Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, let us worship the one who calls us here.
People: We gather to worship with joy and in hope.
Leader: Come, let us worship the one who desires our hearts.
People: We bring our whole selves in worship to our God.
Leader: Come, let us set aside all that distracts us from true worship.
People: We come as we are and ask the Spirit to gather us in and direct our vision.
Leader: Come, let us worship the one who calls us here.
People: We are here to worship with all that we are.
Opening Hymn
Sweet Hour of Prayer UMH 496
Prayer of Confession
Merciful Lord, we pause to confess that sometimes we listen to the advice of the ungodly. We know better, but for some reason, we listen anyway. Forgive us. The lure of a quick fix, easy money, or pleasure turned our heads away from you, Lord. Forgive us. We knew it was wrong as soon as we did it, but pride kept us from backing out of our decision. Forgive us. Teach us the joy of being righteous. Show us how to delight in being holy. Remind us that new life in Christ means new thoughts, new ways, new decisions. Forgive us for failing to trust you in all things. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation — the old has gone and the new has come. We can let go of the old stories we have told ourselves, and trust the Word made flesh. Hear this truth with fresh ears: God’s first gift to humanity is to rest in the joy of being part of the created order, and from that to grow and thrive. In this new creation, know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
People: Thanks be to God. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Psalm 92
Second Reading:
Luke 6:1-16
Sermon:
Healing on the Sabbath by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
What Does the Lord Require of You? TFWS 2174
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Holy giver of all good blessings, we find ourselves under a debt we can never overcome. Every blessing we have received or hope to receive comes from your generosity. The gifts we bring to you this morning pale in comparison to the bottom line of our ledger. Yet you manage your kingdom on a different economic model – one where the equity is grace, forgiveness, compassion, mercy, and justice. You encourage us to be shrewd in the world’s money, knowing it is not the currency that matters in the end. And so, we pray in the name of Jesus, whose life and death paid our debt. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
All Who Love and Serve Your City UMH 433
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: The Lord of the Sabbath Reading: Mark 2:23-28 Devotional: Jesus declares Himself "Lord of the Sabbath," challenging our understanding of sacred time. Today, reflect on how you honor God's time in your life. Are there moments when you need to break from routine to show love, offer healing, or meet urgent needs? Consider how you can create a rhythm of rest and service that reflects God's heart. Prayer: Lord, help me discern Your timing in my daily life, balancing rest and action according to Your will.
Day 2: Healing and Compassion Reading: Luke 6:6-11 Devotional: Jesus prioritizes healing and compassion over rigid adherence to rules. His actions remind us that love should guide our interpretation of God's law. Today, consider where you might be holding onto legalism at the expense of showing God's love. Are there opportunities around you to offer healing or kindness, even if it disrupts your normal routine? Prayer: God, open my eyes to see needs around me and give me courage to act with compassion, even when it's inconvenient.
Day 3: Preparing for Holy Time Reading: Exodus 16:21-30 Devotional: The Israelites gathered extra manna before the Sabbath, teaching us the importance of preparing for sacred time. How can you arrange your week to truly set aside time for God? Consider what practices or preparations might help you enter more fully into worship and rest. Prayer: Father, guide me in ordering my days so that I can honor You with dedicated time and a prepared heart.
Day 4: Calling and Purpose Reading: Luke 6:12-16 Devotional: Before choosing His disciples, Jesus spent the night in prayer. This reminds us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in major decisions. Reflect on areas of your life where you need divine direction. How can you create space for extended prayer and listening to God's voice? Prayer: Lord, grant me patience to wait on Your timing and wisdom to recognize Your call in my life.
Day 5: Rest as Resistance Reading: Genesis 2:1-3, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Devotional: The Sabbath was established at creation and reinforced as a sign of freedom from slavery. In our busy world, choosing to rest can be an act of faith and resistance against a culture of constant productivity. How might embracing true rest demonstrate your trust in God's provision? Consider how you can make your day of rest not just an absence of work, but a presence with God. Prayer: Creator God, teach me to find my identity in You rather than in my accomplishments. Help me embrace the freedom and trust that come with true rest.