Order of Worship for Sunday, October 1st 2023

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 Let My People Go: Exodus 5:1-9
Tuesday Signs and Wonders in Egypt: Exodus 7:1-13
Wednesday Pharaoh Finally Relents: Exodus 12:29-32
Thursday Pharaoh'sPursuit: Exodus 14:5-14
Friday Salvation at the Sea: Exodus 14:19-31
Saturday The Ten Commandments: Deuteronomony 5:1-21
Sunday Love the Lord Your God: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

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? 


Featured Upcoming Events:

Christmas Eve Service

on 12/24/2024 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

We begin our celebrations of God’s light entering the world. We will savor the story of the first Christmas as told in Luke, singing several favorite Christmas carols. We will conclude our worship with the singing of Silent Night as we light the candles and finish with a celebration that joy has come to the wold.

Learn More

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 12/25/2024 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!

Learn More

Next Steps

on 1/5/2025 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."

Learn More

The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
Dec 22 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Dec 22 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Dec 24 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Dec 24 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Christmas Eve Service Learn More
Dec 24 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Dec 25 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Dec 25 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Dec 29 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Dec 29 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Dec 31 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Dec 31 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Jan 01 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
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