Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: "In the presence of our loving God, let us gather together and lift our hearts in worship."
People: "We come before you, O Lord, grateful for your blessings and seeking your presence."
Leader: "In our weakness, we find strength in Christ."
People: "We turn to you, O God, in our distress, seeking refuge and comfort."
Leader: "May our hearts be open to the transformative power of your Spirit."
People: "We open our hearts, ready to be transformed by your presence with us."
Opening Hymn
O God, Our Help in Ages Past UMH 117
Prayer of Confession
Loving and merciful God, We come before you in humility, recognizing the times when we have struggled to be vulnerable. In our pursuit of strength and self-sufficiency, we have often closed ourselves off from others and even from you. Forgive us, O Lord, for the barriers we have erected that hinder genuine connection and hinder our relationship with you.
In our misguided understanding, we have believed the lie that true blessings mean an absence of stress or anxiety. We have bought into the worldly notion that as people of faith, we should be immune to the pressures and challenges of life. Forgive us, Lord, for the times when we have doubted your presence and blessings in the midst of our struggles.
We confess that we have not always turned to you in times of stress or anxiety. We have falsely believed that we must bear our burdens alone, neglecting the comfort and peace that you freely offer. Forgive us for our self-reliance and our failure to trust in your provision.
We ask for your mercy and forgiveness. Help us to dismantle the misconception that stress or anxiety is a sign of our lack of faith or blessings. Teach us to find solace and strength in your presence, knowing that you are with us in the midst of our struggles.
In the name of Jesus Christ, who carried our burdens and offered us rest, we pray. Amen.
Words of Assurance
In response to your heartfelt confession, hear the words of God's forgiveness:
Find comfort and peace in knowing that you are deeply blessed, even in the midst of stress. Receive God’s forgiveness and walk in the freedom of God’s unending mercy.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Psalm 69:1-3,13-16
Second Reading:
Matthew 5:1-12
Sermon:
Too Blessed to Be Stressed by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Blessed Assurance UMH 369
Tithes and Offerings
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 94
Offertory Prayer
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Closing Hymn
Sent Forth by God's Blessing UMH 664
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
This Week's Reading Plan
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Reading: |
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Monday
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Lessons of Humility and Servant Leadership: John 13:1-17
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Tuesday
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Betrayal, Loyalty, and the Disciples' Response: John 13:18-38
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Wednesday
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Promises and Assurance from Jesus: John 14:1-14
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Thursday
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The Holy Spirit's Promise and Jesus' Love: John 14:15-31
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Friday
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Abiding in Jesus: The Vine and the Branches: John 15:1-17
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Saturday
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Facing Opposition and Finding Encouragement: John 15:18-16:4
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Sunday
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Victory over the World: Finding Peace in Christ: John 16:29-33
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Evening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as the day comes to a close, I surrender all my worries, anxieties, and stresses into Your loving hands. Help me remember that I am blessed by You and that You are with me in the midst of every trial. Grant me the strength to trust in Your provision and find peace in Your presence. Amen.
Reflection Question 1: How do you define and understand true blessings in your life? Are there areas where your perspective on blessings may differ from the world's view?
Reflection Question 2: In what ways have you experienced stress, anxiety, or vulnerability recently? How did you perceive God's presence and blessings during those times?
Reflection Question 3: Consider the concept of surrendering your worries and anxieties to God. Are there any specific concerns or burdens that you need to release to Him? How can you cultivate a deeper trust in His provision and guidance?
Reflection Question 4: How can you incorporate the principles of the Beatitudes into your daily life? What steps can you take to live as a blessed and peace-filled follower of Christ, even in the midst of stress and challenges?