Wellspring Church

This church is permanently closed!

Today is our last worship service at 10am. Due to Covid-19, we are very limited, so our worship service will be here on our page. Please join us here for the celebration of ministry of Wellspring Church.

May God continue to guide and bless all of you.

WELLSPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1997 – 2020

ORDER OF CLOSING WORSHIP
June 21, 2020

(*) indicates where we invite you to stand as you are able.
THE CHURCH GATHERS

PRELUDE “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” Heber & D***s

WELCOME

SPECIAL GREETING FROM Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar
Rev. Megan Stowe, District Superintendent

*CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 150 with Response 1 UMH #862
Response: Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Leader: Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary;
People: praise God in his might firmament!
Leader: Praise God for his mighty deeds;
People: praise God for his exceeding greatness!
Leader: Praise God with trumpet sound;
People: praise God with lute and harp!
Leader: Praise God with tambourine and dance;
People: praise God with strings and pipe!
Leader: Praise God with sounding cymbals; 1
People: Praise God with loud clashing cymbals!
Leader: Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
People: Praise the Lord!
Response: Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ is risen!

*OPENING SONG “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” UMH #89
1. Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heaven reflect thy rays,
stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,
wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine;
teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began;
love divine is reigning o’er us, binding all within its span.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music leads us sunward, in the triumph song of life.

*OPENING PRAYER (unison) Taken from John 17: Jesus’ prayer for believers Gracious God, Jesus prayed for his disciples, and he prayed also for those who believe in Christ as Savior through their message with the result that all believers may be one. Jesus prayed, “Father just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe you have sent me.” We have received the glory that you gave Christ, that we may be one with Christ as he and you are one. We are still working on becoming unified so that the world knows you love everyone.
Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, we know you, and we understand that you have sent us and are sending us into the world that we may love you and the world the way that you love Christ and love us. By your power we will continue to make you known to others in order that the love you have for us may be in them and that Christ may be in them also.
O Everlasting God and Father of us all, we give you all the praise and glory with thanksgiving for our faith and the years we have shared that faith together and we pray in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen. 2

THE CHURCH LISTENS

SCRIPTURE Gospel – Acts 1:1-8
The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He trough the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which”, He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

MEDITATION “Power for New Things” Pastor Nancy R. Allen

*INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP HYMN
“Open My Eyes That I May See” UMH #454
1. Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me
place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my ears that I may hear voices of truth thou sendest clear;
And while the wavenotes fall on my hear, everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine.

Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth
everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare love with thy children thus to share.
Silently, now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

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THE CHURCH RESPONDS

LITANY OF THANKSGIVING Floyd Harrison
Leader: Blessed be the name of God, whose Word has long been proclaimed within this hallowed place.
People: We give you thanks, O God.
Leader: As generations have prayed their prayers and sung your praises here, your Spirit has blessed countless worshipers.
People: We give you thanks, O God.
Leader: We have celebrated the Lord’s Supper here and been nurtured by it through our journey in faith.
People: We give you thanks, O God.
Leader: We have rejoiced here as believers have confessed faith in Christ.
People: We give you thanks, O God.
Leader: Here we have baptized our children and mourned our dead.
People: We give you thanks, O God.
Leader: As new families have been created through marriage, we, our parents, and our children have vowed at this altar to love, honor, and cherish always.
People: We give you thanks, O God.
Leader: From within these walls many have gone out to serve you in the world.
People: We give you thanks, O God.
Leader: As we go now from this house into a further journey of faith,
People: We give you thanks, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC “I Love to Tell the Story” Hankey & Fischer
“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” Hoffman & Showalter
Patrice Thibodeau and Floyd Harrison, singing

AN ORDER OF DISBANDING A CONGREGATION

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH Members

ROLL OF THE PASTORS Pat Thibodeau

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DECLARATION OF PURPOSE Pastor Nancy
The time has come for this congregation of Christ’s holy Church, under God’s leadership, to disband and take leave of our place in the community of Shrewsbury.
This building has been shared with us by Trinity Episcopal Church for the ministry of God’s Holy Word and Sacraments.
It has provided refuge and comfort for God’s people.
It has served well our holy faith.
It is fitting, therefore, that we should take our leave of one another and of this space, lifting up our hearts in thanksgiving for this common store of memories.

AN ORDER FOR DISBANDING A CONGREGATION Rev. Megan Stowe
This congregation named the Wellspring United Methodist Church of Shrewsbury, was organized as a part of Christ’s holy Church and of The United Methodist Church.
It was God’s gift for a season.
We are thankful for the many ways it has served the mission given to it by Jesus Christ.
It has accomplished its purpose.
We declare that it is no longer a United Methodist congregation and is now disbanded.
But Christ’s holy Church is of God, and will be preserved to the end of time, for the conduct of worship and the due administration of God’s Word and Sacraments, the maintenance of Christian fellowship and discipline, the edification of believers, and the conversion of the world.
We remain part of Christ’s ongoing Church, and as we scatter into other congregations, we shall still be one with Christ, and one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet.

SPECIAL MUSIC “Just As I Am” Elliott & Bradbury

CLOSING PRAYER
O God, as in your great goodness you have blessed the many ministries carried on by this congregation in this building and in so many other places, so, now and in the days and years to come, we pray that you may greatly bless your many ministries in your ongoing Church. Bless those persons who have worshipped in this place and will now be worshipping in other congregations and other places. As disciples of the risen Christ, may we be channels at all times of your steadfast love; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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*CLOSING HYMN “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” UMH #557
1. Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

2. Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our
cares.

3. We share each other’s woes, our mutual burdens bear;
and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.

4. When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.

*BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE “Alleluia” Gatlin
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. May all our alleluias when spoken and heard be heart- felt thanks to thee, dear Lord, and not just lovely words; and may each passing moment ’til the ending of our days be filled to over-flowing with our never ending praise. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

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We gave Nancy a farewell retirement gift.

CORRECTED BULLETIN!
WORSHIP FOR JUNE 14, 2020

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

DRAWING NEAR TO GOD

WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Reminder: In this time of quarantine, let us not forget our church. Also, even though we are not meeting in-person, we still have bills to pay; please do your best to keep up your pledge. If this has become financially difficult, please let Jean Folsom know. Thank you all and God bless.

CALL TO WORSHIP
Pastor: You were not made for the sabbath, but the sabbath was made for you.
People: We choose to gather on this sabbath to worship, to pray, and to share with one another.
Pastor: Jesus asked, “Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to harm, to save life or to kill?”
People: We choose compassion and justice and healing. In this sabbath time together we choose life.

OPENING HYMN “My Tribute” UMH #99
To God be the glory, to God be the glory,
to God be the glory for the things he has done.
With his blood he has saved me; with his power he has raised me;
to God be the glory for the things he has done.
OPENING PRAYER (Unison)
O holy God, we know the beauty of this June day and we are grateful. We experience the warm stirring of summer and the fullness of bountiful earth, and we are grateful. We share the love of family and friends and the family and friendship that is our church, and we are grateful. Through the grace of Christ Jesus, we know the opportunity to bring new selves to this new day that we might worship with our community in joy and thanksgiving and be filled with the good news we would offer everyone. For all these things we are deeply grateful. Amen.

A TIME OF PRAYER

SONG “More Precious than Silver” TFWS #2065
Lord, you are more precious than silver.
Lord, you are more costly than gold.
Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds,
and nothing I desire compares with you.


PREPARING TO PRAY
Sharing of Prayers, Joys and Concerns:
Joys: “Thanks be to God.”
Concerns: “Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayers”.

PASTORAL PRAYER

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.

SPECIAL MUSIC sung by Pat Thibodeau and Floyd Harrison

“In the Garden” Austin Miles

I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.

Refrain: And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.


“I Need Thee Every Hour” Hawks & Lowry

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord, no tender voice like thine can peace afford.

Refrain: I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

“In the Garden”

He speaks, and the sound of his voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing, and the melody that he gave to me within my heart is ringing.

Refrain: And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his
own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

“I Need Thee Every Hour”

I need thee every hour, most Holy one; oh make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.

Refrain: I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

“In the Garden”

I’d stay in the garden with him though the night around me be falling, but he bids me go; thru the voice of woe his voice to me is calling.

Refrain: And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

SCRIPTURE READING - Matthew 9:35-10:8
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” 10 1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

Pastor: The word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.

SERMON “Your Calling” Pastor Nancy Allen

CLOSING SONG “The Trees of the Field” TFWS #2279
You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;
the mountains and the hills will break forth before you;
there’ll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field will clap, will clap their hands,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands,
the trees of the field will clap their hands,
the trees of the field will clap theirs
while you go out with joy.

THE BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH (BENEDICTION)

Please read aloud words marked in “Bold” print.

Dear Congregation,

Kris S. and I are in the process of putting together a booklet of memories of the church. As we come down to the closing, we want to make a keepsake. Please write a paragraph or two as to what the church has meant to you. This is so important at this time, as these words will mean so much to our history in the days and years ahead. We hope to hear the thoughts from each person who has been part of the church.
Please send them to [email protected] by Thursday, June 18th.
Thank you,
Sandy T.

WORSHIP FOR JUNE 14, 2020

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

DRAWING NEAR TO GOD

WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Reminder: In this time of quarantine, let us not forget our church. Also, even though we are not meeting in-person, we still have bills to pay; please do your best to keep up your pledge. If this has become financially difficult, please let Jean Folsom know. Thank you all and God bless.

CALL TO WORSHIP
Pastor: You were not made for the sabbath, but the sabbath was made for you.
People: We choose to gather on this sabbath to worship, to pray, and to share with one another.
Pastor: Jesus asked, “Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to harm, to save life or to kill?”
People: We choose compassion and justice and healing. In this sabbath time together we choose life.

OPENING HYMN “My Tribute” UMH #308
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;
endless is the victory thou e’er death hast won.
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
kept the folded graveclothes where thy body lay.

Refrain: Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;
Endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.

Lo! Jesus meets thee, risen from the tomb;
lovingly he greets thee, scatters fear and gloom.
Let the church with gladness hymns of triumph sing,
for our Lord now liveth; death hath lost its sting.

Refrain

No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life!
Life is naught without thee; aid us in our strife.
Make us more than conquerors, through thy deathless love;
bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above.

Refrain

OPENING PRAYER (Unison)
O holy God, we know the beauty of this June day and we are grateful. We experience the warm stirring of summer and the fullness of bountiful earth, and we are grateful. We share the love of family and friends and the family and friendship that is our church, and we are grateful. Through the grace of Christ Jesus, we know the opportunity to bring new selves to this new day that we might worship with our community in joy and thanksgiving and be filled with the good news we would offer everyone. For all these things we are deeply grateful. Amen.


A TIME OF PRAYER

SONG “More Precious than Silver” TFWS #2065
Lord, you are more precious than silver.
Lord, you are more costly than gold.
Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds,
and nothing I desire compares with you.


PREPARING TO PRAY
Sharing of Prayers, Joys and Concerns:
Joys: “Thanks be to God.”
Concerns: “Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayers”.

PASTORAL PRAYER

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.

SPECIAL MUSIC sung by Pat Thibodeau and Floyd Harrison

“In the Garden” Austin Miles

I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.

Refrain: And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

“I Need Thee Every Hour” Hawks & Lowry

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord, no tender voice like thine can peace afford.

Refrain: I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

“In the Garden”

He speaks, and the sound of his voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing, and the melody that he gave to me within my heart is ringing.

Refrain: And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his
own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

“I Need Thee Every Hour”

I need thee every hour, most Holy one; oh make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.

Refrain: I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

“In the Garden”

I’d stay in the garden with him though the night around me be falling, but he bids me go; thru the voice of woe his voice to me is calling.

Refrain: And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

SCRIPTURE READING - Matthew 9:35-10:8
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” 10 1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

Pastor: The word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.

SERMON “Your Calling” Pastor Nancy Allen

CLOSING SONG “The Trees of the Field” TFWS #2279
You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;
the mountains and the hills will break forth before you;
there’ll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field will clap, will clap their hands,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands,
the trees of the field will clap their hands,
the trees of the field will clap theirs
while you go out with joy.

THE BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH (BENEDICTION)

Please read aloud words marked in “Bold” print.

Dear Congregation,

Kris S. and I are in the process of putting together a booklet of memories of the church. As we come down to the closing, we want to make a keepsake. Please write a paragraph or two as to what the church has meant to you. This is so important at this time, as these words will mean so much to our history in the days and years ahead. We hope to hear the thoughts from each person who has been part of the church.
Please send them to [email protected] by Thursday, June 18th.
Thank you,
Sandy T.

The Fount

WELLSPRING WELCOMES YOU! June 14, 2020

We hope your time with us has been a blessing and wish you God’s peace in the coming week. Please feel free to contact Pastor Nancy with any questions.
(Church office 508-842-4665). Join us again!

June Birthdays –
Gina S. (6/4), Pam F. (6/6), Danny B. (6/8), Sean C. (6/8), Paul C. (6/12)
and Jeff T. (6/12)

June Anniversaries –
Phil and Cindy Henderson (6/14).

Standing in the Need of Prayer …
All the members of Wellspring Church as we look to close our church, Deb. B.; Usha P. (Lax’s mom); John and Sue G.; Kim H.; Pastor Ron D.; Maddie; Sandy’s aunt; Carol and Beth; Colin B.; Joan Culliton’s family; Sandy’s niece, Falynne; Rich D.; Sybil L.; Gina’s friend David; Paul C.; Marti D.; Norma C., Marilyn; Debbie, Michelle’s friend; Sue H.; Katie, who has a date for her surgery in June; Ruth M.; Melissa; Julie’s sister-in-law; Cindy; Marie; Michael D.; Diana; Dyla; the Bongiovi family; Amanda; Todd H.; Jean L.; Margaret; Roger; Lillian A.; Marion C.; Sandy M.; Rev. Agunwamba; Sharon and Alden M.; Jack; Marion S.; special needs children – may those with autism find acceptance; those battling cancer and their friends and family who battle it with them; those in mourning; those in transitions; the lost and lonely, the homeless and hungry; all who don’t have families or have been given up on them; all those struggling with Covid-19…

FYI: Pastor Nancy’s new address is:
Pastor Nancy Allen
5 Tucker Terrace
Raynham, MA 02767

Good morning all,
I hope most of you know by now that the Bishop has requested we not do an in-person worship service for our closing. Even with it held outside with all the guidelines given by the Governor's Office, the Bishop feels we would be risking too much to have in-person worship.

Since we are only doing the service online, the reason for the 3pm time has been eliminated. Having had many chats with members of the congregation, it seems better in the long run to continue as we have been doing on Facebook Live at 10am June 21st. If you know of folks that won't get this email that were planning on being here, please let them know. If the change in time is problematic for anyone in our church family, please let me know so we can try other options for that individual.

Our page will remain up and functioning 'til the end of the year so we can use it for our get-together in the fall.

Blessings,

Rev. Nancy R Allen

Part-time Local Pastor
Wellspring Church
Shrewsbury, MA 01545