Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, gather round — all who are seeking a word, seeking hope, seeking healing,
All: Jesus, living Word of God, is here.
Leader: Come, gather round, for Jesus is calling us — from ordinary work, from long traditions, from friends and family,
All: Jesus invites us to new life with him.
Opening Hymn
Be Thou My Vision UMH 451
Prayer of Confession
Gathering God, your love for your world brought you among us, and you surround yourself with all kinds of people. We confess that we aren’t sure about all of them, though. You say now is the time, and yours is the way, but we admit we aren’t quite ready for what you’re proposing.
Forgive us when we look down on the very people you came to love and serve. Forgive us when we can’t quite stretch to include all your people in our own community, and when we insist no one else should either. Forgive us for the many times when your Body, the Church, does not reflect your life on earth.
Gather us in and open our hearts to sit at table with all your people, celebrating and creating the community of love you bring to fulfilment in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Take heart, beloved community, for the Light of Christ shines —
People: In His forgiveness, we discover healing, and in His love, we are made whole.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Mark 1:14-20
Second Reading:
Mark 2:18-22
Sermon:
Jesus's Ministry Begins by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Jesus' Hands Were Kind Hands UMH 273
Why This Song:
We sing this song almost as a prayer to ask Jesus to shape our words and actions to be more like His.
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Almighty God, as we come before you with our offerings today, we are mindful of the boundless grace that flows from your heart. Just as Jesus initiated His ministry, pouring out love and compassion, we present our gifts as a reflection of gratitude for your unending mercy. Bless these offerings, multiply them for the work of your kingdom, and may they radiate the love that began with Jesus's ministry. In His name, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore UMH 344
Why This Song:
This song reminds us that Jesus does not come looking for the best, the brightest, the most connected, or the wealthiest, but instead calls those who are willing to say "YES" and follow.
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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As One with Authority: Mark 1:21-28
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Tuesday
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Simon's Mother-in-Law: Mark 1:29-39
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Wednesday
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Jesus Heals a Leper: Mark 1:40-45
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Thursday
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Jesus Heals a Paralytic: Mark 2:1-12
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Friday
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Jesus Forgives Sins: Mark 2:18-22
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Saturday
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Jesus Appoints the Twelve: Mark 3:13-19
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Sunday
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The Parable of the Sower: Mark 4:1-9
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Morning Prayer: Gracious and Everlasting Spirit, As I welcome the dawn of this new day, I am reminded of the call to leave behind the nets of my past, to embrace the journey you have set before me. You beckon me to step into a life of purpose and service. May I hear your transformative call afresh this morning, and may my heart be open to the new paths you are revealing. Grant me the courage to follow, trusting in your steadfast love and guidance. As the sun rises, so may your light illuminate my way and lead me to deeper communion with you and with my neighbors. Amen.
Reflection Question: Reflecting on the urgency of Jesus' call to His disciples in the Gospel of Mark, how can we, in our present day, respond to Jesus' immediate call to discipleship and service? (Mark 1:16-20)
Reflection Question: In what practical ways can we, as a church community, create a welcoming environment that fosters relationships, hope, and belonging, particularly for those who feel lonely or disconnected? (Hebrews 13:1-2)
Reflection Question: Share a time when your faith provided stability and strength during a period of doubt or difficulty. (Psalm 46:1-3)
Reflection Question: As we contemplate the role of community in times of trial, how can we be a beacon of warmth and connection to those around us, even when we ourselves are facing battles? (Galatians 6:2)