Pastor: David Range
February 25, 2024
Miramar United Methodist Church
in the heart of Miramar, a place for gathering, healing, and sending out friends, helping to create a sense of family to find new life in Christ.
Part of the United Methodist family where we make disciples for the
Transformation of the world.
Order of Worship
February 25, 2024 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services
Please see the end of the bulletin for some additional important information
CALL TO WORSHIP
*HYMN 116 The God of Abraham Praise+
1 The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above;
Ancient of Everlasting Days, and God of Love;
Jehovah, great I AM! by earth and heaven confessed;
I bow and bless the sacred name forever blest.
2 The great I AM has sworn; I on this oath depend.
I shall, on eagle wings upborne, to heaven ascend.
I shall behold God's face; I shall God's power adore,
and sing the wonders of God's grace forevermore.
3 The heavenly land I see, with peace and plenty blest;
a land of sacred liberty, and endless rest.
There milk and honey flow, and oil and wine abound,
and trees of life forever grow with mercy crowned.
4 The God who reigns on high the great archangels sing,
and "Holy, holy, holy!" cry, "Almighty King!
Who was, and is, the same, and evermore shall be:
Jehovah, Lord, the great I AM, we worship thee!"
WORD: From The Yigdal of Daniel ben Judah, ca. 1400; para. By Thomas Olivers, 1760; alt. MUSIC: Hebrew melody, Sacred Harmony, 1780 harm. From Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, alt.
*PRAISE AND WORSHIP
Awesome God
Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power and love, Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power and love, Our God is an awesome God
—Rich Mullins
Old Time Religion
Give me that old time religion, give me that old time religion,
Give me that old time religion, it’s good enough for me.
It was good for Paul and Silas, it was good for Paul and Silas,
It was good for Paul and Silas, it’s good enough for me.
Give me that old time religion, give me that old time religion,
Give me that old time religion, it’s good enough for me.
It was good for the Hebrew children, it was good for the Hebrew children,
It was good for the Hebrew children, it’s good enough for me.
Give me that old time religion, give me that old time religion,
Give me that old time religion, it’s good enough for me.
Makes me love everybody, makes me love everybody
Makes me love everybody, and it’s good enough for me.
Give me that old time religion, give me that old time religion,
Give me that old time religion, it’s good enough for me.
—Traditional
The Holy Ghost Power
1 The Holy Ghost Power is moving just like a magnet
The Holy Ghost Power is moving just like a magnet
It's moving here, moving there,
Just like the Day of Pentecost;
The Holy Ghost Power is moving just like a magnet..
2 The Holy Ghost Power is moving all through the nations
The Holy Ghost Power is moving all through the nations
It wins men here, wins men there,
Saving them from sin and fear,
The Holy Ghost Power is moving right through the nations.
3 The Holy Ghost Power is moving right through the campus
The Holy Ghost Power is moving right through the campus
Directing here, directing there,
Into the way, the truth and life,
The Holy Ghost Power is moving right through
the campus.
4 The Holy Ghost Power is moving here in our worship
The Holy Ghost Power is moving here in our worship
It's prompting here, prompting there
To give our lives to Jesus Christ,
The Holy Ghost Power is moving here in our worship
5 The Holy Ghost power is movin' just like a magnet (movin', movin')
The Holy Ghost power is movin' just like a magnet (movin', movin', movin')
Movin' here, movin' there, just like the day of Pentecost
The Holy Ghost power is movin' just like a magnet (movin', movin', movin’)
—Birchfield Charlesworth Preston Aymer
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Happy birthday to you, Jesus loves you it’s true,
May the Lord bless and keep you,
Happy birthday to you.
Happy Anniversary to you, happy Anniversary to you
Happy Anniversary dear friends, happy Anniversary to you
TODAY: Church Prayer meeting at 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY: Picnic Planning Committee at 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY: Farm Share truck unloading about 8:30 a.m.
TUESDAY: BOLD Justice Rally at 7:30 p.m. at Plantation Seventh Day Adventist Church, 400 NW 118th Ave., Plantation. All Network Members please turn in your carbon copy lists to your Team Member. Those wishing to drive and/or offer rides should meet in our parking lot by 6:30 p.m. so that we can go together. Please talk to Pastor David or your Team leader if you would like a seat. The place we are going is just north of I-595 and east of Flamingo Road so it should take about a half hour. We need all our network members to attend.
WEDNESDAY: Fast Breaking service 12:00 noon to 12:30, NO Bible Study online at 7:00 p.m. We are taking a break of just one week.
THURSDAY: Food Distribution 8:00 a.m., Choir at 7:00 p.m.
FRIDAY: Children’s Club 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY: Youth Group 4-5:30 p.m.
NEXT SUNDAY: Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m., a service of Holy Communion
The United Methodist Men’s group meets after the 11:00 a.m. service
MONDAY, March 4, CPR training with Chief Orlando Segarra from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Please sign up on the sheets at both doors.
TUESDAY, March 5, Staff Parish Relations Committee, 7:30 p.m.
Other BOLD Justice dates for 2024:
Nehemiah Action, Monday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Celebration, Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Embrace Music Foundation in partnership with the City of Miramar presents Rhythms of Africa “Strength of a Woman” Saturday March 16, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday March 17, at 5:00 p.m. at the Miramar Cultural Center. Tickets $35 & $30. Please see flyer at the end of the bulletin or contact Allison Feurtado (854 483 3792) for more info.
Lay Servants Ministries present the 2024 Lay Servant Classes! Classes will be on one day only, April 20, in-person at Christ Church, Fort Lauderdale, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please see the flyer at the end of the bulletin for more information.
Since it is Heart Healthy month we have learned that it is possible to get a free heart test by going to https://takehearttest.com/
If you would like to register to vote or receive a mail-in ballot please go to the table in the foyer. If you would like advice as to who to vote for our member Roland Abel is happy to discuss the choices with you so that you may make up your own mind on how you vote.
For Sharing of the Spirit, please wave at the YouTube camera and say, “the peace of the Lord be with you,” and then wave at your neighbor in the sanctuary and say, “and also with you”.
Please stand for the gospel of Mark 8:31 to 9:1
CHILDREN’S TIME
BAPTISM (8:30 service)
Brothers and Sisters in Christ; through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are initiated into Christ’s holy Church. We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God’s gift, offered to us without price.
Nelson Micah Sanon has been brought for baptism by his parents, family and godparents today. We ask them to respond to these questions as a testimony to their faith, and I ask the congregation to pledge to help them in their task.
To the family and godparents, I ask these questions:
On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin? I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves? I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races? I do.
Will you nurture this child in Christ’s holy Church, that by your teaching and example he may be guided to accept God’s grace for himself, and profess his faith openly, and to lead a Christian life? I will.
Now to the congregation I ask:
Do you, as Christ’s body, the Church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons and all the children in this church, in your care?
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.
Let us pray: Eternal Father: When nothing existed but chaos, you swept across the dark waters and brought forth light. In the days of Noah you saved those on the ark through water. After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow. When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt, you led them to freedom through the sea. Their children you brought through the Jordan to the land which you promised.
In the fullness of time you sent Jesus, nurtured in the water of a womb. He was baptized by John and anointed by your Spirit. He called his disciples to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection and to make disciples of all nations.
Pour out your Holy Spirit, to bless this gift of water and Nelson Micah who receives it, to wash away his sins and clothe him in righteousness throughout his life, that, dying and being raised with Christ, he may share in his final victory.
Bless the home of Nelson Micah, give wisdom and affection to his parents, grant to his godparents understanding and guidance, and, most of all, build up the love which conquers all evil and instills the grace to lead a Christian life. We ask in Jesus’ name.
All praise to you, Eternal Father, through your Son Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever. Amen.
Nelson Micah, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Holy Spirit work within you, that being born through water and the Spirit, you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Now it is our joy to welcome our new brother in Christ.
Through baptism you are incorporated by the Holy Spirit into God’s new creation and made to share in Christ’s royal priesthood. We are all one in Christ Jesus. With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you as members of the family of Christ.
*HYMN 418 We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder
1 We are climbing Jacob’s ladder; we are climbing Jacob’s ladder,
We are climbing Jacob’s ladder; soldiers of the cross.
2 Every round goes higher, higher; every round goes higher, higher,
Every round goes higher, higher; soldiers of the cross.
3 Sinner, do you love my Jesus? Sinner, do you love my Jesus?
Sinner, do you love my Jesus? Soldiers of the cross.
4 If you love him, why not serve him? If you love him, why not serve him?
If you love him, why not serve him? Soldiers of the cross.
5 We are climbing higher and higher; we are climbing higher and higher,
We are climbing higher and higher; soldiers of the cross.
WORDS: Afro-American spiritual MUSIC: Afro-American spiritual; adapt. and arr. by William Farley Smith, 1986
RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Please place your offering in the baskets at the 3 doors leading into the sanctuary on your way in or out.
The Mission Offering today is for Apportionments
Next Sunday our Mission Offering goes to Good Samaritan Fund
Prayer of Dedication
One minute musical interlude while worshipers prepare their offering. Instructions for giving online, by check or text are in the section after the Order of Service.
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
praise him all creatures here below,
praise him above, ye heavenly hosts,
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
Sunday School children go out to their classes
Jesus Loves Me This I Know
1 Jesus loves me! this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
2 Jesus loves me, this I know, as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee, saying, "Let them come to me.“
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
3 Jesus loves me still today, walking with me on my way,
wanting as a friend to give, light and love to all who live.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
WORDS: St. 1 Anna B. Warner, 1860; Sts. 2-3 David Rutherford MacGuire MUSIC: William B. Bradbury, 1862
TIME OF SHARING JOYS & CONCERNS
(please email miramarpastor@gmail.com)
PRAYER HYMN 527 Do, Lord, Remember Me +
1 Do, Lord, do Lord, do, Lord, remember me; (have mercy)
do, Lord, do, Lord, do remember me; (sing the song, children)
do, Lord, do, Lord, do, Lord, remember me; singing do, Lord, remember me.
2 I took Jesus as my Savior, do, Lord, remember me; (have mercy)
I took Jesus as my Savior, do, Lord, remember me; (sing the song, children)
I took Jesus as my Savior, do, Lord, remember me; do, Lord, remember me.
3 When I’m in trouble, do, Lord, remember me; (have mercy)
When I’m in trouble, do, Lord, remember me; (sing the song, children)
When I’m in trouble, do, Lord, remember me; do, Lord, remember me.
4 When I am dying, do, Lord, remember me; (have mercy)
When I am dying, do, Lord, remember me; (sing the song, children)
When I am dying, do, Lord, remember me; do, Lord, remember me.
5 I got a home in gloryland that outshines the sun; (have mercy)
I got a home in gloryland that outshines the sun; (sing the song, children)
I got a home in gloryland that outshines the sun; do, Lord, remember me.
WORDS: Afro-American spiritual MUSIC: Afro-American spiritual; adapt. and arr. by William Farley Smith, 1986
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, 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, the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.
SERMON Looking forward with God Pastor David Range
HYMN OF SENDING FORTH 338 Where He Leads Me+
1 I can hear my Savior calling, I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling, "Take thy cross and follow, follow Me."
Where He leads me I will follow, where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow, I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.
2 I'll go with Him through the garden, I'll go with Him through the garden,
I'll go with Him through the garden, I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.
Where He leads me I will follow, where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow, I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.
3 I'll go with Him through the judgment, I'll go with Him through the judgment,
I'll go with Him through the judgment, I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.
Where He leads me I will follow, where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow, I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.
4 He will give me grace and glory, He will give me grace and glory,
He will give me grace and glory, and go with me, with me all the way.
Where He leads me I will follow, where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow, I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.
WORDS: E. W. Blandy, 1890 MUSIC: John S. Norris, 1890
BENEDICTION
All music under ccli #24249
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We give God thanks for this opportunity to worship together in-person in our sanctuary as well as online. Please wear your mask and greet each with a wave, an elbow or fist bump. Please maintain social distance and sit at either end or the middle of the pew. In the pews we ask you to sit, in every other pew, spaced out as best you can. Seats are also available in the foyer and the fellowship hall if needed. Both have been set up with screens for the PowerPoint presentation and live video stream from the pulpit. We will continue to live stream the services on Twitter and YouTube for those who would like to continue to participate from home.
The offering will be received in the baskets at the three entry points of the sanctuary. No bulletins will be handed out, everything you need will be on the screens. No need to call or email ahead for a place to worship, you are invited to the sanctuary any time for in-person worship. Come as you are!
Remember there are two ways you can watch our services. One is on YouTube.com by typing in the search bar: Miramar UMC and then you should see the service live streamed. If you subscribe to our service through YouTube.com you can set up reminders for the day before or 15 minutes before, whatever you like.
The other way to “gather” in virtual worship is through the Twitter service available by going to our miramarumc.org website. Pass around the information so that others may join in worship by clicking on the Twitter bird icon on the home page. We will continue our 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services (except when we have a fifth Sunday of the month 10:00 a.m. service.) If you lose the service for a few seconds do not worry it will probably come back, but if it is longer than a few seconds you might try clicking the refresh button in your browser window.
Please email your prayer requests for uplifting on Sundays by sending them to miramarpastor@gmail.com. It is best if you send them by Saturday NOON if possible.
Our church prayer meeting is online on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and you may contact Marvia Aitken or Vinessa Edwards mamaness@bellsouth.net for the link.
This week, Wednesday and Thursday there will be someone in the church office from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. each day, and you may make an appointment to see the pastor at these or other times. Please remember to enter from the south entrance near the Pastor’s office. No other doors will be open for church business. The preschool is open but you should still come in by the south entrance because the north entrance from the parking lot must be dedicated for the little children of the preschool. Please let friends with preschool aged children know that they can enroll the children in our preschool.
WAYS to give:
1. Online giving is available through our website miramarumc.org. On the home page the ‘Donate’ icon (a hand with a dollar sign above it) is located at the top left corner and on the right under “Contact Us” you will see the same icon along with “Donate Online.” Click on either location for instructions. If you need help call the church office at 954-989-4711. Thanks to all who have signed up for this. The regular tithes and offerings of the church are a great source of blessing.
2. You can also mail a check to Miramar United Methodist Church. If you have your offering envelopes you will see that the address of the church is printed for mailing purposes and your offering can be mailed in this envelope when you apply a stamp. You may also use a regular envelope and address it to: MUMC, 2507 Utopia Drive, Miramar FL 33023. Just put your check inside, mark which funds you would like to support, put a stamp on and let the United States Postal Service do the rest! Or bring it by after the Sunday services, someone will be in the church for one hour after the worship finishes as well as Mon-Thurs 1-5 pm. We trust God will keep us strong.
3. Also, we have the option of giving by text! Use 833-931-1791 to GivePlusText and when you text any amount, by putting that number in the message, you will be prompted to register, then fill out the details of your name, address and means of payment, and the contribution will go in! If you enter an email address you will get an immediate receipt. It is easy! If you have an Apple phone you may also get Vanco’s GivePlusMobile by downloading the app from the App Store. You may also look up YouTube videos to show how all this is done.
Thank you for your prayers! Grace and peace, Pastor David
