United Methodist Church of Cadillac

1020 East Division Street • Cadillac, Michigan

Phone 775-5362 • Fax 775-6475


May 4, 2008

Ascension Sunday

Sunday Worship at 11:00 a.m.


PRELUDE


BRINGING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST..................................................by the Acolytes


WELCOME AND PARISH NOTES


CLIP BOARD MINISTRY FOR JUNE


*GATHERING WORDS

One:.....We gather in this place,
.............some empty, some filled,
.............some whole, some broken:

All: .......yearning for the Holy Spirit to fill us.

One:.....We come, with these ordinary people,
.............who have shown us the way:

All: .......trusting that God will continue

.............to illumine our hearts.

One:.....We surround the Table of grace,
.............so we might be fed by the Bread of life:

All: .......that graced, we may serve others;
.............that healed, we may bring hope to the world.


*HYMN OF PRAISE.........................................................................................#312

Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise”


*SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST


PRAYER HYMN.......................................................................................................#328

Surely the Presence of the Lord”


UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Jesus, you ask to be our Teacher,

but we choose to question your ways and reject your wisdom

You ask to be our Companion,

but we choose to befriend things that are shallow and temporary.

You ask to be our Comforter,

but we choose to wallow in our grief and self-absorption.

You ask to be our Lord,

but we choose to call our own shots.

We are hurting, we are broken and we have wounded others because we too often follow you in name alone. Forgive us and invite us again to be your disciples, we pray. Amen.


WORDS OF PROMISE

Although you have not stood on the mountaintop to see his ascension to God, yet believe in the love and power of Christ who taught you how to be faithful and joyful disciples. Rejoice, and believe in him who came that you may have abundant life.


PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE


MINISTRY OF THE BELLS..............................................................................Bell Choir


CHILDREN’S TIME


SCRIPTURE READING................................................................New Testament p. 118

Acts 1:3-14


MESSAGE..............................................................................................Pastor Tom Ball

The Faith Community Is Enabled By God’s Spirit

To Witness To God’s Messiah - Jesus”


OFFERTORY INVITATION


PRESENTING OUR GIFTS TO GOD


PIANO OFFERTORY


*DOXOLOGY...........................................................................................................#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, whose power uplifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!


*PRAYER OF DEDICATION.......................................................................(In Unison)

Loving God, we offer these gifts of thanksgiving and praise as tokens of our gratitude for all that you do and all that you are in our lives. For raising us up to new life and for revealing your word in our lives, we are grateful. May our words and our actions be a glory and an honor to you, Risen Christ, Living God, Spirit of Life. Amen.


COMMUNION ANTHEM...........................................................................Chancel Choir

At the Table of the Lord” Arr. Jay Althouse


SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table

Communion Prayer • The Lord’s Prayer #895

Breaking Bread and Pouring Wine


Holy Communion will be served by intinction. You will receive

a piece of bread which can be dipped into the cup and received. Please come by the center aisle and return by the side aisle.


PRAYER OF THANKS FOR CHRIST’S PRESENCE (in unison)

Gracious God, we praise, worship and adore you for the food received at your table. We go from here, strengthened, refreshed and empowered by your Spirit to be true and joyful witnesses to Jesus Christ. We look to that day when, with the great company of witnesses that surround us, we may eat and drink and be glad with him in the glory of your Realm. Amen.

*CLOSING HYMN.................................................................................................#368

My Hope Is Built”


*COMMISSION AND BLESSING

*POSTLUDE



*All who are able, please stand.


Love INC is looking for someone to direct our budgeting program. This volunteer position will require approximately 5 hours a week while working from home; primarily on the phone, internet and computer. While this is a volunteer position, some remuneration is possible. If you have a desire to help those who truly want to help themselves and blessed, call Diane at INC office at 779-3175.


Sunday Volunteer Ministry, May 11

Acolyte: 8:30 a.m. - Amanda Anderson

11:00 a.m. - Kelli Cummings and Conner Kassuba

Nursery: Jackie Bailey

Sermontime: Sue Allen

Coffee Hour: Mother’s Day - open

Power Point: Create and 8:30 a.m. - Laurie Kinney

11:00 a.m. - Lori Glynn

Greeters and Ushers 8:30 a.m. - Don and Pat Lakin

Greeters 11:00 a.m. - Rachel Stewart

Ushers 11:00 a.m. - Tonja Hinkston, Hazel Jarvis, Inga Fuller,

Garrick Fuller and Donna Welsh


Opportunities for Ministry This Week . . .

Sunday, May 4 - Ascension Sunday

Holy Communion will be served at both worship services

Christian Education Staff Appreciation

Coffee Hour Follows Both Worship Services

8:30 a.m. - Sunday Worship

9:30 a.m. - Sunday School

11:00 a.m. - Sunday Worship

5:15 - 6:30 p.m. - JD’s meet


Monday, May 5

9:30 a.m. - UMW Executive Board

6:00 p.m. - Boy Scout Court Of Honor

7:00 p.m. - Missions /Church & Society

7:50 p.m. - Sr. High @ Young Life meeting at Jason Main’s home

Tuesday, May 6

7:15 a.m. - Prayer Group

4:00 - 9:00 p.m. - OASIS Volunteer Dinner

Wednesday, May 7

6:30 p.m. - Staff Parish

7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, May 8

7:00 a.m. - Promise Keepers

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Lifeline Screening

11:30 a.m. - Prayer Group

3:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Patriot Choir Musical beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Friday, May 9

6:30 p.m. - Mother and Daughter Banquet


Sunday, May 11 - Day Of Pentecost

Festival of the Christian Home

Coffee Hour Follows Both Worship Services

8:30 a.m. - Sunday Worship

9:30 a.m. - Sunday School

11:00 a.m. - Sunday Worship


Our old dishwasher is broken beyond repair and we are getting a new one. We are raising funds to pay for it and have gotten a good amount so far. For now we are using paper and plastic and it is costing us to provide them for our meals served here. If you would like to contribute to our new dishwasher, please mark the envelope with "dishwasher" so that it will get to the fund. Thank you.


Begin setting aside good useful items and clothing for the Church Rummage Sale. We will begin receiving your donations starting next Sunday, May 11.


Lifeline Screening will be at our church on Thursday, May 8 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.. There is a fee for this service. Please call 1-877-792-8480 to register or for further information.


A Life Walk to benefit Care Net of Cadillac will take place Mother’s Day weekend, on Saturday, May 10. Registration is 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Rotary Pavilion on Lake Cadillac. The walk is two miles long. If you would like to take part, sponsor a walker or need more information, contact Marie Rennie after services today.


Would your child benefit from some one-on-one help with school work at no charge? Zach Pant is volunteering his time to tutor. He will be available this evening from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, as well as Sunday, May 18, same time, in the youth room. Just bring your child in and Zach will be glad to help!


Some of our members in recent weeks have moved into care facility for some care and return to health; others are there for long term care. Presently, at Lakeview Lutheran Manor, Harriett Gaumer (414) Hazel Oyler (506) Harold Gekeler (619) and Nina Katschalin (522) Continuing at Curry House are Eloise Baker (110) and Irene Szymke (107) and at Green Acres, Carl T. Johnson and Virginia Linn. All of them would appreciate cards, notes, prayers and of course, visits.


Today’s Worship Ministry . . .

Liturgist: Judy Coffey

Pianist - Darlene Ressler

Acolyte: 8:30 a.m. - Amanda Anderson

11:00 a.m. - Drew and Lucas Marion

Nursery: - Kevin and Patricia Bruner

Sermontime: Darlene Fowler

Coffee Hour: United Methodist Men

Power Point: Create & 11:00 a.m. - Jeff Hinkston

8:30 a.m. - Laurie Kinney

Greeters/ Ushers 8:30 a.m. - Dave and Sally Bassett

Greeters 11:00 a.m. - Bernadean Gregg

Ushers 11:00 a.m. - Bill George, Rene Steinhour, Barb Wild,

Becky Dorrell, Judy Murdoch & Helen Quinn


The Chancel Flowers are given by The Cummings Family in honor of Kelli Cummings 12th birthday and

by Jim and Lisa Weaver and Family in honor of Grandma Irma Eidins birthday.


Next Sunday, Sunday, May 11 is the Day of Pentecost and the Festival of the Christian Home. Celebrate the birthday of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit during worship. Everyone is invited to wear something “red” to church - tie, blouse, sweater, scarf or whatever. Let’s celebrate!! In addition, we will have a “sweet gift” for all women who are in worship that day. Pastor Tom’s text is Acts 2:1-21: The Holy Spirit is Anything But Private.


The Patriot Choir, which rehearses in our building each Thursday, invites you to their Variety Show and Bake Sale Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 p.m. in our sanctuary. Their acts and songs are pure joy - you will not want to miss this one!! Ideal for families, kids would love it. Donation is only $5.00.


Christian Education Leaders

2007 - 2008


Today, we recognize our Christian Education leaders.

We have had a great year and have been blessed

by their faithful leadership. Please take the time to thank them for all they have done to bless our church this year.


Preschool and Kindergarten

Mary Blake

Assisted by

Amy Gullekson • Alice Silvers


1st and 2nd Grade

Carolyn Mitchell

Sally Bassett


3rd and 4th Grade

Betty Dumont


5th and 6th Grade

Don Lakin

Assisted by

Jane Wightman • Margaret Himes

Andrea HillardJackie Soltman


Kid’s Opening Time

Laura Marion


Junior High

Angie Ferris


High School

Bedonna DavisJohn Wheat


Adult Classes

Lynn Cummings • Shelley DeCoeur

Don Rennie

Clara Handy


Great Thanksgiving for Ascension Sunday


The Invitation


Lord God, we come to share in the richness of your table.

For us you were born,

for us you healed,

preached, taught

and showed the way to heaven;

for us you were present on the cross

because your presence was unwanted,

you were present in the grave to dust the death from death.

and present now in heaven to be everywhere on earth.


Lord, Jesus Christ

present with us now,

for all that you have done

and all that you have promised,

what have we to offer?


Our hands are empty,

our hearts are sometimes full of wrong things.

But with you is mercy

and the power to change us.


So as we do in this place

what you did in an upstairs room,

send down your Holy Spirit

on us

and on these gifts of bread and wine

that they may become for us your body,

healing, of giving

and making us whole;

and that we may become,

for you, your body,

loving and caring in the world

until your kingdom comes.


Among friends, gathered round a table,

Jesus took bread, broke it and said,

this is my body,

it is broken for you


And later, he took the cup of wine and said,

This is the new relationship with God,

made possible because of my death,

Take this – all of you – to remember me.”


Give us humble spirits and open and receptive hearts as we eat this bread and as we drink this wine. Help us see beyond our own needs and purposes to become a part of your purpose, to be faithful disciples. Amen.


As Jesus taught the disciples of old, we now pray

Our Father . . .


Look,

the Body of Christ is broken

for the life of the World.

Her is Christ coming to us in bread and in wine.

The gifts of God for the people of God.


Sharing the Bread and the Cup


Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christ’s Presence (in unison)

Surprising God, when Jesus ascended to be with you in glory, you sent your angel to tell the disciples to stop staring into the empty space where Jesus had been and to go spread the good news of Christ’s victory. We have cherished these moment at your table. Now help us realize that the Christ who was with us here is the Christ who is with us out there. Redirect our vision and renew our energy, so that we might go into the world to live the good news. Amen.