2024-04-21 Worship Guide
The United Methodist Church of the Covenant
3608 Matlock Road, Arlington, TX 76015, 817-465-1291
Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 21, 2024
We gather to praise God
Prelude Grace Johnson
Welcome & Opportunities for Ministry Bill Westerlage
Opening Prayer:
Spirit of righteousness, God of power and might, help us be a light to the nations and a
reflection of your glorious salvation. Work in our lives and in our ministries so that the world
might know the power of your love and grace. As you alighted upon Jesus at his baptism,
descend upon us this day, that we may be a people of hope and possibility. Wash us clean and
renew our spirits, through Jesus Christ, our lord. Amen.
Call to Worship:
L. The voice of God calls over the waters:
P. “Beloved, receive the Holy Spirit.”
L. The Son of God beckons:
P. “Beloved, be born of water and the Spirit.”
L. The Spirit of God proclaims
P. “Beloved, be born anew this day.”
L. The voice of God calls through our baptism.
P. Come! Let us worship.
Opening Hymn: “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” UMH #381, vs 1-3
1.Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are,
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
2.We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray,
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
3.Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Scripture: Mark 1: 4-11 Will Spencer
Leader: This is the living Word of God.
People: Thanks be to God!
Tithes and Offerings:
Offertory Prayer:
Be in the gifts we bring before you, O God, as you are ever in the gift of our baptism. Renew
your people through this offering, as you have renewed us with your presence this day, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Offertory Response: Doxology UMH #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God
above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son & Holy Ghost. Amen
Children’s Time: “Jesus Loves Me” UMH 191 Rochelle McLain
Baptism Liturgy
INTRODUCTION TO THE SERVICE
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES:
Ariellea Quinn (Jimmie Quinn, Lauren Fisher), O’Shea Jackson II (O’Shea Jackson, KaiLeigh Jackson),
Adonis Ambelas (Manuel Ambelas, Nadia Crawford)
RENUNCIATION OF SIN AND PROFESSION OF FAITH
On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
reject the evil powers of this world,
and repent of your sin?
I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you
to resist evil, injustice, and oppression
in whatever forms they present themselves?
I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior,
put your whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as your Lord,
in union with the Church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races?
I do.
Will you nurture these children (persons)
in Christ’s holy Church,
that by your teaching and example they may be guided
to accept God’s grace for themselves,
to profess their faith openly,
and to lead a Christian life?
I will.
Do you, as Christ’s body, the Church,
reaffirm both your rejection of sin
and your commitment to Christ?
We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life
and include these persons now before you in your care?
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround these persons
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that they may grow in their service to others.
We will pray for them,
that they may be true disciples
who walk in the way that leads to life.
THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER:
Eternal Father:
When nothing existed but chaos,
you swept across the dark waters
and brought forth light.
In the days of Noah
you saved those on the ark through water.
After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow.
When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt,
you led them to freedom through the sea.
Their children you brought through the Jordan
to the land which you promised.
Pour out your Holy Spirit,
to bless this gift of water and those who receive it,
to wash away their sin
and clothe them in righteousness
throughout their lives,
that, dying and being raised with Christ,
they may share in his final victory.
BAPTISM WITH LAYING ON OF HANDS:
Christian Name(s), I baptize you in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Holy Spirit work within you,
that being born through water and the Spirit,
you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Through baptism
you are incorporated by the Holy Spirit
into God’s new creation
and made to share in Christ’s royal priesthood.
We are all one in Christ Jesus.
With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you
as members of the family of Christ.
Joys & Concerns: Bill Westerlage
Call to Prayer: “Jesus, Remember Me” UMH #488
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Prayer of Confession: Pastor Lim and the People
Gentle Spirit, Holy Dove, reclaim us through the waters of our baptism. As we long to be more
than we have become, remake us through the power of your love. In our yearning to taste the
fullness of life, restore us through the wonder of your grace. In our desire to live as your
beloved children, make us instruments of your kingdom building, that we may be a light to the
nations, and a source of hope to those who sit in darkness. Amen.
Words of Assurance:
Listen to the voice that calls forth creation, claims Jesus at his baptism and speaks to us still: “You are my
beloved; receive the Holy Spirit.” Rest in this assurance and live in the Spirit.
The 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver
us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen
Hymn: “My Hope is Built” UMH #368 vs 1,3&4
1.My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.
Refrain: On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
3.His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. (Refrain)
4.When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found!
Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne! (Refrain)
Sermon: “You Are My Beloved One” Pastor Lim
Hymn: “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” UMH #138, vs 1-3
1.The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never.
I nothing lack if I am His, and He is mine forever.
2.Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul He leadeth;
And where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.
3.Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me;
And on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me.
Benediction:
Rejoice in the glory of your baptism each and every day.
We will live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let your spirits soar like eagles but be as gentle as doves.
We will drink deep from the waters of grace.
Go forth to announce the glory of our God.
We go, renewed, and made whole, as a blessing to all.
Pastor Lim is available for counseling by phone at 254-247-8111 or by calling his phone number & setting
up an appointment.
Welcome of New Members:
We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members
together with you in the body of Christ and in the United Methodist Church of the Covenant, we renew
our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our
gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Donations for the month of April will be peanut butter and tuna for Arlington Charities.
Monday, April 22, 6-7:30 pm – Grief Share Meeting
Tuesday, April 23 at 6:30 pm – Bible Study
Saturday, April 27 at 9:00am – UMM meeting
Sunday, April 28 – Ministry Fish Fry after church service
Monday, April 29, 6-7:30 pm – Grief Share Meeting
Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 pm – Bible Study
Monday, May 6, 6-7:30 pm – Grief Share Meeting
Covenant Ministers: The People of Covenant and
Reverend Chansoon Lim – limchansoon@gmail.com
Jackie Carter – Communications & Outreach – jackiecarter@umccov.org, jatkinscarter@gmail.com
Phone: 972-921-2826
Grace Johnson – Accompanist – grajohns9@aol.com
Lynn Stokes — Financial Treasurer —covfinance@umccov.org
Office information should be emailed to covoffice@umccov.org
Thursday, May 9 at 11:00am – UWF Meeting – Program by Belinda Scholl
Sunday, May 12 – Mother’s Day Service, Brunch
Monday, May 13, 6-7:30 pm – Grief Share Meeting
Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30pm – Single Borad Meeting by Zoom
Saturday, May 18 at 9:00am – UMM Meeting
Sunday, May 19 – Pentecost Sunday (Let’s all wear red)
Monday, May 20, 6-7:30 pm – Grief Share Meeting
We give thanks for the young mothers & fathers in our congregation
who are striving to bless their children with loving, Christian homes, and Covenant
UMC’s overflowing love & commitment to the families.
“Devine Mamas’ Mission Statement”
Our group is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive community
where young mothers can grow in their faith, connect with
like-minded women, and find inspiration for their parenting journey.
Rooted in our shared belief in Christ’s love, we aim to empower one another,
offer guidance, and foster meaningful friendships,
all while embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Together, we strive to create a haven of faith, fellowship, and family
as we navigate the beautiful path of motherhood with God as our guide.