April 14, 2013 "NOT YOUR TYPCIAL FISH STORY"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most Sovereign God, it is always good to be together offering to you our thanks and praise. We confess it feels a bit different worshiping out of doors. We hear the sounds of your creation differently, accepting the breeze and the rustle of the palms as nature’s accompaniment to our singing. So often when we are at worship inside the sanctuary we find ourselves distracted by the emergent sounds of sirens, or loud motorcycle engines and car horns. We have come to this park on purpose, to commune not only with nature, but to make ourselves more visible in our community, among our neighbors. We have come out of doors to be a welcoming presence here. We are rethinking what it means to be the church for the world, and not simply be those who attend church in the world. May the glorious light of the resurrection continue to shine in us today and everyday. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
There are people who are gifted in what is called “the ask.” They are not afraid to ask moneyed people for large donations. These giving gurus are those persons who understand that many wealthy people are eager to give to worthy causes and endeavors. I confess that I am not one gifted in “the ask,” perhaps because for much of my adult life I have worked two jobs in order to serve God and own a home. I know how it feels to lose a job, and scramble to find another one just to keep the roof over my head. That said, the church’s commercial refrigerator which has been resuscitated numerous times has finally died. A new one will cost $4500. I don’t have $4500 at my disposal just now, but I do have $250 to put toward it today. Anyone want to join me?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless We offer them, always, with grateful hearts. We give not from our surplus, rather we give this tithe as our first and most important gift. Pour out your Spirit of all things possible upon this offering that it may serve those in need, build up your church, and keep it ever relevant in this complex world. Let what we are fortunate enough to share be an instrument of transformation, restoring the souls of the lost and forgotten. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.