Why is the Christian Life So Hard? February 24, 2019 9:30 a.m., Sanctuary The gap between Jesus and the lifestyles of those who claim to follow Jesus can be so wide that it becomes the reason an unbelieving world does not believe. Our basic nature is not to love God and our neighbor—this is why the Christian life is hard. When Jesus redeems us, he also calls us to a new way of living. This means something very different than simply avoiding immoral actions; it means changing our hearts and lives.
CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP We Gather in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
OPENING PRAYER Almighty and merciful God, we open our hearts up to you, trusting that your love and goodness is stronger than all of our shortcomings. We have been afraid to trust you, and we have forgotten the assurance of your unending presence. We have sacrificed our convictions, quieted our voices, given in to distractions, and looked out for ourselves above all else. We have thought about giving up when the task before us seems too great. Forgive us for all these things, and help us to be guided by your Spirit and to be filled with the One who gives us life. Amen. PRELUDE | Finlandia Michael Mazzatenta, arranger | Bells of St. Andrew, Lynn Hayes, conductor *CALL TO WORSHIP A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Speak to us Lord. As you promised through your prophets Isaiah and John the Baptist, come to us now. May all the barriers be removed so that we can receive your word and worship you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. *OPENING HYMN | Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee 89 | Hymn To Joy
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Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
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Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
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All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heaven reflect thy rays, stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in thee.
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Mortals, join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began; love divine is reigning o’er us, binding all within its span. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife; joyful music leads us sunward, in the triumph song of life.
*Please rise in body or spirit.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and 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. 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. Amen. *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. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
We Offer Our Prayers ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PSALM 51 | Hymn 785 CALL TO PRAYER PASTORAL PRAYER LORD’S PRAYER CHORAL RESPONSE
We Offer Our Gifts ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
OFFERTORY | How Firm a Foundation Dan Forrest, arranger | Chancel Choir
We Hear God’s Word ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Why is the Christian Life So Hard? Dr. Scott Engle & Rev. Arthur Jones
+In this instance, catholic means universal.
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We Go in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
*CLOSING HYMN | Breath On Me, Breath of God 420 | Trentham 1 Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.
3 Breathe on me, Breath of God, till I am wholly thine, till all this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine.
2 Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure, until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.
4 Breathe on me, Breath of God, so shall I never die, but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.
*BENEDICTION POSTLUDE | Maestoso Energico Clement Loret, composer | Dr. Jonathan M. Gregoire, organist
Notes on the Cover Art The Bible uses an image of a mountaintop to describe the feeling of being close to God. While the mountaintop is glorious, climbing the mountain can be tough. The Christian life can sometimes feel like ascending the sheer face of a mountain. This is why it’s better to make the climb with others.
Art by Briana Williams
The Wesleyan Way: Worship Series | January 12/13-March 2/3 | Sometimes the “rules” of Christianity can seem so complex. An 18th century English pastor named John Wesley taught that the best guide for the journey of life and faith goes beyond the important forms and rituals of religion to a place of rediscovering the joy and freedom that the earliest followers of Jesus felt. Wesley sparked a worldwide revival of Christian faith by pointing to a way of following Jesus based on a real relationship where we can find God’s grace. This series looks at eight core aspects of faith that lead to a joyful and abundant life. 4
PRAYER FOCUS Need Prayer? No need is too big or too small for God. If you need help in this area of your life, our pastors and Prayer Team are available to pray for you. Please send your Prayer Request as directed below.
JOYS AND CONCERNS Birth Penelope Doris Adams Traum, daughter of Jimmy Traum and Louisa Adams and granddaughter of Ray and Nancy Adams (Jan 8) Sympathy Greg, Sarah and Kate Bachman in the death of wife and mother, JoAnne Bachman (Feb 13) Shawn, Kathy and Elizabeth Sutherland in the death of mother and grandmother, Vinnie Liddiard (Feb 14) Hospital Bobby Lindley Long-Term Care Nancy Cates, Dan Cox, Glennys Damewood, John Elder, Mary Eubanks, John Hamilton, Jeff Simmons and Betty White
PRAYER REQUESTS
You may share a joy, a concern or a sorrow by visiting our website at standrewumc.org/prayer or by calling our prayer line at 214-291-8044. Your requests are lifted up by our pastors and Prayer Team each week.
WHY I GIVE The St. Andrew community shares why they give to the ministries of the church. “So money won’t have control over me or become a god.”
WAYS TO GIVE | standrewumc.org/give
Take advantage of one of several options when submitting your gift to St. Andrew: 1 | Drop a check or cash into the offering plate during the service. 2 | Drop off or mail your gift to the Business Office at St. Andrew, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano TX 75093. 3 | Visit the website at standrewumc.org/give and click on the Give Now button. 4 | Give via text. Simply send the keyword “STANDREW” to 73256. 5 | Give via stock. Please contact Traci Hughes in the Business Office for details at 214-291-8012. 5
GROUPS |
standrewumc.org/news
Starting Point is the fastest way to get connected into deeper fellowship and growth at St. Andrew. This series of classes is held monthly on the first 3 Sundays of each month at 9:30 a.m. in Room 131. standrewumc.org/starting-point Online Library | Dig deeper in your faith, and use our new online system to reserve materials from the St. Andrew Resource Library! Register for a free account on Librarika, where you can view our inventory and request pick-ups. standrewumc.org/News/Library United Methodist Women | Visit a group this year. All are welcome. standrewumc.org/adults
LIFT | March 3, 6:30 p.m., EMMAUS, Contact Aimee, aimee.heiser@hotmail.com for meeting place
Sarah Sisters | March 6, 9:30-11:00 a.m., Room 131, A Time for Children from a Grandparent’s Point of View, Kim Meyers, Associate Pastor Family Ministries at St. Andrew Rachel Group | March 11, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Room 126, Zip Code Connection, Andrew Fiser, Associate Director, Center for Missional Outreach PALS (People with Active Lifestyles) | Wednesdays (Except First of Month), 10:00 a.m. Room 131 | A group offering senior adults educational, cultural, and social opportunities. Contact Allison, ajean@standrewumc.org. standrewumc.org/adults FEBRUARY 27 | A Time for Children from a Grandparent’s Point of View, Kim Meyers, Associate Pastor Family Ministries at St. Andrew Career Care Ministry | Mondays, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Room 131 | A free, weekly support/ coaching group helping those who are out of work or “mis-employed” and seeking a career change. New Member Orientation at 6:00 p.m. in Room 133. standrewumc.org/support Prayer Shawl Ministry | Third Tuesday of Every Month, 10:00 a.m., Room 120 | Prayer Shawls are knitted or crocheted for individuals experiencing devastating illness or loss. If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, we can teach you. You may also knit or crochet on your own and donate shawls to the ministry. Contact Cathy Goddard, goddardcc@yahoo.com. UM Men’s Breakfast | Second Saturday of Every Month, 8:00-10:00 a.m., Room 126
United Methodist Men (UMM) endeavors to awaken, inspire, challenge, train, and support men as they strive to become more Christ-like in their daily living. standrewumc.org/adults
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GET INVOLVED |
standrewumc.org/news
Young Adults Sunday Brunch | Today, 12:15 p.m., Mexican Sugar | Enjoy great food and fellowship at Mexican Sugar! Select menu, pay on your own. All young adults are welcome! RSVP online. Contact Allison Jean with any questions. standrewumc.org/News/YABrunch
Middle School Spring Retreat | March 22-24, Camp Bridgeport | We invite all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to worship, play games, and fellowship at nearby Bridgeport Camp. Registration is $150; register online. standrewumc.org/News/MSRetreat
Shrove Tuesday | March 5, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Smith Worship Center | Come for some fun and fellowship! Eat pancakes with all the toppings. This free event is for all ages. standrewumc.org/News/Shrove
Ash Wednesday Worship | March 6, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary | This contemplative service begins the season of Lent. Join us as we prepare to celebrate God’s marvelous redemption at Easter. standrewumc.org/ News/AshWednesday
Salt & Light Choir Dessert Show | Today, 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., Smith Worship Center Support the ministries of Salt and Light Youth Choir and come see this year’s fundraiser concert: “Movie Night.” Dessert is included with your ticket. standrewumc.org/News/ SaltAndLightShow 7
Bridge Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony | March 3, 12:15 p.m. | The first part of ChurchOne Phase 2 construction is complete! Join us as we open the new, 120-foot pedestrian bridge. We will gather for a ribbon-cutting in the circle drive near the children’s entrance. standrewumc.org/News/Bridge
Lent Devotional | Join us this Lenten season and read a daily devotional written by St. Andrew ministry leaders. Devotional will be available starting March 6. standrewumc.org/Lent
Realm Connect | Get connected to the St. Andrew community with Realm. This new tool offers event news, giving, group communication, and more. Learn more and download the app. standrewumc.org/realmconnect
St. Andrew United Methodist Church 5801 W. Plano Parkway | Plano, TX 75093 | 972-380-8001 | standrewumc.org