August 2, 2020

CENTERING

GATHERING WORDS

Pastor: Call upon the Lord, and God will answer.

People: Show us your steadfast love, gracious God, this day and

always.

Announcements and Sharing

PRAISING

CALL TO WORSHIP

Pastor: Welcome to worship this day.
People: Thank you. We’re glad to be here.
Pastor: Some have come seeking; some have come struggling
People: Lord, be with each one of us today. Feed our hearts

and souls with your transforming love.
Pastor: God is truly with you all today, guiding, lifting, feeding,

restoring your souls.
People: Praise be to God who continually abides with us.

OPENING PRAYER

Compassionate God, may your abundant grace and mercy flow upon us, so we may truly encounter you in this hour of worship. Breathe upon us the fresh winds of the Holy Spirit, so our minds may be open, our hearts warmed, and our souls stirred to the love of Christ in a new way. We ask this in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

CHILDREN’S MOMENTS 

CONFESSING

CALL TO CONFESSION

GENERAL CONFESSION

Gracious Lord, we are filled with a mixture of feelings today. Some of us are rejoicing in the wonderful time of rest and relaxation; while others continue to seek relief from the burdens and worries that they bear. All of us stand in need of your refreshing and nourishing love and forgiveness. You know how many times we have turned our backs on those in need; we have been too busy, to preoccupied with our own problems. Cause us to turn around and see instances in which we can be of help and comfort to someone else. Give us strength and courage to truly be your loving disciples in the ways in which we care for others. Forgive us when we stray from the paths of righteousness and peace. These things we offer in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

SILENT CONFESSION

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

Rejoice! God’s love is poured over you this day for healing, restoration, and hope. Feel the power of God’s mercy in your life. Go into God’s world knowing you are forgiven and blessed and be a blessing to others. AMEN.

HEARING

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

O Lord, open our eyes, our ears, our minds, and our hearts;

That we might behold wondrous things out of your word.

GOSPEL LESSON

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

A reading from the Gospel of St. Matthew

Glory to you O Lord

THE GOSPEL IS READ Matthew 14: 13-21

Feeding the Five Thousand

¹³ Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. ¹⁵ When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” ¹⁶ Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” ¹⁷ They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” ¹⁸ And he said, “Bring them here to me.” ¹⁹ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. ²⁰ And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. ²¹ And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

The Gospel of the Living Christ

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

PROCLAIMING

SERMON: THE HAND OF GOD

PRAYING

JOYS AND CONCERNS

PASTORAL PRAYER

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, for ever and ever. Amen

RESPONDING

INVITATION TO OFFERING

In gratitude for all that we have received from you, O Lord, we offer our tithes and gifts for the ministry of this church in this world which hungers and thirsts for love and peace. AMEN.

THE LORD’S OFFERING

OFFERTORY PRAYER

With great joy, we present these tithes and gifts for the ministry of this church. Be with each of us as we, too, commit ourselves to lives of joyful, thankful service. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

SENDING

BENEDICTION

The Lord has forgiven and restored you. You are strengthened for ministry in the name of Jesus Christ. Go in peace and may God’s peace flow through you to others.

We go in Christ's name. Amen.

Pastor: Rev. Russel W. Shuluga

Liturgist: Mary Kilgour

Every Sunday Morning at 11:15 AM

https://zoom.us/j/4127312511?pwd=M091MnJ6WjhmbDloTWcxbmFmTFFlQT09

Meeting ID: 412 731 2511

Password: 123456

From your phone (312) 626-6799

*Please note that the information above for ZOOM service is the same for every Sunday Zoom worship service.

August Mission Opportunity

“Home of Hope Outreach Program”

During the month of August, Mifflin Avenue, with our monetary donations, will sponsor two young girls, named Ivy Chimasa and Makamka Gosa in Zimbabwe. Over one million or one out of every four children is an orphan in Zimbabwe.  Most live with extended family, a friend, or even as “child-led households.”  Education is not free, and without financial support most of these children will not remain in school.

The Home of Hope Outreach program keeps children in school by sponsors who pay $75.00/year to cover school fees and $25.00 to provide a filled backpack. If you would like to contribute to the education of Ivy and Makamka, make your check payable to MAUMC and write “Home of Hope” on the memo line. You may also use PayPal to make a donation.