Order of Worship for Sunday, January 28th 2024

Prelude

An Original composition by Dave Kurtz

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: We have been called by Jesus to be on a mission to amazing things in the world.
People: But we feel unready, unprepared, not up for the task.

Leader: We gather together for worship and seek strength and guidance from the one who sends us.
People: We find steadiness in Jesus, who understands our hesitations.

Leader: Let us worship the one whose life, death, and resurrection compels us to seek new life and transformation.
People: We gather in trust, seeking the assurance that Jesus equips us for the journey ahead.

Opening Hymn

We Are God’s People TFWS 2220

Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, we come before you acknowledging the weight of our inadequacies. We confess that, like the disciples, we often feel unready for the mission you call us to. We doubt our abilities and hesitate to step forward. We let fear, doubt, and uncertain prevent us from growing into the people you have created us to be.  Forgive us for our lack of trust and empower us to embrace your guidance. In the midst of our uncertainties, help us find strength in your unwavering presence to enter the world to do amazing things in your name. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Leader: Beloved, hear the assurance of God's love: In Christ, your inadequacies are met with grace. God forgives, transforms, and empowers you for the mission ahead. Release your fears, for you are embraced by the One who calls you His own. You are forgiven, and in God's love, you find courage. All: Amen.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

Psalm 122

Second Reading:

Mark 6:7-13,30

Sermon:

We're on a Mission by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

Jesus, Lord, We Look to Thee UMH 566 Vs. 1-5

Tithes and Offerings

Offertory Response

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Gracious God, as we bring our offerings before you, we recognize that, like the disciples, we may feel unready to give generously. Yet, we trust in your transformative power. Take these gifts, humble as they are, and use them to further your mission in the world. May our offerings and our lives be a testament to our trust in your guidance. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

Announcements

Closing Hymn

Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love UMH 566 Vs. 1,2,4,5

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

Instrumental Arrangement of Revelation Song by Dave Kurtz


Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • Reflection Question: In the sermon, it was mentioned that Jesus sent out the disciples despite their lack of understanding and readiness. How can we apply this to our own feelings of inadequacy in evangelism? Discuss the idea that God uses our imperfections in Mark 4:30-32, which talks about the mustard seed growing into the largest of garden plants.

  • Reflection Question: Think about the tension between the traditional approach to church growth and the call to actively go out and engage with the community. How can we balance the need for in-church fellowship with the call to evangelize as shown in Hebrews 10:24-25?
  • Reflection Question: Think about a time when you experienced the transformative power of sharing your faith. How does this align with the sermon's message and the transformation we see in the Apostle Peter's life from Luke 5:8 to Acts 2:14-41?


Featured Upcoming Events:

Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin

on 12/11/2024 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Join us for a weekly Bible study and lunch with Pastor Kevin on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. Bring your lunch and come ready to dive deeper into the Sunday morning scripture. This is a great opportunity to discuss and learn more about the word of God in a small group setting with the guidance of our pastor. See you there!

Learn More

Christmas Lunch

on 12/15/2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM

Celebrate Christmas with us at our Church Lunch! Enjoy a festive feast of roasted turkey, savory stews, and delightful sides. Let's share laughter and love, fostering friendship as we savor the true spirit of the season together.

Learn More

Christmas Eve Service

on 12/24/2024 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

We begin our celebrations of God’s light entering the world. We will savor the story of the first Christmas as told in Luke, singing several favorite Christmas carols. We will conclude our worship with the singing of Silent Night as we light the candles and finish with a celebration that joy has come to the wold.

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Next Steps

on 1/5/2025 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."

Learn More

The Next Two Weeks at Berwyn UMC:

Date: Time: Summary
Dec 08 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Dec 08 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Dec 10 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Dec 10 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Leadership Team Meeting Learn More
Dec 10 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Dec 11 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Pastor Kevin Learn More
Dec 11 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
Dec 15 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Every Topic Considered Small Group Learn More
Dec 15 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM Weekly Worship Learn More
Dec 15 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM Christmas Lunch Learn More
Dec 16 8:45 AM - 11:45 AM Monthly Food Distribution at Trinity House Learn More
Dec 17 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Food Pantry Distribution Hours: Learn More
Dec 17 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Troop 181 Meeting Learn More
Dec 18 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Steps to Freedom - Women's AA Meeting Learn More
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