Tioga Center United Methodist Church

10/25/2026

Tioga Center, Smithboro & Nichols UMC’S
Oct. 25, 2026 – 10 a.m. Service at Nichols UMC

BULLETIN

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude Eva Baldwin

Call to Worship

Pastor: We are chosen children of God, bound together by
the Holy Spirit.

People: We belong to God, and through God, we belong to
one another.

When we feel tested by hard decisions, calls to advocate
against injustice, competing narratives, and worrying
misinformation, we remember:

We belong to God, and through God, we belong to one
another.

When we struggle with damaged trust and the need to
repair our relationships with God and one another, when we
are called to go against the social current to build commun-
ities of mercy and justice, we remember:

We belong to God, and through God, we belong to one
another.
Come, let us worship God whose grace surrounds us when
we feel tested and tried, empowering us to remain faithful
disciples of Jesus Christ when we face chaos, division, injustice,
and hardship.

We come to worship God who chooses us, empowers us,
and inspires us to love as the Body of Christ in a broken and
hurting world. Amen.

Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy”, #64, UMC Hymnal

Opening Prayer (in unison)

Happy are we, O God, when our hearts are full, our ways are
yours, our spirits enlivened by your call. Happy are we, O God,
when our lives are guided by delight. We gather here today
for just that, holy God. We gather to draw on all you would give us to be more fully yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Special Music Eva Baldwin

Welcome Back

Honoring memberships of 10 to 65 years

Presentation of Offerings
Doxology
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, you call us not only to believe the gospel, but to live it. You test our hearts not with trials meant to break us, but through the daily invitation to serve, to love, and to share our lives with one another. Receive these gifts as signs of our gratitude and our willingness to embody the good news of Christ. Use what we offer to nurture communities of compassion, where faith is lived gently, courageously, and with humility. May our witness – like Paul’s – be rooted not in pride or gain, but in love that gives itself freely for others. Amen.

Children’s Message
Patti Westfall will es**rt the children to the Education Building for their time of worship.

Hymn “Pass It On” #572 UM Hymnal

Lesson 1 Thessalonians 2:1– 8 (pg. 1838 in pew Bible)
Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica
Sermon “Tested” – Rev. Charles Smith

Sharing Joys, Concerns and God Sightings

Pastor Chuck & Kim Smith, District Superintendent Rev. Richelle Duchano-Goff, Bishop Hector
Burgos Nunez

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Hymn “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”, #514, UM Hymnal

Benediction

Postlude Eva Baldwin

Announcements
Today: 11:15, Coffee hour
Mon. – 10/26: Laurie Jorgensen’s birthday
Thurs. – 10/29: Preschool Halloween party
Sun. – 11/01: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS (set clocks BACK);
10:00 – Service @ Smithboro UMC
Tues. – 11/03: Election Day -- VOTE
Last chance to provide cereal for Catholic Charities.
David Kallin (607/699-7480) still looking for Nichols door keys.

Holiday craft fair & bake sale @ Nichols, Saturday, Nov. 21,
10-2; Tina Kallin (607/699-7480); Kim Smith (716/998-0812)

Christmas Angels Choir rehearsing after services; to sing Dec. 13
& 20th.

Rev. Charles Smith
716/998-0794
[email protected]

10/24/2026

Oct. 25, 2026 - 10 a.m. Sunday service for Tioga Center, Smithboro & Nichols United Methodist Churches will be at Nichols UMC

10/22/2026

From sunrise to sunset, there is always something to be grateful for and something that reminds us of God’s presence. 🌅

10/16/2026

TIOGA CENTER, SMITHBORO & NICHOLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES
OCT. 18, 2026 – 10 A.M. SUNDAY SERVICE AT TIOGA CENTER UMC

WORSHIP
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude
Call to Worship (responsive)
We are chosen children of God, bound together by the Holy Spirit.
We belong to God, and through God, we belong to one another.
The Spirit empowers us to live as imitators of Christ in love of God, neighbor, self, and all creation.
We belong to God, and through God, we learn to love one another.
The Spirit inspires us to receive God’s Word with joy in a world that rejects the good news.
We belong to God, and through God, we live in joy with one another.
Come, let us worship in the assurance of God’s love that chooses us, empowers us, and inspires us to live as the family of Christ.
We come to worship God in the assurance that we belong to God, and through God, we belong to one another. Amen.

Hymn “Blessed Assurance” UM Hymnal #369

Opening Prayer (unison)
Loving, living God, be among us now.
Show us your ways.
Guide our steps.
Live in us, that we may be people of steadfast hope
and powerful giving.
Help us hear your words, challenging us to give you
all the things that are yours.
Help us remember that all we are and all we have
are gifts from you, gifts to be shared in service and love.
Holy One among us, help us be a holy people who receive
your word with joy and live your message with love. Amen.

Special Music

Celebration of Laity

Presentation of Offerings
Doxology UM Hymnal #95
Offertory Prayer (unison)
Gracious God, you choose ordinary people and weave them into a community that shines with your love. We thank you for the gift of belonging—for the call to live our faith in ways that ripple outward into the lives of others. Receive these gifts as signs of our gratitude and our willingness to be witnesses to your grace. Use what we offer to encourage the weary, welcome the searching, and strengthen your church as a living example of hope. May our shared life together always point to Christ, whose love calls and sends us. Amen.

Children’s Message

Hymn “There’s Something About that Name” UM Hymnal #171

Lesson – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Sermon – Chosen – Rev. Charles Smith

Sharing Joys, Concerns, and God Sightings
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer UM Hymnal #895

Hymn “How Firm a Foundation” UM Hymnal #130

Benediction
Postlude

GO SERVE
PRAYER CONCERNS
Pastor Chuck & Kim Smith, All those in need of healing including those who have lost loved ones; those who are traveling; Our churches and our ministries; Our country and its leaders; Those serving in the military; Those affected by natural disasters; People in war-torn areas especially Ukraine and Middle East; The United Methodist Church; Bishop Hector Burgos Nunez and
DS Rev. Rachelle Goff
Please let Alice and Carol know of updates. THANKS!
CALENDAR
TODAY Laity Sunday 10:00 am Worship at Tioga Center UMC
Wednesday, October 21 – Nichols UMC - Friends in Faith prepare lunches for delivery (Jan Westfall)
Saturday, October 24 9:00 a.m. Charge Conference for all churches at Horseheads UMC, 1034 Broad Street, Horseheads
Sunday, October 25 10:00 a.m. Worship at Nichols UMC
Reformation Sunday
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
Acts 10:10:44-48 Matthew 22:34-46
Christmas Angels Choir 2026– after worship – Anyone with love of music and/or singing in their heart, please join us! 15-20 minute practice for special music on Dec 13 and 20.
Contacts are Tammy Gage and Eva Baldwin
OUTREACH FOR OCTOBER ~ BOXES OF CEREAL
FOR CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD PANTRY
Treasure Hunt for Nichols church keys! If you have one and not already done so, let Dave Kallin know.

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

10/16/2026

https://www.facebook.com/uppernewyork/posts/pfbid021YKhYMfVydcV8BV4V8XvepVYK3F8Jdf8NCMm7avLBe7uKutDe4gZmFETs1aVpLZcl

Our hearts grieve following the devastating news of a school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon. We hold in prayer the students, educators, families, first responders, and entire community impacted by this senseless act of violence.

In the midst of fear, heartbreak, and unimaginable loss, may those who are suffering feel surrounded by love and compassion. May we draw near to those who grieve, support those who are hurting, and work together to build communities where every child can learn and live in safety.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Oregon-Idaho Conference of United Methodist Church

10/16/2026

Oct. 18th 10 a.m. Sunday Service for Tioga Center, Smithboro & Nichols UMC's will be at Tioga Center UMC

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

Tioga Center, Smithboro and Nichols UMC’S worshiping together at
Smithboro United Methodist Church
Sunday – October 11, 2026 – 10 a.m.
20th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 32:1-14 Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Acts 8:14-25 Matthew 22:1-4

BULLETIN
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude

Call to Worship
Leader: Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice!
People: Today we choose to rejoice. Today we choose to worship and give thanks.
Leader: Seek the peace of God that will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
People: Today we choose God's peace; today we place our trust in God.
Leader: Turn your hearts away from the distractions and disappointments of life that will always flow in and flow out like the tide.
Set your affections on things above and worship the Lord who loves you and cares for you.
All: We come to worship God who alone is excellent and worthy of praise!

Hymn “Now Thank We All Our God” UM Hymnal #102

Opening Prayer (unison)
Gracious God,
give us humble, teachable and obedient hearts,
that we may receive what you have revealed,
and do what you have commanded.
Since we do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from your mouth,
make us hunger for this heavenly food,
that it may nourish us today
in the ways of eternal life;
through Jesus Christ, the bread of heaven.
Amen

Special Music

Presentation of Offerings
Doxology UM Hymnal #95
Offertory Prayer (unison)
Mighty God, deserving of all honor and praise: we bring our gifts this morning, remembering that the offering you truly seek is the offering of our whole lives. Help us, we pray, to live a life that is worthy in your sight. When we struggle and stumble, help us up and put us on the path. On the advice of the apostle Paul, may our lives be focused on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable,” so that our offering may be pleasing in your eyes. In Christ, we pray. Amen
Children’s Message

Hymn “Take Time to Be Holy” UM Hymnal #395

Lesson: Philippians 4:1-9
Sermon: Think on These Things – Rev. Charles Smith

Sharing Joys, Concerns, and God Sightings
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer UM Hymnal #895

Hymn “Wonderful Words of Life” UM Hymnal #600

Benediction
Postlude

SERVE

PRAYER CONCERNS
Pastor Chuck & Kim Smith, All those in need of healing including those who have lost loved ones; those who are traveling; Our churches and our ministries; Our country and its leaders; Those serving in the military; Those affected by natural disasters; People in war-torn areas especially Ukraine and Middle East; The United Methodist Church; Bishop Hector Burgos Nunez and DS Rev. Rachelle Goff
* Please let Alice and Carol know of updates. THANKS!

CALENDAR
TODAY – 10:00 am Worship at Smithboro UMC
Monday – October 12 – 6:30 p.m. Tioga Center Trustees
7:25 p.m Administrative Council
Wednesday – October 14 – 6:30 p.m. Nichols Administrative Council meets
Sunday – October 18 – 10:00 a.m. Worship at Tioga Center UMC
21st Sunday after Pentecost – Laity Sunday
Exodus 33: 12-23 Psalm 99
Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 22:15-22
Sunday – October 25 – 10:00 a.m. Worship at Nichols UMC

OUTREACH FOR THE MONTH ~
URGENT NEED FOR BOXES OF CEREAL
FOR CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD PANTRY –
Please bring to any church; Sandy Lynch will deliver.

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

10/10/2026

Sunday Service Oct. 11, 2026 - 10 a.m. for Tioga Center, Smithboro & Nichols UMC's will be at Smithboro UMC