Online Worship (June 21) Athens First UMC

Welcome to our (June 21) online worship @ Athens First UMC!

2 S. College St., Athens, OH 45701

Greeting From Pastor Robert

Call to Worship 

L: When we feel separated in the desert of our lives,

P: the Lord offers life-giving water that sustains us in our need.

L: When our future seems lost and others have take our place,

P: you restore our hop and promise us an inheritance.

L: We are here to worship you, O Lord.

P: for you alone can save us!

Hymn       Great Is Thy Faithfulness

1. Welcome & Passing the Peace

[One of our church toys, Biscuit who likes to look closely into the video camera during the Children’s Moments invites you to greet one another, not by rubbing noses, but by simply barking even if you are wearing a mask, “The peace of Christ be with you!”]

Prayer of Confession & Words of Assurance

O Lord, why do we try to face challenges with our strength alone? Without your provisions, we are lost. Forgive us for not turning to you in our times of need. Be gracious to us and gladden our souls for you are great and do wondrous things. Thank you for reaching out to us even before we remember to turn toward you. Give ear, O Lord to our prayer. Amen.

L: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

P: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

All: Thanks be to God!

Old Testament Lesson -  Genesis 21:8-21    

Wendy Merb-Brown           

[God has promised a son to Sarah and Abraham in their old age. As a sign that Isaac is a member of God’s people, he has been circumcised. But when Sarah was unable to conceive, Abraham had another son, Ishmael, born of Hagar, a slave.]

Psalter - Psalm 86              

[Psalm 86 is a psalm that calls out to God when facing a difficult challenge.]

Wendy Merb-Brown

Special Music - Melissa Brobeck, Athens First UMC Choir Member

[Recorded at the beginning of the coronavirus stay at home order. Melissa recorded this to lift our spirits in facing this difficult and challenging time. It reflects the spirit of our psalmist for today who longs for a happier day!]

Sermon        A Psummer of Psalms:  Psalm 86

        Dave Bayless

Hymn                 I Need Thee Every Hour

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer

Church News

[The following announcement slides below are to help us stay connected as a church especially since we are unable to gather in our church building for weekly worship. Please scroll down through the announcements, and our online service will continue with another video.]

Offering Our Gifts

Thank you for your gifts!!!

“Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all.” – 1 Chronicles 29:12

Closing Hymn    Make Me a Captive, Lord

Benediction

Join us back here next Sunday (June 28) for our online worship service.

[For previous online worship services, click here.]