And he
teaches the humble his way (an affirmation)
He was the Son of God. He was the Son
of Man.
He came down from heaven. He was born in
a stable.
Kings came to his cradle. His first home
was a cave.
He was born to be a king. He was a child
of Mary.
He was the greatest among rulers. He was the
least among servants.
He was loved and honored. He was
despised and rejected.
He was gentle and loving. He made many
enemies.
He counseled perfection. He was a
friend of sinners.
He was a joyful companion. He was a man
of sorrows.
He said, "Rejoice." He said,
"Repent."
"Love God with all your heart." "Love
your neighbor as yourself."
"Don't be anxious." "Count
the cost."
"Deny yourself." "Ask and
receive."
In him was life. He died on a
cross.
He was a historic person. He lives
today.
He was Jesus of Nazareth. He is Christ
the Lord.
We sing, O Lord, not with the confidence of those who
think we have it all together, but with the humility of those who
hope that we are teachable. In these moments broken open by your
presence,
reveal to us glimpses of glory,
overwhelm us with grace,
rekindle our passion for your kingdom, and
nudge us toward footsteps of faithfulness.
This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
For
Children
“The Big Brag”
We'll read together
this story by Dr. Seuss. A youtube of a youth reading it
aloud to children can be heard/seen
here.
Prayer of Confession
God does not seek to condemn but to save. Let us confess our
sin.
Most merciful God, we are not completely useless sinners, devoid
of all light and love. To loathe ourselves would be to blaspheme
your name as our Loving Creator. Nor are we hopelessly locked
within our flawed genes and the vicious circles of world evil.
To cynically settle for repeating old mistakes without hope of
change, would be to blaspheme your name as our Loving Savior.
Yet we know we have been seduced by the evil of the world, and
to some degree we have added to the frustration and pain of
life.
But you have never ceased to love us,
never forgotten our names,
never ceased to recognise the potential for greatness
that lies within each of us,
never stopped working for our rescue
and for our healing and fulfilment.
Please continue your work of redemption. Forgive our sins,
cleanse us from the taint of evil, and deliver us from our
individual weaknesses. In the hour of temptation help us to be
aware of what is happening and to name evil for what it is.
Abiding in the love of Jesus,
may we withstand evil’s insidious pressures,
and take delight in small victories.
May we be both the recipients of salvation
and the gracious agents of it.
To your endless glory, through Christ Jesus our Saviour.
Amen!
My sisters and brothers, embrace your salvation. Once you have
honestly made your confession, and prayed for absolution, don’t
insult God by returning to past sins and poring over your shame.
Let the past go. Embrace the future without burden or anxiety.
For you “know in whom you have believed, and that he is able to
keep safe all you have committed to him until the Great Day” of
final victory comes. Thanks be to God! Amen!
Faithful God, we
gratefully acknowledge that you are the giver of all things.
You call us to share these gifts so that we may experience the
joy and humility of giving to others. We pray that this very
act of offering our gifts to you will enable us to be obedient
disciples of your work. We are blessed to receive and to offer
the message of salvation. Jesus Christ is Lord. Praise your
holy name!
Ushers, please guide us in
returning our tithes and offerings.
Help me empty myself, Lord,
Of things that resist your will.
Like pride and selfishness
Ego and worldly ambition.
Help me empty myself, Lord,
So that I can stumble my way
Into your plans for me.
To extend healing hands to the hurting,
To speak words of comfort to those who mourn,
To keep watch with my eyes on behalf of the powerless.
To cradle the forlorn in your love.
Help me empty myself, Lord.
You empty me.
So that Christ may be seen in my life.
(written by the Rev. Dr. Safiyah Fosua,
Copyright General Board of Discipleship.
www.GBOD.org Used by permission.)
Benediction
Go now to will and to work for God’s
purposes.
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
Be filled with the same love
and look to the interests of others.
With reverence for God, work out your salvation.
And may God quench your thirst with love
and consolation;
May Christ Jesus strengthen you and encourage you;
And may the Holy Spirit lead you on and make your joy complete.
International Lesson: Adult
Bible Studies
from The United Methodist Publishing House
(click "supplemental resources" and "current events supplement"
under both the "Student" and "Teacher" sections in the left hand column)