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
Announcements
Closing Hymn
They Will Know We are Christians By Our Love TFWS 2223
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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David Instructs Solomon: 1 Kings 2:1-4
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Tuesday
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The Source of Solomon's Wisdom: 1 Kings 3:3-14
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Wednesday
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Solomon Solves a Dispute: 1 Kings 3:16-28
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Thursday
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Solomon's Fame: 1 Kings 4:29-34
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Friday
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The LORD Speaks to Solomon Again: 1 Kings 9:1-9
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Saturday
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Solomon's Fall from Faithfulness: 1 Kings 11:1-13
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Sunday
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The Kingdom Divided: 1 Kings 12:1-17, 25-29
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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 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)