Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Disciples of Christ, why have you gathered today?
People: To worship God, who lives among us.
Leader: God lives among us all the time, so why have you gathered today?
People: To remind one another that God lives among us as we worship.
Leader: When you scatter from this place, what will you take with you?
People: Hearts open to recognize God living among us.
Leader: Then, come! Let us worship together!
People: We come to worship with rejoicing the Triune God who lives, loves, and moves among us as we gather and as we are sent from this place! Amen.
Opening Hymn
Great is They Faithfulness UMH 140
Prayer of Confession
Spirit of God, we confess that we put on airs more often than we put on the armor of God. We are guilty of girding ourselves with lies instead of the truth. We try to protect ourselves with arrogance, superstition, and self-reliance instead of righteousness, faith, and your gift of salvation. Our footsteps do not follow your path of peace. And we are quick to use your Word to attack one another, instead of striking out against the sins we personally commit. Forgive us, Holy God. Gift us with the wisdom and strength to change our ways, so that we may live as your faithful ambassadors of the Good News. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Christ died for your sins and rose again, so that God may forgive you, freeing you from self-reliance and leading you to live fully in the power of truth, righteousness, and peace.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
1 Kings 8:22-30
Second Reading:
John 6:56-69
Sermon:
Sent Out to Live by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
We've a Story to Tell to the Nations UMH 569
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Eternal God, as we bring forth our offerings today, we are reminded of your enduring presence among us. With hearts full of gratitude, we offer these gifts as a symbol of our commitment to live lives of worship, not just within these walls but in every moment of our existence. May our actions, our words, and our very lives be a testament to your glory, shining forth your love and grace to all we encounter. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Sent Out in Jesus Name TFWS 2184
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