What Does God Look Like?

Liturgist Larry Hybl welcomed the congregation for worship and made announcements for the week. Birthdays were celebrated for Suzanne Scott and Stephanie Powell. The congregation shared in a time of fellowship, followed by Lily Allman and Emily Thornton lighting the altar candles as Patti Carroll played the prelude to worship.

The congregation sang "Sweet, Sweet, Spirit" and "Amazing Grace," accompanied by Patti on the clavinova and the orchestra.

Joys were shared for answered prayer and the recent rains. Joy was shared for the donation of beef for the McDonald County High School band to raffle as a fundraiser. Joy was shared for Danny Britton's recovery from knee surgery and by Doris Fields for her time with family and being back home. Prayer was requested for Raymond, for Barbara Cory's grandson, Jeffery Patterson and for Barbara Fine. Pastor Mary Lou Toft led the congregation in prayer.

Larry read the scripture lesson, from 1 John 4: 12-21.

The adult choir, directed by Linda Hybl, sang "He Hideth My Soul" for the music special.

Mary Lou's children's message began with a question, "What does God look like?"

We can't see God, but He is like the wind. We cannot see the wind, but we can feel it and can see what it does. We know God by what He does in our lives.

Mary Lou's message to the congregation was about God's love for us, no matter what choices we have made in our lives. We make bad choices; God give us freewill and we are disobedient to Him. We know God by what He does. He sent His son Jesus to teach us how to live and how to love others. God gave us the Holy Spirit to enable us to show our love to others. We are to go out and practice what Jesus has taught us.

The congregation sang "O How I Love Jesus, followed by Mary Lou's benediction to close the worship service.

The congregations of Pineville, Southwest City and Noel Methodist churches gathered at Pineville Sunday evening for a wonderful meal and fellowship and singing. Thanks to all of the Pineville congregation for the preparations and hospitality.

We invite you to worship services at 11 a.m. Sundays at St. John and Mill Streets in Noel. Phone 417-475-3814. Visit our Facebook page, Noel MO United Methodist Church.

Religion on 09/04/2014