Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: God’s word comes to us: “I am with you.”
People: In our worries as in our celebrations, always.
Leader: God’s word comes to us: “look up.”
People: See the stars — always present, signs of a bigger story.
Leader: God’s word comes to us: “I promise.”
People: We trust that however impossible it seems, God’s word is true
Opening Hymn
Creator of the Stars of Night UMH 692
Prayer of Confession
Your promise shines, O God, whether we can see it or not. We confess that while we wait, we worry, and so we seek our own security, taking matters into our own hands and forcing you into our frames. We ignore how our demands for comfort, stability, and predictability dim the light and mute the colors of life in all its fullness. We confess we are ready to take less than full life if we can have it our way.
Yet you call us outside—outside our structures and systems, outside our understanding and tradition, out to where we can encounter your glory and take the leap of faith. Forgive us, O God, and lift the eyes of our hearts beyond what we think we know, that we may come to trust you and so be bearers of your blessing to the world. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: God's promises shine through our doubts and fears, offering grace beyond our limits. Hear the good news: Christ calls us beyond what we know, inviting us into fullness of life and renewal. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and set free to live as bearers of God’s blessing.
All: Thanks be to God. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Genesis 15:1-6
Second Reading:
Hebrews 11:8-16
Sermon:
God’s Promise to Abram by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Be Thou My Vision UMH 451
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, just as you call us beyond our comforts to experience life in its fullness, we now offer these gifts, knowing they come from your provision. Use them, and use us, to be bearers of your light and blessing to the world. May our offerings be an act of faith, trusting that in your hands, they will bring forth new life, healing, and hope. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah UMH 127
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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God Changes Abram’s Name: Genesis 17:1-8
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Tuesday
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A Son Promised to Abraham and Sarah: Genesis 18:1-15
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Wednesday
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The Birth of Isaac: Genesis 21:1-7
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Thursday
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The Command to Sacrifice Isaac: Genesis 22:1-14
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Friday
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Isaac Blesses Jacob: Genesis 27:1-17, 30-38
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Saturday
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God's Promise Passed to Jacob: Genesis 35:9-15
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Sunday
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Joseph and His Brothers: Genesis 37:3-8, 17b-22, 26-34; 50:15-21
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
How do you personally relate to Abram's experience of doubt and questioning God's promises? In what ways have you struggled with similar feelings in your own faith journey?
How can we, like Abram, learn to see the 'stars' - the signs of God's presence and faithfulness - in our everyday lives, especially during times of uncertainty?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's promises even when you can't see their immediate fulfillment? How can you cultivate that trust?
How can we maintain hope and perseverance in our faith, like Abram, even when God's promises seem distant or unlikely to be fulfilled in our lifetime?