.

The flowers on the Altar are given to theglory of God, and in celebration of their

70thWedding Anniversary,by Dean & Eileen Howard

The Scripture Lessons

Joshua 24: 14-18 (NIV)“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away thegods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and inEgypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable toyou, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whetherthe gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods ofthe Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and myhousehold, we will serve the Lord.”Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord toserve other gods! It was the Lord our God himself who brought us andour parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performedthose great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journeyand among all the nations through which we traveled. And the Lorddrove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who livedin the land. We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God.”

Joshua 24: 22-27 (NIV)Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you havechosen to serve the Lord.”“Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied.“Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that areamong you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God andobey him.”On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there atShechem he reaffirmed for them decrees and laws. And Joshuarecorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took alarge stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of theLord.“See!” he said to all the people. “This stone will be a witness againstus. It has heard all the words the Lord has said to us. It will be awitness against you if you are untrue to your God.”

Living Into God’s Word1. Were you ever a scout?

2. What is/was your favorite part of being a scout?

3. What is the scout promise?

4. How important is it to keep your promises?

5. How good are you at keeping promises?

6. ________ said to all the people, “Behold, this _______

shall be for a witness against us, for it has heard all the

_____ ___ _____ ________ which He spoke to us; thus it

shall be for a ___________ against you, so that you do not

deny your God.”~ Joshua

7. How do you remember to keep your promises?

8. How do you mark or remember an important time with

God?

9. What is one thing you are willing to promise God today?

10. Greet a scout this morning and thank them for helping

us worship God!

Church CalendarSunday, February 9 - Scouting Sunday

8:30a Café Worship (FH2)

9:45a Sunday School for All Ages (Entire church)

11:00a Traditional Service - Carillon Choir (Sanctuary)

12:00p Ash Wednesday Play practice (Sanctuary)

12:00p Howard Anniversary Party (FH1)

1:30p Sagepoint Service

Monday, February 10

5:30p 12 Step Home Group - AA Mtg. (Rm. 104)

6:00p Girl Scout Troop 1438 (Rm. 110)

7:00p BSA Troop 1814 Mtg. (FH1)

7:30p PMNS - All In (FH2)

8:00p AA Meeting - Warner Group (Rm. 104)

Tuesday, February 11

8:30a Life Line Screening (FH1)

10:00a UMW Book Club (Parlor)

12:30p BLP 2's Team Mtg. (Rm. 412/Board Room)

6:00p Creative Circle (Rm. 104)

6:00p Women’s Emmaus Reunion Group (Parlor)

6:00p Men’s Emmaus Reunion Group

7:30p Finance Mtg. (Rm. 412/Board Room)

Wednesday, February 12

9:30a Wednesday Morning Bible Study (Rm. 110)

12:00p AA Meeting - Serenity Seekers (Rm. 104)

1:30p BLP 4's Team Mtg. (Rm. 412/Board Room)

2:30p Food Pantry (Bowie Annex)

6:00p BLP Training (FH2)

6:30p Southern Maryland Trail Riders (FH1)

7:00p Cherub Choir & Crimson Angels Practice (Rms. 104 & 110)

7;30p Chancel Choir (Adult Choir Room)

Thursday, February 13

12:30p BLP Valentine’s Party (FH2)

1:30p BLP 3's Team Mtg. (Rm. 412/Board Room)

6:00p Carillon Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

6:30p Cub Scout Pack 423 Den Mtg. (Rm. 104, 106, 110 & FH 1)

7:00p Preachers Pop Up Prayer

Friday, February 14 - Happy Valentine’s Day

12:30p BLP Valentine’s Party (FH2)

Saturday, February 15

10:00a SMYO Cheer Practice (FH1)

Sunday, February 16

8:30a Café Worship (FH2)

9:45a Sunday School for All Ages (Entire church)

11:00a Traditional Service - Carillon Choir (Sanctuary)

12:00p Youth Safe Night Lunches (FH1 & Kitchen)

7:00p Safe Nights (FH1 & 2)

Monday, February 17 - Presidents’ Day / BLP & Church office closed 5:30p 12 Step Home Group - AA Mtg. (Rm. 104)

7:00p Safe Nights (FH1 & 2)

8:00p AA Meeting - Warner Group (Rm. 104)KEY: FH1=Old Fellowship Hall, FH2=New Fellowship Hall, Rm. 104=Old Youth Room, Rm. 106=Old Conf. Rm #1,

Rm. 110=Old Conf. Rm. #2, Rm. 102=Old Parlor BLP=Blessed Lambs Preschool

HERE’S THE SCOOPFOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP - The Food Pantry is requesting your donations

of the following items: mandarin oranges, pasta sauces, egg noodles, pastas, rice,

instant potatoes, Dinty Moore beef stew, cream of mushroom soup, peas, pancake mix,

syrup, oatmeal, muffin mix, brownie mix, cake mix & frosting, packaged cookies,

crackers, hot chocolate. baked beans, soups, children's juice boxes, snack items for

kids (individual wrapped cookies, cheese crackers etc.) and empty egg cartons. Pick

up your shopping list located on the information table. You may place your

donated items in the Food Donation Box in the front entrance. Pet food donations are

always appreciated. You can also make monetary donations, just write "Food Pantry"

in the memo line of your check, or give online.

BLESSED LAMBS PRESCHOOL - Blessed Lambs is now taking registrations for the

2020/2021 school year. Registration information can be found at

www.blessedlambs.org or by stopping by the preschool office.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - The church family is invited to join Dean and Eileen

Howard as they celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. Today, February 9, 2020

after the 11:00 worship service, we will gather in Fellowship Hall 1 to enjoy some

cake, cookies and coffee and wish the lovebirds a Happy Anniversary.

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION - Have you been attending La Plata Church but have not

yet made the decision to publically commit to Christ at La Plata Church as a member?

Now might just be the time! If you are interested in joining, or discussing it more in

detail, please place the word “membership” beside your name in the attendance

record pad. Those of you who have already expressed your interest do not need to

submit a request again. Please prayerfully consider entering into the adventure called

Church Membership!

SAFE NIGHTS - This year's Safe Nights week at La Plata UMC is February 16 - 23,

2020. Kim Williams is scheduling volunteers for breakfast crews, daily laundry and

bathroom cleanup, and Overnight Hosts! She is also seeking volunteers of home cooks

to make breakfast, entrees, casseroles, burritos or preparing a variety of sandwiches

for the bagged lunches. She is also asking the congregation for donations of individual

lunch sides of fruit cups, and desserts. If you are interested in serving dinner, our

Men’s club and UMW are serving dinner on Tuesday and Friday. Please contact Kim

Williams at kim.williams19721@gmail.com or 301-615-1580 to volunteer. There are

more details in The Grapevine.

ALPHA CELEBRATION - The Alpha Celebration is set for Sunday, February 23, 2020

at 12:30 PM. The Alpha Celebration is the introduction of the Alpha Course, a 10 week

video-based course that addresses such issues as, who is Jesus, why did he die, faith,

prayer, the Bible, and many others. In the videos, Nicky Gumbel tells us about his

amazing journey from atheism to a life of faith in Christ. If you are interested in

learning more about Alpha or about deepening your understanding of faith, the Alpha

Course is the first step of discipleship and is highly recommended for you. This is the

best class to take to begin your spiritual journey. Please sign up on the attendance

pad, the sign-up sheet at worship, or call the church office. We will be serving lunch,

so you will need to sign up to attend. If you have questions, give me a call in the

church office at 301-934-2288, I hope that all of you who have taken Alpha will

consider coming and bringing a friend or family member that you want to introduce

to Alpha.

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - Are you looking to breathe new life into your congregation

or perhaps are you dreaming of launching a brand new church? Both begin with the

same question: what is shaping your church? Is your church shaped by worship or

programs, children or youth ministries or by the preferences of your current members?

What if your church was shaped by the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for

the transformation of the world? What if your church was shaped by the mission of

reaching people who currently don't attend any church? If these questions make your

heart sing, then join New Faith Expressions Track at the Connect Leadership Summit.

On Saturday, March 14 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Waters UMC or Brooks UMC in Saint

Leonard, MD. The cost is $40 and you can register on the Baltimore Washington

website.

SOUP AND BREAD SUPPER - Last Sunday Pastor Susan announced plans for a

humble soup and bread meal before our Ash Wednesday Service. We need provisions!

Therefore, I'm looking for 10-12 cooks to provide a cock-pot of your favorite and

comforting soup. I am also looking for bread makers. Remember "Wonder Bread" isn't

on the menu. So, if you have a favorite loaf, or two, you'd provide. Please remember

we begin our Lenten journey to the Cross that night, hence NO desserts! Please contact

Karen Grace at graceplace1983@gmail.com with your sustenance donation plans.

ASP MILES OF PENNIES FUND RAISER - ASP & Mile of Pennies Update - You still

have time to join the ASP teams (high school and middle school) this summer. If

interested, please contact John Carns at carns@comcast.net or at 301.848.0060. The

pennies/coins have started rolling in . . . $165 so far. That puts us at .2 miles or nearly

10% of our goal of two miles of pennies! Thank you.

ALTAR FLOWERS - There are still some spots left to sign up to provide flowers for our

altar in honor, celebration or memory of a special event or a loved one. Please choose

a date on the sign up sheet. Be sure to include your email address and phone number

and what you would like printed in the bulletin. You may also sign up on the chart in

the Narthex.

ROUTE 6 ENTRANCE - Please do not use the front / Route 6 entrance of the church to

exit the building. The door does not close properly from the outside and the church has

been found unlocked and unsecured on Monday morning when the staff arrive.

ATTENDANCE PAD - Please be sure to sign in on the attendance pads in the pews. If

you have changed your address, email, last name or phone number, please include

that so that we can correct the information in our data base. Once you have signed in,

simply place the sign in sheet in the offering plate.

BOX TOPS FOR MATULA - As you may know, for several years, there has been a

plastic box in the lobby available for those of you who are clipping and saving Box

Tops for Matula Elementary School. Well, now, NO MORE CLIPPING. No more

bringing your Box Tops in. You can download the All-New Box Tops App - designate

Matula as your school of choice - shop as you normally would - then simply scan your

store receipts to find participating products. The app will automatically credit Matula

with your Box Top earnings. There are so many items on your store list these days that

are qualifying for credit. If you have any questions, contact Jean Sigmon at

sigmonjean@gmail.com. And, if you would rather continue to clip your Box Tops, the

box in the lobby will still be available.

BLESSING BUDDIES - The Prayer Shawl ministries Blessing Buddies were a big hit,

which means we need more. Please donate a new Teddy Bear for our Blessing Buddies

ministry. These bears will spend time in worship and prayer with our congregation,

and then be taken to bless those who need some comfort from their church family.

There will be a box in the front entrance for your donations, or you can bring them to

the church office any time during the week.

WORSHIPWORSHIP SCHEDULE - The Sunday morning worship schedule is: Café Worship at

8:30 AM in Fellowship Hall 2, and Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary at 11:00 AM.

NURSERY IS AVAILABLE - Nursery care for little ones (ages 0-4 yrs) is available

during the 11:00 Sunday morning service. If your little one becomes unsettled and is

in need of more care, please contact an usher who can direct you to the nursery or to

the rocking chairs in the back. We are grateful to the staff and volunteers that help us

provide a nursery each week. If you would like to volunteer in the nursery, please

contact Alyssa Wheeler.

If you are a parent or a grandparent of young children, or you just want to spend

some time with the youngest in our congregation, consider signing up to volunteer in

the Nursery. To volunteer, or for information, contact Alyssa Wheeler at

awheeler007@gmail.com.

SUNDAY SCHOOL - Sunday School is available for everyone from 9:45 - 10:45 each

week! Children ages 2 - 5th grade begin in Fellowship Hall 1

Middle School meets in room 422

High School meets in room 217

Three adult classes include: "Current Events" led by Jim Risley in the parlor; "Life

Application" meets in Fellowship Hall 2 and is led by Julie Robbins, "History Of" meets

downstairs in room 110 and is led by Randi McWilliams and Adam Todd.

HEARING ASSIST DEVICES - are available, please see an usher to get one.

SERVICE & CARINGCANDY BARS FOR SALE - There are still candy bars available for purchase in the

church office to benefit our Cub Scout Pack 423. World's Finest Chocolate for $1.00.

Please contact Mark Stancliff at mwstancliff@gmail.com or stop by the church office

to get your candy bars.

CUB SCOUT PACK 423 - La Plata United Methodist Church is the Charter Organization

for Cub Scout Pack 423. Cub Scouting is fun for the whole family. In Scouting, boys

and girls start with their best right now selves, and grow into their very best future

selves. It's fun, hands-on learning, and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the

action and prepares them for today - and for life. The leadership of Pack 423 is

grateful for the opportunity to be a part of La Plata United Methodist Church, bringing

families from the community together to experience a place to belong. The cost of

Scouting is a true investment in a child's education and future. Please consider

supporting the efforts of the Pack with a donation to fund the pack programming. You

can donate electronically on laplataumc.org, click Online Giving, and choose the line

item Cub Scouts Pack 423.

FAITH SHARINGMAKE A NEW FRIEND TODAY - As you enter Church today to worship, look around

and see if you can find someone you don't know. During Passing of the Peace, make

a point to introduce yourself to them and invite them to join you in an activity of the

Church. If you can't get to them during the Passing of the Peace, hang around for a

bit after worship and strike up a conversation with them. In time you'll discover if

they are long lost members, or here for the first time. Either way, you get to make a

new friend. Thank you for being one of the friendliest and most caring congregations

around.

Our Prayer ListPlease pray:

For our friends and family who have medical issuesTom Berry

Karyl Beverage

Margaret Bowie

Frank Brinson

Patricia Buckler

Sue Carns

Jennifer Carpenter

Jerome Church

Cathy Compton

Harolly Coombs

Julie Davis

Joyce Dean

Sandra Fykes

Remy Zachary

Gordon

Carl Greene

Peggy Hamilton

Randy Hill

Christina Kingsbury

Francis Lewis

Donna McKenzie

Ed McKenzie

Johnny McPherson

Linda Dent Mitchell

Renee Nash

Carl Occhipinti

Kitley Rainwater

Melissa Faith Rollins

Crystal Rupprecht

Sunny Rupprecht

Donna Sarnacki

Tabitha Schneider

Charley Shaw

Carol Sorenson

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

Iris Dickerson Sharon Ferguson

Helen Sullivan Ann Bergerstock

Please pray:

For our friends and family who are grieving:The family of Jeff Bennett as they mourn his passing and celebrate his life.

The family of Reba June Hanson as they mourn his passing and celebrate he

life.

Continue to pray for:Pastor Susan, our church leadership teams and congregation as we seek our way

forward into ministry in the new year.

The homeless during these cold winter months. That they might find adequate

shelter from the cold.

Our delegates to General Conference 2020 and the future of the United Methodist

Church.

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

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

Corrie Roberts . . . 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 Sextons

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

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