Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Created in God’s image, we are beloved, just as we are.
People: And we are grounded in the community God creates.
Leader: Look up and look around and look beyond:
People: God is telling a bigger story.
Leader: Whatever may come, in this world God so loves,
People: we will trust in God’s goodness.
Opening Hymn
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise UMH 103
Why This Song:
Reflects God's wisdom and hidden workings, themes that align with Joseph's story of providence.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, Three-in-One, You created us to live in community, And placed us in circles of relationship, Inviting us to share life together.
We confess that we often find community difficult. We do not love equally or fully. We hurt others, thinking we can ignore or excuse it. We speak poorly of one another, hoping You won’t notice. We use others for our own gain. We assume the worst of each other and act accordingly. We avoid responsibility for the brokenness in our communities.
Forgive us, O God. As You were in Christ, reconciling the world to Yourself, May Your Spirit of reconciliation still be at work among us. Bring us back into right relationship— With You and with our neighbors whom we have failed to love. Fill us with Your foundational love, That it may overflow within us, And teach us to forgive, as we have been forgiven. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: In Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we are restored to the community of God's love.
People: Thanks be to God.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Genesis 37:3-8, 17b-22, 26-34;
Second Reading:
Genesis 50:15-21
Sermon:
Joseph and His Brothers by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry TFWS 2051
Why This Song:
A narrative hymn that emphasizes God’s presence throughout life’s journey, fitting for Joseph’s life story.
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
God of abundance, You work all things together for good, even when we cannot see it. We give thanks for Your provision in our lives and for the ways You sustain us. As we offer these gifts today, may they be used to heal brokenness, restore relationships, and build up Your Kingdom of love, justice, and peace. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
It Is Well with My Soul UMH 377
Why This Song:
A powerful response to the sermon’s theme of trusting God’s providence even in suffering and hardship.
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 Israelites are Oppressed: Exodus 1:8-22
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Tuesday
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The Birth and Youth of Moses: Exodus 2:1-10
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Wednesday
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Moses at the Burning Bush: Exodus 3:1-12
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Thursday
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Moses’ Miraculous Power: Exodus 4:1-17
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Friday
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Plagues on Egypt: Exodus 7:14-17; 8:5-6, 16-17, 20-21; 9:1-3, 7
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Saturday
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More Plagues: Exodus 9:8-9, 22-23; 10:1-2, 22-24; 11:9-10
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Sunday
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Promises of Passover: Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8
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