It was the Spirit of God who moved over the face of the waters,
and brought the universe and this earth into being.
That same Spirit breathes life into human creation.
It was the Spirit of God who conceived a Messiah, the Son and Beloved One.
The very name, “Jesus,” meant salvation. He was our Emmanuel; God with us.
When Jesus gave up his life for ours, at the last he commended his own Spirit
into God’s hands, and God, the creator, raised him from the dead.
It was the Spirit of God who poured into the hearts, minds and mouths of the Apostles
the language of salvation empowering them to tell the stories of Jesus to all the world.
And it is the Spirit of God who moves in and through the Church, the Body of Christ,
empowering us to witness to the truth of Christ, in loving service to all.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving and most merciful God, we are keen to be in your presence this morning longing for the Spirit’s refreshment. We confess our desire to be good neighbors, particularly helping those who are plowed under by inflexible systems demanding their due. Jesus lived in a society, in which widows and orphans were, all too often, cast aside. He sought to teach his disciples and all who came after them the way of love and compassion. When we are overly worried about not having enough to meet our own needs, we are loathe to share what we have with others. Lead us Lord in the ways of patience, trust and faith. Give us hearts and minds that are as hopeful and full as the lone widow who gave all that she had for well-being of others. Give us the ability to speak the language of all things possible. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERING INVITATION
In the game Follow the Leader: A player is sent out of the group where he or she cannot see who is chosen as the leader. The leader begins a movement, such as tapping her foot on the ground, while the others in the circle follow suit. The leader changes the movement regularly and the rest follow the leader's movement. When the hidden player returns, he or she stands in the middle of the circle, watching the movements and tries to guess who is leading them. The guesser has three chances to figure it out. After the leader has been identified or the player in the middle has had his three guesses, another leader and guesser are chosen to continue the game. When the offering plate is passed which leader do you follow the one whose movement is always to give or the one who doesn’t.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment