Order of Worship for Sunday, July 2nd 2023

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: As we face trials and difficulties,
People: We come together to find comfort and strength.

Leader: God, the Father of compassion, is with us,
People: Ready to comfort and guide us through every challenge.

Opening Hymn

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise UMH 103

Prayer of Confession

Heavenly Father, we confess that we have sometimes blamed you for the hardships we face. In our frustration and confusion, we have questioned your goodness and your presence in our lives. Help us to remember that you are not the author of pain and suffering. You are the God who comforts and guides us through every trial. Teach us to trust in your unfailing love and to seek your wisdom as we navigate the complexities of life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Leader: Rejoice, for God's presence remains steadfast! Your sins are forgiven.

People: In our hardships, His love will always last.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Second Reading:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, John 5:2-9a

Sermon:

Everything Happens for a Reason by Rev. Jim McNair

Hymn of Response

God Will Take Care of You UMH 130

Tithes and Offerings

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 94

Offertory Prayer

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Announcements

Closing Hymn

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah UMH 127

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 Acknowledging Our Need: Psalm 121:1-8
Tuesday Trusting in Direction: Proverbs 3:5-6
Wednesday Faith without Works: James 2:14-26
Thursday God's Care: Matthew 6:25-34
Friday Our Strength: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Saturday Saved by Grace: Ephesians 2:8-10
Sunday The Call to Serve: Mark 10:35-45

Reflections and Caring Conversations

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

  • Morning Prayer: Loving Creator, as the sun rises, we come before you with gratitude for the gift of life. May we remember that you are not the author of our hardships, but the One who offers solace and strength. Teach us to trust in your unfailing love and to find wisdom and purpose in all situations. Guide our steps and help us to live each day with faith and hope. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

  • Evening Prayer: O God, as this day comes to a close, we reflect on the experiences we've had. We confess that at times we have struggled to find meaning and reason in the challenges we faced. Help us to trust in your divine plan and to lean on your comforting presence. Grant us restful sleep, knowing that you are always with us, guiding us through the joys and sorrows of life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

  • Reflection Question 1: How does the phrase "Everything happens for a reason" impact your understanding of God's role in your life?

  • Reflection Question 2: How do you differentiate between God causing everything and God guiding and comforting us through all things?

  • Reflection Question 3: How can we encourage one another to trust in God's loving presence and find purpose in the midst of life's challenges?


Featured Upcoming Events:

Order Your Easter Flowers

Every year we decorate the sanctuary with fresh flowers for Easter. The paper order form was in church, but you can also place your order online. Orders are due by April 13.

Learn More

Next Steps

on 4/6/2025 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

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 4/9/2025 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!

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Spring Festival & Open House

on 4/13/2025 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Please join us for our spring festival and open house! This is an event to get our new childcare program Berwyn Early Learning Academy known to our community, friends and families! We are partnering with our current nursery school BUMNS and the Berwyn United Methodist Church to make this a fun filled family event!! Please sign up if you are interested in attending! We will have Games, prizes, arts & crafts, treats, an easter egg hunt, and even a special guest!! We hope to see you all there!

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Monthly Food Distribution at Trinity House

on 4/28/2025 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Volunteers are needed to help unload food, divide bulk produce, and prepare it for distribution to the residents. This month, we will serve approximately 65 people, providing them with essential canned goods and fresh produce.Whether you can lift heavy objects or simply offer a friendly smile, your assistance is invaluable. This is a great opportunity to experience the joy of serving and make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

Learn More

The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
Apr 03 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Order Your Easter Flowers Learn More
Apr 06 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Apr 06 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Apr 06 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM Next Steps Learn More
Apr 06 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Confirmation Learn More
Apr 08 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Apr 08 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Leadership Team Meeting Learn More
Apr 08 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Apr 09 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Apr 09 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Apr 13 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Apr 13 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Apr 13 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spring Festival & Open House Learn More
Apr 15 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Apr 15 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Apr 16 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
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