United Methodist Church of Auburn, Maine

06/12/2026

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF AUBURN
June 14th, 2026, 8:30 & 10:30 am, Season following Pentecost
All members of this parish form the ministry team in witness of Christ.

DEVOTION: Genesis 18:1-15; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Have you ever laughed with God? Why or why not?
What promises have you made to God?

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rev. Steve Bascom
Mission for June: VIM: Volunteers in Mission
UMC of Auburn Mission Statement
Our church is a *reconciling intergenerational Christian community that intentionally welcomes all of God’s children. Its mission is to embody Christ’s love through a commitment to serve God by fulfilling the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of our congregation and of our local and global communities.

PRELUDE (Centering): Carolyn Nelson Organist
PRAYER OF GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: God is good.
People: All the time!
L: Let us pray together: “O Mysterious God, who hides in the
shadows of our steps,
P: who surprises in ways inexpressible,
L: who lingers in paradox:
P: ignite our spirits to revel in your presence,
L: inspire our souls to dance in your mystery,
P: free our minds to rest in your holiness,
L: fully comforted, totally quiet, completely yours.
All: In the name of Christ, the Mysterious Word made flesh. Amen.”
(c2009 Mark Parsons, W&S)
*GATHERING HYMN: “The Summons” TFWS #2130
Caroline Young Coffin, Songleader
As the Spirit guides, we invite you to come forward during any song
to light a candle for those you hold in prayer.
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love shown, will you let my name be known,
will you let my love be grown in you and you in me?

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare—should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the l***r clean, and do such as this unseen,
And admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found—to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go—where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
(Words: John Bell, c1987 WGRG The Iona Company (Scotland), admin,. by GIA Pub., Inc.; Music: Traditional Scottish, TFWS, CCLI #2986523)

WE PROCLAIM TOGETHER
CHILDREN’S MOMENT: Pastor Steve
CHORAL ANTHEM: “Let My People Go” Wesleyan Singers
Caroline Young Coffin, Director
SCRIPTURE: Roman 5:1-8 (p. 145, NT) Peg Moser, Liturgist
SONG OF PREPARATION: “Pass It On” UMH #572
It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around
can warm up to its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love
once you’ve experienced it; you want to sing, it’s fresh like spring,
you want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring, when all the trees are budding;
the birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.
That’s how it is with God’s love once you’ve experienced it;
you want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, you want to pass it on.

I wish for you, my friend, this happiness that I’ve found;
You can depend on him, it matters not where you’re bound.
I’ll shout it from the mountaintop; I want my world to know;
the Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.
(Kurt Kaiser, 1969; c1969 Communique Music, Inc., UMH, CCLI #2986523)

MESSAGE: “Much to Do, but Laborers are Few”
Text: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (p. 9, NT)

WE RESPOND IN FAITH
OFFERING AND OFFERTORY:
We invite you to invest in God’s mission and ministry as it flows
through the United Methodist Church into human lives!
*DOXOLOGY: 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 up-lifts!
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(Words: Thomas Ken, 1674; Music: Geistliche Kirchengesange, 1623, UMH, Public Domain)
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
All things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. You created all that is, and with love formed us in your image. When our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You gave Jesus Christ to be our Savior. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from you. And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ’s offering for us. By your Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior.
(Hoyt L. Hickman, USA, 20th c., Alt., BOW)
CELEBRATION AND PRAYER:
THE LORD’S PRAYER (UMH #895)

WE DEPART TO SERVE
*SENDING HYMN: “Go to the World” (W&S #3158)
Go to the world! Go into all the earth.
Go preach the cross where Christ renews life’s worth,
baptizing as the sign of our rebirth.
Alleluia, Alleluia.

Go to the world! Go into every place.
Go live the Word of Christ’s redeeming grace.
Go seek God’s presence in each time and space.
Alleluia, Alleluia.

Go to the world! Go struggle, bless and pray;
The nights of tears give way to joyous day.
As servant Church, you follow Christ’s own way.
Alleluia, Alleluia.

Go to the world! Go as the ones I send,
for I am with you ‘till the age shall end,
when all the hosts of glory cry, “Amen!”
Alleluia, Alleluia.
(Words: Sylvia G. Dunstan; Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, Words, c1991 GIA Publications, Inc., TFWS, CCLI #2986523)
*BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE:

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
OF AUBURN
439 Park Avenue, Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 782-3972



*A Reconciling Congregation

06/12/2026

Our church school gathered this past Sunday for a 'Whale of a Tale,' a classroom encounter inside an inflatable whale which took up the entire Fellowship Hall! Thanks to all who coordinated this Children's Day adventure! During the summer, our compassionate childcare provider Sharon Flowers will be available in the nursery for youngers whose parents wish to bring them. There will also be activity packets available at the greeters' table for children who wish to be present at worship services.

Tonight, Ryan Slocum and MacKenzie Renner will present a spring concert at UMCA, 6 pm, open to all. There is no cost for the concert, although a free-will offering plate will be provided for any who wish to contribute. Tomorrow (Saturday, June 13), our monthly men's fellowship will gather for breakfast at 7:30 am, and at 12 n, we will host a Welcoming Lasagna Luncheon for newcomers to UMCA.

This Sunday, we will reflect on the work God is doing in our generation and the opportunities we have to be part of it. The Wesleyan Singers will share a final anthem before summer break, and Lay Leader Don Malpas will offer reflections from New England Annual Conference 2026. On Monday through Wednesday of this coming week, contractors will be at the church to replace insulation in the Christian Education wing. The church office will be closed on Thursday and Friday (June 18-19) while Carla is away on vacation. Peter Poliquin will also be on vacation: 6/21-7/6.

Please note that no worship services will be held at UMCA on July 26th. On that day, all are invited to join in a cooperative parish worship service at the Lisbon MTM Community Center, Lisbon Falls, ME, from 10 am to 12 n (brunch included). A sign-up sheet will be distributed at worship services for those who need a ride to the event and those willing to provide ride(s) to the event.

May the joy of Christ be with you!

Pastor Steve Bascom

06/07/2026

Today we celebrated our Sunday school staff and our Sunday School kids got to take part in a interactive experience the whale

06/07/2026

Join Us For Our May June 7 10:30 am Service

06/07/2026

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF AUBURN
June 7th, 2026, 8:30 & 10:30 am, Children’s Sunday
All members of this parish form the ministry team in witness of Christ.

DEVOTION: Psalm 33:1-12; Genesis 12:1-9
What is the source of your joy?
Are you ready to trust God for a new adventure?

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rev. Steve Bascom
Mission for June: VIM: Volunteers in Mission
UMC of Auburn Mission Statement
Our church is a *reconciling intergenerational Christian community that intentionally welcomes all of God’s children. Its mission is to embody Christ’s love through a commitment to serve God by fulfilling the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of our congregation and of our local and global communities.

PRELUDE (Centering): Handbell Choir
William Buzza, Director
PRAYER OF GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: God be with you.
People: And also with you.
L: Let us pray together: “O Mysterious God, who hides in the
shadows of our steps,
P: who surprises in ways inexpressible,
L: who lingers in paradox:
P: ignite our spirits to revel in your presence,
L: inspire our souls to dance in your mystery,
P: free our minds to rest in your holiness,
L: fully comforted, totally quiet, completely yours.
All: In the name of Christ, the Mysterious Word made flesh. Amen.”
(c2009 Mark Parsons, W&S)
*GATHERING HYMN: “Baptized in Water” (CH #465)
Caroline Coffin, Songleader; Ryan Slocum, Organist
As the Spirit guides, we invite you to come forward during any song
to light a candle for those you hold in prayer.
Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,
cleansed by the blood of Christ, our King;
heirs of salvation, trusting his promise,
faithfully now God’s praises we sing.

Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit, dead in the tomb
with Christ, our King; one with his rising,
freed and forgiven, thankfully now God’s praises we sing.

Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit, marked with the sign
of Christ, our King; born of Creator, we are God’s children,
joyfully now God’s praises we sing.
(Words: Michael Saward (adapted); Music: Trad. Gaelic, c. 1982, Hope Pub. Co., CH, CCLI # 2986523)

WE PROCLAIM TOGETHER
CHILDREN’S BLESSING & NOISY OFFERING: Pastor Steve
GRATITUDE TO CHURCH SCHOOL STAFF:
Beth Woodhead, Church School Superintendent
Megan Spiller, Christian Education Chair
CHORAL ANTHEM: “Come, Let Us Eat”
Caroline Coffin, Wesleyan Singers Director
SCRIPTURE: Romans 4:13-25 (p. 145, NT)
Debbie Hillman, Liturgist

MESSAGE: “Good News of Great Joy!”
Text: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (pp. 8-9, NT)

WE RESPOND IN FAITH
INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION:
Don Malpass, Lay Leader & Usher; Penny Price, Harpist
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
We cannot come before God unless we are first honest with ourselves, about who we are, about the mistakes we make, and about how well or how poorly we care for others. In this spirit, let us offer our prayers to God…. (c1999 R. Mk. Liebenow, W&S)
Renewing God, trusting in your infinite grace, we confess that we need your healing and forgiveness. For all that is broken in our minds and bodies, we ask your healing. For all that is amiss in our choices and relationships, we ask your forgiveness. For all that works against life and blessing in our hearts, and in the world, we open ourselves to your transforming grace. Heal us, forgive us, and make us new. Amen.
(C2011 Steve Garnass-Holmes, W&S)
The Great Thanksgiving (w/Communion Settings) TFWS
Caroline Coffin, Songleader
Sharing the Celebration Bread and Cup
The communion elements are non-alcoholic. A gluten-free option is provided. Please approach by center aisle; return by side aisles.
OFFERING AND OFFERTORY:
We invite you to invest in God’s mission and ministry as it flows
through the United Methodist Church into human lives!
*DOXOLOGY: 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 up-lifts!
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(Words: Thomas Ken, 1674; Music: Geistliche Kirchengesange, 1623, UMH, Public Domain)
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
Blessed God, you have called us to contribute to the needs of the saints and to extend hospitality to strangers. Hallow these gifts that they may be a blessing to many in your name. Amen.
(Herb Mather, c2002 General Board of Discipleship, W&S)
CELEBRATION AND PRAYER:
THE LORD’S PRAYER (UMH #895)

WE DEPART TO SERVE
*SENDING HYMN: “Blessed Assurance” UMH #369
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste
of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of the Spirit, washed in his blood.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture
now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior
am happy and blest, watching and waiting,
looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
(Words: F***y Crosby; Music: Phoebe P. Knapp, 1873, UMH, Public Domain)
*BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE:
*Please stand as able.

*Being a Reconciling Church means that we believe in the sacred worth of all human beings and as such, believe that all God’s children should be able to have full participation in the United Methodist Church, including ministry and marriage. We have officially affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) and share its guiding principles.

Reminder: the church entrance doors will be locked at 10:40 am and unlocked during the postlude for safe sanctuary protocol.

Greeters/Ushers: Men’s Fellowship Breakfast Group
Prayer Team Coordinator: Janet Irish – [email protected]
Prayer Team Backup: Nancy Holler – [email protected]
Nursery Care Provider: Sharon Flowers
Monitors: Carla Daigle
Online Technician: Len Lednum
UMCA Website: www.auburnmethodist.org
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (207) 782-3972
Office Hours: M-F, 9 am to 12 n
Administrative Assistant: Carla Daigle
Telephone: c(339) 440-3746; h(207) 753-1275
Email: [email protected]

THIS WEEK:
City Mission, 8 am to 1 pm/Wednesday Dinner, 5 pm
Wesleyan Singers, 6/9, 4:30 pm (UMCA)
United Women of Faith Pot-Luck Supper, 6/9, 5:30 pm (UMCA)
Upper Room Devotional, 6/12, 10 am (Zoom)
Ryan Slocum/McKenzie Renner Concert, 6/12, 6 pm (UMCA)
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast, 6/13, 7:30 am (UMCA)
Newcomer’s Luncheon, 6/13, 12 n (UMCA)
Growing Deeper, 6/14, 9:40 am (UMCA)

United Methodist Church of Auburn
Sunday, June 7th, 2026
Children’s Sunday
Worship Schedule: 8:30 & 10:30 am (w/livestream)

Community Prayer Request Drive Up Station! For those times when prayer is needed for help or celebration, the United Methodist Church of Auburn is offering a Community Prayer Request drive up station located at the edge of their parking lot on Park Ave. All those in need of prayer are invited to dri...

05/31/2026

Graduating Seniors were given Bibles and A Blessing. A dedication plaque was given to Cherie Downing and Kay Little.

05/31/2026

Join Us For Our May 24th 10:30 am Service

05/29/2026

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF AUBURN
May 31st, 2026, 8:30 & 10:30 am, Trinity Sunday/Peace with Justice
All members of this parish form the ministry team in witness of Christ.
DEVOTION: Psalm 8; II Corinthians 13:11-13
What is the place of humans in creation?
How do you say good-bye to someone precious?
WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rev. Steve Bascom
Mission for May: Mission Shares
UMC of Auburn Mission Statement
Our church is a *reconciling intergenerational Christian community that
intentionally welcomes all of God’s children. Its mission is to embody
Christ’s love through a commitment to serve God by fulfilling the spiritual,
emotional, and physical needs of our congregation and of our local and
global communities.
PRELUDE (Centering): Ryan Slocum, Organist
PRAYER OF GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: God is good.
People: All the time!
L: God, our Creator, awakens us to rejoice in praise!
P: Jesus, our Savior, invites us to an adventure of service!
L: Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier, empowers us for ministry and miracle!
P: No one has ever seen God;
L: if we love one another, God lives in us, and God’s love is
perfected in us.
All: God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
*GATHERING HYMN: UMH #64
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
Caroline Young Coffin, Songleader
As the Spirit guides, we invite you to come forward during any song
to light a candle for those you hold in prayer.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert, and art, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.
(Words: Reginald Heber, 1826; Music: John B. D***s, 1861, Public Domain, UMH)
WE PROCLAIM TOGETHER
CHILDREN’S PRESENTATION: Pastor Steve
Presentation of Bibles to Graduates:
Cambrielle Poole, Jacob Lednum, Jack Ramey
CHORAL ANTHEM: “Halle, Halle, Halle”
Caroline Young Coffin, Wesleyan Singers Director
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:16-20 (p. 32, NT)
David MacMahon, Liturgist
SONG OF PREPARATION: UMH #122
“God of the Sparrow, God of the Whale”
God of the sparrow, God of the whale, God of the swirling stars,
How does the creature say Awe? How does the creature say praise?
God of the earthquake, God of the storm, God of the trumpet blast,
How does the creature cry Woe? How does the creature cry Save?
God of the rainbow, God of the cross, God of the empty grave,
How does the creature say Grace? How does the creature say Thanks?
God of the hungry, God of the sick, God of the prodigal,
How does the creature say Care? How does the creature say Life?
God of the neighbor, God of the foe, God of the pruning hook,
How does the creature say Love? How does the creature say Peace?
God of the ages, God near at hand, God of the loving heart,
How do your children say Joy? How do your children say Home?
Words: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1983; Music: Carl F. Schalk, 1983 GIA Publications, Inc., UMH,
CCLI #2986523)
MESSAGE: “Jonah, the Do-Over Prophet”
Text: Jonah 1:1-17 (pp. 810-811, HT)
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
OFFERING AND OFFERTORY:
We invite you to invest in God’s mission and ministry as it flows
through the United Methodist Church into human lives!
*DOXOLOGY: 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 up-lifts!
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(Words: Thomas Ken, 1674; Music: Geistliche Kirchengesange, 1623, UMH, Public Domain)
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
God of grace, let us give until it helps the poor and needy, let us love until it
changes the abused and doubtful, and let us serve until it blesses the least and
the oppressed through tithe, time, talent, and testimony. Amen.
(Darlene A. Moore, c2011, Darlene A. Moore, W&S, Adapted)
CELEBRATION AND PRAYER:
THE LORD’S PRAYER (UMH #895)
WE DEPART TO SERVE
*MEMORIAL SENDING HYMN: UMH #717
“The Battle Hymn of the Republic”
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
he is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
he hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword;
his truth is marching on.
Refrain
Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen him in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps,
they have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
his day is marching on. (Refrain)
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
with a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me;
as he died to make us holy, let us live to make all free,
while God is marching on. (Refrain)
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
he is wisdom to the mighty, he is honor to the brave;
so the world should be his footstool, and the soul of wrong his slave.
Our God is marching on. (Refrain)
(Words: Julia Ward Howe, 1861; Music: USA campmeeting tune, 19th c., UMH, Public Domain)
*BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE:
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
OF AUBURN
439 Park Avenue, Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 782-3972
*A Reconciling Congregation

05/29/2026

Greetings Parish,

This Sunday we will honor our Class of 2026 high school graduates: Jacob Lednum, Cambrielle Poole and Jack Ramey. We will also consecrate plantings in honor of the Christian Formation team of Cherie Downing and Kay Little with gratitude for their years of service.

Our theme for the day will relate the stories of Jonah, the Do-Over Prophet, and its life lessons for all. This Sunday is Peace with Justice Sunday, so there will be a special connectional offering envelope in the Worship Guide for those who wish to donate to this worthwhile work.

This coming week, Lay Leader Don Malpass and I will represent you at the New England Annual Conference (Wednesday through Saturday) in Manchester, NH. The proceedings are livestreamed for any who wish to attend virtually. The link may be found on the New England UMC website.

God's grace and joy be with you!

Pastor Steve Bascom