Online Worship - Sunday, May 9, 2021
“Understanding Heaven & Hell”
|
|
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his steadfast love endures forever.
~ Psalm 136:1
|
|
Join us Sunday as we talk about “Understanding Heaven and Hell.” This is a topic that many of us struggle to understand, and as a result, a topic that many of us have many misconceptions about. In worship, we will delve more deeply into what the Bible actually says about heaven and hell, and how our understanding of heaven and hell actually point us not to what happens after we die, but how we live in the present.
Please register your attendance here! You can also list prayer requests as well. To be added to the Prayer Chain click here. Don’t forget to join us on ZOOM for a special time of fellowship. Click here to join!
See below for the Order of Worship.
Click here for the Children’s Activity.
|
|
Sunday Worship
May 9, 2021 - 11 AM
“Understanding Heaven & Hell”
|
|
Welcome to Trinity online.
As we prepare for a time of worship, we invite you to find an intentional space in your home for worship. We encourage you to light a candle or place something that
reminds you of Trinity or your connection with God nearby. Children are invited
to take out their worship boxes to prepare for worship.
Prelude: Old Church Choir ~ Zach Williams, Colby Wedgeworth, and Ethan Hulse
Carol Bowers, soprano; Gordon Johnson, tenor; Tom Tyler, tenor, Paul Taylor, baritone; and Greg Saunders, bass
There’s revival, and it’s spreading like a wildfire in my heart. Sunday morning, hallelujah, and it’s lasting all week long. Can you hear it? Can you feel it? It’s the rhythm of a gospel song. Once you choose it, you can’t lose it. ‘Cause there ain’t nothin’ gonna steal my joy! I’ve got an old church choir singing in my soul. I’ve got a sweet salvation and it’s beautiful. I’ve got a heart overflowing ‘cause I’ve been restored. There ain’t nothin’ gonna steal my joy! When the valleys that I wander turn to mountains that I can’t climb, You are with me, You never leave me. ‘Cause there ain’t nothin’. . . I’ve got an old church choir. . . Clap your hands and stomp your feet till you find that gospel beat, ‘cause He’s all you’ll ever need. I’ve got an old church choir.
Welcome and Announcements
As we light our candles in the sanctuary, I invite you to join us in lighting your own candle at home. As we place the cross in the holder, we invite you to place something that reminds you of Trinity or your connection with God in front of you.
|
|
Call to Worship: (based on Hosea 11, Psalm 136:1, Luke 13:34)
We gather together to worship our loving, nurturing God.
God’s steadfast love endures forever!
God loved us as a child, and taught us to walk.
God’s steadfast love endures forever!
God took us up in her arms, led us with cords of kindness and bands of love.
God’s steadfast love endures forever!
As a mother hen gathers her brood under her wings, God gathers us together.
God’s steadfast love endures forever!
|
|
Hymn: All creatures of our God and King - Hymnal no. 62 (verses 1,4,5)
The United Methodist Hymnal ©1989 The United Methodist Publishing House. All rights reserved.
|
|
Prayer of Confession and Pardon
Merciful God,
we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church.
We have not done your will,
we have broken your law,
we have rebelled against your love,
we have not loved our neighbors,
and we have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All pray in silence.
Hear the good news:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that proves God’s love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to God. Amen.
|
|
Passing of the Peace
Children’s Time: Hannah Day Donoghue
We invite the children who are worshiping at home to pay extra special attention. Each week Hannah Day Donoghue will send out a Children’s Activity for the children to do at home during this time.
|
|
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.
|
|
Duet: Shout with Joy!
Dahae Meserole and June Denson
Shout with joy to God all the earth, sing the glory of God’s name. Come join the song, sing loud and strong, lift up your voice with glorious praise. Come see the wonders God has made, the beauty of creation. Such strength and splendor here displayed: the moon and stars, the sky and sea, the hills that rise in majesty, how awesome are these things! How marvelous God’s mighty deeds!
|
|
19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ 27 He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ 30 He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.
|
|
2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
|
|
Sermon: Understanding Heaven & Hell
|
|
Invitation to the Offering
We invite you to consider giving on-line or giving by text! To give on-line, click here. To give by text, text “GIVE” to 703-783-3034. For further information about online giving, visit here.
|
|
Offertory Prayer
All good gifts come from you, dear Lord,
and from these riches we bring this offering.
Help us to use it for the furtherance of your purpose in this place,
and for the benefit of those in need. Amen.
|
|
Hymn: Sing with All the Saints in Glory - Hymnal no. 702 (verses 1,2,4)
The United Methodist Hymnal ©1989 The United Methodist Publishing House. All rights reserved.
|
|
Dismissal with Blessing
During this time, children are invited to take one of the stickers and place it on your clothing to remember that you are sent into the world remembering the love of God and Jesus Christ.
Postlude: The Rejoicing ~ Charles Callahan
|
|
The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and in celebration of Spring.
Worship Online this Sunday: While we aren’t meeting in person, we will be worshiping online via livestream on Trinity’s Facebook page and through our website. Each Saturday evening, we will send out an email with links to the worship sites and the bulletin for worship that Sunday. This Sunday, we will invite you to be intentional about finding a space in your home to worship and to be truly present in a time of worship. For additional questions about how to worship online, please contact the Church Office.
Youth Group: No Youth Group this week! Go celebrate and thank the Mothers and Femme figures who have formed, loved and cared for you. Next week we will meet from 5:30-7:30 PM for Movie Night! For additional information, contact Hannah Day Donoghue.
Faith and Reason: A Thinking Person’s Guide to Faith: Join us as we continue our sermon series to address the questions that we struggle with in our faith. How do we make “sense” of these difficult realities and still have a vital faith in God? Through this sermon series, we will address some of the difficult questions we face as Christians: Is belief in God unscientific? Is the Bible the literal Word of God? Who goes to Heaven and Who goes to Hell? Why is there so much evil in the world? Why do people suffer? Join us for this important sermon series.
|
|
Today’s prelude: “Old Church Choir” is a recent contemporary Christian hit song. Written in a heartlands gospel rock style with words and music by Zach Williams, Colby Wedgeworth, and Ethan Hulse, it appeared on Williams’s album “Chain Breaker.” With its “old church choir” feel, the song, to quote one commentator, “connects with memories of the past and unifies the church with the themes of joy and praise.” The performance today is based on a choir arrangement by Michael Barrett. Copyright © 2016 Be Essential Songs, Anthems Of Hope, Wisteria Drive, EGH Music Publishing, Fair Trade Music Publishing and Colby Wedgeworth Music. Arrangement by Michael Barrett copyright © 2018 Be Essential Songs, Anthems Of Hope, Wisteria Drive, EGH Music Publishing, Fair Trade Music Publishing and Colby Wedgeworth Music. All Rights Administered at EssentialMusic Publishing.com. All rights reserved. Arrangement published by Praise Songs; Exclusively distributed by Hal Leonard.
Duet: This celebratory anthem for unison choir is taken from Mark Patterson's collection “Can’t Wait to Sing 2!” Patterson bases his text on Palm 66:1-5. He includes hand claps and we have added a shout at the end! Copyright © 2011 Choristers Guild. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-713613. All rights reserved.
|
|
Trinity Community News & Prayers |
|
Join the Trinity Prayer Chain: During times of trial and uncertainty, we pray to grow in our faith and encourage one another. To respond to our growing prayer needs, we will be starting an email prayer chain to share our prayer concerns with one another. We will share joys as well as concerns and needs. If you are interested in being part of this prayer chain or have a prayer request, please email us here.
|
|
Trinity Church’s Weekly News |
|
Calling all Graduates--High School, College, and beyond! On Sunday, June 13th we will recognize our graduates at both the 9 AM Outdoor Communion Worship in the Courtyard and our 11 AM online worship. If you are a graduate or have a graduate in your family, please provide the following information to the Church Office by Sunday, June 6th: graduate’s name, where they are graduating from, plans after graduation, and contact information. Please also indicate if the graduate will be present for the 9 AM Outdoor Communion Worship on June 13th. Please send all information to our Office Manager, Jenessa Stokes in the Church Office.
Youth Mission Week! Youth 6th-12th graders, join us for Neighboring Mission Week, July 18th-23rd! On July 18th we will have a required worship blessing as well as begin mission activities. This is a Youth and Guardians meeting! Email Hannah Day Donoghue with any questions or concerns.
Expanding our Partnership with Rising Hope: Rising Hope is looking for volunteers to help with unloading food and filling bags to give to clients. The shift starts at 10:30 AM and runs until about 2:30 PM(ish), depending on how many volunteers show. No advanced contact is needed, just show up.
Also, while our weekly delivery of packaged food is so very appreciated, there are personal items that are critically needed but are in low supply. If you want to contribute, bags can be placed in the bin by the church office door, across from the mailbox. We will make sure they are included in the weekly delivery. Below are a list of needs.
- Diapers (size 4 are the most requested, but, larger sizes are always needed)
- Toilet paper
- paper towels
- dish soap
- pot scrubbers
- toothpaste
- toothbrushes
- bar soap
- deodorant
They also stock a “homeless shelf” with items such as tuna or chicken salad snack packs, peanut butter crackers, Ensure drinks, water, applesauce or small fruits and vegetables, pop-top can meals, crackers, etc. for those who do not have access to a kitchen. Please consider these items, as well. Paper bags are also welcome. For additional questions or concerns contact Mary Gillman.
Volunteers Needed to Help with Food Ministry: Mission is seeking volunteers who are willing to make food deliveries to Rising Hope Mission Church on Tuesday or Thursday mornings. Someone from the Mission Team will determine delivery contents and will help you load your vehicle. Sign up here. For additional questions or concerns contact Mary Gillman.
Centering Prayer meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, via Zoom. Centering Prayer is a 20 minute practice to sit in quiet prayer to make ourselves open to God. A reading is shared by the leader with a short discussion prior to the prayer time. For more information contact, Alva Smircina.
COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Information for Alexandria City Residents who are 65 years and over: If you are 65 and over, or have a condition that places you at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, please complete this registration form by clicking here. For more information contact Alexandria City Health Department.
|
|
How to give at Trinity:
There are three ways to give at Trinity!
1. Give online through our online donation portal.
2. Give by text at 703-783-3034. Just send a text that says “Give” and the Amount.
For further questions about how to give, visit here!
Trinity has switched our financial management system from Vanco to Breeze. If you still give through Vanco, you can access your Legacy Vanco account here. We encourage you to switch to Breeze, our new online management system as soon as you can. Please cancel your Vanco account first and then set up your new giving through Breeze. Thank you for however you give, it is all very much appreciated! For additional questions or concerns, contact the Church Office.
Did you know you can support Trinity UMC with a tax-free transfer from your IRA? If you are age 72 (or 70½ before Jan 1, 2020) and have a Traditional, Rollover, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA, you are required by law to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) annually. But did you know that you can use the RMD as a way to make a tax-free transfer to a charity, including Trinity UMC? The transfer must be directly from your IRA to Trinity, and your broker can help you with this process so that you get the full tax benefit. Please notify Trinity when you authorize a transfer so that we may confirm receipt.
Another way to provide financial support to Trinity is with a gift of stock. Please consult with your broker and a tax adviser (prior to selling stocks intended to benefit Trinity) on how to handle to maximize the tax benefits. But if you do decide to give stock – please contact the church help. We can provide a form for your broker or tax adviser to facilitate the transfer.
As always, Trinity is very grateful for any gifts. It makes everything we do at Trinity possible. If all else fails - please contact Rich McKinney. Thank you again for your giving - no matter how you give!
|
|
Sunday, May 9th ~ Mother’s Day
11:00 AM Worship at via Facebook Live and Trinity Website
12:00 PM Fellowship Time via Zoom
Tuesday, May 11th
7:00 PM United Methodist Women’s Meeting via Zoom
Wednesday, May 12th
6:00 PM Centering Prayer via Zoom
Thursday, May 13th
8:30 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal via Zoom
Sunday, May 16th
11:00 AM Worship at via Facebook Live and Trinity Website
12:00 PM Fellowship Time via Zoom
5:30 PM Youth Group in the Courtyard
Tuesday, May 18th
7:00 PM Finance Committee Meeting via Zoom
7:00 PM Trustees Meeting via Zoom
Wednesday, May 19th
6:00 PM Centering Prayer via Zoom
Thursday, May 20th
8:30 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal via Zoom
Sunday, May 23th
11:00 AM Worship at via Facebook Live and Trinity Website
12:00 PM Fellowship Time via Zoom
5:30 PM Youth Group in the Courtyard
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
