Order of Worship for Sunday, January 19th 2025

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: Listen! In Christ, God speaks.
People: In our hearing, may the word be fulfilled.

Leader: Listen! God’s voice goes out to the world.
People: The word calls us in and sends us out.

Leader: Listen! But don’t just listen.
People: As we attend to the word, may we also enact it.

Opening Hymn

Gather Us In TFWS 2236

Prayer of Confession

God, we do not understand Jesus, the prophet. We do not want to get our hands dirty with the poor, the oppressed, the prisoners. Forgive us for being insulated and isolated. Open our hearts to the poor and help us to love them as you love them, working to bring in the good news of the reign of God. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Leader: Jesus’ mission is liberation from all that harms us. Jesus’ mission is to give us vision to see the kingdom of God among us even now. Jesus’ mission is good news life abundant for all. Through God’s forgiving grace, receive these gifts today: liberation, vision, and good news. And through God’s forgiving grace, hear the Spirit’s call to join Jesus on his mission to the world God so loves. Thanks be to God.
All: Amen.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Psalm 146

Second Reading:

Luke 4:14-30

Sermon:

Jesus Brings Good News by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

Jesus United By Thy Grace UMH 561

Tithes and Offerings

Give Now

Offertory Response

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Faithful God, who calls us to follow and empowers us by your Spirit, we bring these gifts to you in gratitude and hope. May they be used to proclaim good news, set the oppressed free, and bring sight to the blind. Transform our offerings into acts of love and justice that reflect the mission of Jesus in this world. In his holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Announcements

Closing Hymn

Pass It On (It Only Takes a Spark) UMH 572

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

Featured Upcoming Events:

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 1/22/2025 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Join us for a weekly Bible study and lunch with Pastor Kevin on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. Bring your lunch and come ready to dive deeper into the Sunday morning scripture. This is a great opportunity to discuss and learn more about the word of God in a small group setting with the guidance of our pastor. See you there!

Learn More

Next Steps

on 2/2/2025 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM

"Join us at 'Next Steps,' our recurring gathering where we explore the future of our church's ministry and your role within it. Discover how you can make a meaningful impact by plugging into our diverse ministries."