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Moretown United Methodist Church, 962 Route 100B, Moretown, VT (2026)

Fall/Winter services return to 9:30AM on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month. Marie MacDougall returns to the pulpit

05/31/2026

Order of Worship
Trinity Sunday
May 31, 2026, 9 AM.

We welcome our brothers and sisters in Christ from Middlesex, Wesley-Waterbury, and Waterbury Center to worship with us as the Gateway Cooperative Parish today.

Announcements

• Snack fellowship after the following worship.
• Please pray for those who need God’s Love and grace.
JOIN TOGETHER AT MORETOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SUNDAY, May 31, 2026, 9 AM
For
GATEWAY COOPERATIVE PARISH
5TH SUNDAY WORSHIP
The Gateway Cooperative Parish is comprised by Waterbury Center Community Church, Wesley United Methodist church in Waterbury, Middlesex United Methodist Church and Moretown United Methodist Church

Worship Leader: Pastor Imsook Lee
* Indicate stand if able and comfortable.

Ringing of the Bells Mari Blake

Lighting of the Altar Candle. Susan Swenson

*PRELUDE “O Spirit of the Living God” UMH 539

WELCOME / ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP
(Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, December 2025.)
L: On this Trinity Sunday, we come to praise the Triune God—
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
p: We praise God who creates, redeems, and sustains all
creation!
L: We come to wade into the depths of the divine mystery of God,
the One-in-Three and Three-in-One.
P: We seek an ever-deepening faith in God who creates,
redeems, and sustains all creation!
L: We come to witness the interconnectedness of the Triune God,
to marvel at the divine dance of partnership and cooperation.
P: We receive the invitation to join the divine dance of God
who creates, redeems, and sustains all creation!
L: Come, let us worship the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit!
P: Come, let us worship the Triune God who creates,
redeems, and sustains all creation!

*HYMN “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name” vs.1-4 UMH 79

PRAYER (In unison) (The Abingdon Worship Annual, 2026, p. 120).
Loving God, in that first spark of creativity, you set the cosmos in motion. Time after time, your creative presence brings new life and hope. We experience your love as we see the marvels of nature. We experience your love as we study Christ's ethics and compassion. We experience your love through the ever-presence of your Holy Spirit, who was with you in the beginning, was with Christ throughout his ministry, and is with us to the end of the age. For your loving presence in all your infinite ways, we give you thanks. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING
Old Testament Genesis 1:1-2:4 Skip Flanders

Genesis 1:1-2:4
The Creation of the World
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
6 And God said, "Let there be an expansela in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters." And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse.
And it was so. 8 And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
9 And God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
11 And God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth." And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and 28 And God bless earth
years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth." And it was so. 16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night-and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
20 And God said, "Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birdsla fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens." 21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
22 And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and
fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
24 And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds-livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds." And it was so. 25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that
creeps on the earth."
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

heavens
to give
light upon
ights-
-the
greater light to
17 And God set them in
and over
it was
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." 29 And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food." And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
The Seventh Day, God Rests
2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
The Creation of Man and Woman
4 These are the generations
of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LoRd God made the earth and the heavens.

Psalm 8 UMH 743 Laurie Spaulding

Psalm 8[a]

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b] A psalm of David.

1 Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?[c]
5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[g] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

New Testament Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Grace Sweet

Matthew 28:16-20, The Great Commission
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 1 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inlal the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
11 Finally, brothers, al rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you.

RESPONSE TO THE WORD
How majestic is your name in the earth, Creator of many names. We hear and affirm your call to care for all creation, to minister to all people, and to trust your Divine presence, to guide our lives this day and to the end of the age. Amen

Pick up the Choir “How Great Thou Art” UMH 77
Please join anyone who wants to praise God!

SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER Pastor Imsook Lee
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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN.

OFFERING Kathy Foster, Linda Hendrickson
Sung together this hymn “Jesus Loves Me” UMH 191

*DOXOLOGY UMH 95

*OFFERING PRAYER (Unison)
As we offer our prayers, our presence, our gifts of time and resources, our service, and our witness, we are grateful to join in God’s creative acts to bring love, peace, and hope to the world. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

MESSAGE/ TESTIMONY
Rev. Sam Newton.
Neil Johnson.

*HYMN “Here I Am, Lord” UMH 593

*BENEDICTION
Go forth with God’s Spirit, eternally present, even before the first
instant present, even before the first instant of creation.
Go forth with Christ, present with us to the end of the age.
Go forth with God, joining God's creativity in wonder and awe.
Amen.

*POSTLUDE “When We Are Living” UMH 356

CANDLES ARE EXTINGUISHED AND THE LIGHT IS TAKEN INTO THE WORLD

All Music Technicalities: DICK Butsch

05/25/2026

Order of Worship
Pentecost Sunday
9 am, May 24, 2026

Ringing of the Bells/Lighting of the Altar Candle
PRELUDE “Jesus, United By Thy Grace” UMH 561

WELCOME / ANNOUNCEMENT
CALL TO WORSHIP
Beloved, the Spirit of Truth gathers us here to receive and discern God’s good news working among us.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
The Spirit of Love draws us together to receive and restore life-giving relationships with God and one another.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
The Spirit of Freedom knits us together to receive and renew the bonds of empathy, justice, and peace that bind us together in the work for liberation and wholeness.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
Beloved, the Holy Spirit is here, moving and working among us. Will you come and receive all the Spirit has to give?
We come to receive the Spirit’s abundant and gracious gifts that we may be a people who live out God’s truth, love, and freedom in our neighborhood, community, and throughout all creation. Amen.

*HYMN “O Spirit of the Living God” UMH 539
PRAYER (In unison) (Abingdon worship annual 2026, p.115)
Holy Spirit, power of God, come and fill us with strength. May your Spirit touch each of us. Gather us with our different gifts into one community. Give us eyes to see your work. May the winds of the Spirit blow away our fears and fill us with power. Open our hearts, that we may welcome everyone. We pray in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ACT OF PRAISE: Psalm 104:24-35 UMH 827
*GLORIA PATRI UMH 70
Glory be to the Father and to the Son;
and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the
beginning, is now and ever shall be;
world without end. AMEN. AMEN.

SCRIPTURE READING Acts 2:1-21
This is the word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.

SERMON Pour out on us the Spirit of God.
Pastor Imsook Lee

Acts 2:1-21

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. ' Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 'Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. ' When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
' They were completely amazed. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!' Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 1° Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome " (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!" I They stood there amazed and perplexed. "What can this mean?" they asked each other. " But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, "They're just drunk, that's all!"
14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. ' These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine ơ'clock in the morning is much too early for that. " No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants-men and and they will prophesy. " And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 2º The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. "But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

If you ask what the greatest event is for us who believe in Jesus, the first is the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the second is our belief in Jesus. The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the early church was the greatest event on earth.
The reason it was the greatest event in human history was that the church had begun. That's why Pentecost is called the birthday of the church.
They didn't know the meaning of the cross and the resurrection until they received the Holy Spirit. They had no idea why Jesus had to die on the cross and be resurrected. The crucifixion and the resurrection were problems that the disciples' level of faith could not solve. The day this unsolved case was solved was the day the Holy Spirit descended. This day is also called Pentecost because it is the fiftieth day after Jesus' resurrection from the cross.
We cannot live a life of faith without the work of the Holy Spirit. Nothing happens in our lives without the work of the Holy Spirit. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit also wrote the Bible, and it is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we realize the truth of salvation revealed in the Bible. The power and miracles in our lives are also the works of the Holy Spirit. It is because the life of faith that bears fruit is only possible through the work of the
The work of the Holy Spirit is the promise of the Lord in Acts 1:4-5. "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy
Beloved everyone! The Lord is faithful. God always keeps His promises. As promised,10 days after Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit descended and captivated the 120 people who had gathered to pray. It was also a promise made through the prophet Joel some 830 years before. Joel 2:28,29 says, "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Then, who will receive the Holy Spirit? Let's read Acts 2:39. "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call." The descent of the Holy Spirit did not give this grace not only to the 120 people who gathered in the upper room of Mark in the early church, or to a certain limited number of special people, but to all those who call on God. I believe that you and I belong to those Let's take a look at Acts 2:38 in particular. "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."" It is a promise to
"give the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who repent." Who are all the distant people? It refers to the Gentiles, and it is a promise given to all those whom God has called. So, this is a promise made to us as well. Again, the fact that Jesus' disciples received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost did not happen by chance; it was exactly what God had promised long ago.
Now God wants to accomplish His work of salvation through the church and through us who have received the Holy Spirit. That's why He said in Acts 1:8. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." How important are these words? Do you want to receive the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you want to dedicate yourself to God's work? Do you want to give your life for the kingdom of God and for the work of testifying to the gospel? Every committed Christian can say "Amen" to this question. Then the next thing is important. Everyone, please wait for the Holy Spirit. That's why the text says, "Only when the Holy Spirit comes upon you..." God pours out His Spirit on those who love God. That's why the Bible is saying, "Do not get drunk, for this is debauchery, but be filled with the Holy Spirit..!" (Ephesians 5:18). We must receive the Holy Spirit promised by God, the Spirit of God.
While introducing the descent of the Holy Spirit in the upper room, there is something important to note. It was that they were united in mind. Even if they pray together, they can pray different prayers. The content of prayer may differ. However, these people were united in their hearts and minds, saying,
"Pour out on us the Spirit of
God that you have promised!" I prayed like this. God works when righteous hearts are united in seeking God's will. They are gathered in one place. And they came together. And, they devoted themselves to prayer.
When the Holy Spirit came upon them, first there was a sound like a rushing mighty wind. They heard sounds they hadn't heard. There are many sounds in the world. Among the many voices, there is a voice that God hears.
And cloven tongues like fire came upon each one. They saw things they had not seen, and things happening that had never existed before. And they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. They said things they couldn't say before. Why does God pour out the Holy Spirit on us?
First, it is to make us co-workers with God. God wants to work with us in our weakness. This is the blessing given at Pentecost. Everyone, we must continuously receive the filling of the Holy Spirit. In John 20:19-21, Jesus came and gave his disciples peace, saying he would send them into the world. He said, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you!" This is the purpose of the Holy Spirit. He sent us out into the world to become witnesses of the gospel. I hope that you will be convinced of this fact and become those who can handle this noble mission well.
Second, it is to change us. Due to the coming of the Holy Spirit, there was an amazing change. We look forward to this at Pentecost. With the Holy Spirit, our lives have changed. Unbelievers became believers, and those who were once ordinary human beings became children of God who were filled with God. A change in our personality has taken place. As the Holy Spirit dwells in them and begins to take possession, their personalities are transformed. Our language changes, and our lives change. Those who had no fruit begin to bear fruit. A change in our abilities has taken place. As the power of the Holy Spirit appeared through their bodies, amazing things that they couldn't do before happened. We see God at work, and a change of heart takes place.
Looking at Acts 2:26, "Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope," This is David's prophecy about the Messiah, that those who are with the Holy Spirit can live a life full of joy and hope because they have the hope of resurrection, even though their flesh is rotten.
There is a saying,
"If you are happy, you will not get tired even if you walk all day." Spurgeon said, "The greatest
of all gifts is the gift of laughter." Only those who have the Holy Spirit can possess true joy.
May you be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak with faith, hope, and love, which are the blessings of the Holy Spirit. And, speak with righteousness, peace, and joy, praising and giving thanks to God, fulfilling the language of love, and living in God's love. And I hope you will boldly convey God's love.
The filling of the Holy Spirit is Jesus' will and the most amazing blessing that all Christians who have become God's children through faith must fulfill. This is the greatest blessing anyone can receive if they believe in God's promise and pray. To God's children who have been saved, God has given them the great blessing of a life of happiness, success and glory of grace. Amen

OFFERING
The offering basket is at the back of the sanctuary.

SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS/ PASTORAL 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN.

*HYMN “Forward Through the Ages" UMH 555

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “Go Now in Peace” UMH 665

OUR WORSHIP IS ENDED, LET OUR SERVICE BEGIN.
GO FORTH IN THE LIGHT OF THE RISEN CHRIST.
* Indicate stand if able and comfortable.

Moretown United Methodist Church
We welcome every person worshipping here today. We invite you to be joyful and reflective in God’s presence. If you visit us, we thank you for coming and hope you will come again. Go in peace, and may God richly bless you.

Announcements

• The Gateway Cooperative Parish Service will be held in Moretown UMC, May 31, 9 am.

Prayer Requests
Prayer for peace and justice in the world.
For the health and safety of our members.

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
MORETOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
962 RT100B-Moretown, VT 05660
Mailing address: PO Box, Moretown, VT 05660
Pastor: Imsook Lee,
Pastor’s Cell: 903-280-0284
Email: [email protected]
Worship: 2nd Sunday and 4th Sunday at 9 AM
During Lent and Advent, worship services are held every Sunday.

05/24/2026

Rev. Dr. Songbok “Bob” Jon, District Superintendent
Brenda Cayer, Regional Administrator 411 Merrimack St. Suite 200, Methuen, MA 01844

Phone: 978-682-7676 ext. 261

[email protected] / [email protected]

Dear members of Wesley United Methodist Church, Moretown United Methodist Church, and Waterbury
Center Community Church,
It is anticipated that Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton will appoint Rev. Samuel Newton as the pastor of Gateway Cooperative Parish, which includes Wesley UMC, Moretown UMC, and Waterbury Center Community Church. He will start her new appointment on July 1, 2026.
Many churches are facing a very challenging time today, with declining Sunday attendance, aging congregations, and limited resources. Coupled with these challenges is the shortage of clergy in many denominations today. As United Methodists, we have always understood our mission and ministry to be grounded in our connectionalism. Instead of considering a local church as an isolated entity, we have always been part of a wider connection that enables us to undertake many amazing missions and ministries not just in the U.S. but also in other continents such as Africa, Europe, and Asia. Cooperative parish, therefore, is grounded in our understanding of being a witness to “the love of Christ through forms of mutual cooperation.” (¶ 206.1. The Book of Discipline)
Since your churches have already worked together as Gateway Cooperative Parish, we believe that Rev. Sam’s new appointment will strengthen your existing relationship further to share leadership, resources, and vision for shared ministries and mission. It is expected that Rev. Sam will preach at two churches from July 1, 2026, and he will need some assistance from those who feel called to help him lead the worship service and share the messages occasionally. Rev. Sam joins our excitement about this new appointment, as he already knows all three churches and their people, and has a vision to lead a new direction, which could result in more fruit from your ministries.
As one can imagine, changes can be diYicult to embrace. Changes often make people anxious, as if they walk down an unknown path. However, I encourage you to look to Christ, our good shepherd, who feeds us and leads us on our journey. As a local church, district, and conference, we are all following the same shepherd who will lead us to the green pasture and still water. As your District Superintendent, I will also walk with you in this journey in “providing leadership and training opportunities” as we strive toward “excellence in nurture, outreach, and witness ministries” (¶ 206.5. The Book of Discipline)
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Songbok “Bob” Jon
Green Mountain District Superintendent

05/17/2026

MORETOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WORSHIP
962 Route 100B
PO Box 516 Moretown, Vt 05660
May 17, 2026
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Worship Second & Fourth Sundays of the Month 9AM
May 24, 2026, 9AM In-Church Worship
May 31, 2026, 9AM 5TH Sunday Gateway Cooperative Parish Worship at Moretown Methodist

Please like and share
These words copied from The United Methodist Church Discipleship webpage, Ministry Matters webpage, the Methodist Book of Worship, The United Methodist Hymnal and The Common Book of Prayer with video/music selections found on YouTube. This will also be posted on the church page.
CALL TO WORSHIP

Beloved, the Spirit of Truth gathers us here to receive and discern God’s good news working among us.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!

The Spirit of Love draws us together to receive and restore life-giving relationships with God and one another.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!

The Spirit of Freedom knits us together to receive and renew the bonds of empathy, justice, and peace that bind us together in the work for liberation and wholeness.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Beloved, the Holy Spirit is here, moving and working among us. Will you come and receive all the Spirit has to give?
We come to receive the Spirit’s abundant and gracious gifts that we may be a people who live out God’s truth, love, and freedom in our neighborhood, community, and throughout all creation. Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, December 2025.

OPENING PRAYER

Send forth your Spirit, O God, and renew the face of the earth. Dwell among us, even though your presence will startle and unsettle us. Grant us your peace, we pray, as justice and love pour down upon the yearning earth. Amen.

Written by Mary Sue Gast in Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship, Updated, ed. Ruth C. Duck and Maren C. Tirabassi (Cleveland: The Pilgrim Press, 2012), 105.

For use in worship services, include the following permissions statement:
Reprinted by permission of the publisher from Touch Holiness, ed. Ruth C. Duck and Maren C. Tirabassi. Copyright © 1990 by The Pilgrim Press.
HYMN “God of the Sparrow, God of the Whale”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OicrbXsTb4E&list=RDOicrbXsTb4E&start_radio=1&pp=ygUoZ29kIG9mIHRoZSBzcGFycm93IGdvZCBvZiB0aGUgd2hhbGUgaHltbqAHAQ%3D%3D&ra=m

A Prayer Before Reading the Bible
Jesus, Word who became flesh, be present with me today as I encounter the written word. Open my ears to hear the message you have prepared for me. Open my eyes to see your love in every story, especially the tough ones. Let me not become trapped by my own knowledge, biases, or desire for merit, but keep my heart open to the guidance of your Spirit. And, Lord, as I continue to learn more about you through the Bible, help me be transformed by your love. Amen.
SCRIPTURE

Acts 1:6-14 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 Let God rise up; let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, let the wicked perish before God. But let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy. Sing to God; sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds— his name is the LORD— be exultant before him. Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land. O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, Selah the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel. Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad; you restored your heritage when it languished; your flock found a dwelling in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord, Selah O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens; listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel and whose power is in the skies. Awesome is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
John 17:1-11 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.

HYMN “When the Storms of Life are Raging, Stand by Me”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcoXI0Mpr40&list=RDmcoXI0Mpr40&start_radio=1

SERMON Pastor Imsook Lee
Acts 1:4-14 Jesus dwells in us with the Holy Spirit. May 17, 2026
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk[c] from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

In some Native American traditions, when a boy reaches about thirteen years old, his father teaches him how to hunt, track, and fish. Then, on the night of his thirteenth birthday, the father takes his son deep into the forest and leaves him there alone for the first time.Imagine how frightened that boy must feel. Alone in the dark forest, every sound seems larger. The wind in the trees increases his fear. He must spend the whole night by himself, facing his fear. Finally, after long hours, dawn begins to break. As the light slowly fills the forest, the boy is surprised to see someone standing not far away—it is his father. All through the night, the boy thought he was alone, but he was never truly alone. His father had been there the entire time, watching over him. Today’s passage about Jesus’ Ascension reminds us of something similar.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He spoke to His disciples about the kingdom of God. But the disciples misunderstood Him. Their minds were not focused on God’s kingdom but on an earthly kingdom. They asked, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus was speaking about God’s eternal reign, but the disciples were thinking about political power, national freedom, and their own future.
We are often the same way. Jesus calls us to seek God’s kingdom, but we can become consumed by our own plans, worries, and earthly desires. The disciples had long hoped that Jesus would restore Israel and perhaps give them places of honor in that restored kingdom. But when Jesus was crucified, their dreams were shattered. Their hopes seemed buried with Him.
Then came the Resurrection. When Jesus rose from the dead, their dreams began to live again. Once more, they hoped Jesus would establish Israel’s earthly kingdom. So before His Ascension, they naturally expected Jesus to act. But Jesus had something far greater in mind. He was not leaving them to build an earthly kingdom. He was preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit and calling them to a greater mission—the kingdom of God.
Like the boy in the forest, the disciples may have felt uncertain when Jesus ascended. It may have seemed as though they were being left alone. But they were not alone. Jesus’ Ascension did not mean His absence. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus would remain with them, watch over them, guide them, and empower them. And the same is true for us today.
There are times when we feel alone, afraid, or confused. We may not fully understand what God is doing. But just as the father stood watch in the forest, and just as Jesus promised His Spirit to the disciples, God never leaves us alone. Even when we cannot see Him clearly, He is near. He watches over us, guides us, and calls us not to build our own small world, but to live in His eternal kingdom.
Through today's scripture passage, let us learn what Jesus asked of the disciples.
First, Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem. This meant: stay where God has placed you for now, wait for God’s power rather than relying on your own strength, and trust God’s timing before stepping into your mission. What kind of place was Jerusalem? Jerusalem was the city of God’s temple, the place where people encountered God, worshiped in God’s presence, and lived together as God’s covenant people. It was the spiritual center of faith, the place where God’s grace was remembered and celebrated. For this reason, Jesus commanded His disciples to remain there together. They were not to scatter in fear or return to their old lives. They were to stay within the community of faith, united in prayer, obedience, and expectation.
In this way, Jerusalem became more than just a city. It became a symbol of the Church—the place where God’s people remain with Him and with one another. God’s people should never abandon their spiritual Jerusalem. No matter what circumstances we face, we are called to remain near God, steadfast in faith, and committed to His Church. Scripture tells us that about 500 people saw the risen Jesus, but only 120 remained in Jerusalem waiting as He commanded. Many saw Jesus, but only some chose obedience. Jesus was preparing a new community—a Spirit-led community. That is why He told them, “When the Holy Spirit comes on you...” He wanted them not simply to believe in His resurrection, but to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and sent to the ends of the earth.
The same is true for us today. Sometimes faith means staying when we want to leave, waiting when we want to rush ahead, and trusting when we do not fully understand. When we remain where God calls us and remain faithful in obedience, we make room for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in our lives.
Jesus' second command is to wait for the gift the Father promised. The gift is the Holy Spirit. So, the disciples were to wait. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. Jesus wanted the church to be a spiritual community. In order to be so, they are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. They followed Jesus' command. They did not leave Jerusalem and waited for the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost in the New Testament time means the fiftieth day after Easter. So, may I ask all of you? Since Jesus' Ascension, how long have they been waiting? It is just 10 days. They waited for 10 days. That period is the time and days that God has set by his own authority. That is God's time, not human time. Our concern, like the disciples, is the time and the days, but God's concern is for those who prepare.
Jesus’ third command is to be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. The witness is someone who has personally seen, experienced, or knows something to be true and then shares that truth with others.
In the Christian faith, a witness is someone who has encountered Jesus Christ and then lives and speaks in a way that points others to Him. When Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses,” A Christian living as a witness tells the truth about Jesus and shares the Gospel—His love, His cross, His resurrection, and His salvation. Also, living a transformed life, our actions, character, love, forgiveness, and faithfulness become evidence that Jesus is alive in us. Depending on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives courage, wisdom, and strength.
For example, when people see peace in your suffering, kindness in your hardship, or hope in your sorrow, your life itself becomes a witness. A witness is someone whose life says, “I have met Jesus, He changed me, and I want you to know Him too.”
This is why every believer is called to be a witness—not only pastors or missionaries, but all Christians. Wherever God places us—home, church, work, or community—we are called to testify that Jesus is alive. Every other week, whenever I deliver meals to the homeless at Samaritan Heaven, my heart is filled with grace because your loving service is a life lived as a witness for the Lord.
According to Acts 1:14, “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Nobody knows the time, but they need to wait for it. While they are waiting, there is one thing for them to do. It is to live by their faith. Now, what is one thing for the disciples to do? It is prayer. Now, the disciples followed Jesus' words. However, those were not everything. To be filled with the Holy Spirit, they all joined together constantly in prayer. They were eager to pray. They were willing to obey Jesus' words and gathered with hearts eager for the gift.
Now it was ready for them to get God's grace. From a human perspective, there were many matters for the disciples. Their faith was very weak. However, when such men gathered and prayed together, God made a new community when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. In doing so, the first church came into the world. Today, what we need is to gather and pray together. With prayer, there are works of the Holy Spirit. We live in a time when we need God's grace. God wants to give us enough grace. The grace of God came upon those who gathered, were waiting, and prayed together for the Holy Spirit’s coming.
Jesus is still true today. God desires all of us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to those who seek God, long for His presence, pray with expectation, and prepare their hearts in faith. I pray that each one of you will long for the fullness of the Holy Spirit. May you prepare your hearts through prayer, obedience, and faith. I bless you in the name of the Lord that you may be filled anew with the Holy Spirit and experience the power of God’s promises in your life. Amen.
PRAYER
Dear Father in heaven, we look to Jesus Christ, who is at your right hand, through whom you have promised help for the whole world. Unite us with him so that we may receive authority to help all people according to your will. May your name be kept holy among us, for your children have every reason to rejoice in the Savior you have given them. We thank you for everything you have shown to those who believe in you. We pray to you, hasten the time when your day shall come with glory, the day when you will give the glory to Jesus Christ, when he will reign and triumph over all evil and bring the peace you have always wanted to give the world. We wait and long for this. Amen.

RECITE THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE OFFERING
PRAYER
What an abundance of gifts we have to offer:
laughter, song, handiwork, engagement.
Together we share our talents, our time, and our truth-telling.
As cheerful givers, we share from our financial resources,
remembering Jesus’ teaching: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
The abundance and the joy work together to make possible the
ministries of this congregation!
Today, let’s share our joy and our abundance
as we receive our morning offering.

Please Share Your Gifts:
Moretown United Methodist Church
PO Box 516
Moretown, VT 05660

OFFERTORY PRAYER
Generous God,
You’ve created the cosmos, called each of us into life,
and now you challenge us to partner with you in
sustaining this earth,
supporting the good gifts of Life,
sharing from our resources to lift others into lives of justice and peace.
Receive this offering, help us multiply it, and put it to positive use,
that we might share your tangible love with others who yearn for
the fullness of “enough.”
We pray as believers and followers of Jesus the Christ. AMEN

HYMN “A Charge to Keep I Have”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w-m4JlKjy4&list=RD8w-m4JlKjy4&start_radio=1

BENEDICTION
Beloved, go now in the blessing of the Triune God to live as diverse members of the one body of Christ, choosing unity over division, cooperation over conformity, and collaboration over exclusion as we work together for the flourishing of all creation. Amen.
Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, October 2025.

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