Order of Worship for Sunday, October 22nd 2023

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: Like the tribes of Israel, divided no more,
People: We come together, seeking harmony and understanding.

Leader: With humility and compassion, we approach our conflicts,
People: Trusting in the transformative power of love and grace.

Leader: With gratitude in our hearts and hope in our souls,
People: We stand united, ready to embrace reconciliation.

Opening Hymn

Blessed Be the God of Israel UMH 209

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we come before you with humble hearts, acknowledging the conflicts and divisions in our lives. We confess that we have let our pride hinder the path of reconciliation. Like the tribes of old, we have allowed divisions to persist. You held nothing back in forgiving our sins, even giving your Son, Jesus Christ, to help us hold nothing back as we seek to reconcile with others. Forgive us when we have refused to seek forgiveness for ourselves or offer to others. Forgive us when we have only offered apologies but did not seek true forgiveness through reconciliation. Please help us to let go of resentment and anger and put festering disputes to an end. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Leader: In our confession, we have acknowledged our conflicts and divisions, but God's mercy is boundless.
People: We stand in the boundless mercy of God, ready to seek reconciliation.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Psalm 150:1-6

Second Reading:

2 Samuel 5:1-5; 6:1-5;

Sermon:

David's Coronation by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

Just as I Am, Without One Plea UMH 357

Tithes and Offerings

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Loving Creator, Healer of Divisions, we are grateful for the examples of reconciliation and forgiveness in your Word. These themes remind us of the importance of empathy and shared bonds. As we present these offerings, may they contribute to healing the divisions in our world. Bless these gifts and the work they will support. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Closing Hymn

They Will Know We are Christians By Our Love TFWS 2223

Announcements

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 David Instructs Solomon: 1 Kings 2:1-4
Tuesday The Source of Solomon's Wisdom: 1 Kings 3:3-14
Wednesday Solomon Solves a Dispute: 1 Kings 3:16-28
Thursday Solomon's Fame: 1 Kings 4:29-34
Friday The LORD Speaks to Solomon Again: 1 Kings 9:1-9
Saturday Solomon's Fall from Faithfulness: 1 Kings 11:1-13
Sunday The Kingdom Divided: 1 Kings 12:1-17, 25-29

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • Morning Prayer: Gracious God, this morning I stand before you with a heart yearning for reconciliation. I am grateful for the lessons from the biblical narratives that encourage me to strive for unity and forgiveness. Today, may I reflect on extending your love and mercy in my own life, helping to bridge divisions and mend relationships. Amen.

  • Reflection Question: In the sermon, it was highlighted that our voice of reconciliation needs to be heard in a divided world. How can we use our voice and actions to promote reconciliation and unity in our communities? (Bible reference: Matthew 5:9)

  • Evening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I prepare to rest, I thank you for your teachings of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. I ask that you help me to apply these lessons in my life, promoting unity and harmony in my relationships. May I sleep tonight knowing that with your guidance, I can be an agent of reconciliation in a divided world. Amen.

  • Reflection Question: In the sermon, it was mentioned that true reconciliation requires more than just saying "I'm sorry." How do you understand this statement in the context of your personal relationships? (Bible reference: Matthew 5:23-24)

  • Reflection Question: The preacher pointed out that we do not need to protect God but rather revere and place Him first. In what ways does this statement challenge your current understanding and practice of faith? (Bible reference: Exodus 20:3)


Featured Upcoming Events:

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 10/23/2024 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Join us for a weekly Bible study and lunch with Pastor Kevin on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. Bring your lunch and come ready to dive deeper into the Sunday morning scripture. This is a great opportunity to discuss and learn more about the word of God in a small group setting with the guidance of our pastor. See you there!

Learn More

Charge Conference

on 10/26/2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Charge Conference is the governing body of the church that directs the work of the church and gives general oversight to the church council, reviews and evaluates the mission and ministry of the church, sets salaries for the pastor and staff, elects the members of the church council, and recommends candidates for ordained ministry.

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Family Trunk or Treat

on 10/26/2024 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

This Free family-friendly Trunk or Treat is an activity for all children to safely trick or treat and receive.

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Fall Back Time Change

on 11/3/2024 from 2:00 AM to 2:01 AM

Just a friendly reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend.

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Next Steps

on 11/3/2024 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM

"Join us at 'Next Steps,' our recurring gathering where we explore the future of our church's ministry and your role within it. Discover how you can make a meaningful impact by plugging into our diverse ministries."

Learn More

Interfaith Prayer Vigil for the Election

on 11/3/2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

We invite our neighbors to join us for an Interfaith Prayer Vigil on the eve of the General Election. This service of prayer, readings, silence and light will offer those who join us with peaceful, prayerful space in the midst of an anxious election season, with language focused on the common thread of our desire for peace and justice across traditions. All are welcome to attend. There will be no political campaigning allowed in the building.

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The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
Oct 22 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Oct 23 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Oct 23 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Oct 26 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Charge Conference Learn More
Oct 26 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Family Trunk or Treat Learn More
Oct 27 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Oct 27 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Oct 28 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Monthly Food Distribution at Trinity House Learn More
Oct 29 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Oct 29 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Oct 30 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Nov 03 2:00 AM - 2:01 AM Fall Back Time Change Learn More
Nov 03 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Nov 03 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Nov 03 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM Next Steps Learn More
Nov 03 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Interfaith Prayer Vigil for the Election Learn More
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