Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: In the busyness of life, let us find stillness in God's presence.
People: We trust that His plan unfolds with purpose and meaning.
Leader: As we surrender our desires to God's divine will,
People: We discover true fulfillment in walking according to His guidance.
Leader: Let us center our hearts on the Word of God, seeking divine wisdom.
People: We yearn to understand His guidance and purpose for us.
Opening Hymn
We'll Understand It Better By and By UMH 525
Prayer of Confession
Gracious and loving God, we come before you humbly, acknowledging that we have often sought our own desires and plans, neglecting your loving guidance. And when our plans fail, we joke that you laugh at us. We confess that at times, we have treated your plan as less important than our own. We only see it after ours have failed. Help us to embrace the dynamic relationship you offer. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have failed to trust in your faithfulness and provision, and help us surrender our will to your divine guidance. Have mercy on us, and lead us back to the path of purpose and joy in following your plan. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: God's mercies are new every morning, and His love knows no bounds.
People: With grateful hearts, we accept His pardon and assurance, knowing that His unfailing love is our constant companion.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
James 4:1-17
Second Reading:
Jeremiah 29:1-7
Sermon:
All Part of God’s Plan by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
What Does the Lord Require UMH 441
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, we come before you with grateful hearts, mindful of the blessings you have bestowed upon us. Your plan for our lives is filled with meaning and significance, and we thank you for the purpose you have given us. As we give our offerings today, we do so with joy and surrender, knowing that you are faithful in all things. May these gifts be used to share your love and grace with others, so that they too may experience the joy and fullness of life you offer. Receive these gifts and us in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Just a Closer Walk with Thee TFWS 2158
Benediction
Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.
Postlude
This Week's Reading Plan
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Reading: |
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Monday
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Embracing Doubts: Genesis 18:14-15
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Tuesday
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Seeking Answers: Jeremiah 29:11-13
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Wednesday
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Wrestling with God: Genesis 32:24-30
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Thursday
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The Psalms of Lament: Psalm 13
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Friday
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Thomas's Doubt: John 20:24-29
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Saturday
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The Valley of Dry Bones: Ezekiel 37:1-14
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Sunday
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A Profound Encounter with God: Job 42:1-6
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Morning Prayer: Gracious Lord, in the stillness of this morning, we come before you with open hearts and minds. Thank you for the rest you provided during the night, and for the promise of a new day. As we seek your plan for our lives, grant us wisdom and discernment. May we find solace in your faithfulness and assurance in the knowledge that your ways are higher than ours. Lead us on a path of purpose and joy as we surrender to your divine will. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we prepare to rest our bodies and minds, we look back on this day with thankfulness for your guiding hand. Your plan for us is filled with purpose, and we find comfort in your constant love. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we resisted your guidance and for the moments we failed to honor you. As we lay down to sleep, we surrender our plans and desires, trusting in your perfect plan for our lives. Grant us restful sleep and renewed strength for the day ahead. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Reflection Question: Think about a time when you faced a difficult decision or unexpected circumstance. How did you approach it in light of God's plan? How might viewing God's plan as a guiding compass influence your decision-making process in the future?
Reflection Question: The metaphor of a guiding compass allows for the freedom to make choices and experience redemption. Reflect on a time when you strayed from God's path. How did you find your way back, and what did you learn from that experience?
Reflection Question: As we navigate life's journey, how can we find a balance between trusting in God's plan and taking responsibility for our actions and decisions?
Reflection Question: In what ways can we, as a church community, embody the metaphor of the guiding compass in our worship, ministry, and outreach to the world? How can we create a space that welcomes and guides individuals in their spiritual journeys?