ASHLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION Joining Together on a Christian Journey of Love and Service

April 8, 2018

2600 Ashland Rd The Reverend Tresco E. Shannon, Pastor Office Hours: M-Thurs.: 8 am-3:30 pm Columbia, SC 29210 pastor@ashlandumc.org Telephone: 798-5350; Fax 798-6057 Phone Ext. 15

www.ashlandumc.org Worship services: The Path: 8:45AM Traditional: 11:00AM Sunday School: 9:45AM

Suzy Speas Karen Zobel Maria Anderson Education@ashlandumc.org Finance@ashlandumc.org Office@ashlandumc.org Phone Ext: 14 Phone Ext: 13 Phone Ext: 10

Jack Holladay Robert Neese pathmusic@ashlandumc.org music@ashlandumc.org Martha Eastburn The Path, Ashland Youth Choir Traditional Worship Choir, Organist Pianist

Broken Chords

I could not help that the name of our own Robert Neese really stood out in my mind as I was reading a column last week in the Atlanta Journal/Constitution. It was about a church member of another denomination in Texas who joined the choir. Though she sand loudly off-key and couldn’t match the tempo, she insisted in staying in the choir. Finally the church obtained a restraining order that barred her from the choir. When the woman failed to appear at a hearing on the order, she was arrested and jailed. This opens a Pandora’s Box for all kinds of things, including barring from the pulpit the preacher who can’t preach. But what about a court order for those who can teach or lead but refuse to offer themselves? It could even lead to the arrest of parents for contributing to the delinquency of a minor when they failed to bring their children to Sunday School and church. It might set the stage for a lien against the assets of those who fail to voluntarily support the church. All of this is extreme and ridiculously absurd, but it does suggest something about what the atmosphere in the church should be. It also reminds us of the wonderful atmosphere that we enjoy at Ashland. This continuing season of Easter is a wonderful opportunity to re-examine our own relationship to Christ and to the church. There should always be a clear connection between what we say we believe and the way we act. Ashland Church needs all of us, and I’d like to think we help each other find the best ways we can serve. The old gospel hymn, “Rescue the Perishing,” says it best in the third stanza.

“Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, Feelings lie buried that grace can restore:

Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that were broken will vibrate once more.”

--Tresco E. Shannon

Ashland United Methodist Church An Order for the Worship of God

Second Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018 11:00 A.M. The Chiming of the Hour Prelude “Christ ist erstanden” Heinrich Bach

(“Christ Is Risen”)

The Lighting of Altar Candles Choral Call to Worship “The Day of Resurrection” St. John of Damascus

(Hymn 303)

*The Hymn of Praise “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” UMH p. 89

*Invocation The Prayer of Confession (to be prayed by all)

Almighty God, who art rich in mercy to all those who call upon thee; hear us, we beseech thee, as we confess our sins before thee. In the presence of thy love and our neighbor’s need, we acknowledge our disobedience and ingratitude, our pride and willfulness, our heedlessness and indifference. We confess that we are not worthy to be called thy children; yet do thou in mercy keep us as thine own. Grant us true repentance, and forgive us all our sins; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Prayer for Pardon and The Lord’s Prayer

The Anthem “Feel the Nails” Ray Boltz and Steve Millikan Cliff Whisnant, Tenor

Minister: O Lord, open thou our lips.

People: And our mouths shall show forth thy praise. Minister: Praise ye the Lord. People: The Lord’s name be praised. *The Psalter “Psalm 33” UMH pp. 767-768 (Join in singing Response 1.)

*Affirmation of Faith “The Apostles’ Creed” UMH p. 881 *The Gloria Patri UMH p. 71 *The Gospel Lesson John 20: 19-31 The Call to Prayer Leader: The Lord be with you, People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray

Welcome!

Please sign the friendship pad when it is passed to you and pass it to your neighbor.

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.

The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Gloria Patri

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.

Doxology Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Remember in Prayer

Becky Massingale, Nather Gray, Jackie Hatch, Bill Turner, Larry Williams, Claire Dickerson, Granddaughter of Linda Dickerson

The Pastoral Prayer The Announcements The Offertory “Sarabande in F Major” John Troutman

*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH p. 95 *The Hymn of Preparation “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” UMH p. 430 Sermon “Hey, I Want to Believe” Rev. Tresco E. Shannon The Prayer of Christian Discipleship *The Hymn of Response “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” UMH p. 526 *The Extinguishing of the Altar Candles *The Benediction

*Benediction Response “Alleluia” Jacques Berthier (TFWS 2014)

*Postlude “Hallelujah” G. F. Handel

(Members of the congregation are invited to come forward and join the choir.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *All who are able, please stand. Please put your cell phones on vibrate when the service begins. Hearing devices are available from the sound technician.

A nursery is provided in the education wing for infants through 3 years old.

Altar Flowers One vase is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jeannie McCrea by John and Carolyn McCrea. One vase is given to the glory of God and in memory of Jessica Wright by Scott James. .

John 20: 19-31 NT p. 115

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Enhancing Worship Today Crucifer: Jim Wilson Acolytes: Joey Albritton, Lucas Allen Altar Steward: Barbara Higgins Lay Reader: Lucas Allen Welcome Center Advocates: Frank and Harriett Ward Greeters: Dottie Reed, Bill Hutson Valet Parkers: Roger & Marilyn Gramling Ushers: Jim Newcomb, Nina Newcomb, Buddy Roberts, Gerald White, Jimmy Smith Key Opening & Closing Person: Debbie Sandersfeld

Opportunities to Serve & Learn

Wednesday Night Supper April 11th

Menu: Tossed salad, lasagna, and dessert

Make your reservation with a red slip, online or call the church office by noon on Monday, April 9th.

By Our Presence April 1, 2018 The Path: 125

Traditional: 245 SS: 167 TOTAL WORSHIP: 380 Maundy Thursday: 64

Sun. April 8th – Youth Choir, 4:30pm UMYF, 5:30pm

Spring Retreat April 13-15th

Contact Suzy if you are going. Cost is $90. Leaving by 5:30pm Friday. Will return around 2:30pm Sunday.

Sun. April 15th – No Choir or UMYF Sun. April 22nd – Choir 4:30pm UMYF 5:30pm (Share)

Pastor Shannon’s study on Luke resumes on April 11th. Youth bible study resumes on April 11th.

Ashland United Methodist Women and Noontime Seekers Circle

Invite all the women of Ashland to join together in

“Celebrating United Methodist Women.” Enjoy salad luncheon and be

inspired by our own Barbara Borom as we seek to be

“Guided by God’s Love and Light” Sunday, April 15th, 12:15 pm, Ashland Hall

No reservations needed. For childcare, contact Caroline Harrelson (HARRELSONL@gmail.com.)

Please bring a sack lunch for each child. Drinks will be provided.

Faithwalker’s Second Annual Chicken BBQ Today

Pick-up Noon-2 pm; dine-in Noon-1:00 pm See a Faithwalker SS member to pre-order

$10.00 per plate (pre-pay or day of) Menu: BBQ Chicken, Slaw, Macaraoni and Cheese,

Baked Beans and Bread Proceeds support: Sanctuary Renovation Fund, Vacation Bible

School, and other ministries of Ashland UMC.

New – Adult Forum What: A lecture/discussion series to explore long-held beliefs, to expand our theological horizons, and to seek new meaning for our spiritual journey. When: Month of April, 9:45 a.m., room 125 Presenters: Bob Borom and Irene Albritton

Ashland Readers Join us Sunday April 22nd at 6:30pm at

Panera Bread for a great discussion about: American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land

by Monica Hesse

Book Fair -- 2018

Ashland United Methodist Men Monday, April 9th at 6:30 pm

Pastor Jody Flowers of Chapin UMC, Guest Speaker Ashland UMM is taking orders for Vidalia onions.

The will have a table at the BBQ on Sunday or contact any UMM. Cost is $12.00 for a 10 pound bag."

SAVE THE DATE!!

Our children of Music, Art and Drama will

present their Spring Musical April 29th

during the 8:45 am service. Come support

our children and all their hard work as

they present: “The Prodigal Clown”

Look out! It may end up being a full blown

circus here!

Ashland is once again seeking to raise funds to buy each child at Seven Oaks a book at the book fair, which will be held in May. The cost of a voucher for one child is $5.00. The cost to sponsor a class is $100. Our goal is $3,000 which is enough to buy every child at Seven Oaks a book.

Contributions should be made to the church office. Checks should be marked “book fair”. We hope to conclude the fundraising by the end of April. Any excess funds will be given to the teachers to buy books for their individual class libraries. Thanks for helping with this worthwhile project.

Ashland will host two families the week of April 15-22.

FINANCIAL REPORT YTD 03/31/18

Weekly Budgeted Amount 13,035.90

Received Week ending 03/31/18 8,010.98

Received YTD 182,858.05

Budgeted Amount YTD 169,466.70

Actual Expenses YTD 143,980.62

YTD Amount Rec'd +/- Budgeted Amount 13,391.35

YTD Amount Rec'd +/- Actual Expenses 38,877.43