1/19/20 10:10am Service

Today we're starting a two part series that will help us work through a difficult year. How do we be people of faith during times of political and cultural divisiveness?

Prelude
As the music starts before the service, take some time to center yourself in God's presence and direct your thoughts to him.

Meet & Greet
This is a time to say hi to the folks around you, and to share in God's peace and grace as we gather as a community of faith

​First Hymn: #569 We've a Story to Tell to the Nations

Announcements
We have a fairly calm week, watch our facebook page and church calendar for more things coming up.

Joys & Concerns
This is a time to share the good things, joys, and celebrations in that have taken place in the last week, as well as the hard things and concerns that we face.

Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer, Lord's Prayer
Take some time to lift your prayers up to God, especially the joys and concerns that have been stated, or that have been left unstated. After some time for silent prayer, Pastor John will lead in a few words of prayer, and then we'll join together in 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.

Children's Message
This is a time led by a church member with a message specially for our kids. Afterwards, the children are invited to go with the Sunday School teachers downstairs for their own special part of the service. They'll come back up at the end of the service. 
As the children come forward, please join in singing the first verse of Jesus Loves Me

1. Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! (sing 3x’s)
The Bible tells me so.

Offertory
The ushers will come forward and receive the offering plates. The liturgist will say a prayer as we begin a time to give to God. This isn't just about the money that we put in the plates, but it is about how we give to God out of our love for him.

Doxology
After the offertory has finished, please stand as you are able, and join in giving thanks to God for these offerings. Please join in singing the doxology.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Prayer & Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
13Now when Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Human One is?" 
14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the other prophets."
15He said, "And what about you? Who do you say that I am?"
16Simon Peter said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17Then Jesus replied, "Happy are you, Simon son of Jonah, because no human has shown this to you. Rather my Father who is in heaven has shown you. 18 I tell you that you are Peter. And I’ll build my church on this rock. The gates of the underworld won’t be able to stand against it. 19 I’ll give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Anything you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. Anything you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven." 20Then he ordered the disciples not to tell anybody that he was the Christ.

Leader: This is the Word of God, for the people of God
People: Thanks be to God!

Second Hymn: #348 Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

Message: We're not electing Jesus
If you want some different perspectives on worldviews and how we process through them. Go to our RightNow Media site, sign up here if you haven't already. Then click on Marceline UMC in the library and find the section call sermon extras. You'll find some good resources there that we'll be adding to.

Final Hymn: #422 Jesus, Thine All-Victorious Love

​Benediction
Go and let God's mission become integrated into every part of your life. Know that God doesn't just forgive sin, but gives us wholeness and purpose in our lives so that we can live the best life possible.