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We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Updated for Sunday, May 10th, 2026 [Sixth Sunday of Easter]
Updated for Sunday, May 10th, 2026 [Sixth Sunday of Easter]
Prelude - Debbie
Prelude - Debbie
Welcome/Announcements - MB
Welcome/Announcements - MB
Prayer for Mother’s Day - Pastor Mary Beth
Prayer for Mother’s Day - Pastor Mary Beth
All-powerful and all-vulnerable God, we thank you for the gift of life, and for the many ways you nurture us, teach us, and feed us. On this day when we celebrate the work of mothering, we acknowledge that you are the one who began this good work, and you are the one who fully embodies what it means to mother. Because whenever we rejoice in the fulfillment and gratitude that comes in creating and nurturing life, we join in your joy.
All-powerful and all-vulnerable God, we thank you for the gift of life, and for the many ways you nurture us, teach us, and feed us. On this day when we celebrate the work of mothering, we acknowledge that you are the one who began this good work, and you are the one who fully embodies what it means to mother. Because whenever we rejoice in the fulfillment and gratitude that comes in creating and nurturing life, we join in your joy.
And whenever we feed, clothe, and discipline; whenever we kiss knees and give hugs; whenever we cry with or cheer on those in our care – we engage in your work.
And whenever we feed, clothe, and discipline; whenever we kiss knees and give hugs; whenever we cry with or cheer on those in our care – we engage in your work.
When we feel the ache of empty arms and the desire to love a face we’ve not yet seen – we join you in your own longing to create, to love, and to hold.
When we feel the ache of empty arms and the desire to love a face we’ve not yet seen – we join you in your own longing to create, to love, and to hold.
When we experience the heaviness of a broken heart, the terrible grief of miscarriage or the death of a child at any age, the fear for a child who’s lost, or the deep sadness of an estranged relationship – you sit and cry with us, for you know this pain too.
When we experience the heaviness of a broken heart, the terrible grief of miscarriage or the death of a child at any age, the fear for a child who’s lost, or the deep sadness of an estranged relationship – you sit and cry with us, for you know this pain too.
When we remember with fondness the touch, the care, the voice of those who have mothered us – we give thanks for them, and recognize your love through them.
When we remember with fondness the touch, the care, the voice of those who have mothered us – we give thanks for them, and recognize your love through them.
And when the memories of our mothers bring pain, sorrow, disappointment, or grief – we turn to you, the only truly Good Mother, to provide the comfort and direction they could not give us.
And when the memories of our mothers bring pain, sorrow, disappointment, or grief – we turn to you, the only truly Good Mother, to provide the comfort and direction they could not give us.
As we think of the moms we know – the single moms, the foster moms, the brand new moms, the moms-in-waiting, the mom who cares for her children, grandchildren, and her own parents at the same time, the 150,000 mothers in America who are separated from their children today through incarceration, the single fathers acting as both father and mother, and the many moms who care for their children under stress of war, joblessness, domestic violence, homelessness, or addiction – we pray that you would supply them the energy, grace, hope and patience for the good and hard work they do.
As we think of the moms we know – the single moms, the foster moms, the brand new moms, the moms-in-waiting, the mom who cares for her children, grandchildren, and her own parents at the same time, the 150,000 mothers in America who are separated from their children today through incarceration, the single fathers acting as both father and mother, and the many moms who care for their children under stress of war, joblessness, domestic violence, homelessness, or addiction – we pray that you would supply them the energy, grace, hope and patience for the good and hard work they do.
As we think of those who have mothered us – moms, aunts, and grandmothers; but also teachers, mentors, counselors, pastors, and friends – we ask that you would bless these people for their faithful care of us and so many others.
As we think of those who have mothered us – moms, aunts, and grandmothers; but also teachers, mentors, counselors, pastors, and friends – we ask that you would bless these people for their faithful care of us and so many others.
Thank you, God, for calling us to join your work of Mothering! We ask for your grace and guidance to mother well in our homes, our classrooms and offices, our neighborhood playgrounds, and as a part of this church. We want to point the way to you, so that those in our care may know and trust you.
Thank you, God, for calling us to join your work of Mothering! We ask for your grace and guidance to mother well in our homes, our classrooms and offices, our neighborhood playgrounds, and as a part of this church. We want to point the way to you, so that those in our care may know and trust you.
May the love they receive from us pave the way toward you, and open their hearts to receive perfect love from you, our Good Mother. We offer this prayer in the name and spirit of Christ. And all the beloved said: Amen.
May the love they receive from us pave the way toward you, and open their hearts to receive perfect love from you, our Good Mother. We offer this prayer in the name and spirit of Christ. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Passing the Peace - MB
Passing the Peace - MB
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
Many: And also with you!
Many: And also with you!
Gathering Hymn - TBD - Debbie
Gathering Hymn - TBD - Debbie
Call to Worship - John Mathiasen
Call to Worship - John Mathiasen
One: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
One: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Many: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Many: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
One: In the breaking of bread and the sharing of life, the Living God is among us.
One: In the breaking of bread and the sharing of life, the Living God is among us.
Many: Alleluia! We come to celebrate the victory of love and the promise of new life! Amen!
Many: Alleluia! We come to celebrate the victory of love and the promise of new life! Amen!
Opening Prayer (in unison) - John Mathiasen
Opening Prayer (in unison) - John Mathiasen
Almighty God, we rejoice in the light of the resurrection! You transform our darkness into hope! Fill our hearts with the joy of Easter, that we may witness to your living presence in the world. Guide us to walk in newness of life, united in the love that has conquered the grave. Amen.
Almighty God, we rejoice in the light of the resurrection! You transform our darkness into hope! Fill our hearts with the joy of Easter, that we may witness to your living presence in the world. Guide us to walk in newness of life, united in the love that has conquered the grave. Amen.
Sing together - Glory be to the Father (UMH #70) - Debbie
Sing together - Glory be to the Father (UMH #70) - Debbie
Scripture Reading - John Mathiasen
Scripture Reading - John Mathiasen
God, open our hearts and minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
God, open our hearts and minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
Living and gracious God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ you have brought us out to a spacious place where we are called to live as those redeemed. Empower us by your spirit to keep your commandments, that we may show forth your love with gentle word and reverent deed to all your people. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Living and gracious God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ you have brought us out to a spacious place where we are called to live as those redeemed. Empower us by your spirit to keep your commandments, that we may show forth your love with gentle word and reverent deed to all your people. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Scripture Reading - Psalm 66:8-20 (NASB)
Scripture Reading - Psalm 66:8-20 (NASB)
Bless our God, O peoples, and sound his praise abroad, who keeps us in life and does not allow our feet to slip. For you have tried us, O God; you have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; you laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. You made men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water,
Bless our God, O peoples, and sound his praise abroad, who keeps us in life and does not allow our feet to slip. For you have tried us, O God; you have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; you laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. You made men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water,
Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance. I shall come into your house with burnt offerings; I shall pay you my vows, which my lips uttered and my mouth spoke when I was in distress. I shall offer to you burnt offerings of fat beasts, with the smoke of rams; I shall make an offering of bulls with male goats. Selah.
Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance. I shall come into your house with burnt offerings; I shall pay you my vows, which my lips uttered and my mouth spoke when I was in distress. I shall offer to you burnt offerings of fat beasts, with the smoke of rams; I shall make an offering of bulls with male goats. Selah.
Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what he has done for my soul. I cried to him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear; but certainly God has heard; he has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer nor his lovingkindness from me.
Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what he has done for my soul. I cried to him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear; but certainly God has heard; he has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer nor his lovingkindness from me.
One: This is our prayer.
One: This is our prayer.
Many: Lord, hear our prayer.
Many: Lord, hear our prayer.
Lectionary Hymn - TBD - Debbie
Lectionary Hymn - TBD - Debbie
Prayers of the People - Pastor Mary Beth
Prayers of the People - Pastor Mary Beth
Creator of the universe, you made the world in beauty, and restore all things in glory through the victory of Jesus Christ. We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed, the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace, to the glory of your name.
Creator of the universe, you made the world in beauty, and restore all things in glory through the victory of Jesus Christ. We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed, the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace, to the glory of your name.
Holy God, you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son, and to care for those who are our companions, not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love. Seeking to be true friends of all, we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.
Holy God, you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son, and to care for those who are our companions, not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love. Seeking to be true friends of all, we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.
Are there any requests or praises?
Are there any requests or praises?
(The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison. For prayer requests, we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For praises, we respond, “Lord, we lift this praise.”)
(The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison. For prayer requests, we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For praises, we respond, “Lord, we lift this praise.”)
Guide us in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others, bringing the promise of the kingdom near by our words and deeds. This we pray in the name of the risen Christ, and all the beloved said: Amen.
Guide us in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others, bringing the promise of the kingdom near by our words and deeds. This we pray in the name of the risen Christ, and all the beloved said: Amen.
(A moment for silent prayers)
(A moment for silent prayers)
And now let us pray the prayer the Lord taught all the disciples to pray. Let’s be so bold as to say:
And now let us pray the prayer the Lord taught all the disciples to pray. Let’s be so bold as to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed by thy name;
Hallowed by thy name;
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil;
But deliver us from evil;
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
Doxology - Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #95) - James
Doxology - Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #95) - James
Prayer for Today’s Offering
Prayer for Today’s Offering
Generous God, in the light of the resurrection, we offer these gifts as signs of our gratitude and hope. Bless these offerings and our lives, that they may become instruments of your peace and new life in the world. In the name of Christ, our resurrected Lord, all the beloved said: Amen.
Generous God, in the light of the resurrection, we offer these gifts as signs of our gratitude and hope. Bless these offerings and our lives, that they may become instruments of your peace and new life in the world. In the name of Christ, our resurrected Lord, all the beloved said: Amen.
Prayer Hymn - TBD - James
Prayer Hymn - TBD - James
Sermon - Matthew 28:16-20 (CEB) - Station 11 - Pastor Mary Beth
Sermon - Matthew 28:16-20 (CEB) - Station 11 - Pastor Mary Beth
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Sing together - Alleluia (Mark Prellberg) - James
Sing together - Alleluia (Mark Prellberg) - James
Sermon Hymn - TBD - James
Sermon Hymn - TBD - James
Sending:
Sending:
Benediction - Pastor Mary Beth
Benediction - Pastor Mary Beth
Go forth now into the world, walking in the light of the empty tomb. May the God of resurrection and life fill you with all joy and peace, that you may be witnesses of hope to everyone you meet. And may the blessing of God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—be with you and remain with you always. Amen.
Go forth now into the world, walking in the light of the empty tomb. May the God of resurrection and life fill you with all joy and peace, that you may be witnesses of hope to everyone you meet. And may the blessing of God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—be with you and remain with you always. Amen.
Sending Hymn: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186) - Debbie & James
Sending Hymn: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186) - Debbie & James
Postlude - James
Postlude - James
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