ORDER OF WORSHIP May 3, 2026 | Page 4

Basic Theme:

Spring reminds us that everything is growing— plants, days getting longer, even us. The“ Grow” series looks at Jesus’ simple story of a guy scattering seed that mysteriously sprouts and matures. God is behind the growth, but we get to play a part. Over five weeks we’ ll talk about growing our own faith, showing more grace and mercy, living with real compassion, helping our kids grow in faith, and building a stronger church together. It’ s about small steps, trusting God for the results, and watching our lives and community change for the better. Let’ s grow!

Sermon Snapshot( Key Points):

Compassion is essential to growth. Jesus shares the Good Samaritan story: religious guys walk past a hurting man, but a despised outsider stops to help. It challenges our excuses and calls us to see needs, feel empathy, and act— no matter who’ s in front of us. Growing compassion makes our faith real and draws people in. Get ready to take small steps to show mercy and make our church a place of real care and compassion for anyone who needs it.

So What?

Who, perhaps, have you overlooked in the past week that could have used a little grace and compassion? Can you open your eyes a little wider this week to really“ see” who needs compassion? Can you then act to show compassion?

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:26-29; Luke 10:25-37( NIV)

26

He also said,“ This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain— first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

25

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.“ Teacher,” he asked,“ what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26“ What is written in the Law?” he replied.“ How do you read it?”

27

He answered,“‘ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and,‘ Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28“ You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied.“ Do this and you will live.” 29

11:11am Service Information:

Closing Song: Let God Come In

Cageless Birds Bill Maetschke, Praise Team Leader

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus,“ And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said:“ A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper.‘ Look after him,’ he said,‘ and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36“ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied,“ The one who had mercy on him.”