United in the Spirit, First United Methodist Church of Belmont existsto be more like Jesus Christ for our community and beyond

REV. GEORGE RAGSDALE, PASTOR807 South Point Road // Belmont, NC 28012

P: 704-825-2106 // F: 704-825-2176www.fumcbelmont.org

SERVICE OF WORSHIP Ascension Sunday – May 28, 2017 – 8:30 a.m.

Jesus' Ascension to Heaven by John Singleton Copley, 1775

PRAISE AND PRAYER

*SONG “Let It Rise”

1. Let the glory of the Lord Rise among us Let the glory of the Lord Rise among us Let the praises of the King Rise among us Let it rise

2. Let the songs of the Lord Rise among us Let the songs of the Lord Rise among us Let the joy of the King Rise among us let it rise

Chorus O let it rise O let it rise © 1997, 1999 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) CCLI License # 2246165

*SONG “We Fall Down”

We fall down We lay our crowns At the feet of Jesus The greatness of mercy and love At the feet of Jesus

And we cry holy holy holy And we cry holy holy holy And we cry holy holy holy is the Lamb © 1998 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) CCLI License # 2246165

*PRAYER

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON (NT Pg. 118) Acts 1: 1-14 This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

SERMON Rev. George Ragsdale

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION A�er each petition we enter into the prayer together with these words: Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Forgiving and gracious God, you have called us to be the church, to live out our Resurrection faith. You have asked us to place our trust in you and to bring to all the good news of your saving love. But we have failed to do this. We have given our faith a back seat to the troubles of the world and to the stresses in our own life. We look for the quick and easy answers. Forgive us for the smallness of our faith. You, who raised Christ from the dead, have promised to raise our spirits and bring us to new life. You have done this and yet, we remain static in our response to you. Help us to be open always to your word and your love. Challenge us to move in directions of peace and hope for all people. These things we pray in the name of our risen Lord. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen.

As a forgiven and reconciled child of God, you are invited to give your offerings and gi�s to God by placing them in the offering plate when you come forward to receive communion.

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

*TAKING THE BREAD AND CUP

*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Li� up your hearts. We li� them to the Lord Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. …we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. … as we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. … now and for ever. Amen.

*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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

*BREAKING THE BREAD

SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP Music During Communion “Above All”

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

GOING FORTH AS WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

*BENEDICTION

*SONG “King of Heaven”

1. Jesus let Your kingdom come here Let Your will be done here in us Jesus there is no one greater You alone are Savior show the world Your love

Chorus King of heaven come down King of heaven come now Let Your glory reign shining like the day King of heaven come King of heaven rise up Who can stand against us You are strong to save in Your mighty name King of heaven come

2. We are children of Your mercy Rescued for Your glory We cry Jesus set our hearts towards You That ev'ry eye would see You li�ed high

Chorus

Bridge King of heaven come King of heaven come King of heaven come Oh King of heaven come

Chorus © 2010 Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)) Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Spirit Nashville Three (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Spirit Nashville Three (Admin. by Spirit Music Group) CCLI License # 2246165

*POSTLUDE

*Those who are able please stand

WELCOME! We’re glad you chose to worship with us this morning. We invite you to check out the pportunities we have for children, youth and adults of all ages and stages of life. We offer ministries and a community of faith that will help challenge and encourage you as together we seek to grow as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, serving God and our neighbor in all that we do.

VISITORS: Stop by our welcome table in the narthex as you leave today to receive a small gi� and more information about our church. We would love to know more about you, so please sign the attendance pad as it is passed down your pew and share your contact information so that we can be in touch with you.

CHURCH UPDATES VIA TEXT MESSAGING Did you know our church sends occasional news and important updates via text message? If you haven’t signed up yet, text FUMCBELMONT to 313131 or visit www.fumcbelmont.org/text. You can opt out at any time.

NEW TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY: We are beginning a new ministry to help homebound members and others who need transportation get to church. If you or someone you know would be interested in a ride to church, or you’d be willing to help on occasion with driving, please contact Bill Coley at tonkatruck97@yahoo.com or 843-360-3607.

DO YOU NEED A NAMETAG? Our Outreach Committee is excited to announce that we have new church nametags available for anyone who might need or want one. These new name tags have been updated to include our new church logo and attach to your clothing with a magnetic backing. To order your name tag, visit www.fumcbelmont.org/nametag to enter your name as you’d like it to appear. A sign-up sheet is also available in the narthex. Finished name tags will be available in the narthex.

YOUTH NEEDED You are needed tonight to help us host the families coming to us through the Family Promise ministry. We will be serving pizza, salad and freeze pops to our families. Come have fun meeting new friends and playing with the children that will be staying with us for the week. We will meet regular time 6-8, however you can come as early as 5:00 p.m. tonight.

DID YOU KNOW? You can support Zoe’s general fund every time you shop on AmazonSmile. Amazon will donate 0.05% of the price of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Amazon Smile is the same Amazon that you shop, with the added benefit of supporting a charitable organization. Get started by going to www.smile.amazon.com and search for Zoe Ministry in Garner, NC. Then just start shopping as normal.

CHILDREN’S SKATING AND FELLOWSHIP On June 11th children are invited to Kate’s Roller Skating Rink (4114 E. Franklin Blvd.) for an end of year celebration from 3:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $8.00 per person and includes skate rental and a hot dog and drink. Please r.s.v.p by emailing Genora Cheshire at Genchloe@gmail.com with your child’s name and age. Elementary aged children may be dropped off (please wear your 2016 FUMC VBS shirt or another light blue shirt). We ask that preschool parents stay to help their children skate. For an additional cost of $5. you can rent Skate Mates to help your little one skate and for $3. your child can be upgraded to rollerblades. There is also a Play Gym for the kids.

QUEEN CITY BRASS BAND

Presents ‘LOONEY BRASS’

June 4th at 4:00 p.m.FUMC Sanctuary

Featuring tunes from Warner Bros.,Keystone Cops, The Little Rascals and more!

VBS NEEDS YOUR HELP BRINGING DOWN THE WALLS OF JERICHO! This summer our children will learn about superheros of the Bible, and we are asking for your help to purchase and prepare our cra�s for the week. Look for the “brick wall of Jericho” in the Narthex. Each brick represents a cra� item or gi� card donation we need. Please take a brick and return cra� supplies to the boxes marked “VBS” by June 3. Gi� cards can be given to Kristen Surratt

CALLING ALL SUPER-HEROS! We want you to join us this summer in Vacation Bible School, July 23-27. Journey with us through the week learning about different super-heros from the Bible. Register on-line by visiting www.fumcbelmont.org/vbs by May 31st to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Anyone interested in volunteering during the week, please contact Jennifer Martin by emailing Jennifer.Metz.Martin@gmail.com..

CAMP G.R.A.C.E. ROCKS! Join us the week of July 11-14 to find out why Camp G.R.A.C.E. does indeed rock. As a community outreach opportunity, Camp G.R.A.C.E. partners with other area Methodist churches to host a week-long camp in which children experience fellowship, art, and science while forming relationships with each other and those who help to make camp a success. Our Bible stories will all feature a rock. If you are interested in volunteering during the week, please contact Kristen Surratt by emailing Kristen@fumcbelmont.org. Volunteer applications for youth and adults are available on the bulletin board outside the choir room and must be returned by May 31.

PASTOR GEORGE’S WEEKLY EMAIL: Pastor George sends a weekly email, delivered to your inbox on Friday that will include brief devotional thought to prepare for Sunday’s worship, congregational news, and other items of interest. If you’d like to receive this email, send your email address to george@fumcbelmont.org. Or, text PASTORMAIL to 22828.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE FUMC FAMILY? If you’d like to know more about joining our church, please contact Pastor George at 704-825-2106 or george@fumcbelmont.org to talk with him further. We’d be honored to welcome you officially as part of our family!

OUR STAFF Rev. George Ragsdale ~ Pastor Kristen Surratt ~ Director of Discipleship Ministries Renee Painter ~ Director of Music Janice Pennington ~ Business Manager Margie Ligon ~ Director of Youth Ministry Linda Smith ~ CDC Director Carole Bertino ~ Administrative Assistant

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

• Debbie Ballard (mother of Chelsea & Josh Elmore) • Mark & Deb Baxa • Cheryl Fleming • Bobbie Jones (mother of Crystal Cooper) • Alan Austin and Family (Jessica Durham) • Grandfather of Nicholas Cochran • The United Methodist Church and the Commission on a Way Forward • Anne Harrill and family upon the passing of her father, Larry Higby • Sue Riess (Linda Piltch) • Bette Armstrong and family upon the death of her daughter in-law, Ruth Pettus • The family of Harold Archer, upon his death • Jennifer McSwain Martin • The family of Helen Dellinger upon her death (Teri Wilson) • Mike Harrison

If you have an emergency or have a confidential prayer request, please contact George at the church office (704-825-2106) or his cell (704-249-0645). The names above will remain on the prayer list for one month unless otherwise notified.

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, May 28 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Church Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 6:00 p.m. Youth Group

Monday, May 29 Church Office and CDC Closed

Wednesday, May 31 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, June 1 7:00 p.m. CDC Graduation and Celebration Sunday, June 4 8:30 a.m. Worship 8:30 a.m. United Methodist Men Meeting 9:15 a.m. Church Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 12:00 p.m. Confirmation Reception 4:00 p.m. Queen City Brass Band Concert 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 6:00 p.m. Youth Group

��GETHER , WE’RE �������G�IV�S �NE M��L AT A ��ME.

This Father’s Day offer the bread of life through the Gaston County Weekend Backpack Food Program. Your gi� will bring comfort to a mom or dad in our community in knowing their child will not go hungry. Also with this gi�, you can honor a special person or the memory of someone you hold dear.

Did you know?

• 66% of students in Gaston County schools are eligible to receive free lunch

• Local churches and organizations provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks on the weekends

• We hope to sponsor 25 children again in the coming year

• YOU CAN HELP!

All gi�s received by June 12 will be noted in the June 18 bulletin.

Contact Kristen Surratt with questions: kristen@fumcbelmont.org

Given by: ____________________________________________________________________________

Given in honor of: _____________________________________________________________________

Given in memory of: ___________________________________________________________________

I would like an honor or memorial giving card: Yes No *Available for pickup during office hours June 13 - 16 (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Select your gi�: Quantity Cost

Weekend meals for one child, one weekend $ 10. ________ ________

Weekend meals for one child, one month $ 40. ________ ________

Weekend meals for one child, one year $330. ________ ________ Total Due: ________

“���GER �O��N’T ��KE THE WE�K��D O�F ”