 Fruitland United Methodist Church August 2, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Communion Sunday Prelude: Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Jorge R. Call to Worship Liturgist Leader: We come seeking the face of God. People: We come to worship the One who is always present. Leader: God hears the prayers of those who call upon Him. People: God walks with us through every step of life’s journey. Leader: Christ invites us to His table of grace and mercy. All: Let us worship the Lord with joyful and thankful hearts! *Sharing the Peace of Christ *Opening Hymn: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” UMH 140 Opening Prayer: Faithful and gracious God, You know us completely and yet You welcome us into Your presence. Open our eyes to recognize Your face in our worship, in Your Word, in this holy meal, and in one another. Strengthen our faith, guide our steps, and fill our hearts with Your peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. First Reading: Psalm 17:1-7, 15 (read responsively) UMH 749 Liturgist Time with Young Christians: Pastor Jorge Community Expressions Jorge & Liturgist 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. Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge As God has freely given us every good gift, let us respond with grateful hearts through our tithes and offerings, trusting that God will use them to bring hope and healing to the world. Offertory: *Doxology: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 *Prayer of Dedication: Gracious God, receive these gifts as signs of our gratitude and trust. Use them to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to serve our neighbors, and to build Your Kingdom of justice, mercy, and peace. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. Second Reading: Genesis 32:22-31 (Pew bible 51) Liturgist Hymn: “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” TFWS 2193 Sermon: “Seeking the Face of God” Psalm 17:1-5, 15 Rev. Jorge R. Introduction There is a question that has accompanied believers for centuries: Can we really see the face of God? The Bible seems to give two different answers. In Exodus, God tells Moses, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Yet the psalmist confidently declares, “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness.” How can both be true? The answer is deeper than simply seeing with our physical eyes. The psalm invites us to learn to recognize the presence of God in our daily lives. When we begin to recognize His presence, everything changes. We Seek God While We Are on the Journey Many people believe they will seek God when life settles down—when they have more time, when their problems are solved, or when they finally have peace. David teaches us something different. Psalm 17 was written in the middle of hardship. David was surrounded by enemies, facing uncertainty, and yet he continued to pray, trust, and seek God. He did not wait for life to become easy before turning to the Lord. The same is true for us. Faith is not something we postpone until life is perfect. We seek God in the middle of our struggles, trusting that He walks with us every step of the way. God Works Through People Who Keep Moving Someone once asked me how they could discover God's will for their life. My answer was simple: Keep moving . God often guides us while we are moving forward. It is much easier to steer a boat that is already sailing than one that is sitting still in the harbor. The psalmist says, “My steps have held fast to your paths.” He does not claim to have lived a perfect life. Instead, he testifies that he continued walking with God. Sometimes we hesitate because we want complete certainty before taking the next step. But God frequently reveals His direction one step at a time. As we walk faithfully, He continues to guide us. Seeing the Face of God in Our Relationships One of the most beautiful surprises in Psalm 17 is that it speaks about very ordinary parts of life—our lips, our eyes, our hearts, our feet, and our ears. The psalm reminds us that our search for God is lived out through the ordinary actions of everyday life. The psalmist declares, “I shall behold your face in righteousness.” Biblical righteousness is not simply about following rules. It is about living faithfully in our relationships—with God, with our families, with our neighbors, and with those around us. Jesus taught the same truth when He said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Every act of kindness, every word of forgiveness, every expression of compassion becomes an opportunity to encounter Christ. The Lord's Table Opens Our Eyes Today we gather around the Lord's Table. We come seeking the face of God. We do not expect to see Him through a spectacular vision. Instead, we meet Him through simple and holy gifts: bread, the cup, and the fellowship of His people. The disciples on the road to Emmaus walked with Jesus without recognizing Him. It was only when He broke the bread that their eyes were opened. Holy Communion continues to do the same for us today. As we receive the bread and the cup, Christ opens our eyes to His presence, strengthens our faith, forgives our sins, and sends us back into the world to serve Him. Conclusion The psalm ends with these beautiful words: "When I awake, I shall be satisfied with beholding your likeness." Every new day is an invitation to recognize God's presence all around us—in our families, our neighbors, our workplaces, our communities, and especially among those who need our love and compassion. As we come to the Lord's Table today, may our eyes be opened once again. May we recognize the face of Christ in this gathered community. May we leave this place ready to recognize Him wherever He sends us. For to behold the face of God is to discover Christ alive among His people. Thanks be to God. Amen. Prayer of Confession: 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. Words of Assurance: Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! All: Glory to God. Amen. Invitation to Holy Communion: 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. The Great Thanksgiving The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven... Sharing the Bread and Cup 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, seeking Your face in every person we meet and serving Christ with joyful hearts. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Closing Hymn: “Be Though My Vision” UMH 451 *Benediction: Go now in peace, seeking the face of God in every moment, serving Christ in every neighbor, and walking faithfully wherever the Holy Spirit leads you. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “We are Marching in the Light of God” Postlude: Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]
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 Fruitland United Methodist Church July 26, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Jay W. & Jorge R. Call to Worship Leader: In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, we gather in the name of Christ. People: Our hope is in the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Leader: When we are weak, the Spirit prays for us. People: When we are afraid, God’s love surrounds us. Leader: Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God. People: Let us worship the God whose love never fails! *Sharing the Peace of Christ Leader: The peace of Christ be with you always. People: And also with you. (Please share the peace of Christ with one another.) *Opening Hymn: “Song of Hope” TFWS 2186 Opening Prayer: Faithful and loving God, we thank You for gathering us once again in Your presence. In a world filled with anxiety and division, remind us that our hope is found not in human power but in Your unfailing love. Open our hearts to Your Word, strengthen us through Your Holy Spirit, and teach us to live as faithful witnesses of the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 1st Scripture Reading: Psalm 105:1-11 UMH 828 Jay W. Story Time with Young Christians: Pastor Jorge Community Expressions Jay & 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: “Our Father, who art in heaven . . . “ Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge As God has freely given us every good gift, let us respond with grateful hearts through our tithes and offerings, trusting that God will use them to bring hope and healing to the world. Offertory: “Be Still, My Soul” *Doxology: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 *Prayer of Dedication: Gracious God, receive these gifts as signs of our gratitude and trust. Use them to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to serve our neighbors, and to build Your Kingdom of justice, mercy, and peace. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. 2nd Scripture Reading: Romans 8: 26-39 (Pew bible 1757) Jay W. Hymn of Preparation: “Sanctuary” TFWS 2164 Sermon: “Nothing Can Separate Us from the Love of God” Rev. Jorge R. Romans 8:26-39 We are living in times when many people feel afraid—afraid of the future, the economy, social change, immigration, the loss of influence, and those who think differently. When fear enters the heart, we often begin to look for security in the wrong places. We look for security in power, governments, borders, weapons, strong leaders, and political parties. Sometimes even the Church can fall into the temptation of believing that, in order to save the Christian faith, we must control the government, gain political power, or confuse the Kingdom of God with a nation, a flag, an ideology, or a political party. This way of thinking is often called Christian nationalism. Christian nationalism blends faith in Jesus Christ with national identity. It presents one nation as specially chosen by God and may suggest that defending the interests of the nation is the same as defending the interests of God. But we must ask: Can the Kingdom of God be reduced to one nation? Can the cross of Christ become a symbol of political power? Can the Church fulfill its mission by controlling the government? Can the gospel be protected by force? The apostle Paul wrote Romans 8 to a Church that had no political power. The Christians in Rome did not control the government, the army, the courts, or the emperor. They were a small and vulnerable community. Yet Paul did not tell them to take control of Rome. He told them, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.” The hope of the Church was not in the emperor, but in the Holy Spirit. The security of the Church was not in the Roman army, but in the love of God. The strength of the Church was not found in controlling structures of power, but in Christ crucified and risen. Paul says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know what we ought to pray for.” There are moments when we do not know what to say. There are moments when words are not enough. There are moments when suffering is too deep. We see violence, injustice, deportations, discrimination, war, and families being separated, and we do not know how to pray. Yet the Spirit intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. God hears the prayers we cannot speak. God hears the mother who fears for her child. God hears the immigrant who lives in fear. God hears the person who has lost a job. God hears the one waiting for a medical diagnosis. God hears the lonely, the tired, and the discouraged. When our words come to an end, the Spirit continues to pray. Christian nationalism often presents a faith that is strong, triumphant, and powerful, a faith that always has answers and never admits weakness. But Paul gives us another image: a Church that confesses, “We do not know. We cannot. We need help.” True faith does not begin by saying, “We have all the power.” True faith begins by saying, “We are weak, but the Spirit helps us.” Paul also says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” This does not mean that everything that happens is good. Illness is not good. Injustice is not good. Racism is not good. The separation of families is not good. The abuse of power is not good. War and death are not good. Paul is not saying that God causes all suffering. He is saying that suffering will not have the final word. God can bring life where others have planted death. God can bring hope where others have planted fear. God can bring reconciliation where others have planted division. God does not abandon God’s people in suffering. God enters into suffering, hears the groaning, accompanies those who weep, and sustains those who have lost their strength. Our hope does not depend on everything turning out the way we want. Our hope depends on God remaining with us. Paul asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” These words have sometimes been used in the wrong way. Some say, “God is on the side of our nation,” or “God is on the side of our political party.” But the better question is not only, “Is God on our side?” The question is, “Are we on God’s side?” Are we on the side of justice, mercy, truth, the hungry, the stranger, the poor, and those who have no voice? God cannot be owned by a nation. God does not belong to any political party. God is Lord of all nations and loves all peoples. Every human being is created in the image of God. When Paul says, “If God is for us,” he is not celebrating the superiority of one people over another. He is proclaiming that no power can destroy the loving purpose of God. Paul continues, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all.” Here we find the heart of the gospel. God did not save the world by sending an army, conquering a government, or imposing a religion. God saved the world by giving himself in love. Jesus did not come riding on a war horse. He entered Jerusalem on a humble donkey. Jesus did not call his disciples to dominate, but to serve. He did not conquer from a palace, but from a cross. When the Church seeks power in order to protect the gospel, it runs the risk of losing the gospel while gaining the power. When the Church gets too close to the throne, it may move away from the cross. When the Church blesses the actions of the government without questioning them, it stops being a prophetic voice. The Church is not called to serve power. The Church is called to serve Christ, and to serve Christ means to serve “the least of these.” Paul then asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Shall trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword? Paul does not promise a life without difficulty. He does not say that believers will never suffer or that a Christian government will prevent our trials. He declares that none of these things can separate us from the love of Christ. Our security is not that nothing bad will ever happen to us. Our security is that, no matter what happens, God will not abandon us. Our security is not in controlling the future. Our security is in belonging to Christ. Our security is not in a strong nation. Our security is in a love that never fails. Paul declares, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” To be conquerors does not mean dominating other people, imposing our beliefs, defeating political enemies, or always being in control. We are more than conquerors when hatred fails to turn us into hateful people. We are more than conquerors when fear fails to take away our compassion. We are more than conquerors when violence fails to make us violent. We are more than conquerors when power fails to corrupt our witness. We are more than conquerors when we continue to love, serve, forgive, and defend human dignity. The world may say that winning means dominating. Jesus teaches us that winning means loving to the end. The world may say that winning means destroying the enemy. Jesus teaches us that winning means loving the enemy. The world may say that winning means standing above others. Jesus teaches us that winning means kneeling to wash the feet of others. Paul concludes by saying, “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Not governments. Not political parties. Not elections. Not social changes. Not economic crises. Not borders. Not persecution. Not the powers of this world. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. We do not need to live in fear. We do not need to cling to power. We do not need to turn the Church into a political instrument. We do not need to defend God as though God were weak. God does not need us to conquer the world for him. God calls us to love the world with him. Our mission is not to build a Christian nation. Our mission is to bear witness to the Kingdom of God—a Kingdom where the last are first, the poor receive good news, the stranger is welcomed, enemies are loved, mercy triumphs over judgment, and power is expressed through service. In these times of division and fear, let us remember who we are. We are the people of the cross. We are a community guided by the Spirit. We are people sustained by the love of God. Our hope is not in Washington, any president, any political party, military strength, the economy, or borders. Our hope is in Jesus Christ. When we do not know how to pray, the Spirit prays for us. When we suffer, God is with us. When the powers of this world try to divide us, the love of Christ holds us together. When fear tells us to protect ourselves by rejecting others, the gospel reminds us that we are called to love. And when we think that everything is lost, we hear the promise again: Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. May our highest loyalty always be to Christ. May our highest banner be the cross. May our strength be the Holy Spirit. And may our way of overcoming always be love. Amen. Prayer of Affirmation of Faith Gracious God, we thank You for the assurance that nothing can separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus. Strengthen our faith, renew our hope, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may live as faithful disciples, serving You with courage, loving our neighbors with compassion, and proclaiming Your grace wherever You send us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Song of Response: “Make me a Channel Of your Peace” TFWS 2171 *Benediction: Go into the world with confidence, knowing that the Holy Spirit prays for you when words fail, Christ walks beside you in every trial, and the love of God will never let you go. Neither life nor death, neither things present nor things to come, nor anything else in all creation can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “Everything We Do is for the Glory Of God” (No hymn number) Postlude: “Blessed Assurance” Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church July 19, 2026 Prelude: “Come, ye Thankful People Come” by George Elvey *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Liturgist Call to Worship Leader: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. People: We come to worship the Creator of heaven and earth. Leader: God’s creation declares God’s glory day after day. People: We join all creation in offering our praise. Leader: Christ calls us to live as faithful stewards of all God has entrusted to us. People: Fill us with your Spirit, O Lord, that we may care for your world and reflect your love. *Sharing the Peace of Christ *Opening Hymn: “Shout to the Lord” TFWS 2074 Opening Prayer: Creator God, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Open our eyes to see your presence in the beauty of creation and in the people around us. Teach us to live as faithful stewards of all you have entrusted to us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that our lives may reflect your love, our hands may serve with compassion, and our hearts may rejoice in your goodness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Official Announcement Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Scripture Reading: Psalm 8 Read responsively. UMH 743 Liturgist Children’s Time: Pastor Jorge Community Expressions Leslie & Rev, 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: “Our Father, who art in heaven . . . “ Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by William Runyan, arranged by Marianne Kim *Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . .UMH 95 *Prayer of Dedication: Gracious God, all that we have comes from your generous hand. Receive these gifts and our lives as offerings of thanksgiving. Use them to care for your people, proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, and bring hope to your world. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. Scripture Readings: Romans 8: 12-25 (Pew bible 1757) Liturgist Hymn: “Grace Alone” TFWS 2162 Sermon: “When Creation Groans” Pastor Jorge Romans 8:12–25 There are some questions that sound very modern, but in reality they are deeply spiritual. Why should I care about the environment? What difference does it make if I recycle one bottle, turn off one light, or use a little less water? My small effort is not going to change the world. Some people tell us that climate change is exaggerated. Others say the science is still uncertain, so perhaps we should simply wait and see. And besides, aren't we Christians? Shouldn't we be more concerned about heaven than about earth? After all, this world is temporary. One day God will create a new heaven and a new earth. So why worry about this one? Those are honest questions. If anyone were going to tell us not to worry about this world, it would probably be the Apostle Paul. After all, Paul constantly points us toward eternity. He tells us to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, to press on toward the goal, and to live for the Kingdom that is to come. So we might expect Paul to say, "Don't spend too much time worrying about the earth." But Paul surprises us. He writes these remarkable words: "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God... We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." The whole creation is groaning—not just people, not just believers, but creation itself. The forests, the rivers, the oceans, the skies, and every living creature are waiting with hope. They are not waiting for a new government, a scientific breakthrough, or a technological invention. Creation is waiting for the children of God to become who God created them to be. This tells us something important. Salvation has never been only about getting our souls into heaven. God's plan has always been much bigger than that. Through Jesus Christ, God is reconciling, restoring, and redeeming all creation. Everything God has made is included in His plan of redemption. At the same time, we must be clear about something. We do not worship nature. We are not tree worshipers or mountain worshipers, nor do we believe that the earth is divine. We are disciples of Jesus Christ, and we worship the Creator alone. Yet because we love the Creator, we honor His creation. Think about visiting an art museum. No one would touch a priceless painting with dirty hands or intentionally damage a masterpiece. We honor the artist by caring for the artwork. In the same way, every mountain, every river, every forest, every flower, every bird, and every sunrise bears the fingerprints of God. Psalm 8 reminds us, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers... what are human beings that you are mindful of them?" Whenever we stand before the beauty and greatness of creation, we discover two truths at the same time. We realize how great God is, and we realize how small we are. Yet the psalm continues by saying that God has crowned humanity with glory and honor. Imagine that. The God who created galaxies also knows your name. Then we encounter a word that has often been misunderstood: dominion. For many people, dominion has meant permission to exploit, consume, and destroy. But that is not the biblical meaning. God exercises authority by loving, protecting, providing, and caring. Therefore, when God gives humanity dominion over creation, He is calling us to care for His world as He cares for us. We are not owners of the earth; we are stewards. The world still belongs to the Lord. Paul gives us another beautiful image when he says that creation is experiencing the pains of childbirth. He does not describe the pains of death but the pains of birth. There is an enormous difference. Birth pains announce that something beautiful is about to happen. God has not abandoned this world. He is preparing its restoration. Until that day comes, He invites us to participate in His work. Every tree we plant, every stream we protect, every act of kindness toward God's creatures, every effort to reduce waste, and every decision to live more simply becomes a small sign of God's coming Kingdom. Not because we believe we can save the planet—only Jesus Christ can fully restore creation—but because citizens of God's Kingdom are called to live differently. Someone may still say, "Pastor, I'm only one person." That is true. One person cannot change the whole world, but each of us can make a difference in the small part of the world God has entrusted to our care. A family can teach children to respect creation. A church can reduce waste. A neighborhood can plant trees. A believer can choose gratitude instead of endless consumption. The Kingdom of God has always begun with small seeds, and Jesus never despised small beginnings. Sometimes I imagine creation as one great choir. The mountains sing. The rivers sing. The birds sing. The trees sing. Even the wind sings. Everything God has made proclaims His glory. Yet Paul reminds us that today this choir sings through groans. Creation is waiting for us to sing our part. When God's sons and daughters live according to the Spirit, creation itself begins to breathe hope once again. Brothers and sisters, our calling is not simply to wait for heaven. Our calling is to bring a little bit of heaven to earth. We worship the Creator, and because we worship Him, we care for what He loves. Every act of care becomes an act of worship. Every responsible decision becomes a testimony of faith. Every thoughtful choice proclaims that this world still belongs to the Lord. For creation is still waiting—waiting for the revealing of the children of God. May God help us to be those people. Amen. Prayer of Confession: Merciful God, we confess that we have often taken your gifts for granted. We have failed to love our neighbors as ourselves and have not always cared for the world you created. Forgive us for our selfishness, our wastefulness, and our indifference. Renew us by your Holy Spirit so that we may live as faithful disciples, honoring you by caring for your people and your creation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Words of Assurance: Hear the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven, renewed, and called to live as God’s beloved children. Through the Holy Spirit, God gives us the strength to walk in newness of life and to serve faithfully in God’s Kingdom. Thanks be to God! Amen. Closing Hymn: “For the Beauty of the Earth” – UMH #92 *Benediction: Go into the world as children of God, filled with the Holy Spirit. Honor the Creator by caring for one another and for the world God has entrusted to us. May your lives reflect the hope of Christ until the day when all creation rejoices in God’s glorious freedom. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “Go Tell it on the Mountain” UMH 251 Postlude: “The Heavens are Telling” by Franz Josef Haydn Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church Sunday, July 12th Preaching: Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Liturgist: Letha Essinger Sermon: “HOW MUCH IS YOUR BIRTHRIGHT WORTH?” Scripture: Psalm 119: 105-112, Genesis 25:19-34  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]  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] 
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