August 4, 2013 "GETTING ALONG 101"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous God, no matter how advanced we are or how fast things move, in this age of hyper fast, super-speedy communicating, there is really nothing faster than the speed of prayer. Whether we whisper, shout or sing; whether we write on a computer screen, on a piece of paper or across the sky — even before a word has left our lips or pen — you know our thoughts, our needs, our wants and our desires. You know our fears, our worries and even, the secrets we keep from ourselves. Nothing, but nothing, is hidden from you, Loving Lord. In the final analysis, then, praying is the sign of our willingness to acknowledge what you already know about us. The “Ah-ha” of that moment opens us up to receive grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, patience, freedom, peace, strength, inspiration, confidence, healing and so much more. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The title song from “To Sir with Love” featured these Lyrics: “How do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume; who taught me right from wrong and weak from strong, that’s a lot to learn? What can I give you in return? If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters, that would soar a thousand feet high: “To Sir With Love.” All this young lady is able to give is her heart. Maybe hers is a teenage crush, or maybe this is her moment of clarity, of true gratefulness and understanding of Sir’s teachings —teachings she will treasure in her heart for the rest of her life and pass on. Our offerings to the church are not a measure of our gratefulness; they are one more way of passing on the treasure of our hearts —Jesus Christ.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Pour out your glorious Spirit of Blessing upon these our offerings most loving and gracious Lord. May every ministry they support, every program they nurture, every comfort they provide glorify your name. We are indebted to you for our every breath and blessing, however we give not because of our indebtedness, but because of our gratefulness. We offer these tokens of thanks in the name of the Christ. Amen.