Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Christ is risen —
People: He is risen indeed! So, what now?
Leader: Remember his words. Remember his deeds. Remember his sacrifice...
People: And remember, that wasn't the end!
Leader: He appeared to Simon!
People: He sat at our table!
Leader: He walked among us!
People: And he still has gifts and work for us.
Leader: Christ is risen —
People: He is risen indeed!
Opening Hymn
He Lives UMH 310
Prayer of Confession
Dear God, We know you're always working, even when we can't see it. Sometimes we want you to hurry up and fix things, to bring peace and restore what's broken. But we forget to listen for your voice, and we neglect to pray together. Forgive us for our impatience and our lack of faith. Forgive us for our doubt and inaction. Help us to be open to your Spirit, to follow where you lead, and to do your work. Give us the strength to act in your name, so that your kingdom may be seen in our world. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our risen Savior. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Dear friends, hear this good news: Our God is merciful, and our sins are forgiven. God forgives our impatience, our lack of faith, our doubts, and our inaction. New life is not only possible, it is here. Let the seed of forgiveness grow within you and bear fruit for God’s kingdom.
People: Glory to the risen Christ. Amen
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Mark 6:7-13
Second Reading:
Acts 1:1-14
Sermon:
Living Purposefully Between the Ascension and Pentecost by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
I Love to Tell the Story UMH 156
The Great Thanksgiving
Communion
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Generous God, as we gather to offer our tithes and offerings, may our giving be an act of generosity, a reflection of the abundance of your grace and love. We thank you for the forgiveness and grace offered through your Son, Jesus Christ, and as we give, may we also steward these gifts wisely for the betterment of your kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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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The Fate of Judas: Acts 1:15-20
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Tuesday
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The Addition of Matthias: Acts 1:21-26
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Wednesday
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Pentecost and the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:1-13
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Thursday
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Peter Preaches: Acts 2:14-21
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Friday
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Repentance and Baptism: Acts 2:37-42
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Saturday
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Life in the Early Church: Acts 2:43-47
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Sunday
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Peter Heals: Acts 3:1-10
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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: Embracing Hopeful Expectation
Reading: Acts 1:1-8
Devotional: In the first chapter of Acts, we witness the ascension of Jesus and the instruction He left His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. This period of waiting is not passive; it's a time of hopeful expectation and preparation. Today, consider what it means to wait on God actively. Are you anticipating His movement in your life with a spirit of readiness?
Reflection Question: How can you practice active waiting in your spiritual life, preparing your heart for the work God has for you?
Day 2: Anticipating the Divine Breath
Reading: John 14:25-27
Devotional: Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter who will teach us all things. In the quiet of the in-between times, we can rest in the peace He provides, not as the world gives, but a peace that transcends understanding. As you read today's passage, reflect on the divine peace and anticipation of the Spirit's work in your life.
Reflection Question: How does the promise of the Holy Spirit's guidance and comfort change the way you approach uncertain or transitional phases in life?
Day 3: The Transformation of Expectation into Purposeful Living
Reading: James 2:14-17
Devotional: James reminds us that faith without works is dead. While we wait for the Lord's timing, our expectation is transformed into purposeful action. Serving others and living out our faith are tangible ways we can express our hope in Christ. Think about how you can put your faith into action today.
Reflection Question: What are some specific ways you can serve those around you as an expression of your faith while you wait on the Lord?
Day 4: Active Waiting from Ascension to Pentecost
Reading: Luke 24:45-53
Devotional: Before His ascension, Jesus opened the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures and promised that they would be clothed with power from on high. This active waiting involves a deep engagement with God's Word and a readiness to move when the Spirit leads. Consider how you are engaging with Scripture and allowing it to prepare you for action.
Reflection Question: In what ways can you open your heart to a deeper understanding of Scripture, allowing it to equip you for the mission God has for you?
Day 5: Cultivating a Life of Service as We Anticipate the Holy Spirit
Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Devotional: Peter urges believers to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of their prayers and to use their gifts to serve one another. In this way, we glorify God through Jesus Christ. As you wait on the Holy Spirit, consider how you are using your gifts in service to the community and in anticipation of the greater work God is preparing to do through you.
Reflection Question: How can you use your unique gifts and talents to serve others and glorify God as you anticipate the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?