Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: "In times of loss and uncertainty, will you stand with those in need?"
People: "We will stand with unwavering commitment."
Leader: "Just as Ruth declared, 'Your people shall be my people,' will you choose love over convenience?"
People: "We will choose love and unwavering commitment."
Leader: In our worship, we remember that we are called to be unwavering in our commitment to those in need.
People: We respond to God saying, "Wherever you go, I will go, I will follow."
Opening Hymn
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing UMH 400
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we come before you humbled by the unwavering commitment of Ruth. As we reflect on her love and selflessness, we confess that we often fall short in showing such dedication to others. We admit that we sometimes choose convenience over love and are slow to stand with those in need. Forgive us, Lord, and inspire us to be more like Ruth in our daily lives. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: In God's boundless grace, our sins are forgiven, our slate wiped clean.
People: We receive God's forgiveness with gratitude and joy.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Matthew 18:10-14
Second Reading:
Ruth 1:1-17
Sermon:
Ruth and Naomi's Enduring Love by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
I Will Trust in the Lord UMH 464
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, as we bring our offerings before you today, we are reminded of the unwavering commitment of Ruth. Just as she stood with Naomi, we too stand with gratitude for your presence in our lives. We thank you for the love and selflessness that you have shown us. Bless these gifts, Lord, and use them to extend your love and care to those in need. In Jesus' name, we give thanks. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Pass It On UMH 572
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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David Is Anointed: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
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Tuesday
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David and Jonathan: 1 Samuel 18:1-5
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Wednesday
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David's Success, Saul's Jealousy: 1 Samuel 18:6-16
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Thursday
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David Spares Saul: 1 Samuel 24:1-7
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Friday
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David Speaks to Saul: 1 Samuel 24:8-15
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Saturday
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Saul Replies: 1 Samuel 24:16-22
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Sunday
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David Becomes King: 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 6:1-5; Psalm 150
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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: Gracious Lord, as I rise to greet this new day, I am reminded of Ruth's unwavering commitment and her boldness to make decisions that contradicted worldly logic. Fill my heart with the same courage and dedication, to care for those in need, irrespective of personal comfort or convenience. Teach me to act upon your divine call with love and commitment, Amen.
Evening Prayer: Merciful Father, as I retire from the day's work, I reflect on the lessons learned from Ruth's commitment and love. As I journey through the complexities of life, guide me to make decisions based on your divine metrics. Teach me to put the needs of others before my own comfort, echoing the essence of divine providence in my life. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen.
Reflection Question: In this sermon, we're encouraged to make choices influenced by God's metrics, not our convenience or comfort. What steps can you take to start living in this way? (Refer to Philippians 2:3-4)
Reflection Question: How does the story of Ruth inspire you to live out a life of love and commitment, despite the complexities and challenges we face?
Reflection Question: The sermon draws parallels with the parable of the lost sheep. How does this parable illustrate the level of commitment God expects from us towards those who are lost and hurting? (Refer to Matthew 18:10-14)