La Plata United Methodist Church

3rd Sunday of Lent

March 15, 2020

Café Worship (8:30)*You may leave your cell phones ON, but set to vibrate or silent, please*

Feel free to share on social media that you are here at La Plata Church, ready to walkthe lenten journey to the cross!

Welcome & Centering*Opening Prayer (Together)Great God of Faithfulness, I give thanks for the Door that youopen for me. I give thanks for the Gate that keeps me safe. Igive thanks for your still, small voice I hear and your word thatleads me in righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Greeting Each Other in the Name of Christ Musical Moment Great Is thy FaithfulnessGreat is thy faithfulness, O God, my FatherThere is no shadow of turning with theeThou changest not, thy compassions they fail notAs thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.Great is thy faithfulness. Great is thy faithfulnessmorning by morning new mercies I seeAll I have needed thy hand hath providedGreat is thy faithfulness, lord unto me

Announcements & InvitationsTime of Prayer:

Sharing Our Week’s Blessings, Trials, and Requests,Silent Prayers, Pastoral PrayerThe Lord’s Prayer (Together)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thyname. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth asit is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And

forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those whotrespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, andthe power, and the glory forever. Amen.

ReloadScriptures for the Day

The Hebrew Bible Lesson Genesis 7: 6-16 The Gospel Lesson John 10: 1-10 Prayer of Confession and PardonGod of our journey, draw near for we are still far fromhome. We are distracted so easily and become lost on theway. We are sheep that wander. We are easily swayed togo down dark paths and those with no safe haven. OGod, forgive us and set us up again on the path thatleads to life. Find us, O Good Shepherd and carry us oncemore.(Silent prayers of confession)Repent and believe the good news of the gospel. In thename of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Amen.

The Message Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl“I AM: The Door and Gate”

Benediction*Please rise in body or in spiritService Prayer Partner: Doris White

Traditional Worship (11:00)*You may leave your cell phones ON, but set to vibrate or silent, please*

Feel free to share on social media that you are here at La Plata Church to walk

the lenten journey to the cross!

Prayer Before WorshipGreat God of Faithfulness, I give thanks for the Door that you

open for me. I give thanks for the Gate that keeps me safe. I

give thanks for your still, small voice I hear and your word that

leads me in righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prelude Linda Dent Mitchell

Lighting the Altar Candles, & A Time of Quiet Meditation

When the Prayer Before Worship has finished and the Prelude

begins, please quiet yourselves in preparation for worship.

Introit:

Welcome, News & Opportunities

*Call to WorshipStraying from the path?

We come listening for his voice

Afraid of the things in this world?

We come, seeking the safety of the fold

Walking the journey?

We come for fresh water and rest for the journey ahead

Thanks be to God! Amen.

*Opening Hymn UM Hymnal, 558

“We Are The Church”

Prayer of Confession and PardonGod of our journey, draw near for we are still far from home. We

are distracted so easily and become lost on the way. We are sheep

that wander. We are easily swayed to go down dark paths and

those with no safe haven. O God, forgive us and set us up again on

the path that leads to life. Find us, O Good Shepherd and carry us

once more.

(Silent prayers of confession)

Repent and believe the good news of the gospel. In the name of Jesus

Christ, you are forgiven.

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Amen.

Passing the Peace of ChristThe Peace of the Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Anthem:

The Hebrew Bible Lesson Genesis 7: 6-16

The Offertory

*The Doxology UM Hymnal, 95

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all

creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly hosts.

Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication (Pastor)

The Gospel Lesson John 10: 1-10

This is the word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

The Message Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl

“I AM: The Door and The Gate”

*Closing Hymn UM Hymnal, 128

“He Leadeth Me”

*Benediction

*Congregational Response The Faith We Sing, 2152

“Change My heart, O God”

Change my heart, O God. Make it ever true

Change my heart, O God. May I be like you.

Postlude Linda Dent Mitchell*Please rise in body or in spirit

Organist: Linda Dent Mitchell

Service Prayer Partner: Sandy Tull

The flowers on the Altar are given to the glory of God, and in memory

of Harvey Edward Radtke, lovinghusband, father & grandfather,

by the Radtke family

The Scripture Lessons

Genesis 7: 6-16 (NIV)

Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on the earth. And

Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the

waters of the flood. Pairs of clean and unclean animals, of birds and of all

creatures that move along the ground, male and female, came to Noah and

entered the ark, as God had commanded Noah. And after the seven days the

floodwaters came on the earth.

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second

month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the

floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and

forty nights.

On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his

wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark. They had with them every

wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every

creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird

according to its kind, everything with wings. Pairs of all creatures that have the

breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark. The animals going in

were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then

the Lord shut him in.

John 10: 1-10 (NIV)

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the

gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who

enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate

for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and

leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them,

and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow

a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a

stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not

understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All

who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not

listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They

will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill

and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Living Into God’s Word

1. Why does Jesus call himself the Gate?

2. Of all the voices you hear each day, can you hear the

still, small voice of God?

3. How do you feel when someone you love calls your

name?

4. Why does Genesis say that GOD shut the door to the

Arc?

5. What is important about a gate?

6. Name the doors and gates on your property or house.

What are those specifically used for in your life?

7. What role does Jesus, the gate, have in your life?

8. Name a time when you have been like a sheep (easily

swayed, distracted, lulled into trouble).

9. How has Jesus the Gate saved you?

10. Has God ever shut a door in your life to protect or

save you?

STOPS ALONG THE JOURNEYMark your calendars now!

THE SUNDAYS OF LENT - Sundays are NOT part of the lenten journey. Instead they are

actually glimpses of resurrection and strength FOR the journey. STOP here each week and

worship. Come to be renewed and have your hope restored.

PALM/PASSION SUNDAY - Make a STOP on the journey and be uplifted and encouraged

by our choir cantata, "Love Divine", by Joel Raney. Witness the story told in song of Jesus

and his love.

MAUNDY THURSDAY - April 9 at 7:30 PM, this is another STOP along the journey to be

witness to the Christ. Let communion shared in a special way be nourishment for the last

leg of the journey. The end is near.

GOOD FRIDAY - April 10 at 7:30 PM, this is the last STOP on the journey to the cross. Come

and witness the dramatic Presentation, "Conspiracy Of Betrayal", by Dixie C. Manning. Take

heart, dear ones, the journey is not over!

HOLY SATURDAY - April 11, the Son of God, betrayed into the hands of sinners has died.

Spend this day in personal reflection. Who is Jesus to you? Who are you to Jesus? The bible

says Jesus died for all. Today, remember that Jesus died for YOU. Reflect....and wait.

EASTER MORNING SUNRISE SERVICE - at 6:30 AM at Gilbert Run Park greet the sun

because the darkness has fled! Greet the SON who has overcome darkness and Death itself!

He is Risen! Come and celebrate Life, Love, and the victory of God!

EASTER - April 12 at 8:30 and 11:00 AM, Christ the Lord has risen today! Alleluia! Come

and witness the power of God and the way made for our reconciliation with our Creator. Put

away despair and put on JOY! He IS ALIVE!

THE FORTY CANS, FORTY DAYS CHALLENGE! - Each day of Lent, make a STOP and

donate a can (or box) to the Food Pantry at La Plata Church. It will bless you as you bless

others. May it be a reminder of the penance we should be doing as we prepare for the

Passion of our Lord. Items needed: canned vegetables, fruits, tuna, chicken, soup, Dinty

Moore Beef Stew, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly, juice boxes non refrigerated milk

cartons, or dry fat milk, pancake mix, syrup, spaghetti, and mashed potato mix. The Food

Pantry thanks you for being the hands and feet of Jesus!

Other items you may donate are: mandarin oranges, pasta sauces, egg noodles, pastas,

rice, instant potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, peas, pancake mix, syrup, oatmeal, muffin

mix, brownie mix, cake mix & frosting, packaged cookies, crackers, hot chocolate. baked

beans, soups, children's juice boxes, snack items for kids (individual wrapped cookies,

cheese crackers etc.) and empty egg cartons. Pick up your shopping list located on the

information table. You may place your donated items in the Food Donation Box in the front

entrance. Pet food donations are always appreciated. You can also make monetary

donations, just write "Food Pantry" in the memo line of your check, or give online.

HERE’S THE SCOOPPRECAUTIONS - Our response to the Coronavirus as followers of Jesus is four-fold:

1. PRAY. Pray for those who have been effected by this illness physically. Pray for those

whose livelihoods are in question because of closings and cancellations. Pray for care

givers and Health Care Staff as they deal with the virus. Pray for each other and address

every prayer to the Great Physician and Healer, our Lord.

2. Ground yourself in Christ and his power. Things will change. What we normally do,

where we normally go and how we normally interact with others will change for a while.

That is the reality. However, our reliance and trust in Christ does not change. He walks with

us now, just as he ever has and he will not leave nor forsake us. Do not live in fear.

3. Take precautions. Wash those hands, get used to the "elbow bump", stay home if you are

sick, make wise choices about traveling or limiting activity, keep your body as healthy as

you can because.....

4. Take care of each other. Check on your neighbors, even if only by phone. Keep connected

with the people you care about through phone calls, Face Time, ZOOM, and other electronic

means if you cannot connect in person. La Plata will keep in good connection with you, but,

if you have a question or concern, let us know! We are in this together.

Lastly, it is important to attend to your mental health. Don't become overwhelmed.

Take time to be good to yourself. Listen to some music, spend some time praising God. Pop

in a funny movie. Play with your pets.

Dear ones, let's take this situation seriously, but don't let it consume us. As Peter did,

let us above all, fix our eyes on Jesus.

BLESSED LAMBS PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER - Our spring fundraiser starts this month.

This is a great treat for the upcoming Easter holiday. Delicious Butter Braid breads, frozen,

and ready to be thawed and cooked, but cheesecakes and cookie dough. What could be

easier than baking some cookies on a spring afternoon? Call the preschool office at 301-

934-2289 or email at blessedlambsoffice@gmail.com to place an order.

GOOD FRIDAY COURTROOM DRAMA - La Plata UMC's new Dramatic Arts Ministry will be

presenting a powerful production on Good Friday, April 10, at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary.

The courtroom drama "Conspiracy of Betrayal" depicts the heavenly trial of Judas Iscariot

who is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Jesus of Nazareth. This

unique drama has Satan as the skilled prosecutor of Judas. But who will defend Judas?

The court is surprised when Jesus Himself steps forward to speak for the defendant. A jury,

selected from those attending the performance, will decide the guilt or innocence of the

accused.

Directed by Pat Brennan, the drama is the work of Dixie C. Manning, and features a cast

drawn from our own congregation. Judas will be portrayed by John Donaldson, Satan by

Dan Brennan and Jesus is played by Adam Todd. Also appearing will be Tina McCormick

as Mary, Nathan Daetwyler as John, Dave Bayles as Caiaphas, Cheryl Smith as the

presiding judge (Gabriel), Kevin Robbins as the Bailiff, and Jean Earnshaw as the Court

Reporter.

The evening will include special music, is free and open to the community. It is a great

opportunity to introduce your family, friends and neighbors to our church.

SILENT AUCTION The 2020 LPUMC Silent Auction plans are underway and we need your

support. This year our Silent Auction will be held on Sat, April 18. Make plans to come out

to enjoy fun and fellowship while you bid on your favorite treasures. Please stop by the

Silent Auction Table and see Louise Stine to pick up a few Solicitation letters to take to local

businesses.

ALL NEW COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD -The New Testament continually reiterates how

important it is to serve others. As the body of Christ it is important that we serve each other

to move forward and maintain our health. The goal of this ministry is twofold; service

through ministry and service through professionalism.

Do you offer a professional service? Do you have an upcoming event in the community?

Please share it here with your church family. We are called to support and serve one

another. CPU repair, baby sitting, accounting, you name it! Additionally, do you play on

a sports team, part of a community choir, or give community presentations? WE WANT TO

KNOW! WE WANT TO SUPPORT YOU! Please place your fliers or business information on

the board located in front of Fellowship Hall 1. Any questions please contact Logan Marsh

at fastpastor@gmail.com

CARING HANDS - We ARE a FAMILY!! We are called by Christ to lift up, support, and bless

one another. There are times in our life when we just need help. Through this ministry

help is offered to those who need it within our community. By completing a PROVIDER

CARD, you are saying, "I want to help others. Let me know about people who have a need.

Whenever possible, I am going to help as I can." By completing a NEED CARD, you are

saying, "I need some help." By completing a NEED CARD, it will be given to the

coordinator who will then match your need to the person who can fulfill that need.

Everyone is qualified because everyone has important gifts for the body of Christ. There

is no right or wrong way. PROVIDER and NEED cards can be found in the pews and placed

in the offering plate. They can also be found on the Community Bulletin Board located in

front of Fellowship Hall 1. Any questions please contact Logan Marsh at fastpastor@gmail.com

BLESSED LAMBS PRESCHOOL - Blessed Lambs is now taking registrations for the

2020/2021 school year. Registration information can be found at www.blessedlambs.org

or by stopping by the preschool office.

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION - Have you been attending La Plata Church but have not yet

made the decision to publically commit to Christ at La Plata Church as a member? Now

might just be the time! If you are interested in joining, or discussing it more in detail,

please place the word “membership” beside your name in the attendance record pad.

Those of you who have already expressed your interest do not need to submit a request

again. Please prayerfully consider entering into the adventure called Church Membership!

BELL RINGERS NEEDED - Help us announce to the WORLD that we are beginning a time

of worship to the Most High God in thanksgiving for all He has done for us! Please sound

the bell (over the pre-school entrance) at least 7 times about 10-15 minutes before worship

is to begin. Sign up and have fun!

The sign up sheet is currently located on the community bulletin board in front of

Fellowship hall 1. The rope for the bell is located against the tower wall. Any questions,

please contact Logan Marsh at fastpastor@gmail.com.

ASP MILES OF PENNIES FUND RAISER - ASP Mile of Pennies Update - The

pennies/coins/cash continues to roll in . . . $307 so far. That puts us at .36 miles or 18% of

our goal of two miles of pennies! Thank you.

WORSHIPWORSHIP SCHEDULE - The Sunday morning worship schedule is: Café Worship at 8:30 AM

in Fellowship Hall 2, and Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary at 11:00 AM.

NURSERY IS AVAILABLE - Nursery care for little ones (ages 0-4 yrs) is available during the

11:00 Sunday morning service. If your little one becomes unsettled and is in need of more

care, please contact an usher who can direct you to the nursery or to the rocking chairs in

the back. We are grateful to the staff and volunteers that help us provide a nursery each

week. If you would like to volunteer in the nursery, please contact Alyssa Wheeler.

If you are a parent or a grandparent of young children, or you just want to spend some

time with the youngest in our congregation, consider signing up to volunteer in the

Nursery. To volunteer, or for information, contact Alyssa Wheeler at

awheeler007@gmail.com.

SUNDAY SCHOOL - Sunday School is available for everyone from 9:45 - 10:45 each week!

Children ages 2 - 5th grade begin in Fellowship Hall 1

Middle School meets in room 422

High School meets in room 217

Three adult classes include: "Current Events" led by Jim Risley in the parlor; "Life

Application" meets in Fellowship Hall 2 and is led by Julie Robbins, "History Of" meets

downstairs in room 110 and is led by Randi McWilliams and Adam Todd.

HEARING ASSIST DEVICES - are available, please see an usher to get one.

MEMO

From: God

To: All His Children

I am God.

Today, I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your

help.

If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to

resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. All situations will be

resolved in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead,

focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for

whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for

years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never

known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits,

working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the

paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo

who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is

my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the

opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or

insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Should you decide to send this to a friend, thank you. You may have touched a life in

ways you will never know!

Our Prayer ListPlease pray:

For our friends and family who have medical issues

Tom Berry

Wade Beswick

Karyl Beverage

Margaret Bowie

Frank Brinson

Patricia Buckler

Sue Carns

Jennifer Carpenter

Jerome Church

Cathy Compton

Harolly Coombs

Joyce Dean

Sandra Fykes

Remy Zachary

Gordon

Carl Greene

Peggy Hamilton

Randy Hill

Christina Kingsbury

Francis Lewis

Donna McKenzie

Ed McKenzie

Johnny McPherson

Renee Nash

Carl Occhipinti

Mary Beth

Reckeweg

Melissa Faith Rollins

Crystal Rupprecht

Sunny Rupprecht

Donna Sarnacki

Tabitha Schneider

Carol Sorenson

Curt Snyder

Don Stapleson

Michael Stewart

Brian Thomason

Jeanette Tull

Sandy Tull

Linda Valente

Mike Williams

Please pray:

For our friends and family who are living in Nursing Homes,

Assisted Living or home bound:

Lennis Bridgett Mike Merritt Sharon Ferguson

Iris Dickerson Ann Bergerstock

Helen Sullivan

Continue to pray for:

Our church leadership teams and congregation as we seek our way forward into

ministry in the new year.

The homeless during these cold winter months. That they might find adequate

shelter from the cold.

Our delegates to General Conference 2020 and the future of the United Methodist

Church.

Pastor Susan, our church, our denomination, our local, state and national leaders,

our first responders, our armed forces, and veterans.

Our Church Staff & Church Leadership Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Pastor

Rev. Ed Chance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retired Pastor / Visitation

Corrie Roberts . . . Director of Christian Ed & Youth Ministry

Karen Hamner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Administrator

Patricia Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choir Director

Linda Dent Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Organist

Cheryl Reckeweg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coordinator of Ministries

Laurie Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Treasurer

Archie Verdiglione, Sr. . . . . . . . . . Building Superintendent

Jim Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Sexton

Bill Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Groundskeeper

Julie Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preschool Director

Trish Carruth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asst. Preschool Director

Mark Stancliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Council Chair

Archie Verdiglione, Sr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lay Leader

Kevin Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board of Trustees President

Tom Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff-Parish Relations Chair

Kathryn Greene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finance Committee Chair

Our Church Motto for 2020

"Making disciples, building community, living by faith…together"

‘Friend’ us on Facebook:

La Plata Umc

3 Port Tobacco Road

La Plata, Maryland 20646-2824

Office: 301-934-2288

Email: laplataumc@gmail.com

On the web: www.laplataumc.org

Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl cell: 240-217-6369

CCLI License # 2524825