Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: God of Laughter, inspire us
People: Walk with us on our journey
Leader: God of hospitality, remind us that you are with us
People: Gather us close to you today God.
Opening Hymn
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty UMH 139
Prayer of Confession
Leader: Remember that God loves us exactly as we are, come let us confess ourselves to God
People: God we confess that we do not believe that with you all things are possible. Instead we remember all the things that stand in our way. We think of ourselves as impossible: too young, too old, too weird, too poor, too ungifted. We would laugh at the impossibility, but we are afraid to do even that. Forgive us, teach us that it is ok to feel helpless, it is ok to understand that things are impossible. Help us to find the good humor of Sarah, the hospitality of Abraham and the Graciousness of God we pray. (Silent Prayer) Amen.
Words of Assurance
Jesus loves us and walks with us, he forgive us always. Friends proclaim the good news to one another: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Genesis 18:1-15
Second Reading:
Genesis 21:1-7
Sermon:
Laughing at the Promise by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior UMH 351
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Divine Creator, we express our heartfelt gratitude for the way in which Sarah discovered your boundless grace, accompanied by joyous laughter. As we offer our gifts today, we seek your blessings to accompany us as we embark on our journey into the world. Through our lives, may we be share your love and compassion. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
I Come with Joy UMH 617 Vs. 1,2,5,7
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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Two Sons for Isaac and Rebekah: Genesis 25:19-28
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Tuesday
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Jacob Buys a Birthright: Genesis 25:29-34
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Wednesday
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A Scheming Son and Mother: Genesis 27:1-17
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Thursday
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The Scheme Succeeds: Genesis 27:18-29
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Friday
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Esau's Lost Blessing: Genesis 27:30-41
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Saturday
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Jacob Prepares to See Esau: Genesis 32:1-8
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Sunday
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Jacob Wrestles: Genesis 32:[9-13] 22-30
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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 start this day, I am inspired by the sermon on Sarah and Abraham's transformative journey of hope and faith. I pray that their story will instill in me the courage to face the unknown, and the faith to believe in the fulfillment of Your promises. I ask for the grace to trust in Your timing and the wisdom to understand that the power of waiting is a catalyst for change and transformation. May I be an instrument of Your love and peace in the world today. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Loving God, as I reflect on this day, I thank You for the blessings and challenges of this day. Help me to see them as a testament to Your unwavering faithfulness. I ask for the strength to wait on Your promises and the courage to be a catalyst for transformation in my community. As I prepare for rest, I pray for a peaceful night and the promise of a hopeful tomorrow. Amen.
Have you ever experienced a season of waiting where it seemed like God's promise would never come to fruition? How did you navigate through that season?
Sarah laughed in disbelief when she heard God's promise that she would bear a child in her old age. Have you ever doubted God's promises because they seemed impossible based on your circumstances? How did you overcome this doubt?
Sarah's initial laughter of disbelief was transformed into joy when God's promise was fulfilled. Can you share an experience when a moment of doubt or disbelief in your life was transformed into a moment of joy and blessing?
This sermon talks about being God's hands and feet in our community. What does this mean to you, and how can you live this out in your daily life? (Refer to 1 Corinthians 12:27)