Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: To whom do we go to for advice advice?
All: Wise elders, faithful friends, celebrities, Politicians...
Leader: When faced with options, how do we choose?
All: What will earn the most, provide the most political advantage, gain us power…
Leader: Who will we trust? How will we learn?
All: God speaks, if we will listen.
Opening Hymn
How Firm a Foundation UMH 529
Why This Song:
We turn our hearts and voices to hymn #529, "How Firm a Foundation," emphasizing the trust we place in God's word. This hymn reminds us of the guidance, encouragement, and testing of our beliefs that the Word of God provides. Let us sing with conviction, finding strength in our faith as we lean on the foundation of His promises.
Prayer of Confession
You are a part of something greater, O God. You are here, hoping to be heard. In the mess we've created, you keep guiding us to a better way. We admit we've trapped ourselves in a narrow mindset, neglecting your wisdom. We confess we've often hesitated to follow your guidance, trying to use you for our own small desires. In times of discomfort and fear, we've hidden what matters, even if it's not popular, keeping your goodness from shining through.
Forgive us, O Lord. Help us change and find the courage to place your kindness at the center of our thoughts and actions, to follow your path, and to fulfill the purpose you have for us. We ask this in the spirit of the One who said, "May your will be done," Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: God's grace is bigger than our self-imposed limitations.
People: We are forgiven and embraced by God's boundless love.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Mark 10:42-45
Second Reading:
1 Kings 12:1-17, 25-29
Sermon:
Kingdom Divided by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Seek Ye First UMH 405
Why This Song:
This hymn beckons us to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, trusting in God's abundant provision. Let its timeless words guide our hearts as we rise and sing together.
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Loving Creator, As a community, we gather to offer our gifts to you today. We know that everything we have comes from your goodness. With grateful hearts, we bring our offerings, both big and small, to support the work of our community and those in need. May these gifts be used for the betterment of all, spreading kindness and hope. Bless our generosity, and guide us to use our resources wisely. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
To God Be the Glory UMH 98
Why This Song:
Rooted in the verses of John 3:16 and Psalm 96:3, our closing hymn inspires us to praise the Lord and give God glory for God's wondrous deeds. As we prepare to sing it together, let its lively and joyful tune be a celebration of God's love and the incredible things He has accomplished.
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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Ahab's Evil Actions: 1 Kings 16:29-33
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Tuesday
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Elijah Announces a Drought: 1 Kings 17:1-7
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Wednesday
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Elijah and the Widow: 1 Kings 17:8-16
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Thursday
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The Widow's Son: 1 Kings 17:17-24
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Friday
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The Good Man Obadiah: 1 Kings 18:1-6
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Saturday
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Elijah and Obadiah: 1 Kings 18:7-16
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Sunday
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Fire from Heaven: 1 Kings 18:17-39
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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: Lord, as I wake up to this new day, I ask You to guide my steps and my decisions. Help me to always turn to You for guidance. May I seek Your wisdom over my own understanding and make choices that align with Your will. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Evening Prayer: Lord, as I end this day, I reflect on the decisions I have made. I seek Your forgiveness for any decisions that were not in alignment with Your will. Help me to learn from these experiences and make future choices that honor you. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Reflection Question: The sermon discussed the consequences of Rehoboam decision to listen to the people who fed his ego, rather than wise counsel. Can you recall a time in your life when you had to make a similar choice? What was the outcome? (Refer to 1 Kings 12:1-19)
Reflection Question: How can we better align ourselves with the right individuals, as discussed in the sermon? In what ways can we ensure that the people we surround ourselves with are those who prioritize Christ and seek good? (Refer to Proverbs 13:20)
Reflection Question: The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance for the right path. How does this resonate with your personal beliefs and experiences? (Refer to Psalm 32:8)