Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: God, sometimes we show up to worship ready to encounter your presence.
People: We know you are always with us.
Leader: Sometimes we catch glimpses of you at home, work, or school—in a smile, in a gentle breeze, in the joy of being together.
People: We know you are always with us.
Leader: But God, we hesitate to encounter you in all of your glory, afraid to be overwhelmed by your love and holiness.
People: And yet, we know you are always with us in the fullness of your glory.
Leader: Ready our hearts today to encounter more of your glory, your love, holiness, and glory that is always present with us.
People: We come today to enter the dance of the all-consuming presence of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Hymn
To God Be the Glory UMH 98
Prayer of Confession
O God, You are holy, and deep within ourselves, we stand on holy ground. Your holiness surrounds us and calls our name. Your goodness and generosity are always with us. You wait for us with hope and love, ready to meet us and make us whole.
In your presence, we acknowledge our failings to others, to ourselves, and to you. Touch us with the tenderness of your forgiveness. In your presence, we breathe new life, daring to be still, centered, whole, and holy.
Set us free to be holy. Let us be a place of joy and peace, a sacred space for others. Dwell in us as a holy temple, that we may know stillness and share the fragrance of your love where life feels stale and broken, within ourselves and our world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: In Christ, we find forgiveness and grace. His love surrounds us, bringing renewal and restoration. Let us embrace the truth that in Christ, our past is redeemed, our present is transformed, and our future is filled with promise.
People Response: Thanks be to God for His boundless grace and unfailing love. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Romans 8:12-17
Second Reading:
Isaiah 6:1-8
Hymn of Preparation
Holy, Holy, Holy UMH 64
Sermon:
Encountering the Untamed God by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, as we gather, we recall Isaiah's humbling encounter with your overwhelming presence. Like him, we're unworthy yet grateful for glimpsing your glory. In stewardship, may our generosity reflect gratitude for your blessings. Guide us in discipleship, knowing and serving you. With every gift, we express our commitment to follow your call. May we humbly say, "Here am I, send me!" Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Good Good Father
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