Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
When all seems chaos,
can we look past the obvious to see something deeper?
When we feel like all is lost,
can we listen with our hearts instead of our ears?
When destruction appears the order of the day, can we recognize an opening for something new?
In the midst of all that is around us and within us, we try to imagine hope.
Opening Hymn
We Gather Together UMH 131
Why This Song:
We Gather Together is a hymn of gratitude and praise, expressing thankfulness for God's protection and provision. The hymn also speaks to the importance of seeking God's guidance and blessings and the power of community and fellowship.
Prayer of Confession
You work hard among us, O God, clearing away what hinders your purpose, planting seeds and nurturing growth,
pruning and tending to bear more fruit, watching and protecting from harm… so that we your people may live abundantly, creating your community of hope and justice and love on earth.
We confess that we are indeed hard work. We hold on to the stones that hinder and break other tools, because we like them just where they’ve always been, thank you. We resist your pruning, unwilling to let go of things that sap our energy even when they don’t produce a harvest.
We hide behind the walls and try to protect ourselves from having to mingle with others, because we don’t like what the cross-pollination of new ideas might ask of us. We assume that if we’ve gotten close enough to our ideas about you, that’s the same as faithfully following, and we don’t need to double-check or listen again.
Forgive us, O God, when we rest on our assumptions rather than on your word. Forgive us for allowing close-enough to count even when it is nowhere near your call. Forgive us for thinking we can fool you with a rotten harvest while we serve ourselves instead of your kingdom. Renew us in your love, Lord, and draw us ever closer to you that we may at last align with your purpose. We ask in the name of the One on whom your Spirit rests. Amen.
Words of Assurance
God sees well beyond what our human senses can perceive, and knows the full truth. And knowing that full truth, still God chose to call us, come among us, and reconcile us to the divine heart. Know that God’s justice and forgiveness make the impossible possible, and live in the hope of God’s kingdom coming among us, even now. Thanks be to God. amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Mark 12:1-12
Second Reading:
Isaiah 5:1-7; 11:1-5
Sermon:
Isaiah’s Vineyard Song by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Depth of Mercy UMH 355
Why This Song:
Depth of Mercy is a moving and heartfelt hymn that speaks to the depth of God's mercy and forgiveness. It reminds us that no matter how far we have strayed from God, He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms.
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, we come before you with hearts open and yearning for your transformative presence. Lord, come quickly and breathe new life into the roots of our existence. May the offerings we bring forth today reflect our desire for truth to prevail in a world hungry for authenticity. May your kingdom be revealed in our midst as we strive to be small signs of life and light that usher in the vision of a new and hopeful harvest. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service UMH 581
Why This Song:
This hymn that speaks to the importance of humility and service. It reminds us that Jesus Christ came to earth to serve others, and that we are called to follow in His footsteps.
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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King Hezekiah Reigns: 2 Kings 18:1-8
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Tuesday
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The Assyrian Attack: 2 Kings 18:13-18
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Wednesday
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The Assyrians Challenge God: 2 Kings 18:28-37
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Thursday
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Jerusalem Is Saved: 2 Kings 19:1-2, 5-7, 29-37
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Friday
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Hezekiah's Sickness: 2 Kings 20:1-11
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Saturday
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A Bad King: 2 Kings 21:1-9
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Sunday
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Josiah Finds the Scroll: 2 Kings 22:1-10
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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: Dear God, thank You for another chance at life and rebirth this morning. As I prepare for this day, may I be reminded of the power of hope, the beauty of resilience, and the possibility of rebirth. Teach me to see the silver lining in every situation and to stay true to Your divine intent. Help me navigate the spiritual maze of this world with wisdom and understanding. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Lord, as I prepare to rest, I thank You for the lessons from Isaiah's vineyard. I am grateful for the moments of growth and rebirth experienced today. As I sleep tonight, may the lessons of hope and resilience sink deeper into my heart. Grant me the grace to patiently wait for Your divine timing and to remain hopeful even in daunting circumstances. Amen.
Reflection Question: Reflecting on the sermon, how do you interpret the metaphors used in Isaiah's vineyard story? What do they symbolize for you? (Reference: Isaiah 5:1-7)
- Reflection Question: In the sermon, it's noted that the new growth may take a different form, but it's still intrinsically linked to the original source. How can this concept apply to your personal spiritual journey?
Reflection Question: The sermon invites us to uncover potential new life even in the most daunting circumstances. Discuss times when you've seen new growth emerge from challenging situations in your life or in the lives of those around you.
Reflection Question: Towards the end of the sermon, there is a focus on finding hope and nurturing growth in seemingly hopeless situations. Discuss ways in which you can nurture growth and find hope in your personal relationships and spiritual life.