Order of Worship for Sunday, June 11th 2023

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: "In the presence of our loving God, let us gather together and lift our hearts in worship."
People: "We come before you, O Lord, grateful for your blessings and seeking your presence."

Leader: "In our weakness, we find strength in Christ."
People: "We turn to you, O God, in our distress, seeking refuge and comfort."

Leader: "May our hearts be open to the transformative power of your Spirit."
People: "We open our hearts, ready to be transformed by your presence with us."

Opening Hymn

O God, Our Help in Ages Past UMH 117

Prayer of Confession

Loving and merciful God, We come before you in humility, recognizing the times when we have struggled to be vulnerable. In our pursuit of strength and self-sufficiency, we have often closed ourselves off from others and even from you. Forgive us, O Lord, for the barriers we have erected that hinder genuine connection and hinder our relationship with you.

In our misguided understanding, we have believed the lie that true blessings mean an absence of stress or anxiety. We have bought into the worldly notion that as people of faith, we should be immune to the pressures and challenges of life. Forgive us, Lord, for the times when we have doubted your presence and blessings in the midst of our struggles.

We confess that we have not always turned to you in times of stress or anxiety. We have falsely believed that we must bear our burdens alone, neglecting the comfort and peace that you freely offer. Forgive us for our self-reliance and our failure to trust in your provision.

We ask for your mercy and forgiveness. Help us to dismantle the misconception that stress or anxiety is a sign of our lack of faith or blessings. Teach us to find solace and strength in your presence, knowing that you are with us in the midst of our struggles.

In the name of Jesus Christ, who carried our burdens and offered us rest, we pray. Amen.

Words of Assurance

In response to your heartfelt confession, hear the words of God's forgiveness:

Find comfort and peace in knowing that you are deeply blessed, even in the midst of stress. Receive God’s forgiveness and walk in the freedom of God’s unending mercy.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Psalm 69:1-3,13-16

Second Reading:

Matthew 5:1-12

Sermon:

Too Blessed to Be Stressed by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

Blessed Assurance UMH 369

Tithes and Offerings

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 94

Offertory Prayer

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Announcements

Closing Hymn

Sent Forth by God's Blessing UMH 664

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 Lessons of Humility and Servant Leadership: John 13:1-17
Tuesday Betrayal, Loyalty, and the Disciples' Response: John 13:18-38
Wednesday Promises and Assurance from Jesus: John 14:1-14
Thursday The Holy Spirit's Promise and Jesus' Love: John 14:15-31
Friday Abiding in Jesus: The Vine and the Branches: John 15:1-17
Saturday Facing Opposition and Finding Encouragement: John 15:18-16:4
Sunday Victory over the World: Finding Peace in Christ: John 16:29-33

Reflections and Caring Conversations

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

  • Evening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as the day comes to a close, I surrender all my worries, anxieties, and stresses into Your loving hands. Help me remember that I am blessed by You and that You are with me in the midst of every trial. Grant me the strength to trust in Your provision and find peace in Your presence. Amen.

  • Reflection Question 1: How do you define and understand true blessings in your life? Are there areas where your perspective on blessings may differ from the world's view?

  • Reflection Question 2: In what ways have you experienced stress, anxiety, or vulnerability recently? How did you perceive God's presence and blessings during those times?

  • Reflection Question 3: Consider the concept of surrendering your worries and anxieties to God. Are there any specific concerns or burdens that you need to release to Him? How can you cultivate a deeper trust in His provision and guidance?

  • Reflection Question 4: How can you incorporate the principles of the Beatitudes into your daily life? What steps can you take to live as a blessed and peace-filled follower of Christ, even in the midst of stress and challenges?


Featured Upcoming Events:

Order Your Easter Flowers

Every year we decorate the sanctuary with fresh flowers for Easter. The paper order form was in church, but you can also place your order online. Orders are due by April 13.

Learn More

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 4/2/2025 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!

Learn More

Next Steps

on 4/6/2025 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

Spring Festival & Open House

on 4/13/2025 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Please join us for our spring festival and open house! This is an event to get our new childcare program Berwyn Early Learning Academy known to our community, friends and families! We are partnering with our current nursery school BUMNS and the Berwyn United Methodist Church to make this a fun filled family event!! Please sign up if you are interested in attending! We will have Games, prizes, arts & crafts, treats, an easter egg hunt, and even a special guest!! We hope to see you all there!

Learn More

Monthly Food Distribution at Trinity House

on 4/28/2025 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Volunteers are needed to help unload food, divide bulk produce, and prepare it for distribution to the residents. This month, we will serve approximately 65 people, providing them with essential canned goods and fresh produce.Whether you can lift heavy objects or simply offer a friendly smile, your assistance is invaluable. This is a great opportunity to experience the joy of serving and make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

Learn More

The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
Apr 01 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Order Your Easter Flowers Learn More
Apr 02 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Apr 02 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Apr 06 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Apr 06 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Apr 06 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM Next Steps Learn More
Apr 06 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Confirmation Learn More
Apr 08 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Apr 08 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Leadership Team Meeting Learn More
Apr 08 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Apr 09 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Apr 13 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Apr 13 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Apr 13 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spring Festival & Open House Learn More
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