Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: We gather in a world that prizes success and appearance.
People: Yet God looks deeper—into the heart.
Leader: The Lord calls not the strongest, but the willing.
People: Not the flawless, but the faithful.
Leader: Come, let us open our hearts to the One who calls us.
People: Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.
Opening Hymn
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing UMH 400
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, You see beyond what others see. You look past our polished words and outward faith to the truth of our hearts. We confess that we often value success over service, strength over humility, and appearance over authenticity. Forgive us for the times we have hidden behind masks of perfection rather than opening our hearts to You.
Hear the silent confessions of our hearts… [silence]
Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Amen
Words of Assurance
Leader: Hear the good news: God looks not at our outward appearance but at our hearts. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
All: Glory to God. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14
Sermon:
Seeing What God Sees by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
O For a Heart to Praise My God UMH 417
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Generous God, You have looked upon us with love and blessed us beyond measure. You see not our appearance, but our hearts, and You fill them with grace. Receive these gifts as signs of our gratitude and devotion. Use them—and us—to share Your mercy and renew the hearts of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Change My Heart, O God TFWS 2152
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