Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: In the midst of a world filled with distractions,
People: We gather to turn our attention to God.
Leader: Just as God noticed the suffering of the Israelites,
People: We come before the One who sees and cares for us.
Leader: Let this worship be our response to the call of love,
People: To the God who calls us into a deeper relationship.
Opening Hymn
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty UMH 64
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, in the midst of a world filled with distractions, we often find our attention divided. We confess that we have allowed the noise of life to drown out your voice. We have been preoccupied with trivial matters while neglecting the urgency of your call. Forgive us, O Lord, and help us refocus our hearts and minds on you.
Words of Assurance
Leader: By God's grace and understanding, we are offered forgiveness and reconciliation.
People: As we turn from life's noise to hear God's voice, we find peace and clarity, and forgiveness in God's presence.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Exodus 1:8-Exodus 2:10
Second Reading:
Exodus 3:1-15
Sermon:
Responding to the Call by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast UMH 339
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, in the stories of our faith, we find inspiration in the courage and compassion of those who responded to your call. As we offer our gifts today, we give thanks for the countless ways you have blessed our lives. We remember that just as you noticed the suffering of the Israelites, you see us and care for us. May these offerings be a symbol of our appreciation and a means to extend your love to others. Bless and use them for your purposes, O Lord. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Here I Am, Lord UMH 593
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
Day: |
Reading: |
Monday
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Let My People Go: Exodus 5:1-9
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Tuesday
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Signs and Wonders in Egypt: Exodus 7:1-13
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Wednesday
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Pharaoh Finally Relents: Exodus 12:29-32
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Thursday
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Pharaoh'sPursuit: Exodus 14:5-14
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Friday
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Salvation at the Sea: Exodus 14:19-31
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Saturday
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The Ten Commandments: Deuteronomony 5:1-21
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Sunday
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Love the Lord Your God: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
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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: Dear Lord, as we start this day, we remember the courage and faith of Your servants in Ancient Egypt. We ask that You guide us through the challenges of today, just as You guided Joseph to save Egypt and its people. Help us to see beyond the distractions of our world and maintain our focus on You. Teach us to be vessels of Your peace, love, and justice in our societies today, echoing the lessons from Your timeless narratives. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Merciful God, as we close our eyes tonight, we reflect on the relevance of the biblical narratives of Ancient Egypt in our lives. We pray that the faith and courage of Joseph, Shifra, and Pua continue to inspire us. Lord, just as You were with them in their trials, be with us in ours. As we rest, we ask that You prepare us for the battles we may face tomorrow, reminding us of Your unending love and the victories won by Your servants in times past. Amen.
Reflection Question: How does the bravery of Shifra and Pua, the midwives who defied Pharaoh's orders, inspire us to stand up against injustice in our current society? How can we embody their courage in our own lives? (Reference: Exodus 1:15-21)
Reflection Question: The sermon highlights that God is continually working in history to provide hope and support for those living under oppressive systems. Can you share a situation in your life or in our world today where you have seen this at work?
Reflection Question: Discuss the relevance of these Biblical narratives from Ancient Egypt to our lives today. How can we draw strength and inspiration from these stories?