Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: The world belongs to God. The people belong to God. The community belongs to God
All: Everything — even the things we think are ours — belongs to God.
Leader: We bear God’s image in our own faces. We build on God’s Word. We are stewards of God’s vineyard
All: And all of it is precious to God.
Opening Hymn
Come Now is the Time to Worship
Why This Song:
This song serves as a prayerful invitation to the time of worship.
Prayer of Confession
Creator God, you formed us in your image, and you call us to give ourselves to your kingdom. We confess that we too often give ourselves to other ways of life instead. We want to believe that all we have is ours, forgetting that we are responsible for what belongs to you.
Forgive us, God, for building from a faulty cornerstone. Forgive us for trying to fit other things into the place you claim for yourself. Forgive us for reflecting other images rather than yours. Make us honest with ourselves, take away our defensiveness, and help us see how we can choose your way instead. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: We are created in the image of God and that image, though sometimes hard to see does not go away. I God's mercy, through Christ, our sins are forgiven. Let the image of God shine through you anew this day.
People: Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
1 Corinthians 13:4-12
Second Reading:
Mark 12:1-17
Sermon:
You Bear an Image by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
How Great Thou Art
The Great Thanksgiving
Communion
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Gracious and loving God, We stand before you in awe and gratitude for your unwavering devotion to all of creation. As we reflect on your steadfast presence in our lives, we are reminded that everything belongs to you, and we are but humble stewards entrusted with the care of your magnificent creation. In this sacred moment of offering, we return a portion of the abundance you have graciously bestowed upon us. May these gifts be blessed and used to further your kingdom, spreading love, compassion, and justice throughout the world. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
The Great Thanksgiving
Communion
Announcements
Closing Hymn
10,000 Reasons
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
|
Debate on the Resurrection: Mark 12:18-27
|
|
Tuesday
|
The Greatest Commandment: Mark 12:28-34
|
|
Wednesday
|
Hear, O Israel: Deuteronomy 6:1-5
|
|
Thursday
|
Love Your Neighbor: Leviticus 19:13-18
|
|
Friday
|
Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice: Hosea 6:1-6
|
|
Saturday
|
Son of David: Mark 12:35-40
|
|
Sunday
|
The Widow's Gift: Mark 12:41-44
|
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 the sun rises, I lift my eyes to You, the source of all light and truth. Remind me today of my sacred value as I carry Your image within me. Help me to extend patience, kindness, and humility to all, mirroring the teachings from the sermon that stirred my soul. May my words and deeds this day be a testament to Your transformative power at work in me. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Evening Prayer: O Lord, as the day closes and I settle into the evening's calm, I come before You in gratitude for Your constant presence. Help me to reflect on the moments when I truly lived as Your image bearer, and forgive me for the times I fell short. May the sermon's insights on Your love and redemption be a lamp unto my feet, leading me to a place of restful assurance in Your grace. Grant me a peaceful night, resting in the knowledge that I am Your cherished child. Amen.
Reflection Question: Reflect on the idea that we are all created in God's image as stated in Genesis 1:27. How does understanding that we are made in God's likeness influence the way we view ourselves and others?
Reflection Question: The sermon speaks to the intrinsic value we have in God's eyes, which is highlighted by Christ's sacrifice. How does this perspective change the way we approach our self-worth and our interactions with others?
Reflection Question: Discuss how the idea of being "little Christs," as suggested in the sermon, resonates with Ephesians 5:1-2, which calls us to imitate God. How can we apply this call to our personal spiritual journey?