Order of Worship for Sunday, February 25th 2024

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: Come to the Teacher who can help you see
All: We come looking for mercy we don’t even know how to name

Leader: Come to the Teacher who calls you to his way of life
All: We come seeking God’s kingdom in this place

Leader: Come to the Teacher whose greatness is in service
All: We come to learn grace and gratitude

Opening Hymn

Amazing Grace UMH 378

Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, you invite us to come to you and to ask you whatever is on our hearts. We confess that often what’s on our hearts and minds does not reflect well on us. We are often preoccupied with our own status, or with getting others to do what we want, or worse, how we can convince you to do what we want.

Forgive us when we have missed the point of your teaching. Forgive us when we have judged others for asking the same things we ask, but in the wrong way. Forgive us when we have so focused on our desired outcome that we are unwilling to commit ourselves if it can’t be guaranteed.

Have mercy on us, and guide us once again to follow your way. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Embrace the grace extended to you, in acknowledging our frailties that led us astray we place ourselves a the mercy of the one whose love knows no bounds. In the name of Christ, find redemption and forgiveness.

Amen.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Psalm 34:9-14

Second Reading:

Mark 10:32-52

Sermon:

From Blindness to Sight: Bartimaeus' Journey of Restoration by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling UMH 348

Reception of New Members

Claudia Genuardi
Gene Foreman

Tithes and Offerings

Give Now

Offertory Response

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Gracious Provider, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the abundance you have bestowed upon us. As we present our offerings, may they be symbols of our appreciation for your unending provisions. Bless these gifts and guide us to use them in ways that reflect your love and generosity. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Announcements

Closing Hymn

We Are the Church UMH 558

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:
Monday	A Blind Beggar at the Roadside: Mark 10:46-52
Tuesday	A Fig Tree and the Temple: Mark 11:12-19
Wednesday	The Power of Prayer: Mark 11:20-25
Thursday	A Question of Authority: Mark 11:27-33
Friday	The Parable of the Wicked Tenants: Mark 12:1-12
Saturday	The Chief Cornerstone: Psalm 118:21-26
Sunday	Taxes to the Emperor: Mark 12:13-17

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

Morning Devotional Prayer: Loving God, as the day begins and the light of a new day graces the sky, I seek the courage of Bartimaeus. Guide me to approach You with an open heart, willing to express my vulnerabilities and lay my needs at Your feet. Teach me to trust in Your divine mercy and embrace the transformative power of faith in my daily walk. May Your grace illuminate the path before me and lead me closer to You. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Evening Devotional Prayer: Eternal Shepherd, in the stillness of this evening, I pause to reflect on the role of community in my spiritual journey. Bless my interactions with others, that together we may build a vibrant faith that resonates with Your love and grace. As I lay down to sleep, may the lessons of this day resonate within me, cultivating a heart eager to worship You in spirit and truth. Watch over me and all those who seek Your face in the quiet of the night. Amen.
Reflection Question: Reflect on the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52. What does Bartimaeus's decision to cry out for Jesus' mercy, despite being rebuked by the crowd, tell us about the persistence and boldness required in our own faith journeys?
Reflection Question: Bartimaeus calls out for mercy rather than specifically asking for healing. How can we understand the difference between seeking God's mercy and seeking specific solutions to our problems? Discuss the implications this has on the way we approach God in prayer.
Reflection Question: Reflect on the idea that our spiritual journey is not passive but an active partnership with God. How can the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 inspire us to be proactive in our faith and in utilizing our gifts within the community?

Featured Upcoming Events:

Next Steps

on 1/5/2025 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM

"Join us at 'Next Steps,' our recurring gathering where we explore the future of our church's ministry and your role within it. Discover how you can make a meaningful impact by plugging into our diverse ministries."

Learn More

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 1/8/2025 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Join us for a weekly Bible study and lunch with Pastor Kevin on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. Bring your lunch and come ready to dive deeper into the Sunday morning scripture. This is a great opportunity to discuss and learn more about the word of God in a small group setting with the guidance of our pastor. See you there!