Gordon First United Methodist Church

09/03/2026

Greetings, Church Family!

We have an opportunity to practice “turning aside” next spring by attending Wellspring of Joy, offered through the North Texas Academy for Spiritual Formation.

Please see the information below to learn more about this special opportunity for spiritual renewal, reflection, and fellowship.

If this is something you would be interested in attending, please register yourself through the link below. After registering, please let Lisa in the Church Office know at [email protected]. We would like to make arrangements for accommodations so that those from our church who attend can stay together.

We hope you will prayerfully consider joining us for this meaningful opportunity to turn aside, listen for God, and be renewed in joy!

______________________________________________________________

Registration is now open for the 2027 North Texas Academy for Spiritual Formation!

Wellspring of Joy: Drawing from the Depths of God
March 1-5, 2027
Prothro Retreat Center on Lake Texoma

In a world that can feel heavy, hurried, and uncertain, where do we find a joy deep enough to sustain us?

In collaboration with the Horizon Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church, the Academy of Spiritual Formation is pleased to offer five days to step away from the noise and return to the deeper waters of God's presence. Through rhythms of teaching and prayer, silence and worship, solitude and community, we will make space to listen deeply, rest fully, and rediscover the joy that flows from the depths of God's love.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Lakisha Lockhart-Rusch and Rev. Daniel Wolpert as our faculty for this year's Academy and are eager to lean into their wisdom.

Whether this is your first Academy or one of many, you are invited to come away for a few days and drink deeply from the wellspring of God.

Early registration rates are available now through October 27.
Click here to register for the 2027 North Texas Academy for Spiritual Formation.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected]
We look forward to having you join us for our 2027 NTX Academy for Spiritual Formation, Wellspring of Joy: Drawing from the Depths of God.

With deep joy and gratitude,

Your NTX Academy Team:
Rev. Estee Valendy
Rev. Kristin Warthen
Rev. Todd Pick
Dr. Joshua Taylor
Rev. Meg Witmer-Faile

08/31/2026

We will be reading scriptures Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon.
Discipleship Ministries offers:
• Quick and easy On-line access and enrollment by visiting our website: https://www.UMCdiscipleship.org/articles/read-a-chapter-a-day.
• “5 Suggestions for Surveying Scripture”
• Sign up for our weekly emails to receive a reminder every Sunday about upcoming scripture texts, a common prayer, and resources for further study.
• Reflect daily with others through our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/umcreadachapteradayAlong the way, we will discover a way of reading Scripture that can bring the Bible to life and help us become more attentive to how God may be speaking through the Holy Spirit. Each reading invites us to engage our heart, mind, and body as we read, reflect, and make space to connect with God.
• Pastor Kristen will offer three group opportunities to come together, check in, share insights, and reflect on what we are learning through our daily readings. These gatherings will provide an opportunity to encourage one another, ask questions, and explore how God is speaking to us through Scripture.

One chapter. Each day. Growing together.
SIGN UP TODAY!
✦ Sign up on the clipboard in the sanctuary
✦ Or email [email protected] to express your interest in the Exodus & Deuteronomy study.
✦And don’t forget to enroll online by visiting our website: https://www.UMCdiscipleship.org/articles/read-a-chapter-a-day.

❤️ COME GROW WITH US!

08/31/2026

Church Calendar September 2026
Sundays Coffee Treats: 10:30AM in the Round Table Rm.
Adult Sunday School: 9:45-10:30AM, in Adult Sun. School Rm.
Grow with God (Children’s Ministry): 10:15AM in Fellowship Hall.
Worship: “Worship with Rejoicing” 11AM in the Sanctuary.

Wednesdays Pieceful Stitchers/Sewing Circle: 10AM-3PM in the Fellowship Hall

Sept 7 Church Office Closed: Labor Day

Sept 8 Read a Chapter-A-Day Challenge Begins: UMC Discipleship is doing an on-line reading
challenge & we're inviting you to accept the Challenge this Fall. 42 Chapters in 42 Days. Reading
Galatians, Philemon. Email [email protected] if you are interested in participating.

Sept 11 Fun Friday Friends: United Women in Faith will meet at RedLine Cafe & Market in Santo
at 11:30AM. UWF meets the 2nd Friday of each month.

Sept 13 CHURCH-WIDE SAS VOTE


Sept 15 Tuesday Morning Bible Study: This fall, you're invited to go deeper into scripture as Rev.
Dr. Starr Bowen leads an engaging 8-week study of Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Email [email protected] if you wish to join this study.

Sept 16 Food Pantry Setup: Wednesday, 8:30AM at the Harlin Building.

Sept 17 Food Pantry Distribution: Thursday, 9AM at the Harlin Building.
Free Flu Shots by Texas Health Resorces:
Gordon, 8AM-12PM at Harlin Building
Strawn, 2:30PM-5:30PM at City Park Pavilion
Church Council Meeting: Thursday, 11:00AM in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is
Welcome!

Sept 20 New Worship Series: Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most",
September 20th through October 11th join us for this 4-week worship series as we journey through
the book of Philippians together. We will be using Philippians as a guide for how to talk with our
loved ones, faith community, and neighbors about what matters most. As we enter into another
election cycle, we find many people talking past one another instead of entering into meaningful conversation about what is important. Join us as we study scripture learning how to live in a world
for Christ's sake, "remain[ing] with [our communities] to help [their] progress and the joy of [their]
faith," (Phil. 1:25) as Paul aimed to help the Philippians.

08/30/2026

🍂 GROW DEEPER THIS FALL! 🍂
Fall Bible Studies at First United Methodist Church
Whether you’re looking for an in-depth Bible study or a simple daily practice, there’s a place for you this fall! Join us for two exciting opportunities to explore God’s Word, deepen your understanding of Scripture, and strengthen your daily walk with Christ!
A Journey Through God’s Story of Deliverance, Covenant & Faith

This fall, you’re invited to go deeper into Scripture as Rev. Dr. Starr Bowen leads an engaging 8-week study of Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Through the stories of Moses, the Exodus, the wilderness journey, the giving of the Law, and God’s covenant with His people, we’ll consider what these ancient Scriptures teach us about:
• God’s faithfulness in times of uncertainty and change
• Deliverance and freedom—and what it means to live as God’s people.
• Leadership and calling through the life of Moses.
• Covenant and commitment in our relationship with God.
• Trusting God through wilderness seasons and challenging journeys.
• Remembering God’s story and passing faith from one generation to the next.
This will be more than simply reading Scripture—we will have an opportunity to ask questions, share insights, learn together, and discover how God’s Word continues to shape our faith and our lives.
Whether you have studied the Bible for years or are simply curious to learn more, you are welcome! Bring your Bible, your questions, and an open heart as we explore these foundational stories together.
SIGN UP TODAY!
✦ Sign up on the clipboard in the sanctuary
✦ Or email [email protected] to express your interest in the Exodus & Deuteronomy study.

08/30/2026

Could not access FaceBook this morning.. We will attempt to upload the recording on Monday 🙏😘

08/30/2026

Welcome! We’re glad you’re here, worship with us 8/30/26. We would love for you to become a part of our church family! If you have any questions about church membership or how to get involved, please reach out to Rev. Kristen Perkins Glover cell 903-217-7665 or [email protected].

Worship with Rejoicing

Gathering Words Susan McInnis
One: God is good.
Many: All the time.
One: All the time
Many: God is good

Centering Music Sara Barron
Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship
One: Sometimes God calls us through burning bushes, telling us to go free a whole people despite our insecurities and fears.
Many: God, help us accept your call on our lives.
One: Sometimes God calls us, and we don’t understand the full meaning of the call, the ways our families, friends, and communities may resist the good news and us as messengers of it.
Many: God, help us accept your call on our lives.
One: Sometimes God calls us to a path that is harder than we think we can handle, asking us to trust that God will provide what we need.
Many: God, help us accept your call on our lives.
One: Beloved, God’s call takes many forms. Sometimes it feels as natural as breathing, and sometimes we want to run as far as we can. But take assurance in this: You are not alone. God is with us.
Many: God, help us accept your call on our lives and to trust that what you equip us to do is what you call us to do. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn “Take Up Thy Cross ” UMH 415 (v.1,2,4)

Hebrew Bible Reading Exodus 3:1-15
(also known as the Old Testament)
One: The Word of God the people of God,
Many: Thanks be to God. Amen

Children’s Moment “Jesus Loves Me” UMH 191 v.1
Please sing Jesus Loves Me while the children come up for the Children’s moment.

Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon
Pastor: Christ Jesus, our teacher and our friend, we have not listened for your word amid the clamor of words all around us. We try harder to defend what we think we know than to reach for that which is beyond our grasp. Slow to trust, afraid of the unknown, we are cautious to hear and do your will. We pray for hearts to pay attention to the cries of our neighbor and to resonate with your Spirit. Instruct us on how to sing the songs of faith, hope, and love.
One (Liturgist): There is no greater joy in the heart of God than the moment when a child opens to the gift of forgiveness. God’s Spirit reaches out to assure us of welcome in Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Many: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God! Amen.

*Passing the Peace of Christ
Joys & Concerns of the People, Pastoral Prayer,
& Lord’s Prayer UMH 895

*Hymn of Discipleship “Lord Speak to Me” UMH 463 (v.1-4)

*Gospel Reading Matthew 16:21-28
One: The Word of God for the People of God
Many Thanks be to God, Amen

Message “Acceptance” Rev. Kristen Perkins Glover

Offertory Hymn, Prayer, Music “Here I Am, Lord” UMH 593
*Doxology UMH 95
*Benediction, Sending Out & Postlude

Notes & Announcements:
*The church-wide vote on the Simplified Accountable Structure Leadership Model is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, immediately following worship. All church members are eligible to vote, and you must be present to cast your ballot.

Acknowledgements:
Pianist: Sara Barron, Media Techs: Rube Glover
Today’s Liturgist: Susan McInnis; 9/6 : Lloyd Barnard
Prayers & Liturgy: Lisa Hancock (Call to Worship); Diocese of Zululand (Opening Prayer); Adapted from Allen P Happ & David B Bowman in Touch Holiness (Prayer of Confession); Lisa Hancock (Benediction)

Birthdays and Anniversaries:
Bob Powell 8/30, Nelson Campbell 9/1, Jaxon Spoon 9/2, Billy Tiblets 9/4
Prayer Requests:
Jerry Harper, Fire Fighters and those impacted by the Ross Fire, Col. John Kirby’s Family & Friends, Georgian Whitenight, Rain, Bayler Rhodes, Darrell Kent, Tyler Paget, , Don Stoner (Texas Ranger), Loucille Edge, Brenda Wier, William Street, Aaron Oliphant, JD Jorgensen, Jeremy Jorgensen, The Families of the Helicopter Pilots, People with New Beginnings, Joe Danna, Dorothy Thompson & Sue Collins, Jim Williams, Elene & Paul Ondo, Tracey Barnett, The World, our Community, our Local Community Leaders, and all those affected by natural disasters, first responders and volunteers, our country, the Iran Conflict, our military, families of those deployed, victims of war and domestic violence.
Note: Copies of Long-term prayer list can be found in the Round Table Room.

Please let us know any updates for prayer requests

08/25/2026

Please support the Gordon ISD Supply Drive to help our Firefighters! And please pray with our church at 11am at the Gordon City Park. You can meet Pastor Albert Fernandes Oliveira of First Baptist Church and our Pastor Kristen Perkins Glover at the Gazebo for a time of prayer for the communities in Palo Pinto County & Jack County which are being impacted.

08/23/2026

08/23/2026

Worship with Rejoicing 8/23/26
Welcome! We’re glad you’re here, and we would love for you to become a part of our church family! If you have any questions about church membership or how to get involved, please reach out to Rev. Kristen Perkins Glover cell 903-217-7665 or [email protected].

Gathering Words Jimmy Jones
One: God is good.
Many: All the time.
One: All the time
Many: God is good

Centering Music Sara Barron
Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship
One: In a world where powerful people make decisions to lift themselves up and cast others aside, how does God teach us to use our power?
Many: God teaches us to protect the vulnerable, resist evil, and persist in doing good.
One: In a world where power means might, how does God show us what power means?
Many: God shows us through the midwives’ daring, Peter’s truth-telling, and Jesus’ humility.
One: In a world where power is held over people’s heads, how does God exercise power?
Many: God exercises power with—with the oppressed, with the outcasts, with the poor and downtrodden.
One: Beloved, we gather to recognize our world as it is and to grow as Disciples and imitators of Christ. So, how will you use your power?
All: We will side with the vulnerable, build community in the margins, and love all of our neighbors with the love of Christ. Amen.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” UMH 127

Hebrew Bible Reading Exodus 1:8-2:10
(also known as the Old Testament)
One: May the Word of God be renewed for the people of God,
Many: Thanks be to God. Amen

Children’s Moment “Jesus Loves Me” UMH 191 v.1
Please sing Jesus Loves Me while the children come up for the Children’s moment.

Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon
One: While we may yearn to be like Jesus, we know that in our hotheaded choices, our frantic lives, our impetuous words, we are too often like Peter. But like him, we can confess Christ as our Lord, speaking of our need for your saving presence in our lives.
Many: We look for you in all the wrong places, God of the lost.
One: We wander the corridors of power, while you are on the sidewalks, beside those without homes.
Many: We sit at the head tables of the world, while you are handing out soup to the hungry.
One: We applaud those who win the race, while you are cheering on those in last place.
Many: In forgiving us, God of new life, you would transform our cold hearts
into those melted in service to others.
One: In gifting us with grace, you enable us to proclaim Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, as the hope, the joy, the peace the world seeks.
Many: Thanks be to God, Amen.

*Passing the Peace of Christ
Joys & Concerns of the People, Pastoral Prayer,
& Lord’s Prayer UMH 895

*Hymn of Discipleship “Trust and Obey” UMH 467

*Gospel Reading Matthew 16:13-20
One: The Word of God for the People of God
Many Thanks be to God, Amen

Message “Power” Rev. Kristen Perkins Glover

Offertory Hymn, Prayer,
Music “Forward Through the Ages ” UMH 555
*Doxology UMH 95
*Benediction, Sending Out & Postlude

Notes & Announcements:
*Today begins our New Worship Series: Lessons in Leadership. Who are we called to be—together? As we transition from summer to fall, we’ll explore the attitudes, values, and faith that shape us as the body of Christ. Join us for “Lessons in Leadership” as we discover how God is calling us to live, serve, and grow together.
*The church-wide vote on the Simplified Accountable Structure Leadership Model is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, immediately following worship. All church members are eligible to vote, and you must be present to cast your ballot.

Acknowledgements:
Pianist: Sara Barron, Media Techs: Rube Glover
Today’s Liturgist: Jimmy Jones; Next Week’s Liturgist: Susan McInnis
Today’s Counters: Tonya Lantrip & Lynn Graham
Next Weeks’s Counters: Paula Mower & David Admire
Prayers & Liturgy: Lisa Hancock (Call to Worship); Rev Abi (Opening Prayer); Rev Mindi (Prayer of Confession); Lisa Hancock (Benediction)

Birthdays and Anniversaries:
Dennis Bell 8/26, Randy Wright 8/29, Jesse Frankland 8/30, Lillie Petty 8/30

Prayer Requests:
Tyler Paget, Rain, Don Stoner (Texas Ranger), Loucille Edge, Brenda Wier, William Street, Aaron Oliphant, JD Jorgensen, Jeremy Jorgensen, The Families of the Helicopter Pilots, People with New Beginnings, Joe Danna, Dorothy Thompson & Sue Collins, Jim Williams, Elene & Paul Ondo, Layne, Tracey Barnett, The World, our Community, our Local Community Leaders, and all those affected by natural disasters, first responders and volunteers, our country, the Iran Conflict, our military, families of those deployed, victims of war and domestic violence.
Note: Copies of Long-term prayer list can be found in the Round Table Room.

Please let us know any updates for prayer requests .