Order of Worship for Wednesday, March 5th 2025

What is a Labyrinth?

A labyrinth is an ancient practice used for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection. Unlike a maze, which is designed to confuse and mislead, a labyrinth has a single, purposeful path leading to the center and back out again. A labyrinth is not a maze—there are no tricks, no dead ends. Like life, it is a journey inward toward the center and out again.

Walking the labyrinth is an opportunity to slow down, quiet your mind, and draw closer to God. Each step can be an act of prayer—offering your thoughts, burdens, and hopes to God as you move. Some walk the labyrinth seeking clarity, others seeking peace, and still others seeking renewal. No matter where you find yourself today, you are invited to walk with openness, allowing God to speak into your journey.

  • As you enter, bring yourself fully into this moment. Let go of distractions, silence the noise of the world, and step forward with intention.
  • As you reach the center, rest in God’s presence. Pause. Breathe. Listen for God’s still, small voice.
  • As you return, walk with renewed purpose. Carry with you what God has placed on your heart—whether it be peace, clarity, healing, or hope.

May this be a sacred space for you—a journey of release, renewal, and grace.

Ash Wednesday: A Call to Reflection and Renewal

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of repentance and preparation for the journey toward Jerusalem and the cross. The ashes remind us of our mortality—"You are dust, and to dust you shall return"—but they also serve as a call to renewal, an invitation to turn back to God with our whole hearts.

Lent is a time to name the burdens we carry—our worries, regrets, sins, and sorrows—and to lay them down before the One who offers grace. Walking the labyrinth mirrors this Lenten journey: a movement from carrying our burdens to releasing them and stepping forward in freedom.

  • As you enter the labyrinth, bring your burdens with you. Name them in your heart. Hold them before God. Let this walk be an honest offering of your struggles, your doubts, your longings.
  • As you reach the center, let go. Pause here. Rest in God’s presence. Let the weight you carried in be lifted by the One who bears all things. Offer your repentance. Receive God’s mercy. Feel the quiet invitation to renewal.
  • As you return, walk with freedom. Leave behind what no longer serves you. Carry with you only what God has placed on your heart—grace, peace, a renewed sense of purpose. Step forward into this Lenten season lighter, trusting that God walks this journey with you.
  • When you leave the labyrinth, set your eyes on Jerusalem and God's grace on display. The path ahead may not always be easy, but it leads to redemption. Christ walks before you, carrying the cross, offering mercy, calling you to new life. Walk in faith, trusting that grace will meet you at every step.

A Prayer of Confession for the Journey

God of mercy and grace,

I come before You knowing that I am in need of Your forgiveness.
I have turned from Your ways and sought my own path.
I have been quick to speak and slow to listen,
quick to judge and slow to love.
I have held onto things that do not bring life,
and I have ignored the invitations You have placed before me.

Tonight, as I walk this path,
help me to release what holds me back.
Search my heart and make it clean.
Renew my spirit and draw me closer to You.
With every step, let me trust in Your mercy.
With every breath, let me receive Your grace.

In the name of Christ, who walks this journey with me, Amen.


Featured Upcoming Events:

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 3/12/2025 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!

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Special Session of Charge Conference

on 3/16/2025 from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM

Berwyn United Methodist Church will hold a special session of Charge Conference on Sunday, March 16, at 11:15 AM, immediately following worship, to discuss mortgage refinancing and funding for building improvements related to our transition to full-day childcare. With our mortgage rate increasing from 4.14% to 6.73%, we are considering refinancing at 5.25% with the United Methodist Loan Board, which would also provide funds for air conditioning, child-sized bathrooms, furnishings, and security upgrades. Another option is borrowing against the $100,000 invested with the Loan Fund through the Mid-Atlantic Foundation. All members are encouraged to attend and participate in this important decision.

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Next Steps

on 4/6/2025 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."

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The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
Mar 09 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Mar 11 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Mar 11 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Leadership Team Meeting Learn More
Mar 11 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Mar 12 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Mar 12 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Mar 16 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Mar 16 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Mar 16 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Special Session of Charge Conference Learn More
Mar 16 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Confirmation Learn More
Mar 18 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Mar 18 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Mar 19 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
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