FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
May 18, 2025 | 8:30 & 11:00am
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
Prelude
Andante cantabile
Joseph Wackenthaler (1795-1869)
Welcome
Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children & Families
*Call to Worship
Leader: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens!
People: Praise the Lord, sun and moon, and all you shining stars;
Leader: Praise the Lord, you highest heavens, you mountains and you hills;
People: God’s glory is above heaven and earth;
All: Let all creation praise the Lord!
Gathering Hymn 611 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, Verse 1
*Corporate Confession (Unison)
Gracious God, you bring new life out of death,
and we confess our need for new life.
We have hurt others and been hurt by them.
We are too often angry and afraid.
We live in ways that do not lead
to peace and compassion.
Forgive us and pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
so that in our loving and our living, we might glorify you.
Amen.
*Assurance of God’s Love
*Response Alleluia
*Passing of the Peace
*Hymn
32 I Sing the Mighty Power of God (Ellacombe)
LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD
Word to the Children
When the music begins, children are invited to gather on the chancel steps as we sing, “This is where children belong, part of our family, part of our song. Be with us, pray with us, help us grow strong: this is where children belong.” Please note the 11:00am service is livestreamed and your child’s image may appear on the video.
Sacrament of Holy Baptism (11:00am)
*The Baptismal Creed (Unison)
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. We trust in the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Creator, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Excerpted from A Brief Statement of Faith.)
Anthem
Fantasy on “Westminster Quarters” (8:30am)
Hal H. Hopson (b. 1933)
One Voice (11:00am)
Ruth Moody
Prayer for Illumination (Unison)
May we roll the stones away
from the hidden places in our lives,
revealing the light, life, and love
you have for us! Amen.
Scripture Lesson
Acts 11:1-18 (Pew Bible New Testament Page 113)
Response to Reading
Leader: Listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Eruptions of Grace
Rev. Clover Reuter Beal, Co-Pastor
Moment for Reflection
Musical Reflection
A Modal Air (8:30am)
Michael Bedford (b. 1949)
Anchored in de Lord (11:00am)
Spiritual, arr. M. Roger Holland II
This morning’s performance of “Anchored in de Lord” – an American Negro Spiritual – is presented in accordance with our reparations royalty pilot program: a practice of valuing the musical contributions of enslaved Africans to American worship and song. Congregants are invited to make a reparation royalty contribution via the pew offering envelope (write “reparations royalty”). Contributions can also be made online at Montview.org/giving (One-time gift: Reparations Royalty Fund) or by clicking here.
RESPONDING TO GOD’S GRACE
Reception of Confirmands (11:00am)
Blessing of the Confirmands (Unison) (11:00am)
We bless you on this journey of faith. May the Spirit guide your steps, and Christ’s love dwell deeply in you. Thanks be to God for the gift of your life and your place in this community!
Reception of New Members (11:00am)
*Unison Prayer
With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you into Christ’s church, to share with us this ministry, for we are all one in Christ. Amen.
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist, Associate Pastor
Making a financial gift makes Montview’s programs and ministries possible, including this worship service. You are invited to give generously at www.montview.org/giving or by texting a dollar amount to 720.452.6449. Offering boxes are stationed at the exit for cash and checks. We’re grateful for your support.
All are invited to sign and pass the Friendship Pad and greet each other by name.
*Prayer of Dedication (Unison)
God, you have so greatly loved us, long sought us, and mercifully redeemed us. Give us grace that in everything, we may yield ourselves, our wills and our works, a continual thank offering to you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Response
607 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Doxology)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer (Unison)
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
475 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Nettleton)
SENDING IN GOD’S LOVE
*Charge and Benediction
*Benediction Response (11:00am)
When Rooks Fly Homeward
Arthur Baynon
Postlude
Toccata, Op. 53, No. 6
Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT: THE 20S/30S GROUP
Did you know that Montview is building a group for young adults in their 20s/30s? Recently we met over bowling. Next, we’ll discuss Friendship in the Time of Loneliness on three consecutive Wednesdays, enjoy some jazz at City Park Jazz in August, and tee-off at Top Golf in November. We’re working to offer childcare and financial assistance, if needed. Visit our table in the Commons today to learn more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Summer Schedule
Next Sunday, May 25 | One Service at 10:00am
Our summer schedule will begin next Sunday, May 25. There will be one worship service at 10:00am and childcare from 9:30-11:30am. Following the 10:00am service, we’ll gather for fellowship time outside on the South Plaza.
What’s Happening at Montview?
Attend the All-Church Cookout on June 1; learn how to become a Sunday School teacher; be part of a Habitat for Humanity workday and more in our This Week @ Montview email. Click here to access the latest edition.
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Preacher: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal
Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist and Sandy Prouty
Conductor: Adam Waite
Organ: Yinying Luo
Bell Choir: Montview Ringers (8:30am)
Youth Choir: Jubilate Singers (11:00am)
Reader: Douglas Easton (11:00am)
Sound: Cate Thieme
Video: John Goerner
Chorus: Westminster Choir (11:00am)
PARISH NEWS
Prayer Tree
Mary Jo Bush, mourning the death of her sister, Brenda Jess; Jolene Cranston; Bryn Dunham, mourning the death of her mother; Dick Getzinger, brother of Nancy Getzinger; Margaret Gonder, sister of John Gonder; Mark Haynes; Joe Hickman; Carol Lanaghen; Daisy Langston, niece of Aimee Sanders; Eden Murphy; Mac Murphy; Scot Sandoval, son of Juanita Martinez; Lynne Sheridan, mourning the death of her brother; Jewel Wegs
Flower Dedication
The flowers in the chancel today are given to the glory of God by Candace Wolhart and Jim Thomas in celebration of Jim’s retirement after 42 years of practicing law.
Pastoral Care Concerns
Please reach out to the church with pastoral care concerns such as illnesses, hospitalizations, deaths, births, or any other change of personal circumstances or condition. Contact: caring@montview.org or (303) 355-1651 (general mailbox voicemail).
TODAY AT MONTVIEW
8:00am-12:30pm
Childcare – Ages Birth-7
Location: Preschool Floor
Enter via the Commons past Heritage Center to the Education wing.
8:30am
Worship Service
Location: Sanctuary
11:00am
Worship Service
Location: Sanctuary
12:00pm
Confirmation Reception
Location: South Plaza
Westminster Choir Picnic
Location: South Plaza
MONTVIEW CHURCH STAFF
Co-Pastor: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal
Executive Minister: Rev. Dr. Jason Hays
Associate Pastor of Youth and Families: Rev. Amanda Osenga
Assoc. Pastor for Congregational Care and Older Adults: Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist
Minister of Music: Adam Waite
Minister of Children and Families: Sandy Prouty
Interim Senior Director of Operations and Finance: Rev. Dr. John Thexton
Director of Finance: Dan Gasser
Director of Video Services: John Goerner
Building Manager: Brandon Severinsen
Associate Minister of Music and Organist: Yinying Luo
Assistant Minister of Children’s Music: Becki Cornwall
Executive Assistant to the Co-Pastors: Beth Ellsworth
Membership Coordinator/Scheduler: Todd Rembe
Communications Coordinator: Christine Hofstad
Mission Life Coordinator: Jennifer Seward
Administrative Assistant for Faith Formation: Trisha Pshak
Music Ministry Administrator: Heidi Shriver
Administrative Assistant to Older Adult Ministries: Debby Sycamore
Sunday Sound Engineer: Cate Thieme
Sextons: Chantelle Bartlett, Brian Hamner and Braiden Roper
ABOUT THIS SERVICE
Assistive listening devices are available in the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary.
Restrooms are available in the Commons. An all-gender restroom is available on the lower level across from the Youth Cellar.
Childcare is available for ages Birth-7 on the Preschool floor.
A room for families with children who are not enjoying the service is below the sanctuary with livestream.
Please note that the 11:00am service will be livestreamed to several social media platforms and your image may appear on the livestream video.
MONTVIEW BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80220
303.355.1651 | www.montview.org