Order of Worship for Sunday, August 13th 2023

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Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: As the sun rises on this day, so does our longing for God's wisdom.
People: We gather with questions and doubts, seeking answers and growth.

Leader: Just as Job questioned in the depths of despair, we too question with hope.
People: Our doubts are not signs of a lack of faith but invitations to encounter God.

Leader: Let our worship be a chorus of both trust and inquiry.
People: In unity, we lift our voices to the One who embraces our uncertainties.

Opening Hymn

Seek Ye First UMH 405

Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, we confess that we have often tried to avoid uncertainty and instead sought to avoid asking questions as if they were a sign of weakness or lack of faith. Instead of wrestling with life's complexities, we have sought simple answers that are easily cast aside and lack the depth required to give comfort. We have overlooked the example of Job, who dared to question You in the midst of his suffering. Forgive us for seeking comfort in shallow faith. Help us embrace the depth of a faith that engages with tough questions and finds solace, not in easy answers, but in Your presence. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Leader: In this moment, remember that God's grace is sufficient to sustain us through our doubts and uncertainties.
People: In the embrace of God's forgiveness, we find the courage to continue our journey of seeking and growth.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Job 42:1-5

Second Reading:

Hebrews 11:1-16

Sermon:

Don’t put a question mark where God put a period by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

It Is Well with My Soul UMH 377

Tithes and Offerings

Give Now

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Gracious God, as we bring forth our offerings today, we are reminded of the journey of faith laid out before us. Just as Job's questioning led to a profound encounter with You, we too come with hearts open to the mysteries of life. We thank You for the blessings You've bestowed upon us, and as we give, we offer our gratitude for the journey of doubts and revelations that have shaped our faith. May these gifts be used to serve those who doubt but do not yet know who to turn to with their questions. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Announcements

Closing Hymn

Grace Alone TFWS 2162

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 God's Redemptive Path: Isaiah 43:16-21
Tuesday Navigating Through Closed Doors: Genesis 50:15-21
Wednesday Trusting God's Providence: Psalm 37:23-24
Thursday Overcoming Obstacles with Faith: Romans 8:28
Friday The Window of God's Grace: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Saturday Stepping Stones of Perseverance: James 1:2-4
Sunday Doors of Opportunity, Windows of Blessing: Acts 16:4-15

Reflections and Caring Conversations

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

  • Morning Prayer: Lord of all creation, in the quiet of the morning, we present our questions and uncertainties to You. Guide us to trust in Your plans, even when they seem unclear. Strengthen our faith as we engage in dialogue with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

  • Evening Prayer: Loving God, as the stars appear in the sky, we reflect on the day's challenges and joys. Teach us to embrace doubt as a sign that we want a deeper connection with You. Grant us peace as we rest in Your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen.

  • Reflection Question: Pastor Kevin mentions that common questions among the youth revolve around the significance of their prayers and expressing doubts about the Bible. Have you ever felt your prayers were too insignificant for God? Why or why not? (Matthew 6:6)

  • Reflection Question: Have there been passages or concepts in the Bible that you've wrestled with? How did this struggle enhance your understanding and relationship with God?

  • Reflection Question: Reflecting on the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews, all had moments of doubt and questioning. How does this encourage you in your faith journey? How does it impact your view on the role of doubt within faith? Refer to Hebrews 11:1-40.

  • Reflection Question: How does our church create a safe space for questions and doubts? What steps could be taken to make it more welcoming to those with questions? 

  • Reflection Question: Pastor Kevin encouraged the idea of wrestling with faith, expressing doubts, and asking questions. How comfortable are you with this idea? How can we as a community encourage and support one another in this process?

Featured Upcoming Events:

Christmas Eve Service

on 12/24/2024 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

We begin our celebrations of God’s light entering the world. We will savor the story of the first Christmas as told in Luke, singing several favorite Christmas carols. We will conclude our worship with the singing of Silent Night as we light the candles and finish with a celebration that joy has come to the wold.

Learn More

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 12/25/2024 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

Next Steps

on 1/5/2025 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

The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
Dec 22 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Dec 22 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Dec 24 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Dec 24 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Christmas Eve Service Learn More
Dec 24 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Dec 25 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Dec 25 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Dec 29 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Dec 29 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Dec 31 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Dec 31 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Jan 01 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
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