Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Before we can remember,
All: God loved us.
Leader: Before we could respond,
All: God loved us.
Leader: Before we knew what any of it meant,
All: God loved us.
Leader: Still today, in our best and worst days,
All: God loves us.
Leader: Tomorrow, when we have forgotten and when we have held on,
All: God will love us.
Leader: Before the beginning, in every present moment, beyond the future we can imagine:
All: God is Love.
Opening Hymn
O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go UMH 480
Why This Song:
The hymn's main message is that God's love is constant and unwavering, even in the midst of suffering and despair. No matter what has happened in the last week, what we have done or left undone, our God welcomes us back into God's presence.
Prayer of Confession
You are a constant in this world, O God. You are present with love, never letting anger get the best of you, always showing up with grace. We confess that though we are made in your image, we do not behave like you.
We think we want absolute freedom to be happy while you show us the path of connection, community and care. We think we want to “get over” things and ignore unpleasant feelings while you show us the path of experience and journeying with emotions. We think we want revenge and eye-for-an-eye justice; we want you to be on our side and to punish “them” while you show us the path of compassion and mercy.
Forgive us, O God, and do not remember our rebellious ways. Turn our hearts to you so that we may instead remember your goodness and your call to be like you. Teach us again that sticking together with you and each other is worth the effort is worth the persistence, is worth the trying, is worth the journey. Thank you for never giving up on us.
Amen.
Words of Assurance
Hear and live this good news: God’s love overcomes, and God’s enduring compassion outweighs all else, and we are called children of God, for that is what we are.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Mark 10:13-14
Second Reading:
Hosea 11:1-9
Sermon:
Hosea: God's Heartache and Love by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy UMH 340
Why This Song:
This hymn is a warm and inviting hymn that invites all people to come to Jesus, no matter their sinfulness or need. It reminds us that Jesus loves us unconditionally and is ready to forgive us and save us.
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Why This Song:
This hymn praises God for all His blessings, both big and small, reminding us that God is the source of all good things and serving as a powerful expression of gratitude for God's love and provision.
Offertory Prayer
O God of love and grace, you are a constant presence in our lives, even when we wander away. You forgive us our rebellious ways and call us to be like you. We bring our gifts to you today as a sign of our commitment to following your path. We offer our time, our talents, and our resources to help build a world that reflects your love and compassion. We pray that our gifts will be used to strengthen the bonds of community, to help those in need, and to bring healing to a broken world. May our offerings be a reflection of your love for all people, and may they help us to become more like you. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
God of Grace, God of Glory UMH 577
Why This Song:
"God of Grace, God of Glory" is a hymn that calls on God for wisdom, courage, and strength to face the challenges of the day. It also expresses a desire for God to heal the world and bring about justice.
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: |
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Monday
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Elijah Ascends to Heaven: 2 Kings 2:1-12
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Tuesday
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Elisha's Prophetic Power: 2 Kings 2:13-22
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Wednesday
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The Miracle of the Widow's Oil: 2 Kings 4:1-7
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Thursday
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Naaman Healed of Leprosy: 2 Kings 5:1-14
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Friday
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Naaman Returns Home: 2 Kings 5:15-19
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Saturday
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Jehu Anointed as Israel's King: 2 Kings 9:1-10; [1 Kings 19:16]
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Sunday
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Israel, God's Vineyard: Isaiah 5:1-7; 11:1-5
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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: Lord, As I step into this day, I ask for the grace to practice this same patience and understanding with those I interact with. Help me to keep my emotions in check and to respond with love even when my buttons are pushed. May your grace guide me as I strive to live out your example. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess that I have not always been patient and understanding. As I end this day, I ask for your forgiveness and the strength to extend the same forgiveness to others. I pray for a peaceful rest, assured in your love, and wake up refreshed and ready to live out your example anew. Amen.
Reflection Question: How does the imagery of God as a loving parent teaching His children resonate with you? What are some specific ways in which you've felt God's guiding hand in your life?
Reflection Question: We often associate God with being emotionless or distant. The sermon presented a perspective of an emotional God. How does this shift in perspective affect your understanding of God's love and patience for His people?
Reflection Question: The sermon encourages us not just to understand God's love, but to live it out. What are some practical ways you believe we can live out God's love in our communities?