Author: Secretary

February 1, 2026

The purpose of Groce United Methodist Church is to build the family of God through praising God, bringing others to Christ, teaching the faith, strengthening the fellowship, and sending forth in service.
Groce United Methodist Church 954 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC, 28805 (828) 298-7647 Fax: (828) 299-8780 Email: gumcadmin@groceumc.org Website: www.groceumc.org
Jill Rhinehart—Pastor Becky Wilburn—Music Director/Organist Debbie Ross—Handbell Director
Gayle Decker—Administrator/Treasurer
Mariah Wright—Secretary
Kelley Woehl—Youth Director
Tammy Peek—Custodian

Sunday Worship Celebration
February 1, 2026
* Where indicated, stand if you are able.
CHIMES OF THE HOLY TRINITY
PRELUDE “To God Be the Glory”
Crosby/Berry
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Jill Rhinehart
*CALL TO WORSHIP Jennifer Prince
Leader: Beloved, what worship does God desire of us?
People: To do justice, love kindness, and live humbly with God.
Leader: In our life together as the body of Christ, what worship does God desire of us?
People: To do justice, love kindness, and live humbly with God.
Leader: When we share the good news with all creation, what worship does God desire of us?
People: To do justice, love kindness, and live humbly with God.
Leader: Come, let us worship God with justice, kindness, and humility!
People: We come to worship God with our voices and our lives. Thanks be to God!
Leader: Let us pray. Oh God, Our Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer- How do we thank you? How do we show our gratitude? Do you want signs and sacrifices? Do you want gold and cattle? Can we turn over our children to you? Would that repay our debt, make everything right? Tell us, what do you require in return for all your goodness?
Oh God, Our teacher, example, companion— You have shown us what is good, and call us to remember that what you require is not repayment of debt or settling the score, but obedience. Show us, God, When to do justice, how to love kindness, and where to walk, humbly, with you.
Amen.
*OPENING HYMN #75 “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
ANTHEM “How Beautiful”
Paris/Harland
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE/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 Matthew 5:13
NT pg. 4
MESSAGE “Zealots”
Rev. Michael J. Carter
RECEIVING GOD’S GIFTS Ushers will come forward
OFFERTORY “Blessed Assurance”
Crosby/Berry
*DOXOLOGY
CLOSING HYMN TFWS #2284 “Joy in the Morning”
SENDING FORTH/BENEDICTION
CHIMES OF THE HOLY TRINITY
POSTLUDE “I am Thine, O Lord”
Crosby/Berry
Our worship service has ended.
Now, our worship through service begins.
Announcements
*The first four pews on both sides are fragrance-free.*
The Flowers on the Altar are given by The Flower Girls and are dedicated to the Glory of God!
Sunday’s Ushers: Thank you to our Ushers! Betty Jones (steward), Jerry Kirschner, Fred Bailey, and Bob & Tracey Briggs! Thank you to our Nursery Volunteer Kathryn McIntyre!
2025 Annual Contribution Statements are now available on the table outside of the sanctuary.
Altar Flower Calendar - is posted on the bulletin board in the front hall. We hope you will sign up to provide flowers for worship on the Sunday of your choice!
Church Family Meeting will be held on February 8, immediately after the service.
Groce Canasta Card Group—Linda Lankton and Diane Hankins are forming a new group of women to play Canasta once a month for fun and fellowship! Dates and times to be determined. For more information, or to join, contact Linda at 828-231-5443 or lanktonlinda53@gmail.com.
Ash Wednesday—Groce UMC will be hosting a community service of ashes on February 18 at 5:30pm. All are welcome to attend.
Lost and Found—Our lost and found box is getting full. There are so many great items in there! Sunglasses, cell phones, earrings, car keys, and MORE! Is any of it YOURS? Better stop by the office and find out, because it will all be emptied on MARCH 2nd. Once it’s gone…. It’s gone!
An Unlikely Lent by Rachel Billups is a beautifully written book that invites readers to encounter the Easter scriptures through the lives of biblical figures on the margins of the Easter story, drawing the reader deeper into God’s love. Join Debbie Ross on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. beginning February 24th for this six week Lenten study. Sign up on the list outside the office by February 8th so a book can be ordered for you. (Book is $16-$18)
Girl Scout Cookie Time! - The Girl Scout troop sponsored by Groce United Methodist Church is currently selling cookies. Cookies are once again $6 a package. This year's selection includes the old favorites and the new ExploreMores, a rocky road-inspired cookie. If you'd like cookies, please contact Virginia Himmelheber (410-491-2446, vhimmelheb@aol.com) and we'll arrange to get cookies to you.

Church Calendar: JAN 25-31

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
9:00: Agape Sunday School Class / 10:30: Worship Service	11:00: Prayer Group / 3:00: Handbells / 7:00: Beekeepers	10:00: Parkinsons / 10:30: Crafters / 1:30: Tai Chi / 5:30: HCAA Chili Cookoff	4:00: Nurture / 6:00: Choir / 6:00: AA	10:30: Isaac Group / 1:30: Tai Chi / 5:00: Welcome Table / 6:30: UMM	6:00: Quintet

Pickleball - Come and learn the fastest growing sport in the country! Join the Groce Pickleball Players on Wednesdays at 5:30pm in Asbury Hall or contact Jerry Kirschner for more information: (828) 777-8971

Coffee Fellowship - Join us for a light breakfast and joyful conversation from 10am—10:15am in Asbury Hall every Sunday after Sunday school. We’ll see you there!

Altar Flower Calendar - is posted on the bulletin board in the front hall. We hope you will sign up to provide flowers for worship on the Sunday of your choice! We still need flowers for Sunday, September 7.

Lost and Found—If you believe you have misplaced an item while in our sanctuary, please check the table outside the front office.

Website! - Come visit our newly updated website with features such as a picture gallery, an interactive calendar, Prayer Request submissions, Ministry news, and more! Go to www.groceumc.org or scan the QR Code:

Newsletter: If you or your group would like to advertise an upcoming event in next month’s newsletter, please email your group/ event name and brief description to Mariah by September 22. gumcadmin@groceumc.org

Welcome Table Desserts: The weekly Welcome Table is in need of two volunteers a week to make desserts for their meal. If you are interested, please see the signup sheet located on the bulletin board outside the front office.

Welcome Table - Come on out every Thursday from 5 to 6:15pm for a free meal and loving atmosphere as we feed our community with open hearts and helping hands!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE / 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.

Cold winter nights have arrived and many of our unhoused friends at Haywood Street Methodist lack blankets or single person tents. If you have either you are no longer using, please bring them to the church or for pick-up call Roberta Binder 828-707-5149.

Blessing Box— We're asking that members refrain from stocking the box with supplies from the church. This will help maintain a more consistent inventory and ensure supplies are distributed more evenly.

Volunteers Needed:
Children’s Church: Lessons are already prepared, we just need folks to lead! Contact Jackie Davis for more information.
Substitutes for readers with The Bridges Literacy Outreach at WD Williams Elementary. For more information reach out to Kathy Quick or Gerald Davis.