Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: As we open our hearts to worship, remember this truth:
People: God doesn't make mistakes; He creates each of us with purpose and intention.
Leader: Let us embrace the diversity within our community, for we are all fearfully made.
People: In Christ, we find freedom in His unconditional love.
Opening Hymn
God of the Sparrow, God of the Whale UMH 122
Prayer of Confession
Heavenly Father, We acknowledge that we have at times, sought to confine you to our limited human understanding. We confess that we have clung to rigid norms and failed to recognize your boundless creativity in the diversity of your creation. Forgive us, Lord, for moments when we have not appreciated the uniqueness of every individual and instead imposed our own standards of acceptability. Teach us to surrender to your divine plan and to see the beauty in each person as fearfully and wonderfully made in your image. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Beloved of God, know this to be true: You are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. God's love for you is immeasurable, and His grace knows no end. Embrace the freedom found in Christ, for in Him, there is no judgment or condemnation. Rejoice, for God's love overflows, embracing each one of us in His infinite care.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Galatians 5:1-14
Second Reading:
Romans 14:1-22
Sermon:
God Doesn't Make Mistakes by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling UMH 384
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
As we bring our offerings today, we do so with open hands, recognizing that everything we have comes from your gracious hand. Use these gifts to bring hope and transformation to our community and beyond. May they be used to spread the message of your love and grace to all who need it. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
For the Healing of the Nations UMH 428
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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Embracing God's Sovereignty: Ephesians 1:3-14
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Tuesday
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God's Everlasting Love: Jeremiah 31:3-14
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Wednesday
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God's Plans for Prosperity: Jeremiah 29:8-14
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Thursday
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God's Call to Seek Him: Amos 5:4-15
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Friday
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Trusting in God's Guidance: Proverbs 16:1-9
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Saturday
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God's Wisdom Surpasses Ours: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
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Sunday
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Flourishing Where You are Planted: Jeremiah 29:1-14
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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: Heavenly Father, As we open our eyes to the light of this new morning, we are reminded of your steadfast love and faithfulness. Help us to break free from the limitations we place on ourselves and others. Empower us to walk in love and grace, treating all people with respect and dignity. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our interactions with others. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Loving God, As the day comes to a close, we pause to reflect on your goodness and grace. Your wisdom surpasses our understanding, and your love sustains us. As we rest in your care, fill us with hope and strength for the new day ahead. May we wake up with hearts renewed, ready to embrace the freedom and love found in following Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Reflection Question: In what ways does the concept of embracing freedom in Christ inspire us to live more authentic and compassionate lives?
Reflection Question: How can we let go of our own preconceived notions and judgments to see others through the lens of God's love and grace?
Reflection Question: In Galatians 5:1-14, the Apostle Paul speaks of the fruits of the Spirit. Which of these fruits do you feel called to cultivate more intentionally in your life, and how can you do so?
Reflection Question: How can our understanding of God's infinite wisdom and boundless love shape our interactions with those who may be different from us or hold different beliefs?