Welcome to Worship
We’re so glad you’re here! Our service will last about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Scroll down to find the Order of Worship and other resources to help you engage with the service. All lyrics and scripture readings will be displayed on the stage screen, so feel free to participate in a way that feels comfortable to you. We recommend you turn off or reduce your phone’s notifications during the service to help you minimize distractions. Wherever you are in your faith journey, we hope this service helps you to take your next steps in response to the unconditional love of God.
Order of Worship
Opening Song
“Crown Him with Many Crowns”
Welcome
Whatever your faith journey looks like and whatever your background might be, know that you are welcome in this place. If you are new to Kindred, we are glad you’re here! Click the “I’m New” button to tell us how we can connect with you. If you have a special need for prayer, we’d love the chance to pray for you. You can confidentially submit your prayer by tapping the ‘Prayer’ button at the bottom of the page.
Songs of Praise
“All Creatures of Our God and King”
“King of Kings”
Old Testament Reading:
Isaiah 25:6-9 (CEB)
“Graves into Gardens”
Children's Bible Time Dismissal
At this time, we invite all elementary-aged children to meet their leaders at the exit and proceed to the Media Center for Elementary Bible Time.
Scripture Reading
Luke 24:13-24 (CEB)
Sermon
Do you know someone who might benefit from hearing today’s sermon? Send them a link to listen anytime via our podcast here.
Song of reflection
“Way Maker”
Introduction to Baptism
What is baptism and why do we do it?
Baptism is a primary way that God embraces a new person into a life of following Jesus within the family of faith called church. Baptism has many layers of meaning which are referenced within the service of baptism itself. If you’re interested in being baptized or have questions, click the ‘Baptism’ button at the bottom of the page. Learn more about our Methodist understanding of baptism here.
What’s my role in today’s baptism?
Among other things, baptism marks a spiritual ‘new birth’ in a person’s life. Just as an infant is typically born into a family, a person being baptized is born into the church family—both this particular church family at Kindred and the wider, universal church family that spans denominations, generations, heaven, and earth. If you consider yourself a part of that wider church family, we hope you’ll join us in welcoming our newest family member in today’s baptism by saying with us the congregational portions of the service as printed below. If this doesn’t apply to you or you don’t feel comfortable participating, that is just fine too.
Sacrament of Baptism
The pastor says the non-bolded text. The congregation responds in unison with the text in bold.
Questions for the Church Family:
Do you, as Christ’s body, the Church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ?
We do.
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include this person in your care?
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround Avery & Lucy
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that they may grow in their trust of God,
and be found faithful in their service to others.
We will pray for them,
that they may be true disciples
who walk in the way that leads to life. Amen.
Communion
Why we do Communion:
Dinner parties and shared meals were central to Jesus’ ministry. In fact, Jesus instructed his followers to make a habit of hosting the kind of meals he had shared with them, promising that he would continue to be present with them as they did. So every time we share this family meal called “Communion,” we encounter Jesus together and are nourished by his love in a real, tangible way.
How we do Communion:
Following the tradition that originated with Jesus himself, we celebrate Communion by prayerfully remembering all that God has and continues to do for us. We then bless the bread that we’ll eat and the “wine” (we use non-alcoholic grape juice at Kindred) that we’ll drink. But before we finally eat and drink, we pray aloud the prayer Jesus taught his very first disciples, called the Lord’s Prayer (words below). Then we eat and drink, trusting (or at least trying to trust) that God is present and nourishing us physically and spiritually.
All are welcome:
Regardless of your age, denominational affiliation, spiritual (or not so spiritual) background, you are invited to share Communion with us. Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8)
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, in heaven, Hallowed be your Name.
Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Communion Song
“For God So Loved”
Invitation Moment
If you’re visiting with us today—whether it’s your first time, your first time in a while, or you’re just not sure what you believe—please know this: you are welcome, just as you are.
We know that for some, church has not always been a place of safety or belonging. If that’s part of your story, we’re so glad you’re here. This is a community where questions are honored, where exploring faith is encouraged, and where grace is abundant.
Whether you’re searching, skeptical, hopeful, or healing—you have a place here. And if today feels like a beginning, we’d love to walk with you in whatever comes next.
Song of Sending
“Death was Arrested
Announcements
You’ll find this week’s announcements in our weekly newsletter linked via the button below.
Benediction
At the end of each worship service we’re given a blessing. We’re also reminded that as we go back into the world we’re called to reflect the love of God in all that we do.
During this song you are invited to sing along or to spend this time in prayer for: yourself, your concerns, our church, Kindred’s ministry family that includes University and Amity United Methodist Churches, our local community, and/or our world. If you have a specific prayer concern(s) to share with our Care Team today, please tell us here so we can lift you up in our prayers this week.