Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – July 25, 2010 - 8:30AM

Asbury United Methodist Church
Asbury where the living Spirit awakens us to embrace, serve, and transform our world.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – July 25, 2010 – Liturgical Color: Red

GOD’S PEOPLE ASSEMBLE

Prelude “Mississippi Mud” – Cavanaugh & Barris Morning Bells
Greetings, Introductions, Announcements
Silent Preparation for Worship

*Introit “Today is the Day” VBS Song (DVD Clip)
Call to Worship (Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11)
God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, even when our world suddenly changes. We will not fear, even if the mountains tremble or the waters of the sea roar with foam.
Listen for the voice of God: “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted
among the nations and throughout the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us! The God of Jacob is our refuge!

*Hymn “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” #133

*Unison Prayer
Gracious Father, this life is not always easy. We ask for patience and diligence in hard times. Strengthen us in our weakness, comfort us in trouble and distress, and help us to fight off that sense of defeat which can sneak into our thoughts. By Your grace, help us to give over our own wills to You in all things, according to the example of Your Son; that in adversity we offer ourselves to You without bitterness or resignation, that we may seek ways to gladly bear witness to Your glory and suffer all things for Your sake, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Bishop Miles Coverdale, 1488-1568, alt)
*Gloria “Glory Be to the Father” #70

Special Music: “Siyahamba” S. African Song- arr. S. Tucker Morning Bells

A TIME OF SHARING AND PRAYING

Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayer Hymn “Be Still, My Soul” vs 1 #534
Silent Prayer - Pastoral Prayer - Lord’s Prayer (words on back of bulletin)

READING AND PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD

First Scripture 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Children’s Moment “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” VBS Song
As children come and go, all sing. Today, we will watch a pictorial presentation from this past week's VBS. Afterward children ages 4 through 2nd grade
are invited to Story Hour in the children’s library across the hall.

Second Scripture Acts 28:1-10
Response: Thanks be to God!
Sermon “Paul: The Surprising Power of a Servant”

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

The Gathering and Presenting of Tithes and Offerings
Offertory “River of Judea” – arr. Leavitt Asbury Men's Quartet
Deborah D’Camp, piano
*Doxology “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” #95, alt. rhythm
*Prayer of Dedication
Lord, we know You own all things, and that we are Your stewards. We joyfully return to You what is already Yours, for You love a cheerful giver. Receive these tithes and offerings brought before You this morning. Guide their use for Your Kingdom purposes. Accept also our gift of our whole selves as a living sacrifice, set aside to serve You in gratitude for all You have given for us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Hymn “HA-LA-LA-LA” VBS Song (DVD clip)
Spoken Benediction
*The “Amen” “I Believe” arr. DCamp Asbury Men's Quartet
Postlude: “Carry His Love With You” – A. Mason