Central United Methodist Church - RVA

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

Dear Central Friends and Family: Hope you can join us for worship tomorrow morning at 11:00 am. If you can't join us in person, we stream our service right here on Facebook. The order of worship found below will help you participate. Many Blessings, Pastor Shayne

CHIMING THE HOUR
PRELUDE - “Deep River” Spiritual arr. by J. Carter Sara Manner, Musician
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER Russ Parrish, Liturgist

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Sing praises and worship the Lord, our God!
All: We wait daily on His grace and mercy.
Leader: Give up the bent for sinning so that grace may increase.
All: We are united in His glorious resurrection.
Leader: Live today and live on because of His sacrifice.
All: We no longer fear death. We will join Him in paradise.
Leader: We count ourselves dead to sin, but alive in Jesus.
All: To our penitent hearts more will be revealed.
Leader: Do not let the world steal your many joys!
All: May we be found blameless in the Lord! Amen
(Frank Howarth, Central UMC, Richmond, VA, from Matthew 10
and Romans 6)

*OPENING HYMN “How Firm a Foundation” Hymnal 529

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord Jesus, I call on you always. It is easy for me to worship other things, other activities, other relationships, other gods. I spend my energies elsewhere diverting my time, my attention, and my purpose away from you. Forgive me, gracious Savior, when my heart is led astray. Help me run away from my distractions. Let me not condemn anyone because they sin differently than I do. Help me to love my neighbor as myself. Strengthen me so that I can turn my face toward heaven. Refine and refresh me in body and spirit. Call me to your side, my Rock and my Redeemer, today and all my days. Amen
(Frank Howarth, adapted from Chip Hardwich, Thinking, Praying,
Living and some phrases from St. Ignatius of Antioch)

Assurance of Pardon
Leader: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
ALL: Glory to God. Amen.

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
EPISTLE READING Romans 6:1b-11 p. 189 (NT) Red Bible
GOSPEL READING Matthew 10:24-29 p. 12 (NT) Red Bible
Leader: This is the word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God
MESSAGE “The Costs and Blessings of Discipleship” Pastor Shayne

WE RESPOND IN FAITH
*HYMN OF RESPONSE “Where He Leads Me” Hymnal 338

*STATEMENT OF FAITH - THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Hymnal 883

A TIME OF PRAYER – Where have you seen God at work this week?
A PRAYER FOR CENTRAL’S VISION (in unison): Lord, we humbly ask
you to help us passionately live out Central’s vision: “Making God’s love real by planting seeds of compassion, cultivating relationships, and teaching Christ-centered discipleship.”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND PETITION
THE LORD’S PRAYER Hymnal 895

OFFERING OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous God of the universe who finds time to whisper your love to us: we come to your altar with grateful hearts. When you speak your love into our quiet moments, it is the most precious gift of all. It is not a gift for us to hold and hide, but to proclaim from the housetops! May the gifts we offer to you this morning proclaim your love loudly to a world that often feels forgotten. We pray this in the name of your son, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen
(UMC Discipleship Ministries online, Worship Planning, from Matthew 10:24-29)
OFFERTORY – “Love the Lord Your God” by Jean and Jim Strathdee
*SONG OF PRAISE Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow Hymnal 95

WE ARE SENT TO SERVE IN CHRIST’S NAME
*CLOSING HYMN “Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult” Hymnal 398
PASTORAL BENEDICTION
CHORAL BENEDICTION – “Benediction Hymn” Worship & Song #3182 Andrew Goins, soloist
POSTLUDE – “Allegro Maestoso” from Water Music by George F. Handel

06/06/2026

Dear Central Family/Friends: We hope you're well. We're sorry that we've had technical difficulties with our live stream last week. Hopefully things will go smoothly tomorrow. We have worship every Sunday at 11:00. If you can't join us in person, the order of worship found below will help you participate online. God Bless, Pastor Shayne

CHIMING THE HOUR
PRELUDE - “More Like You” by Scott Brown Sara Manner,
Musician
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER Bill Duncan, Liturgist

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Take heart ! Jesus forgives the sins of the repentant.
All: So many splendid miracles we have seen!
Leader: Christ has the authority to make right any wrong.
All: We will rise up and praise the Lord, our God.
Leader: For the best and worst in us, Jesus is near.
All: And He will forgive us in the same measure we forgive.
Leader: Let your fasting be complete. Empty yourselves of all malice and rebuke.
All: May we speak glad tidings of Jesus sweet power and love forever. Amen
(Frank Howarth, Central UMC, Richmond, VA, drawn from
Matthew 9)

*OPENING HYMN “El Shaddai” (Sing Twice) Hymnal 123

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
OLD TESTAMENT READING Hosea 5:15-6:6 p. 1027 (OT) Red Bible
GOSPEL READING Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 p. 10 (NT) Red Bible
Leader: This is the word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God

MESSAGE “Jesus, the Merciful Physician” Pastor Shayne

WE RESPOND IN FAITH
*HYMN OF RESPONSE "The Lily of the Valley” Faith We Sing 2062

*STATEMENT OF FAITH - THE APOSTLE’S CREED – TRAD Hymnal 881

A TIME OF PRAYER – Where have you seen God at work this week?
A PRAYER FOR CENTRAL’S VISION (in unison): Lord, we humbly ask
you to help us passionately live out Central’s vision: “Making God’s love real by planting seeds of compassion, cultivating relationships, and teaching Christ-centered discipleship.”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND PETITION

OFFERING OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, we admit to you that we are sick and in need of your healing. Help us to be mindful that all are in need of your mercy and healing. May these gifts be used to invite the world to touch the hem of the Great Physician and be made whole. Amen
(Pastor Shayne Estes with inspiration from Matthew 9)
OFFERTORY – “I Need Thee Every Hour” by R. Lowry, Arr. J. Tonioli
*SONG OF PRAISE Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow Hymnal 95

HOLY COMMUNION Hymnal 12
Unison 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.

WE ARE SENT TO SERVE IN CHRIST’S NAME
*CLOSING HYMN “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” Faith We
Sing 2129

PASTORAL BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE – “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” by Isaac Watts, Arr. M. Bober

05/30/2026

Dear Central Family/Friends: Hope you'll join us for worship tomorrow morning at 11:00 am. This is Trinity Sunday, and we'll hear how the Holy Trinity calls Christian disciples to action. If you aren't able to come in person, we stream our service live every Sunday right here on Facebook. The order of worship is found below to help you participate. Have a blessed week. Pastor Shayne

CHIMING THE HOUR
PRELUDE Zack Cross, Musician
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER Sandy Harmon, Liturgist

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: We live in a world infused by God
All: Where our minds are made open by His love.
Leader: He gives promise to every life
All: And our minds and hearts turn towards Heaven.
Leader: We move towards an unknown destination where the Creator has promised to meet us;
All: We are breaking down barriers to reach that sacred place.
Leader: We gather as people of the cross and resurrection
All: We come as the children of the Father
Leader: Reconciled by grace through the Son
All: And filled with God's love through the Spirit. Amen
(Frank Howarth, Central UMC, Richmond, VA with Jacob Traeger
and Acts 1: 1-11)

*OPENING HYMN “We Believe in One True God” Hymnal 85

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord Jesus, let me not seek to earn what can only be received by grace. When I serve, let me not try to balance the scales. I know I cannot repay Your supply of extravagant grace because You do not require it. Free the score-keepers in our world and in our hearts. Restore the fallen in our world and in our hearts. Strengthen the broken, uplift the lowly, bring down tyrants, erase the division in in our world. Create a Christ-centered humanity in our world and in our hearts. Use me to help make it so. (Frank Howarth)
..time of silent prayer...

Assurance of Pardon
Leader: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
ALL: Glory to God. Amen.

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
PSALTER Psalm 8, response #1 Hymnal 743
GOSPEL READING Matthew 28:16-20 p. 41 (NT) Red Bible
Leader: This is the word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE “A Trinitarian Call to Action” Pastor Shayne

WE RESPOND IN FAITH
*HYMN OF RESPONSE “Guide My Feet” (vs. 1-4)
Faith We Sing 2208

*STATEMENT OF FAITH - THE APOSTLE’S CREED – TRAD Hymnal 881

A TIME OF PRAYER – Where have you seen God at work this week?
A PRAYER FOR CENTRAL’S VISION (in unison): Lord, we humbly ask
you to help us passionately live out Central’s vision: “Making God’s love real by planting seeds of compassion, cultivating relationships, and teaching Christ-centered discipleship.”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND PETITION
THE LORD’S PRAYER Hymnal 895

OFFERING OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Creating God, from the beginning, you formed light out of darkness, breath from dust, and life from love. In Christ, you walked among us, and through your Spirit, you empower us still. Today, we offer our gifts—signs of our desire to partner with you in your ongoing work of creation, healing, and discipleship. Use these offerings to build communities of compassion, to welcome the stranger, and to teach your ways of justice and joy. May our giving reflect the wonder of your Triune love and our willingness to go and grow disciples in your name. Amen
(United Methodist Discipleship Ministries online, Gen 1 & Mt.
28)
OFFERTORY – “Adagio” by Tomaso Albinoni – Pastor Shayne, cello
*SONG OF PRAISE Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow Hymnal 95

WE ARE SENT TO SERVE IN CHRIST’S NAME
*CLOSING HYMN “Go Make of All Disciples” Hymnal 571

Pastoral Benediction
POSTLUDE

05/23/2026

Dear Central Family/Friends: Hope you can join us tomorrow to celebrate Pentecost, the birth of the Church Universal. We stream our service live every Sunday at 11:00 am. If you can't come in person, the order of worship is found below to help you participate. Many Blessings, Pastor Shayne

CHIMING THE HOUR
PRELUDE “Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart/O Breath of Life”
By F. Atkinson & J. Bloomquist Sara Manner, Musician
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER Tabitha Sierra, Liturgist

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Come Holy Spirit, open heaven and shine your light.
All: O father of the poor and giver of all good gifts dwell with us and bring hope to all.
Leader: Without you, God, our works are empty.
All: Come breathe your breath to shape and enliven us.
Leader: Let there be a new Pentecost and forgiveness without limits.
All: Let us bring forth a new heaven here on earth.
Leader: Praise God in heaven for his mighty, rushing wind !
All: Let that still small voice be ever-present in our ears !
(Frank Howarth, based on the ancient prayer, “Veni, Sancte
Spiritus” and Ministry Matters)

*OPENING HYMN “Spirit of the Living God” (sing twice)
Hymnal 393
PENTECOST PRAYER
O God of amazing love and unexpected grace, open my eyes
that I may see you when I feel abandoned. Forgive me
when I easily allow circumstances to blind me to your
presence. Forgive me when I do not trust your power and
providence. Dance with me in those days ahead enflaming
me with your passion for justice. Purify me of a grasping
greediness. Silence my tongue which is tempted to gossip.
Let Jesus lead me to serve and comfort. Pour out your
spirit on all my brothers and sisters so we can be a force of
kindness to this world. Let today be a rebirth and renewal
of the heart of Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior. Amen.
(from RevGalBlogPals website and Pentecost Prayers for the Season)

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
GOSPEL READING John 20:19-23 p. 141 (NT) Red Bible
NEW TESTAMENT READING Acts 2:1-21 p. 144 (NT) Red Bible
Leader: This is the word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE “The Spirit at Work Among Us” Pastor Shayne

WE RESPOND IN FAITH
*HYMN OF RESPONSE “As a Fire Meant for Burning”
Faith We Sing 2237

*STATEMENT OF FAITH - THE APOSTLE’S CREED – TRAD
Hymnal 881

A TIME OF PRAYER – Where have you seen God at work this week?
A PRAYER FOR CENTRAL’S VISION (in unison): Lord, we humbly ask
you to help us passionately live out Central’s vision: “Making God’s love real by planting seeds of compassion, cultivating relationships, and teaching Christ-centered discipleship.”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND PETITION
THE LORD’S PRAYER Hymnal 895

OFFERING OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Empowering God, you are the one who pours out your Spirit on sons and daughters, on young and old, on leaders and servants alike. You have not withheld your gifts, but have shared them freely: truth, empathy, vision, and power. As your Spirit-filled people, we now offer our gifts-not out of fear or obligation, but in response to your boundless generosity. Use these offerings to fuel the prophetic witness of your church, to bless those still yearning for hope, and to build a community where all are seen, heard, and loved. May our giving, like your Spirit, be poured out without limit. Amen (United Methodist Discipleship Ministries online)
OFFERTORY – “I Need Thee Every Hour” by Robert Lowry
*SONG OF PRAISE Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow Hymnal 95

WE ARE SENT TO SERVE IN CHRIST’S NAME
*CLOSING HYMN “The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve”
Faith We Sing 2241

Pastoral Benediction
POSTLUDE – “Shine, Jesus Shine” by Graham Kendrick

05/10/2026

Dear Central Family/Friends: Hope you can join us for worship this morning at 11:00 am. If you can't join us in person, please watch our service online. We stream our service every Sunday via Facebook Live. The order of worship found below will help you participate online. Blessings, Pastor Shayne

CHIMING THE HOUR
PRELUDE “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” by F.A. Challinor
Sara Manner, Musician
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER Nancy Manner, Liturgist

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Let us move away from the middle wall of separation.
All: Jesus saved us through his passion and death.
Leader: He has given a new identity to all who believe.
All: Jesus gives us life in His resurrection.
Leader: The Creator’s awesome power also fortifies our spirit.
All: Empowering us to be a part of the household of God.
Leader: Help us, Lord, to be your heart in the world.
All: And to see you in the faces of others.
Leader: You alone, God, have made us one with your saints. Amen
(Frank Howarh, Central United Methodist, Richmond, VA, from
Ephesians 2:14-22, Terri on RevGalBlogPals, and Dr. Martyn
Lloyd-Jones)

*OPENING HYMN - “Just As I Am” (vs. 1-3, 6) Hymnal 357

PRAYER OF HOPE
Prophetic Spirit of Truth, clear my vision, open my hearts fogged windows, give me eyes to see through life Earthly, finding your all present Rose Heart Mystery.
(pause)
May you give me pictures that glorify, but, God, let not this glory be mine, let it be Thine. Let it be Thine, for you are greater than I.
(pause)
Lord may your Dearest Essence be blessed. Give my pen fire to warm great Heaven's Breast. Let my words be sweet perfume flying to you as birds, hand me Thee as mine, let my ink be Divine, for You are all in all. Amen.
(from The Muse of all Christian Poets, April 2009 Steve E.)

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 57:14-19 p. 841 (OT) Red Bible
EPISTLE READING Ephesians 2:14-16 p. 235 (NT) Red Bible
Leader: This is the word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE - “The Kingdom of God: Let It Begin with Us” – Sermon #4 in 4-part series: “Overcoming Obstacles to Peace” Justice Series – Pastor Shayne (breakthroughseries online)

WE RESPOND IN FAITH
*HYMN OF RESPONSE “Let There Be Peace on Earth” Hymnal 431
Andrew Goins, Tenor, will sing first, then the congregation will sing

*STATEMENT OF FAITH - THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Hymnal 883

A TIME OF PRAYER – Where have you seen God at work this week?
A PRAYER FOR CENTRAL’S VISION (in unison): Lord, we humbly ask
you to help us passionately live out Central’s vision: “Making God’s love real by planting seeds of compassion, cultivating relationships, and teaching Christ-centered discipleship.”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND PETITION
THE LORD’S PRAYER Hymnal 895

OFFERING OUR GIFTS
GIVING MOMENT: Leader: Blessed are the peacemakers. Our peace comes from Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Let the peace of God be known through our gifts.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Peace-making God, we see violence and strife in our world. We pray to let peace begin with me. May the power of the Holy Spirit move through these gifts to impart peace throughout our community, we pray. Amen
(“Overcoming Obstacles to Peace,” sermon series online)
OFFERTORY – “Morning Has Broken” – Traditional Scottish Tune
*SONG OF PRAISE Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow Hymnal 95

WE ARE SENT TO SERVE IN CHRIST’S NAME
*CLOSING HYMN “In Christ There Is No East or West” Hymnal 548
Pastoral Benediction
POSTLUDE – “We Will Glorify the King of Kings” by Twyla Paris

04/25/2026

Dear Central Family/Friends: Hope you can join us for worship tomorrow morning at 11:00 am. We have a special sermon series going on for another two weeks. If you can't come in person, we stream our services right here on Facebook every Sunday. The order of worship may help you participate online, so you'll find it below. Have a great week. God Bless You, Pastor Shayne

CHIMING THE HOUR
PRELUDE Zack Cross, Musician
GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER Russ Parrish, Liturgist

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: We come before you humbled by the truth of Your Word.
All: You have called us into Your vineyard, yet too often we measure our worth by our own efforts.
Leader: Do not compare your portion to others.
All: Forgive us, Lord, for envy at another's blessings.
Leader: And forgive us our grumbling when Your mercy
offends our sense of fairness.
All: Give us hearts that are grateful for our place in the vineyard.
Leader: Lord, Your justice is always wrapped in mercy.
All: Renew in us the joy of serving You in love.
Leader: May we live each day in the freedom of your grace.
All: In the name of Jesus, giver of all good gifts, we pray. Amen
(Frank Howarh, Central United Methodist, Richmond, VA, from internet sources
and Matthew 20: 1-16)

*OPENING HYMN - “I Am Thine, O Lord” Hymnal 419

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord Jesus, let me seek not to earn what can only be
received by grace. When I serve, let me not try to balance the scales. I know I cannot repay Your supply of extravagant grace because You do not require it. Free the score-keepers in our world and in our hearts. Restore the fallen in our world and in our hearts. Strengthen the broken, uplift the lowly, bring down tyrants, erase the division in in our world. Create a Christ-centered humanity in our world and in our hearts. Use me to help make it so. Amen
(Frank Howarth adapted from John van de Laar)

Assurance of Pardon
Leader: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
ALL: Glory to God. Amen.

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
PSALTER Psalm 103:1-18 Hymnal 824
GOSPEL READING Matthew 20:1-16 p. 26 (NT) Red Bible
Leader: This is the word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE - “When Resenting Is Preventing” – Sermon #2 in 4-part series: “Overcoming Obstacles to Peace” Justice Series

WE RESPOND IN FAITH
*HYMN OF RESPONSE “Make Me a Servant” Faith We Sing 2176
*STATEMENT OF FAITH - THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Hymnal 883

A TIME OF PRAYER – Where have you seen God at work this week?
A PRAYER FOR CENTRAL’S VISION (in unison): Lord, we humbly ask
you to help us passionately live out Central’s vision: “Making God’s love real by planting seeds of compassion, cultivating relationships, and teaching Christ-centered discipleship.”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND PETITION
THE LORD’S PRAYER Hymnal 895

OFFERING OUR GIFTS
GIVING MOMENT: Leader: God is generous, giving to each according to their need. Our resources may vary, but our giving comes from the heart. Recently,
our Easter offering lifted up a woman confined to her wheelchair. By partnering with RampsRVA she was able to participate in outside activities again. Let our generosity reflect the abundance of God to serve “the least of these.”
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, your kingdom is not like the world. Jesus reminds us that
the last will be first, and the first will be last. As coworkers in the kingdom
of God, let our gifts magnify your ways and lift up those whom the world leaves out. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
(“Overcoming Obstacles to Peace,” adapted-Shayne Estes)
OFFERTORY
*SONG OF PRAISE Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow Hymnal 95

WE ARE SENT TO SERVE IN CHRIST’S NAME
*CLOSING HYMN “Pass It On” Hymnal 572
Pastoral Benediction
POSTLUDE