CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, we are always grateful to gather in the company of friends to praise your name and give thanks for all of your blessings. Today as the scripture recalls the day that Jesus came to Galilee, help us to be aware that he was starting a new chapter in his life, in a new town, with a new understanding of his calling. Jesus was sojourning as a stranger in a land populated with Jews and Gentiles, Israelites, and Romans, people from all walks of life and lands far away. He trusted that you would be with him, even as he took up and began to proclaim the same haunting message for which John the Baptist had been arrested. Help us to trust that you will accompany us through new chapters and new beginnings in our lives. Our dearest Abba Father, in heaven, we hallow your name offering our thanks and praise. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We ask no more than our daily bread and that you forgive our trespasses, empowering us to forgive those who trespass against us. Let us not be overcome by the temptations of the world, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Today is our Commitment Sunday. I will confess to you that one of the hardest things I had to learn as a Christian was how to commit to give money to my church —and I was the pastor. The church always seemed to take a back seat to my house payment, the utilities or the car payment. But my church never asked me to take a back seat when I was in need of prayer or encouragement during a difficult time. Some people won’t commit because they think they can’t commit the right amount. Let me tell you this, any amount committed and given is the right amount. You have to begin sometime, with some amount. If all you can give is a dollar a week, commit to it and follow through every week. Following through is the key to living up to any pledge. Don’t leave the church in your back seat; move it to the front today.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
We are grateful for your blessings gracious God, particularly the life and love of Jesus Christ who leads us with righteousness and shows us the way of salvation. We offer these gifts with cheerful and grateful hearts remembering Christ’s loving sacrifice. Pour out your blessing upon these gifts. Turn our mammon into marvelous deeds, of mercy and goodwill. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
January 19, 2014 "FIRST WITNESSES"
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FOR EPIPHANY** (by Amanda Burr)
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 and dying for us; he was 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.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Making a regular financial commitment to the support of your church is like learning any new skill; like learning to drive a car, or ride a bike, diving off a diving board, climbing a mountain or writing a book. It takes courage, practice and discipline. If you are determined to be good at it you have to keep working at it through the mistakes, the falls, the belly flops, the rough drafts and the nerves. The same is true of tithing. If we desire to be full participants in the body of Christ we must be courageous, take a leap of faith and jump in.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Our Most Sovereign Lord, we come into your presence on this beautiful morning awed by the wonder of your creation and your grace. We scratch our heads as we ponder the remarkable persistence of your love even through eons of human error and waste. You have graciously shared with us your earth, and all of its resources. Instill in us that same spirit of sharing. Teach us to conserve, preserve, and deserve all that you bestow upon us. Show us the way of openness. Move us beyond parochial attitudes and territorial thinking. If we are found grumbling, dissatisfied with human behavior close our lips. If we are threatening temper tantrums, mortified over our negative bank balance, plant our feet firmly in trust. If we are in complaint-mode, muttering our displeasure about anything; silence us until we can give thanks. Open us to the leading of your Holy Spirit, who calls us to follow in the footsteps of the lamb who takes away all of our sins. In the name of the Christ we pray. 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 and dying for us; he was 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.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Making a regular financial commitment to the support of your church is like learning any new skill; like learning to drive a car, or ride a bike, diving off a diving board, climbing a mountain or writing a book. It takes courage, practice and discipline. If you are determined to be good at it you have to keep working at it through the mistakes, the falls, the belly flops, the rough drafts and the nerves. The same is true of tithing. If we desire to be full participants in the body of Christ we must be courageous, take a leap of faith and jump in.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Our Most Sovereign Lord, we come into your presence on this beautiful morning awed by the wonder of your creation and your grace. We scratch our heads as we ponder the remarkable persistence of your love even through eons of human error and waste. You have graciously shared with us your earth, and all of its resources. Instill in us that same spirit of sharing. Teach us to conserve, preserve, and deserve all that you bestow upon us. Show us the way of openness. Move us beyond parochial attitudes and territorial thinking. If we are found grumbling, dissatisfied with human behavior close our lips. If we are threatening temper tantrums, mortified over our negative bank balance, plant our feet firmly in trust. If we are in complaint-mode, muttering our displeasure about anything; silence us until we can give thanks. Open us to the leading of your Holy Spirit, who calls us to follow in the footsteps of the lamb who takes away all of our sins. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
VOICES FOR GOOD FRIDAY by Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr
Rev. Amanda’s book has actual worship service formats. This is a worship resource for churches that are looking to upgrade their Good Friday Worship Experience. Dr. Burr has worked diligently to find ways to tell stories of Jesus that will open the eyes, hearts and minds of those who have never attended Good Friday Services, or who attended once and would never go again. The 10 dramatic monologues tell new stories. They are accounts from new voices, like Joanna the Wife of Chuza and Nahum’s daughter, Peter’s Mother in-law, The Samaritan and The Gadarene Demoniacs. This three year worship resource is available RIGHT NOW from Cokesbury Bookstore:
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1214911&rank=3&txtSearchQuery=Burr
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
January 12, 2014 "FIRST THINGS FIRST"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Everliving God, Light of our World and Song of our Soul, we come into your presence with anticipation. Our hope is in you, Lord, that you have heard our prayers and will consider our petitions. We confess that we can get caught up in asking you to fix the things that are broken in our lives, forgetting to celebrate all that you have already mended. As we follow the journeys and encounters of your Christ, in the days ahead, help us to see how we can be better disciples and better ambassadors of your love, mercy and goodwill. Give us the courage to stand up for what is right, to speak truthfully and without rancor. When our ideas, proposals or motives are misunderstood, give us the patience and the ability to clarify our intentions. Remind us, O Lord, that our every effort must be to edify Christ’s church in today’s world, for all people in all places and all circumstances of life. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
First things first is a phrase our parents and teachers used so very often so we wouldn’t get ahead of ourselves when making an important decision or working to accomplish a task. Builders will say: “Measure twice and you will only have to cut once.” Before you decide to buy a car, you need a license to drive one. You must then decide what your vehicle will be used for, what it will cost in monthly payments and what the insurance will cost. All of these factors go into determining what you can afford. When Matthew’s Jesus and John the Baptist met at the Jordan, Jesus encouraged John to take things one step at a time. First things First in other words. Let us pray not to get ahead of ourselves and do what is necessary today to follow Jesus Christ.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
We are grateful for your blessings gracious God, particularly the life and love of Jesus Christ who leads us with righteousness and shows us the way of salvation. We offer these gifts with cheerful and grateful hearts remembering Christ’s loving sacrifice. Pour out your blessing upon these gifts. Turn our mammon into marvelous deeds, of mercy and goodwill. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
Gracious and Everliving God, Light of our World and Song of our Soul, we come into your presence with anticipation. Our hope is in you, Lord, that you have heard our prayers and will consider our petitions. We confess that we can get caught up in asking you to fix the things that are broken in our lives, forgetting to celebrate all that you have already mended. As we follow the journeys and encounters of your Christ, in the days ahead, help us to see how we can be better disciples and better ambassadors of your love, mercy and goodwill. Give us the courage to stand up for what is right, to speak truthfully and without rancor. When our ideas, proposals or motives are misunderstood, give us the patience and the ability to clarify our intentions. Remind us, O Lord, that our every effort must be to edify Christ’s church in today’s world, for all people in all places and all circumstances of life. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
First things first is a phrase our parents and teachers used so very often so we wouldn’t get ahead of ourselves when making an important decision or working to accomplish a task. Builders will say: “Measure twice and you will only have to cut once.” Before you decide to buy a car, you need a license to drive one. You must then decide what your vehicle will be used for, what it will cost in monthly payments and what the insurance will cost. All of these factors go into determining what you can afford. When Matthew’s Jesus and John the Baptist met at the Jordan, Jesus encouraged John to take things one step at a time. First things First in other words. Let us pray not to get ahead of ourselves and do what is necessary today to follow Jesus Christ.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
We are grateful for your blessings gracious God, particularly the life and love of Jesus Christ who leads us with righteousness and shows us the way of salvation. We offer these gifts with cheerful and grateful hearts remembering Christ’s loving sacrifice. Pour out your blessing upon these gifts. Turn our mammon into marvelous deeds, of mercy and goodwill. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
January 5, 2014 "GIFTS OF EQUAL VALUE"
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 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 and dying for us; he was 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.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, we are blessed to gather in this sanctuary to honor you and give thanks for all that you have given to us. We cherish your mercy, love and forgiveness hoping to understand that their value is more precious than gold, silver or precious gems. Let us be awed, today, by the journey of the Wise Men who traveled for weeks in search of the newborn messiah. Let us, like them, kneel before the Christ child with hope in our hearts, not for ourselves alone, but for the whole world. We pray never to take Jesus, for granted as he grows to manhood. Remind us every morning that he is more precious to you than creation itself. We seek to honor you, following after the Christ in all that we say and do, by our service, our gifts, our participation, our prayers and our witness. We realize that the first step is to treasure the gift by keeping Jesus in our hearts and minds forever. Bless us this morning, O Lord, as we, along with those famous visitors from afar, recognize the Christ child and ponder what his life means and will mean for us in the days ahead. We pray in his name. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Today is Epiphany Sunday, formally known as the feast day or celebration of the revealing of the Son of God, the anointed one, God in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. Epiphany celebrates God’s new approach to being relationship with you and me. The “striking appearance” of God is revealed to us in the story of the three kings and the story of Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan River. Today, let us, like the three kings, place our gifts of tribute to the newborn king in the offering plate as it is passed among us.
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 and dying for us; he was 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.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, we are blessed to gather in this sanctuary to honor you and give thanks for all that you have given to us. We cherish your mercy, love and forgiveness hoping to understand that their value is more precious than gold, silver or precious gems. Let us be awed, today, by the journey of the Wise Men who traveled for weeks in search of the newborn messiah. Let us, like them, kneel before the Christ child with hope in our hearts, not for ourselves alone, but for the whole world. We pray never to take Jesus, for granted as he grows to manhood. Remind us every morning that he is more precious to you than creation itself. We seek to honor you, following after the Christ in all that we say and do, by our service, our gifts, our participation, our prayers and our witness. We realize that the first step is to treasure the gift by keeping Jesus in our hearts and minds forever. Bless us this morning, O Lord, as we, along with those famous visitors from afar, recognize the Christ child and ponder what his life means and will mean for us in the days ahead. We pray in his name. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Today is Epiphany Sunday, formally known as the feast day or celebration of the revealing of the Son of God, the anointed one, God in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. Epiphany celebrates God’s new approach to being relationship with you and me. The “striking appearance” of God is revealed to us in the story of the three kings and the story of Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan River. Today, let us, like the three kings, place our gifts of tribute to the newborn king in the offering plate as it is passed among us.
December 29, 2013 "ISAIAH IT WAS FORETOLD IT"
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH **
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 and dying for us; he was 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.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, Our Savior, Redeemer and Friend, we have unwrapped our Christmas gifts, the sweaters, socks and gift cards, the perfume and trinkets, all of them expressions of love from family and friends. Many of us have spent time lingering over delicious meals, seated around lavishly decorated tables and have felt how pleasant it is to relax in good company. May the aura of this marvelous season of hope, joy, peace and love linger long in our hearts and attitudes. As we enter the new year, help us to carry the newness and gentleness of the Christ child with us. Help us to let go of the grudges, chips and disappointments we have carried on our shoulders for too long. The time of renewal belongs not to one day of the year, but is ours every morning as the sun rises. You offer us a new day and another chance to try and get it right.For this and more we give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The New Year will soon be here and we will resolve perhaps to make some changes in our lives for our own good, the good of our families, our community, and maybe even the world. A friend of mine told me she needed to get herself a treadmill, because she wasn’t walking enough. She doesn’t want to walk around her neighborhood anymore, but if she doesn’t start walking soon, she believes she won’t be able to walk at all. I think the same thinking must apply to supporting the church. The church depends upon the money you place in the offering plate. Without your offering the life of the church cannot be sustained. Imagine coming to church every Sunday and finding that a pew has been removed because we couldn’t support it. Pretty soon the sanctuary would be empty of pews and people. Resolve to give regularly to your church whether you are here or not.
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 and dying for us; he was 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.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, Our Savior, Redeemer and Friend, we have unwrapped our Christmas gifts, the sweaters, socks and gift cards, the perfume and trinkets, all of them expressions of love from family and friends. Many of us have spent time lingering over delicious meals, seated around lavishly decorated tables and have felt how pleasant it is to relax in good company. May the aura of this marvelous season of hope, joy, peace and love linger long in our hearts and attitudes. As we enter the new year, help us to carry the newness and gentleness of the Christ child with us. Help us to let go of the grudges, chips and disappointments we have carried on our shoulders for too long. The time of renewal belongs not to one day of the year, but is ours every morning as the sun rises. You offer us a new day and another chance to try and get it right.For this and more we give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The New Year will soon be here and we will resolve perhaps to make some changes in our lives for our own good, the good of our families, our community, and maybe even the world. A friend of mine told me she needed to get herself a treadmill, because she wasn’t walking enough. She doesn’t want to walk around her neighborhood anymore, but if she doesn’t start walking soon, she believes she won’t be able to walk at all. I think the same thinking must apply to supporting the church. The church depends upon the money you place in the offering plate. Without your offering the life of the church cannot be sustained. Imagine coming to church every Sunday and finding that a pew has been removed because we couldn’t support it. Pretty soon the sanctuary would be empty of pews and people. Resolve to give regularly to your church whether you are here or not.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
December 15, 2013 "OPEN WIDE THE DOORS"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God in this Advent season we long to be reminded of the moments in our lives when we have known and experienced true joy. These would have been moments of blessing when our hearts were filled to overflowing with your presence. It was Joy, wasn’t it, shining on our face when that baby first smiled at us and, O God, weren’t those tears of overwhelming joy and relief running from our eyes the day that child of ours, that brother, sister, husband or wife came home from the war. And, Dearest Lord there were times when we were invited to share in the joys of others. Did we embrace their joy, or did we envy them? Help us cherish joy as it comes to us and to others. Let this most profound emotion lift our spirits and warm our hearts, no matter who is rejoicing. Help us comprehend that your greatest desire is that every one of your children should know joy in this life and that you seek to give it to us in abundance. We are preparing our hearts to receive your promised gift. Like Mary, our spirits will rejoice in God our savior. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
In this season of advent we love to wear our Santa sweaters and Santa hats, but it is important that we, who call ourselves Christians, be aware of the message we are communicating to our children and our grandchildren. They seem more thrilled with the joy of getting and know little about the joy of giving. We haven’t taught them to thank God for the Christ child. I heard some children say just last week that they didn’t realize Christmas was a time of thanksgiving. “We thought giving thanks to God was something we did only on Thanksgiving.” In our children’s presence we must acknowledge and give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus who will be with us and with our children through all their days, in times of turmoil and peace, doubt and certainty. Show them, by giving generously to God’s church, that His gift is greater than any that can be found at Toy’s R Us.
Gracious God in this Advent season we long to be reminded of the moments in our lives when we have known and experienced true joy. These would have been moments of blessing when our hearts were filled to overflowing with your presence. It was Joy, wasn’t it, shining on our face when that baby first smiled at us and, O God, weren’t those tears of overwhelming joy and relief running from our eyes the day that child of ours, that brother, sister, husband or wife came home from the war. And, Dearest Lord there were times when we were invited to share in the joys of others. Did we embrace their joy, or did we envy them? Help us cherish joy as it comes to us and to others. Let this most profound emotion lift our spirits and warm our hearts, no matter who is rejoicing. Help us comprehend that your greatest desire is that every one of your children should know joy in this life and that you seek to give it to us in abundance. We are preparing our hearts to receive your promised gift. Like Mary, our spirits will rejoice in God our savior. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
In this season of advent we love to wear our Santa sweaters and Santa hats, but it is important that we, who call ourselves Christians, be aware of the message we are communicating to our children and our grandchildren. They seem more thrilled with the joy of getting and know little about the joy of giving. We haven’t taught them to thank God for the Christ child. I heard some children say just last week that they didn’t realize Christmas was a time of thanksgiving. “We thought giving thanks to God was something we did only on Thanksgiving.” In our children’s presence we must acknowledge and give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus who will be with us and with our children through all their days, in times of turmoil and peace, doubt and certainty. Show them, by giving generously to God’s church, that His gift is greater than any that can be found at Toy’s R Us.
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