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COME, PRAISE GOD!
posted below are recorded worship services, with the most recent provided first: |
The Governance Board has decided to continue the suspension of in-person worship through January 31, 2021. This action has been strongly recommended by our bishop's office in ongoing compliance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders for the high risk of COVID-19 spread. So, outside of a DVD copy, worship will be available ONLY ONLINE here and through our Facebook page. We hope to have everyone watching at 10:30 a.m. on these Sundays, but, like times before, the video can be viewed anytime after it is posted. If you would prefer a DVD recording of the service, please contact the church office and yours will be placed for pickup in the black box on the State Street front door, with no need to return. Meanwhile, let's stay extra-safe as we wear masks in public, maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet socially, & limit all of our indoor gatherings to households only.
NOTE: In lieu of in-person giving, you may send your offering for the Lord's work to the church address through the mail: 308 S. State Street, Hart, MI 49420. Thank you for your continued generosity! |
worship for 1/24/21
Pastor Steve talks about how our worthwhile endeavors, whether through our employment or not, are callings from God--vocations, as we maintain a proper attitude about and a commitment to accomplishing God's purposes through our lives.
worship for 1/17/21
Pastor Steve talks about how, like young Samuel in the Bible, we can come to know God's presence with us (what he calls "the 3 H's").
worship for 1/10/21
At this Baptism of the Lord Sunday worship, Pastor Steve talks about Jesus' baptism by John the Baptizer and leads a baptismal reaffirmation and renewal service.
worship for december 27, 2020On this Sunday after Christmas, Pastor Steve talks about Simeon and Anna at the Temple when the 40-day-old Jesus was presented according to Jewish tradition. They both knew the significance of the coming of Christ, and we can, too, as we reflect on what Christmas means.
worship for december 20, 2020For this Fourth Week of Advent, Pastor Steve talks about God's "Phase 1 rescue" of us through the coming of Jesus, with all of Christ's uniqueness and in the beauty of the simple and the ordinary, all because of God's love, which is what Christmas is about.
worship for december 6, 2020On this Second Week of Advent, with its theme of peace, Pastor Steve talks about Isaiah's word of comfort and how we can realize that comfort in God's pardon, presence, and passion in the love of Christ.
worship for november 22, 2020Our Generosity/Stewardship Emphasis concludes as Pastor Steve talks about how generosity produces Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving produces generosity, along with a mindset of abundance and joy, all to be shared.
worship for november 8, 2020As the Generosity/Stewardship Emphasis begins, Pastor Steve talks about our allegiance and giving to God.
worship for october 25, 2020Pastor Steve talks about Jesus's words to love God and to love others without being a critic.
worship for 0ctober 18, 2020Pastor Steve talks about how to rejoice in the Lord always.
worship for october 4, 2020On this World Communion Sunday, Pastor Steve talks about how all of us are invited to God's banquet festivities of life in Christ. (Don't forget: if you would like to participate in Holy Communion while watching this, you may pick up a nonperishable "combo" bread and cup from the black box on the Church Office front door anytime the week before and after the first Sunday of the month.)
worship for sept. 20, 2020Pastor Steve continues to talk in this series about our gracious work and service for the Lord, as we distribute God's grace and generosity to all of God's children, regardless.
worship for september 6, 2020On this first-of-the-month communion Sunday--and the first such communion since March 1--Pastor Steve talks about how Holy Communion and Jesus' words to take and share can teach us about economic justice and justice in general.
worship for august 23, 2020Pastor Steve talks about just two or three together in Christ and how we are not alone and shouldn't try to go it alone in this world.
worship for august 9, 2020During in-person worship, Pastor Steve talks about Jacob (Israel) and wrestling with God about the past, the future, and the present, and how we need to let God be in control.
worship for july 26, 2020Wayne Brunt talks about being "more than conquerors" through prayer as he preaches on Romans 8:26-39. Wayne is a certified United Methodist Lay Minister. Pastor Steve does the opening and closing of the service with the announcement that IN-PERSON SANCTUARY WORSHIP BEGINS NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 2. (Worship services will still be posted to this website after each service.)
worship for july 12, 2020Wayne Brunt, U.M. Certified Lay Minister, preaches on Romans 8 and being alive in the Spirit of Christ. Pastor Steve, still having voice rehab, has short talks to begin and end the service.
worship for july 5, 2020Speaker Wayne Brunt, a Certified United Methodist Lay Minister, talks about freedom in Christ. Pastor Steve, with on-going therapy for his voice, also says a few words at the beginning--but not too loudly, following rehab rules.
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worship for january 3, 2021Pastor Steve talks about the coming of the magi ("wise men") and how we can follow their example as we set out into this new year with hope and faith.
christmas eve worship, 2020At this Christmas Eve worship, after a message from United Methodist Bishop, David Bard, Pastor Steve reads the story of birth of Jesus from Luke 2. Christmas carols are interspersed with the reading, and Pastor Steve talks about the names of Christ. To conclude, we light a candle while a candle-passing video is shared, even as many Midwest District U.M. churches are represented, with the song, "Silent Night," featured in the background.
worship for december 13, 2020On this Third Week of Advent, Pastor Steve talks about Mary's song known as the Magnificat and how we can learn with Mary that God was and is at work in us, and that God's Reign has and is come, knowing that the Child of Christmas is what we all need.
worship for november 29, 2020On this First Week of Advent, with its theme of hope, Pastor Steve talks about feeling God-forsaken, like Isaiah and his people, because of hardships and sin, yet knowing that, as the coming of the Christ-Child of Christmas reminds us, God never has, does, nor will forsake us.
worship for november 15, 2020Our Generosity/Stewardship Emphasis continues as Pastor Steve talks about managing our lives, remembering that life is a very valuable gift, with wonderful opportunities for using our lives and resources (or else losing them along the way) for God's dreams and purposes.
worship for november 1, 2020On this All Saints Day, Pastor Steve talks about how to handle the death of our loved ones.
worship for october 11, 2020Pastor Steve talks about having a focused life like that of St. Paul.
worship for sept. 27, 2020Pastor Steve finishes the sermon series about our work and service for the Lord by talking about our spiritual gifts. Here is the link to find out more about YOUR spiritual gifts: www.umc.org/en/content/spiritual-gifts (and note that a con-densed paper version is available at our Welcome Center, too).
worship for sept. 13, 2020In the first of a series, Pastor Steve talks about our work and service for the Lord, and how we need to have availability, sensitivity, and accountability for that service.
worship for august 30, 2020Pastor Steve talks about how Christ gives us rest from our weariness and goes alongside us in life, linked in a partnership--like being "yoked" together.
worship for august 16,2020Pastor Steve looks at some questions concerning the question Jesus asked: "Who do YOU say that I am?"
worship for august 2, 2020IN-PERSON SANCTUARY WORSHIP BEGINS! Lay Minister Wayne Brunt concludes his six-week pulpit supply during Pastor Steve's voice rehab (thank you, Wayne!), giving his final message on Matthew 14:22-33, where Jesus and Peter walk on water.
worship for july 19, 2020U.M. Certified Lay Minister Wayne Brunt continues preaching on Romans 8, observing that, as Children of God and as debtors, we owe everything to God in Christ.
worship for june 28, 2020We welcome U.M. Certified Lay Minister, Wayne Brunt, as our worship leader and preacher. NOTE: FIRST, YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH THE SONG WAYNE REFERS TO ABOUT HALF-WAY THROUGH AS IT HAD COPYRIGHT ISSUES FOR POSTING HERE. WATCH IT BY CLICKING THIS LINK: www.bing.com/videos/search?q=you+say+lauren+daigle+lyric+version+video&view=detail&mid=1D4883C0442F60B1C2771D4883C0442F60B1C277&FORM=VIRE0&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dyou%2520say%2520lauren%2520daigle%2520lyric%2520version%2520video%26qs%3dn%26form%3dQBRE%26sp%3d-1%26ghc%3d1%26pq%3dyou%2520say%2520lauren%2520daigle%2520lyric%2520version%2520video%26sc%3d1-41%26sk%3d%26cvid%3d23BCDE9B478D4B8F89EA4E4CAACF87D9%26sid%3d144500EEABB66FC838C30E19AA1E6E88%26format%3dsnrjson%26jsoncbid%3d0
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WORSHIP FOR JUNE 21 - OPTIONSPastor Steve says that he's as tired and frustrated with his paralyzed vocal cord as you are tired and frustrated of hearing about it. But, for this Sunday, June 21, three options are being promoted for your worship alternative:
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WORSHIP FOR JUNE 14 - WITH MEARS/SHELBY & CLAYBANKS U.M.C'SPastor Steve is still resting his paralyzed vocal cord, so this week we're joining with Mears/Shelby & Claybanks United Methodist Churches for worship. You can hear it on the radio at WEEH 100.5 FM at 9:15 a.m. At 9:05 a.m. you can also go to the MearsUMC.org website and click on the link under "Streaming Link" located at the lower right. Also, it will be posted there shortly afterward, if you happen to miss it and want to watch it later. Of course, you can also find many other options for worship with a host of Michigan UMC congregations by clicking this link: HERE.
Also, in the wake of--and even midst of--systemic racism/racial equality protests, the Michigan UMC Cabinet has issued a statement that I am encouraging you to read by clicking this link: HERE. WORSHIP FOR JUNE 7 - "GUEST PASTOR" REVEREND BILL HAGGARDAs Pastor Steve rests his voice with a paralyzed left vocal cord, the Rev'd Bill Haggard, pastor with Pentwater UMC, will be our featured "guest" preacher this Sunday, as we join in with their live Sunday service. Here are the links:
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WORSHIP: 5/31/20 - PENTECOSTPastor Steve, still with laryngitis, reflects on the coming of God's Holy Spirit upon the disciples at Pentecost and the birthday of the Church, concluding that the Spirit is still the true power of the faithful and the uplifting inspiration for service to others.
worship: 5/24/20Pastor Steve "talks" about Christ's Ascension and the disciples' response of awe, apprehension, and awareness of Jesus' absence.
--Here's the link for "Open the Eyes of My Heart" by Sonic Flood (with others out there on the Internet, too, if you want to look): youtu.be/N6yw3OTGeaM (this one kind of rocks...) --To make a donation to help the Midland area flooding response, click this link (and it's in the article's next-to-last paragraph): https://michiganumc.org/michigan-responding-to-glbr-flooding/? utm_source=Michigan+Area+Master+Communication+List&utm_campaign=333866ff0d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_08_01_02_55_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1e193f36cb-333866ff0d-411507525. --For the next webinar series session #2, click the "www.umcjustice.org" link at the end of the "Worship for May 17" box below. worship: 5/17/20Pastor Steve, with laryngitis, talks about how in suffering God is with us, and how, like Jesus, we can bring our world to God and God's presence to our world in the good we do, particularly by alleviating suffering.
Two additional helpful song videos are at these links: youtu.be/l1lyTPbeZfc (David Archuleta of American Idol fame singing “Be Still, My Soul” from his home on April 26) and https://youtu.be/vACn9kwWU8Y (The Imperials with Russ Taff singing a forty-year-old favorite, “Be Still My Soul”—but not the same as the hymn). Last, here's a related webinar series on relieving suffering: www.umcjustice.org/what-you-can-do/seminar-program/covid-19-webinars?emci=f019fc5f-5694-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&emdi=56f2d11d-3995-ea11-86e9-00155d03b5dd&ceid=2695263 |
WORSHIP FOR MAY 10 - NO VIDEO: PASTOR STEVE HAS LARYNGITISPlease DOWNLOAD THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT for a written summary of this week's message and other worship suggestions from Pastor Steve, who has laryngitis. Included are these songs: youtu.be/nPWQNiSnbyw ("Tradin' My Sorrows") and youtu.be/FFbfbx2-dyU ("For the Beauty of the Earth"--and you'll need to skip through the ads: sorry). You may also revisit any of the worship videos below, and/or check out a host of other United Methodist links at michiganumc.org/easter-2020/online-church-by-city/. Thank you for your understanding and God Bless You!
worship: 5/3/20After reading Psalm 23 as sheep graze, Pastor Steve discusses the age-old image of God as a Shepherd who provides for us, protects us, and blesses us abundantly, even under our shadowed circumstances.
worship: 4/26/20After sharing an outdoor walking rendition of the story of the Emmaus Walk, Pastor Steve points out that Christ is already and always present with us, being principally revealed through scripture, with service to the 'least of these,' and in community togetherness
worship: 4/19/20Pastor Steve talks about Jesus' fearful disciples being locked behind doors after the Resurrection, and how Christ brings peace for our fears. (Please excuse the uncentered screens, and the low battery alarm distracting me at the end of the message--cute story, too!--not to mention the mismatched audio "lip-syncing" during the sermon message on, particularly...)
worship with Bishop bardOur bishop, David Bard, requests that Michigan United Methodists and others watch this service--anytime during the Easter Season actually--produced by the Michigan Area Conference UMC as recorded at the East Lansing University UMC facility. You can also visit the Michigan Conference website pages at:
michiganumc.org easter worship: april 12, 2020Pastor Steve talks about how our empty sanctuaries are like Christ's empty tomb, serving as signs of life and a testimony of love for others as we stay home, not caged up but dispersed in Christ's freedom. The poem "How the Virus Stole Easter" is shared, as well as a worldwide virtual choir singing, Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (click here for a clearer version of the song: youtu.be/Pr54po5s0nQ).
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4/9/20 holy maundy Thursday serviceBe ready to participate in this brief interactive service with a piece of bread (or cracker), a drink, and a hand-washing station.
worship: 4/5/20 palm-passion sun.After a Palms celebration, Pastor Steve compares watching re-corded athletic events after the victory is known, to re-hearing the crucifixion story, knowing the victory of Christ. Here are links to the Vanderbilt Divinity School's slideshows for better viewing: lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/slides/Ax_LiturgyofthePalms.pdf& lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/slides/Ax_LiturgyofthePassion.pdf (with some additional slides).
worship: 3/29/20Pastor Steve talks about not being robbed of life during fearful times. See a related article: www.umc.org/en/content/jesus-wept-finding-gods-comfort-when-times-are-bad?
worship: 3/22/20Watch the Lenten Series "Conversations with Christ" with the story of Jesus' talk with Nicodemus in John's Gospel, Chapter 3, featuring the verse John 3:16, "God so loved the world..."
worship: 3/15/20Watch the worship service for Sunday, March 15. Note that the middle song is muted due to music copyright issues.
pastor steve recommends:See Pastor Adam Hamilton's message about fear and the COVID-19 outbreak which he gave at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City.
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