Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Beloved community, let us gather in the presence of our loving God.
People: We gather, finding hope and confidence in God's presence.
Leader: Just as Christ trusted God’s will even to the cross.
People: The Father exalted him to the highest heaven.
Leader: As we do God's will, we discover the capacity to face every challenge.
People: For we work not by our strength but by God’s alone.
Opening Hymn
Great is Thy Faithfulness UMH 140
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that there have been moments when we have sought to rely on your strength to fulfill our own desires. We have asked for your help, not for the sake of your kingdom, but for the fulfillment of our selfish ambitions. We acknowledge our flawed understanding and our misguided priorities. Forgive us, Lord, for seeking our will above yours. Grant us the grace to align our desires with your perfect will, that we may find true fulfillment in serving you and others. Transform our hearts and redirect our motives according to your loving purpose. Amen.
Words of Assurance
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness.
Thanks Be to God.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Isaiah 12:2-6
Second Reading:
Philippians 4:1-13
Sermon:
I Can Do All Things Through a Verse Taken Out of Context by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
One Bread, One Body UMH 620
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 94
Offertory Prayer
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Take My Life, and Let It Be UMH 399
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
|
Greetings and Partnership: Philippians 1:1-6
|
|
Tuesday
|
Christ's Humility and Exaltation: Philippians 2:5-11
|
|
Wednesday
|
Pressing Toward the Goal: Philippians 3:12-16
|
|
Thursday
|
Citizenship in Heaven: Philippians 3:17-21
|
|
Friday
|
Rejoicing in the Lord: Philippians 4:1-7
|
|
Saturday
|
God's Provision and Final Greetings: Philippians 4:8-23
|
|
Sunday
|
The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:1-12
|
Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Evening Prayer: Loving God, as the day draws to a close, we come before you with gratitude for the blessings and challenges we have experienced. Grant us restful sleep and renewed strength for the journey ahead. May your presence abide with us, bringing peace to our hearts and guiding us in your will. Amen.
Guided Question 1: How have you sought to rely on God's strength to fulfill your own desires? Reflect on instances when you have asked for God's help, not for the sake of His kingdom, but for the fulfillment of your selfish ambitions.
Guided Question 2: How can you align your desires with God's perfect will? Consider ways in which you can actively seek to align your heart's desires with God's loving purpose and seek His guidance in making decisions.
Guided Question 3: How does the concept of working not by your own strength but by God's alone resonate with you? Reflect on times when you have relied solely on your own abilities and how embracing God's strength can bring about a different perspective and outcome.