Order of Worship for Sunday, September 3rd 2023

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Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: In the midst of uncertainty and change,
People: We gather here today, O Lord.

Leader: We yearn for normalcy, but we trust in you,
People: For you are the constant in our ever-changing world.

Leader: As we stand at the crossroads of the unknown,
People: We turn our hearts to you, Jesus.

Opening Hymn

How Great Thou Art

Prayer of Confession

Gracious and eternal God, we come before you humbled by the realization that we have often placed our hope in the return of familiar routines and worldly normalcy rather than anchoring our faith in you, the unchanging source of our salvation. We confess that at times we have let the temporary comfort of the known overshadow our trust in your eternal promises. Forgive us, O Lord, for our misplaced priorities and help us to reorient our hearts toward you. Help us to realign our hearts and minds with your eternal purpose, that we may live as faithful witnesses of your transformative grace.

Words of Assurance

Leader: Be assured, dear friends, that God's love remains unchanging,
People: We rest in His unfailing love, unending mercy, and abiding presence.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Second Reading:

Mark 13:1-8

Sermon:

Normal isn’t coming back, Jesus is by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Tithes and Offerings

Give Now

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

O Lord, our provider and sustainer, we give thanks. In a world marked by change and unpredictability, you remain our constant and our hope. As we offer our gifts today, we do so with hearts full of gratitude for your unchanging love and the promise of newness in Christ. May these offerings be used to bring light to the lives of those in need and to share the transformative message of your Gospel. Bless our giving, and may it reflect our deep trust in your eternal plan. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

The Great Thanksgiving

Communion

Announcements

Closing Hymn

Days of Elijah

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

This Week's Reading Plan

Day: Reading:
Monday Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah: Matthew 16:13-20
Tuesday The Great Commission: Matthew 28:16-20
Wednesday The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times: Matthew 24:1-35
Thursday A Living Sacrifice: Romans 12:1-8
Friday Salt and Light: Matthew 5:13-16
Saturday Present Suffering and Future Glory: Romans 8:18-30
Sunday Adam and Eve: Genesis 2:4-25

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • Morning Prayer: Good Morning, God. As we rise to greet a new day, we pray for courage to embrace change within ourselves and our church. Guide us to understand that stagnation is not an option, and that Jesus, our unshakeable foundation, calls us to share His good news with the world. Inspire us to live out our faith boldly and confidently. As we navigate this day, let us carry your transformative power within us, knowing that we are a part of your grand plan. Amen.

  • Evening Prayer: Dear Lord, as we prepare for rest, we seek your guidance in embracing change within our hearts and within our church. Help us to lean into the transformative power of the Gospel and to understand that even amid change, Jesus remains our unshakeable foundation. Guide us to share your love and good news with the world. As we lay down to sleep, may we find comfort in your promises and awaken with renewed strength and passion for your work. Amen.

  • Reflect on the idea that the greatest challenge facing the modern church might be internal stagnation. Do you agree or disagree, and why? (Revelation 3:1-3)

  • Discuss the concept of "waiting for a new normal" in the church. How can this be both a danger and a necessary phase of growth and transformation? (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

  • In your own faith journey, what has been the impact of personal faith stories shared by others? (Acts 20:24)

  • How can we cultivate an environment in our church that encourages people to share their faith stories and the transformative work of the Spirit in their lives? (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Featured Upcoming Events:

Next Steps

on 5/4/2025 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM

"Join us at 'Next Steps,' our recurring gathering where we explore the future of our church's ministry and your role within it. Discover how you can make a meaningful impact by plugging into our diverse ministries."

Learn More

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 5/7/2025 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Join us for a weekly Bible study and lunch with Pastor Kevin on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. Bring your lunch and come ready to dive deeper into the Sunday morning scripture. This is a great opportunity to discuss and learn more about the word of God in a small group setting with the guidance of our pastor. See you there!

Learn More

Parsonage Deck Work Day

on 5/17/2025 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Help us replace the rotting deck at the parsonage! We'll meet at 8:00 AM to remove the old decking and install new boards. Bring tools if you have them — all skill levels welcome!

Learn More

Monthly Food Distribution at Trinity House

on 5/26/2025 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Volunteers are needed to help unload food, divide bulk produce, and prepare it for distribution to the residents. This month, we will serve approximately 65 people, providing them with essential canned goods and fresh produce.Whether you can lift heavy objects or simply offer a friendly smile, your assistance is invaluable. This is a great opportunity to experience the joy of serving and make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

Learn More

The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
May 04 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM Next Steps Learn More
May 07 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
May 17 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Parsonage Deck Work Day Learn More
May 26 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Monthly Food Distribution at Trinity House Learn More
May 04 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
May 04 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
May 04 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Confirmation Learn More
May 06 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
May 06 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
May 07 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
May 11 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
May 11 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
May 13 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
May 13 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Leadership Team Meeting Learn More
May 13 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
May 14 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
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