We Are To Listen To God

Dan Trimble welcomed the congregation and guests for worship on a warm August Sunday morning. A birthday was celebrated for Lily Allman and Clifford and Susie Thornton celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Laura Thompson and Zoe Thornton lit the altar candles as Patti Carroll played the prelude to worship.

The congregation sang “His Name Is Wonderful,” and “O Worship The King,” accompanied by Patti Carroll on the piano and the orchestra.

Joys were shared for good medical reports from Robin Davis’ friend Donna and Jan Heath shared that she is feeling better. Pastor Mary Lou Toft read a letter of thanks from the Ronald McDonald House, Opal Hatfield shared that her grandson is home from overseas military service and Rose Peck shared that Michael Pippen is home from Afghanistan. Prayer was requested for Joan Boston, Mary Mueller, Dan Trimble’s friend Mark and for Nikki Angeles with upcoming school finals. Mary Lou led the congregation in prayer.

Dan read the scripture lesson, Jonah 4:1-11

The music special was “The Power of the Cross,” sung by Casey Stanley,Carolyn Queer, Patti Carroll and Mary Lou Toft, with the solo part by Angie Thornton. Linda Hybl accompanied the group on the clavinova.

In her children’s message, Mary Lou asked if anyone ever had the experience of not getting something that they wanted. We sometimes choose to pout or be angry when we don’t get our way. This does us no good, and we can often miss a bigger blessing by being upset about not getting what we want.

Mary Lou’s message to the congregation was about the scripture lesson from Jonah, with Jonah becoming angry instead of rejoicing that the people of Ninevah had turned from their evil ways. Sometimes we assume how God should act, but when God’s plan is not like our plan, we get angry, just as Jonah did. The bad things that happened to Jonah were a result of his own decisions. We are to listen to God, go where He calls us, and do as He directs us.

The congregation sang “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” followed by Mary Lou’s benediction to close the service.

If you are seeking a church home, we invite you to worship services at 11 a.m. Sunday’s at St. John and Mill Streets in Noel. Phone 417-475-3814. Visit our Web page, http://noelmoumc.org, or on Facebook, Noel MO United Methodist Church.