Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, Sunday Service for March 23, 2025

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.” Luke 13:6 OUR CHURCH AT WORSHIP - March 23, 2025 - Youth Sunday (0:00) PRELUDE “Simple Gifts” – Aaron Copland Althea Waites (0:33) CALL TO WORSHIP - adapted from Psalm 63 Leader: You are our God, our souls thirst for you. People: We will bless you as long as we live. Leader: We will lift up our hands and call on your name! People: Under your protection we sing for joy, grateful for your help. (1:11) HYMN #92 - “For the Beauty of the Earth” vs 1, 2 & 6 For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth over and around us lies; Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light; Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. For thyself, best Gift Divine, to the world so freely given, For that great, great love of thine, peace on earth, and joy in heaven: Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. (3:34) PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND RENEWAL Unison: Creator God, You have nurtured each of us to produce the fruits of compassion and justice in the world. Yet there are times when we find that our branches are bare. We rush about in our daily lives, but our deep hungers are not satisfied; our fears and anxieties persist. Show us your power and your glory. Take our weariness and renew our hope, for our souls thirst for you, the living God. Open our hearts and clear our minds. Help us to find the path that leads to a fruitful life in you, our God. Amen. (4:37) SILENT PRAYER (4:48) WORDS OF ASSURANCE Clara (5:03) CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty, Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity! (6:02) THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH Jonathan Chute (9:52) SLIDESHOW Cody (14:00) THE WORD FOR CHILDREN Maggie (18:30) ANTHEM - “Amazing Love!” – David Rasbach Chancel Choir (23:35) PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION April Herron (30:57) 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, forever. Amen. (31:45) OFFERING OUR GIFTS AND OURSELVES (32:27) OFFERTORY - “Rêverie” – Claude Debussy Athena (37:38) DOXOLOGY #95 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures, here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. (38:24) SCRIPTURE - Luke 13:1-9 Parable of the Barren Fig Tree pg. 92, New Testament (40:39) SERMON - “Youth Reflections” Jack Heath, Katherine (49:09) HYMN - “As the Deer” As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after You; You alone are my hearts desire, and I long to worship You! (Refrain) You alone are my strength, my shield; To You alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship You. I want You more than gold or silver, only You can satisfy. You alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye. (Refrain) (50:57) BENEDICTION AND CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE God be with you till we meet again, by his counsels guide, uphold you, With his sheep securely fold you. God be with you till we meet again. POSTLUDE “Organ Concerto in G Major” – Handel Althea Waites Downloadable Bulletin: https://rhumc.org/documents/2025/bull... Rolling Hills United Methodist Church is happy to offer a convenient way to offer your support to our ministries with the option of online giving: https://rhumc.org/giving/ NEW TO THE CHURCH? We are grateful that we can worship together. Please use our digital welcome pad by clicking on the link below. Thank you! https://rhumc.org/get-connected/membe...