Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: This is the day the Lord has made!
People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!
Leader: God calls us to live in the kingdom today, not to wait for another time.
People: Today, we open our hearts to God's presence!
Leader: The time is short, the work is urgent, and the harvest is ready!
People: Lord, help us to bear fruit for Your kingdom today!
Opening Hymn
This Is a Day of New Beginnings UMH 383
Why This Song:
This hymn emphasizes the opportunity for repentance and stepping into new life.
Prayer of Confession
God of Every Moment, We come before You, knowing that we do not always use our time wisely. At times, we have hesitated to forgive, delayed in serving others, And struggled to embrace the changes You call us to. Fear has made us cautious, and uncertainty has held us back. Yet, Your grace is unending, and Your love calls us forward. Forgive us, Lord, for the moments we have missed and the opportunities we have overlooked. Teach us to live each day with intention and purpose. Fill us with the guidance of Your Spirit, That we may fully embrace the life You offer us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Even when we hesitate, God’s love never wavers. When we seek forgiveness, God welcomes us with open arms.
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made new!
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Psalm 122
Second Reading:
Luke 13:1-9, 31-35
Sermon:
Bearing Fruit Before It's Too Late by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Thy Holy Wings, O Savior UMH 502
Why This Song:
This hymn of Swedish origin offers a personal commitment to walk with Christ and bear fruit in faith.
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Generous and Loving God, all that we have comes from You, and we give with grateful hearts. Bless these gifts that they may be used for Your work in the world. May they bring hope to the weary, food to the hungry, and love to those in need. Shape us into people who give not just of our resources, but of our time, our talents, and our lives. Use us, O God, as instruments of Your grace, that through our giving, Your kingdom may be known. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
We've a Story to Tell to the Nations UMH 569
Why This Song:
This hymns sends us out to share God’s kingdom and live as examples.
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