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La Plata United Methodist Church
6th Sunday after Easter
May 17, 2020
Traditional Worship (11:00)Prayer Before Worship
O God, our God, teach me your ways. In the midst of uncertainty,
teach me your faithful and steadfast peace. In the midst of fear,
teach me your perfect love. In the midst of this life, teach me the
path that leads to life eternal. In the midst of this world, teach me
to live in your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prelude Cheryl Reckeweg
Lighting the Altar Candles, When the Prayer Before Worship has finished and the Prelude
begins, please quiet yourselves in preparation for worship.
Welcome, News & Opportunities
Opening Hymn UM Hymnal, xxx
“As The Deer”
Sunday School Teacher Recognition
Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer of Intercession
Special Music David Hamner
“What Faith Can Do”
1st Gospel Lesson John 9: 1-12
Passing the Peace of ChristThe Peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Children’s Moment Kathy Stapleson
Claiming our Miracles
The Offertory David Hamner
“How Great is Our God”
The Doxology UM Hymnal, 95
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all
creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication (Pastor)
The 2nd Gospel Lesson John 9: 13-25
This is the word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
The Message Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl
“The One Thing We Know”
Closing Hymn The Faith We Sing, xxxx
“Amazing Grace” (with extension 3 verses)
Benediction
Congregational Response UM Hymnal, 665
“Go Now In Peace”
Go now in Peace Go now in Peace
May the love of God surround you
Everywhere, Everywhere You may go
Postlude Cheryl Reckeweg
Organist: Cheryl Reckeweg; Liturgist: Kathryn Greene
Service Prayer Partners: Sandy & Jeanette Tull
Tech Crew: Mark Stancliff, Logan Marsh & Lynn Elmwood
The Scripture LessonsJohn 9: 1-12 (NIV)
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned,this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works ofGod might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’seyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man wentand washed, and came home seeing.His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same manwho used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was.Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”“How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to goto Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”“Where is this man?” they asked him.“I don’t know,” he said.
John 9: 13-25 (NIV)
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus hadmade the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. Therefore the Pharisees also askedhim how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed,and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.”But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyeshe opened.”The man replied, “He is a prophet.”They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent forthe man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? Howis it that now he can see?”“We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how hecan see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak forhimself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already haddecided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of thesynagogue. That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling thetruth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind butnow I see!”
Stop, Drop, and Pray…do it every day!Family! As we deal with being apart in person, we are forever connected in
spirit. To each other and to our God, who holds us together in the hollow of his
hand. Every morning at 10am, let us lift up our voices TOGETHER in prayer. Put
a notification or alarm on your phone or other device. Tell your friends and
neighbors, especially those who do not have access to our online newsletter.
We have received notice that others OUTSIDE of our church have begun to
pray at that same hour as well. IT IS CATCHING ON! Please spread the word! Let
God hear the faith of his people! Praise him and call upon his power and peace
in this unsettling time.
Preacher’s Pop-Up PrayerAs we continue to connect with one another and the church during the week,
do not forget Preacher’s Pop-Up Prayer. Every Thursday at 7pm, Pastor Susan will
provide a timely devotional and prayer time. Current prayer requests can be made
live in the comments section. Those who would like the opportunity, need only be
friends of the Church’s Facebook page. Search for LaPlataUmc and hit the “friend”
or “follow” button. Then, you will receive notifications when the Pop-Up goes live.
At times, Pop-Up Prayer is uploaded when previously recorded. Just check the
page around the 7pm hour. Here at La Plata, we are trying to connect in every
way possible. NOTHING will separate our family!
GiftsAs we navigate these unchartered waters, please remember that though the
church building is closed, the work of the church goes on. Please remember the
church in your faithful giving. In order to make it as easy as possible to share your
gift, a link is provided in the comments section during the "offering" time during
our online worship service. In addition, you may go to our website, laplataumc.org
or mail your gifts to 3 Port Tobacco Rd, La Plata, Md 20646. God bless you as you
have a part in God's work in the world!
TEXT YOUR TITHE - in less time than it takes to write a check, you can make
weekly offerings by sending a text message. Check out the instructions in The
Grapevine and on our Web Site of how to get started and you can continue to
support the work of our church by texting your tithe.
HERE’S THE SCOOPSUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER RECOGNITION - Today we are recognizing our
wonderful Sunday School teachers. With their leadership LPUMC offered ten
classes each week for all ages. They planned and lead classes, caring for our
children, youth and adults and helped build and strengthen faith foundations. We
also had extremely dedicated substitutes that willingly stepped in to help out.
Thank you to: Erica Blass, Emily Boggs, Polly Boggs, Sharron Brown, Vanessa
Brown, Amy Carney, Stephen Davis, Karen Grace, Tom Grace, Beth Groth, Jason
Groth, Trish Holcomb, Becki Katt, Julie Keesee, Sarah Leonard, Deb Lucas, Rachel
Luther, Kevin Lyng, Randi McWilliams, Amber Pinto, Lexy Posey, Don Purdy, Betty
Risley, Jim Risley, Julie Robbins, Jim Roberts, Stephanie Robertson, Doug Sayers,
Terry Stancliff, Sylvia Stevens, Amber Sullivan, Carrie Summers, Adam Todd,
Jessica Tompkins, Lauren Warring and Hillary Welch. YOU all made our year in
Sunday School successful. Thank You!
A MESSAGE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE - Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in
the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your
ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
La Plata UMC is blessed!
In this season of miracles, we stand amazed and humbled by the financial gifts
that we’ve received in the last month. In a wonderful act of faith, the Marion Kraft
estate bequeathed the church a generous gift. We are thankful for Marion’s
faithfulness as a member of our congregation, and with this gift, she will continue
to be a part of our ministry. In addition, we were approved for the Small Business
Administration’s Payroll Protection Program. The funds we received from this
program will cover our payroll, mortgage interest, and utility expenses for the next
two months. We are also pursuing a technology grant with the
Baltimore-Washington Conference that will help also offset some other expenses.
Most importantly, we lift up our church family. We are especially blessed by your
generous giving. With the church facilities closed, we increased digital giving
options. We continue to receive consistent offerings via snail-mail, online giving,
and text messaging. All these gifts and offerings provide financial relief in these
unprecedented times. We are able to meet our monthly expenses and support our
community through Lifestyles of Maryland.
The Finance Committee continues to assess our financial health for the remainder
of the year, keeping in mind that some of our larger fundraisers may yet be
affected. We are hopeful that together, and with trust in God, we will make it
through these challenges stronger. We are humbled, inspired, and thankful for
what we have received. We remain people of hope and witnesses of God’s grace.
ASP FUNDRAISER - As a result of COVID-19, we lost two of our best fundraisers
. . . the Soup, Stew & Chili Cook-off and the Mexican Fiesta. As restrictions relax
and we are permitted to gather once again, we will explore the potential for
rescheduling these events. In the meantime, we are planning to continue with our
bench building project as both a fundraiser and tool training for our youth. These
sturdy benches are 48” long; made with pressure-treated lumber and are
paintable or stainable. Each bench sells for $100 and we will deliver to any
location in the commuting area. In addition, we are offering a pair of Christmas
Angels (cut from 3/8’ plywood; painted and staked; ready to use) for $100 / pair.
Please reply to John Carns [email protected] or 301.848.0060 (text) to let im
know how many benches and angels ASP can make for you.
ASP TEAM TO MAKE LOCAL HOME REPAIRS - As another way to keep our teams
together and active, we are looking for some local ASP-like projects to work on this
summer. If you or you know of someone in our church or community with a dire
need please let me know and we will see if it is something we are able to assist
with. This can include but not be limited to: decks; ramps; flooring; dry-wall
repair; painting; miscellaneous repairs, etc. We would expect the homeowner to
reimburse for any materials required to do the work.Thanks and stay tuned
regarding re-scheduling of cancelled events.
SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION - Our conference has made the difficult decision
to cancel all summer camps offered at West River and Manidokan. As they said:
"the safety and well-being of every child is a foundational principle of Retreat and
Camping Ministries and one that guided our process. Providing a haven where
every child is safe, protected, and valued continues to be paramount to every
dimension of the summer camp." So, enjoy family time this summer and consider
a camp through BWC for summer 2021! Anyone who had registered will hear from
Camps and Retreats directly about your refund.
SILENT AUCTION CANCELED- We are sad to say that we have made the decision
to cancel our Silent Auction for 2020. We will be back in April of 2021, so save all
those items you been collecting for next year's auction.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY DURING THIS TIME - Your church remains
grateful for your faithful tithing during this time when we can't accept offerings
the way we normally do. We are so blessed by your offerings and we are
continuing the work of the church in many ways. Your giving enables us to give
much needed assistance to our community. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
CLAIM YOUR BLESSING! - At La Plata Church, we are claiming this time in our
lives as the season of Miracles! Now, more than ever, we need to double down on
God's provision and power in spite of the world. You can have a part in this, by
claiming your miracle or blessing and making a small video about it. Send a video
giving praise to God about some way he is breaking into your life and where you
are seeing God in action! Then, send it to the Facebook page of Mark Stancliff, our
Technology Chair. Your video will be included in one of our worship services so we
can all praise God
together! We will be concentrating on God's mighty acts for the next few months,
so keep an eye out....the miracle of birth....the uniting of spirits in
marriage......healings...... God making a way when you thought there was no
way..... God is still at work! Catch him in the act....and share!
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - Children and Youth are our greatest resource.
They are not only the future of the Church, they are the PRESENT! La Plata Church
is currently accepting applicants for the position of Director Of Christian Education
and Youth Ministry. Corrie Roberts, who will hold this position until May 31, has
tendered her resignation to serve God in other ways. This is a 20 hr/wk PART-TIME
staff position. Applicants should submit a resume and references. At least one year
experience working with children and/or youth or comparable training is
preferred. If you have a heart for children and youth or know someone who does
and may have an interest, please contact the church office for more information.
Make a difference in the life of our church and in the lives of the younger members
of our church family. Position specifics are available upon request. Deadline for
applicants is June 1. Thank you!
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR SUPER HEROS!- The costume guild and friends at Port
Tobacco Theater are making mask covers and caps for Charles Regional Medical
Center personnel. Because of the great demand for masks for everyone, supplies
are running short. In particular:
• Elastic for masks – ¼” or smaller to go around the ears. Elastic is sold out many
places and can be ordered, mostly from China – which takes at least a month to
arrive.
• Materials to make ties for caps – ½” single fold bias tape (made by Wrights)
works well, but other similar items could be used. Cotton would be best. Buttons
for caps ½” to 5/8” work well. These go on the cap above the ear so that the elastic
strap can go over the button and save the top of the ear from chafing. Regular flat
buttons, 2 or 4 holes are fine. Not shank buttons.
If you have any of these items sitting around gathering dust, we could really use
them right now so that we don’t have to slow down production. Just for one
department at the hospital, they have requested 60 sets (mask and cap). If you
have a question, please feel free to call Pat Brennan (240) 346-4080. Pat will pick
up regularly any items dropped off in this bin, so that distribution to those sewing
can be made. Thanks for any and all contributions,
Trading Frustration for the Fruit of the SpiritBy: Kristine Brown
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23
Pulling into the driveway after a day full of travel setbacks, I let out a final sigh. I
couldn’t remember ever being happier to arrive home. I thought about everything that
happened, both to and from our destination. The airline switching our flight at the last
minute, causing a mad dash between terminals. The flight home being cancelled,
which resulted in lost luggage. Quite possibly the craziest travel day ever! wanted to
put it all behind me, put my feet up, and relax the rest of the evening. But instead of
finding solace in the comforts of home, conviction set in. Something bothered me about
it, and it wasn’t the lost luggage. I realized through all the frustrating mishaps of our
day, I’d failed to display the fruits of the Spirit.
I remember when my children learned about the nine fruits of the Spirit in Sunday
school. We even worked at home to memorize them. Love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I understood the value
of these character traits and wanted to instill them in my kids. But I’ve discovered
through life’s ups and downs that memorizing them is the easy part. Showing them?
Not so easy. So when life’s frustrations hit, how do I demonstrate the values Paul spoke
about in his letter to the Galatians? How do I trade my frustration for the nine fruits?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Paul penned these words to encourage the early Christian church to “walk in the
Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16) He longed for them to understand the difference between
living a holy life based on laws of the past and one based on freedom in Christ. His
message brought out a new truth for believers of the day. They could still live with the
virtues of God’s goodness and resist their sinful nature. But they didn’t need legalism
to do it. The key to this newfound freedom was to live by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Frustration, bitterness, complaining. We all deal with them on a daily basis. We want
to show love to our neighbor but get triggered by life’s chaos and struggle to maintain
the ideals Paul described. Thankfully, just as Paul’s wisdom gave hope to the early
church, we can discover the same hope today. We won’t be able to maintain the fruits
if we try in our own strength. But when we remember to walk in the Spirit, the fruits
will flow freely from us.
James 3:11 reinforces this hope. “Can both freshwater and saltwater flow from the
same spring?” Filling up with the freshwater of the Holy Spirit will ensure our ability
to keep our hearts in the right place when we’re tempted by frustrating circumstances.
Whether it’s patience with the airline attendant, kindness toward another driver on the
road, or joy in the middle of the grocery checkout line. We can conquer whatever
comes our way by whispering the words, “Come, Holy Spirit.” His presence will breathe
peace, joy, and patience into any situation.
Bulletin Bloopers
Next Sunday is the family hay ride and bonfire at the Fowlers. Bring your own hot
dogs and guns. Friends are welcome! Everyone comes for a fun time.
Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say “hell” to someone who doesn’t care
much about you.
The peace-making meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a
conflict.
The sermon this morning: Jesus Walks on the Water. The sermon tonight:
Searching for Jesus.
The agenda was adopted…the minutes were approved…the financial secretary
gave a grief report.
The missionary from Africa speaking at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine: Name:
Bertha Belch. Announcement: “Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the Way
from Africa.”
"The Senior Choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to
join the choir."
Don’t let worry kill you off – let the Church help.
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So
ends a friendship that began in their school days.
The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind and they may be seen
in the church basement Friday.
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?” Come
early and listen to our choir practice.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new
members and to the deterioration of several others.
"Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our Church and community."
"Church office will be closed Monday. Halleluia. Halleluia."
"A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday."
Our Prayer ListPlease pray:For our friends and family who have medical issues
Tom Berry
Wade Beswick
Karyl Beverage
Margaret Bowie
Frank Brinson
Patricia Buckler
Sue Carns
Jennifer Carpenter
Jerome Church
Cathy Compton
Harolly Coombs
Joyce Dean
Lane Duque
Sandra Fykes
Remy Zachary
Gordon
Carl Greene
Peggy & Laurie
Hamilton
Randy Hill
Christina Kingsbury
Francis Lewis
Donna McKenzie
Ed McKenzie
Johnny McPherson
Renee Nash
Carl Occhipinti
Mary Perry
Frank Quinn
Mary Beth Reckeweg
Melissa Faith Rollins
Crystal Rupprecht
Patty Rupprech
Donna Sarnacki
Tabitha Schneider
Carol Sorenson
Rosalie Snyder
Don Stapleson
Michael Stewart
Brian Thomason
Jeanette Tull
Sandy Tull
Linda Valente
Mike Williams
Please pray:For our friends and family who are living in Nursing Homes, Assisted
Living or home bound:
Lennis Bridgett Mike Merritt Sharon Ferguson
Iris Dickerson Ann Bergerstock
For our friends and family who are grieving:
Joyce Clerico and family as they mourn the passing of her sister, Dorothy
“Dottie” Stevens.
Continue to pray for:
Medical personal as the put their lives at risk caring for those with Covid 19.
Researchers as they strive to develop a cure for this virus. The leaders of our
country, may the Holy Spirit be present at every meeting as they keep us informed.
Our Pastors as the continue to find new ways to minister to their flock and keep us
all connected. For each other that Christ will calm our fears and keep us safe.
Our Church Staff & Church Leadership Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor
Rev. Ed Chance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retired Pastor / Visitation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Christian Ed & Youth Ministry
Karen Hamner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Administrator
Patricia Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choir Director
Linda Dent Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist
Cheryl Reckeweg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinator of Ministries
Laurie Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Treasurer
Archie Verdiglione, Sr. . . . . . . . . . Building Superintendent
Jim Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Sexton
Bill Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Groundskeeper
Julie Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Director
Trish Carruth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asst. Preschool Director
Mark Stancliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Council Chair
Archie Verdiglione, Sr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lay Leader
Kevin Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board of Trustees President
Tom Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff-Parish Relations Chair
Kathryn Greene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finance Committee Chair
Mark Stancliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technology Chair
Our Church Motto for 2020
"Making disciples, building community, living by
faith…together"
‘Friend’ us on Facebook:
La Plata Umc
3 Port Tobacco Road
La Plata, Maryland 20646-2824
Office: 301-934-2288
Email: [email protected]
On the web: www.laplataumc.org
Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl cell:
240-217-6369
CCLI License # 2524825