Sermon Series
SERMON SERIES
Based on Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
and the following scriptures
Week 1 – Higher Ground __
Scriptures
- Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 61:1
- New Testament Lesson: James 3:13-18
- Gospel: Matthew 25:35-40
Book Chapters
- Just Mercy, Introduction, Chapters 1-2
Suggested Hymns
- “Higher Ground,” The African American Heritage Hymnal (AAHH), #419;
- “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” AAHH, #158; The United Methodist Hymnal (UMH), #140
- “Rescue the Perishing,” UMH, #591
Call to Worship
L: The Spirit of God is upon us.
P: We are called to be God’s people.
L: The Spirit of God is upon us.
P: We are called to be the body of Christ.
L: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us.
P: Come let us worship God, who binds us together
in love and service.
Prayer
Bountiful God, you have blessed us with so many gifts. In this time of worship, may we be open to receiving these gifts. Help us claim our gifts and use them to bring liberation and justice to a hurting world. May the words of our mouths, and the meditations of our hearts,
be acceptable to you. May the transforming Spirit of joy and unity bind us together as your body, that we may be your hands and feet and voice in this, your world. Amen.
–
Week 2 – The Old Rugged Cross
Scriptures
- Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 23:1-3; 6-8
- New Testament Lesson: Romans 8:35-39
- Gospel: Luke 10:30-35
Book Chapters
- Just Mercy, Chapters 3-5
Suggested Hymns
- “The Old Rugged Cross” AAHH, #244; UMH, #504
- “How Firm A Foundation,” AAHH, #126; UMH, #529
- “Jesu, Jesu,” UMH, #432,
- “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” AAHH, #455
Call to Worship
L: Who is my neighbor?
P: The righteous and the unrighteous,
the just and the wicked.
L: Who else is my neighbor?
P: The rich and the poor,
the weak and the strong.
L: Is anyone else my neighbor?
P: The great and the small,
the arrogant and the humble.
L: They are no different than you and I!
P: Jesus pleads to us “love your neighbor as yourself!
Prayer
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh upon us; allow your presence to fill us with power from on high. Come, Holy One, and dwell among us. We need your authority to love our neighbor and speak to the powers of this world. Give us a special anointing to stand and be witnesses in our homes, our schools, and on our jobs. Come into this place and make us one with each other. It is in your name we pray. Amen.
–
Week 3 – All God’s Children
Scriptures
- Old Testament Lesson: Proverbs 31:8-9
- New Testament Lesson: Hebrews 13:1-3
- Gospel: Matthew 18:2-6
Book Chapters
- Just Mercy, Chapters 6-8
Suggested Hymns
- “A Charge to Keep I Have,” AAHH, #467; UMH, #413
- “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” AAHH, #616
- “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” AAH, #139; UMH, #127
- “Beams of Heaven As I Go,” UMH, #524
Call to Worship
L: Jesus said, “Love one another, even as I have loved you.”
P: Love is more powerful than fear; it is mightier than hatred.
L: Let the love which God has lavished upon us be poured out to those in need.
P: Help us, O Lord, to witness to you by the ways in which we care for others.
L: Remind us, Lord, that we are called to be your disciples.
P: As we worship this morning, heal our hearts and spirits and prepare us for service. AMEN.
Prayer
Through the ages, O God, you have called to us to follow. You led us to freedom, to hope and peace. Enter our hearts again today and lead us to your healing love that we might serve you joyfully in this world. AMEN.
Week 4 – I’ll Fly Away
Scriptures
- Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 58:6-12
- New Testament Lesson: Galatians 6:9-10
- Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
Book Chapters
- Just Mercy, Chapters 9-11
Suggested Hymns
- “I’ll Fly Away,” AAHH, #601,
- “I Will Trust In The Lord,” AAHH, #391
- “Walk Together Children,” AAHH, #541
- “Victory Is Mine,” AAHH, #489
Call to Worship
L: We come before God as equal in God’s sight.
P: God knows us thoroughly and loves us completely.
L: None of us is perfect and without blemish.
P: Yet God has called us children and asked us to be compassionate and responsible in our caring and witness.
L: We are called to joyful obedience in God’s realm.
P: Thanks be to God who trusts us and pours abundant love on us. AMEN.
Prayer
Lord, give us ears to hear, for we marvel at your instruction. Train us in righteousness, grant us patience and persistence, and equip us for every good work. Inspire our faith and give us voices to proclaim your message. Guide our feet, keep us from every false way, for you alone speak the words of life. Amen.
–
Week 5 – Recovery
Scriptures
- Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 40:28-31
- New Testament Lesson: Ephesians 6:10-12
- Gospel: John 4:1-42
Book Chapters
- Just Mercy, Chapters 12-14
Suggested Hymns
- “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing,” AAHH, #184; UMH, #57
- “Fill My Cup, Lord,” AAHH, #447; UMH, #641
- “God Will Take Care of You,” AAHH, #137; UMH, #130
- “God Has Smiled on Me,” AAHH, #152
- “God Never Fails,” AAHH, #159
Call to Worship
L: Praise God who has showered us with love.
P: Even in the dark times, God protests and guides us.
L: God has blessed us with a magnificent world
P: If strife should assail, God call us to be people of healing and action to help others.
L: Come! Let us worship God who is always with us.
P: Let us praise God that through all our trials and triumphs, God’s love brings us hope. AMEN.
Prayer
God of love and healing, we gather today to hear the words of your love as you touch our hearts with holy balm. Open our hearts and spirits and let your merciful spirit dwell within us that, having heard the good news, we may bring that hope to others. AMEN.
–
Week 6 – Call to Action
Scriptures
- Old Testament Lesson: Micah 6:6-8
- New Testament Lesson: Romans 3:21-24
- Gospel: Luke 10:1-3
Book Chapters Just Mercy, Chapter 15-Author’s Note
Suggested Hymns
- “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
- “This Little Light of Mine”
- “Amazing Grace,” AAHH, #272; UMH, #378
- “Your Are the Seed,” UMH, #583
- “Here I Am, Lord,” AAHH, #567; UMH, #593
Call to Worship
L: God of all creation, what do you require of us?
P: To do justice, seek peace & reconciliation, stand with the marginalized and forgotten.
L: God of all creation, what do you require of us?
P: To love kindness, showing compassion and unconditional caring for those in need.
L: God of all creation, what do you require of us?
P: To walk humbly, following in the steps of Jesus, empowered by the Spirit for service in the world.
Prayer
Loving God,
we come this morning
seeking to abide in your presence.
Open our minds to your spirit of wisdom,
that we may know how to live as your people.
Open our hearts to your spirit of truth,
that we may love all your people with a love
that speaks of justice, kindness,
and radical grace.
May this time of worship
be authentic and pleasing to you. Amen.
