5th Sunday of Easter • Holy Communion • May 3, 2026

Welcome to worship with First UMC Santa Monica!
We count it a blessing that you are joining us today. To find out more about this community of faith, go to: https://santamonicaumc.org/

Order of Worship: https://santamonicaumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/05-03-26-oow-binder-opt.pdf
* Let's Connect / New Visitor Sign In: https://santamonicaumc.org/new-visitor-sign-in?fbclid=iwar3p-tngjzdufsx9bnmmcbr13fgruw4r8nfbhhqqk5hebj3o1tb-iwqu3og
Prayer Requests: https://santamonicaumc.org/prayer-requests
Thank you for participating online! Consider a donation to keep this feature in place: https://santamonicaumc.org/give
Hymns Used by Permission: CCLI Streaming License: 4034411
----------------------
Welcome Tricia Guerrero, Pastoral Associate
Prelude Rhosymedre (R. Vaughan Williams) Ty Woodward, organ
*Processional Hymn #60 United Methodist Hymnal — I’ll Praise My Maker While I’ve Breath

*Call To Worship Terri Pearson, Lay Lector
God is in our midst, forming us to be God’s own people.
Though the way may be difficult, God will be with us.
We need not fear.
In the Lord we will take our refuge, for God is our strength.
Come to the Lord who will surround you with God’s own righteousness.
Lord, open our hearts and our spirits so that we may faithfully follow.

*Choral Act of Praise
“God is our refuge and our strength! Amen.”

*Sharing the Peace of Christ Terri Pearson

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Jamie Jones, Family Ministries Coordinator
#2233 The Faith We Sing — Where Children Belong
This, this is where children belong, welcomed as part of the worshiping throng.
Water, God’s word, bread and cup, prayer and song: This is where children belong.

I Am a Child of God
I am a child of God; You are God’s child, it’s true. Children of God are called to love one
another, as Jesus taught to do.

Our Mission & Common Life Tricia Guerrero
We give thanks for God’s Creating Spirit that continues to give us life and lead us forward!
Thanks be to God!
Silent Prayer & Pastoral Prayer Rev. Keri Olsen Paget, Deacon Associate

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Choral Response

The Gospel John 14:1-14 Ben Ing, Lay Lector
The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!

Homily “The Way” Rev. Greg Batson, Senior Minister

We Offer Our Gifts & Ourselves Ben Ing

Offertory The Chancel Choir/Ty Woodward, conductor
Down to the River to Pray (arr. Philip Lawson)
As I went down to the river to pray, studyin’ about that good old way and who shall wear the starry crown. Good Lord, show me the way. Oh, sisters, let’s go down, come on down, down to the river to pray. Oh brothers, let’s go down, come on down, down to the river to pray. Oh fathers, let’s go down, come on down to the river to pray. Oh mothers, let’s go down, come on down to the river to pray. Oh Sinners, let’s go down, come on down to the river to pray. As I went down to the river to pray, studyin’ about that good old way and who shall wear the starry crown. Good Lord, show me the way.

*RESPONSE #94 UMH — The Doxology

*UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION Ben Ing
Way-Making God, your offer to us is not just to believe in heaven, but to live the kingdom life here and now. Through Jesus, you show us the way, the truth, and the life—calling us to deeper trust, wider welcome, and greater works of grace. As we bring our gifts, we step into that life, choosing generosity over fear and hope over judgment. Use these offerings, and use us, to make your dwelling places visible in our community, in our compassion, in our courage. We give, because we’ve heard your voice. In Christ’s name. Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion Rev. Batson

#164 UMH — Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
#618 UMH — Let Us Break Bread Together
#628 UMH — Eat This Bread

Unison Prayer after Communion Rev. Olsen Paget
Thank you, God, for uniting us with Jesus in this holy mystery. We are no longer our own, but yours. So send us, and put us to leading and serving in your mission wherever we go. Amen.

*Hymn #188 UMH — Christ Is the World’s Light
*Benediction Rev. Batson
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Postlude Rondeau from Sinfonies de Fanfares (Jean Joseph Mouret) Ty Woodward

Видео 5th Sunday of Easter • Holy Communion • May 3, 2026 канала Santa Monica UMC