Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Who are you and why are you here today?
People: We have come to encounter Jesus the Christ.
Leader: Do you feel his presence among you?
People: Yes, and we give God thanks for Jesus who is always with us in spirit.
Leader: May your eyes be opened, your spirits led, and your hearts warmed today as you seek his face.
All: May our burdens be lifted and our souls healed for service. Amen.
Opening Hymn
Here I Am to Worship
Prayer of Confession
Oh God of direction and guidance, we give thanks for your continual presence in our lives, especially in those times we are not sure which decision to make.
We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us when we have let indecision, fear, or doubt from doing your will.
Hear now our silent confessions. [A Time For Silent Confession]
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. Work within and around us so we experience clarity and peace as we seek to understand your purpose in our lives. In your everlasting love of us, we offer this prayer. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: As we have confessed our sins, both spoken and unspoken, and turned to God for forgiveness, know that God hears our prayers and grants us mercy. In Christ, we find the clarity and peace we seek. Rejoice and be glad, for we are a forgiven people.
People: Thanks be to God! Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
John 3:1-9
Sermon:
Why Am I Here? by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Blessed Assurance UMH 369
The Great Thanksgiving
Communion
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
God, we thank you that you are not a God who stands still but that you are always moving in our lives and in our church. Receive our offerings today as a sign of our openness to wherever you are leading us next. Help us to continually grow in faith, purpose, and service. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Closing Hymn
My Life is in You, Lord TFWS 2032
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
This Week's Reading Plan
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Reading: |
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Monday
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Psalm 136:26
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Tuesday
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Romans 8:37-39
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Wednesday
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Isaiah 54:10
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Thursday
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Romans 5:6-8
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Friday
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Ephesians 2:1-7
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Saturday
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Zephaniah 3:17
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Sunday
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
OPTIONAL SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK:
Do you need clarity or direction in something? A greater sense of purpose in your days? A better understanding of what you are good at or what it means to be uniquely you? Write a journal entry, record a voice memo, or have a conversation with someone you trust and reflect on the following question for yourself: What am I looking for right now?