 Fruitland United Methodist Church
Sunday, July 5th *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “America the Beautiful” by Samuel Ward, arranged by Carolyn Stevens Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Holly H. Call to Worship from Pastor David Tripp O God, Searcher of all our hearts, you have formed us as a people and claimed us for your own. Congregation: As we come to acknowledge your sovereignty and grace, and to enter anew into covenant with you, reveal any reluctance or falsehood within us. All: Let your Spirit impress your truth on our inmost being, and receive us in mercy, for the sake of our Mediator, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. *Sharing the Peace of Christ *Opening Hymn: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” UMH 519 Opening Prayer: Faithful God, when we face mountains we do not understand, remind us that you are with us. Give us courage to trust when answers are few, hope when the path is difficult, and faith to believe that you will provide. Open our hearts to your Word and guide us by your Spirit. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Psalm 72 Read responsively. UMH 795 Time With Young Christians: Chase (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Community Expressions Chase and Holly Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy/ Santo, Santo, Santo” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. Let us pray. The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Faither, who art in heaven . . . “ Invitation to Generosity Chase Van Weerdhuizen Offertory: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” by Randy Travis *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 *Prayer of Dedication: Gracious God, all that we have comes from your hand. Receive these gifts and use them for the work of your kingdom. Help us to be faithful stewards of your grace and instruments of your love in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Scripture Readings: Romans 7: 15-25a Liturgist Matthew 11: 16-19 25-30 Hymn: “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” TFWS 2162 Message: “Our American Story” Chase Van Weerdhuizen Prayer of Confession by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thou eternal God, out of whose absolute power and infinite intelligence the whole universe has come into being, we humbly confess that we have not loved thee with our hearts, souls and minds; and we have not loved our neighbors as Christ loved us. All: And so, as we look within ourselves, we are confrontd with the appalling fact that the history of our lives is the history of an eternal revolt against you. But thou, O God, have mercy upon us. Forgive us for what we could have been but failed to be. Give us the intelligence to know your will. Give us the courage to do your will. Give us the devotion to love your will. In the name and spirit of Jesus, we pray. Amen *Sing: “Battle Hymn of the Republic” UMH 717 *Benediction: Lord God Almighty, we pause with grateful hearts to thank You for the gift of freedom and blessings of this great land. We remember the sacrifices of those who came before us and honor the vision of liberty that inspired them. We pray for your continued protection over our nation, and for your guidance in righting our wrongs. May our lives shine as a light in the world. In your name. Amen Postlude: “Ring the Bells of Heaven!” by George Root Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]
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 Fruitland United Methodist Church June 28, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Rejoice, the Lord is King” by Charles Wesley and John Darwall Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Pastor Jorge and Leona Call to Worship Leader: We come seeking God’s presence in the midst of life’s uncertainties. People: God is faithful and walks with us on every journey. Leader: When we cannot see the way ahead, God calls us to trust. People: We lift our eyes and place our hope in the Lord. Leader: God provides what we need and strengthens us for the journey. People: We come to worship the God who provides. *Sharing the Peace of Christ *Opening Hymn “El Shaddai” UMH 123 Opening Prayer: Faithful God, when we face mountains we do not understand, remind us that you are with us. Give us courage to trust when answers are few, hope when the path is difficult, and faith to believe that you will provide. Open our hearts to your Word and guide us by your Spirit. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Psalm 13 UMH 746 Liturgist Time With Young Christians: Pastor Jorge (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Community Expressions Pastor Jorge and Leona Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy/ Santo, Santo, Santo” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. Let us Pray The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Faither, who art in heaven . . .” Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “He Leadeth Me” by William Bradbury, arranged by Lani Smith *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Prayer of Dedication: Gracious God, all that we have comes from your hand. Receive these gifts and use them for the work of your kingdom. Help us to be faithful stewards of your grace and instruments of your love in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Scripture Reading: Genesis 22: 1-14 Pew Bible pg. 31 Liturgist Hymn: “Grace Alone” TFWS # 2162 Message: “God Will Provide” Rev. Jorge Rodriguez HOW MUCH IS YOUR BIRTHRIGHT WORTH? Genesis 25:19–34 There are decisions that seem small. A conversation. A moment of exhaustion. An urgent need. An impulse. And yet, those decisions can change the course of an entire life. The story we hear today begins long before the bowl of lentil stew. Isaac and Rebekah had waited many years to have children. They had prayed. They had trusted God. At last, God answered their prayers, but the pregnancy was not easy. Rebekah felt a constant struggle within her and asked the Lord what was happening. God answered, “Two nations are in your womb... and the older shall serve the younger.” Even before they were born, God was already writing a story very different from what everyone expected. When the twins were born, they could not have been more different. Esau was strong, impulsive, and loved the open fields and hunting. Jacob was quiet, observant, patient, and knew how to wait for the right moment. The family itself also became divided. Isaac favored Esau, while Rebekah favored Jacob. Whenever parents choose one child over another, wounds are often created that can last for generations. But the heart of this story is not favoritism. The heart of the story is a question: What do we truly value? One day Esau came home exhausted from the field. He was hungry. Jacob was cooking a pot of lentil stew. Then Jacob made him an offer: “First sell me your birthright.” The birthright was much more than receiving a larger inheritance. It meant leadership within the family. It carried spiritual responsibility. It meant continuing the covenant God had made with Abraham. It was the privilege of participating in God's plan for future generations. But Esau could only think about his immediate hunger. He answered, “I am about to die. What good is my birthright to me?” Perhaps he was exaggerating. He was not actually dying. He was simply very hungry. But when an immediate need takes control of our hearts, everything else begins to lose its value. And that still happens today. We live in a culture that constantly tells us, “Satisfy your desires now. Don't wait. What matters is feeling good in this moment. You can deal with the consequences later.” The problem is that we often trade what is lasting for what is temporary. We do not always sell our birthright for a bowl of lentils. Sometimes we exchange it for other things—for a decision made in anger, for a convenient lie, for easy money, for the wrong relationship, for bitterness we refuse to let go, for the desperate need to be accepted, or for ambition that eventually consumes us. Little by little, we surrender the very things God has placed in our hands—not because someone forces us, but because we no longer recognize their value. Jacob is not presented as a perfect hero either. He takes advantage of his brother's weakness. He shows no compassion. He sees an opportunity to gain something for himself. The Bible does not approve of his actions; it simply presents the story honestly. Because in this family, no one is completely righteous. Neither Esau nor Jacob. And that sounds very much like us. Sometimes we act impulsively like Esau. Other times we manipulate situations like Jacob. All of us need the grace of God. There is one detail that is easy to overlook. The passage ends by saying, “So Esau despised his birthright.” It does not simply say that he sold it. It says that he despised it. Before he lost it, he had already stopped valuing it. That is often how loss begins. First we stop appreciating God's gifts. Then we abandon them. First we stop nurturing our relationship with God. Then we stop praying. First we stop valuing the community of faith. Then we quietly drift away. First we stop caring for our marriage. Then one day we discover that love has grown cold. The loss begins long before the consequences appear. We live surrounded by voices inviting us to exchange what is eternal for what is immediate. But the Gospel calls us to live differently. Jesus also experienced hunger in the wilderness. He also felt weakness. He also faced the temptation to seek immediate satisfaction. But He trusted the Father. He did not exchange His mission for temporary relief. He did not sell His obedience. He remained faithful to God's purpose. Where Esau failed, Christ remained faithful. And because of His faithfulness, we have received an even greater inheritance—not an earthly birthright, but the privilege of being called sons and daughters of God. Today God invites each of us to ask one simple question: What am I trading for a bowl of lentil stew? What decision am I making simply because I am in a hurry? What spiritual treasure am I neglecting? What calling from God have I begun to treat as unimportant? True wealth is not measured by what we possess today. It is found in the inheritance God has entrusted to us: a faith to protect, a family to love, a community to serve, and a calling to honor. May we never forget that God's blessings are worth far more than any temporary pleasure this world can offer. And when we truly value them, we discover that God's inheritance will always satisfy far more deeply than any bowl of lentil stew. Amen. Prayer of Confession Merciful God, Too often we have failed to listen. We have been quick to speak and slow to hear. We Have overlooked those who suffer. We have ignored voices that cry out for justice and compassion Forgive us when we have been concerned only with ourselves. Open our ears to hear as you hear. Open our hearts to love as you love. Open our eyes to see those around us who need care and hope. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Words of Assurance: Hear the Good News: God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and made new. Thanks be to God! Amen Response Hymn: “Give Thanks” TFWS 2036 *Benediction: Go forth trusting in God’s provision. Go forth knowing that Christ walks beside you. Go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit, serving with faith, hope, and love. And may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “ Halle, halle, hallelujah” TFWS 2026 Postlude: “See, What a Morning!” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church June 21, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Pastor Jorge and Roxie Call to Worship Leader: God hears the cries of the weary and the brokenhearted. People: We come trusting in God’s mercy and love. Leader: God hears those who feel forgotten and alone. People: We come seeking God’s presence and hope. Leader: God opens our eyes to see His provision and grace. People: We come to worship the God who hears. *Sharing the Peace of Christ *Opening Hymn “Song of Hope” TFWS 2186 Opening Prayer: Loving God, you hear the prayers of your people and the cries of those who suffer. Open our hearts to your presence today. Open our ears to hear your Word and open our eyes to see your grace at work among us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 Liturgist Pew Bible 924 Time With Young Christians: Pastor Jorge (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Community Expressions Pastor Jorge and Roxie Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy/ Santo, Santo, Santo” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. Let us Pray The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Faither, who art in heaven . . .” Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “Under His Wings” by Ira D. Sankey *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Prayer of Dedication: Generous God, receive these gifts and use them for the work of your kingdom. Help us to be people who listen, serve, and share your love with the world. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. Scripture Reading: Genesis 21: 8-21 Liturgist Pew Bible 29 Hymn: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” UMH 140 Sermon: “A God Who Hears” Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Genesis 21: 8-21 There are moments in life when we feel that no one is listening to us. We speak, we cry, we pray, and it seems as if our words disappear into the air. Perhaps all of us have experienced moments like that: moments of illness, moments of concern for our children, moments of financial uncertainty, or moments when we carry such a heavy burden that we do not know with whom to share it. And so we pray: “Lord, hear our prayer.” But when we say those words, what do we really mean? Do we think that God is distracted and needs our attention? Do we think that God will act only if we pray enough? Do we think that God needs to be persuaded to have compassion? Today’s story reminds us of something different. It reminds us that God already hears. The story in Genesis 21 is not an easy story. It is not a story where everyone behaves well. It is a story filled with pain. Sarah wants to protect Isaac’s future. Abraham finds himself caught between two loves. And those who end up paying the price are Hagar and Ishmael—a woman and a young boy cast out into the wilderness without a home, without protection, and without hope. The Bible does not hide human failures. It shows us real people with real fears, real mistakes, and real sins. Perhaps that is why it remains so relevant. Our world is also full of similar stories: people who suffer because of decisions others have made, people who are marginalized, people who are discarded, and people who feel they no longer have a place. Hagar and Ishmael knew that feeling. They wandered through the wilderness until their water was gone. When there was nothing left, Hagar sat down at a distance because she did not want to watch her son die. She wept, and the boy wept as well. Then we hear one of the most beautiful statements in the entire story: “And God heard the voice of the boy.” God heard. God listened. God was there. Even when they thought they were alone. Even when they had been abandoned by others. Even when they seemed forgotten. God heard them. That is the good news of the Gospel. We are not alone. God hears the prayers spoken with words, and God also hears the tears that cannot find words. God hears the cry of the sick. God hears the grief of those who have lost a loved one. God hears the anguish of the immigrant. God hears the concerns of parents for their children. God hears the weariness of those who struggle every day just to keep going. God hears. And when we discover that God hears, our eyes begin to open. That is exactly what happened to Hagar. The text tells us that God opened her eyes, and then she saw a well of water. The resource was already there. Hope was already there. Provision was already there. But fear and despair had prevented her from seeing it. How often does the same thing happen to us? Worry blinds us. Fear paralyzes us. Sorrow keeps us from seeing that God is still at work. Then God opens our eyes through a word, through a person, through a community of faith, or through a door that unexpectedly opens. We discover that we have not been alone. But the story does not end there. If God listens, then those who follow God must also listen. We are called to listen to others, to the voices that are usually ignored, to those who live on the margins, to those who are afraid, to those who are suffering, and to those who feel that no one notices them. As a church, we are called to be a community that listens—not only a community that speaks, gives advice, or teaches, but also a community that listens. Because we ourselves have been heard by God. When we say, “Lord, hear our prayer,” we are not trying to wake God up or convince God to act. We are reminding ourselves of a fundamental truth: God hears. God heard Hagar. God heard Ishmael. God heard Israel. God heard the disciples. God hears the church. And God hears our voices today. Therefore, we can live with hope, because the God who hears continues to walk with us. And because the God who hears calls us to listen as well. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer of Confession Merciful God, Too often we have failed to listen. We have been quick to speak and slow to hear. We Have overlooked those who suffer. We have ignored voices that cry out for justice and compassion. Forgive us when we have been concerned only with ourselves. Open our ears to hear as you hear. Open our hearts to love as you love. Open our eyes to see those around us who need care and hope. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Words of Assurance: Hear the Good News: The God who heard Hagar and Ishmael hears us today. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven, loved, and restored. Thanks be to God. Amen. Closing Hymn: “Freely, Freely” UMH 389 *Benediction: Go now in the peace of Christ. Remember that God hears your prayers, knows your struggles, and walks beside you every day. As God has listened to you, go and listen to others. As God has shown mercy to you, go and show mercy to others. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “ Marching in the Light of God” TFWS 2235 Postlude: “This is My Father’s World,” traditional English melody Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected] QR Code for online giving is on the small table in back of the last pew.  Fruitland United Methodist Church June 14, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Jorge & Letha E. Call to Worship Leader: God is faithful to every generation. People: We come to worship the God who keeps His promises. Leader: When hope seems lost, God opens a new future. People: We will trust in the Lord and rejoice in His goodness. Leader: God fills our lives with grace and unexpected blessings. People: We give thanks for God’s faithfulness and love. All: Let us worship God! *Sharing the Peace of Christ. *Opening Hymn Lord, I Lift Your Name On High TFWS 2088 Opening Prayer: Gracious God, You are the God of Abraham and Sarah, the God who brings hope where hope seems impossible, the God who turns tears into laughter and waiting into blessing. Open our hearts today to Your presence. Teach us to welcome others with generosity, to trust Your promises, and to rejoice in the gift of life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading Psalm 116 UMH #836 Letha E. Time With Young Christians: Pastor Jorge (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Community Expressions Letha & Jorge Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy/ Santo, Santo, Santo” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. Let us Pray The Lord’s Prayer Letha E. Invitation to Generosity Letha E./Pastor Jorge Offertory: *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Scripture Reading: Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7 Letha E. Hymn: “Grace Alone” TFWS 2162 Sermon: “The Miracle of Laughter” Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7 There are moments in life when we begin to believe that certain dreams will never come true. Moments when we stop expecting. Not because we have completely lost faith, but because we have grown tired of waiting. Because the years pass. Because doors close. Because prayers seem to remain unanswered. And little by little we learn to live with the idea that some things simply will not happen. Sarah knew those feelings very well. For years she had hoped for a child. She had heard God's promises. She had walked beside Abraham through every stage of the journey. But time kept passing. Every year seemed to make the promise more difficult. Every birthday seemed to push the miracle farther away. Until there came a moment when hope itself seemed to have faded. Then those three visitors appeared. Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent. It was the hottest part of the day. He could have ignored them. He could have remained seated. He could have thought, “They are strangers. Let them continue on their way.” But he did not. He ran to welcome them. He offered them water. He offered them shade. He offered them food. He offered them hospitality. And in that simple act of hospitality, God became present. Because many times God comes to us disguised as an opportunity, an encounter, a conversation, a stranger. That is why hospitality holds such an important place in Scripture. When we make room for others, we make room for God. And in the middle of that meal came the promise: “About this time next year Sarah shall have a son.” Sarah heard those words from the entrance of the tent. And she laughed. I have always felt a deep sympathy for Sarah. Because her laughter seems profoundly human to me. It was not the laughter of someone mocking God. It was the laughter of someone who had suffered too much to allow herself to hope again. The laughter of someone thinking, “That would be wonderful... but it is simply too late.” And yet God was not offended by her laughter. God understood her weariness. God understood her wounds. God understood her years of waiting. Because God knows our hearts. Then the impossible happened. Time passed. The promise remained. And when the appointed time arrived, Sarah gave birth to a son. And they named him Isaac. A name that means: “He laughs.” God’s promise was transformed into a smile. Doubt became joy. Tears became celebration. This week I have been thinking a great deal about this story. Perhaps because our family is living through something that reminds us of Abraham and Sarah. My daughter had come to believe that she might never become a mother. There were attempts. There were moments of hope. There were moments of disappointment. There were long periods of silence. There were many questions. And little by little she began to accept the possibility that motherhood might not be part of her story. She loved her nieces and nephews. She watched them grow. And somehow she began to imagine that they would fill that special place in her heart. But God was still writing the story. Because God never finishes a story where we think everything has ended. After several attempts, the news finally came. My daughter was expecting a child. And that alone filled our hearts with gratitude and joy. But then another piece of news arrived. Another surprise. Not one baby. Two. Twins. I still remember the excitement. The surprise. The phone calls. The messages. The plans that immediately began to take shape. Two cribs. Two blankets. Two names. Two new lives growing at the same time. And suddenly our family was filled with dreams again. Filled with hope again. Filled with that joy that only God can give. And I believe that is exactly what Abraham and Sarah experienced. They did not simply receive a child. They received the gift of dreaming again. They received the gift of believing again. They received the gift of discovering that God still had something new waiting for them. Sometimes we think miracles are only extraordinary events. But often miracles are much simpler than that. They are the opportunity to hope again. To trust again. To imagine a future again. To believe once more that God is still at work. The writer Frederick Buechner once said that human beings were created for joy. I believe he was right. Because whenever God moves, joy appears. Sometimes in a smile. Sometimes in tears. Sometimes in an answered prayer. Sometimes in the birth of a child. And sometimes in the unexpected arrival of two little miracles. So today we give thanks to God. For life. For the gift of giving life. For the privilege of nurturing life. For the calling to strengthen life. And for the grace of continuing to believe in life. Because our God is still the God of Abraham and Sarah. The God who keeps His promises. The God who makes a way where we cannot see one. The God who turns sorrow into joy. The God who transforms tears into laughter. And when that happens, the only thing left for us to do is join Sarah and say: “God has brought laughter for me.” And then share that laughter with the world. Amen. Prayer of Confession Merciful God, We confess that we often lose hope. We become impatient while waiting for Your promises. We trust our own understanding more than Your wisdom. We fail to welcome others as You have welcomed us. Forgive us, renew us, and restore us. Teach us to live with faith, gratitude, and joy. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. Word of Assurance Hear the Good News: God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Closing Hymn: How Great Thou Art UMH 77 *Benediction: Go forth in peace. Trust the God who keeps His promises. Welcome others as Abraham welcomed strangers. Live with hope. Live with gratitude. Live with joy. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and always. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” TFWS 2026 Postlude: Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church June 7, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “El Shaddai” by Michael Card and John Thompson Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Holly K. & Jorge R. Call to Worship Leader: Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous. People: It is fitting for God’s people to praise Him. Leader: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. People: Blessed are the people God has chosen as His own. Leader: God calls us, gathers us, and blesses us. People: We come to worship the God who calls us to be a blessing. *Sharing the Peace of Christ/Compartir la paz de Cristo We share words of blessing with one another, “The peace of Christ be with you.” Scripture Reading: Psalm 33 UMH 767 Holly K. Time With Young Christians: Pastor Jorge (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Community Expressions Holly K. & Jorge R. Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy/ Santo, Santo, Santo” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. Let us Pray Song: “Give Thanks” TFWS 2036 Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “Amazing Grace” traditional arranged by Robert Hughes *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Scripture Reading: Genesis 12:1-9 Pew Bible pg.17 Holly K. Song: “ You are My Hiding Place” TFWS 2055 Sermon: “Blessed to Be a Blessing” Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Genesis 12:1–9 There are moments in life when God invites us to leave something behind. Not always a house. Not always a city. Not always a country. Sometimes it is a security. Sometimes it is a way of life. Sometimes it is a chapter of our lives that has come to an end. That is what happened to Abram. God said to him: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” And perhaps the hardest part of that invitation is that God did not hand him a map. He did not give him an address. He did not explain how the story would end. He simply said, “Go.” And Abram went. Whenever I read this story, I think about the stories of our families. I think about those who one day left Honduras, or Mexico, or El Salvador, or Guatemala, or Nicaragua, or Venezuela, or Colombia, or any other corner of Latin America. I think about those who packed their bags. I think about those who said goodbye to parents, brothers, sisters, and friends. I think about those who arrived in this country carrying dreams, fears, and hopes. I think about those who crossed borders without knowing exactly what they would find on the other side. But I also think about many of the families in this congregation. I think about ancestors who came from Ireland, from England, from Germany, from France, from Ukraine, and from so many other places around the world. They too left their homes behind. They too began uncertain journeys. They too arrived in a land they did not know. They too hoped to build a better future for their children and grandchildren. The circumstances were different. The times were different. But the human experience was much the same. The experience of leaving what is familiar and walking toward what is unknown. That is why Abram’s story belongs to all of us. Because in one way or another, all of us have crossed some kind of desert. All of us have taken steps of faith. All of us have had to trust God when we could not clearly see the road ahead. And perhaps that is why this story speaks so deeply to my own life as well. I never imagined all the roads God would lead me down. I never imagined serving congregations in different places. I never imagined coming to Idaho. I never imagined sharing ministry with people born in so many different countries and cultures. But looking back, I can see that God did with me what He did with Abram. He did not reveal the whole journey at once. He simply showed the next step. And then the next one. And then another. That is often how God works. He gives us enough light for the next step and invites us to trust Him with the rest of the journey. Yet the most important part of this story is not the journey. The most important part is the promise. God said to Abram: “I will make you a blessing.” Not only: “I will bless you.” But: “You shall be a blessing.” And that changes everything. Because God’s blessing never ends with us. God’s blessing always flows through us. We are blessed to bless. We are loved to love. We are forgiven to forgive. We are welcomed so that we may welcome others. Perhaps that is why the church exists. Not to focus only on itself. Not merely to worry about its own survival. But to be a blessing to the community, to the neighbor, to the stranger, to the hungry, to the lonely, and to those who need hope. And that brings us to this table, the table of Holy Communion. Because this table also tells a story of a journey. A story of people who are very different from one another, yet gathered together by the grace of God. Here it does not matter where we were born. It does not matter what language we speak. It does not matter the color of our skin. It does not matter how long we have lived in this country. Here, everyone is invited. Here, everyone is a child of God. Here, everyone finds a place in Christ’s family. The bread reminds us that Christ gave His life for all. The cup reminds us that His grace reaches all. And the table reminds us that in the Kingdom of God, no one is a stranger. Abram set out without knowing exactly where he was going. We too continue our journey surrounded by questions and uncertainties. But we know this: God is still calling. God is still leading. God is still building one family made up of many peoples and many nations. And God is still saying to His people: “I have blessed you so that you may be a blessing.” As we come to this table today, may we receive that promise once again. And as we leave this place, may we become a blessing to our community, our neighbors, and every person God places in our path. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Service of Holy Communion Invitation to the Table Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another. Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And so, With your people on earth and all of company of heaven We praise your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. *(Continue with the United Methodist Great Thanksgiving.)* The Lord’s Prayer Sharing the Bread and Cup While communion is served, we sing: “Let Us Offer to the Father/Te Ofrecemos Padre Nuestro” TFWS #2262 Prayer After Communion Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.. *Benediction: The God who called Abram, continues to call each of us. Go as people blessed by God. Go as people sent to be a blessing. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. *Song of Blessing: “Go Now in Peace” UMH 665 Postlude: “In Christ Alone” by Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church
May 31, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “All Things Bright and Beautiful” a traditional English folk melody arrang. Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Pastor Jorge & Reece Call to Worship (based on Psalm 8 & Mathew 28) Liturgist O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! The heavens declare your glory, and creation sings your praise. From the beginning, God created the world in love. The Spirit moved over the waters, bringing life and hope. Christ calls us to go into all the world and make disciples. We come to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Triune God together. Amen. *Opening Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” UMH 64 *Opening Prayer: Triune God, Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit, we gather today in wonder and gratitude. You formed us in love, you redeem us through grace, and you sustain us by your Spirit. Teach us again how to live in community, how to love one another, and how to reflect your image in the world. Move among us today. Renew your church. And send us forth with hope and compassion. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Sharing the Peace of Christ Scripture Reading: Psalm 108 Pew Bible pg. 949 Liturgist Time With Young Christians: Pastor Jorge (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Community Expressions Pastor Jorge & Reece Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. “...and now, we pray in the way that Jesus taught us to pray:” The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven . . .” Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1–2:4a Liturgist Hymn: “Morning Has Broken” UMH 145 Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “May you Run and not be Weary” by Paul Murakami *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16–20 Liturgist Hymn: “ Awesome God” TFWS 2040 Sermon: The God Who Creates in Community Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Trinity Sunday Genesis 1:1–2:4a · Matthew 28:16–20 There are Sundays when we wish we could explain everything clearly. And then there is Trinity Sunday. Because we speak about a God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And honestly, sometimes even theologians struggle to explain it well. The Trinity is not a mathematical formula. It is not a religious puzzle. It is not a doctrinal exam. It is, rather, an experience. The experience of a God who always acts in relationship, in community, in movement toward others. And perhaps that is why the Bible never says, “Let me explain the Trinity to you.” The Bible simply shows God at work. Creating. Loving. Sustaining. Sending. Restoring. Go back to the beginning. “The earth was formless and empty...” and the Spirit of God was moving over the waters. I love that image. The Spirit moving, trembling, stirring creation, like a mother who senses that something is about to be born. Because creating life always requires effort. It always requires love. It always requires surrender. And then God speaks: “Let there be light.” And light appears. God creates. The Spirit moves. And the Word gives life. From the very beginning, God works in community. Perhaps that is why loneliness damages the human soul so deeply. Because we were created by a relational God. We were made to live connected — with God, with one another, and with creation. And yet our world lives divided. Nations divided. Families divided. Churches divided. People profoundly alone. We live in a culture where many know people, but few truly know community. That is why Jesus, before ascending, does not simply leave a doctrine. He leaves a mission: “Go and make disciples.” He does not say, “Go and build empires.” He does not say, “Go and dominate.” He does not say, “Go and make everyone copies of yourselves.” He says, “Make disciples.” And making disciples takes time. It takes patience. It takes walking alongside others. It takes listening, accompanying, forgiving, and beginning again. Because the Gospel always happens within human relationships. And then Jesus speaks those words: “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Not “in the names.” In the name. Unity. Diversity and unity at the same time. Like a family gathered around a table. Like a community learning to care for one another. Like a church where nobody has all the answers, but everyone needs grace. The problem is that many times we have tried to understand God without learning how to live in community. We want spirituality without commitment. We want faith without difficult relationships. We want church without carrying the burdens of others. But the Trinity reminds us of something important: we cannot follow a communal God while living isolated lives. And perhaps that is what the world most needs to hear today: that God is not indifferent. That God still moves over chaos. That the Spirit is still creating life in the middle of our ruins. That the Word is still saying, “Let there be light.” And perhaps some today arrived tired — with questions, with wounds, with uncertainty. Maybe they feel that their lives have once again become “formless and empty.” But the Spirit of God is still moving over the waters. Creation is still happening. There is still hope. And the Trinity also reminds us of this: faith is never only “me and God.” There is always a “we.” We pray together. We sing together. We cry together. We serve together. We carry one another’s burdens. Because we were created by a God who lives in communion. And perhaps the call of the Gospel today is to learn that again — to learn how to live together, to learn how to listen, to learn how to heal, and to learn how to love again. Because when the church lives this way, the world catches a glimpse of the face of God. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer of Confession: God of life and communion, forgive us when we try to live only for ourselves... when fear closes our hearts, when pride divides us from one another, and when we forget that You created us for community. Renew us through Your Spirit. Teach us again to love, to listen, and to walk together as Your people. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Closing Hymn: “God of Grace and God of Glory” UMH 577 *Benediction: Pastor Jorge Go now in the love of the Father, walk in the grace of the Son, and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. May the Triune God strengthen you, guide you, and send you into the world to love and serve in Christ’s name. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “Bind Us Together” TFWS 2226 Postlude: “We Shall Overcome” Spiritual Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected] 
 Fruitland United Methodist Church May 24, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Surely, the Presence of the Lord is in This Place,” by Larry Wolfe Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Liturgist Call to Worship Liturgist O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all. Your send forth your Spirit, and they are created. And you renew the face of the earth. Today, we come seeking renewal. Come, Holy Spirit, fill your church! May the glory of the Lord endure forever. We will rejoice in the Lord. Allelulia! *Opening Hymn: “De Colores” Fiesta Jubilosa #2 “De Colores” is a Mexican folksong. It has also become a joyful greeting and theme symbolizing a life lived in God’s grace. It represents the vibrant, diverse joy of Christ’s love and the beauty of a Christian community. It is often sung during Walk to Emmaus. *Opening Prayer: God of Pentecost, today we remember that mighty wind which opened doors, broke through fear, and filled the church with life. Just as you renewed the disciples, and just as you touched the heart of John Wesley at Aldersgate, come upon us again today. Warm our hearts once more. Make us a living church, a courageous church, a grace-filled church. In the name of Christ. Amen. *Sharing the Peace of Christ Psalm Reading: Psalm 104: 24-35 Read responsively. UMH 827 Time With Young Christians: Pastor Jorge (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Community Expressions Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration. Prayers for healing and wholeness. Prayers for our community and the world. “...and now, we pray in the way that Jesus taught us to pray:” The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven . . .” Hymn: “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” UMH 334 Scripture: Numbers 11: 24-30 Pew Bible 225 Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “Gather Us In,” by Marty Haugen *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Scripture: Acts 2: 1-21 Pew Bible 1692 Hymn: “Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me” UMH 393 Sermon: “IF ONLY ALL THE LORD’S PEOPLE . . .” Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Pentecost Sunday Numbers 11:24–30 · Acts 2:1–21 There are moments in life when we feel we simply cannot carry anymore. Moments when faith becomes routine. Moments when the heart grows cold. Moments when we keep walking, but inside, we are tired. That happened to Moses. And centuries later, it also happened to John Wesley. Wesley was a pastor. He preached. He knew the Scriptures. He had even traveled to America as a missionary. But something inside him still felt empty. Wesley, himself, admitted that he had religion, but not yet peace. And then came that evening, May 24, 1738, on Aldersgate Street in London. Wesley attended a small meeting. Nothing spectacular. No bright lights. No huge crowd. No emotional display. Someone was simply reading Martin Luther’s preface to the Letter to the Romans. And while he listened, something happenedwithin him. Wesley wrote: “I felt my heart strangely warmed.” Strangely warmed. It was not merely emotion. It was the Holy Spirit renewing him from within. It was God restoring hope to his soul. It was God reminding him that grace was also for him. And after Aldersgate, Wesley was never the same again. The Spirit re- launched him. It took him out of the church buildings and sent him into the streets. He began preaching among the poor, the workers, the forgotten, and the marginalized. Because when the Spirit touches a life, we cannot remain the same. That is what happened at Pentecost. The disciples were locked away in fear, and the Spirit pushed them into the world. Wesley was spiritually exhausted, and the Spirit rekindled the fire within him. Moses was weary, and the Spirit was shared with others to sustain the community. Pentecost is always about that: people being renewed so they can love again, serve again, and believe again. And perhaps today there are people here who need their own Aldersgate moment. Not necessarily a dramatic experience, but a moment when the Spirit touches the heart again. A moment when God reminds us: “You are not alone. I still have purpose for your life.” Because the Holy Spirit does not only comfort us. The Spirit also sends us. Re- launches us. Restores our passion for the Gospel. Restores our ability to dream. Restores our courage to serve. That is why Peter declares: “I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh.” All flesh. Upon the weary. Upon the young. Upon the elderly. Upon those who doubt. Upon those who feel their spiritual fire has gone out. And perhaps today the prayer of Moses is still alive: “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets!” And Pentecost answers: “Yes. The Spirit is still being poured out.” May the Spirit warm our hearts again. May the Spirit renew the church again. And may we, like Wesley, leave this place re-launched into the world with more love, more compassion, and more hope. Amen. Prayer of Confession: Holy Spirit, forgive us when we live closed in by fear. Forgive us when we fail to listen for your voice, when we extinguish the fire of hope, and when we stop believing that you still renew lives today. Come upon us again. Fill us with your presence. Make us instruments of peace and truth. Amen. Words of Grace: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us. In Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and sent forth. Thanks be to God. Amen. *Closing Hymn: “Holy, Holy” TFWS 2039 *Benediction: Go in peace. And remember: The Holy Spirit did not come only to be admired. The Spirit came to renew lives. May the fire of Pentecost burn once again in our hearts. In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “Everything we do is for the glory of God, amen, amen!” Verse 2: “Todo se hace para Gloria de Dios, amen, amen!” Please be seated. Postlude: “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” an African-American spiritual.  Fruitland United Methodist Church May 17, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “How Firm a Foundation” Early American melody arrang. by Edward B. Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Jay W. & Jorge R. Call to Worship Jay W. Leader: The Lord is our strength and our joy. People: In God’s love we find hope and life. Leader: God has been faithful through every season. People: We gather to give thanks and praise. Leader: Christ calls us to live as one body. People: Teach us to walk together in grace and truth. All: Let us worship God with glad and thankful hearts. *Sharing the peace of Christ. *Opening Hymn: “Let’s Sing Unto the Lord” UMH 149 Psalm Reading: Psalm 21:1-7 Pew Bible 859 Jay W. Time With Young Christians: Jorge R. (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Community Expressions Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Gratitude for mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers Prayer for those who grieve or feel absence Prayer for families and community “...and now, we pray in the way that Jesus taught us to pray:” 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....” Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory “Kum Ba Yah” African-American spiritual *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Gospel Reading: John 17:1-7 Pew Bible 1679 Jay W. *Hymn: “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” TFWS 2223 Sermon: “That They May Be One” John 17:1–11 There are prayers that we hear and then forget, and there are others that seem to remain in the air long after they are spoken. The prayer of Jesus in John 17 is one of those prayers. It is not rushed, nor is it superficial. It is the prayer of someone who deeply loves those around Him and who knows He is about to leave them. Jesus looks toward the future, toward His disciples, toward the church, and ultimately toward us. Then He says, “Father... that they may be one.” What is striking is that Jesus does not first pray for success, power, or influence. He does not pray for large buildings or strong institutions. He prays for unity. Jesus understands something that we often forget: the way we live together is itself part of the Gospel. The church is not only called to preach about love; it is called to live it visibly before the world. Dietrich Bonhoeffer reflected deeply on this in his book Life Together. He wrote not from comfort but from suffering, in a world divided by hatred, fear, and distrust. In the middle of those dark times, Bonhoeffer wrote that “the physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength for the believer.” Faith was never intended to be lived completely alone. Jesus never imagined isolated disciples. The church was born around a table, around bread, prayer, fellowship, and mutual care. Yet we know how easy it is to hurt one another and how quickly division can enter our relationships. Sometimes it comes through pride, politics, misunderstandings, or simply because we stop listening to each other. Jesus says in this prayer, “All mine are yours... and I have been glorified in them.” Those words remind us that Christ is revealed to the world through the way we live with one another. The way we speak, forgive, share, and care for others reflects not only ourselves but also Jesus. Most people may never read a theology book, but they will read our lives. They will notice whether there is grace among us, whether there is patience, compassion, and mercy, or whether there is only criticism and division. Bonhoeffer warned against what he called “the dream of a perfect community.” When we love our own idea of community more than the real people God has given us, we end up damaging the very community we hoped to build. True Christian community is not made up of perfect people. It is made up of wounded people, different people, imperfect people learning how to love one another through the grace of Christ. Unity does not mean uniformity. It does not mean we all think the same way or lose our individuality. The Trinity itself teaches us this truth. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, yet perfectly united in love and purpose. In the same way, the church is made up of different stories, cultures, languages, and experiences, yet we are called to become one body in Christ. This may be one of the greatest challenges of our time because we live in a fragmented world. It is a world where everyone speaks but few truly listen, where differences often create suspicion, and where people are quickly divided from one another. Yet in the middle of such a world, Jesus still prays, “That they may be one.” Jesus does not ask the Father to remove His followers from the world. Instead, He prays, “Protect them. Sanctify them.” In other words, do not run away from the world, do not hide from it, and do not abandon others. Rather, live in this world as signs of God’s Kingdom. The church is called to become a kind of window through which people can catch a glimpse of the love of God. When we reconcile with one another, carry each other’s burdens, weep together, and celebrate together, Christ is glorified. Soon we will remember the Aldersgate experience of John Wesley, when he felt his heart “strangely warmed” and finally understood that the grace of Christ was also for him personally. But Wesley also understood that faith cannot be sustained alone. That is why he formed small groups, classes, and communities where people could grow together in grace. Grace needs places where it can be lived and breathed together. Perhaps today Jesus is reminding us of something both simple and profound: unity matters. It matters how we speak about one another, how we serve, how we welcome the stranger, and how we care for those who are weary. Our communal life also preaches. The world may not first need bigger churches; perhaps it needs churches that are more human, more humble, more compassionate, more reconciled, and more like Jesus. “Father... that they may be one.” That prayer is still alive, and perhaps the way we respond to it will become part of our witness to the world. Amen. Prayer of Confession: Loving God, we thank you for the gift of those who have nurtured us. Forgive us when we fail to honor them as we should. Heal our memories where there is pain and help us to reflect your love in our relationships. In Christ we pray, Amen. Words of Assurance Hear the good news: Christ prays for us, walks with us, and calls us into community. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made one. People: Thanks be to God. Amen *Closing Hymn: “Amazing Grace” (verses 1 & 2) UMH 378 Benediction: Go into the world as signs of God’s Kingdom. Live in unity. Walk in grace. Carry one another’s burdens. And may the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “You Are the Seed” UMH 583 Postlude: “I’ll Fly Away” African-American spiritual Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church May 10, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Joyful, Joyful we Adore Thee” by Ludwig van Beethoven Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Letha & Jorge Good morning and welcome to worship. Today we gather to praise God and to give thanks for the gift of mothers-- for their love, their strength, and their witness in our lives. We also hold space for those whose hearts carry both gratitude and longing today. Call to Worship. (based on Psalm 128:1-3) Letha Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. We will eat the fruit of our labor; we will be blessed and it will be well with us. Your family will be a blessing, a place of life and hope. We come to worship the God who gives life, nurtures us, and sustains us. Let us worship God with grateful hearts. *Sharing the peace of Christ. “The peace of the risen Christ be with you... *Sing: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” UMH 89 Scripture Reading: Psalm 113:1-9 UMH 834 Time With Young Christians: Leslie Ward (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Community Expressions Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Gratitude for mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers Prayer for those who grieve or feel absence Prayer for families and community “...and now, we pray in the way that Jesus taught us to pray:” 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....” Scripture Reading: Luke 1:46-49 Letha Pew Bible 1589 Music: “Open Our Eyes, Lord” TFWS 2086 Invitation to Generosity – Pastor Jorge Offertory “Ave Maria” by J.S. Bach *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:15-29 Pew Bible 1032 *Hymn: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” UMH 140 Sermon: “The Love That Resembles God” Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Mother’s Day Proverbs 31:25-28 “Strength and dignity are her clothing... Her children rise up and call her blessed...” There are stories that are not written in books, yet they hold the world together. They are not found in headlines or broadcast across the news, but they are the kind of stories that sustain life, shape communities, and leave lasting marks on the hearts of those who live them. Today, on this Mother’s Day, I want to share one of those stories; the story of a mother, my mother. My mother was the only woman among four brothers. From a very young age, she learned how to make her own way in a world that was not always ready to make space for her. She did not wait for opportunities to come; she learned how to create them. When my parents separated, I was only eight years old, and from that point forward, I grew up with her. And when I say I grew up with her, I do not mean simply that we lived under the same roof. I mean that I was formed by her effort, shaped by her discipline, and sustained by her constant and faithful love. The words of Scripture say, “Strength and dignity are her clothing,” and for me, those words are not abstract or poetic alone; they are deeply personal. I saw them lived out in her life every day. My mother was a teacher, -a community- based teacher during the 1960s and 1970s, a time when there were not enough formally trained teachers in rural areas. Yet she taught with dedication and purpose. She embodied the truth that there are people who do not wait until they have everything in order to serve; instead, they serve faithfully with what they have. She was also a hardworking woman who managed to build her home and raise her four children with determination and resilience. But beyond her labor, she was also an artist with her hands. She became the florist of the community, bringing beauty into the lives of others in moments of celebration and remembrance. Where others saw simple flowers, she saw meaning, color, and possibility. Where others saw work, she saw purpose. Scripture also says, “She opens her mouth with wisdom,” yet I have come to understand that there are mothers who preach without speaking many words. They preach through their actions. They preach when they rise early to provide. They preach when they stretch limited resources to meet real needs. They preach when they refuse to give up, even when circumstances are difficult. My mother taught us an essential truth: that everyone in the household contributes. From an early age, we learned that love is not only about receiving; it is also about participating, about sharing responsibility, and about helping carry the weight of life together. She was a woman of faith, a faith she inherited from my grandmother, who served as a lay leader in the church during times when access to clergy was limited. It was a simple faith, but it was strong and enduring. It did not depend on favorable circumstances or institutional structures; it was rooted in conviction and trust in God. That faith sustained my mother, and through her, it sustained all of us. My mother also came from an indigenous background, from the Mayan culture, and in that heritage, there is a profound story of resilience, dignity, and identity. It is a story marked by struggle, yet also by perseverance, hope, and a deep capacity to love. That story lives in her, and through her, it lives in me. So when I read the words, “Her children rise up and call her blessed,” I do not hear mere poetry. I hear justice. I hear recognition. I hear gratitude for a life poured out in service and love. And it leads me to say something carefully, but truthfully: a mother’s love is the closest many of us have experienced to the love of God. It is a love that does not give up, a love that provides, a love that corrects, and a love that remains even when life is not easy. In many ways, God has loved us through them. That is why today is not just another day. I am convinced that this reflection and this testimony echo the feelings of many who are gathered here. Every day is important, but this day is unique. It is a day set apart to say to our mothers, to our daughters, to our grandmothers, and to our wives how deeply grateful we are. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your life. If your mother is with you today, take a moment to embrace her and let her know what she means to you. If she is no longer with you, give thanks to God for her life and the legacy she has left in you. And if your story is different, if there is pain or absence, remember this: the love of God reaches you today as well. In the end, all true love comes from Him. “Blessings to every mother on her day.” Amen. Prayer of Confession: Loving God, we thank you for the gift of those who have nurtured us. Forgive us when we fail to honor them as we should. Heal our memories where there is pain and help us to reflect your love in our relationships. In Christ we pray, Amen. Sing: “In His Time” TFWS # 2203 Pastoral Benediction: Go in peace, honoring the love that has shaped you, and sharing the love that comes from God. May you carry gratitude in your hearts, and may God’s grace surround you today and always. *Song of Blessing: “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” TFWS 2026 Postlude: “Down to the River to Pray.” African-American spiritual Note: Next week, May 17, is United Methodist Student Sunday. A Special offering will be taken to support United Methodist Scholarships. Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church May 3rd , 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: Lamb of God by Twila Paris Welcoming the Light of Christ Welcome & Announcements: Rev. Jorge R. & Holly K. Good morning, church. Welcome to this time of worship as we gather in the presence of God. Today we come not only to hear the Word, but to receive the grace of Christ at His table. Call to Worship (based on Psalm 95) Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving and praise. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. We come to worship, to listen, and to receive. All: Let us worship God! *Sharing the Peace of Christ. *Opening Hymn: We are One in Christ Jesus/Somos uno en Cristo Scripture Readings: Psalm 119: Holly K. Reader: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God. Time with young Christians Pastor Jorge R. Community Expressions Rev. Jorge & Holly K. Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving & Celebration Prayers for Healing & Wholeness Our Community & World Let us Pray The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name….. Invitation to Generosity Rev. Jorge R. Offertory: “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” by John Greenleaf Whittier and Frederick Maher *Doxology: Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95 Gospel Reading: John 14:1-14 Holly K. Hymn: “Sanctuary” TFWS 2164 Sermon: Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled” Rev. Jorge R. John 14:1–14 There are days… and then there are moments when the heart becomes troubled. Not because of small things, but because of those realities we cannot control: loss… uncertainty… a future we cannot clearly see. Jesus speaks these words in one of those moments. Not on a day of celebration. Not in a moment of victory. But on the eve of the cross. The disciples are confused. They have left everything to follow Him… and now He is talking about leaving. And then Jesus says: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Jesus does not deny their reality. He does not say, “There is no problem.” He does not say, “Everything is easy.” Instead, He says: “Believe in God. Believe also in me.” Faith does not remove the storm… but it changes where we stand in it. There is a difference between living through uncertainty… and living through it without hope. Jesus invites them—and us—to trust even when we do not understand. Then He adds a promise: “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places.” This is more than a promise about heaven. It is a declaration of belonging. “You are not alone. You have a place. You have a home. There is a future prepared for you.” In a world where many feel displaced, unseen, or forgotten… Jesus says: You belong. Not because of what you have done, but because of who God is. Thomas, with honest courage, asks: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” And Jesus responds: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” He does not give directions. He does not hand them a map. He gives them Himself. The way is not a path we figure out… it is a relationship we enter into. Following Jesus is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting the One who walks with us. Then Philip says: “Lord, show us the Father.” And Jesus answers: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” If you want to know what God is like… look at Jesus. Look at how He touches the sick, how He listens to the forgotten, how He forgives, how He draws near, and how He loves. God is not distant. God is not abstract. God has come near. And then comes a surprising promise: “The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do… and, in fact, will do greater works than these.” This sounds impossible. But Jesus is telling them: “My work does not end here. It continues through you.” Faith is not only comfort. Faith is also calling. The church is not only a place that remembers Jesus… it is a community that lives His work in the world. So today we hear again these words: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Not because everything is solved… but because Christ is present. Not because we understand everything… but because we know the One who is the way. Not because there is no pain… but because there is hope. Prayer Lord Jesus, when our hearts are troubled, teach us to trust in you. When we cannot see the way, remind us that you are the way. And when we feel uncertain, help us to live as your people, continuing your work in the world. Amen. Holy Communion Invitation: Christ our Lord invites to His table all who love Him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another. Confession and Pardon Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Time of Silence… Words of Assurance Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen. *Hymn: “One Bread One Body” UMH 2130 The Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Pastor continue with blessing the elements… The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven… Breaking the Bread & Sharing the Cup The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, given for you. Song During Communion One Bread One Body UMH #620 *Sharing the Bread and the Cup (All are welcome at Christ’s Table.) Prayer After Communion: Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *Closing Hymn Go, Tell It on the Mountain – UMH 251 Benediction: Go forth in peace. Walk in the light of Christ. Share the good news with joy. And may the blessing of God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. |