Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: In this sacred gathering, we recognize the power of our words in times of sorrow.
People: May our worship be a testament to the healing and transformative power of God's love.
Leader: As we explore the encounters between Job and his companions,
People: Let us seek wisdom and discernment in our own responses to tragedy.
Leader: With the vision of a new heaven and earth guiding us,
People: Let us strive to bring solace and support to those who mourn.
Opening Hymn
For the Beauty of the Earth UMH 92
Prayer of Confession
Loving God, we come before you humbly, recognizing our own shortcomings. We confess that, at times, we have used well-intentioned words that have caused pain and misunderstanding in moments of grief. We have fallen into the trap of offering empty platitudes instead of genuinely listening and comforting those who mourn. Forgive us, O God, and help us learn to respond with empathy and compassion so that we might bring your healing hands to painful situations. Open our hearts to the pain of others, and instead of trying to make ourselves more comfortable in that pain, guide us in offering genuine comfort and support to others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Beloved people of God, hear this assurance of grace: God's love for you is unending and unwavering. His mercy is great, and your sins are forgiven
People: We find solace in the embrace of God's love, knowing that we are never alone.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Job 1:13-22, 2:11-13
Second Reading:
John 11:1-43
Sermon:
Grief and Faith. Even Jesus Cried by Kristine Adams
Hymn of Response
We'll Understand It Better By and By UMH 525
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 94
Offertory Prayer
Generous God, we gather in your presence, overflowing with gratitude for your boundless blessings. We give thanks for the love and grace that surround us each day. As we offer our gifts, we pray that you would use them to bring comfort and healing to those who mourn. May these resources be a tangible expression of your love, reaching out to those in need and offering them hope. Bless these offerings, O God, and guide us in using them wisely for the transformation of lives. In Jesus' name, we offer our thanks and our gifts. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
God Be with You till We Meet Again UMH 672
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
|
Be Still and Know: Psalm 46
|
|
Tuesday
|
Trust in the Lord: Proverbs 3:5-18
|
|
Wednesday
|
Do Not Worry: Matthew 6:25-34
|
|
Thursday
|
Come to Me: Matthew 11:28-30
|
|
Friday
|
I Can Do All Things: Philippians 4:10-23
|
|
Saturday
|
My Grace is Sufficient: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
|
|
Sunday
|
I Am with You: Isaiah 43:1-13
|
Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Prayer for Strength and Guidance: Heavenly Father, as we embark on this day, we humbly seek your strength and guidance. Fill our hearts with compassion and empathy, that we may be agents of comfort and support to those who grieve. Grant us wisdom and discernment as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Help us to live out the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where suffering and sorrow are no more. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Reflection: Loving God, as the day draws to a close, we pause to reflect on its joys and challenges. We lift up to you those who are mourning, asking for your comfort to surround them. Help us, Lord, to be sensitive to their needs and to offer genuine support. As we rest in your presence tonight, grant us peaceful sleep and renew our strength for the journey ahead. In your grace, we find comfort and hope. Amen.
How does the story of Job challenge our understanding of suffering and loss?
What does the vision of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation teach us about God's ultimate plan for restoration and healing?
In what ways can we offer comfort to those who mourn by pointing them towards the hope of God's eternal promises?
Reflect on a time when words were offered by you or two you that were meant to offer comfort but did the opposite. How could things have gone differently? What would have been a better response?