Clifford Thornton, liturgist, greeted the congregation and guests and made announcements for the week. Lenten Bible study schedule is Pineville UMC at 11 a.m. on Mondays; Noel UMC at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays; and Southwest City UMC at 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. A birthday was celebrated for Jan Heath and wedding anniversaries were celebrated for Glen and Danielle Stead, Butch and Marilee Todd and Robert and Doris Porterfield. Robert and Doris are celebrating 50 years, and Butch and Marilee are celebrating 51 years.
Zoe Thornton and Lily Allman lit the altar candles as Linda Hybl played the prelude to worship.
The congregation sang the hymns "His Name is Wonderful" and "Faith of Our Fathers," accompanied by Linda on the clavinova and the orchestra.
Joys were shared by Doris Fields for being with her church family and for Danny Britton, Harry Stuart and Polly Ritter healing and feeling better. Kevin and Susan Rundle shared the joy of their first grandchild, Teagan Marie Klinco, and joy was shared for Nikki and Jamin Stauber on the birth of son Aavynd Marion Stauber. Prayer requests were made for Lou Fischer, Butch Todd, Karen Tompkins' mother, Janet Britton's family and Steve Peck. Pastor Mary Lou Toft led the congregation in prayer.
Cliff read the scripture lesson, Matthew 7:24-29.
Mary Lou's message to the congregation was about Jesus' words from the scripture in Matthew. When we listen to Jesus' teaching, and follow it, it is like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the flood waters rise and winds beat against the house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears Jesus' teaching, and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds his house on the sand. It will not stand against the rains and floods and winds.
The congregation sang "Amazing Grace," followed by Mary Lou's benediction which closed the worship service.
You are welcome at worship services, Sunday's at Pineville UMC, 9:30 a.m., Noel UMC 11 a.m., and at Southwest City UMC at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Mary Lou Toft can be reached at 816-729-6767 or [email protected]. Visit Noel MO United Methodist Church on Facebook.
Religion on 03/19/2015