August 17, 2025 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Green)
Prayer Focus: Courage to Boldly Follow Jesus
Welcome to worship at Central!
In the name of Jesus Christ, welcome to worship at Central where it is our mission to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors. Our clergy, Rev. Thomas Smith, Rev. Rusty Crimm, and Rev. Meg Jiunnies, are grateful you ’ ve chosen to make Central a part of your day! If it is your first time worshiping with us, please fill out a Connect Card and bring it to the Welcome Center where you will receive a gift from the church. Once again, welcome!
Ways to Give
At Central, we offer numerous convenient ways to give, making it easy to support our mission from anywhere. Whether you prefer giving online, in person, by text, or through Venmo, you can choose the method that works best for you. Every gift helps us continue our ministry and make a difference in our church, community, and beyond. Scan the QR Code for a full list of ways to give to Central UMC!
Sermon Note
We have inherited a faith tradition laid down by those who came before us. As we run the race set before us, we ought to run it in such a way that we honor those who laid the path on which we run, while keeping an eye to the future so that we do the same for those coming behind us.
Praise & Prayer Service
Join us on Sunday, August 24 at 5:00 PM in the Davis Christian Life Center for an evening of praise and prayer! People from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions will come together for a blended worship service featuring contemporary music, traditional hymns, and heartfelt prayers for our community. All are welcome to attend this event, including families with children!
GATHERING
PARISH CONCERNS
Order of Worship
The People Come Together in the Lord’s Name
(The service of worship begins. The prelude is offered to the entire congregation. Quiet meditation and private prayer are encouraged.)
OPENING VOLUNTARY .............................................................................................
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR
Claude Debussy Toccata from “Pour le Piano”
(*All who are able are asked to stand.)
*GREETING
Leader: Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, People: You who are enthroned above the angels. Leader: Stir up your might, People: And come save us.
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 730 ........................................................................................
O Day of God, Draw Nigh
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 881 ..................................................................................... Apostles’ Creed
*GLORIA PATRI 71 ........................................................................................................... GREATOREX
Glory Be to the Father
COLLECT AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Everliving God, who has revealed yourself to be our loving parent: Grant that your family, devoted to your service and trusting in your protection, may not be left without your help in this life, and may be prepared for the good things which are eternal: we pray as you taught us:
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.
RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP
PROCLAMATION
God’s Word is Shared
Redeeming Grace
Come all who love my Lord and master and like old David, I will tell, though chief of sinners, I’ve found favor, redeemed by grace from death and hell. For as the east from west is parted, so far my sins, by his dying love, from me by faith are separated, blest antepast of joys above. I late estranged from Jesus wandered and thought each dangerous poison good; but he in mercy long pursued me with cries of his redeeming blood. Though like Bartimaeus I was blinded in nature’s darkest night concealed. But Jesus’ love removed my blindness, and he his pardoning grace revealed. Now I will serve him while he spares me, and with his people sing aloud; though hell oppose and sinners mock me, in rapt’rous songs I’ll praise my God. By faith I view the heavenly concert, they sing high strains of Jesus’ love; I fain would be with Christ above. Oh, with desire my soul is longing, and fain would be with Christ above.
*GOSPEL LESSON .............................................................................................................. Luke 12:49-56
Leader: The Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
*ACT OF PRAISE 801 (R1) ......................................................................................................... Psalm 80
ST. MICHAEL
K. Lee Scott
CHILDREN’S TIME
(Children are invited to the chancel. Following Children’s Time, children in 3K-1st grade will go with a leader to Children’s Church and may be picked up in room #145 or #147 after the service.)
Hymn of Promise
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
SERMON
Assisting in Worship
Music Note
David N. Johnson, composer of today’s closing voluntary, was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1922. He studied organ and composition at Curtis Institute of Music (1940–1942). Between 1942 and 1946 he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps/Air Corps in India, Burma, and China, receiving a Meritorious Service Award and campaign ribbons. He continued his music studies at Trinity University (Texas) (BMus 1950) and Syracuse University (MMus 1951, PhD 1956). He also held the associate certificate from the American Guild of Organists (AAGO). Johnson published well over 300 compositions, most of them for church use, and was author of an Instruction Book for Beginning Organists (1964) and an Organ Teacher's Guide (1971). Johnson's Trumpet Tune in D (1962) is the opening and closing theme for the weekly radio show “With Heart and Voice,” with host Peter DuBois. Johnson's Trumpet Tune in D was also the first of two processionals used for the 1971 wedding of Richard Nixon's Daughter, Tricia, who was married in the White House Rose Garden with music provided by a string orchestra.
Larry Rabon .................................................................................................................................. by Elvie & Joe Eaddy
Josephine Miller ................................................................................................................................... by Florence Ervin
Larry Rabon, Russ Barnes ................................................................................................................... by Kathy Jamison
Jule Eldridge, Jr. .............................................................................................................. by Betty Gail & Reamer King Shot Padgett
by Rett Padgett
Russ Barnes ..................................................................................... by Lisa & John Taylor, Adriane & John Reynolds
Shot Padgett, Russ Barnes ....................................................................................................................... by Sissie Stokes
Larry Rabon ......................................................................................................................................... by Cynde White SUMMER GIVING
Russ Barnes ................................................ by Ronda & David Alderman, Laura Lee & Art Justice, Michael Ponder
Michael Bywater, Mrs. Amy Floyd ........................................................................................................ by Judy Bywater
Lynn & Steve Liebenrood ........................................................................................................................ by Anonymous
Our grandchildren ............................................................................................................. by Elizabeth & Jay Campbell
Olivia Allen ................................................................................................................................ by Gale & Dick Dixon
Mary & Johnny Crouch ........................................................................................................... by Sara & Eddy Harding
