La Plata United Methodist Church

3rd Sunday of Easter

April 26, 2020Traditional 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 walk

the lenten journey to the cross!

Prayer Before WorshipAs I come before you to worship, O Lord, take all else from my

mind. Take all else from my worry. Take all else from my care. All

will be provided and all will be well as I walk with you, learn your

ways, and live in the light of your life. Through Jesus Christ, the

Risen One, Amen.

Prelude Cheryl Reckeweg

Lighting the Altar Candles, & A Time of Quiet Meditation

When the Prayer Before Worship has finished and the Prelude

begins, please quiet yourselves in preparation for worship.

Welcome, News & Opportunities

†Call to WorshipTell the story of life and life eternal

We come to learn and then to share

Witness the miracle of the in-breaking of God

We go to break through despair and shed hope

Our new lives are just beginning

Our lives belong to God

WE belong to God!

*Opening Hymn UM Hymnal, 304

“Easter People, Raise Your Voices”

Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer of Intercession

Epistle Lesson 1 Peter 1: 17-23

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

And also with you.

Children’s Moment Kathy Stapleson

The Offertory

*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 Gospel Lesson Luke 8: 40-48

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

Thanks be to God.

The Message Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl

“Unnoticed In The Crowd”

*Closing Hymn The Faith We Sing, 2145

“I've Got Peace Like a River”

*Benediction

*Congregational Response The Faith We Sing, 2152

“Change My heart, O God”

Change my heart, O God. Make it ever true

Change my heart, O God. May I be like you.

Postlude Cheryl Reckeweg

*Please rise in body or in spirit

Organist: Cheryl Reckeweg; Liturgist: Kathryn Greene

Service Prayer Partners: Sharon Bowie & Carol Sorenson

Tech Crew: Mark Stancliff, Logan Marsh & Lynn Elmwood

The Scripture Lessons1 Peter 1: 17-23 (NIV)

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out

your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with

perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty

way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood

of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of

the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you

believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith

and hope are in God.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have

sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have

been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living

and enduring word of God.

Luke 8: 40-48 (NIV)

Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting

him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet,

pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about

twelve, was dying.

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there

who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She

came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her

bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing

against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell

at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him

and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith

has healed you. Go in peace.”

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 t o

support the work of our church by texting your tithe.

HERE’S THE SCOOPSUPPLIES 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,

SEND HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES! - Mike Merritt will turn 93 on April 26. If you

would like to send him a card to let him know you are thinking of him on his

birthday, his address is:

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

Room 303

29449 Charlotte Hall Rd.

Charlotte Hall, MD 20622

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!

SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION - Thank you for worshiping with us this past

Sunday, as we celebrated Camping Sunday! We had a lot of fun with different

songs and hearing about summer camp, including a video from camp! If you

have a child or grandchild entering grades 2-12 in the fall check out:

bwccampsandretreats.com for info about camps the Baltimore Washington

Conference offers at Manidokan and West River. Our church offers camperships,

contact Corrie Roberts (scarlet301@gmail.com) to talk about camperships and

your needs.

A NOTE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE - 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should

give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under

compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Thank you for your generous giving! During this time of great uncertainty and

hardship, we praise God because La Plata UMC continues to receive offerings to

sustain our ministries in the face of interruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus.

We have been able to meet our expenditures with the help of your faithful gifts.

Last week, the Finance Team reviewed the financial statements for the first

quarter 2020. Our total income for the quarter is under budget, yet only slightly

less than the same quarter in 2019 (less than 2 percent difference). We are

humbled and inspired by the generosity of our church family. With the church

facilities closed, we have increased digital giving options. Now in just seconds,

we are receiving offerings to La Plata UMC via a text message. We also continue

to your receive offerings via snail-mail and online giving.

As we begin the second quarter and church facilities remain closed, we are

assessing income and expenses to mitigate potential financial stress. We are

seeking government grants to assist with payroll and we’ve taken steps to lower

monthly utility costs. The Baltimore-Washington Conference is also helping

churches in the conference with financial relief. Local churches will not be billed

for the local church component of the Conference Sponsored Pension and Health

Benefits Plans for April through June 2020.This waiver will not impact the benefits

received by any of the participants.

We are in unprecedented times, and we will make it through. We are people

of hope and witnesses of God’s grace. We continue to be amazed and inspired by

your generosity. Thank you!

There is a kind soul working in the dead letter

office of the U.S. Postal Service somewhere…

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after shedied, my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talkingabout how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write aletter to God, so that when Abbey got to heaven, God wouldrecognize her. I told her that I thought we could, so she dictatedthese words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and iswith you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you letme have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you willplay with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I amsending a picture of her so when you see her you will know thatshe is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

(written by the mother of Mer Claire)

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and

Meredith and addressed it to: God in Heaven. We put our returnaddress on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front ofthe envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to getthe letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped itinto the letter box at the post office.

A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I toldher that I thought He had. Yesterday there was a packagewrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, “ToMeredith” in an unfamiliar hand.

Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers, titled,“When a Pet Dies.” Taped to the inside front cover was the letterwe had written to God in its opened envelope. On the oppositepage was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a bighelp. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn’t sick anymore.Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbeyloved being your dog. Since we don’t need our bodies in heaven,I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sendingit back to you in this little book for you to keep and havesomething to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother forhelping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderfulmother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send myblessings every day and remember that I love you very much. Bythe way, I am wherever there is love.

“Love, God”

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

Christopher, Paul

& Tina

McCormick

Donna McKenzie

Ed McKenzie

Johnny McPherson

Renee Nash

Carl Occhipinti

Mary Perry

Jan Pester

Frank Quinn

Mary Beth Reckeweg

Melissa Faith Rollins

Crystal Rupprecht

Sunny Rupprecht

Donna Sarnacki

Tabitha Schneider

Carol Sorenson

Rosalie Snyder

Don Stapleson

Michael Stewart

Brian Thomason

Jeanette Tull

Sandy Tull

Linda Valente

Mike Williams

Rosalie Winters

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:

The family of Jan Pester as they mourn her passing.

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

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 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

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