Sunday Worship Service August 9,

GATHERING AS THE PEOPLE OF GOD

Good morning beloved of God and welcome to our worship  service!

In addition to online worship this morning you are welcome to engage in worship in-person as well.

Friends, even in the midst of discouraging circumstances, let's remain so positive  about the future of our Church and the communities as we have ever been before. Thank you for being the church.

Announcements;

Pastor Francois still available for small groups gathering and devotion. please don't hesitate to call Pastor Francois as you organize a small group as way to know each other and learn from each other.  

Please join online prayer session, on Friday 14th of August at 7:00-8:00pm.

We still have more masks, please be in touch with Elizabeth Plummer to get some for you, your lovely family and your community. 

Our book discussion still on each Thursday at 9:30. at this address; 205 West Madison Street Crandon, Wi 54520. Please join in person to discuss about "the case for Miracles" by Lee Strobel with Jane Vogel, 

Last Wednesday, 5th of August, Pastor Francois was invited to a small group gathering and devotion at Marvin and Elizabeth's house. Thank God, we really learn a lot from each other, most specially culture shock. We had a very good time. God Bless Marvin and Elizabeth. 

Last Thursday, 6th of August, Pastor Francois made a visit to the Nursing Home, The Bay at Nu-Roc. Friends, let us keep and pray for our friends in a nursing home. 

Two weeks ago, we received the sad news about the death of Troy McKee the grandson of Brenda, and his memorial service will be on Saturday 15th of August at the funeral home. 

-The visitation will start from 11-1pm;

-The memorial service will start at 1pm.

Friends, you are welcome to come and comfort Brenda and the family. 

We are so glad that you are worshiping with us today online. Please stay connected with us during this time of social distancing, if you can, join us in person at St. Luke's  and Argonne UMC.

• Follow" this blog through entering your email address on the right-side of the screen.
• "Subscribe" to our YouTube channel: CSLAUnited Methodist Church
• "Like" us on Facebook: click here to access our page.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns we Carry 

If you would like a copy of the prayer list or have prayer requests, please email Pastor Francois Mukosa at mukosakilumba@gmail.comYou can also add your pray request in the comment section below. Please be aware that comments posted below are public. Before posting, please consider the privacy of those might not want their name shared publicly on the Internet. 

Opening Hymn,                                                             UMH#139  

"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,"

                                                                                                   

PROCLAIMING THE WORD OF GOD

Scripture Passage: Reading from the Old and NT Psalm 105:1-6; Matthew 14:22-33

Sermon theme: "Our God Deserves the Glory,"     

                        By Pastor Francois.

Please click on this link to access the sermon.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD OF GOD 

Prayers of the People.

God, whose glory and beauty transcends all other known beauty; we offer our praises that you are continually proclaiming and creating and that because of your tender and loving generosity, you are also protecting us from bad things. We give thanks that this faith journey has led to our limited understanding of the mystery of your Holy presence with us to guide and bless us; and to teach us the way of obedience to your will and way. You are so much more...

Lord, we pray for the initial reopening plans for the School District of Crandon or elsewhere starting from the month of September first in a face to face, we pray for the safety of our kids during the reopening. Lord, in your mercy...hear our prayer.

We pray for God's perfect love to cast out all spirits of division, suspicion, anxiety, panic and fear that threaten our communities and sense of community here in Crandon and Argonne. Lord, in your merci...hear our prayer. 

Lord, we pray for leadership, we pray for wisdom, truth, direction, compassion, and strength for all leaders (political, medical, economic, religious, judicial) facing tough decisions. In particular, we pray for Bishop Hee Soo Jung, the leaders of Wisconsin Conference of the UMC, and all our pastors and church leaders to seek God's wisdom to guide their steps to best care for those in physical & Spiritual need. We pray for the Annual Conference. Lord, in your mercy...hear our prayer.  

We pray for sufficient human and medical resources for our healthcare systems as well as necessary resources for all other sectors (i.e. financial) and institutions (i.e. schools, churches, local government). 

Lord, we pray for your protection. We claim the blood of Jesus as a shield and healing over people, institutions, systems, and policies as well as all first responders and medical personnel in the battle against COVID-19. 

We lift our hearts to you in the powerful name of Jesus, who taught us to pray...

(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 and the power and the glory forever. Amen 

Offering 

As we begin a time of offering our gifts and ourselves, consider the various organization, missions, and events that you are able to offer you time, talents, and money to during this time. The offering is a key part of worship because it reminds us that the God we have met this morning is a God on the move and a God at work in our world. Here are some links to click on that will direct you to several organizations that have online financial giving opportunities:

• Online Giving to Crandon and Argonne through the Wisconsin Annual Conference website 
• New Hope Shelter and Transitional Housing
• United Methodist Committee on Relief
• CDC Foundation

    If you wish to make a financial offering by writing a check, offerings to both St. Luke's and Argonne should be mailed to the office at St. Luke's (301 South Lake Ave, Crandon, 54520) or dropped in the outdoor mail slot next to the side entrance to St. Luke's. 

Gracious and Giving God, 

in this time of pandemic and distancing 

continue to use us and guide us 
to care for your people. 

All that we have, 

all that we are, 

and all that we give are because you have first loved us.

Bless all the work of our hands, 

the investments of our time, 

and the fruits of our labors,

so that we may embody and extend 

your grace, love, and mission to all our neighbors.

In the name of Jesus Christ we offer ourselves and we lift up this prayer.

Amen. 

GOING FORTH IN GOD'S MISSION AND LOVE

Closing Hymn :                                                           TFWS#2036

"Give Thanks,"

Friend, "Our God deserves the Glory," Let's always praise Him. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit 

be with you all.

Amen.