May 14, 2006

May 14, 2006 - "As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you;" Isaiah 66:13

Gathering in Christ's name

Pre-service Music
Morning has broken HWB 648
Over my head STJ 18
Alleluia HWB 101
Call to Worship
Leader: Love shown - in a mother's embrace,
People: a tender look, a helping hand.
Leader: Love renewed - in a forgiving word,
People: over a cup of tea, in a simple welcome.
Leader: Love celebrated - in exuberant song,
People: joyful music, overflowing praise.
Leader: Love given - by God,
People: for all, right here, right now.
All: We have known and believe the love that God has
for us. God is love, and those who abide in love
abide in God, and God abides in them.
Prayer of Invocation
Hymns I'm pressing on the upward way STJ 96
Savior like a Shepherd lead us HWB 355
Children's Story
Hymn Like a Mother who has borne us STJ 91

Hearing

Scripture 1 Thessalonians 2:3-8; 2 Timothy 1:3-7
Sermon A mother's choices
Prayer
Nurturing God, we too have been cut off from you.
We have not loved our sisters and brothers.
We have let our fears stunt our spiritual growth.
Today we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the True Vine of life.
May we, your branches, submit to your pruning care
And become abundantly fruitful. Come, Holy Spirit!
Affirmation of Faith
Leader: We believe in God who is the true source of life.
We believe in Jesus Christ, the sturdy vine,
whose love keeps us strong.
We believe in Christ's church
whose fruit-laden branches bring hope to all nations.
All: Today we join with all who seek the vine as we
affirm, "Apart from Christ we can do nothing!"
Hymn Help us to help each other HWB 362

Responding

Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Offering/Hymn Praise God from Whom HWB 119
Announcements
Hymn Heart with loving heart united HWB 420
Benediction

Today

Sermon: Roy Hange
Worship Leader: Maren Tyedmers Hange
Music: Dottie Scott, Maren Hange
Nursery: Libby Showalter

Announcements

The entire church family is invited to attend the yearly church retreat at Camp Bethel on June 2nd-4th. Please contact Libby with any questions and for registration forms.
Spread the Word! Bake some cookies, brownies, and/or breads. Bring your items (in good condition) to church starting Sunday May 14 at noon. CMC's Annual Yard & Bake Sale will be held on May 20. (Rain or Shine)
House-sitting opportunity, payment offered - Josh and Jackie Suderman will be in Zambia from June 12th to the 27th. Their cat Lucy is fun and sweet, but requires feeding and daily attention. Please let them know as soon as possible if you are interested.

Love Inc always needs people to deliver furniture and appliances. If you have a truck and would be available contact Susan Shellito 434-977-7777 loveincoffice@earthlink.net or Gloria Gredler.

Please have all bulletin information to Jeannine by noon on Thursday. Thanks!

The Virginia Mennonite Conference Assembly will be July 6-9, 2006 at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va. The theme is "Sent! Around the World: New Perspectives on Mission."

Prayers and Praises

VMBM : Over the past 90 years, during Virginia Mennonite Board of Missions existence, women have been encouragers of outreach with the Word and through good deeds. Today we give thanks to God for our "spiritual mothers" and emulate them in our own lives.

Mennonite Mission Network: Area conference mission leaders will meet May 20-22 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Pray that Anita Amstutz, Shoua Moua, Don Rheinheimer and Roy Williams sense God's presence and direction in their presentations.

Pray for the local services for people in need: Love Inc., Shelter for Help in Emergency, Food Bank, Salvation Army, IMPACT--a justice ministry and PACEM-- the initiative for the homeless.