November 23, 2014 "STANDING BEFORE THE THRONE" CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving God, we come before you this day offering our thanks for your persistent pursuit of the human heart, and your determination to lead us in lives full of grace and hope. We confess that, when we are out there in the world, it’s easy to lose touch with your ever-presence. When we are bogged down by anxiety over deadlines, or the expectations we place upon ourselves and others, let us rest in you and calm our jangled nerves. You will see us through. Only you are truly wise, O Lord. We know, all too well that the busy-ness of the approaching holidays can overwhelm us like a tsunami. Lead us not to run over each other planning, doing, buying, baking and wrapping in the days ahead. Rather, lead us in humming along with the music in the stores, cheering our hearts as we remember the gift that is coming to all of humankind. In his name we pray. Amen.
THE OFFERING INVITATION
How many of you have ever been in the company of royalty, Kings, Queens, Emperors, Princes, Princesses or members of the Peerage of Great Britain. It’s true some of our elected officials are considered royalty of a sort. I mean, if you shook hands with POTUS, depending upon who he or she was at the time, you might consider never washing your hand again, for fear of erasing any trace of that special electricity. It’s all chemistry and nerves, adrenaline-induced-awe. If any of us shook hands with the celebrity giants of our era we would come away with sweaty palms, or feeling faint. Being in the presence of the specially gifted and blessed, the chosen people, fills us with powerful emotions. Now I don’t want you to get a swelled head, but the next time you look in the mirror, I invite you to see the face of one who has been pursued, chosen and embraced by God! The offering YOU make to the church is a gift from a specially blessed hand.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, these gifts are an act of worship as important as praying, singing and attending to your word. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much, we respond in kind, lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Help us build ministries that glorify your name, empowering us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.

November 16, 2014 "WHAT'S THE RISK?"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and loving God, we are reminded of the risk you took with us. You created the universe, and all its wonders, then you turned it over to human beings to take of it. Not only that, you gave us the freedom of mind and heart to choose how we will invest ourselves in this creation, whether for your sake or selfish gain. We confess our failure to relish this moment in time, or to look at the big picture, fettering ourselves to challenges and troubles over which we have no control. Give us the grace to invest our spirits, our trust, our hopes, visions and talents in your service to your kingdom. Help us to embrace your promises made and kept. Let us follow the example of the Christ, abiding in him as he abides in us. He did not count his equality with you as something to be exploited, but emptied and humbled himself in obedience to you. Let us let go of all doubt, and risk humility, in Christ’s name. Amen.
THE OFFERING INVITATION
In 2009, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) redefined risk in its controversial ISO 31000, a paradigm for risk management applicable and adaptable for "any public, private or community enterprise, association, group or individual.” The controversial part of the standard is the redefinition of risk. “‘Risk’ is no longer ‘chance or probability of loss’, but ‘the effect of uncertainty on objectives’ ... thus causing the word ‘risk’ to refer to positive possibilities, as well as negative ones.” The gifts you offer the church support the line items in our general budget: salaries, office supplies, ministries, our support of the denomination at the annual and general conference levels, and our missionary. There are a number of uncertainties that can effect the church’s objectives, positively or negatively, for example: a sudden influx of new members infusing us with large donations or unplanned major repairs to the physical plant accompanied by an exodus of givers. When we launch the stewardship campaign in January, your pledge will help us manage the risk.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, these gifts are an act of worship as important as praying, singing and attending to your word. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us; our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much, we respond in kind, lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Help us build ministries that glorify your name, empowering us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.

November 9, 2014 "WISHY-WASHY OR STEADY AND READY"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, from everlasting to everlasting you are God, the Sovereign of the Universe who has bestowed us blessings, honor and invitation. We enter into this time of prayer opening ourselves to a moment of profound spiritual connection with you. We do not take this time of worship lightly or for granted. We do not dismiss it as Sunday routine. We understand and comprehend that hundreds or hearts are beating, hundreds of tongues speaking the same words, and each one carries burdens different from our own. We pray this day to be always prepared for your call to action in ministry. Keep us attentive, not to one another’s flaws, but to each other’s needs. Empower us to help one another, to share as we can, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
THE OFFERING INVITATION
I have taken some liberties with the expansion of the OT scripture passage. Joshua, who is trying valiantly to fill Moses’ shoes, tells the Israelites—in essence— it’s time to fish or cut bait regarding their commitment to God. You can’t hang onto and serve the gods from Egypt or beyond the river. You can’t serve the gods of your ancestors, or the gods of the Amorites, just because that happens to be where you are currently living, all the time saying, out of the other side of your mouths, that you serve Yahweh. You can’t go around trying to cover all of your divinity bases, not sure if the one who created you and rescued you from slavery is going to be the one who remains and sustains you. Three times Joshua challenges the Israelites: “Choose whom you will serve.” Their wishy-washy responses acknowledge how terrific God has been, but there is no commitment in their words until Joshua says: “You are witnesses against yourselves.” Now put your commitment where your mouth is.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God these gifts are an act of worship as important as praying, singing, and attending to your word in scripture. We believe that what Christ’s Church is able to accomplish through our gifts, glorifies your name. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much, we respond in kind, lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Empower us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.

November 2, 2014 "WHAT WE WILL BE"

THE APOSTLE’S CREED REVISITED
I believe in God, the all-powerful Sovereign of the Universe, the loving Abba Father, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, God’s only Son, who was conceived by The Spirit of God and born of Mary.
Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate.
He was crucified, died and was buried. On the third day God raised Jesus from the dead.
I believe the risen Christ ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand
of God Almighty.
From this throne Jesus shall come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the church universal and the communion of saints.
I believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and eternal life.
Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of Grace and glory we are confident that even on our worst day your arms are reaching out to embrace us and lead us in the better way. Your longing is for us to rejoice in the days or our life, to celebrate the abundance of your love, grace and mercy, not wither in doubt or uncertainty about what is to come. We confess our need for assurance while we remember in love those who have crossed the threshold from this life into the next. Fill our imaginings with visions of glorious things to come and teach us how to pass our confidence on to our children. Help us exemplify our absolute trust in you. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
THE OFFERING INVITATION
Did you ever wonder how All Hallows’ Eve, also called All Saints Eve, evolved into a celebration of candy? October 31st, November 1st and November 2nd are actually a triad of celebrations known in liturgical circles as the triduum of Allhallowtide (the three days of All Saints season). Each of the three days moves into and connects with the next: All Hallows, All Saints and All Souls. The triad of days is specifically dedicated to remembering those who have ended their journey of faith on earth. Sam Potaro writes: “On All Hallows’ Eve our ancestors used the most powerful weapon in the human arsenal, to confront the power of death —the power of humor and ridicule. The costumes worn and games played were all a part of humanity’s fearless derision of death. All Saints Day is the day to honor all saints known and unknown. Protestants believe that all confessing Christians will be among the saints of heaven. Today, in fact, is All Souls Day when we commemorate all the faithful departed, especially family and friends.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come to understand that offering our gifts is an act of worship just as important as praying, singing and attending to your word in scripture. We believe that what Christ’s Church is able to accomplish through the gifts we offer, glorifies your name. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much we respond in kind lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Empower us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.

October 26, 2014 "HIGHER MOTIVES"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Merciful Creator, just pronouncing your name gives us a sense of centeredness and purpose. We know why we are here. There is no question in our minds that we have come here to worship and honor you. In this holy place we are fully present with you. In worship we are diligent in our efforts to discover your vital and vigorous spirit at work within us. When we attend to the words of the hymns written by men and women of faith, in times of trial and rejoicing, our hearts are strangely warmed. Sharing our joys and concerns with one another connects us through time and space with those whose names we repeat and for whom we pray. We bind our hearts in these moments, confident that you hear and attend to what is important to each and every one of us. Our hearts are strangely warmed and we are made new again. Amen.
THE OFFERING INVITATION
What makes you feel good? I know some of you will answer chocolate, but seriously, what makes you feel like you have really accomplished something offering the best of yourself to help another. Deuteronomy tells us that Moses never reached the promised land. Though he could see it from the top of Mt. Nebo, just across the valley not too far away, he would never set his feet upon it. He came to the end of his days in the land of the Moabites. The 120 year old servant of the Lord had no impairment of vision or vigor, yet he died just short of the goal. I wonder if he spent any time at all focusing on what he couldn’t attain? I wonder did he mourn what couldn’t be, or did he give thanks to God for the opportunity to serve? Many of us are burdened with aches and pains, multiple medications and days filled only with doctor appointments. It may be hard for us to shift focus away from our ailments and difficulties, but I believe taking a moment to make an offering to Christ’s church can help us feel better, invested, re-invigorated — almost as good as chocolate.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come to understand that offering our gifts is an act of worship just as important as praying, singing and attending to your word in scripture. We believe that what Christ’s Church is able to accomplish through the gifts we offer, glorifies your name. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much we respond in kind lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Empower us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.

October 19, 2014 "THE EXAMPLE OF ALL BELIEVERS"

CONGREGATION PRAYER
Glorious God, we are grateful for so much that sometimes we just have to share the list. We are grateful for your phenomenal grace, for it sets our hearts at liberty and our minds at rest. We are grateful for the love of Jesus that urges us onward and knows no bounds. We are grateful for, if not sometimes surprised, by the prodding companionship of the Holy Spirit. We often forget to be grateful for family and friends who remain constant and true, who willingly stand by us even when we are recalcitrant, contrary, brooding and slow. We are grateful for reliable cars, johnny-on-the-spot-locksmiths and 24-hour plumbers, resilient children, physicians who don’t scold, and dentists who abhor pain. We are most grateful loving God for the moments when we are suddenly aware that our prayers have been answered, because you are ever attentive to your children’s needs. Thank you, again, we say in the name of the Christ. Amen.

THE OFFERING INVITATION
Loyalty is a word my mother taught me was the virtue above all others that the Burr family was expected to live up to. Through thick and thin, no matter what a Burr sticks to family members and friends, political party, church, grocery store, dry cleaners, pharmacy, package store and the gas station where the guy still pumps gas for you. Of course understood in that loyalty was a choice. You don’t necessarily choose your family, but sometimes you do; you certainly do choose everything else. But what of your loyalty when your political party or your church no longer validates what you have always believed or held to be true? If your friends’ and family’s life experience and opinions differ from yours, what then to do you do with your loyalty? Do you decide that your loyalty was misplaced, or do you break out of the husk of your assumptions and expectations to learn something new about yourself? Always remember, the church is here to help you accomplish that.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come to understand that offering our gifts is an act of worship just as important as praying, singing and attending to your word in scripture. We believe that what Christ’s Church is able to accomplish through the gifts we offer, glorifies your name. Ever seeking to discern your will and way for us, our hearts are full as we labor side by side with our brother and sister Christians. As you have entrusted us with much we respond in kind lending our hearts and hands to heal a broken and hurting world. Empower us to serve wholeheartedly in Christ’s name. Amen.