Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: In the narrative of creation, we find purpose,
People: We marvel at God's creative improvisation.
Leader: From the depths of creation to the present,
People: Let us worship the Creator who still crafts wonders.
Leader: God saw loneliness and saw that it was not good.
People: Let us celebrate the gift of companionship and connection.
Opening Hymn
Morning Has Broken UMH 145
Prayer of Confession
Lord God, you know the ways of god and evil. You know the things that tempt us and the things that give us life. You know our nakedness, and you know our sin. We confess that we have disobeyed your word, denying your providence and care and relying on our own cleverness.
Have mercy on us, we pray: cover us with your grace, breathe new life into us, and recreate us in your image through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Happy are those whose sin is forgiven! Be glad in the Lord and shout for joy: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
People: Thanks Be to God!
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Mark 1:16-20
Second Reading:
Genesis 2:4b–25
Sermon:
Created for Relationship by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Breathe on Me, Breath of God UMH 420
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
We give you thanks and praise, O God, for the free and abundant gift of grace you have given us in Jesus Christ. Let the simple gifts of our lives be a sign of our unending gratititude for your undying love; through JEsus Christ, our Lord.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Creating God, Your Fingers Trace UMH 109
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
| Day: |
Reading: |
|
Monday
|
The First Sin: Genesis 3:1-21
|
|
Tuesday
|
Introducing Abram and Sarai: Genesis 11:27-32
|
|
Wednesday
|
God's Promise to Abram: Genesis 12:1-9
|
|
Thursday
|
Battle and Blessing: Genesis 14:14-20
|
|
Friday
|
A New Name: Genesis 17:1-8
|
|
Saturday
|
The Promise of a Child: Genesis 17:15-22
|
|
Sunday
|
God Gives a Promised Child: Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7
|
Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Morning Prayer: This morning, we ask for the courage to be active participants in Your grand design. Guide us to challenge conventional understandings and explore deeper meanings. As we unravel the intimate details of creation, help us to understand our roles as partners with You, nurturing and upholding the world You have created. As we go about our day, help us to remember that we are called to be conduits of Your love, mercy, and justice.
Evening Prayer: As the day draws to a close, O God, We give thanks for the companionship and partnership that we share with others, recognizing that we are created to live in community, not in isolation. As we close our eyes in sleep, may we find rest in Your love, and wake renewed to continue our work as partners in Your creation.
Reflection Question: 1The sermon discusses the creation story in Genesis and the formation of humanity from the dirt. How does this perspective challenge your traditional understanding of creation? (Refer to Genesis 2:7)
Reflection Question: Jesus' resurrection is highlighted in the sermon as a call for restored equality between men and women. How can we implement this understanding of equality in our daily lives and relationships? (Refer to John 20:16-18)
Reflection Question: The sermon concludes with a prayer for courage to face injustices and for God's spirit to guide those who can make a difference. How can we actively participate in making a difference in our communities, following the sermon's call to action? (Refer to James 1:27)