United in the Spirit, First United Methodist Church of Belmont existsto be more like Jesus Christ for our community and beyond

REV. GEORGE RAGSDALE, PASTOR807 South Point Road // Belmont, NC 28012

P: 704-825-2106 // F: 704-825-2176www.fumcbelmont.org

SERVICE OF WORSHIP The Fi�h Sunday of Easter – April 29, 2018 – 11:00 a.m.

Cornerstone, Southwest Corner of the Temple Complex, Jerusalem

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRAISE AND PRAYER

PRELUDE “Partita on Tallis' Canon" Bristol

*CALL TO WORSHIP Kristen Surratt Come to Christ, that living stone, rejected by the world, but in God’s sight chosen and precious. We have responded to Christ’s call, and seek to be built into a spiritual house, a living reminder of God’s presence on earth. Once we were no people, but now we are God’s people, called out of the darkness into God’s marvelous light. Therefore we sing with the Church in all ages: Blessed by your name, O God, our Redeemer. By your mercy we have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN No. 559 “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation”

*OPENING PRAYER Almighty God, upon your Son Jesus Christ you built your holy Church. Bless this your congregation. Watch over our ministry and mission and sustain us to the end, through Jesus Christ our foundation. Amen.

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

CHORAL ANTHEM “Fairest Lord Jesus” Craig Courtney Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nations, O thou of God and man the Son, Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring: Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, Who makes the woeful heart to sing. Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling starry host; Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer than all the angels heaven can boast. Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be Thine! A-men.

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON (NT Pg. 233) 1 Peter 2: 1-10 Brad Overcash This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

SERMON Rev. George Ragsdale

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

*HYMN OF REFLECTION No. 592 “When the Church of Jesus”

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 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.

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION A�er each petition we enter into the prayer together with these words: Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

GIVING OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS Offertory “Resolution” Smith

*Act of Praise “Doxology” Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

*Prayer of Dedication The Lord’s Prayer (Hymnal Pg. 895)

GOING FORTH AS WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

*BENEDICTION

*RECESSIONAL HYMN No. 557 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”

*POSTLUDE “Prelude No. IV in F Major” J.S. Bach

*Those who are able please stand.

WELCOME! We’re glad you chose to worship with us this morning. We invite you to check out the opportunities we have for children, youth and adults of all ages and stages of life. We offer ministries and a community of faith that will help challenge and encourage you as together we seek to grow as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, serving God and our neighbor in all that we do.

VISITORS: Stop by our welcome table in the narthex as you leave today to receive a small gi� and more information about our church. We would love to know more about you, so please sign the attendance pad as it is passed down your pew and share your contact information so that we can be in touch with you.

This morning, we offer gratitude to Laura Beatty and Becky Beatty, who have served as our Interim Directors of Music during the time of our search and transition. Today is their final Sunday in those roles and we offer them our deepest thanks for their faithful service among us.

Our new Director of Music, Elizabeth Davis, begins her work with us on Tuesday. Next Sunday, May 6, will be her first Sunday. Join us on Sunday morning a�er the 11:00 service in Carpenter Hall for a reception to welcome Elizabeth to our congregation.

Thank You Laura and Becky!

Welcome,Elizabeth Davis

COMING TO FUMC BELMONT!

Queen City Brass BandDirected by William Penfield

May 6th at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary

A dessert reception will follow.Please bring a tasty treat to share!

A love offering will be collected tobenefit Catherine’s House

CHILDREN’S SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

Join us Sunday, May 6 from 3:30pm - 5:00pm in the Old Fellowship Hall during an opportunity for our childre n (pre-school through fi�h grade) to be in service. We will learn about finding common ground with those that are different by making a cra� to take home and share with a friend at school. Using the book "How Full Is Your Bucket?" to guide our discussion time, we will also play a game, have a snack. Registration is not required but is helpful. Please email Kristi Smith at kristi_fisher@hotmail.com to r.s.v.p. We ask that parents of pre-schoolers please stay to assist. Kindergarten through fi�h grade can be dropped off.

CAMP G.R.A.C.E.

Camp Grace is looking for youth (completed 6th grade by June 2018) and adults who love children and want to share God’s love with them this summer! July 9-13 our church will join other area Methodist churches to host Camp Grace at North Belmont Elementary School. This year’s theme is “Son Rise,” sharing the stories of our Easter faith. To learn more about how you can help, contact Kristen Surratt at Kristen@fumcbelmont.org

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Save the date now for Vacation Bible School, July 15-19. We will journey to Babylon to learn about Daniel and his friends in captivity. Last year we served over 100 children, with over 65% being visitors to our church. Look for more information soon about how you can help!

This Mother’s Day offer the bread of life through the Gaston County Weekend Backpack Food Program. Your gi� will bring comfort to a mom in our community in knowing her child will not go hungry. Also with this gi�, you can honor a special person or the memory of someone you hold dear.

Forms are available in the narthex.

CHURCH UPDATES VIA TEXT MESSAGING: Did you know our church sends occasional news and important updates via text message? If you haven’t signed up yet, text FUMCBELMONT to 313131 or visit www.fumcbelmont.org/text. You can opt out at any time.

Like FUMC? Like Facebook? Then "like" FUMC on Facebook! It's a great way to get updates on events, receive inspirational messages, and share our mission with the community. To like our page, just go to facebook.com/fumcbelmont or search for "First United Methodist Church Belmont" on the site/app.

Youth Happeningsyouth programs schedule:

Sunday6-8:00 Youth Group

On Sunday, June 3rd we will recognize all 2018 High School gradu-ates during our 11 o’clock worship service. We’ll also honor all other graduates. Please share names and graduation information with us for all those graduating from colleges, university and graduate programs. Send information to Margie@fumcbelmont.org by May 21st for inclusion in our June 3rd worship bulletins.

USHERS: Trevis Lunsford, Adrian Lunsford, Greg Stanforth, Nicole Stanforth

GREETERS: Hugh Henkel, Laura Henkel, Tobey Lowe

ALTAR: Worship Committee

ACOLYTE: Elle VanGastle

CRUCIFER: Summer VanGastle

BIBLE BEARER: Elijah Simpson

TELLERS: Mike Harrison, Johnny Williamson, Richard Armstrong, Julia Armstrong

Sunday, April 29 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 5:00 p.m. Youth Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Youth Group Monday, April 30 6:30 p.m. Disciple Bible Study Tuesday, May 1 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting 2:45 p.m. Take Two A�er School Program

WEEKLY CALENDARWednesday, May 2 6:00 p.m. Adult Bell Choir 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, May 3 1:00 p.m. Small-Group Study

Friday, May 4 Confirmation Retreat Sunday, May 6 8:30 a.m. Worship 8:30 a.m. United Methodist Men Meeting 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Queen City Brass Concert 5:30 p.m. Youth Choir 6:00 p.m. Youth Group

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: There will be a meeting of the Administrative Council on Thursday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Route 66 Classroom.

If you have an emergency or have a confidential prayer request, please contact George at the church office (704-825-2106) or his cell (704-249-0645). The names above will

remain on the prayer list for one month unless otherwise notified.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our StaffGeorge Ragsdale - Pastor

Janice Pennington - Business ManagerKristen Surratt - Director of Discipleship Ministries

Margie Ligon - Director of Youth MinistryRebecca Beatty - Interim Director of Music

Laura Beatty - Interim Director of Contemporary MusicLinda Smith - CDC Director

Carole Bertino - Administrative Assistant

• Alan Austin and Family (Jessica Durham) • Young Missionary Cohort 2017-2019 (Lily Sloan) • Steve and Susie Matulis • Puerto Rico Hurricane Victims • Lindsay Bondurant • Keith Lowe • Linda Weatherford • Bette Armstrong • Russell Nelson (Dolan Germaine) • Carole Moore • Royston Acheson (Matt Gillespie) • Wayne Crenshaw (Dawn & Bethan Finn • Mrs. Jones and family upon the death of her son (Nicholas, Zachary & Sophia Cochran) • Margie Ligon, her dad, Robert, and their entire family upon the death of her mother, Frances Fitch.