Order of Worship for Sunday, August 20th 2023

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Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: Like the Israelites of old, journeying through uncharted waters,
People: We trust that God makes a way where there seems to be no way.

Leader: The story of Paul and Silas reminds us of their divine detours.
People: In uncertain paths, we trust God's guidance.

Leader: Through unexpected encounters, God's blessings abound.
Leader: With grateful hearts, let us celebrate the surprises of God's grace.

Opening Hymn

O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing UMH 57 Vs. 1-4,7

Prayer of Confession

Merciful Lord, we admit that closed doors often evoke fear within us. We confess that the uncertainty of the path ahead sometimes paralyzes our steps. We doubt your promise to open new windows of opportunity and blessings. Forgive our lack of courage and our wavering faith. Help us overcome our fears and walk confidently in the assurance of your presence. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Leader: As we confess our uncertainties, God's grace restores us anew.
People: We rejoice in the knowledge that we are forgiven and made whole in God's tender care.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Isaiah 43:16-21

Second Reading:

Acts 16:4-15

Sermon:

When God closes a door, God often opens a window by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

Jesus Calls Us UMH 398

Tithes and Offerings

Give Now

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Generous God, you are the ultimate author of surprises and blessings that unfold in unexpected ways. Your wisdom turns closed doors into opportunities to experience your grace. As we present our offerings today, we do so with hearts that trust in your divine plan. May these gifts serve as expressions of our thanksgiving for your unwavering love and your ability to open windows of hope in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Announcements

Closing Hymn

This Is a Day of New Beginnings UMH 383 Vs. 1-4

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: Reading - Isaiah 43:18-19
    Devotional: God's Promises and Fresh Beginnings
    Consider the transformative message of this verse. God calls us to let go of the past and anticipate the new thing He is doing. The past may be full of closed doors, but God promises a path in the wilderness, a way out. 

    Questions for Reflection: 
    1. Are you holding onto past disappointments, preventing you from seeing the new paths God is laying before you? 
    2. How can you embrace God's promise of doing a new thing in your life?

  • Day 2: Reading - Romans 8:28
    Devotional: Trusting in God's Grand Design
    This verse reassures us that all things work together for good for those who love God. Even closed doors are part of His grand design. 

    Questions for Reflection:
    1. How can you trust God's plan even when you face closed doors?
    2. How have you seen God working things together for good in your life?

  • Day 3: Reading - Revelation 3:8
    Devotional: Recognizing Open Doors
    In this verse, God acknowledges our faithfulness and promises to open doors no one can shut. The doors may not be where we expect, but they are there.

    Questions for Reflection:
    1. Can you identify an 'open door' God has placed in your life?
    2. How does recognizing these doors help reinforce your faith in God's plan?

  • Day 4: Reading - Proverbs 3:5-6
    Devotional: Navigating Life's Twists and Turns
    These verses call us to trust in God with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. As we navigate life's crossroads, faith is our compass.

    Questions for Reflection:
    1. How can you lean less on your own understanding and more on God's wisdom?
    2. In what ways does faith guide your decision-making process?

  • Day 5: Reading - Matthew 7:7
    Devotional: Seeking Divine Guidance
    Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. As we face life's crossroads, let's seek divine guidance and be open to God's response.

    Questions for Reflection:
    1. How can you actively seek God's guidance in your life?
    2. How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's response to your prayers?

Featured Upcoming Events:

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 11/27/2024 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

Community Thanksgiving Eve Service

on 11/27/2024 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

This is a community service at St Matthew's United Methodist meant to thank God for all he has blessed us with.

Learn More

Next Steps

on 12/1/2024 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

Breakfast With Santa

on 12/7/2024 from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Join us for a magical morning of holiday cheer! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a delicious breakfast, meet Santa, and capture the perfect holiday photo. There will be festive activities for the kids, and plenty of holiday spirit for everyone!

Learn More

The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
Nov 24 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Nov 24 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Nov 25 8:45 AM - 11:45 AM Monthly Food Distribution at Trinity House Learn More
Nov 26 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Nov 26 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Nov 27 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Nov 27 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Nov 27 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Community Thanksgiving Eve Service Learn More
Dec 01 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Dec 01 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Dec 01 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM Next Steps Learn More
Dec 03 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Dec 03 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Dec 04 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
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