St. John's United Methodist Church of Buena Vista

06/21/2026

Gathering

Chiming of the Hour
Prelude “My Savior’s Love” Genie
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
People: we have already come.
Leader: Through days of joy and nights of fear,
People: we’ve traveled this far by faith.
Leader: Through life, through death,
People: Christ walks with us.
Leader: We are not alone.
People: Thanks be to God!
Leader: In this promise,
People: let’s worship God together.
Hymn “This Is My Father’s World” UMH 144
Opening Prayer
Holy One, come to us now in this time of worship. Be present our lives, that you may hear our cries, and speak to our souls. Give us strength, that we may live all the days of our lives in steadfast faith and hope. Amen.
Gloria Patri UMH 71
Passing the Peace

PROCLAMATION

Hymn “Faith of Our Father’s” UMH 710
Prayer of Illumination
Comforting God, by your Holy Spirit lift the burdens from our souls through the reading of your Word for us, that we may learn how easy it is to live in a loving relationship with you. Amen
Scripture Reading: Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 Jane
Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:24-39

Father’s Day Reflection Julie Goyette, Frankie Austin, and Paul Janiczek

RESPONSE

Affirmation of Faith
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering
Offertory “All Things Bright and Beautiful” UMH (147) Genie
Doxology
Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer

SENDING FORTH

Hymn “Glorify Thy Name” TFWS 2016
Announcements
Benediction

Worship has ended – now Service begins

06/14/2026

Gathering

Chiming of the Hour
Prelude “Lord, You Give the Great Commission” UMH (584) C.P.
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: The God of ages past and days to come is here,
People: inviting us to worship and praise.
Leader: The God of promises and challenges is with us,
People: calling us to faithful service.
Leader: The God of boundless love is with us,
People: making every one of God’s promises possible.

Hymn “Go, Make of All Disciples” UMH 571

Opening Prayer
Faithful One, thank you for calling us to worship and for being present among us. Breathe upon us with your Holy Spirit, that we may have the courage and endurance to trust your promises and to answer your call with the
same steadfast faithfulness and love that you show to us. Amen.

Gloria Patri UMH 71

Passing the Peace

PROCLAMATION

Hymn “Pass It On” UMH 572
Prayer of Illumination
Loving God, as we hear your Word this day, send your Spirit to equip and inspire us, that your grace-filled hospitality may be the center of our lives. Amen

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 Paul B.

Kids Moment Mary Jo

Sermon “Best of All” Rev. Hungsu Lim

RESPONSE

An Order of Farewell to a Pastor
Pastor....As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here.
People: We receive your thankfulness, offer forgiveness, and accept that you now
leave to minister elsewhere. We express our gratitude for your time among us. We
ask your forgiveness for our mistakes. Your influence on our faith and faithfulness
will not leave with your departure.
Pastor....Let us pray.
All: Eternal God, whose steadfast love for us is from everlasting to everlasting, we give you thanks for cherished memories and commend one another into your care as we move in new directions. Keep us one in your love forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer of People

Offering

Offertory “Here I Am, Lord” UMH (593) C.P.

Doxology

Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord’s Prayer

SENDING FORTH

Hymn “The Summons” TFWS 2130

Announcements

Benediction

Worship has ended – now Service begins

06/07/2026

Gathering

Chiming of the Hour

Prelude “We’ve A Story to Tell to the Nations” UMH (569) Genie

Welcome

Call to Worship
Leader: Shout with joy,
People: for God has blessed us.
Leader: sing with praise,
People: for God is here.
Leader: Worship and pray,
People: for God is listening.

Hymn “Blessed Assurance” UMH 369
Opening Prayer
Blessed God, thank you for blessing us in your myriad ways. Thank you for trusting us to be your people, to shine with your love, and to work for your justice. In this time of worship, guide and strengthen us, that we may go forth to bless your world fully and abundantly. In your blessed name, we pray. Amen.

Gloria Patri UMH 71
Passing the Peace

PROCLAMATION

Hymn “Be Thou My Vision” UMH 451
Prayer of Illumination
By your Word, O God, everything was made. Your Word is powerful and can transform the hearts of men and women. Speak to us today, O God. Open our hearts and minds to your renovating Word, and give us guidance and strength. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen

Scripture Reading: Genesis 12:1-9 Julie

Kids Moment

Sermon “To Be a Blessing” Rev. Hungsu Lim

RESPONSE

Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed UMH 881
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering

Offertory “The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want” UMH (136) Genie

Doxology

The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer
Giving of the Bread and the Cup
[Communion will be served by intinction. You’re invited to receive the bread and dip into the cup and eat. If you prefer an individual cup and wafer for hygiene purpose, please notify one of the servers. You’re also invited to kneel in prayer after communing.

SENDING FORTH

Hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” UMH 557
Announcements
Benediction

Worship has ended – now Service begins

05/31/2026

Gathering

Chiming of the Hour

Prelude “Rejoice, the Lord is King” UMH (716) Genie

Welcome

Call to Worship

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal
glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, forever and forever. Amen.

Hymn “O Worship the King” UMH 73

Gloria Patri UMH 71

Passing the Peace

PROCLAMATION

Hymn “Hymn of Promise” UMH 707

Prayer of Illumination
Our heavenly father, grant us this day your grace to accept the call you have placed on our hearts. Give us ears to hear like you. Mouths to proclaim your glory and hearts to love as you do. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:28-2:4
Psalm 8
Matthew 28:16-20

Sermon “From Dominion to Doubt to Destiny” Denise Pappas

RESPONSE

Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed UMH 881
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Offering

Offertory “There’s Something About That Name” UMH (171) Genie

Doxology

Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord’s Prayer

SENDING FORTH

Hymn “This Is My Father’s World” UMH 144

Announcements

Benediction

Worship has ended – now Service begins

05/15/2026

You are warmly invited to celebrate Presley’s graduation accomplishments! Presley will graduate from Mountain Gateway Community College with an Associate’s Degree and from Parry McCluer High School on May 22.

Please join us for a reception on Sunday, May 17, immediately following the morning service.

05/15/2026

We’re excited to welcome kids back for another day of fun, food, and friendship!

Kids Club is open to all students in grades 1–7 — come hang out, play games, enjoy great meals, and hear uplifting stories in a safe, welcoming space.

Date (BVCPS Teacher Workdays & Half Days): May 21 | 1:00–3:00 PM

What’s in store: Fun games & hands-on activities, Snacks & meals included, Meaningful Bible stories shared with love, An inclusive, supportive environment for ALL kids

If you haven’t registered yet:

Register or learn more: www.stjohnsbv.org/kidsclub

💛 If your child has enjoyed Kids Club, please share about Kids Club and invite your friends and neighbors to join us!

Kids Club! St. John’s UMC invites all kids in Buena Vista, grades 1 through 7, to join Kids Club! Kids will have the chance to play, eat, and learn together in a fun, welcoming environme…

04/23/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! Today we’re celebrating Sandy and all the wonderful things she does. We are so grateful for the blessing she is to our office, not only for sharing the workload, but also for sharing life and faith with us. Sandy truly brings so much joy to St. John’s, and we are thankful for her every day. Blessings!

04/05/2026

🌅 Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

This Easter Sunday, we are reminded that hope is alive, love is stronger than death, and new beginnings are always possible.

No matter where you are in life, whether you’re full of faith, carrying doubts, or simply searching for something more, you are invited to join us on a journey of hope, healing, and purpose.

At St. John’s, we believe faith is not about having everything figured out. It’s about walking together, supporting one another, and discovering the presence of Christ in our everyday lives.

✨ Come as you are
✨ Find community
✨ Experience grace
✨ Grow in faith

We would love to walk this journey with you. You are always welcome here.

“Christ is risen! Hallelujah! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!”

04/04/2026

We had a beautiful and sacred night of worship, remembering Jesus’ death and sacrifice. In the Tenebrae service, darkness becomes a powerful way to reflect on this reality.

As we left in unresolved confusion and discomfort—just as the first disciples did—we are invited to wait with hope for the joy of Easter.

We are so grateful for our partnership in ministry with Trinity and Randolph St. UMCs. A special thanks to Rev. Anita Mays Lucord and Rev. Reginald Early for their presence and participation.