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Please wear masks at all times and maintain physical distancing in the park. Additional information about what to expect can be found in sections below. To participate drive-in style, tune the radio to 101.7 FM. The service will be shared live online using Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stpaulskensington
Gathering for Worship
Worship music today is presented by Beth Pierce and David Weaver.
Prelude - "Glory Hallelujah (When I Lay My Burden Down)" - traditional spiritual
Lyrics: Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burdens down. (repeat) All of my troubles will be over, when I lay my burdens down.
Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burdens down.
I’ll go home to meet my Savior when I lay my burdens down.
Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burdens down.
I will see, see my mother, when I lay my burdens down.
Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burdens down.
Announcements - Marge Higgins, Lay Leader
Anthem - "I’ll Fly Away"
Lyrics: Some bright morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away;
To that home on God's celestial shore, I’ll fly away. (Refrain) I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away in the morning;
When I die, Hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away.
When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away,
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly, I’ll fly away.
Oh, how glad and happy when we meet, I’ll fly away.
No more cold iron shackles on my feet.
Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away.
To a land where joys will never end, I’ll fly away.
Words & Music: Albert E. Brumley, copyright 1932 Hartford Music Company. Renewed 1960 Albert E. Brumley & Sons (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC). Used by permission under CCLI license #24106074. All rights reserved.
Opening Prayer - Rev. Dr. Patricia Allen, Senior Pastor
Proclamation of the Word - Peggy Graham, Lay Reader
Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:18-23
18“Hear then the parable of the sower. 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Anthem - "We Shall Not Be Moved"
Lyrics: We shall not be, we shall not be moved. (repeat)
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
We shall not be moved.
Glory hallelujah, we shall not be moved. (repeat)
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
We shall not be moved.
On this rock of ages, we shall not be moved. (repeat)
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
We shall not be moved.
On our way to glory land, we shall not be moved. (repeat)
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
We shall not be moved.
We shall not be, we shall not be moved. (repeat)
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water,
We shall not be moved.
Words & Music: Albert Ackley, 1906.
Sermon - Rev. Dr. Patricia Allen, Senior Pastor
Response to the Word (There are many ways we can express our gratitude for God’s presence. Sharing our time, talents, and gifts are a part of our giving with joy. Although we will not pass offering plates, you will find offering buckets available near the ushers if you wish to make a donation by cash or check today. You may also visit stpaulsk.org/giving to donate securely online.)
Sacrament of Baptism
John Frederick Stephens
Congregational Response: Through baptism
you are incorporated by the Holy Spirit into God’s new creation
and made to share in Christ’s royal priesthood.
We are all one in Christ Jesus.
With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you
as a member of the family of Christ.
Rite of Confirmation
Introduction to the Service and Presentation of Candidates
Sophia Bartley,
Audrey Brown, Connor Buss, Ella Carmen, Charlotte Markey, Matthias Meszaros,
Natalie Mullens, Colin O’Neill,
Anna Ruhlen,
John Stephens,
Aki Takata, Charlotte Weikert
Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
As each confirmand is received into full professing membership of the church, he or she will be praying for the Holy Spirit to move in this milestone moment in a powerful way. Your silent prayers as each young person comes before God will magnify this effort. You may use this prayer or any similar invocation:
Holy Spirit, fill [name] with your power now. Forgive [his/her] sins, strangely warm [his/her] heart. Enable [name] to speak with boldness, that all may know of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Reception into The United Methodist Church
Reception into St. Paul’s UMC
Commendation and Welcome
Congregational Response
: We give thanks for all that God has already given you
and we welcome you in Christian love.
As members together with you
in the body of Christ
and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church,
we renew our covenant
faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church
by our prayers, our presence,
our gifts, our service, and our witness,
that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant
Introduction to the Service and Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
Leader: And so I ask you, will you turn away from the powers of sin and
death?
People: We renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
and repent of our sin.
L: Will you let the Spirit use you as prophets to the powers that be?
P: We accept the freedom and power God gives us
to resist evil, injustice, and oppression,
in whatever forms they present themselves.
L: Will you proclaim the good news
and live as disciples of Jesus Christ, his body?
P: We confess Jesus Christ as our Savior,
put our whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as our Lord,
in union with the church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races.
L: Will you be living witnesses to the gospel, individually and together,
wherever you are, and in all that you do?
P: We will remain faithful disciples of Christ’s holy church
and serve as Christ’s representatives in the world.
L: Let us join together in professing the Christian faith
as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Do you believe in God the Father?
P: I believe in God the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
L: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
P: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord:
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
L: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
P: I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Thanksgiving Over the Water and Reaffirmation of Baptism
Using any water you’ve brought today, the pastors will invite you to touch the water, and to remember your baptism and be thankful. With regrets, due to health concerns during the time of covid-19, we will not be able to provide a shared source of water.
Thanksgiving and Holy Communion,
The Invitation and The Great Thanksgiving
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
L: Lift up your hearts.
P: We lift them up to the Lord.
L: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
P: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
(The pastor gives thanks, remembering God’s acts of salvation.) L: And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
P: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
(The pastor continues the thanksgiving and concludes:) L: And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
P: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
(The pastor continues and concludes:) L: All honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever.
P: Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen.
Breaking the Bread & Consecrating the Elements
(Please, do NOT consume these communion elements at this time! Save them, and prayerfully consume them at home after washing or sanitizing your hands. This way, you will not remove your mask or touch your face in a way that could risk exposing yourself - or your neighbors here - to illness.)
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery
in which you have given yourself to us.
Grant that we may go into the world
in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others,
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anthem - "Lift Up Your Voice, Shout and Sing"
Lyrics:
Lift up your voice, shout and sing, let the hallelujahs ring,
As we fight for peace here on Earth.
Oh please don’t hesitate,
Cause we’ve got no time to waste.
Lift up your voice, shout and sing. Let’s get to work.
Love thy neighbor as thyself, lend a hand and offer help
To those in this world who are in need.
Feed the hungry, clothe the poor, when you’re tired do a little more.
On your journey may I wish you Godspeed.
Welcome the stranger in your home, those you see who are alone,
Build more bridges, not walls in this life.
To the least of these, you have done unto me:
That’s how the Lord did say to make it right.
Words & Music: David Weaver, 2019. Used by permission.
Sending Forth
Blessing of the Backpacks
You are invited to present backpacks, laptop bags, tablets, or other items symbolic of the new academic year. We will also bless the annual “Backpack Build” school supplies, generously placed in the bins at the Town Hall parking lot area by our members and friends today. Our partners at Interfaith Works will distribute items to Montgomery County children whose families are less able to provide essential school supplies. If you wish to donate directly, visit stpaulsk.org/service/justice-and-compassion for the link to the Interfaith Works “Amazon Wish List.” Financial gifts can be sent to the church office by check, made out to St. Paul’s UMC with “Backpack Build” on the memo line, and will be used to purchase additional supplies.
Benediction
Postlude - "Shine, Jesus, Shine"
Lyrics: Lord, the light of your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness shining.
Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us, set us free by the truth you now bring us.
Shine on me, shine on me...
Chorus: Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory,
Blaze, spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light!
Lord, I come to your awesome presence, from the shadows into your radiance,
By the blood I may enter your brightness. Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me...
As we gaze on your kingly brightness, so our faces display your likeness,
Ever changing from glory to glory; mirrored here may our lives tell your story.
Shine on me, shine on me...
Words & Music: Graham Kendrick, copyright 1987 by Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). Used by permission under CCLI license #24106074. All rights reserved.
Scripture Next Week: Matthew 13:31-35; Rev. Dr. Pat Allen, preaching. Worship-at-Home at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday: stpaulsk.org/worship/worship-at-home
Click HERE to read current announcements, also posted in the latest Weekly News.