Pastor: David range
May 17, 2026
Miramar United Methodist Church
in the heart of Miramar, a place for gathering, healing, and sending out friends, helping to create a sense of family to find new life in Christ.
Part of the United Methodist family where we make disciples for the
Transformation of the world.
Order of Worship for
May 17, 2026, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. services
Please see the end of the bulletin for some additional important information
CALL TO WORSHIP
*Hymn 89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee+
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!
2 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.
3 Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring 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.
4 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.
WORDS: Henry Van Dyke, 1907; st. 4 alt. 1989 MUSIC: Ludwig van Beethoven, 1824; arr. by Edward Hodges, 1864
PRAYER
*PRAISE AND WORSHIP
This little light of mine (Sing once)
1 This little light of mine, I'm goin’a let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm goin’a let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm goin’a let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
2 Everywhere I go, I'm goin’a let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I'm goin’a let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I'm goin’a let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
3 All through the night, I'm goin’a let it shine.
All through the night, I'm goin’a let it shine.
All through the night, I'm goin’a let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Afro-American spiritual adapt. by William Farley Smith, 1987
Kum Ba Yah(Sing once)
1 Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
2 Someone’s praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
3 Someone’s crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
4 Someone needs you, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone needs you, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone needs you, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
5 Someone’s singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
6 Let us praise the Lord, kum ba yah!
Let us praise the Lord, kum ba yah!
Let us praise the Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
WORDS: Afro-American spiritual MUSIC: Afro-American spiritual; harm. by Carlton R. Young, 1988, 1986
Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord (Sing once)
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You, I want to see You.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You, I want to see You.
To see You high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
I want to see You.
WELCOME: Visitors, you are invited to stand and introduce yourself or be introduced by a friend. Please receive the information card that the usher offers and when you have filled it in please return it to the usher
Birthdays and Anniversaries
ANNOUNCEMENTS—CALL TO ACTION
TODAY: Worship services at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
TONIGHT: Church Prayer meeting at 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY: Admin Council 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY: Farm Share truck needs unloading at 7:00 a.m.
WEDNESDAY: Bible study on Zoom at 7:00 p.m.
THURSDAY: Food Distribution at 8:00 a.m., United Women in Faith 7:00 p.m. Choir 7:00 p.m.
FRIDAY: Children’s Club 7:00-8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY: Youth Group 4 to 5:30 p.m.
NEXT SUNDAY: Worship services at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Come celebrate the movement of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost
Looking ahead
MONDAY May 25: Memorial Day Community Picnic, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Donation envelopes are available today. Please volunteer through the sign-up sheets. Please see flyer for details.
SUNDAY, May 31 one joint worship service at 10:00 a.m.
TUESDAY, June 2 Bold Justice Celebration at the United Church of Christ at 2501 NE 30 Street, Ft. Lauderdale, 33306. Please speak with your Team or Network member about your investment.
Vacation Bible School takes place June 8-12, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, June 13: Memorial service for our member Myrtle Henry in our church at 11:00 a.m. Please keep her husband Karl and son Kevin and all the family in your prayers.
The Preschool can now offer a Step Up for Students scholarship to those who complete the application process. Please see director Marleni Brant-Pomare or her staff or call 954 981 9269 and let other people know about our excellent preschool and the many opportunities that it provides for an early boost to a child’s life.
Summer Camp July 6 to 11. Please see Pastor David, Marvia Aitken or Judy Minott for more details. The deadline to apply for scholarships is March 30.
SATURDAY, August 29 the United Women in Faith are inviting one and all to their bus trip to Key West, leaving the church parking lot at 5:30 a.m. Cost is $55 and you may speak to President Ola Duhaney or any of the leaders.
The Mission Offering today is for Good Samaritan Fund
Next Sunday our Mission Offering goes to BOLD Justice
For Sharing of the Spirit, please wave at the YouTube camera and say, “the peace of the Lord be with you,” and then wave at your neighbor in the sanctuary and say, “and also with you”
SCRIPTURE: Acts 1:1-11
CHILDREN’S TIME
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Brothers and Sisters in Christ; through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are initiated into Christ’s holy Church. We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God’s gift, offered to us without price.
Kiaan Aryeh Jean-Louis, has been brought for baptism by his parents, and family today. We ask them to respond to these questions as a testimony to their faith, and I ask the congregation to pledge to help them in their task.
To the family, I ask these questions:
On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin? I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves? I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races? I do.
Will you nurture this child in Christ’s holy Church, that by your teaching and example he may be guided to accept God’s grace for himself, and profess his faith openly, and to lead a Christian life? I will.
Now to the congregation I ask:
Do you, as Christ’s body, the Church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons and all the children in this church, in your care?
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.
Let us pray Eternal Father: When nothing existed but chaos, you swept across the dark waters and brought forth light. In the days of Noah you saved those on the ark through water. After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow. When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt, you led them to freedom through the sea. Their children you brought through the Jordan to the land which you promised.
In the fullness of time you sent Jesus, nurtured in the water of a womb. He was baptized by John and anointed by your Spirit. He called his disciples to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection and to make disciples of all nations.
Pour out your Holy Spirit, to bless this gift of water and Kiaan who receive it, to wash away his sins and clothe him in righteousness throughout his life, that, dying and being raised with Christ, he may share in his final victory.
Bless the home of Kiaan and, give wisdom and affection to his parents, along with understanding and guidance, and, most of all, build up the love which conquers all evil and instills the grace to lead a Christian life. We ask in Jesus’ name.
All praise to you, Eternal Father, through your Son Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever. Amen.
Kiaan Aryeh, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Holy Spirit work within you, that being born through water and the Spirit, you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Now it is our joy to welcome our new brother in Christ.
Through baptism you are incorporated by the Holy Spirit into God’s new creation and made to share in Christ’s royal priesthood. We are all one in Christ Jesus. With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you a member of the family of Christ.
*HYMN 163 Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know+
1. Ask ye what great thing I know,
that delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.
2. Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the crucified
3. Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on his right,
with the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the crucified.
4. This is that great thing I know;
this delights and stirs me so:
faith in him who died to save,
him who triumphed o'er the grave:
Jesus Christ, the crucified.
WORDS: Johann C. Schwedler, 1741; trans. by Benjamin H. Kennedy, 1863 MUSIC: H. A. Cesar Malan, 1827; harm. by Lowell Mason, 1841
RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Please pass the offering bags along each row at the direction of the ushers. See below for other, very convenient ways to give.
WAYS TO GIVE
1. Click the ‘Donate’ icon on http://www.miramarumc.org
And follow the prompts
2. Text 833-931-1791. And follow the prompts
3. You may also donate with cash or check to MUMC
4. Donate by using Zelle to mirumeth@gmail.com
5. Use our QR code
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
praise him all creatures here below,
praise him above, ye heavenly hosts,
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
Sunday School children go out to their classes
Jesus Loves Me This I Know
1 Jesus loves me! this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
2 Jesus loves me, this I know, as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee, saying, "Let them come to me."
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
3 Jesus loves me still today, walking with me on my way,
wanting as a friend to give, light and love to all who live.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
TIME OF SHARING JOYS & CONCERNS
(please email miramarpastor@gmail.com)
PRAYER HYMN 396 O Jesus, I Have Promised+
1.O Jesus, I have promised
to serve thee to the end;
be thou forever near me,
my Master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle
if thou art by my side,
nor wander from the pathway
if thou wilt be my guide.
2. O let me feel thee near me!
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
the tempting sounds I hear;
my foes are ever near me,
around me and within;
but Jesus, draw thou nearer,
and shield my soul from sin.
3. O let me hear thee speaking
in accents clear and still,
above the storms of passion,
the murmurs of self-will.
O speak to reassure me,
to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
thou guardian of my soul.
4. O Jesus, thou hast promised
to all who follow thee
that where thou art in glory
there shall thy servant be.
And Jesus, I have promised
to serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
my Master and my Friend.
WORDS: John E. Bode, ca. 1866 Music: Arthur H. Mann, 1881
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION and 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, the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.
SERMON Seeing beyond Mousetown Pastor David Range
*HYMN OF SENDING FORTH 157 Jesus Shall Reign+
1. Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does its successive journeys run;
his kingdom spread from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
2. To Jesus endless prayer be made,
and endless praises crown his head;
his name like sweet perfume shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.
3. People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song;
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
4. Blessings abound where'er he reigns;
all prisoners leap and loose their chains;
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.
5. Let every creature rise and bring
honors peculiar to our King;
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen!
WORDS: Isaac Watts, 1719 MUSIC: John Hatton, 1793
BENEDICTION
All music under ccli #24249
We are always happy (and look forward) to have you join us in the sanctuary, but for those who would like to continue to participate from home, we will continue to live stream the services on youtube.com.
To join us on youtube.com simply type Miramar UMC in the search bar and then you should see the service live streamed. If you subscribe to our service through youtube.com you can set up reminders for the day before or 15 minutes before, whatever you like.
Please email your prayer requests for uplifting on Sundays by sending them to miramarpastor@gmail.com. It is best if you send them by Saturday NOON if possible.
Our church prayer meeting is online on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and you may contact Marvia Aitken or Vinessa Edwards for the link.
WAYS to give:
1. Online giving is available through our website
www.MiramarUMC.org. On the home page the ‘Donate’ icon (a hand with a dollar sign above it) is located at the top left corner and on the right under “Contact Us” you will see the same icon along with “Donate Online.” Click on either location for instructions. If you need help call the church office at 954-989-4711. Thanks to all who have signed up for this. The regular tithes and offerings of the church are a great source of blessing.
2. You can also mail a check to Miramar United Methodist Church. If you have your offering envelopes you will see that the address of the church is printed for mailing purposes and your offering can be mailed in this envelope when you apply a stamp. You may also use a regular envelope and address it to: MUMC, 2507 Utopia Drive, Miramar FL 33023. Just put your check inside, mark which funds you would like to support, put a stamp on and let the United States Postal Service do the rest! Or bring it by after the Sunday services, someone will be in the church for one hour after the worship finishes as well as Mon-Thurs 1-5 pm. We trust God will keep us strong.
3. Also, we have the option of giving by text! Use 833-931-1791 to GivePlusText and when you text any amount, by putting that number in the message, you will be prompted to register, then fill out the details of your name, address and means of payment, and the contribution will go in! If you enter an email address you will get an immediate receipt. It is easy! If you have an Apple phone you may also get Vanco’s GivePlusMobile by downloading the app from the App Store. You may also look up YouTube videos to show how all this is done.
Thank you for your prayers! Grace and peace, Pastor David
