Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: God, you call each of us to serve you, and we answer,
People: “Here I am!”
Leader: Jesus, you call each of us to follow you, and we answer,
People: “Here I am!”
Leader: Holy Spirit, you call each of us to worship you this day, and we answer,
People: “Here I am!”
Opening Hymn
Open My Eyes, That I May See UMH 454
Prayer of Confession
Awesome God, you have made all of creation and each cell of our bodies. You know our thoughts and you know our sins.
We desperately try to hide our mistakes, our weaknesses, our embarrassments. But you know it all, and so we come before you now asking for your forgiveness.
Even as you know the limits of our human capabilities, we know the unlimited power of your love. Forgive us, cleanse us, make us whole.
(prayer continues in silence)
Words of Assurance
Leader: The God who has made us will never desert us. The God of creation is still creating and making us new. The God whose love gave us the gift of Jesus Christ is the same God whose love forgives and sustains us.
All: Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Second Reading:
1 John 1:5–7
Sermon:
Sunflower Faith: Living in the Light by Rev. Dr. Deborah Tanksley-Brown
Hymn of Response
Because He Lives UMH 364
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Almighty God, As we come before you with our offerings, we are reminded of our constant need for you in our lives. You are our provider, our sustainer, and our strength. Without you, we are nothing. May these gifts be a symbol of our dependence on you, acknowledging that all we have comes from your hand. 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: |
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Monday
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John 6:24-35
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Tuesday
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1 John 1:5-7
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Wednesday
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Luke 10:25-37
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Thursday
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Matthew 6:25-34
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Friday
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Matthew 5:14-16
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Reflection Question: In what ways might our personal agendas conflict with God's agenda, and how can we work to align ourselves more closely with God's will?
Reflection Question: How can we balance the need for personal spiritual growth with the call to serve and support others in their journeys from 'hurting to healing'?
Reflection Question: In what ways can we challenge ourselves and our faith communities to move beyond familiar comfort zones and embrace God's desire to recreate us?