Myers Park

United Methodist Church

Unity

A Service of Christian Worship

May 1, 2016 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m.

Sixth Sunday After Easter

WE GATHER

Welcome

Please pass the hospitality pads at this time.

Passing of the Peace

Chiming of the Holy Trinity

Opening Voluntary

Trumpet Tune in G Jeremy Bankson

Call to Worship from Psalm 71

I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord God,

I will praise your righteousness, yours alone.

O God, from my youth you have taught me,

and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God;

I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to you;

my soul also, which you have rescued. Processional Hymn No. 89

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee HYMN TO JOY

Prayer of Confession

Almighty God, we know

love is patient where we are quick-tempered.

Love is kind when we are indifferent.

Love is not envious, or boastful or arrogant.

The Creed No. 885 A Modern Affirmation We believe in God the Father,

infinite in wisdom, power and love,

whose mercy is over all his works,

and whose will is ever directed to his children’s good.

We believe in Jesus Christ,

Son of God and Son of man,

the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace,

the ground of our hope,

and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death.

We believe in the Holy Spirit

as the divine presence in our lives,

whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance

of the truth of Christ,

and find strength and help in time of need.

We believe that this faith should manifest itself

in the service of love

as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord,

to the end

that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. Amen.

Gloria Patri No. 71 GREATOREX

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen. Amen.

Love is not rude despite our unkind behavior.

Love does not insist on getting its own way,

building a false sense of our importance.

Love is not irritable and does not rejoice in wrongdoing.

May God show us mercy,

forgive us our sins against love

and lead us into abundant life. Amen.

Words of Assurance

…In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

Glory to God. Amen.

Anthem

On Earth Has Dawned This Day of Days Jeremy Bankson

Commissioned (2016) in honor of Margaret Ann Schrum.

See insert. The congregation is invited to join in singing the final stanza.

WE HEAR AND RESPOND TO THE WORD

Epistle Reading 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Reader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

Prayers of the People

After each petition, we enter into the prayer together with these words:

Pastor: Lord, in your mercy,

People: Hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Offertory

Festival Piece on “St. Anne” Eugene Butler

The congregation is invited to join in singing the final stanza.

O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,

our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.

Before the hills in order stood or earth received her frame

from everlasting Thou art God to endless years the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone,

short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun.

Time like an ever rolling stream bears all its sons away,

They fly forgotten as a dream dies at the opening day.

O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,

be Thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home! Doxology LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Prayer of Dedication

WE GO OUT TO SERVE

Closing Hymn No. 68

When in Our Music God Is Glorified ENGELBERG

Benediction

Benediction Response

Lift High the Cross CRUCIFER

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim

till all the world adore His sacred name.

Come, Christians, follow this triumphant sign.

The hosts of God in unity combine.

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim

till all the world adore His sacred name. Closing Voluntary Fanfare and Flourish James Curnow

_______________________________________________________________

Stand as you are able

WORSHIP LEADERS

PREACHER

Dr. James C. Howell, Senior Minister

LITURGISTS

Dr. Melanie Dobson, Minister of Faith Formation

Rev. Parker Haynes, Associate Minister

LAY READERS

Hilary Coman (8:30), Cameron Caudle (9:45), Lindsay Jones (11:00)

MUSICIANS

James R. Jones, Director of Music and Organist

Brian Childers, Director of Music for Children and Youth

Elizabeth Whitener, organ

Jeremy Bankson, conductor

da Capo Brass

Myers Park Bells

Chancel Choir

Amanda Williams, soprano

CRUCIFERS

Avery Buie (8:30), Trent Mulligan (9:45), Mattie Price (11:00)

ACOLYTES

David Felkner and Jack Felkner (8:30)

Skylar Neal and Caroline Boulware (9:45)

Andrew Wilks and Bennett Wilks (11:00)

BIBLE CARRIERS

Micah Wilson (8:30), Morgan Weintraub (9:45), Emsley Jones (11:00) ________________________________________________________________

Jeremy Bankson, Associate Minister of Music at First-Plymouth Church in

Lincoln, Nebraska, shares his passion for congregational song by leading the

Plymouth Ringers, First-Plymouth Chorale, Youth Orchestra, and Plymouth Brass.

He also assists with the Plymouth Choir and Abendmusik Chorus and shares in

playing the 110 rank Schoenstein organ. Jeremy serves as Executive Director of

the Abendmusik at First-Plymouth Concert Series and teaches organ at Hastings

College. A native Nebraskan, he received his Bachelor of Music degree from the

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he also pursued graduate studies in choral

conducting. He served churches in Beatrice, Nebraska, and Fort Wayne, Indiana,

before moving back to serve at First-Plymouth in 2007. Active as a composer and

arranger, he has led workshops, clinics and hymn festivals for the Fellowship of

American Baptist Musicians, Association of Lutheran Church Musicians,

American Guild of Organists, Leadership Program for Musicians, Augsburg

Fortress and other churches and institutions around the country. His compositions

can be found in the catalogs of MorningStar Music Publishers, Augsburg Fortress

Press and Concordia Publishing House and have been heard on the nationally

syndicated radio programs The Lutheran Hour, With Heart and Voice, and Sing for

Joy. Many of Jeremy’s arrangements can be heard on the following recordings:

Sing with All the Saints in Glory, Hymns from First-Plymouth, Carols from First-

Plymouth, and Easter at First-Plymouth.

On Earth Has Dawned this Day of Days

Notes From Composer Jeremy Bankson

It is with great delight that I received the invitation from Director of Music Jimmy

Jones to write a new piece for Myers Park United Methodist Church in honor of

Margaret Ann Schrum. We discussed the idea of a new hymn tune that would

incorporate an Easter text. It’s not uncommon to find great texts that have not been

set to great tunes, and thus remain relatively unknown. That was the case for this

text written by Nikolaus Hermann and translated by Charles Sanford Terry.

The next task was to create a new tune. Since the idea was to create an anthem that

the congregation could join in singing, I wanted to write a tune in a fairly

traditional hymn style. It needed to be interesting without being difficult. The

result is a tune that has been named Myers Park in honor of the church where it

premieres this morning. While the tune was conceived with this text in mind, it is a

meter that will allow it to be sung with numerous other texts. Hopefully this will

allow this tune to be used more frequently than just during the Easter season.

The piece begins with a straightforward presentation of the tune, accompanied by

brass and organ. Stanza two begins to use some text painting. The interlude leading

to stanza two employs a raised E natural that hopefully implies something “out of

the ordinary” to the listener. Gently sung “alleluias” are the accompaniment for a

soloist who conveys the narrative of the story accompanied by singing bells – a

relatively new technique that also has a sense of mystery to the sound. The idea is

to set up an image of that first Easter morn and approaching the tomb. The stanza

begins with a loose adaptation of the melody, but ends with a more straightforward

harmonization which I think has a triumphant quality as the text talks about “who

over death and victr’y won.” The next stanza begins with a four-part harmonization

of the text that depicts the angel’s message, and proclamation that “The Lord is

risen from the dead.” At this point, the text begins to erupt with joy, and so the

choir has shouts and acclamations of “let joy begin,” concluded by a shout that the

tomb is empty. The shouts of joy are accented with bells and fanfares that include

the mysterious e-natural in the form of a fanfare. This interlude sets up a final

stanza where all join in singing the melody along with a descant and the combined

instrumental forces. There is one more “nod” to the idea of resurrection as this

piece concludes.

I’m told that Margaret Ann Schrum is a fan of high notes, so the last four bars of

the piece include a descant that rises to the highest note at the end. Christ is risen!

Alleluia!

Notes On Today’s Music

Although 450 years separate the lives of Nikolaus Hermann and Jeremy Bankston,

today they have joined hands to create a marvelous, musical celebration of Easter

Day. The story of Easter is familiar to Christians everywhere – how three women

approached the tomb to find it empty. They were greeted by an angel who told

them that “the Lord is Risen.” The story comes alive in Mr. Bankston’s music as

the choir, handbells, organ and brass call and respond to each other. Each segment

is punctuated by a stirring “hallelujah.” After the contemplative days of Lent, the

waiting is over.

This word “Hallelujah” is Hebrew for “Praise ye the Lord.” But what does it really

mean? As we listen to this music, we discover how this ancient exclamation of joy,

hope and love is a fitting summary of Christ's incomparable mission — and His

promise of new life for us all.

Jim Willoughby.

TODAY AT MYERS PARK

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH…

WELCOME! We are thankful you are here, worshiping with us. If you’re just

getting to know us, we are a community that welcomes people from all walks of

life. Any staff member, usher or church member is glad to answer questions, or

share directions. Check out the Guest Information bookcases in the narthex

gathering space outside the Sanctuary or drop by the Welcome Center in the lobby

of the Parish Life Building for resources so you can get to know us better. New

guests are invited to pick up a complimentary drink tumbler at the front desk, in

the Sanctuary narthex and by the Jubilee Hall door.

DISCOVER MYERS PARK Want to learn more about our church family and

how to get involved? Our Discover Myers Park class shares about the life of the

church. The next Discover Myers Park is at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, June 12, in the

lobby of Parish Life Building for coffee, fellowship and conversation. You don’t

need to sign up in advance, just come and join us. Reach Rev. Parker Haynes at

parker@mpumc.org to learn more.

CELEBRATING STEPHEN MINISTRIES

This morning at worship, we lift up Stephen Ministries, laypersons trained to offer

care to people experiencing tough times. Information on how to become a Stephen

Minister, and how to secure the services of one, is available from 8:30 a.m. to noon

today in the lobby of the Parish Life Building. Rev. Bill Roth, Minister of

Congregational Care, writes: “Stephen Ministers are laypeople – Christian men and

women – trained to provide one-on-one care to those facing a difficult time in life

such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation or some other

crisis. While our Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, there is a common

thread: Their passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of

need.” Details: Rev. Bill Roth at 704-295-4835 or broth@mpumc.org.

WELCOME, CHILDREN Bright blue bags with fun activities for your children

are at the Sanctuary entrances. Please return them after worship.

THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God and in honor

of Margaret Ann Schrum and in memory of John L. Schrum Jr. by their family.

THE FLOWERS IN THE NARTHEX are given to the glory of God and in

loving memory of Marion Blanton Gibson by her family.

mailto:parker@mpumc.orgmailto:broth@mpumc.orgh

THE FLOWERS IN THE CHAPEL NARTHEX are given to the glory of God

and in celebration of the marriage of Caroline Hodgin and Brian Ives on Saturday

at the church.

HOLY COMMUNION THIS MORNING Holy Communion is celebrated each

Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the memorial chapel behind the Sanctuary except when it is

given in worship services.

CLASS FOR SINGLES The new Faith and Fellowship Sunday School class for

singles in their 30s and 40s meets at 9:45 a.m. this morning in Room 260 in the

Youth Building, exploring Unusual Questions – From The Gospel Of John. The

class, and all singles in that age group, are invited to dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday,

May 10, at the Treehouse restaurant, 4423 Sharon Road across from SouthPark

mall. RSVP to Kelly McLaughlin at kellymac776@gmail.com.

MUSIC FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH Music Ministries offers opportunities for

children and youth: Junior Handbells (Grades 2-5) meets at 3:00 p.m. Sundays in

Room 229 in the Snyder Building. Youth Bells (Grades 6-12) meets at 4:00 p.m.

Sundays in Room 229. Youth Choir (Grades 6-12) meets at 5:00 p.m. Sundays in

Room 141. Alleluia Choir (Grades K-1) rehearses at 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays in

Room 148. Junior Choir (Grades 2-5) rehearses at 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays in Room

141. Details: Director of Music For Children and Youth Brian Childers at 704-295-

4806 or brian@mpumc.org.

SUNDAY NIGHT YOUTH Youth and friends in Grades 6-12 are invited each

Sunday evening for Sunday Night Youth from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. in the Parish Life

Building basement. Come for dinner, worship, fellowship and fun. To learn more,

reach Director of Youth Ministries Lauren Stines at lauren@mpumc.org.

YOUNG ADULTS BOOK STUDY All young adults are invited to a weekly

book study at 7:00 p.m. Sundays in Room 108 of the Parish Life Building. The

group is studying Dr. Howell’s book, What Does The Lord Require? Copies are

available. Details: Dr. Melanie Dobson at 704-295-4840 or melanie@mpumc.org.

GOODNESS GRACIOUS! The volunteer-run gift shop in the Parish Life

Building, where sales support outreach, will offer its wares for sale on tables along

the hallway outside the Church Library in Room 111. The tables will be set up

today through Friday, May 13. The shop offers plenty of Mother’s Day

possibilities, including Bibles, books, cards, housewares and assorted gifts.

mailto:kellymac776@gmail.commailto:brian@mpumc.orgmailto:lauren@mpumc.orgmailto:melanie@mpumc.org

DOWNLOAD OUR APP The Myers Park United Methodist Church mobile app

is available for download. You’ll find the latest sermons from Dr. Howell and our

pastoral staff, live streaming worship services and other resources to help you stay

connected online and in real life. To download, search for Myers Park Methodist in

the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Windows Marketplace.

PRAY FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE Please pray for The United Methodist

General Conference starting May 10 in Portland, Ore., and for the delegates from

our church, Dr. Howell and Sandy Hieronymus. You can follow the news from

General Conference at gc2016.umc.org and at www.myersparkumc.org/GC2016,

where you will also find Dr. Howell’s reflection. The upcoming Cornerstone

church newsletter will also feature more on the General Conference.

THIS MORNING’S ANTHEM

This morning at the 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary services, the Chancel

Choir, Myers Park Bells and da Capo Brass premiere a new anthem, On Earth Has

Dawned This Day Of Days, composed by Jeremy Bankson and commissioned in

honor of long-time Chancel Choir member Margaret Ann Schrum. Today also

marks the premiere of the hymn tune, Myers Park, which serves as the main theme

for this anthem. We hope this beautiful hymn will one day be included in hymnals

throughout the world. Read more about the composer and the anthem elsewhere in

today’s worship bulletin. We welcome Jeremy to worship this morning.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST…

TALK ABOUT RACE, YOUTH, FOOTBALL

Our churchwide conversation on race continues with a unique panel discussion at

4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22, in Jubilee Hall: Myers Park High School football coach

Scott Chadwick and several members of his squad will share how they have

tackled the barriers of race and class to build unity. They’ll be joined by Charlotte

magazine Executive Editor Michael Graff, whose three-part series on the Mustangs

team chronicled these issues and inspired this program.

MARTHA CIRCLE LUNCHEON The Martha Circle will hold its annual

luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, in Room 106 in the Parish Life

Building. Please bring $6 for the meal, and the health kits for UMCOR.

http://www.myersparkumc.org/GC2016

H.O.T. WEDNESDAY H.O.T. Wednesday is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each

Wednesday in Jubilee Hall. This week’s menu: Grilled chicken breast, baked

potato or sweet potato, mixed veggies, rolls, salad, desserts and ice cream. Make

reservations at HotWednesday@mpumc.org or call 704-376-5520 (option six) by

noon each Tuesday. The Goodness Gracious! gift shop in the Parish Life lobby is

open until 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays when H.O.T. Wednesday meets.

GIVE A GIFT, HELP LIBRARY Here’s a great gift idea for Mother’s Day (May

8) or any other time, and a way to help the Church Library: Make a donation to

buy a book that’s already in the library, in Room 111 in the Parish Life Building.

Instructions, prices and books on the library wish list are at the main desk in the

library. Details: Linda Myers at 704-907-0864 or lsmyers@mindspring.com.

‘CREATION’ CONCERT, SILENT AUCTION The Chancel Choir and 36-

piece orchestra will present Haydn’s oratorio, The Creation, at 4:00 p.m. Sunday,

May 15, in Jubilee Hall. It’s a free event, no tickets are required. Making the

afternoon even more extraordinary, UMAR artists have created seven pieces of

artwork representing the seven days of creation. They will be on display May 11-

15 outside Jubilee Hall. You are encouraged to place bids on the artwork for sale,

then donate the pieces to the church for permanent display. Proceeds will benefit

the ministry to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

LEARN ABOUT PLANNED GIVING Chris McLeod, who is helping educate

the congregation about the importance of planned giving, will lead a program at

7:00 p.m. Monday, May 16, in Francis Chapel on How To Make A Difference

Forever: Strategies For Giving Through Your Estate. Chris will guide us as we

determine the focus and scope of the charity we are considering supporting; the

type of gift, and how to make sure our intentions for that gift are honored. Look for

more about the launch of our planned giving educational initiative.

WOMEN’S RETREAT REUNION The women’s retreat will celebrate a decade

of fellowship, faith development and fun with a 10th anniversary reunion at 7:00

p.m. Friday, May 20, in Jubilee Hall. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Guests

will reminisce as well as look forward to future retreats. Women are encouraged to

bring a friend and reconnect with retreat sisters, or come and make new friends as

you make plans to attend the retreat for the first time. RSVP by May 13 to

Christine Mull at 704-295-4815 or cmull@mpumc.org.

CAMP TEKOA WEEKEND The annual Camp Tekoa Family Weekend in the

N.C. mountains is May 20-22, offering families, friends, long-time church

members and those new to our faith family a chance to share fellowship, fun

activities, worship and more. The deadline to sign up is May 10. Visit

www.myersparkumc.org/children or reach Jenna Zello at jenna@mpumc.org.

mailto:HotWednesday@mpumc.orgmailto:lsmyers@mindspring.commailto:cmull@mpumc.orghttp://www.myersparkumc.org/chiuldrenmmailto:jenna@mpumc.org

YOUNG ADULTS PICNIC All young adults ages 20 to 35 are invited to a

cookout at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Marion Diehl Park, 2219 Tyvola Road,

shelter No 1. To RSVP and sign up to bring a side dish to share, reach Katherine

Jones at katherinemjones2@gmail.com.

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP It’s Cool In The Furnace, a performing arts camp

for rising Grades 2-8, is August 15-19 at the church. Cost is $200 per student.

Details: Nancy Hamff at 704-295-4831 or nancy@mpumc.org.

GROWING IN FAITH…

CHILDREN, YOUTH MUSIC RECOGNITION A Children and Youth Music

Recognition Service at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, in the Sanctuary will

feature the Alleluia Choir, Junior Choir, Junior Bells, Youth Choir and Youth

Bells. Each group will present a selection, and participants will be recognized for

their leadership in worship.

SIGN UP FOR CONFIRMATION Youth who will be rising eighth-graders in

2016-17 can sign up now for Confirmation at www.myersparkumc.org

(Confirmation tab). Youth Ministries is preparing for an exciting year, and has

been praying for the Confirmation class of 2017. The 65 members of the 2016

class will be confirmed at the three Sanctuary services on Sunday, May 15. We are

also seeking adult mentors to work with youth. Reach Director of Youth Ministries

Lauren Stines at lauren@mpumc.org.

NAPA BREAKFAST PROGRAM Jeff Conway, owner of Napa on Providence

and the Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses in Charlotte, will share his testimony at a

breakfast gathering at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Napa, 110 Perrin Place. A

weekly Bible study meets at Napa. RSVP to Ryan Blalock at

ryanblalock@gmail.com.

ADULTS PLUS! Our ministry to ages 55 and over invites all to its next gathering

at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, in Room 103 of the Parish Life Building as

Nara Melknonyan of Project AGAPE in Armenia talks about the ministry’s

humanitarian work in the Nagorno-Karabagh region. Lunch (chicken tetrazzini)

follows at noon in Jubilee Hall. For reservations by noon May 17, call 704-376-

5520 (option two) or e-mail cmull@mpumc.org.

SERVING OTHERS…

ZOE MISSION EVENT The World Outreach-sponsored ZOE event at 7:00 p.m.

Monday, May 2, in Francis Chapel will feature Gaston Warner and Reegan

Kaberia sharing how we can help orphans and other vulnerable children become

mailto:katherinemjones2@gmail.commailto:nancy@mpumc.orghttp://www.myersparkumc.org/mailto:lauren@mpumc.orgmailto:ryanblalock@gmail.commailto:cmull@mpumc.org

fully self-reliant and know of God’s love. ZOE has 28,000 children enrolled in its

programs. The ministry is active in Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Liberia,

Guatemala and India. Details: Brandon Lowery at

blowery@continentalchemicals.com.

SERVE DINNER AT MEN’S SHELTER A few more volunteers are needed to

serve dinner at the Men’s Shelter from 5:15 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 3. Sign up

at www.myersparkumc.org/serve.

MISSION: BRAZIL A meeting at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, in Room 104 of

the Parish Life Building will share information on the mission trip September 17-

26 to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mission-goers will do light construction, share

fellowship at a nursing home, build relationships at a teen center and partner with a

United Methodist church in a favela (impoverished neighborhood). Details: Donna

Sheehan at Donna.Sheehan@wellsfargo.com.

GET A COW FOR MOM We’re offering the Alternative Gift Market for

Mother’s Day (May 8). Support missions by buying a meaningful gift to honor

mom, perhaps clean bedding for the Men’s Shelter or chickens for orphans in

Kenya. Shop at www.myersparkumc.org/serve.

DONATE DIAPERS Help new moms in need by donating diapers in the Parish

Life lobby bin.

CAREER DAY AT SEDGEFIELD MIDDLE Inspire a student on Career Day

Friday, May 13. Careers especially needed are nurses, EMTs and computer

programmers, though all are welcome. Help is also needed at Sedgefield Middle

running a club Fridays from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Details are at

www.myersparkumc.org/serve.

CATCH ‘ANNIE’ AT SEDGEFIELD Enjoy the production of Annie by our

partner middle school at 6:45 p.m. Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, time

TBA. The costumes were created by our church sewing ministry. Sedgefield is at

2700 Dorchester Place.

Myers Park United Methodist Church Mission Statement:

We are the body of Christ, growing in faith and serving others.

mailto:blowery@continentalchemicals.comhttp://www.myersparkumc.org/servemailto:Donna.Sheehan@wellsfargo.comhttp://www.myersparkumc.org/servehttp://www.myersparkumc.org/serve/