We welcome you to either virtual or in-person worship on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 10am! You are welcome to join us for in-person worship in the Essex Center UMC sanctuary, you may participate on Facebook Live by clicking here, or you may watch below. After worship concludes, a recording will be posted on this page.
Essex Center United Methodist Church
Dear Guests – WELCOME!
We are thankful for your presence with us this morning. We pray that you will be blessed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit in our time together and you will continue to join us for worship and ministry in the weeks to come.
The Church Gathers
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS,
& PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
ORGAN PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP adapted from Psalm 24
Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts, the Lord is the King of glory.
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world and all its inhabitants.
For the Lord has founded it on the seas
and firmly established it on the waters.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in God’s holy place?
Those whose hands are clean and hearts are pure,
who do not swear to deceive or harbor lies in their soul.
They will be blessed and vindicated by the God of their salvation.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts, the Lord is the King of glory.
*H78YMN OF PRAISE No. 92, UMH
For the Beauty of the Earth
MORNING PRAYER (unison)
Holy One of creation,
We come together as family today
to not only honor and praise your name,
but to be in your presence.
Send the Spirit again to revive our hearts and inspire our minds
that we would order our lives by your gracious will.
May we, the children of your birthing,
model your steadfast and faithful love
with each of our sisters and brothers.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
YOUNG DISCIPLE’S TIME
All the children are invited to come to the Chancel for a time of discipling!
SONG OF RESPONSE Inch by Inch
The Sharing of God’s Holy Word
FIRST READING Mark 6:14-20
14King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known.
Some were saying,
“John the baptizer has been raised from the dead;
and for this reason these powers are at work in him.”
15But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said,
“It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”
16But when Herod heard of it, he said,
“John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”
17For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him,
and put him in prison on account of Herodias,
his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her.
18For John had been telling Herod,
“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
19And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him.
But she could not, 20for Herod feared John,
knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, Herod protected him.
When he heard John, he was greatly perplexed;
and yet he liked to listen to him.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to Christ!
*HYMNS OF RESPONSE No. 2173, TFWS
Shine, Jesus, Shine
SECOND READING Mark 6:21-29
21But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet
for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee.
22When his daughter Herodias came in and danced,
she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl,
“Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.”
23And he solemnly swore to her,
“Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”
24She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?”
Herodias replied, “The head of John the baptizer.”
25Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested,
“I want you to give me at once the head of John the baptizer on a platter.”
26The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard
for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.
27Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders
to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison,
28brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl.
Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to Christ!
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Joel Daniel Hubbard, III
Speaking Truth to Power
Responding With Faith
*HYMN OF RESPONSE AND INVITATION No. 530, UMH
Are Ye Able
PRAYERS FOR GOD’S CHILDREN AND THE WORLD
SUNG RESPONSE Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
(sung before and after the prayer)
Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in his wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of his glory and grace.
The Church Goes Out in Mission
*BLESSING
*SUNG BENEDICTION Are Ye Able
Lord, we are able. Our spirits are thine.
Remold them make us, like thee divine.
Thy guiding radiance above us shall be,
a beacon to God – to love and loyalty.
ORGAN POSTLUDE
For the full worship bulletin, including prayers and announcements, please click here.
