Order of Worship for Sunday, February 4th 2024

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Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: God has accomplished all things through Christ,
People: so that we might live as God's own children.

Leader: Let us give thanks to God
People: and live for the praise of God's Glory

Opening Hymn

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing UMH 400

Prayer of Confession

Jesus loves us with steadfast tenderness; therefore, let us confess our sins to God.

Holy God, you call us to be your beloved children and to care for one another, yet we fail to love others and ourselves.  We seek answers for why bad things happen, but fail to respond well when bad things happen.  We are helpless in the face of such deep questions.  We turn our hearts to you.  Forgive us, and then tenderly teach us to stand strong and courageous in the fullness of your love, by the grace and mercy of Christ. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Sisters and brothers, God forgives us and strengthens us for love; therefore be at peace.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Amos 7:7-15

Second Reading:

Mark 6:14-29

Sermon:

WHEN Bad Things Happen by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

It Is Well with My Soul UMH 377

The Great Thanksgiving

Communion

Tithes and Offerings

Give Now

Offertory Response

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Thank you for filling us with every spiritual grace that we might be a blessing for others. Consecrate the gifts we offer for the increase of your love in our hearts and in the herts of others.  May they bring blessing to others and praise to your glorious name. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

The Great Thanksgiving

Communion

Announcements

Closing Hymn

Jesus Paid It All

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 Jesus Seeks Time Away: Mark 6:30-34
Tuesday Feeding the Multitudes: Mark 6:35-44
Wednesday Walking on Water: Mark 6:45-56
Thursday Who Rules the Sea?: Psalm 89:5-11
Friday Healing a Blind Man: Mark 8:22-26
Saturday A Misunderstood Messiah: Mark 8:27-38
Sunday Transfiguration: Mark 9:1-8

Reflections and Caring Conversations

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

  • Morning Prayer: Dear Lord, as I start my day, I ask for the courage to face any adversity that may come my way. Let me find solace in the knowledge that even the righteous are not spared from trials, and may this understanding deepen my faith and compassion for others. Amen.

  • Reflection Question: The sermon invites us to consider the transformative power of God in our lives amidst pain and tragedy. How can Isaiah 43:1-3 serve as a reminder of God's presence and purpose in our suffering, and how have you experienced this in your own life?

  • Evening Prayer: Lord of all comfort, in the quiet of this evening, I seek Your embrace after a day that has tested my spirit. Remind me that my journey is not walked alone and that the shared stories of faith are beacons of light in the darkness. May I find rest in the promise of Your unwavering love and the hope of a new dawn. Amen.

  • Reflection Question: Reflect on the account of John the Baptist's death as described in Mark 6:14-29. What insights can we gain from this narrative about the nature of suffering and the unpredictability of life's circumstances for the faithful?

  • Reflection Question: In what ways can we, as individuals and a faith community, actively participate in the healing process during times of suffering? Discuss practical steps and consider the teaching of 1 Peter 4:10 on serving one another with the gifts we have received.

  • Reflection Question: Consider the sermon's message on the transformative power of God in our lives amidst pain and tragedy. How does this align with the promise found in Isaiah 43:2 about God being with us when we pass through the waters?

Featured Upcoming Events:

Christmas Eve Service

on 12/24/2024 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

We begin our celebrations of God’s light entering the world. We will savor the story of the first Christmas as told in Luke, singing several favorite Christmas carols. We will conclude our worship with the singing of Silent Night as we light the candles and finish with a celebration that joy has come to the wold.

Learn More

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 12/25/2024 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 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

The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
Dec 22 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Dec 22 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Dec 24 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Dec 24 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Christmas Eve Service Learn More
Dec 24 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Dec 25 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Dec 25 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Dec 29 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Dec 29 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Dec 31 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Dec 31 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Jan 01 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
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