March 30, 2025 Delight
March 30, 2025
For more than 80 years, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has alleviated the suffering of individuals, families and communities affected by both natural and humanmade disaster.
UMCOR journeys with communities throughout a disaster’s cycle. It focuses on disasters that overwhelm a local community’s ability to respond, such as storms and flooding, earthquakes, fires, volcanoes, war and civil unrest.
Through a strong network of worldwide partners, UMCOR quickly assesses needs in the wake of disaster. UMCOR comes alongside communities at their invitation and encourages their involvement in and ownership of their recovery. UMCOR works collaboratively with local partners to connect survivors to the help they need to rebuild their lives.
From initial relief efforts such as distributing food, water, clothing and hygiene items, to long-term recovery projects like home repair, case management, psychosocial support and restoring livelihoods, UMCOR’s partners select beneficiaries based on need and vulnerability as opposed to other categories such as gender, race or religion.
In 2024 and 2025, UMCOR has provided US relief with the Northwest and Los Angeles wild
fires, hurricanes Helene, Ernesto, Debby, and Beryl, as well as flood and tornado recovery in Missouri and North Georgia. UMCOR has additionally provided disaster relief in the Philippians and Africa.
UMCOR’s ministry would not be possible without the support of those who give generously of their time and resources. Donations to UMCOR allow them to respond quickly and effectively to disasters as they arise. Your gifts this month will help underwrite UMCOR’s administrative and operating costs. This offering allows UMCOR to use 100% of all funds given to humanitarian response and recovery efforts directly to communities in need.
Together, we can alleviate the suffering of those affected by disaster, bringing hope and healing to communities worldwide.
UMCOR journeys with communities throughout a disaster’s cycle. It focuses on disasters that overwhelm a local community’s ability to respond, such as storms and flooding, earthquakes, fires, volcanoes, war and civil unrest.
Through a strong network of worldwide partners, UMCOR quickly assesses needs in the wake of disaster. UMCOR comes alongside communities at their invitation and encourages their involvement in and ownership of their recovery. UMCOR works collaboratively with local partners to connect survivors to the help they need to rebuild their lives.
From initial relief efforts such as distributing food, water, clothing and hygiene items, to long-term recovery projects like home repair, case management, psychosocial support and restoring livelihoods, UMCOR’s partners select beneficiaries based on need and vulnerability as opposed to other categories such as gender, race or religion.
In 2024 and 2025, UMCOR has provided US relief with the Northwest and Los Angeles wild
fires, hurricanes Helene, Ernesto, Debby, and Beryl, as well as flood and tornado recovery in Missouri and North Georgia. UMCOR has additionally provided disaster relief in the Philippians and Africa.
UMCOR’s ministry would not be possible without the support of those who give generously of their time and resources. Donations to UMCOR allow them to respond quickly and effectively to disasters as they arise. Your gifts this month will help underwrite UMCOR’s administrative and operating costs. This offering allows UMCOR to use 100% of all funds given to humanitarian response and recovery efforts directly to communities in need.
Together, we can alleviate the suffering of those affected by disaster, bringing hope and healing to communities worldwide.
*During March, our Mission collection will be going to UMCOR. We are asking you to go the extra mile and give an additional $12.00. This extra giving will be used to purchase the supplies and pay for shipping for an UMCOR Health Kit. We will be putting the Health Kits together on Sunday, March 30th. You can also donate on-line. Missions Team will purchase the supplies and have them ready for assembling. There is a tremendous need for Health Kits …from North Carolina to California.
Gathering
March 30, 2025 9:30 am Worship Service
Gathering
Prelude
Amazing Love/What Wondrous Love is This
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Crossing the Threshold
Over the Threshold
Rev. David Petty
Leader: We might not think of Albert Einstein as a mystic, but his quotes about life and spirituality have lived as long as his scientific theories. He said this: “We are slowed down sound and light waves, a walking bundle of frequencies tuned into the cosmos. We are souls dressed up in sacred biochemical garments and our bodies are the instruments through which our souls play their music.”
Sung:
Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Lent is a time of spiritual journeys and spiritual practices. We have visited several elements of spiritual depth thus far, including Beauty, Wonder, Meaning, and Curiosity. When we incorporate these as spiritual practices, research shows that there are all kinds of benefits to our lives and our involvement with the world around us. Biblical authors often used these words to describe our response to the Holy, and this week’s word is no different. ‘Delight’ is a word that winds itself through scripture–we are invited to delight in the presence of the Holy, to delight in God’s creation. In a time when our delight is often depleted by the forces that threaten destruction or simply what feels like the tediousness of everyday life, we hear the call to co-create experiences of delight.
Sung:
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart,
I want to see you
I want to see you
We humans love repetition… up to a point. But sometimes, we just need a good “Wow!” and some goosebumps to help us feel fully alive. Our physical response to awe-filled moments come from a very ancient part of our evolution–even before language. And those goosebumps? They helped us forge connections with others as we faced the vast mysteries of life together. Delight still plays an important role in our spiritual needs and in our sense of a deeply relational life. Let us rise in body and/or spirit and pray:
People: Awe-inspiring God,
we come together this day because we need to be reminded
to see through the lens of delight.
Too often, we forget that we are made
to delight in the diversity and abundance of your gifts.
Open us to perceive anew.
Inspire us to receive our surroundings with awe.
Forgive us when we get complacent, when we choose routine
over opportunities for new experiences.
Be with us on this journey
as we seek again to marvel at your works.
Sung:
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
The Holy delights in their creation, in our very existence. God forgives us. Jesus embraces us. The Spirit enlivens us. We are whole. With awe, we accept this belovedness. And all God’s people say, “Amen.”
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ
Mystery Box
*Opening Hymn
As The Deer
Twice TFWS #2025
WORDS: Martin J. Nystrom (Ps. 42:1) MUSIC: Martin J. Nystrom
© 1984 Maranatha Praise, Inc., admin. by The Copyright Co.
As the deer
pants for the water,
so my soul longs after you.
You alone
are my heart’s desire,
and I long to worship you.
You alone are my strength,
my shield;
to you alone
may my spirit yield.
You alone are my
heart’s desire,
and I long to worship you.
Gathering
Prelude
Amazing Love/What Wondrous Love is This
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Crossing the Threshold
Over the Threshold
Rev. David Petty
Leader: We might not think of Albert Einstein as a mystic, but his quotes about life and spirituality have lived as long as his scientific theories. He said this: “We are slowed down sound and light waves, a walking bundle of frequencies tuned into the cosmos. We are souls dressed up in sacred biochemical garments and our bodies are the instruments through which our souls play their music.”
Sung:
Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Lent is a time of spiritual journeys and spiritual practices. We have visited several elements of spiritual depth thus far, including Beauty, Wonder, Meaning, and Curiosity. When we incorporate these as spiritual practices, research shows that there are all kinds of benefits to our lives and our involvement with the world around us. Biblical authors often used these words to describe our response to the Holy, and this week’s word is no different. ‘Delight’ is a word that winds itself through scripture–we are invited to delight in the presence of the Holy, to delight in God’s creation. In a time when our delight is often depleted by the forces that threaten destruction or simply what feels like the tediousness of everyday life, we hear the call to co-create experiences of delight.
Sung:
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart,
I want to see you
I want to see you
We humans love repetition… up to a point. But sometimes, we just need a good “Wow!” and some goosebumps to help us feel fully alive. Our physical response to awe-filled moments come from a very ancient part of our evolution–even before language. And those goosebumps? They helped us forge connections with others as we faced the vast mysteries of life together. Delight still plays an important role in our spiritual needs and in our sense of a deeply relational life. Let us rise in body and/or spirit and pray:
People: Awe-inspiring God,
we come together this day because we need to be reminded
to see through the lens of delight.
Too often, we forget that we are made
to delight in the diversity and abundance of your gifts.
Open us to perceive anew.
Inspire us to receive our surroundings with awe.
Forgive us when we get complacent, when we choose routine
over opportunities for new experiences.
Be with us on this journey
as we seek again to marvel at your works.
Sung:
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
The Holy delights in their creation, in our very existence. God forgives us. Jesus embraces us. The Spirit enlivens us. We are whole. With awe, we accept this belovedness. And all God’s people say, “Amen.”
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ
Mystery Box
*Opening Hymn
As The Deer
Twice TFWS #2025
WORDS: Martin J. Nystrom (Ps. 42:1) MUSIC: Martin J. Nystrom
© 1984 Maranatha Praise, Inc., admin. by The Copyright Co.
As the deer
pants for the water,
so my soul longs after you.
You alone
are my heart’s desire,
and I long to worship you.
You alone are my strength,
my shield;
to you alone
may my spirit yield.
You alone are my
heart’s desire,
and I long to worship you.
A Word of Inspiration
A Word of Inspiration
Contemporary Reading
Nancy Gehrung
Reader: Our first reading is a contemporary one–an excerpt from Dacher Keltner’s
research called, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform
Your Life:
“Our tears register our awareness of vast things that unite us with others. Our goose
bumps accompany notions of joining with others and facing mysteries and unknowns
together. Today we may sense these laws of bodily awe when moved by a favorite
musical group, or in calling out in protest with others in the streets, or in bowing our
heads together in contemplation. And in such rushes of tears and chills… we may glean
a sense of what our souls might be.”
Ancient Reading
Excerpt from Psalm 36
Reader: The ancient poet of Psalm 36 wrote a love letter about the streams of delight
that flow from God. Hear these words now:
How precious is your love!
Whether creatures of heaven or children of earth,
we all find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
We feast on the bounty of your estate,
and drink from the stream of your delights.
In you is the wellspring of Life,
and in your light we become enlightened.
Approaching an Awesome God
Rev. David Petty
Video
Holy and Living God, we approach this time of prayer with wonder at your world. With all
our senses, we open to you.
Give us lenses of awe with which to perceive and love others as you perceive and love
us. We imagine in our mind’s eye now the people in our lives, the people of our
communities, and the people of our world. Each of them is beloved by you, and this
alone creates awe in us. We especially lift up those who need our prayers in this
moment…For all these people and those we name in our hearts,
People: Hear our prayer, Awesome God.
Give us lenses of awe with which to perceive and love your creation as you perceive
and love it. Each blossom, each sunrise, each unfurling fern reminds us that new life is
possible. You are making all things new all around us. Help us to care for the nature
around us. This week, we name…For all these places, creatures, and lifeforms, and those we name in our hearts,
People: Hear our prayer, Awesome God.
Give us lenses of awe with which to perceive and love life as you perceive and love the
life you have given us. Open us to the wonders around us–the art-fullness of each
encounter, each moment, as a possibility for amazement waiting to happen. Slow us
down in this season of Lent so that we might savor anew the gift of life. We pause in this
silence, setting intentions of awe for the week ahead.
Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Lead us not
into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the Power
and the Glory forever.
Amen
Prayer for Illumination
Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Message
Delight
Rev. David Petty
Contemporary Reading
Nancy Gehrung
Reader: Our first reading is a contemporary one–an excerpt from Dacher Keltner’s
research called, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform
Your Life:
“Our tears register our awareness of vast things that unite us with others. Our goose
bumps accompany notions of joining with others and facing mysteries and unknowns
together. Today we may sense these laws of bodily awe when moved by a favorite
musical group, or in calling out in protest with others in the streets, or in bowing our
heads together in contemplation. And in such rushes of tears and chills… we may glean
a sense of what our souls might be.”
Ancient Reading
Excerpt from Psalm 36
Reader: The ancient poet of Psalm 36 wrote a love letter about the streams of delight
that flow from God. Hear these words now:
How precious is your love!
Whether creatures of heaven or children of earth,
we all find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
We feast on the bounty of your estate,
and drink from the stream of your delights.
In you is the wellspring of Life,
and in your light we become enlightened.
Approaching an Awesome God
Rev. David Petty
Video
Holy and Living God, we approach this time of prayer with wonder at your world. With all
our senses, we open to you.
Give us lenses of awe with which to perceive and love others as you perceive and love
us. We imagine in our mind’s eye now the people in our lives, the people of our
communities, and the people of our world. Each of them is beloved by you, and this
alone creates awe in us. We especially lift up those who need our prayers in this
moment…For all these people and those we name in our hearts,
People: Hear our prayer, Awesome God.
Give us lenses of awe with which to perceive and love your creation as you perceive
and love it. Each blossom, each sunrise, each unfurling fern reminds us that new life is
possible. You are making all things new all around us. Help us to care for the nature
around us. This week, we name…For all these places, creatures, and lifeforms, and those we name in our hearts,
People: Hear our prayer, Awesome God.
Give us lenses of awe with which to perceive and love life as you perceive and love the
life you have given us. Open us to the wonders around us–the art-fullness of each
encounter, each moment, as a possibility for amazement waiting to happen. Slow us
down in this season of Lent so that we might savor anew the gift of life. We pause in this
silence, setting intentions of awe for the week ahead.
Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Lead us not
into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the Power
and the Glory forever.
Amen
Prayer for Illumination
Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Message
Delight
Rev. David Petty
Giving Back
Giving Back
Invitation to Offering
Nancy Gehrung
Offertory
Morning Has Broken
Rachel Ford
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
Doxology
Praise God from Who All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Praise God, from whom
all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures
here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source
of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ,
whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit,
Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Invitation to Offering
Nancy Gehrung
Offertory
Morning Has Broken
Rachel Ford
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
Doxology
Praise God from Who All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Praise God, from whom
all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures
here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source
of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ,
whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit,
Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Sending Forth
*Closing Hymn
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
v. 1, 2, 4 UMH #126
WORDS: Johann J. Schütz, 1675; trans. by Frances E. Cox, 1864 (Dt. 32:3)
1. Sing praise to God
who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power,
the God of love,
the God of our salvation.
With healing balm
my soul is filled
and every faithless
murmur stilled:
To God
all praise and glory.
2. The Lord is never far away,
but through all
grief distressing,
an ever present
help and stay,
our peace and
joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s
tender hand,
God gently leads
the chosen band:
To God
all praise and glory.
4. Let all who name
Christ’s holy name
give God all
praise and glory;
let all who own
his power proclaim
aloud the wondrous story!
Cast each false idol
from its throne,
for Christ is Lord,
and Christ alone:
To God
all praise and glory.
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Postlude
Marching to Zion
Cynthia Hibbetts
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
v. 1, 2, 4 UMH #126
WORDS: Johann J. Schütz, 1675; trans. by Frances E. Cox, 1864 (Dt. 32:3)
1. Sing praise to God
who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power,
the God of love,
the God of our salvation.
With healing balm
my soul is filled
and every faithless
murmur stilled:
To God
all praise and glory.
2. The Lord is never far away,
but through all
grief distressing,
an ever present
help and stay,
our peace and
joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s
tender hand,
God gently leads
the chosen band:
To God
all praise and glory.
4. Let all who name
Christ’s holy name
give God all
praise and glory;
let all who own
his power proclaim
aloud the wondrous story!
Cast each false idol
from its throne,
for Christ is Lord,
and Christ alone:
To God
all praise and glory.
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Postlude
Marching to Zion
Cynthia Hibbetts
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