Order of Worship for Sunday, July 30th 2023

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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

Give Now

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

Day: Reading:
Monday Embracing God's Sovereignty: Ephesians 1:3-14
Tuesday God's Everlasting Love: Jeremiah 31:3-14
Wednesday God's Plans for Prosperity: Jeremiah 29:8-14
Thursday God's Call to Seek Him: Amos 5:4-15
Friday Trusting in God's Guidance: Proverbs 16:1-9
Saturday God's Wisdom Surpasses Ours: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Sunday Flourishing Where You are Planted: Jeremiah 29:1-14

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?

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!

Learn More

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!

Learn More

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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