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
Announcements
Closing Hymn
The Servant Song TFWS 2222
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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The Reality of Grief: Psalm 34
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Tuesday
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God's Comfort: Isaiah 41:1-10
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Wednesday
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The Presence of God: Psalm 23
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Thursday
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God's Love and Care: Romans 8:31-39
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Friday
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Offering True Comfort: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
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Saturday
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Hope in the Midst of Grief: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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Sunday
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The Vision of a New Heaven: Revelation 21:1-6
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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: 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?