A New Creation is Everything!

My brothers and sisters, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. 5 For all must carry their own loads.

6 Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.

See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[b] the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is everything! 16 As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God (Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16 NRSV).

Call to Worship

What do we have to boast about?
The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And what does this cross mean for us?
Everything is a new creation.

Prayer of the Day

God of endings and beginnings, we thank you for always starting anew with us. When we find ourselves at our wits’ end, at the end of our rope, at the end of our patience, or even at the end of our hope, you are there. You find us and bring us into your new beginning, again and again. Amen.

Confession and Assurance of Pardon

Holy God, Fountain of all blessing and grace: we confess there are times when we look at our work, at our accomplishments, with prideful ambition as if we were the source of our abilities and gifts. At other times, we look at our efforts with disgust and regret, as if your gifts in us are not enough. Forgive our pride and our despair, Holy God. Renew in us a humble trust in your guiding hand and a hope that your grace is sufficient for every step. Give us the courage to begin again, to jump into a new start with you and one another. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen

Beloved children: Hear and believe the good news, God’s mercy and peace are upon you now and always.

Benediction

Beloved children, you are blessed and sent out into the world to share God’s good love with everyone you meet. Let us not grow weary of doing what is right. Go and work for the good of all. Go in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit to do all the good you can for all the people you can in all the ways you can for as long as you can. Amen.