Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: The God who met us in childhood walks with us still.
People: We are growing, changing, becoming.
Leader: The Spirit who guided us now calls us to grow in grace.
All: Let us worship God, who leads us from strength to strength.
Opening Hymn
I have decided to follow Jesus
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, You carried us when we were young in faith. You taught us, guided us, and gave us good structure. But we confess that we sometimes cling to what is familiar— even when it no longer gives life. Even when it causes harm.
We hold tight to certainty, to comfort, to the way things have always been— not out of faith, but out of fear. We confuse rules with righteousness, and structure with salvation. We resist your call to grow because safety feels easier than change.
Forgive us, Lord. Forgive us when our comfort costs others. Forgive us when we use the past to excuse the present. Help us release what holds us back, so we may grow in grace, walk in freedom, and live in love.
As we seek to be in your presence during this time of worship, hear the silent confessions of our hearts and show us your grace.
(Time For Silent prayer)
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Words of Assurance
The God who carried you in the past still walks with you now. Christ does not shame your journey—he redeems it. The Spirit does not scold your hesitation—it invites your growth.
Even when we have clung to what hurts, God’s grace remains deeper than our fear, wider than our failure, and stronger than our resistance.
All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. We are free to grow. We are empowered to love. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Galatians 3:1–9, 23–29
Sermon:
The Bridge That Carried Us by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
How Great is our God
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Generous and faithful God, You have guided us across many bridges— through lessons learned, traditions received, and grace given. You have led us from law to love, from fear to freedom.
As we bring these gifts, we do so not to earn your favor, but to respond to your mercy. Use what we offer today—our money, our time, our hearts— to build communities of love, to mend what is broken, and to nurture new life wherever your Spirit leads.
In the name of Christ, our guide and our grace, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
The Great Thanksgiving
Communion
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Come Jesus Come
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