Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: We come before God who calls us to seek good and not evil.
People: We come to worship the God of righteousness and mercy.
Leader: Let justice roll down like waters,
People: And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream!
Leader: Come, people of God, with hearts open to the Spirit’s call.
People: We come to live God’s justice and proclaim God’s hope.
Opening Hymn
For the Healing of the Nations UMH 428
Prayer of Confession
God of justice and compassion, we confess that our worship has too often been comfortable rather than courageous. Forgive us for the times that we have ignored injustice, sat while truth was silences, or turned a blind eye toward those who suffer. And now, hear the silent confessions of our sins as we seek your forgiveness…
(Silent prayer)
Stir our hearts with your Spirit so that our words and actions may overflow with justice, mercy, and love.
Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Hear the good news: God’s justice is not condemnation but restoration. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and set free to live with hope.
People: Thanks be to God!
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24
Sermon:
Is Justice Still Possible? by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
God of Grace and God of Glory UMH 577
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
God of justice, every gift we bring is a promise to live your mercy in the world. Take these offerings and take our lives—use them to lift the lowly, to defend the vulnerable, and to let justice roll down like waters; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Let Justice Flow Like Streams TFWS 2173
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