Prelude
Agincourt Hymn - Dunstable
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, bring your whole self to worship —
All: mind and body, heart and soul.
Leader: Love for God and love for our neighbor come together
All: for we cannot do one without the other.
Leader: This is the foundation of faith and life:
All: to love with all we have and all we are.
Opening Hymn
Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart UMH 500
Prayer of Confession
Loving God, you made us for community and called us to care for one another. We confess that we often care mostly for ourselves. We look for ways to score points, to get ahead, to be right, to secure our futures, and so it is impossible to find common ground.
Forgive us when we cannot see the forest for the trees. Forgive us when we idolise generosity we have no intention of practicing. Forgive us when we do not live up to our responsibility to care for each other. Forgive us when we demand vulnerability from some but refuse to be vulnerable ourselves. Forgive us when we seek recognition and honor and glory instead of the greater good.
Set us back on your path to real relationship, where we can see each other as fellow travelers made in your image, and learn to love one another as you have loved us. We ask in the name of the One who embodies your Love, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Words of Assurance
In the midst of our self-centered ways, God's boundless love surrounds us. Through the prayer of confession, we acknowledge our human tendencies and shortcomings, but even in our failings, God's mercy flows abundantly. So, take heart and move forward with the knowledge that in God's eyes, you are embraced with love and grace. May this assurance empower you to walk in the light of compassion, humility, and a commitment to care for one another.Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Psalm 89:1-4
Second Reading:
Mark 12:28-44
Sermon:
Loving God and Neighbor by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Where Charity and Love Prevail UMH 549
Tithes and Offerings
No Shade So Rare - Handel
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
As we bring forth our offerings with hearts filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. Bless these offerings, O Lord, and multiply them for the greater good. We thank you, Lord, for the privilege of participating in your divine work through our offerings. May they support the needs of the community, uplift those in despair, and extend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
A Charge to Keep I Have UMH 413
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
Jerusalem - Parry
This Week's Reading Plan
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Reading: |
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Monday
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Wars and Rumors of Wars: Mark 13:1-8
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Tuesday
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Standing Before Governors and Kings: Mark 13:9-13
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Wednesday
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Hard Times to Come: Mark 13:14-20
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Thursday
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A Desolating Sacrilege : Daniel 11:29-35
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Friday
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False Messiahs : Mark 13:21-23
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Saturday
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The Son of Man Has Dominion: Daniel 7:9-14
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Sunday
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The Son of Man Comes: Mark 13:24-27
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Day 1: The Heart of the Commandment
Reading: Mark 12:28-31
Devotional: Today, we begin our journey by reflecting on the heart of Jesus' teachings—the greatest commandments. As you read Mark 12:28-31, consider how Jesus responds to the question about the greatest commandment. His answer is twofold, yet intrinsically connected: love for God and love for neighbor. Ponder the depth of these commands and what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
Reflection Questions:
- What does loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength look like in your daily life?
- How can you show love to your neighbors in practical ways this week?
Prayer Focus: Ask God to deepen your understanding of these commandments and to help you live them out with sincerity and commitment.
Day 2: Worship and Devotion
Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Devotional: The call to love God is not just an emotion; it is a call to wholehearted devotion that permeates every aspect of our lives. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 encourages us to keep God's words close to us, to speak of them at home and on the road, when we lie down and when we get up. Reflect on how your devotion to God shapes your daily routines, your conversations, and your thoughts.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways can you incorporate the remembrance of God's commandments throughout your day?
- How does your worship reflect your love for God beyond the walls of a church building?
Prayer Focus: Pray for the discipline to integrate God's commandments into every part of your life and for the grace to worship Him in spirit and truth.
Day 3: Love in Action
Reading: James 2:14-17
Devotional: Faith without works is dead. James challenges us to live out our faith through actions that demonstrate our love for others. True faith is evidenced by our willingness to step into the needs of those around us. As you read James 2:14-17, consider the ways in which your faith has moved you to action. Reflect on the balance between your personal devotion and the practical love you show to others.
Reflection Questions:
- Can you think of a time when your faith prompted you to take action to help someone in need?
- What opportunities are in front of you to put your faith into action this week?
Prayer Focus: Pray for the courage and compassion to act on your faith by serving those in need and showing God's love through your actions.
Day 4: Community and Prayer
Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Devotional: The early church in Acts gives us a beautiful picture of community life, centered around teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Today, reflect on the role of community in your spiritual life. How does gathering with fellow believers strengthen your faith? How can you contribute to the prayer life of your community?
Reflection Questions:
- How can you more actively participate in the life and prayer of your faith community?
- What can you do to encourage and support someone in your community this week?
Prayer Focus: Ask God to show you how to engage more deeply in the life of your church community, particularly through shared prayer and support.
Day 5: Uniting Head, Heart, and Hands
Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Devotional: The body of Christ is made up of many parts, each with different functions, yet all are necessary and united by the Spirit. As we close this week's reflection, consider how you are using your unique gifts to serve God and others. Think about the balance of head, heart, and hands in your faith practice. Are you engaging your mind through study, your heart through worship, and your hands through service?
Reflection Questions:
- Which aspect of your faith (head, heart, or hands) do you feel needs more attention? How can you cultivate that area?
- How can you use your unique gifts to serve your church and community this week?
Prayer Focus: Pray for the wisdom and guidance to balance the intellectual, emotional, and active expressions of your faith, using all that you are to glorify God and love others.