Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Whatever the state of the world, God’s call is the same:
All: to love God and neighbor, to do justice and mercy, to walk humbly.
Leader: When we are surrounded by beautiful things,
All: we orient ourselves to living God’s word.
Leader: And when all around seems like the end is near,
All: we orient ourselves to living God’s word.
Leader: God gathers us in from every situation:
All: we come to answer Christ’s call.
Opening Hymn
Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Why This Song:
We come to this place from a world that seems torn asunder, lost, and broken. We come to encounter the love of Christ and peace from the storm. In Christ we find welcome, forgiveness, grace, and peace in the midst of life's storms.
Prayer of Confession
Holy God, in this world that feels like it is coming apart at the seams, we so often ask the wrong questions: wanting to know how we can control situations for our own benefit, how to hold on to our image, our history, our power, when you’re going to fix everything back to the way we imagine it should be.
Instead you remind us how to live: to put your word into action in all we say and do, to follow you faithfully and trust your kingdom is coming.
Forgive us when we give up on your way and choose to invest in the way things are instead. Forgive us when we are tempted to withdraw from the world and leave it to self-destruct. Forgive us when we think there’s nothing we can do to make a difference.
Remind us once again that while we do not control your timing, you have given us a role in building your vision for a new heaven and a new earth.
May we be faithful to your way, in every small moment that adds up, in preparation for your coming. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Beloved, as we pour out our hearts in confession, be assured that God's forgiveness is vast and unconditional. Embrace the comfort of knowing that God forgives our moments of despair, our inclination to withdraw, and our perceived powerlessness. Rest securely in the pardoning embrace of our Holy God.
People: Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Psalm 102:1-17
Second Reading:
Mark 13:1-8, 24-37
Sermon:
Is the End Near? by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
My Hope is Built UMH 368
Why This Song:
Our hope and salvation does not rest on how the world is going. Tough times does not mean that God is angry with us. Our salvation rests alone on Christ, whose love for us caused His death so that we might have life. There is no surer foundation.
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Lord, receive these offerings for Your work. May these gifts, whether large or small, be instrumental in advancing Your kingdom and spreading the light of Your love. Bless these offerings, multiply them for the flourishing of Your work, and empower us to be faithful stewards in everc hanging world. We pray this in the name of our Savior, Jesus. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Sent Forth by God's Blessing UMH 664
Why This Song:
We have been gathered by God in this place to find respite, healing, and rejuvenation, but we were not meant to stay here in this huddle but to take what we have received to give it freely to whose in our world who are hurting. May we endeavor to live out that atsk.
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 Lesson of the Fig Tree: Mark 13:28-31
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Tuesday
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Keep Awake: Mark 13:32-37
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Wednesday
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Times and Seasons: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5
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Thursday
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Do Not Fall Asleep: 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11
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Friday
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Salvation is Near: Romans 13:11-14
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Saturday
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A Plot is Hatched: Mark 14:1-2
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Sunday
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"Triumphal Entry and Anointing : Mark 11:1-11; 14:3-9"
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Personal Application: What are some practical ways we can embrace a life of readiness, as encouraged in the sermon, without giving in to fear or anxiety about the end times? (Matthew 24:42-44)
Signs of Hope: The sermon spoke of finding hope in unexpected places, like a flower emerging amidst graves. Think of a time when you have found hope in a desolate situation. How does the resurrection of Christ inspire hope in our own lives? (1 Peter 1:3)
Discussion on Readiness: The sermon talks about readiness not as a passive waiting but as an active working. What does this look like in our community, and how can we support each other in being actively ready? (Luke 12:35-38)
Morning Prayer: Heavenly Father, As the new day dawns, I am reminded of Your promise of resurrection and the hope that it brings. Amidst the chatter of end times and apocalyptic visions, help me to focus on the life and renewal You offer. Let this morning be a time of reflection on Your Word, not as a map to predict the future, but as a guide to live a life of readiness. Instill in me a spirit of watchfulness, rooted not in fear but in the joyful anticipation of Your kingdom. May my heart be like fertile soil, ready to receive the seeds of Your truth, so that I may bear fruit in accordance with Your will. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Dear Lord, As night falls, I thank You for the comfort that comes from knowing we are called to action, not just contemplation of the end. In the stillness of this evening, let me reflect on the day's events through the lens of Your love and resurrection. Guide me in understanding that readiness for Your return is not about fear, but about living a life that honors You in all I do. Grant me the serenity to rest well, trusting in Your sovereign hand to hold tomorrow, and the faith to wake with renewed purpose. In the gentle embrace of Your presence, I find my rest. Amen.