Sunday, September 25, 2022 - Facing Barriers-> Flourishing: Others

Online Playlist

Welcome

*Hymn 726            Will You Come and Follow Me         (In Person Only)

(verses 1-2)

 

*Awakening to God’s Presence                             (In Person Only)

*Hymn 726            Will You Come and Follow Me         (In Person Only)

(verses 4-5)

Prayer for God’s Guidance    (responsive)

Exodus 18:1-6                      Common English Bible Translation

Jethro, Midian’s priest and Moses’ father-in-law, heard about everything that God had done for Moses and for God’s people Israel, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. Moses’ father-in-law Jethro took with him Zipporah, Moses’ wife whom he had sent away, along with her two sons. One was named Gershom because he said, “I have been an immigrant living in a foreign land.” The other was named Eliezer because he said, “The God of my ancestors was my helper who rescued me from Pharaoh’s sword.” Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought Moses’ sons and wife back to him in the desert where he had set up camp at God’s mountain. He sent word to Moses: “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you along with your wife and her two sons.” (Question: What are some of the difficulties that arise for you in relationships?)

Exodus 18:7-10

Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him. They asked each other how they were doing, and then they went into the tent. Moses then told his father-in-law everything that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians on Israel’s behalf, all the difficulty they had on their journey, and how the Lord had rescued them. Jethro was glad about all the good things that the Lord had done for Israel in saving them from the Egyptians’ power. Jethro said, “Bless the Lord who rescued you from the Egyptians’ power and from Pharaoh’s power, who rescued the people from Egypt’s oppressive power. (Question: Who helps you to notice God’s blessings in your life?)

Hymn 614                        Great Are You, Lord           (In Person Only)

(sing through twice)

Exodus 18:13-18

The next day Moses sat as a judge for the people, while the people stood around Moses from morning until evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What’s this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, while all the people are standing around you from morning until evening?” Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When a conflict arises between them, they come to me and I judge between the two of them. I also teach them God’s regulations and instructions.” Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing isn’t good. You will end up totally wearing yourself out, both you and these people who are with you. The work is too difficult for you. You can’t do it alone. (Question: Who gives you a helpful perspective when facing barriers?)

Anthem        (In Person Only)

Exodus 18:19-22

Now listen to me and let me give you some advice. And may God be with you! Your role should be to represent the people before God. You should bring their disputes before God yourself. Explain the regulations and instructions to them. Let them know the way they are supposed to go and the things they are supposed to do. But you should also look among all the people for capable persons who respect God. They should be trustworthy and not corrupt. Set these persons over the people as officers of groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Let them sit as judges for the people at all times. They should bring every major dispute to you, but they should decide all of the minor cases themselves. This will be much easier for you, and they will share your load. (Question: What are the barriers that you need help in navigating?)

Hymn 743                      O God, You Are My God          (In Person Only)

(sing through once)

Exodus 18:23-27

If you do this and God directs you, then you will be able to endure. And all these people will be able to go back to their homes much happier.” Moses listened to his father-in-law’s suggestions and did everything that he had said. Moses chose capable persons from all Israel and set them as leaders over the people, as officers over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They acted as judges for the people at all times. They would refer the hard cases to Moses, but all of the minor cases they decided themselves. Then Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, and Jethro went back to his own country. (Question: Who are you willing to take advice from when facing life’s barriers?)

Reflection Together

Invitation to the Offering   (In Person Only)

Offering Our Lives, Resources, Time to God

Offertory

*Doxology 606

              Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

                                    Praise Him, all creatures here below;

                                    Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

                                    Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Prayer of Gratitude (responsive)

*Hymn 733                 We All Are One in Mission          (In Person Only)

(verse 1)

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power

and the glory, forever. Amen

*Closing Hymn 741                Guide My Feet                  (In Person Only)

(verses 1, 2, 3, 4)

*Benediction

Hymn List

614 Great Are You, Lord

726 Will You Come and Follow Me

733 We All Are One in Mission

741 Guide My Feet

743 O God, You Are My God

Sermon Series Starting September 18th

Facing Barriers    Flourishing

October 2nd  - Expectations

October 9th - Situations