June 25, 2022

Dear Beloved St. Paul’s UMC and Wesley Foundation Family,

Grace and peace to you, my friends. This weekend, as we come to the end of Pastor Becky’s time as our pastor, and prepare to welcome Pastor Jessica, we are talking about transition. We will focus on the story of Elijah and Elisha, and how Elijah left a legacy for his mentee to continue. What mantles have been dropped for you? Who are the “Elijah’s” in your life who have dropped them? How are you taking up those mantles even now? And how are you dropping mantles for others? These are some of the questions we’ll be considering as we worship together this weekend. I want to invite you to worship with us, as we move through this season of transition together. Here is our schedule for tomorrow, June 26th:
9:00 AM
In-person Service of Word and Table in the sanctuary

10:30 AM
Hybrid worship service, in-person and livestreamed here.
*Please remember that since this service is filmed and live-streamed,
you or your family members may be on our worship recording,
which is streamed and archived on our YouTube channel.

11:30 AM
Discussion Group in-person and on Zoom
(Join by clicking here, or use Meeting ID- 859 0584 5591 and Passcode- stpauls)
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are not currently requiring masks, but remind you that wearing a mask is a great way to reduce the spread of airborne particles, and one way that we can show love to one another Please remember that if you are feeling uncomfortable, or are experiencing any symptoms, you can worship with us via our livestream at 10:30 (see link above).  

Grace | Peace,
Pastor Greg
Order of Worship
Prelude: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”  (arr. Lowell Mason)
H. Ryan Ditmer, organ; Jill Shaffer Swanson, piano

Greeting
Rev. Greg Milinovich

Call to Worship 
One: We look back, and we see the ways people have shaped us. 
All: We look forward, and we see how we are being called to give ourselves to others.
One: What gift can we bring, to offer to God and another?
All: Let us bring our very selves to worship God, and to share love with one another!

Opening Hymn: “What Gift Can We Bring” (UMH 87)

Passing the Peace
Rev. Sarah Coker Voigt

Children’s Message
Sally Herdman

Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 (NRSV)

Message: “Dropping and Picking Up Mantles”
Rev. Greg Milinovich

A Farewell Blessing for Pastor Becky
All: We give you thanks for your ministry with us at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation, and how you have given us a double portion of your spirit. We know that your influence on us will not leave with your departure. We pray that you will carry part of us with you, too, as you begin ministry with the people of Winterstown United Methodist Church, and that you will continue to grow in grace and love in the days ahead.

Hymn: “Hymn of Promise” (verses 1-2) (UMH 707)

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Hymn: “Hymn of Promise” (verse 3) (UMH 707)

Offering

Closing Hymn: “In the Midst of New Dimensions” (FWS 2238)

Benediction

Postlude: “Ebenezer (Once to Every Man and Nation)”  (arr. Michael Barnhouse)
H. Ryan Ditmer, organ; Jill Shaffer Swanson, piano

  • Who are the “Elijah’s” who have dropped mantles for you?

  • What is the significance of taking our eyes from the sky (or from the past) to look around us, in order to see the mantles that have dropped for us? How do we pick up the mantles that have been left for us?

  • How might we drop mantles for others? What does it look like to pour our spirits into others, that we might leave a legacy for them to continue the work of love?
St. Paul's United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation
250 East College Avenue | State College, PA 16801 | 814-237-2163 | stpaulsc.org