CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most attentive and loving God, today we are challenged to be people of courage to stand firm against the forces of evil and greed that prey upon the innocent, the oppressed and the desperate people longing to be free of the chains that bind them. We are not speaking of figurative chains, but the literal chains that enslave poor men, women and children who, lured, undocumented, kidnapped, trafficked, imprisoned, and ultimately discarded. Give us the wits and good sense to protect the world’s children, and each other from the wiles of those who care not for you or any part of your creation. Our hearts and minds long to see right prevail, so teach us the ways of justice. In Jesus name. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
United Methodist congregations are not isolated congregations, managing our own affairs, tending to our own business, and our own needs, first, with nary a thought to the church up the street or across the state or even on the other side of the world. Let us be aware that this congregations is blessed with devoted members who came from distant places throughout the world. We are stronger, better, spiritually richer, and more colorful, because they have blended their spirits and experiences with ours. Let us embrace our human relations on this Human Relations Sunday.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we set before you. With grateful, and expectant hearts we seek to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places as often as ever we can. May these gifts blessed by your most Holy Spirit bring relief, comfort, and rescue to your children in need throughout the world. Let us help to carry the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ as we seek to be living proof of Christ’s love for all the world. Amen.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
January 13, 2013 "THIRTY SOMETHING"
AFFIRMATION FOR EPIPHANY
We believe in God, the creator of all things, the giver of life and breath.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born Emmanuel, God with us, baptized and revealed the most beloved Son of God; he sought to heal humanity by taking our brokenness upon himself, suffering for us, dying for us and being raised from the dead for our sake and for the sake of all the world. We believe that he will come again.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, continually poured out refreshing our lives, leading us into a new day, ever-birthing the church, the body of Christ in the world. This Spirit is our soul companion and counselor of truth reminding us of the gift of faith, the ever presence of God and the promise of eternal life. Thanks be to God! Amen.
written by: Amanda J. Burr
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and Ever-creating God, you are not only the author of all life, the grand designer of the universe, but you are the also the engineer of new beginnings. Help us to understand that in every moment of our existence you grant us opportunities to open ourselves to new ways of thinking, to new ways of experiencing the world around us. Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. Each of us has gifts and graces. We confess our hesitation to try new things, to sport a new attitude, afraid that someone might look askance at the change. Today is the day we commemorate the change that occurred in the life of Jesus. On this, his baptismal day, his very life took on a new direction and he stepped into your will for him. Lead us in your will and way for us, as we step into our future as well; in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The etymology of the verb submit in its intransitive form means to place under the control of another. Coming from the combination of the Latin “sub” = under and “mitere” = let go or send, submit means to yield, to lower, to let down, to put under, to reduce. As a transitive verb it proposes, puts something forward for consideration, argues that something is the case. Much in the same way Jesus submitted himself to be baptized on this day, we submit our hearts to God’s grace, our minds, hands and feet to ministry in Jesus’ name and our dollars and cents to the edification of Christ’s church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we humbly set before you. We seek to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places as often as ever we can. May the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the gifts we offer, in the name of the Christ ,glorify you and your church. Breathe your renewing Spirit into us. Make us living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. Amen.
We believe in God, the creator of all things, the giver of life and breath.
We believe in Jesus Christ, born Emmanuel, God with us, baptized and revealed the most beloved Son of God; he sought to heal humanity by taking our brokenness upon himself, suffering for us, dying for us and being raised from the dead for our sake and for the sake of all the world. We believe that he will come again.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, continually poured out refreshing our lives, leading us into a new day, ever-birthing the church, the body of Christ in the world. This Spirit is our soul companion and counselor of truth reminding us of the gift of faith, the ever presence of God and the promise of eternal life. Thanks be to God! Amen.
written by: Amanda J. Burr
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and Ever-creating God, you are not only the author of all life, the grand designer of the universe, but you are the also the engineer of new beginnings. Help us to understand that in every moment of our existence you grant us opportunities to open ourselves to new ways of thinking, to new ways of experiencing the world around us. Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. Each of us has gifts and graces. We confess our hesitation to try new things, to sport a new attitude, afraid that someone might look askance at the change. Today is the day we commemorate the change that occurred in the life of Jesus. On this, his baptismal day, his very life took on a new direction and he stepped into your will for him. Lead us in your will and way for us, as we step into our future as well; in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The etymology of the verb submit in its intransitive form means to place under the control of another. Coming from the combination of the Latin “sub” = under and “mitere” = let go or send, submit means to yield, to lower, to let down, to put under, to reduce. As a transitive verb it proposes, puts something forward for consideration, argues that something is the case. Much in the same way Jesus submitted himself to be baptized on this day, we submit our hearts to God’s grace, our minds, hands and feet to ministry in Jesus’ name and our dollars and cents to the edification of Christ’s church.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we humbly set before you. We seek to serve you in all our work, at all times, in all places as often as ever we can. May the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, and the gifts we offer, in the name of the Christ ,glorify you and your church. Breathe your renewing Spirit into us. Make us living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. Amen.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
January 6, 2013 Epiphany Sunday "WANDERING TRIBUTARIES"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Oh Wondrous God of grace and glory, we praise your name and give you thanks for the new day, of this New Year. By a star in the East you revealed to all of the peoples of the world your presence with us, Emmanuel. Teach us to be attentive to the signs of your presence — as a attentive as those visitors from afar who followed star, in search of a child they called a king. Help our hearts hold on to this most tender part of the Christmas season. We confess a kind of sadness at seeing the colorful lights and decorations that adorned houses in our neighborhoods gradually disappear. But the light of the star, the light of the Christ, the light of goodwill can continue to shine in our hearts, if we allow it to remain. Keep fiscal cliff cynicism from invading our best intentions and souring our hopes for all that we can accomplish in the coming year. Inspire us as we seek to grow our ministry and mission to all people in Jesus’ most wonderful name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I know we are all very grateful that the Mayans were incorrect in their calendar predictions or as one cartoon suggested incomplete. It proves that we humans are not called upon to plot out times and dates that are God’s purview alone. Our human job description requires us to live as good stewards of the world which we inhabit, caring for its natural resources, and all manner of life residing hereon. Because every human being deserves to be offered a story that invites them to choose life and live it to the fullest, let us be good stewards, as well, of Christ’s story.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the tributes we bring. They are offered reverently, and gratefully. Truly we ask nothing in return, for your grace and love has already been bestowed upon us for a lifetime. May these gifts, the work of our hands and the prayers of our hearts, bring comfort to those in need. Guide us daily as we seek out new ways to be the living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. In Jesus’ marvelous name we pray. Amen.
Oh Wondrous God of grace and glory, we praise your name and give you thanks for the new day, of this New Year. By a star in the East you revealed to all of the peoples of the world your presence with us, Emmanuel. Teach us to be attentive to the signs of your presence — as a attentive as those visitors from afar who followed star, in search of a child they called a king. Help our hearts hold on to this most tender part of the Christmas season. We confess a kind of sadness at seeing the colorful lights and decorations that adorned houses in our neighborhoods gradually disappear. But the light of the star, the light of the Christ, the light of goodwill can continue to shine in our hearts, if we allow it to remain. Keep fiscal cliff cynicism from invading our best intentions and souring our hopes for all that we can accomplish in the coming year. Inspire us as we seek to grow our ministry and mission to all people in Jesus’ most wonderful name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I know we are all very grateful that the Mayans were incorrect in their calendar predictions or as one cartoon suggested incomplete. It proves that we humans are not called upon to plot out times and dates that are God’s purview alone. Our human job description requires us to live as good stewards of the world which we inhabit, caring for its natural resources, and all manner of life residing hereon. Because every human being deserves to be offered a story that invites them to choose life and live it to the fullest, let us be good stewards, as well, of Christ’s story.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the tributes we bring. They are offered reverently, and gratefully. Truly we ask nothing in return, for your grace and love has already been bestowed upon us for a lifetime. May these gifts, the work of our hands and the prayers of our hearts, bring comfort to those in need. Guide us daily as we seek out new ways to be the living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world. In Jesus’ marvelous name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
December 30, 2012 'WHAT'S IN A NAME"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our most gracious and wondrous Abba, Father, it is good to rejoice in your presence, to sing praises to your holy name; for no one, but you has known the universe from its beginning. You are the Alpha, the first, the beginning, the starting spark of all that is. We can do nothing without you. Even so, You have done more than create us, O Lord, you continually lavish upon us your compassion, mercy, forgiveness and love. The gift of the Christ child is one you offer to us each and everyday. He is so real to us on Christmas Eve as we welcome the tiny baby in the manger. We pray that we may wake up each morning of the new year to Christ’s very real presence in our lives; may his spirit empower us to be the loving, rejoicing, wide-eyed children of Christmas all year long. Let gladness shine in our hearts and good cheer resonate in our voices that we may be a blessing to all people. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The word Ceremony comes from the Latin word “caerimonia " meaning holy, sacred a reverent rite or ritual. We Americans are not known for standing on ceremony, however it is important to differentiate between ceremonies and rituals. For many watching the Rose Parade and Bowl game that follows is a ritual, but neither is deemed holy or sacred. Even those ceremonies that are meant to be holy and sacred, like weddings often take a back seat to the reception. Presenting our offerings is meant to be an act of reverence. Let us therefore stand on ceremony and make the act of giving holy.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless these holy offerings. They are given reverently, and gratefully remembering all of the blessings you bestow upon us. May these gifts, the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, bring comfort to those in need and glorify your mostly holy name. Daily we seek to be the living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world, in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our most gracious and wondrous Abba, Father, it is good to rejoice in your presence, to sing praises to your holy name; for no one, but you has known the universe from its beginning. You are the Alpha, the first, the beginning, the starting spark of all that is. We can do nothing without you. Even so, You have done more than create us, O Lord, you continually lavish upon us your compassion, mercy, forgiveness and love. The gift of the Christ child is one you offer to us each and everyday. He is so real to us on Christmas Eve as we welcome the tiny baby in the manger. We pray that we may wake up each morning of the new year to Christ’s very real presence in our lives; may his spirit empower us to be the loving, rejoicing, wide-eyed children of Christmas all year long. Let gladness shine in our hearts and good cheer resonate in our voices that we may be a blessing to all people. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The word Ceremony comes from the Latin word “caerimonia " meaning holy, sacred a reverent rite or ritual. We Americans are not known for standing on ceremony, however it is important to differentiate between ceremonies and rituals. For many watching the Rose Parade and Bowl game that follows is a ritual, but neither is deemed holy or sacred. Even those ceremonies that are meant to be holy and sacred, like weddings often take a back seat to the reception. Presenting our offerings is meant to be an act of reverence. Let us therefore stand on ceremony and make the act of giving holy.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless these holy offerings. They are given reverently, and gratefully remembering all of the blessings you bestow upon us. May these gifts, the work of our hands, the prayers of our hearts, bring comfort to those in need and glorify your mostly holy name. Daily we seek to be the living proof of your graciousness and love for all the world, in Jesus Christ. Amen.
December 24, 2012 "ALPHA AND OMEGA AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, on this wondrous night we have made our way, amid all the hustle and bustle of last minute shopping and preparation, to this beautiful sanctuary. We have come to ponder your promise of peace and receive the Christ Child into our hearts once more. We confess our need to be reminded, each day, why we decorate, dress up and celebrate in December. We get caught up in the Santa tradition and fail to talk about Jesus. Remind us that it is the birth of Jesus that makes the season holy, not the mission of Santa Claus. Open our mouths to give thanks for the precious gift of Jesus. Carry us back to that chilly night. Let us, with Mary and Joseph, marvel at the newborn babe, who has come to us, to abide with us, our Emmanuel. We stand with the shepherds in humbled silence looking upon the face of innocence, awed that this tiny child is the one the angels call Messiah. Our hearts rejoice. Tonight and through all our tomorrows, we give thanks, for the wondrous Gift of you, Our Abba Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come Thy 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 thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
As God has given us the gift of the Christ Child, so too we honor God, offering our gifts so that people throughout the earth will have the opportunity to hear what we have heard, to know what we have come to know and receive the blessings and assurance we have received.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous God, giver of the greatest gift of all; bless the gifts we have brought to your service. May they help to transform lives and brighten the hearts of all the people we seek to serve throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Glorious God, on this wondrous night we have made our way, amid all the hustle and bustle of last minute shopping and preparation, to this beautiful sanctuary. We have come to ponder your promise of peace and receive the Christ Child into our hearts once more. We confess our need to be reminded, each day, why we decorate, dress up and celebrate in December. We get caught up in the Santa tradition and fail to talk about Jesus. Remind us that it is the birth of Jesus that makes the season holy, not the mission of Santa Claus. Open our mouths to give thanks for the precious gift of Jesus. Carry us back to that chilly night. Let us, with Mary and Joseph, marvel at the newborn babe, who has come to us, to abide with us, our Emmanuel. We stand with the shepherds in humbled silence looking upon the face of innocence, awed that this tiny child is the one the angels call Messiah. Our hearts rejoice. Tonight and through all our tomorrows, we give thanks, for the wondrous Gift of you, Our Abba Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come Thy 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 thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
As God has given us the gift of the Christ Child, so too we honor God, offering our gifts so that people throughout the earth will have the opportunity to hear what we have heard, to know what we have come to know and receive the blessings and assurance we have received.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous God, giver of the greatest gift of all; bless the gifts we have brought to your service. May they help to transform lives and brighten the hearts of all the people we seek to serve throughout the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
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