“Those Who Give” by Kahlil Gibran, from On Giving

There are those who give little of the much which they have– and they give it for recognition.

Their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome. And there are those who have little and give it all.

These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.

And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.

And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy,

nor give with mindfulness of virtue; They give as in yonder valley

the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space. Through the hands of such as these God speaks,

and from behind their eyes God smiles upon the earth.

cover image: collage by pastor alex from Pharisee and the Publican, Sir John Everett Millais, 1829-1896; The Pharisee and the Publican, by Jesus Mafa; and original photo.

68 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT 06776 | www.newmilfordumc.org | 860.354.4596 Rev. Alex da Silva Souto, Pastor - mobile: 415.706.5397 | Music Director, Tim Smith

Youth Leader, Brinna Kolitz | Lay Leaders: Marilyn Fuller & Pat Tripp Ministers: All members of the New Milford UMC

New

Milford United

Methodist Church

Sunday Worship Celebration

October 23, 2016 @ 9:30am

You are invited to worship with us in the quiet of prayer, in the joy of song,

and in the desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD Jesus Christ. Part of our mission is to be a place for all people. All are welcome here! Whatever your gender, age, race, religious background, economic status, sexual orientation

or condition of ableness, we greet you as a beloved child of God.

* The order of service is subject to change at the leading of the Holy Spirit. Italicized Bold print invites congregational response in unison.

U Means you are invited to stand if able and comfortable. listening assistance devices are available at the entry of the sanctuary

ENTRANCE & PRAISE

Prelude musical selection by Tim Smith

Welcome & News

U Opening Hymn #334 “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” SWEET, SWEET SPIRIT

U Call to Worship [adapted from Lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com by Thom M. Shuman] Lisa Lent

This is the day the LORD has made: a day for praise and prayer; a day for gratitude and generosity. This is the time God has given us:

a time for singing and silence; a time for speaking and listening. This is the life to which God calls us:

a life of humility and service; a life of faith and trust.

Prayer of Invocation Pastor Alex [adapted from Sacredise.com, “Healing Humility” by John van de Laar]

Children’s Message “Humility” Pastor Alex [concept inspired by worshippingwithchildren.blogspot.com]

[Children are invited to continue this worship in Sunday School for the lesson “The Great Family”]

Hymn of Praise #77 “How Great Thou Art” HOW GREAT THOU ART

Anthem “LORD for Thy Tender Mercie’s Sake“ by Richard Farrant Chancel Choir

PROCLAMATION & RESPONSE

Prayer for Illumination [from lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu based on Micah 6:1-8] Lisa Lent

God our deliverer, you walk with the meek and the poor, the compassionate and those who mourn, and you call us to walk humbly with you.

When we are foolish, be our wisdom; when we are weak, be our strength; that, as we learn to do justice and to love mercy, your rule may come as blessing. Amen.

U Gospel Reading “Luke 18:9-14” [NRSV] Lisa Lent

The Word of God to the humble people of God! Thanks be to God!

Listening for God’s Message Pastor Alex

Prayers of the People & 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.

Hymn of Response #357 “Just As I Am, Without One Plea” [v.v. 3-6] WOODWORTH

Invitation to Offering “Those Who Give” by Kahlil Gibran, On Giving [words on the back cover]

Offering of Tithes and Gifts musical selection by Tim Smith

U Doxology #95 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”

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.

Offertory Prayer [adapted from prayer by Thom M. Shuman from Lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com] If our lives, our love, our gifts are not shared with others, the words we offer in

prayer and praise are hollow. So receive what we offer, Holy God, and bless them in the work of that kin-dom which values the people we ridicule, lifts up those we have stepped over, and brings hope and healing to all. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

GOING FORTH

U Closing Hymn #419 “I Am Thine, O Lord” [v.v. 2-4] I AM THINE U Commission, Benediction and Passing of the Peace

[adapted from Lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com by Thom M. Shuman]

We have offered praise and prayer to our God, who sends us out to offer peace and hope to others. We have heard the call of Jesus in the silence and singing, and we will join Him in listening to the voiceless. Filled by the Spirit with faith and trust, we go to serve others, humbly and lovingly.

Postlude musical selection by Tim Smith