Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: God whose love is pouring over us, welcomes us here today.
People: Praise be to God!
Leader: God whose healing power is ready to bind up our wounds, welcomes us here today.
People: Praise be to God!
Leader: God whose transforming presence offers us hope and peace, welcomes us here today.
People: Praise be to God who loves, heals and restores us. AMEN.
Opening Hymn
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty UMH 64
Prayer of Confession
Holy One, we dare to come before you, aware that there is nothing we can say. Our hands are so full of empty things; our hearts are distracted, and our minds and mouths bear words that reveal our brokenness.
What can we say in the face of your holiness? What can we say in the presence of your goodness? All we have is our silence, our recognition that things are not as they ought to be, and our awareness we are a part of that wrong, one way or another. Hear our silent confessions as we seek forgiveness for the ways we have rebelled against your love and not heard the cry of those in need.
[Time of Silence]
Cleanse us, O God. Heal us. Forgive us. In your gracious love, receive our silence as prayer and bring us ever closer to you until we hear your whisper cutting through the noise. Make us holy as you are holy, Lord. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: The most Holy God has heard the confessions spoken in our hearts in our times of silence. He has heard them and has forgiven you.
All: Glory to God for all mercy shown to us and for a new beginning made possible in Christ.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Isaiah 6:1-8
Sermon:
Isaiah's Vision by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Here I Am, Lord UMH 593
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Holy Lord, the whole earth is full of your glory! We are in awe of your majesty. In great kindness, you reveal yourself as the One who forgives us. You give us gifts and invite us to go into the world to tell your good news. Help us to respond in faith and go where you lead us each day. We dedicate our gifts so that our community will draw closer to you. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
The Summons TFWS 2130
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
Special Insert
Feeding Our Community
The Impact of Our Food Pantry Ministry
Since Berwyn United Methodist Church began its food pantry ministry, we have extended a lifeline to over 100 unique households—families of all shapes and sizes. For some, it’s a single visit to get through a challenging time. For others, it's a dependable source of support each month. In December of 2022, we recorded feeding 29 unique households those numbers have steadily grown, reflecting the deep and growing needs in our community.
This past month alone, 18 households visited more than once, totaling 134 individual people—each a story, a family member, a life touched by our ministry. And while we see familiar faces returning for ongoing support, every month brings 1-3 new families to our doors, many seeking help during difficult times.
Through our partnership with the Chester County Food Bank, we are able to reach even more of our neighbors each month at Trinity House in Berwyn. This distribution brings fresh produce, often eggs, and a variety of canned and boxed goods directly to people where they live, meeting needs with dignity and compassion.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors. Every Tuesday, volunteers bring their time and energy to serve in the pantry, and at Trinity House, they ensure that food reaches those who need it most. We are also deeply grateful to those who have given funds, enabling us to purchase essential goods, supplies, and food.
Thank you for being part of this ministry. Together, we are not only feeding our neighbors but also building a stronger, more compassionate community.
List of Volunteers
Carol Nelson
Susan and Vic Buriss
Jeff Barger
Claudia Genuardi
Stephanie Borelly
Jun Lui
Veronica Mosley
Kevin, Rebecca, Joshua and Eliana Rutledge
David Delaney
Tim Moran
Nancy Atchison
Laurel Adams
Carol Williams
Marjorie Smink
Pattie Littlewood
Peggi Robinson
Yuefang Tao
Serina Zhang
Litany of Gratitude for Those Who Serve the Hungry
Leader: When our neighbors were hungry, you answered the call.
Congregation: And so we thank you.
Leader: In the early hours of the morning, on chilly Tuesdays or bustling days at Trinity House, you showed up with compassion and care.
Congregation: And so we thank you.
Leader: Some served as part of a team, others quietly and without recognition; all of you did what needed to be done.
Congregation: And so we thank you.
Leader: With many hands working together, or at times alone, you prepared, packed, and distributed food with love.
Congregation: And so we thank you.
Leader: You gave your time, your energy, and even your resources to feed this community.
Congregation: And so we thank you.
Leader: Your families and loved ones supported you in your efforts, shared in your dedication, and perhaps worried about the time you devoted to this ministry.
Congregation: And so we thank your families and loved ones.
Leader: For every act of kindness, every meal prepared, and every neighbor served, we take this moment to honor your commitment,
All: To thank you and to bless the work of your hands.
"If you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday" ~ Isaiah 58:10
This Week's Reading Plan
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Reading: |
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Monday
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The Peaceful Kingdom: Isaiah 11:1-9
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Tuesday
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Praise for Deliverance from Oppression: Isaiah 25:1-10a
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Wednesday
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Hezekiah’s Illness: Isaiah 38:1-8
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Thursday
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God Blesses Israel: Isaiah 44:1-8
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Friday
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God Calls Jeremiah: Jeremiah 1:4-10
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Saturday
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Josiah’s Reforms: 2 Kings 23:1-3, 21-25
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Sunday
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Daniel 6:6-27
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