Union GroveUnited Methodist Church

6407 Union Grove Church Road Hillsborough, N.C. 27278

Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Adult Sunday SchoolSundays at 9:30 a.m.

Pastors Ministerial Interns Richard Greenway Jordan Holoman

Christine Bryant Jordan Haywood Carsten Bryant Stephanie Hilton

Lidiya Potapenko Choir Director Jamie Davis

Church Parsonage (919) 869-7118 (919) 929-4597

www.UnionGroveUMC.orgSeptember 20, 2020

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost _______ Gathering

A Moment of Silence Where have you experienced Joy during this season?

Call to Worship Almighty GodAlmighty God to you all hearts are openSearch and know our thoughts and anxious fearsWash us in the fountain of your mercyCome with your light, we cannot hide from you

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujahTo you all hearts are open, Almighty God…

*Lighting the Altar Lantern: Bringing in the Light of Christ

* Greeting

Leader: In the midst of the desert heat, God heard the cries of the people.People: Help us, Lord, please help us.Leader: Manna was given and water gushed forth from a rock.People: Lord, have mercy upon us.Leader: In the midst of the deserts of fear and frustration, God will provide

for our needs.People: Lord, come to us and heal us,

All: Heal us now we pray!

*Hymn of Praise Morning Has Broken UMH 145Morning has broken like the first morningBlackbird has spoken like the first birdPraise for the singing, Praise for the morningPraise for them springing fresh from the world

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heavenLike the first dewfall on the first grassPraise for the sweetness of the wet gardenSprung in completeness where his feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, Mine is the morningBorn of the one light Eden saw playPraise with elation, praise ev'ry morningGod's recreation of the new day

Opening Prayer

Scripture Lesson Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 UMH 828 1 O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.4 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually.5 Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,6 O offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, his chosen ones.37Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled.38Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it.39He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night.40They asked, and he brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance.41He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river.42For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.43So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.44He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples,45that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the LORD!

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Scripture Lesson Matthew 20:1-16

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily

wage. 10Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Hymn Leaning on the Everlasting Arms UMH 133

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,Leaning on the everlasting arms;What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,Leaning on the everlasting arms.Leaning, leaning,Safe and secure from all alarms;Leaning, leaning,Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,Leaning on the everlasting arms;Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,Leaning on the everlasting arms.Leaning, leaning,Safe and secure from all alarms;Leaning, leaning,Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,Leaning on the everlasting arms;I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,Leaning on the everlasting arms.Leaning, leaning,Safe and secure from all alarms;Leaning, leaning,Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Scripture Lesson Exodus 16:2-15

2The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” 4Then the LORD said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. 5On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” 6So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your complaining against the LORD. For what are we, that you complain against us?” 8And Moses said, “When the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the LORD has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but” against the LORD. 9Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the LORD, for he has heard your complaining.’“ 10And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 11The LORD spoke to Moses and said, 12“I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’“

13In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon What is That in Your Hands? Rev. Greenway Pastoral Prayer

Tithes and Offerings

*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH No. 94

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia!Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, who power uplifts!Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Prayers of the People Insert

Let us pray for the Church and for the worldLord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven…

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

*Hymn of Dedication Lift Every Voice and Sing UM Hymnal, No. 519

Lift Every Voice And Sing, till earth and Heaven ring,Ring with the harmonies of liberty;Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies,Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod,Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet,Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered;Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at lastWhere the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,Thou Who hast brought us thus far on the way;Thou Who hast by Thy might, led us into the light,Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee.Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee.Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand,True to our God, true to our native land.

*Benediction*Benediction Response The Lord Bless and Keep You

The Lord bless and keep you, The Lord make his face to shine on you.And be gracious, gracious. The Lord bless and keep you, The Lord lift his

countenance on you And give peace, give you peace. Shalom. Shalom._______________________________________________________________________ Please stand as you are able

Welcome to our Guests! With joyful hearts we greet you and offer thanks for your presence. Our prayer is that this hour spent in worship will make a healing, empowering difference in your life. We invite you to acknowledge your presence, along with our members, by signing the fellowship sheet included in your bulletin and placing it in one of the black bins as you depart. If you are just passing through, please know our prayers go with you. If you are looking for a church home, we hope that you will prayerfully consider joining the church family here at Union Grove UMC.

Join us for Worship each week: Weather permitting; we’ll be worshiping on the basketball court at 10:00 am each Sunday. We will continue to stream on Facebook Live and to broadcast to the parking lot on FM 88.3.

You are also invited to join us on Wednesdays at Noon on Facebook Live! We’ll share updates, prayer concerns, and introduce the scripture lessons for the following Sunday.

Please let us know if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. We are blessed by your presence and participation!

Union Grove United Methodist ChurchWe pray for your healing, O Lord: Body, Mind, Soul, and Relationships!

“Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.”September 20, 2020

Our Bishop-Hope Morgan Ward and Our District Superintendent- Mike FreseOur President, Leaders, Troops, & World

Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center, Orange Correctional Center, Our Girl and Boy ScoutsThe Students, Faculty, and Staff of Orange County Schools, our College Students,

Orange Congregations in Mission, Open Table Ministries

Haley Chriscoe- Gwen Dodson’s Niece Ann Davis- Jamie Davis’ MotherGladys Chapman Iris Earwood-Ann Alexander’s Mother Gee Coleman Antwain McCrimmon-Gwen Dodson’s Family Jan Davis- Jamie Davis’ Sister Nathan McFaddenDebra Hathcock- Ann Alexander’s Aunt Kelly Petrea- Ann Alexander’s SisterNellie Overby- Rita Clarke’s Family Tracy Smith’s Sister, MartaShirley Martin-Rich Greenway’s Mother Sam and Josephine Hinson Carmen Hurst-Carolyn Southerland’s Daughter Megan Carter-Friend of Debbie ScheipCarol Fish & Family-Friend of Lorraine Tuck Frank Shuler-Friend of Dave HeilmanHarry Sumner Judy Whitehurst-Debbie McFadden’s CousinMary Ann Pearce-Kim Campbell’s Mother Bob Barrier-Friend of Danny & Brenda Dennis Keith Lewis Kathy FudgeOlivia Blackwelder-Cousin of Ann Alexander Carol McQueen-Patricia Coleman’s Stepmother James Butterworth-Clare Butterworth’s Son The Bailey Family-Friends of Lorraine Tuck Metcalf Family- Friend of Lorraine Tuck Hal Durham-Community FriendBobbi and Billy Frazier-Friend of David Lewis Mark Sumner-Harry Sumner’s Brother Peggy Borger-Friend of Sarah Timmel Randy Jackson-Friend of the PeloquinsNikki Brown Eric Hurst-Carolyn Southerland’s Son-in-Law Susan Strayhorn Barbour Savannah Wright-Duke Divinity School StudentDennis Robertson John Marly-Ann Alexander’s NeighborMary Ruth Breeden Mavis StricklandPatrick McCormick-Kidney Transplant List Jennifer Finch-Niece of Pam FuquaTrish & Noah Archer-Friends of Rich Greenway All those on the front lines during this timeJoe DeVito-Friend of Karen Popovich Carol Green- Friend of Karen PopovichMaria Counts-Recovering from Surgery David, Friend of Ann AlexanderBrandon Bundy, Family of Darlene Kinard Joseph Denard, Dennis Family

Medical Personnel, First Responders, and Front Line Workers:Including Carly Tuck Waring, Jay Waring, Betty Ray

The Family of Gary Locklear, Lay Missioner, Lay Leader of the North Carolina ConferenceThe Family of Cheryl Day, Lorraine Tuck’s Aunt

We celebrate the Marriage of Casey Molina and Seth Troxler, on September 12

I am praying for _____________________________________ this weekWe welcome our Duke Divinity School Interns!

Steph is a rising third year Duke intern pursuing a Masters of Divinity Degree. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and serves as a Navy reservist at Naval Air Station Oceana Master Jet Base, Dam Neck in Virginia Beach.  After Duke, her calling involves further training to serve her police, fire, and public safety community as a Catholic lay chaplain. In her spare time she enjoys engagement with the children's ministry, half-marathon events, cycling, and gardening. 

Stephanie Hilton

Jordan Haywood is currently in his third year atDuke, in the Masters of Divinity program. A former cinematographer and photographer, Jordan is interested in the intersection of art and theology. He is seeking ordination in the PC(USA). Jordan lives in Hillsborough with his wife Akiko and daughter Sophia. 

Jordan Haywood

Lidiya was born in Crimea, Ukraine and immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was 8 years old. She grew up in the Los Angeles area, and studied studio art in college and philosophy of religion for her first Master’s degree. Prior to coming out to Durham, she worked in homeless services in downtown Los Angeles. At Duke she is in her final year of the MDiv program and is also pursuing the Gender, Sexuality, Theology, and Ministry Certificate and the

Black Church Studies Certificate. She is a certified candidate on the elder track for ordained ministry in the California-Pacific Conference. She is thrilled to Lidiya Potapenkojoin Union Grove UMC this academic year!

Small Group, Zoom Gathering

Tuesdays, 7:00 pm, via ZOOMFacilitator- Sean Smith

Discover a different way of seeing and responding to the Coronavirus pandemic, an approach drawing on Scripture, Christian history, and the way of living, thinking, and praying revealed to us by Jesus.

What are we supposed to think about the Coronavirus crisis?Some people think they know: "This is a sign of the End," they say. "It's all predicted in the book of Revelation."Others disagree but are equally clear: "This is a call to repent. God is judging the world and through this disease he's telling us to change." Some join in the chorus of blame and condemnation: "It's the fault of the Chinese, the government, the World Health Organization…"

N. T. Wright examines these reactions to the virus and finds them wanting. Instead, he shows that a careful reading of the Bible and Christian history offers simple though profound answers to our many questions, including:

·        What should be the Christian response?·        How should we think about God?·        How do we live in the present?·        Why should we lament?·        What should we learn about ourselves?·        How do we recover?

Written by one of the world's foremost New Testament scholars, God and the Pandemic will serve as your guide to read the events of today through the light of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Need a book? We have copies or you may purchase your own hard or digital copy.

This Zoom Small Group will be meeting weekly Tuesdays, 7:00 pm

Please RSVP, Books are available at the churchSmall Group, Zoom Gathering

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • ECPA BESTSELLER •

“When it comes to the intersection of race, privilege, justice, and the church, Tasha is without question my best teacher. Be the Bridge is THE tool I wish to put in every set of hands.” —Jen Hatmaker

Winner of the Christianity Today Book Award • A leading advocate for racial reconciliation calls Christians to move toward deeper understanding in the midst of a divisive culture.

In an era where we seem to be increasingly divided along racial lines, many are hesitant to step into the gap, fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing. At times the silence, particularly within the church, seems deafening.

But change begins with an honest conversation among a group of Christians willing to give a voice to unspoken hurts, hidden fears, and mounting tensions. These ongoing dialogues have formed the foundation of a global movement called Be the Bridge—a nonprofit organization whose goal is to equip the church to have a distinctive and transformative response to racism and racial division.

In this perspective-shifting book, founder Latasha Morrison shows how you can participate in this incredible work and replicate it in your own community. With conviction and grace, she examines the historical complexities of racism. She expertly applies biblical principles, such as lamentation, confession, and forgiveness, to lay the framework for restoration.

Along with prayers, discussion questions, and other resources to enhance group engagement, Be the Bridge presents a compelling vision of what it means for every follower of Jesus to become a bridge builder—committed to pursuing justice and racial unity in light of the gospel.

This Zoom Small Group will be meeting monthly Wednesdays, 7:00 pm

Please RSVP, Books are available at the churchSmall Group, Zoom Gathering

Learning to Live as the People of God

As Moses led the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land, they spend a whole lot of time “wandering” in the wilderness. This holy wandering was for the Hebrew people a season of being shaped, molded, challenged, and transformed. They had to learn a new way to live. This new way had to first leave behind the way they had been taught in Egypt and then engage in and learn to depend on God’s love, grace, mercy, and salvation.

What does it mean to say “we are people of God?” And how are we, as people of God, called to live? These are the questions we hope to engage in the coming weeks.

We’ll use scripture, tradition, experience, and reason as a guide to help us engage these deep and wide questions.

Scripture: What does scripture tell us about who God is and how God calls us to live and engage life abundant?

Tradition: We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. What does tradition tell us about how those who came before us understood and engaged in such questions?

Experience: How do our own experiences in life help us answer such questions? Where and how might our own experiences inform our calling to follow as God leads?

Reason God gave us brains and the ability to think and process for a reason. When we look at what scripture says, at what tradition

has understood and shaped, and at what our experiences, personal and communal have seen, heard and experienced where do they, together, lead us?

Wednesdays at 7:00 pm, Please RSVP to Participate!