Order of Worship for Sunday, July 9th 2023

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: Let us cast away the misconception that we must help ourselves to receive God's help.
People: Instead, let us seek to help one another, following the example of Jesus, our servant King.

Leader: Let us lay down our ambitions and desires and lift up our hearts in service,
People: And find true greatness in humility and love.

Opening Hymn

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms UMH 133

Prayer of Confession

Gracious and loving God, We come before you with contrite hearts, acknowledging our shortcomings and failures. We confess that, at times, we have embraced the misconception that we must help ourselves to receive your help. We have neglected the call to help one another, seeking greatness and power instead. In doing so, we have also refused to allow ourselves to be helped by others. Forgive us, O God, for our misplaced priorities, selfish ambitions, and our resistance to receiving assistance. Renew our hearts and minds so that we may humbly follow the example of Jesus, our servant King, and learn to both give and receive help in the spirit of love and unity. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Leader: Hear the voice of God proclaiming forgiveness to you.

People: We give thanks for the assurance of God's unfailing love.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Psalm 121:1-8

Second Reading:

Mark 10:35-45

Sermon:

God Helps Those That Help Themselves by Rev. Jim McNair

Hymn of Response

Blest Be the Tie That Binds UMH 557

Tithes and Offerings

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 94

Offertory Prayer

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Closing Hymn

The Servant Song TFWS 2222

Announcements

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 The Reality of Grief: Psalm 34
Tuesday God's Comfort: Isaiah 41:1-10
Wednesday The Presence of God: Psalm 23
Thursday God's Love and Care: Romans 8:31-39
Friday Offering True Comfort: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Saturday Hope in the Midst of Grief: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Sunday The Vision of a New Heaven: Revelation 21:1-6

Reflections and Caring Conversations

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

  • Morning Prayer: Gracious God, as we begin this new day, we humbly come before you. Help us to set aside any misconceptions about self-reliance and recognize that our help comes from you alone. Teach us the true meaning of greatness, that we may serve others with love and humility, following the example of Jesus. Guide our steps, O Lord, and grant us the wisdom to discern your will in all that we do. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

  • Evening Prayer: Gracious God, as this day comes to a close, we gather in your presence. We thank you for the lessons we have learned about true greatness and the importance of serving others. Forgive us for the times we have fallen into the trap of self-reliance and failed to seek your help and guidance. We surrender ourselves to your care and commit to carrying each other's burdens, just as you have taught us. Grant us a restful night's sleep, knowing that you are our ever-watchful and caring helper. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

  • Reflection Question 1: What does it mean for you personally to be a servant of all, following Jesus' example?

  • Reflection Question 2: What steps can you take to rely more on God's help and guidance rather than solely relying on your own strength?

  • Reflection Question 3: Reflect on a time when you have experienced the help and support of others. How did it impact your perspective?


Featured Upcoming Events:

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 9/11/2024 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

Church Work Day

on 9/21/2024 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

You're invited to help clean the outside of the church. Join us for a day of fellowship, unity, and service as we unite to transform our church grounds into a vibrant and welcoming space for all. Our "Church Beautification Day" is a wonderful opportunity to roll up our sleeves, work side by side, and make a visible difference in our church community.

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World Communion Sunday

on 10/1/2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Join us on the first Sunday in October for a truly special occasion: World Communion Sunday! 🌏🀝 This day is all about celebrating the unity of Christians worldwide through the sacrament of Holy Communion. But it's not just about communion; it's also about making a meaningful impact on education and leadership development for ethnic minority students and scholars across the globe. πŸŽ“πŸŒŸWhen you contribute to the World Communion Sunday Offering, you're not only partaking in a beautiful tradition; you're also investing in the future. Your generosity supports the education and leadership journeys of talented individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds. πŸŒŸπŸ’’Let's come together in the spirit of unity and education this World Communion Sunday. Your participation makes a difference! πŸ™Œβœ¨

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Next Steps

on 10/6/2024 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
Sep 08 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Sep 08 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Sep 10 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Sep 10 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Leadership Team Meeting Learn More
Sep 10 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Sep 11 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Sep 11 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Sep 15 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Sep 15 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Sep 17 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Sep 17 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Sep 18 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
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