Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, people of God, not to grasp for greatness, but to receive the grace of Christ.
People: We come to learn the way of humility, love, and service.
Leader: Christ Jesus emptied himself and took the form of a servant.
People: We come to follow the One who knelt in love for the world.
Leader: God is at work among us, shaping us into the likeness of Christ.
People: We open our hearts to the transforming work of God.
Leader: Let us worship the One whose kingdom is revealed through self-giving love.
People: We worship Jesus Christ, humbled and exalted, now and forever. Amen.
Opening Hymn
Lord Whose Love Through Humble Service UMH 581
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, though Christ did not cling to power or privilege, we confess that we often do. We grasp for control, recognition, and security. We measure ourselves against others instead of looking to their needs. We seek greatness in ways the world understands, while resisting the humble way of Jesus.
Forgive us for the pride that separates us from one another. Forgive us for the fear that keeps us from serving freely. Forgive us for the ways we hold tightly to ourselves instead of pouring ourselves out in love.
Hear the silent confessions of our hearts…
[Silence]
Form within us the mind of Christ. Give us a a spirit of humility, compassion, and obedience. Teach us to trust that your grace is enough, and that you are at work within us even now. In the name of the crucified and risen Christ we pray. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Friends, hear the good news: Christ came not to condemn the world, but to save it. The One who humbled himself in love has lifted us up in grace.
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and set free to live in hope. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Philippians 2:1-13
Sermon:
Living Like Jesus in a Grasping World by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Where Charity and Love Prevail UMH 549
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Generous God, you gave yourself to the world in Jesus Christ, holding nothing back in love. Receive all that we offer today. Use them to bring hope to the hurting, welcome to the lonely, bread to the hungry, and grace to all who seek you.
Shape us into people who reflect the humility and compassion of Christ in the way we live and serve. In His holy name we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Let There Be Peace on Earth UMH 431
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