While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:10-11)
As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.
Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. If you are calling from a smart phone, you can click this number to be connected without having to enter a meeting ID: +19292056099,,97309102821#. Or, from a landline or flip phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.
Call to Worship
One: Let us gather as they gathered on the Mouth of Olivet. Let us remember the teachings of the law, psalms, and prophets.
Many: Ride on, King Jesus, no one can hinder you!
One: Let us gather as they gathered when Jesus rose into heaven. Let us remember that every sin has been forgiven.
Many: Ride on, King Jesus, no one can hinder you!
One: Let us gather as they gathered when Jesus rode upon the clouds. Let us remember how he promised that we’d be clothed in power.
Many: Ride on, King Jesus, no one can hinder you!
One: Let us gather as they gathered upon a hill so high. Let us remember the ascension of our Messiah.
Many: Ride on King Jesus, no one can hinder you! (W&S 35)
Opening Hymn Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies (UMH 173)
Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. If you are calling from a smart phone, you can click this number to be connected without having to enter a meeting ID: +19292056099,,97309102821#. Or, from a landline or flip phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.
Call to Worship
One: Let us gather as they gathered on the Mouth of Olivet. Let us remember the teachings of the law, psalms, and prophets.
Many: Ride on, King Jesus, no one can hinder you!
One: Let us gather as they gathered when Jesus rose into heaven. Let us remember that every sin has been forgiven.
Many: Ride on, King Jesus, no one can hinder you!
One: Let us gather as they gathered when Jesus rode upon the clouds. Let us remember how he promised that we’d be clothed in power.
Many: Ride on, King Jesus, no one can hinder you!
One: Let us gather as they gathered upon a hill so high. Let us remember the ascension of our Messiah.
Many: Ride on King Jesus, no one can hinder you! (W&S 35)
Opening Hymn Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies (UMH 173)
Lyrics: 1. Christ whose glory fills the skies, Christ the true, the only light, Sun of Righteousness, arise, triumph o'er the shades of night; Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar in my heart appear.
2. Dark and cheerless is the morn unaccompanied by thee; joyless is the day's return, till thy mercy's beams I see; till they inward light impart, cheer my eyes and warm my heart.
3. Visit then this soul of mine; pierce the gloom of sin and grief; fill me, Radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; more and more thy self display, shining to the perfect day.
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, in a time of great need you raised up your servants John and Charles Wesley, Susanna Wesley and Elizabeth Strawbridge, and by your Spirit inspired them to kindle a flame of sacred love which leaped and ran, an inextinguishable blaze. Grant that all those whose hearts have been warmed at these altar fires, being continually refreshed by your grace, may be so devoted to the increase of scriptural holiness and social justice throughout the land that in this our time of great need, your will may fully and effectively be done on earth as it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BOW 440, altered)
Blessing of the Masks
Children's Message--The Video will be available by Sunday
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Bonnie (Be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube Channel too, so you don't miss any updates!)
2. Dark and cheerless is the morn unaccompanied by thee; joyless is the day's return, till thy mercy's beams I see; till they inward light impart, cheer my eyes and warm my heart.
3. Visit then this soul of mine; pierce the gloom of sin and grief; fill me, Radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; more and more thy self display, shining to the perfect day.
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, in a time of great need you raised up your servants John and Charles Wesley, Susanna Wesley and Elizabeth Strawbridge, and by your Spirit inspired them to kindle a flame of sacred love which leaped and ran, an inextinguishable blaze. Grant that all those whose hearts have been warmed at these altar fires, being continually refreshed by your grace, may be so devoted to the increase of scriptural holiness and social justice throughout the land that in this our time of great need, your will may fully and effectively be done on earth as it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BOW 440, altered)
Blessing of the Masks
Children's Message--The Video will be available by Sunday
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Bonnie (Be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube Channel too, so you don't miss any updates!)
Hymn Open The Eyes of My Heart
| ascension_sunday-24_may_acts1_1-11_.docx |
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic** church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Joys, Concerns, & God Sightings
Continuing Prayers: Our Police; Baltimore; Our nation and world; The Syrian refugee crisis and Aleppo; Our homebound, Those effected by Covid-19--including medical staff, teachers, parents, children, those infected, etc.
The 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.
Offering
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Offertory Hymn He is Able--Soloist, Shirley Milledge
Doxology (95 UMH)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic** church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Joys, Concerns, & God Sightings
Continuing Prayers: Our Police; Baltimore; Our nation and world; The Syrian refugee crisis and Aleppo; Our homebound, Those effected by Covid-19--including medical staff, teachers, parents, children, those infected, etc.
The 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.
Offering
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Offertory Hymn He is Able--Soloist, Shirley Milledge
Doxology (95 UMH)
Prayer of Dedication
For all those who have gone on before us in faith; and for all those who continue to model faith for us on a daily basis; we give thanks to you, God of the Ages. Help us to be living examples of you and your love through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Amen. (Rev. Bonnie McCubbin)
Closing Hymn All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name (154 UMH)
For all those who have gone on before us in faith; and for all those who continue to model faith for us on a daily basis; we give thanks to you, God of the Ages. Help us to be living examples of you and your love through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Amen. (Rev. Bonnie McCubbin)
Closing Hymn All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name (154 UMH)
Benediction
Litany for Memorial Day Remembrances
One: Let us give thanks to God for the land of our birth with all its chartered liberties. For all the wonder of our country’s story:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
One: For leaders in nation and state, and for those who in days past and in these present times have labored for the commonwealth:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
One: For those who in all times and places have been true and brave, and in the world’s common ways have lived upright lives and ministered to their fellows:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
One: For those who served their country in its hour of need, and especially for those who gave even their lives in that service:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
All: O Almighty God and Most Merciful Father, as we remember these your servants, remembering with gratitude their courage and strength, we hold before you those who mourn them. Look upon your bereaved servants with your mercy. As this day brings them memories of those they have lost awhile, may it also bring your consolation and the assurance that their loved ones are alive now and forever in your living presence. Amen. (The Book of Worship for United States Forces, 1974)
Announcements
UPDATE: We are currently closed under order of Mayor Jack Young to help "flatten the curve" of Covid-19. If you have pastoral needs, please contact Pastor Bonnie directly (preferably through email or the website) so they can be addressed promptly. We have no office hours and all activities, including, but not limited to worship, Bible Study, Church Council, choir, and After School Programs are cancelled until the building re-opens, and will be on a modified schedule once we return.
A "Re-Launch" Team is meeting to discern best practices for our congregation moving forward. Stay tuned for more information. We are not allowed to resume inside worship until Baltimore City moves to Phase 2, at the earliest. We understand many people are anxious to resume in-person services, however, we are also trying to keep everyone safe and follow local and state laws, which prohibit us gathering in person at this time. Your Re-Launch Team has procured supplies from various vendors and is in the process of creating procedures to maintain the safety of our congregation. We are working diligently.
Please stay home and stay safe. If you need help getting reliable information, please reach out to Pastor Bonnie. She is getting informed and updated by Johns Hopkins staff and experts twice a week.
Pentecost is May 31. Please wear red!
Masks are now required when in public across the state of Maryland. If you do not have a face covering (mask, scarf, bandanna, etc.) please email HampdenPastor@gmail.com for more information on getting a suitable covering.
Online Giving Go to our website (www.goodshepherdhampden.com) and click the green "Give" button to go to a secure website for your transactions. Or, download the secure, encrypted App Tithe.ly from the App Store or Google Play.
Contact Information We have tried to reach out to every regular attendee and member each week via telephone, text, and/or email. However, in many situations, we have incorrect contact information. Please be sure to *email* or call Pastor Bonnie ASAP so you do not miss any information. You should be receiving calls from both Pastor Bonnie and a member of our Church Council Leadership team regularly. If you are not, please let us know.
Bible Study resources can be accessed at https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/who-are-we/#PeopleofGod Scroll down to part 3. We'd be on Session 1 this week.
Flowers already paid for will be moved to an open date after we return.
Litany for Memorial Day Remembrances
One: Let us give thanks to God for the land of our birth with all its chartered liberties. For all the wonder of our country’s story:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
One: For leaders in nation and state, and for those who in days past and in these present times have labored for the commonwealth:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
One: For those who in all times and places have been true and brave, and in the world’s common ways have lived upright lives and ministered to their fellows:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
One: For those who served their country in its hour of need, and especially for those who gave even their lives in that service:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
All: O Almighty God and Most Merciful Father, as we remember these your servants, remembering with gratitude their courage and strength, we hold before you those who mourn them. Look upon your bereaved servants with your mercy. As this day brings them memories of those they have lost awhile, may it also bring your consolation and the assurance that their loved ones are alive now and forever in your living presence. Amen. (The Book of Worship for United States Forces, 1974)
Announcements
UPDATE: We are currently closed under order of Mayor Jack Young to help "flatten the curve" of Covid-19. If you have pastoral needs, please contact Pastor Bonnie directly (preferably through email or the website) so they can be addressed promptly. We have no office hours and all activities, including, but not limited to worship, Bible Study, Church Council, choir, and After School Programs are cancelled until the building re-opens, and will be on a modified schedule once we return.
A "Re-Launch" Team is meeting to discern best practices for our congregation moving forward. Stay tuned for more information. We are not allowed to resume inside worship until Baltimore City moves to Phase 2, at the earliest. We understand many people are anxious to resume in-person services, however, we are also trying to keep everyone safe and follow local and state laws, which prohibit us gathering in person at this time. Your Re-Launch Team has procured supplies from various vendors and is in the process of creating procedures to maintain the safety of our congregation. We are working diligently.
Please stay home and stay safe. If you need help getting reliable information, please reach out to Pastor Bonnie. She is getting informed and updated by Johns Hopkins staff and experts twice a week.
Pentecost is May 31. Please wear red!
Masks are now required when in public across the state of Maryland. If you do not have a face covering (mask, scarf, bandanna, etc.) please email HampdenPastor@gmail.com for more information on getting a suitable covering.
Online Giving Go to our website (www.goodshepherdhampden.com) and click the green "Give" button to go to a secure website for your transactions. Or, download the secure, encrypted App Tithe.ly from the App Store or Google Play.
Contact Information We have tried to reach out to every regular attendee and member each week via telephone, text, and/or email. However, in many situations, we have incorrect contact information. Please be sure to *email* or call Pastor Bonnie ASAP so you do not miss any information. You should be receiving calls from both Pastor Bonnie and a member of our Church Council Leadership team regularly. If you are not, please let us know.
Bible Study resources can be accessed at https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/who-are-we/#PeopleofGod Scroll down to part 3. We'd be on Session 1 this week.
Flowers already paid for will be moved to an open date after we return.
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