Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: When the journey is long and the road unclear,
People: Christ walks beside us.
Leader: When our hearts are slow to believe,
People: God patiently listens and gently reveals.
Leader: When we welcome the stranger,
People: We may find we’ve invited Christ himself.
All: Come, let us worship the Risen One, who meets us on the road.
Opening Hymn
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus UMH 277
Why This Song:
In the Emmaus story, Jesus is revealed through scripture and personal testimony. Just as the disciples longed to make sense of recent events and rediscovered Christ in the retelling, this hymn expresses a heartfelt desire to hear, remember, and be shaped by the stories of Jesus—stories that ignite faith and open eyes.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, We confess that we are often slow of heart. You speak through scripture, stir our spirits, and walk beside us, yet we fail to recognize You. We cling to disappointment more than promise, and live as though death has the final word.
Forgive us when we ignore Your presence and dismiss the hope of resurrection. Open our eyes, kindle our hearts, and teach us again to walk in faith. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Even when we are slow of heart, Christ does not leave us behind. He walks beside us, speaks into our confusion, and reveals Himself in love. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God!
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Psalm 30
Second Reading:
Luke 24:13–35
Sermon:
Slow of Heart, Quick to Hope by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Wake Up Sleeper
Why This Song:
This contemporary song echoes the Emmaus road moment when the disciples' eyes were opened and their hearts burned with new understanding. Wake Up Sleeper is a response to the sermon’s message that even in our confusion and spiritual slowness, Christ calls us to rise into new life. It invites us to awaken to resurrection hope and boldly live as people transformed by the presence of the risen Lord.
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, The disciples, once they recognized You, ran to share the good news. Let our gifts today be part of that same witness. Bless these offerings and send them into the world — to proclaim love, to extend welcome, and to strengthen the Body of Christ. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Because He Lives UMH 364
Why This Song:
Just as the disciples’ despair turned to joy when they recognized Jesus, Because He Lives proclaims the confidence and courage that come from knowing Christ is alive. It sends us out with renewed faith to face the future, trusting that—even when we don’t yet see clearly—we walk in the power of the risen Lord.
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
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Reading: |
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Monday
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A Downcast Soul Longing for God: Psalm 42
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Tuesday
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God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways: Isaiah 55:8–13
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Wednesday
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When Jesus Calls Your Name: John 20:11–18
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Thursday
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Faith Beyond Sight: Hebrews 11:1–3, 13
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Friday
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Recognizing Jesus in Community: Acts 2:42–47
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Saturday
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Hope in Fragile Vessels: 2 Corinthians 4:7–18
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Sunday
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Stephen's Witness: Acts 6:1—7:2a, 44-60
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Day 1: Recognizing Jesus in Our Midst Reading:
Luke 24:13-35
Devotional: Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus failed to recognize Jesus walking beside them, we too can miss His presence in our daily lives. Our grief, disappointments, and unfulfilled expectations can cloud our vision. Today, reflect on moments when you may have overlooked God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Jesus walking with you, especially in times of sorrow or confusion. Remember, Christ is always near, even when we fail to recognize Him.
Day 2: The Journey of Faith Reading:
Hebrews 11:1-16
Devotional: Faith is not always a straight path. Like the disciples who struggled to believe despite hearing the rumors of Jesus' resurrection, our faith journey can be filled with ups and downs. Today's passage reminds us of the great faith exhibited by those who came before us. Consider your own faith journey. What challenges have you faced? How has your faith grown over time? Remember that God is patient with us as we grow, just as Jesus patiently walked with the disciples, explaining the Scriptures to them.
Day 3: Breaking Bread, Opening Eyes Reading:
Acts 2:42-47
Devotional: The disciples' eyes were opened when Jesus broke bread with them. This powerful moment reminds us of the importance of communion and fellowship in recognizing God's presence. Today's reading shows how the early church prioritized breaking bread together. How might you create space in your life for meaningful fellowship and communion with other believers? Consider how these practices can open your eyes to God's work in your life and the lives of others.
Day 4: Hearts on Fire Reading:
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Devotional: After recognizing Jesus, the disciples exclaimed, "Were not our hearts burning within us?" Today's passage from Jeremiah describes a similar sensation - the word of God like a fire shut up in his bones. Reflect on times when God's word or presence has stirred your heart deeply. How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's work in your life? Ask God to rekindle the fire of His love and truth in your heart today.
Day 5: Sharing the Good News Reading:
Matthew 28:16-20
Devotional: Once the disciples recognized Jesus, they immediately rushed back to Jerusalem to share the good news. Today's reading reminds us of our call to share the gospel with others. Like the disciples, we are called to go and make disciples, sharing the hope of the resurrection. Reflect on your own experience of God's love and grace. How might you share this good news with others in your life? Ask God for courage and opportunities to be a witness to His transforming power.