SERMON NOTES
Average Joes
Most people think God only uses the bold, the polished, and the fearless. But the Bible keeps putting the spotlight on regular people who didn’t feel ready. Some were overlooked. Some were unsure. Some were flat-out stubborn. And God still moved through them. This series is for the person who wants to follow Jesus but keeps asking, “Can God really use someone like me?”
Joseph: The God Who Sees
God does not wait for extraordinary people before doing extraordinary work. Like Joseph, we are called to trust God’s vision, receive what He places in our hands, and faithfully respond through ordinary acts of obedience, mercy, courage, service, and love.
Bible Verses
Matthew 1:18–25; Matthew 2:13–23
Action Items:
Stay Connected: Read Matthew 1:18–25 and Matthew 2:13–23. As you read, notice what Joseph’s actions reveal about his character. Ask God, “What do You see in me that I may not see in myself?”
Live Productive: Identify one person, responsibility, or opportunity God has entrusted to you. Do one intentional thing this week to care for it well.
Traditional Service
WELCOME
PRELUDE/LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. Our lives and all we possess belong to God.
People: Lord, make us faithful with what You have placed in our hands.
Leader: God calls ordinary people and invites them into His extraordinary work.
People: We come ready to listen, ready to trust, and ready to obey.
Leader: When we see weakness, God sees what His grace can accomplish.
People: When we see ordinary lives, God sees lives surrendered for His glory.
Leader: Come, let us worship the God who knows us, calls us, and works through us.
People: With grateful hearts, we offer ourselves again to the Lord. Amen.
*SONG #368 (vs 1, 2, 4) “My Hope is Built”
*SONG #402 (all vs) “Lord I Want to Be A Christian”
GENEROSITY Pastor Suzanne Epperly
Special Music
*Doxology
*OFFERTORY PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Gracious God, everything we have comes from Your hand, and everything we give is already Yours. As we bring these gifts, teach us to be faithful with all You have entrusted to us: our resources, our time, our abilities, and our influence. Use these offerings through Your church's ministry and mission so
that people may know the hope, mercy, and love of Jesus. Make us generous disciples who trust that ordinary gifts placed in Your hands can become part of Your extraordinary work. In Jesus' name, Amen.
COMMUNITY PRAYER Pastor Suzanne Epperly
MESSAGE Average Joes: Joseph (Jesus’ Dad)
Pastor Steven Mitchell
*SONG #438 (all vs) “Forth In Thy Name O Lord I Go”
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE