WELCOME AND LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Rev. Julie Kline

PRELUDE Prelude D. Zipoli

CALL TO WORSHIP Eaton Family

First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo invites all persons to join us on our journey of

faith. Jesus Christ calls us to be an inclusive church that exemplifies the kingdom of God. We

strive to move toward reconciling relationships with all, affirming those who are marginalized

for any reason, including sexual orientation or gender identity. We welcome all with open

hearts, open minds, open doors.

OPENING PRAYER (praying together)

Welcoming God, you open your arms to all people and you have called us, your church to do

the same. May our worship today fill all who participate, with the assurance that they are

loved by you, and created in your divine image. Then send us all to go and be your love in this

world. Amen.

HYMN Come, All You People

Hannah Elandt, Bernie Foulk, Justin Hamman, Jacqueline Stilger, Avery Strand

Words and Music by Alexander Gondo: arr. by John Bell. ©1994 The Iona Community GIA Publications

Used with permission. OneLicense A-717536

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father/Mother/God, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

PSALM 46

PSALTER RESPONSE Be Still and Know

Words and Music: John Bell ©1989 WGRG The Iona Community admin by GIA Publications

Used with permission. one license A-717536

SCRIPTURE - Philippians 1:21-30

A TIME FOR THE CHILD IN US ALL Julia Librizzi

MESSAGE We Are the Ekklesia Rev. Matt Weiler

THE PEACE OF CHRIST

HYMN How Can I Keep From Singing (vs. 1, 2, and 4) Words and Music: Robert Lowry

STEWARDSHIP PRESENTATION Rev. Julie Kline

Ruth LaMachia, Austen Rial, Bernie Foulk, Amy Evans

OFFERING INVITATION

OFFERING MEDITATION Blessed Assurance P. Palmer Knapp arr. Michael Kravchuk

Pianist: Katy McGinnis

OUR SHARED LIFE

CLOSING HYMN God of Grace and God of Glory (vs. 1, 2, and 4)

BLESSING

POSTLUDE Rigadoun A. Campra

We are a Reconciling Congregation, welcoming all.

First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo invites all persons to join us on our journey of faith. Jesus Christ calls us to be an inclusive church that exemplifies the kingdom of God. We strive to move

toward reconciling relationships with all, affirming those who are marginalized for any reason, including sexual orientation or gender identity.

We welcome all with open hearts, open minds, open doors. www.umc-kzo.org

The staff is here to empower and equip the congregation for ministry and mission. Email staff

by entering the first letter of their first name and the entire last name, and then:

@umc-kzo.org. (i.e., jkline@umc-kzo.org).

Rev. Julie Kline, Lead Pastor

Rev. Matt Weiler, Pastor of Community Formation

Bernie Foulk, Organist

Jacqueline Stilger, Minister of Music

Julia Librizzi, Director of Children & Families Ministries

Rev. Keith Treman, Pastor of Congregational Care

Ruth LaMachia, Church Business Administrator