Ocala First Connection

First Scripture: Psalm 26:1-8 Sermon Scripture: Exodus 3:1-15 This Sunday concludes our preaching series regarding membership vows and expectations ("Prayers, Presences, Gifts, Service, and Witness"). In lieu of preaching 'about' what it means to witness, several of our high school students will be testifying witness moments from the Africa mission trip! wit·ness ˈwitnis / verb to see (an event, typically a crime or accident) take place. synonyms: see, observe, watch, view, notice, spot ; More be present at, attend ; literary behold ; informal get a look at " who witnessed the incident? " have knowledge of (an event or change) from personal observation or experience. give or serve as evidence of; testify to. " his writings witness to an inner toughness" (of a person) openly profess one's religious faith. " our duty is to witness to God"

Scriptures for this Sunday (8/17/14): 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31 Matthew 25:14-30 Prayers of the People from last Sunday (8/10/14): Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are indeed our God, our maker, our savior, our shepherd. So we echo and continue the joyful noise made by hundreds of vacation bible school kids this week --we praise your name and proclaim that you are worthy— so worthy— of all our attention. Reclaim us as your people and humble our hearts in worship. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We pray for our congregation—First United Methodist of Ocala. Help us to be truly present in our community so that lives would be transformed by the glory and salvation of Jesus. We ask for your guidance and leadership in worship, in missions, in smallgroups, in meetings, and in budgets... We ask that you would put the right people in the right places, so that all of us would use our spiritual gifts to build each other up. Whether we are long time members or first