Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Give thanks to the Lord!
People: We will sing God’s praises!
Leader: Seek the Lord and God’s strength.
People: We continually seek God’s presence in our lives.
Leader: Remember all the wonderful things that God has done.
People: Praise the Lord! AMEN.
Opening Hymn
For the Beauty of the Earth UMH 92
Why This Song:
This song reminds us that all that we have is from God, and God still owns it all. Our initial response should always be one of gratitude.
Prayer of Confession
Caring God, you call us to be the body of Christ: to live in community, to care for one another, to use our different gifts.Instead of working to sustain community, we follow our own desires.Instead of trusting in your care, we think we can do it alone.Forgive our neglect of others.Give us obedient spirits, that we may care for one another, depend on your love, and use our gifts for your gospel. Amen.
Words of Assurance
The Lord is on our side, offering words of forgiveness, protecting us from danger. We are a forgiven people, bound together in God’s love. We are the body of Christ, forgiven and free.
Jesus is the Messiah, the hope of the world, the one who brings us the gift of peace. Look into the eyes of your neighbor and see the light of Christ reflected there. Recognize each other as the body of Christ. Share Christ’s peace with one another.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
2 Samuel 24:18-25
Second Reading:
Romans 12:1-21
Sermon:
Offering as a Living Sacrifice by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Give Thanks TFWS 2036
Why This Song:
We sing this in response to the message as a way to remember that our lives, including our giving and sharing of our gifts, is in gratitude for what God did for us through Jesus Christ.
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Generous God, you have given us many gifts and drawn us together into Christ’s body, the church. You have blessed us with generous and cheerful spirits. May the gifts of our money, time, and talents support the ministry of your church. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Closing Hymn
Take My Life, and Let It Be UMH 399
Why This Song:
In our closing song, we offer our lives, our gifts, our talents, to God and God's work in our community.
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
Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Day 1: The God of Generosity
Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Devotional: God's generosity is the foundation of our faith. He gave us everything, including His Son. As you reflect on this passage, consider how God's abundance has manifested in your life. How can you cultivate a heart of cheerful giving, not just of money, but of your time, talents, and love? Remember, our generosity is a reflection of God's character in us. Today, look for opportunities to give freely, trusting that God will continue to provide for all your needs.
Day 2: Living Sacrifice
Reading: Romans 12:1-8
Devotional: Paul's call to be a "living sacrifice" challenges us to dedicate our entire lives to God. This isn't a one-time offering, but a daily commitment. Reflect on areas of your life you might be holding back from God. What would it look like to surrender these fully to Him? Consider your unique gifts mentioned in the passage. How can you use these to serve others and glorify God? Today, choose one specific way to offer yourself more fully to God's service.
Day 3: The Cost of Discipleship
Reading: Luke 14:25-33
Devotional: Following Jesus comes with a cost, as David understood when he refused to offer God something that cost him nothing. Jesus asks us to prioritize Him above all else. This doesn't mean abandoning our responsibilities, but it does mean examining our attachments and being willing to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with God. What might you need to "give up" to follow Christ more closely? Today, identify one thing you can surrender to deepen your commitment to Jesus.
Day 4: God's Presence in Suffering
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Devotional: Our generous God doesn't just give us material blessings; He offers us His presence and comfort in our darkest moments. Paul reminds us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence in suffering. How did this experience equip you to help others? Today, reach out to someone who might be struggling and share the comfort you've received from God.
Day 5: Hope in Christ
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Devotional: Peter reminds us of the living hope we have in Christ, a hope that sustains us through trials and refines our faith. This hope is the ultimate gift from our generous God. As you reflect on this passage, consider how this hope has anchored you in difficult times. How can you share this hope with others? Today, write down three specific reasons for the hope you have in Christ and consider sharing these with someone who needs encouragement.