Order of Worship for Sunday, August 23rd 2026

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: God heard the cries of a people in bondage.
People: God came to set them free.

Leader: God carried them through the waters and brought them through the wilderness.
People: God carried them on eagles' wings and brought them near.

Leader: Before God gave commandments, God gave freedom.
People: Before God asked anything of them, God called them God's own.

Leader: We gather as people who have also been met by God's grace.
People: Let us worship the God who sets us free and teaches us how to live.

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, you have called us to freedom, yet we confess that we often return to the things that hold us captive. We measure ourselves by what we accomplish. We allow fear, possessions, expectations, and the approval of others to become our masters. We sometimes hear your commandments only as restrictions and forget that they are given by the God who first sets people free.

Forgive us when we live as though your love must be earned. Remind us again that your grace comes first. Release us from all that keeps us from loving you and loving one another, and teach us to live in the freedom you have given us through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Leader: Hear the good news: Before God spoke the commandments at Sinai, God reminded the people, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Grace comes first. Deliverance comes first. God's love comes first. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, claimed, and set free.

People: Thanks be to God. Amen.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Exodus 19:1–6; 20:1–2

Sermon:

Set Free by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Tithes and Offerings

Give Now

Offertory Response

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

God of every good gift, you have given to us before we could ever give anything to you. Receive these gifts as our response to your grace. Use them to bring freedom where there is bondage, hope where there is despair, and love where there is need. And use our lives as well, that we might show the world what it looks like to live as people you have set free. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

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

Featured Upcoming Events:

Monthly Food Distribution at Trinity House

on 8/24/2026 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

Next Steps

on 9/6/2026 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."