FEBRUARY 23, 2025
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
REV. KENDRA BALLIET
ORGANIST JAMES ROSS
Prelude (Bells) – T’was in the Moon of Winter – Anna Laura Page
Welcome & Announcements
*Call to Worship
Jesus teaches us, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” But who are the others?
Our enemies and friends, family and strangers.
Jesus teaches us, “Be merciful as your Father is merciful.” But what is mercy?
To act with compassion, to help without expecting anything in return.
Jesus teaches us, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” But how do we forgive?
By recognizing enemies, friends, family, strangers, and ourselves as people in need of compassion.
Let us worship God, who loves us and empowers us to love one another with mercy and compassion.
Come, let us worship! Thanks be to God! Amen.
* Opening Hymn – “God of Grace and God of Glory” #577
Opening Prayer
Holy Jesus,
You call us into a life that others have told us is easy,
but it is not.
You challenge us to forgive, to love our enemies,
to bless those who curse us.
We want the easy way,
but You have given us the hard path.
Grant us the patience and endurance to journey with You,
to allow ourselves at times to stumble,
to live into the hard way
so that we might fully experience
Your love, grace, and peace in this world,
by becoming a people full of love and grace
and forgiving others.
In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Children’s Chat
Scripture – 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 & Luke 6:27-38
Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God
Series: “Where You Are: Far Horizons”
Message: “Do to Others”
Tithes and Offering
Offertory (Bells) – Here I Am, Lord – Douglas Wagner
*Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94
Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns
*Prayer Hymn – “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” # 402
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
*Closing Hymn – “Something Beautiful” #394
Action Steps and Benediction
Postlude – Jubilation – Franklin Ashdown
This service is recorded and is subject to change upon movement of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, or share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org