Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, people of God, let us gather around the Word.
People: Not as spectators, but as seekers of truth and grace.
Leader: The Bible is not a weapon to wield or a box to store.
People: It is a sacred conversation we are invited to join.
Leader: The Scriptures are not relics of the past, but breath from the living God.
People: We come to be taught, challenged, and shaped for every good work.
Opening Hymn
Come, Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire UMH 603
Why This Song:
We begin our worship by asking the Holy Spirit to inspire our hearts and illumine the Word. As we prepare to hear Scripture, we sing this prayer that God would make the pages come alive and form us in truth and grace.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious Lord, Your Word calls us into community, compassion, and courage, but we confess that we often use it to protect ourselves instead of open ourselves. We argue over the letter of the law, while missing the heart of love. We prefer certainty to mystery, and safety to faith. Forgive us when we read without listening, and speak without understanding.
Let your Spirit speak anew in our hearts today. In this silence, we offer our personal confessions to you.
(Silent Prayer)
Through Christ, our Living Word, Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: The Living Word speaks peace to our weary hearts. In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven and made whole.
People: Praise be to God, whose mercy is greater than our mistakes.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Sermon:
What Is Our Biblical Story? by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Thy Word UMH 601
Why This Song:
In response to God's Word spoken and proclaimed, we sing our trust and commitment. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet” reminds us that Scripture guides us—not just with answers, but with presence on the journey.
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Lord, You formed us through your Word and breathed your Spirit into our hearts. Now, we give back to you with open hands and willing hearts. Let our gifts join in the work of your kingdom— proclaiming justice, spreading mercy, and living love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Wonderful Words of Life UMH 600
Why This Song:
We go forth singing of the beauty and life found in God’s Word. As we leave this place, may these “wonderful words of life” continue to echo in our hearts and shape our steps.
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
Special Insert
How to Read Scripture in a Wesleyan Way
“Read with the Spirit, listen with your whole self, and respond with your life.”
This guide reflects how John Wesley taught people to engage Scripture—not just for knowledge, but for transformation.
1. Set Aside Sacred Time
Choose a quiet moment—morning or evening—when you can focus. Make it a habit.
2. Pray for Illumination
Begin by asking God to speak through the reading.
“Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of your Spirit.”
3. Read Slowly and Carefully
Read a short passage (a chapter or even a few verses). Don’t rush. Let the words settle. If you are using a devotional with accompanying reflections. Hold off on reading the devotional material until after going through this process.
4. Reflect with the Quadrilateral
- Scripture: What is the plain meaning of the text in context?
- Tradition: How has the Church understood this passage?
- Reason: What seems wise, good, and coherent?
- Experience: How does this speak to your life, or to the world today?
5. Ask Transformational Questions
- What does this teach me about God?
- What does this reveal about humanity?
- Where am I in this story?
- What needs to change in me?
6. Respond in Prayer and Action
End with prayer, asking God to help you live what you’ve read.
“Lord, help me not just to understand your Word, but to become it.”
7. Repeat Daily or Weekly
Like physical exercise, the benefit is in regular practice. Over time, Scripture forms you more deeply in grace.