Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, it is the time for worship —
People: the time we come together in praise and prayer.
Leader: Celebrating resurrection, still singing our Hallelujahs,
People: we come together in praise and prayer.
Leader: With joy and with sadness, carrying all the experiences of life,
People: we come together in praise and prayer.
Leader: In the middle of everything going on in our lives and in the world, this is the time we pause to look intently toward the living God,
People: coming together in praise and prayer.
Opening Hymn
Gather Us In TFWS 2236
Prayer of Confession
God of Grace, we know that you have chosen us, but we often forget that you have also chosen others. You call us to be imitators of Christ, yet many times we are imitators of the world. You challenge us to turn from our idols, but we are tempted to turn back to them again and again. Rescue us, Lord, from ourselves. Show us your way. Guide our every action, that we may live as you call us to live.
Hear the silent confessions of our heart as we seek your forgiveness and mercy. [Pause for silence....]
Expand our imagination, to the possibility of healing, to the possibility of resurrection, to the possibility of amazement, to the possibility of community, to the possibility of love. We ask in the name of the One who makes all things possible: Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Christ, the Risen Lord, has conquered sin and death and made a way for us to experience the new life that God promises. In confessing your sins and turning to God, you will find forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope for a new way of living. May you take the next step knowing that your sins are forgiven.
People: Glory to the Risen Christ!
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Acts 17:1-9
Second Reading:
1 Thess. 1:1-10
Sermon:
Live as an Example of Love by Pastor Kevin Ruteldge
Hymn of Response
The Gift of Love UMH 408
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Gracious Provider, we gather with hearts filled with gratitude for the love and light you've shown us. Your Word reminds us that true love is seen in the self-sacrifice of Christ. As we offer our tithes and offerings, we are reminded of the importance of generosity and stewardship in every aspect of our lives. May these gifts be a reflection of the love we have experienced in Christ and our commitment to steward them faithfully for the work of your kingdom. Use these offerings to bring justice, mercy, and hope to a world in need. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Closing Hymn
Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love UMH 566
Announcements
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