 Fruitland United Methodist Church May 3rd , 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: Lamb of God by Twila Paris Welcoming the Light of Christ Welcome & Announcements: Rev. Jorge R. & Holly K. Good morning, church. Welcome to this time of worship as we gather in the presence of God. Today we come not only to hear the Word, but to receive the grace of Christ at His table. Call to Worship (based on Psalm 95) Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving and praise. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. We come to worship, to listen, and to receive. All: Let us worship God! *Sharing the Peace of Christ. *Opening Hymn: We are One in Christ Jesus/Somos uno en Cristo Scripture Readings: Psalm 119: Holly K. Reader: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God. Time with young Christians Pastor Jorge R. Community Expressions Rev. Jorge & Holly K. Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving & Celebration Prayers for Healing & Wholeness Our Community & World Let us Pray The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name….. Invitation to Generosity Rev. Jorge R. Offertory: “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” by John Greenleaf Whittier and Frederick Maher *Doxology: Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95 Gospel Reading: John 14:1-14 Holly K. Hymn: “Sanctuary” TFWS 2164 Sermon: Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled” Rev. Jorge R. John 14:1–14 There are days… and then there are moments when the heart becomes troubled. Not because of small things, but because of those realities we cannot control: loss… uncertainty… a future we cannot clearly see. Jesus speaks these words in one of those moments. Not on a day of celebration. Not in a moment of victory. But on the eve of the cross. The disciples are confused. They have left everything to follow Him… and now He is talking about leaving. And then Jesus says: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Jesus does not deny their reality. He does not say, “There is no problem.” He does not say, “Everything is easy.” Instead, He says: “Believe in God. Believe also in me.” Faith does not remove the storm… but it changes where we stand in it. There is a difference between living through uncertainty… and living through it without hope. Jesus invites them—and us—to trust even when we do not understand. Then He adds a promise: “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places.” This is more than a promise about heaven. It is a declaration of belonging. “You are not alone. You have a place. You have a home. There is a future prepared for you.” In a world where many feel displaced, unseen, or forgotten… Jesus says: You belong. Not because of what you have done, but because of who God is. Thomas, with honest courage, asks: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” And Jesus responds: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” He does not give directions. He does not hand them a map. He gives them Himself. The way is not a path we figure out… it is a relationship we enter into. Following Jesus is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting the One who walks with us. Then Philip says: “Lord, show us the Father.” And Jesus answers: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” If you want to know what God is like… look at Jesus. Look at how He touches the sick, how He listens to the forgotten, how He forgives, how He draws near, and how He loves. God is not distant. God is not abstract. God has come near. And then comes a surprising promise: “The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do… and, in fact, will do greater works than these.” This sounds impossible. But Jesus is telling them: “My work does not end here. It continues through you.” Faith is not only comfort. Faith is also calling. The church is not only a place that remembers Jesus… it is a community that lives His work in the world. So today we hear again these words: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Not because everything is solved… but because Christ is present. Not because we understand everything… but because we know the One who is the way. Not because there is no pain… but because there is hope. Prayer Lord Jesus, when our hearts are troubled, teach us to trust in you. When we cannot see the way, remind us that you are the way. And when we feel uncertain, help us to live as your people, continuing your work in the world. Amen. Holy Communion Invitation: Christ our Lord invites to His table all who love Him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another. Confession and Pardon Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Time of Silence… Words of Assurance Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen. *Hymn: “One Bread One Body” UMH 2130 The Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Pastor continue with blessing the elements… The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven… Breaking the Bread & Sharing the Cup The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, given for you. Song During Communion One Bread One Body UMH #620 *Sharing the Bread and the Cup (All are welcome at Christ’s Table.) 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. *Closing Hymn Go, Tell It on the Mountain – UMH 251 Benediction: Go forth in peace. Walk in the light of Christ. Share the good news with joy. And may the blessing of God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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 Fruitland United Methodist Church April 26th, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: Welcoming the Light of Christ Welcome & Announcements: Rev. Jorge R. & Leona W. Call to Worship The Lord is our Shepherd; we shall not want. He leads us beside still waters and restores our souls. Jesus calls us by name and leads us to life. We listen for His voice and follow Him. All: Let us worship the Good Shepherd who gives us abundant life. *Sharing the Peace of Christ. “The peace of the rise Christ be with you... *Sing: “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” UMH #381 Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47 Leona W. Time with young Christians Pastor Jorge R. Community Expressions Rev. Jorge & Leona W. Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” Thanksgiving & Celebration Prayers for Healing & Wholeness Our Community & World “and now, we pray in the way that Jesus taught us to pray:” 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 Scripture Reading: I Peter 2:19-25 Leona W. Sing: “Give Thanks” TFWS 2036 Invitation to Generosity Rev. Jorge R. Offertory: *Doxology: Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95 Scripture Reading: John 10:1-10 Leona W. Hymn: “You Are My Hiding Place” TFWS 2055 Sermon: A Pastor in the Way of Jesus Rev. Jorge R. Prayer of Confession: Merciful Shepherd, we confess that we have not always listened to Your voice. We have followed other voices that lead us away from life. We have wandered in our own ways and forgotten Your care. Forgive us, O Lord. Call us again by name. Lead us back to Your path of life and peace. In Christ’s name, Amen. Words of Assurance: Pastor: Hear the good news: The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and restored. Thanks be to God. *Song: “The Summons” TFWS 2130 *Pastoral Benediction: Go now, listening for the voice of the Good Shepherd. Follow where Christ leads you. Serve with love and compassion. And May you know the abundant life that is found in Him alone. *Song of Blessing: “We Are Marching in The Light of God” TFWS 2235-b Postlude: Rev. Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church April 19, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Arioso” by G.F. Handel Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Call to Worship Liturgist There are days . . . And then, there is “that” day. Days that pass without leaving a mark . . . And days that change everything. When hope feels lost . . . Christ walks beside us. When our hearts are weary . . . Christ speaks and restores us. When we do not recognize Him . . . He is still near. Stay with us, Lord. Walk with us. Speak to us. Set our hearts on fire again. Amen *Sharing the Peace of Christ. *Opening Hymn: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” TFWS 2173 *Scripture: Psalm 34: 1-10 Read responsively. Liturgist Time with Young Christians Pastor Jorge Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected. Community Expressions Pastor Jorge & Liturgist Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness Our Community and World Let us pray. Lord’s Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . . Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-23 Liturgist *Sing: “They’ll Know We Are Christians” TFWS 2223 Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “My Jesus, I Love Thee” by Adoriram Gordon *Doxology: UMH 95 Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 13-35 Liturgist The Word of God for the people of God People: Thanks be to God *Sing: “When the Poor Ones” UMH 434 Sermon: “THAT SAME DAY” Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Matthew 24:13-35 There are days... and then there is that day. Days that pass without leaving a mark and days that change everything. Jesus reminds us: “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13) But no one tells us how hard it is to endure when your world is falling apart. That same day... two disciples were walking to Emmaus. They were not famous. Not leaders. Not the inner circle. They were almost unknown. They were... like us. And why them? Why didn’t Jesus appear first to the strong, the certain, the unshakable? Because the Lord is not looking for great names, He is looking for weary hearts. They were on the road to Emmaus. But why Emmaus? Maybe because it was far from Jerusalem. Far from the pain. Far from the cross. Maybe they were running away. Because when hope breaks, we don’t run forward, we drift away. They had seen too much: betrayal, suffering, death. The end of everything they believed in. And they said it plainly: “We had hoped...” Not we hope. But we had hoped. For them, faith had become past tense. And yet... the sun rose. Against all logic. Against every feeling. The sun rose just as it rises over our darkest moments. And with that sunrise came rumors: an empty tomb, angels, voices speaking of life. Too much to believe. Too much to ignore. So they walked on confused, overwhelmed, suspended between grief and something they dared not yet call hope. Then... Jesus came near. Not with power. Not with spectacle. Just walking beside them. That is how God often comes quietly, yet changing everything. “What are you discussing?” He asked. And the question hurt. Because when we speak our pain, we feel it all over again. They answered like a confession of broken faith: “About Jesus... mighty in deeds... crucified... and we had hoped...” How many of us could say the same? “I had hoped in that relationship...” “I had hoped in that dream...” “I had hoped in God...” But Jesus did not leave them there. He spoke. He explained. He reminded them of the story they thought they knew, from beginning to end. He showed them that suffering was not the end, but the way. That the cross was not defeat, but fulfillment. That the worst day... was actually the turning point of everything. And as they walked, something happened. Not around them, within them. Their hearts began to burn. They didn’t understand everything. But they felt something awakening. Hope... returning quietly. When they reached Emmaus, they urged Him: “Stay with us.” Because Jesus never forces His way in. He waits to be invited. They opened the door, and He entered. He sat at the table. He took the bread. He broke it. And in that moment... everything became clear. They recognized Him. And just as suddenly, He was gone. Because now they no longer needed to see Him with their eyes. They knew Him in their hearts. “Were not our hearts burning within us?” Yes burning with truth, burning with hope, burning with life again. Because death did not have the final word. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) And then they did something unexpected: they ran back. In the dark. Without fear. Because when you truly encounter Christ you cannot stay where you are. And what about us? We also walk roads to Emmaus roads of doubt, of disappointment, of “we had hoped.” But we are not alone. Because Jesus still walks beside us, even when we do not recognize Him. He still speaks. Still explains. Still breaks bread. Still sets hearts on fire. Why those two disciples? Because they are all of us the weary, the confused, the searching. Us. And this is the good news: Maybe today... is that same day for you. The day when everything seemed lost but was only just beginning. Amen. *Prayer of Confession: Lord, we confess . . . that sometimes, we walk away, instead of trusting; That we say, “we had hoped,” instead of “we still hope.” We confess that we do not always recognize You when You walk beside us. *Prayer of Confession, continued: Forgive us. Open our eyes. Set our hearts on fire again. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Moment of silence. Assurance of forgiveness: Christ is risen. Christ walks with us. We are forgiven. *Sing: “Sent Out in Jesus’ Name” TFWS 2184 *Benediction Pastor Jorge Go now . . . back into your roads, your homes, your lives. But do not go the same way you came. Because Christ has walked with you. Christ has spoken to you. Christ has set your heart on fire. And maybe . . . today . . .is “that same day.” Amen. *Song of Blessing: “Go Now in Peace” UMH 665 Postlude: “Victory in Jesus” arranged by E.M. Bartlett Rev. Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church April 12, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Panis Angelicus” by Cesar Franck Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Rev. Letha Essinger & Leslie Ward Minute for Mission Leslie Ward *Pastoral Prayer Rev. Letha E. Call to Worship: Psalm 16:5-11 (read responsively) UMH 748 *Sharing the Peace of Christ. *Opening Hymn: “Come, Christians, Join to Sing” UMH 158 Time with Young Christians Rev. Letha E. Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected. Community Expressions Rev. Letha E. & Leslie W. Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness Our Community and World Let us pray. Lord’s Prayer: Our Father and Mother, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and glory forever. Amen. *Congregational Song “Holy, Holy” TFWS 2039 Invitation to Generosity Rev. Letha E. Offertory: “In Remembrance of Me” by Ragan Courtney and Buryl Red *Doxology: “Breathe on Me Breath of God” by E. Hatch and R. Jackson Gospel Reading: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Letha E. Leader: The Word of God for the people of God People: Thanks be to God *Congregational Song “ I Love to Tell the Story” UMH 156 Sermon: “BUT THE BIBLE SAYS” Pastor Letha *Affirmation of Faith (1 Timothy) UMH 889 Leader: There is one God and there is one mediator, Christ Jesus, who came as a ransom for all, to whom we testify. People: This saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance: That Jesus Christ came into the world so save sinners, and was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. Great indeed is the mystery of the gospel. Amen. *Congregational Song: “Lift High the Cross” UMH 159 *Benediction: Rev. Letha E. Postlude: “Dona Nobis Pacem” (Grant us Peace) Rev. Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church April 5th, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Panis Angelicus” by Cesar Franck *Processional Hymn: Alleluia TFW 2078 Words of Welcome Rev. Jorge R. & Jay Whitcomb Easter Proclamation Beloved, Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Our Savior is risen! Our Savior is risen indeed! Alleluia! Steadfast Love is risen! Steadfast Love is risen indeed! Alleluia! This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Alleluia! Today is a day of celebration! Alleluia! Christ is risen indeed! AMEN. *Sharing the Peace of Christ. *Opening Hymn: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (vs. 1-4) UMH #302 Scripture Reading: Acts 10:34-43 Pew Bible Pg. 1710 Jay W. Easter Prayer Rev. Jorge R. This is the good new of our Lord Jesus Christ for all people. Glory to God! Amen. We are Easter people: Raise us to new life, O God! Amen. Children’s Moment (Story Time) *Hymn: Up From the Grave He Arose UMH #322 Chase V. Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 Pew Bible pg. 1834 Jay W. Offering & Invitation to Generosity Rev. Jorge R. Offertory: “Breathe on Me Breath of God” by E. Hatch and R. Jackson *Doxology: Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95 Gospel Reading: John 20:1-18 Pew Bible pg. 1685 Jay W. *Congregational Song “ Christ Is Alive” UMH #318 Chase V. Sermon: “From Darkness to Light: Encounter and Transformation” Rev. Jorge R. John 20:1–18 It is still dark. Not only because the sun has not risen, but because the heart has not found light either. Mary Magdalene walks alone. Her steps are slow and heavy. Each step carries the weight of a lost love, of a broken hope, of a Friday that still hurts. She is not going looking for miracles. She is going to say goodbye one more time. And if we are honest, many of us know what that walk feels like. That inner dawn, when everything seems finished. When God is silent. When faith does not illuminate but simply keeps us company in the dark. Today, we walk with Mary. And perhaps, in her story, we discover our own. Mary arrives, and something is not right. The stone has been removed. But this does not bring hope. It brings confusion, fear, and desperation. She is not thinking about resurrection. She is thinking about loss again. “They have taken the Lord,” she says, almost out of breath. She runs. She searches. She asks. Because when life surprises us with something we do not understand, the first thing we do is not believe, but try to explain. How many times has this happened to us? Situations that do not make sense, doors that close, unexpected changes. And we ask, “Where is God in all of this?” The removed stone does not always feel like good news. Sometimes it feels like chaos. Peter and the other disciple run. They too are restless. They too are looking for answers. They arrive at the tomb and look. They see the linen cloths and the folded cloth. Everything is there, but nothing makes sense. The text tells us something profound: they had not yet understood the Scripture. They see, but they do not comprehend. They observe, but they do not fully believe. And this is so human. Many times we also see what God is doing, but we do not understand it in the moment. We see signs, but we do not know how to interpret them. We see changes, but we do not recognize God’s work in them. It takes more than physical eyes. It takes eyes of faith. And those often open slowly. Everyone leaves. But Mary stays. She weeps. And there is something sacred about that. Because sometimes, the place of the miracle is not where we run, but where we choose to remain, even when it hurts. She looks into the tomb and sees angels. But even that does not change her sorrow. Because when pain is deep, even the extraordinary is not enough. Then it happens. Someone is there. Jesus. But she does not recognize Him. She thinks He is the gardener. Because pain also clouds our vision. Until something simple happens, yet deeply transformative. Jesus says just one word: “Mary.” And in that moment, everything changes. The darkness breaks. The confusion fades. The grief is transformed. Because when Jesus calls your name, there is no doubt. There is no distance. There is no death that has the final word. Brothers and sisters, the story does not end with Mary. The story continues with us. Because the same risen Jesus is still calling names. Not loudly from the sky, but deep within the heart. In the middle of sorrow, in the middle of uncertainty, in the middle of unanswered questions, Jesus says your name. You are not just one more. You are not invisible. You are not forgotten. You are called. The question is not whether He speaks. The question is: are we listening? Do we recognize His voice in the middle of our tears? Are we willing to move from the tomb to testimony? Mary arrived weeping. She left proclaiming. She arrived in darkness. She left in light. She arrived looking for a body. She left proclaiming life. “I have seen the Lord.” That is faith. Not an idea. Not a theory. An encounter. And today, that same encounter is available. Because the resurrection is not only something that happened. It is something that is still happening. In lives that rise again. In hearts that believe again. In people who discover that the story does not end in the tomb. As Violeta Parra once said, “life itself is a song.” And today, Christ invites us to sing. To live. To proclaim. To say with Mary: “I have seen the Lord.” The Great Thanksgiving Rev. Letha E. & Pastor Jorge The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! And so, in remembrance of your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Pastor continues with the blessings of elements.... The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father and Mother, who art in heave, hallowed be thy name........ Service of Holy Communion *Hymn: One Bread, One Body UMH #620 *Benediction: May God’s abiding love and living hope give us new life. May God’s unmerited grace and mercy sustain us with hope. And may God’s restoring justice bring peace to all. For steadfast love is risen! Steadfast love is risen indeed! Alleluia! Amen. *Song of Blessing: “Alleluia” (Honduras) TFWS 2078 Postlude: “Dona Nobis Pacem” (Grant us Peace) Rev. Jorge Rodriguez [email protected] |