Murrayville United Methodist Church

01/08/2025

Happy Anniversary to Carl and Wanda Phillips!

01/08/2025

Happy Birthday to
Camryn Poglajen,
Mallory Roach,
Zach Vedder,
Grant Wilson,
and Nida Valencia!

01/08/2025

You are invited to join us for Worship this Sunday, January 12at 10:15 a.m. We will be serving Holy Communion. Everyone is welcome to the Father's table.
If you cannot be there in person, we invite you to join us Here on Facebook. Be sure to gather items for the elements during Holy communion before the service begins. Here is the Order of Worship for this week.

Sunday, Jan. 12, 2024, 3RD SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS 10:15am

The Community Gathers

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXTENDING GOD’S WELCOME TO ALL KURT EVANS

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
LEADER: Children of God, we enter the new year as we ended the last: gathered together for worship!
PEOPLE: We gather to seek, find, and follow the Light.
LEADER: The prophet Isaiah calls to us from deep in the past: “Arise, shine; for your light has come.”
PEOPLE: We gather to seek, find, and follow the Light.
LEADER: The magi followed a star to find a small child who is the Light of the world.
PEOPLE: We gather to seek, find, and follow the Light.
LEADER: So, let us receive the call of Isaiah and follow the example of the magi.
PEOPLE: As we begin this New Year we will turn our faces to God.
LEADER: Whose glory shows up among us as a vulnerable child.
PEOPLE: As a poor carpenter, and a foot-washing servant.
LEADER: The One who is the salvation of the world.
PEOPLE: We gather to seek, find, and follow the Light today and every day. Amen!

The Community Shares

*HYMN “We Three Kings of Orient Are” UMH #254

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION (In Unison)
Dear God, reveal to us this day what our eyes look for but cannot see; what our ears hear and cannot understand. Shine your light on the pages of our lives. In the places where we share the dark, everyone looks bright, and everything looks right. We are not anxious to move out of our darkness where we are fooled. In the darkness, our motives are not clear, our ideas are not voiced, and our relationships are not questioned. (Time of silent listening and prayer) But when your light shines, everything is like an open window. We see clearly. Help us to move on with you, Light of lights. We praise you and pray in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Nicene Creed UMH #880

MUMC CHOIR

OFFERING/OFFERTORY/DOXOLOGY

The Community Shares the Faith
SHARING FROM THE GOSPELS Matthew 2:1-12
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king (Herod the Great), magi (wise men) from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 So he called together all the chief priests and scribes of the people and [anxiously] asked them where the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) was to be born. 5 They replied to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what has been written by the prophet [Micah]: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not in any way least among the leaders of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod secretly sent for the magi and learned from them the [exact] time the star [had first] appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them [continually leading the way] until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And after entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, after opening their treasure chests, they presented to Him gifts [fit for a king, gifts] of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned [by God] in a dream not to go back to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

LEADER: We would like to be among those who saw the coming of the Christ Child!

PEOPLE: We pray that you will fill us with your light!

*HYMN “There’s a Song in the Air” UMH #249

SERMON “Obedient Hearts follow The Light” Rev. Gifty Roberts Smith

HOLY COMMUNION UMH #13-15

Pg.4
JOYS/CONCERNS/LORD’S PRAYER (Ecumenical Text)
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours Now and forever. Amen.

The Community Responds and Departs

*HYMN “O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH #234

*BENEDICTION Rev. Gifty Roberts Smith
PASTOR: Beloved, go from this place carrying the blessing of the Light.
PEOPLE: God's light is in the world.
PASTOR: The One who has come among us has brought that light of love.
PEOPLE: God's grace is in the world.
PASTOR: May God's light of the Christ child shine within us.
PEOPLE: Casting rays of good news wherever we go.
PASTOR: Christ, the Light, is present in this world.
PEOPLE: And the darkness did not overcome us.
PASTOR: The star, will guide us to love.
PEOPLE: And our missteps will not overcome it.
PASTOR: We are loved.
PEOPLE: We are loved and forgiven. Alleluia! Amen. Amen

*POSTLUDE

01/07/2025

Hello from the Murrayville-Woodson Food Pantry. You've all heard about the difficulties area food pantries are having trying to keep the shelves stocked for their patrons. Our pantry has also encountered difficulties. But, Our community has be so very supportive of our pantry that we have been able to continue serving those in need. For that we thank you so much. We are for the community, by the community. Two small towns taking care of their citizens. Again, thank you all.
If you ae someone you know who lives in the Murrayville or Woodson area and needs some assistance with putting food on the table, The only requirement for our food pantry is to show you are a resident of the Murrayville-Woodson area. Any questions can be directed to 217-882-4041. The Murrayville-Woodson Food Pantry will be open Saturday, January 11th, 9-11:30 a.m. 503 Main, Murrayville.
Here is a list of donation needs for the month of January:
Jelly, canned SpaghettiOs and ravioli, cookies, small containers of laundry detergent, brownie mix, chips, canned fruit, and plastic shopping bags.

01/02/2025

Happy Birthday to
Taylor Lowery,
Kenleigh Murphy,
Kris Heaton,
Katie Evans,
Kenny Willis,
Brian Whitaker,
A.J. Henson,
and Austin Murphy!

01/02/2025

Let's start the new year with Jesus!
Join us this Sunday at 10:15 a.m. for Worship. We'll save you a seat!
You can also watch us here on Facebook. This Sunday is Holy Communion, so before joining us, gather your elements. This does not have to be bread and wine, just any items will do.
Here is the Order of Worship:

Sunday, Jan. 5, 2024, 2ND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS 10:15am

The Community Gathers

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXTENDING GOD’S WELCOME TO ALL
Sean-Edward Hall
PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
LEADER: Children of God, we enter the new year as we ended the last: gathered together for worship!
PEOPLE: We gather to seek, find, and follow the Light.
LEADER: The prophet Isaiah calls to us from deep in the past: “Arise, shine; for your light has come.”
PEOPLE: We gather to seek, find, and follow the Light.
LEADER: The magi followed a star to find a small child who is the Light of the world.
PEOPLE: We gather to seek, find, and follow the Light.
LEADER: So, let us receive the call of Isaiah and follow the example of the magi.
PEOPLE: As we begin this New Year we will turn our faces to God.
LEADER: Whose glory shows up among us as a vulnerable child.
PEOPLE: As a poor carpenter, and a foot-washing servant.
LEADER: The One who is the salvation of the world.
PEOPLE: We gather to seek, find, and follow the Light today and every day. Amen!

The Community Shares
*HYMN “We Three Kings of Orient Are” UMH #254

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION (In Unison)
Dear God, reveal to us this day what our eyes look for but cannot see; what our ears hear and cannot understand. Shine your light on the pages of our lives. In the places where we share the dark, everyone looks bright, and everything looks right. We are not anxious to move out of our darkness where we are fooled. In the darkness, our motives are not clear, our ideas are not voiced, and our relationships are not questioned. (Time of silent listening and prayer) But when your light shines, everything is like an open window. We see clearly. Help us to move on with you, Light of lights. We praise you and pray in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Nicene Creed UMH #880

MUMC CHOIR

OFFERING/OFFERTORY/DOXOLOGY

The Community Shares the Faith
SHARING FROM THE GOSPELS Matthew 2:1-12
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king (Herod the Great), magi (wise men) from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 So he called together all the chief priests and scribes of the people and [anxiously] asked them where the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) was to be born. 5 They replied to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what has been written by the prophet [Micah]: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not in any way least among the leaders of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod secretly sent for the magi and learned from them the [exact] time the star [had first] appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them [continually leading the way] until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And after entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, after opening their treasure chests, they presented to Him gifts [fit for a king, gifts] of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned [by God] in a dream not to go back to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

LEADER: We would like to be among those who saw the coming of the Christ Child!

PEOPLE: We pray that you will fill us with your light!

*HYMN “There’s a Song in the Air” UMH #249

SERMON “Obedient Hearts follow The Light”
Rev. Gifty Roberts Smith

HOLY COMMUNION UMH #13-15

JOYS/CONCERNS/LORD’S PRAYER (Ecumenical Text)
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours Now and forever. Amen.

The Community Responds and Departs
*HYMN “O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH #234

*BENEDICTION Rev. Gifty Roberts Smith
PASTOR: Beloved, go from this place carrying the blessing of the Light.
PEOPLE: God's light is in the world.
PASTOR: The One who has come among us has brought that light of love.
PEOPLE: God's grace is in the world.
PASTOR: May God's light of the Christ child shine within us.
PEOPLE: Casting rays of good news wherever we go.
PASTOR: Christ, the Light, is present in this world.
PEOPLE: And the darkness did not overcome us.
PASTOR: The star, will guide us to love.
PEOPLE: And our missteps will not overcome it.
PASTOR: We are loved.
PEOPLE: We are loved and forgiven. Alleluia! Amen. Amen

*POSTLUDE

12/31/2024

New Year’s Eve Watch Night party at the Community Building, 503 Main, Murrayville, December 31st 6-8:00 p.m.
There will be soup, sandwiches and Trivia and concluding with a short service.
Everyone is invited to join in on the fun.

12/27/2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO
Carron Willis,
Shirley Pahlmann,
Julianne Wilson,
and Colton Fitzgerald!

12/27/2024

New Year's Eve Watchnight Party!
at the Murrayville Community Building
6-8:00 p.m.
There will be Trivia and soup and sandwiches, and a short service to close out the evening and 2024.
Everyone Welcome!

12/27/2024

Please join us for the last Worship Service of 2024 this Sunday, at 10:15 a.m. We'll save a seat for YOU!
You can also Worship with us here on Facebook. If you would like to offer a Tithe, our address is Murrayville United Methodist Church, Box 138, Murrayville, IL. 62668
Here is the Order of Worship:

Sun. Dec. 29, 2024, FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY 10:15am
The Community Gathers
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXTENDING GOD’S WELCOME TO ALL
Worship Committee
PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
LEADER: Children of God, Jesus Christ is born! Worship Committee
PEOPLE: God has come to make a home among us!
LEADER: Yet the story is not over.
PEOPLE: After birth comes the ordinary and mundane growing,
LEADER: Maturing, and discovering, even for the Christ Child.
PEOPLE: In the ordinary and mundane, God has come to make a home among us.
LEADER: And sometimes, in the midst of the everyday, something surprising happens.
PEOPLE: And we discover anew just what God is up to in our midst.
LEADER: In the surprising and spectacular.
PEOPLE: God has come to make a home among us.
LEADER: Children of God, let us worship the God who dwells with us in all things and all seasons.
PEOPLE: We come to make our home with God who makes a home among us. Amen.

The Community Shares
*HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” UMH #238

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE: The Candle of Love
The Tyler Wilson Family

Come, let us worship God, whose love endures from generation to generation, guiding us from one year to the next. Come, let us worship as we live in anticipation of God’s kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven. God of stars and angels, God of sheep and lambs, God of abundance and grace: You know us well, better than we know ourselves. You hear us cry “Gloria!” and “Praise!” We light this candle to celebrate Your love in our broken world.
Congregation: Friends, let us prepare to enter the new year with hearts that have been unburdened. Shine on us, O God of justice; guide our path through gloom of night; bear within us Wisdom’s glory; come to us, O Christ the Light. Hear us now say, “help us to change and turn us around. Make us more loving and courageous and hopeful.” Glory be to God and peace on earth. Christ is born! Alleluia!

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION (In Unison)
Most Loving God, because You knew how twisted and corrupted our humanity had become, You sent us Your Holy Son—
We name him Jesus, our Savior, for he has saved us from our sins. Because You have stood in our shoes and understand how difficult it is to live by the rule of law in an often cold, unfeeling, and ruthless world—we name him Jesus, our Savior, for he is this very day saving us from all our sins. Because You have given us a gracious spirit, forgiving those who sin against us,
and You call us to a ministry of reconciliation in a fractured world—we proclaim him Jesus, our Savior, for he will save our world from its many sins. (Time of silent listening and prayer.) God of Christmas, God of unspeakable grace, forgive and renew us all, that our lives may declare the wonders of that Holy Love
that has called us out of darkness into glorious light. Amen!

MUMC CHOIR

CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
LEADER: We believe in God, the creator and giver of life, who brought all creation to birth, who mothers us and fathers us, protecting, nurturing, and cherishing us. We believe in Jesus Christ: God born among us as a fragile baby, embodying both love and the need for love, and calling us to rest in God as trustingly as a tiny child.
PEOPLE: We believe in the Holy Spirit, breathed into us at our birth, always drawing us on to be born again, encouraging, exhorting, comforting, nourishing our growth and inspiring our living.
We believe in the reconciliation of the world to God, through Christ. Hunted at birth and humiliated at death, Christ entered our fearful darkness so that we might enter his glorious light
and share the life of his resurrection. And we believe that each new child is a glimpse of the face of God, a sign of the life to come, and a call to live in peace and celebrate living together.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God's people on earth.
Amen.

OFFERING/OFFERTORY/DOXOLOGY UMH #95

The Community Shares the Faith
SHARING FROM THE EPISTLES Colossians 3:12-17
God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be
grateful. Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.
LEADER: God's light for your path.
PEOPLE: God's guidance for our journey.

HYMN “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” UMH #224

SERMON “Clothe with Christlike Character” Rev. Gifty Smith

JOYS/CONCERNS/LORD’S PRAYER (Ecumenical Text)
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours Now and forever. Amen.

The Community Responds and Departs

*HYMN “The First Noel” UMH #245

*BENEDICTION Rev. Gifty Roberts Smith
PASTOR: Beloved, may God bless you with transformation,
PEOPLE: Because together we have encountered the incarnate Christ.
PASTOR: Who makes a home among us.
PEOPLE: And sends us home never to be the same again.
PASTOR: May we be filled with the wonder of Mary,
PEOPLE: The obedience of Joseph,

PASTOR: The joy of the angels,
PEOPLE: The eagerness of the shepherds,
PASTOR: The determination of the magi,
PEOPLE: And the peace of the Christ child.
PASTOR: Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
PEOPLE: Bless us all, now and forever. Amen! Amen.

*POSTLUDE

12/20/2024

12/20/2024

We hope to see you this Sunday, December 22nd, the last Sunday before Christmas. You can also worship with us here on Facebook. Here is the Order of Worship.

Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 10:15am

The Community Gathers

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EXTENDING GOD’S WELCOME TO ALL-PHIL BARTZ

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
LEADER: Children of God, the arrival of the Promised One is almost here!
PEOPLE: We wait as people of God’s promise.
LEADER: The message of the prophets and the expectation residing in Mary’s womb call to us today.
PEOPLE: We listen as people of God’s promise.
LEADER: Mary’s “yes” and Elizabeth’s faithfulness guide our path.
PEOPLE: Showing us that we too have a role to play in bearing God’s good news into the world.
LEADER: We follow as people of God’s promise.
PEOPLE: This is the promise Mary, Elizabeth, and the prophets bore.
LEADER: The promise we continue to carry even today—God is with us!
PEOPLE: God is with us! We are not alone. Thanks be to God! Amen.

The Community Shares
*HYMN “O Little Town of Bethlehem” UMH #230

Lighting the Fourth Advent Candle: The Candle of Love
Sherri Mitchell and Laura Maruna
O God, we light the fourth candle of Advent. We hear your angel Gabriel and witness the faith of Mary. Fill us with your grace and light. We recall the times we have struggled but said yes. We know
times when God has filled us and our world with blessing. Mary was a young, strong, spiritual woman. Even though her life was not easy, she heard God’s voice and said yes. Her song was a prayer that would uplift those who were downtrodden.
Congregation: Mary lyrics shattered the proud and called the world to change. She would bear within her the promised child, Jesus, the Light of the World. Revealing God, visit us and fill us with Your Spirit. Bring Your good news to life within us. Give us courage to carry Your light into the injustices and shadows of this world. This Advent, we respond to God’s beckoning to us as well. Amen

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION (In Unison)
We thank You Lord for the promise of Your presence when we are gathered in Your name. Help us to be mindful that You are with us as we meet to pray and bring our requests to You. In our uncertain world we bring before You today our concerns. We are sometimes fearful of the condition of the world with the evidence of so much cruelty and greed. Have mercy on our world and all humankind. We pray for leaders of the nations, that they would gain vision to understand the important issues of our time. May they have courage to uphold what they believe to be just and right. This morning, we pray for countries where there is war and hunger and poverty, and so much suffering and hardship for the people, with diseases and poor medicine. (Time of silent listening and prayer.) We pray that You would watch over our military as they serve. We pray also for their families from whom they are separated this Christmas. You promised us a Savior and He is on His way. At this Advent time, increase in us the attitude of watchfulness and prayer, that we might always
be ready to meet him. May our lives be active in service and a witness to your living presence in our lives. Amen!

MUMC CHOIR

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ROMANS 8:35, 37-39 UMH #887

OFFERING/OFFERTORY/DOXOLOGY UMH #95

The Community Shares the Faith SHARING FROM THE GOSPELS LUKE 1:39-55
Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. 40 She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. 43 Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.” 46 Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name. He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. 51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. 54 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.” LEADER: God, You promised to do great things for us. PEOPLE: Extend mercy to us and help us to trust in Your promises.

HYMN “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” UMH #204

SERMON “The Magnificat – A Song of Praise” Rev. Gifty Smith

JOYS/CONCERNS/LORD’S PRAYER (Ecumenical Text)
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours Now and forever. Amen.

The Community Responds and Departs

*HYMN “His Name Is Wonderful” UMH #174

*BENEDICTION Rev. Gifty Roberts Smith
PASTOR: Be people of love.
PEOPLE: Let love live in our hearts and share the love of Christ with all we meet.
PASTOR: Share love by loving those we see regularly. Start by loving our community.
PEOPLE: Share love by loving those we do not know.
PASTOR: Share love by praying for our world.
PEOPLE: In this Advent season, we need to see, feel, and share love.
PASTOR: As we go out into the wonder of God’s creations, share love, joy, peace, and hope with those we meet.
PEOPLE: We go now in the blessing of God’s promise.
PASTOR: And in the assurance that our expectant joy will find its fulfillment.
PEOPLE: In the God who was, who is, and who will be with us always.
Amen! Amen.
*POSTLUDE