Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: God’s way is not always easy to see,
Congregation: so we come from many places to expand our perspective and broaden our hope.
Leader: God’s guidance is not always easy to trust,
Congregation: so we join our different journeys together to see the bigger picture.
Leader: God’s call is not always easy to hear,
Congregation: so we come to listen again, seeking in worship to discover faithful life.
Opening Hymn
Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me UMH 361
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, You are the God who meets us in both the heights and depths of our lives. Yet, we confess that we often lose sight of your presence. In moments of uncertainty and fear, we have sought after idols, Trusting in our strength and the world's distractions.
Forgive us for the times we have strayed from your path, turned away from your guidance and provision, and sought comfort in things that can never satisfy us.
Help us to remember your covenant faithfulness, to recognize your voice in the thundering storms and the quiet whispers, to turn from our waywardness, and to embrace your love and grace.
In your mercy, draw us close, That we may walk in your light and reflect your glory, feeling reassured and secure in your guidance, Now and always. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Beloved, hear the good news! Though we may wander, our God is always faithful. So, take heart! You are loved, and you are forgiven.
People: Glory to God, Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Luke 12:22-34
Second Reading:
Exodus 32:1-14
Sermon:
Uncovering Modern Idols: Lessons From the Golden Calf by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Take My Life and Let It Be UMH 399
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
We thank you for the blessings you give us each day. You are with us in the good times and the hard times. As we bring our gifts to you today, help us to trust in your guidance. May our offerings support your work in the world, reflecting your love and light to all people. Help us to remember that we are called to share what we have with others. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Closing Hymn
God of Grace, God of Glory UMH 577
Announcements
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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The Golden Calf: Exodus 32:1-14
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Tuesday
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Moses Makes New Tablets: Exodus 32:15-20; 34:1-10
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Wednesday
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Israel’s Refusal to Enter the Land: Deuteronomy 1:19-33
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Thursday
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Israel's Years in the Desert: Deuteronomy 1:34-40; 2:1-8
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Friday
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The Great Commandment: Deuteronomy 6:1-9
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Saturday
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God's Call to Joshua: Joshua 1:1-9
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Sunday
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Joshua’s Wisdom to the People: Joshua 23:1-15
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
In what ways might we be creating 'modern-day golden calves' in our lives, and how can we recognize these idols?
What are some signs that something or someone has become an idol in our life, consuming our time, energy, and focus?
What does it mean practically to place our worries and fears on God rather than on worldly sources of security?