Tioga Center United Methodist Church

05/30/2026

Tioga Center, Smithboro and Nichols UMC’’s
May 31, 2026 10 a.m. Sunday Service at Nichols

Trinity Sunday
Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20
Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Today – 11:15, Coffee hour
Wednesday – June 3
1:00 Genesis chapter 47 @ Sayre; 607/972-3073
5:30 Girl Scouts @ Nichols UMC
Sunday – June 7 10:00 Service @ Smithboro UMC
Coming:
Monday – June 8 Bring treasures to Smithboro for their July 25 rummage sale
Friday – June 12 9-10:30, Watch party for Union Pacific’s Big Boy #4014 @ TC’s garden & back yard
June 15 – July 20 (Mondays), 1 – 2 or 7 – 8: “Don’t Give the Devil a Seat at Your Table” (psalm 23); Carol Barnes 607/687-4793; [email protected]
Prelude Eva Baldwin
Call to Worship
On this Trinity Sunday, we come to praise the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
We praise God who creates, redeems, and sustains all creation!
We come to wade into the depths of the divine mystery of God, the One-in-Three and Three-in-One.
We seek an ever-deepening faith in God who creates, redeems, and sustains all creation!
We come to witness the interconnectedness of the Triune God, to marvel at the divine dance of partnership and cooperation.
We receive the invitation to join the divine dance of God who creates, redeems, and sustains all creation!
Come, let us worship the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Come, let us worship the Triune God who creates, redeems, and sustains all creation!

Hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past ” #117 UMH
1.O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home!

2.Under the shadow of thy throne,
still may we dwell secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone,
and our defense is sure.

3.Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame,
from everlasting, thou art God,
to endless years the same.

4.A thousand ages, in thy sight,
are like an evening gone;
short as the watch that ends the night,
before the rising sun.
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Out of our ordinary, everyday lives, you have gathered us here, Holy God, to this time of worship, to this time of praise.
We join with angels and archangels and all the company of the saints to bless you, to listen for your Word, to immerse ourselves in your grace, in your love.
Open our hearts and our minds to your presence with us.
Take the chaos of the world that has found its way into our hearts – speak your Word and give order and form and new creation.
Take the failures and defeats, the guilt and the shame that bind our spirits – speak your Word and set us free.
Take our longings for your goodness to shape our lives, this community, the hurting world – speak your Word and infuse us with your courage and your hope and your love.
Then, awaken us to your Holy Spirit who is making all things new, even us.
We ask in Jesus’ name, who sends us out to speak love and mercy and grace to those who are waiting, longing, hoping, for a sign that they are not alone, that you are a God of love, that you are a Savior who knows their name, that the Holy Spirit is leading them home. Amen.
Special Music – “The Wind Beneath Your Wings” – Eva Baldwin
Presentation of Offerings [Ushers will bring the offerings forward]
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
Offertory Prayer [in unison]
Creating God, from the beginning, you formed light out of darkness, breath from dust, and life from love.
In Christ, you walked among us, and through your Spirit, you empower us still.
Today, we offer our gifts – signs of our desire to partner with you in your ongoing work of creation, healing, and discipleship. Use these offerings to build communities of compassion, to welcome the stranger, and to teach your ways of justice and joy.
May our giving reflect the wonder of your Triune love and our willingness to go and grow disciples in your name.
Amen
Children’s Message
Children will be escorted to the Education Building for their time of worship.
Hymn “Freely, Freely” #389 UMH
1. God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name,
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name,
and in Jesus’ name I come to you,
to share his love as he told me to.
Refrain
He said, “Freely, freely you have received,
freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe,
others will know that I live.”

2.All power is given in Jesus’ name,
in earth and heaven in Jesus’ name,
and in Jesus’ name I come to you,
to share his power as he told me to.
Refrain
Lesson Matthew 28:16 – 20 (pg. 1550 in pew Bible)
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Sermon “Spirit in Partnership”, Rev. Charles Smith
Sharing Joys, Concerns, and God Sightings
District Superintendent Rev. Richelle Duchano-Goff, Bishop Hector Burgos Nunez.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Hymn “Go, Make of All Disciples” #571 UMH
1.“Go, make of all disciples.”
We hear the call, O Lord,
that comes from thee, our Father,
in thy eternal Word.
Inspire our ways of learning
through earnest, fervent prayer,
and let our daily living
reveal thee everywhere.

2.“Go, make of all disciples,”
baptizing in the name
of Father, Son, and Spirit,
from age to age the same.
We call each new disciple
to follow thee, O Lord,
redeeming soul and body
by water and the Word.

3.“Go, make of all disciples.”
We at thy feet would stay
until each life’s vocation
accents thy holy way.
We cultivate the nature
God plants in every heart,
revealing in our witness
the master teacher’s art.

4.“Go, make of all disciples.”
We welcome thy command.
“Lo, I am with you always.”
We take thy guiding hand.
The task looms large before us;
we follow without fear;
in heaven and earth thy power
shall bring God’s kingdom here.
Benediction
Postlude Eva Baldwin
Lord,
thank You for all
You have given me,
and all You will provide
for me in the future.
Pour Your love into me
so that it overflows to others
and glorifies You.
Amen

05/30/2026

May 31, 2026 - 10 a.m. Sunday Service for Tioga Center, Smithboro & Nichols UMC will be held at Nichols UMC

05/23/2026

05/23/2026

TIOGA CENTER, SMITHBORO & NICHOLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES
PENTECOST MAY 24, 2026 10 A.M. SERVICE AT TIOGA CENTER UMC
Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34,
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23

BULLETIN
Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude

*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 – “God of Grace and God of Glory” – UMH 577

Prayer for Unity
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.

Special Music – “America” – UMH 697

Presentation of Offerings
Doxology
Offertory Prayer (unison)
Empowering God, you are the one who pours out your Spirit on sons and daughters, on young and old, on leaders and servants alike. You have not withheld your gifts, but have shared them freely: truth, empathy, vision, and power. As your Spirit-filled people, we now offer our gifts—not out of fear or obligation, but in response to your boundless generosity. Use these offerings to fuel the prophetic witness of your church, to bless those still yearning for hope, and to build a community where all are seen, heard, and loved. May our giving, like your Spirit, be poured out without limit. Amen.

Children’s Message

Hymn – “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” – UMH 500

Lesson – Acts 2:1-21
Sermon – Spirit Unbound – Rev. Charles Smith

Sharing Joys, Concerns, and God Sightings
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer UMH 895

Hymn – “Spirit Song” – UMH 347

Benediction
Postlude

GO SERVE

PRAYER CONCERNS
Those who have lost a loved one and those who are traveling. District Superintendent Rev. Richelle Goff, Bishop Hector Burgos Nunez.

Today ~ Pentecost Worship at Tioga Center UMC
Kid’s Corner available during worship
Join together for a time of fellowship following worship
May 25 – Memorial Day
May 28-30: “Rise Up ~ Love Boldly” Upper New York’s Annual Conference in Syracuse
Sunday, May 31 10:00 a.m. Worship at Nichols UMC
Sunday, June 7 10:00 a.m. Worship at Smithboro UMC

Study Opportunity ~ Don’t Give the Devil a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio – Based on Psalm 23
Weekly beginning week of June 15 (date & time TBD) – Contact Carol Barnes 607-687-4793 – [email protected]

Looking ahead:
July 25 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Yard Sale at Smithboro UMC – Gathering items beginning in June
August 2 – Three Church Worship and Picnic at Kirby Park

Smithboro UMC is considering offering summer VBS week of August 24. PLEASE let Pat Brink or Renee Thomas know if you are interested in helping plan or during VBS.

Share and Care ~ Collection personal care items (toothpaste, wash cloths, shampoo, etc.) for Catholic Charities - boxes at each church. Contact: Sandy Lynch 607-69-3728

Rev. Charles G. Smith, Pastor
122 Bliven Street, Nichols, NY 13812
716-998-0794 mobile telephone
[email protected]

05/23/2026

Pentecost Sun. May 24, 2026 10 a.m. service for Tioga Center, Smithboro & Nichols UMC's will be at Tioga Center UMC

05/19/2026

Tioga Central musicians preformed a variety instrumental and vocal solo selections for Tioga Center Senior Citizens this afternoon. The students and their teachers did a fantastic job. Thank you!

05/15/2026

Tioga Center, Smithboro & Nichols United Methodist Churches
Sunday May 17, 2026 – 10 a.m. Worship Service at Smithboro UMC

Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35,
1 Peter 4:12-14, John 17:1-11
BULLETIN
Gathering
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude

Call to Worship

Easter people, Christ has completed the work of salvation, reconciling us to God so that we may know eternal life.
Through Christ, we are made one with God.
In life, death, and Resurrection, Christ guides us into eternal life with God here and now.
Through Christ, we are made one in God.
Through prayer and teaching, healing and serving, Christ draws us together as the people of God, diverse members of the one body.
Through Christ, we are made one with God and one another.
So, come, let us worship God who saves us into eternal life with God and one another!
Thanks be to God! Amen.

Hymn – “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”– UMH 89

Prayer for Unity

God of all creation,
who called every being into life,
who is mindful of humankind in all its diversity,
who embodies us with dignity,
granting different gifts and talents to shape life in this world,
we ask for your Spirit to unite us
where we face lack of understanding and disunity
in our churches, in our communities, in our countries.
And in silence, we lay before you the burdens of our hearts.
(Silence)
We ask for your Spirit to unite us
in the face of the conflicts, hatred, and violation of life
experienced in so many regions of the earth
and, in silence, we bring to you the pain of the victims.
(Silence)
We ask for your Spirit to unite us
wherever fear prevents us from caring for our neighbor,
from meeting people of different ethnicities, cultures,
and faith communities with respect,
and, in silence, we bring to you the brokenness of human relationships.
(Silence)
God of all creation,
in Christ we are reconciled,
and so we ask for your uniting Spirit
to help us to overcome all our divisions
that we may live in peace. Amen.

Special Music

Presentation of Offerings
Doxology UMH 95
Offertory Prayer (unison)
Unifying God of Grace, you have entrusted us with the joy of community and the calling of witness. As Jesus prayed that we might be one, we bring these gifts as a sign of our shared commitment to your mission in the world. Let our giving reflect our love, our unity declares your glory, and our generosity embody Christ’s presence among us. Use these offerings to strengthen the church, to bless our neighbors, and to glorify your name. In Christ, we belong to you. In Christ, you are glorified in us. Amen.

Children’s Message

Hymn – “O Jesus, I Have Promised” – UMH 328

Lesson – John 17:1-11
Sermon – That They May Be One – Rev. Charles Smith

Sharing Joys, Concerns, and God Sightings
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer UMH 895

Hymn “They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love” – TFWS 2223
Benediction
Postlude
GO SERVE

PRAYER CONCERNS
Those who have lost a loved one and those who are traveling. Jerry and Pastor Chuck and Kim Smith, District Superintendent Rev. Richelle Goff, Bishop Hector Burgos Nunez.

CALENDAR
Monday – May 18 – 6:30 p.m. Tioga Center Trustees, 7:25 Administrative Council
Sunday – May 24 – 10:00 a.m. Worship at Tioga Center UMC - Kid’s Corner available
May 23 – Deadline for Nichols UMC June newsletter due to Tina Kallin, [email protected]
May 25 – Memorial Day
May 28-30 – “Rise Up” Upper New York’s Annual Conference in Syracuse Sunday, May 31 10:00 a.m. Worship at Nichols UMC
Looking ahead:
July 25 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Yard Sate at Smithboro UMC
August 2 – Three Church Worship and Picnic at Kirby Park

Share and Care ~ Collection personal care items (toothpaste, wash cloths, shampoo, etc.) for Catholic Charities - boxes located at each church – Contact: Sandy Lynch 607-69-3728

Rev. Charles G. Smith, Pastor
122 Bliven Street, Nichols, NY 13812
716-998-0794 mobile telephone
[email protected]

05/15/2026

May 17, 2026 - 10 a.m. Sunday service for Tioga Center, Smithboro & Nichols UMC's will be at Smithboro UMC

05/09/2026

Tioga Center, Smithboro and Nichols UMC’s
May 10, 2026 – 10 a.m. Service

Bulletin
6th Sunday of Easter / Mothers’ Day
Ezekiel 34:1-7; Psalm 115:1-11, 18b; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21

Welcome and Announcements
Today: 11:15 – Coffee hour
11:15 – Nichols Trustees meet in Education building
Wednesday – May 13 – 1:00 pm Genesis chapter 44 @ Sayre; 607/972-3073
5:30 Girl Scouts @ Nichols UMC
6:30 Nichols Administrative Council meets
Sunday – May 17 – 10:00 Service @ Smithboro UMC

Smithboro’s Share to Care: Personal care items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, wash cloths,
shampoo, etc.) for Catholic Charities; collection boxes in each church

Tioga Center library has a variety of novels on display in Fellowship Hall. Take a look, borrow a book, sign it out and return it when you’re done.

Nichols UMC is collecting non-perishable products for Catholic Charities. Jan Westfall

Prelude Eva Baldwin
Call to Worship

Easter people, no matter the bends and curves in our path, Jesus does not leave us alone on this journey of faith.
God gives us the Spirit, our Advocate and Helper.
The Spirit lives in and among us, pointing us all toward the way, the truth, and the life of
Jesus.
God gives us the Spirit, our Guide and Guardian.
The Spirit draws us into God’s story, showing us how to cooperate in writing God’s dream into
reality.
God gives us the Spirit, our Dream-Giver and Story-Keeper.
Easter people, God’s story abides in you, calling you to live as co-creators of love and
abundant life.
We come to worship God and listen for the Spirit who inspires, guides, and helps us join in God’s story, until God’s kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven. Amen

Hymn “Because He Lives ” #364 UM Hymnal

1. God sent his Son, they called him Jesus;
he came to love, heal, and forgive;
he lived and died to buy my pardon,
an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Refrain: Because he lives, I can face tomorrow;
because he lives, all fear is gone;
because I know he holds the future,
and life is worth the living just because he lives.
2. How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
and feel the pride and joy he gives;
but greater still the calm assurance,
this child can face uncertain days because he lives.
Refrain
3. And then one day I’ll cross the river;
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
and then as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know he reigns.
Refrain

Opening Prayer (in unison)

God of all time and space, you initiated the relationship of love and generosity
with creation at a time before and beyond all knowing.

Through the Word and the Spirit, you continue in eternal love for all beings.

Fill us with a deep and abiding awareness of your presence, your call, and your
grace in our lives and in our world.

Shape us into the people you have made us to be – poured out in creative mercy
for the sake of Jesus Christ in all creation. Amen

Special Music “Hallelujah”, Eva Baldwin
Presentation of Offerings
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Offertory Prayer

Abiding Spirit of Love, you have not left us orphaned. Even in our uncertainty,
you draw near, whispering truth, stirring memory, teaching us to live as those who know we are loved.

As Jesus offered himself in love and obedience, so we offer these gifts today – not out of obligation, but as signs of our love and trust. Take them, bless them, use them – to remind the world that Christ’s story abides in us.

May your Spirit strengthen us to live what we give and give what we believe. In
the name of the one who promised never to leave us. Amen

Children’s Message
Children will be escorted to the Education Building for their time of worship.

Hymn “Surely the Presence of the Lord” #328 UM Hymnal

Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this place
I can feel his mighty power and his grace
I can hear the brush of angels’ wings
I see glory on each face
surely the presence of the Lord is in this place

Lesson John 14:15 – 21 (pg. 1676 in pew Bible)
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he
will give you another counselor to be with you forever – 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

Sermon “You Know the Way”, Rev. Charles Smith
Sharing Joys, Concerns, and God Sightings
Pastor Chuck and Kim Smith, District Superintendent Rev. Richelle Duchano-Goff, Bishop Hector Burgos Nunez.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Hymn “There’s Within My Heart a Melody” #380 UM Hymnal

1. There’s within my heart a melody
Jesus whispers sweet and low:
Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,
in all of life’s ebb and flow.

Refrain Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know,
fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go.

2. All my life was wrecked by sin and strife,
discord filled my heart with pain;
Jesus swept across the broken strings,
stirred the slumbering chords again.
Refrain

3. Though sometimes he leads through waters deep,
trials fall across the way,
though sometimes the path seems rough and steep,
see his footprints all the way.
Refrain

4. Feasting on the riches of his grace,
resting neath his sheltering wing,
always looking on his smiling face,
that is why I shout and sing.
Refrain

5. Soon he’s coming back to welcome me
far beyond the starry sky;
I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown;
I shall reign with him on high.
Refrain
Benediction

Postlude Eva Baldwin