CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, as we gather this morning in worship we take we breathe in your Spirit of Grace and Holiness and we are blessed, renewed, and revitalized not for ourselves, but for your purpose. We confess that we get caught -up in our complicated lives and the demands of everyday living. We confess that in some small way everyday, we manage to set aside our call to minister in your name. We forget to apologize for a mistake or misunderstanding. We don’t have time to welcome the stranger or greet our neighbor because there are bills to be paid, groceries to be bought, or a doctor to be seen, or a child to taxi to and fro. We barely have time to take care of ourselves, we say, never mind someone else. Remind us, dearest Lord, how you are always at work caring for us in the acts of kindness offered by friends, loved ones and even strangers. May we never forget that your purpose is our purpose and that we live to honor your name. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP INVITATION
In the opening scene of the play and the movie “The Bad Seed” little Rhoda Penmark peers up at her father and smiles sweetly as the two engage in a father-daughter ritual: “Daddy,” she croons, “what would you give me for a basket of kisses?” and he responds, “I’d give you a basket of hugs.” Then they embrace. God gives us unfathomable, unmerited Grace and the Peace that surpasses all understanding. What do you think? Do you have something to give to God?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, pour out your blessing upon the gifts we offer with cheerful hearts. May Let us always be mindful, of the ways in which you bless our lives, and especially Christ’s ultimate act of love. We are grateful for every breath we take and every blessing we have received. Hear our humble prayer offered in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
June 19, 2011 "Peace As The World Gives"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, our Abba Father, on this Trinity Sunday we ponder the meaning of divinity, and the connection that is the oneness of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three flow in and through each other. We see that as three YOU are one in purpose, one in substance and one in presence always. We are ever grateful for the ways you have given us to receive your presence in our lives. From the moment of our birth our reflexes cause us to search for a connection to the source of warmth and nourishment. As we grow and mature we continue to search but now for approval and encouragement in order to thrive on this earth. Let us not be so confident in our independence that we forget your grace, mercy and love. Today and someday, Lord, give us stamina to truly love our children, to accept who they are and encourage them as you have always sought to encourage us. Teach us your ways of restoration and reconciliation. Let us be guides and comforters, visionaries and fellow dreamers always willing to learn. Life in this world is full of challenges guide us ever onward with your strong yet gentle hand. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
We give you thanks O Lord, for this wonderful day. Today we are going to do something marvelous in your name with these gifts offered form our most grateful hearts. These gifts will help bring Peace with Justice to the earth. They will feed the poor and secure release for the captives. They will support ministries of healing and reconciliation to the glory of your name. Bless these gifts, we ask you, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Glorious God, our Abba Father, on this Trinity Sunday we ponder the meaning of divinity, and the connection that is the oneness of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three flow in and through each other. We see that as three YOU are one in purpose, one in substance and one in presence always. We are ever grateful for the ways you have given us to receive your presence in our lives. From the moment of our birth our reflexes cause us to search for a connection to the source of warmth and nourishment. As we grow and mature we continue to search but now for approval and encouragement in order to thrive on this earth. Let us not be so confident in our independence that we forget your grace, mercy and love. Today and someday, Lord, give us stamina to truly love our children, to accept who they are and encourage them as you have always sought to encourage us. Teach us your ways of restoration and reconciliation. Let us be guides and comforters, visionaries and fellow dreamers always willing to learn. Life in this world is full of challenges guide us ever onward with your strong yet gentle hand. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
We give you thanks O Lord, for this wonderful day. Today we are going to do something marvelous in your name with these gifts offered form our most grateful hearts. These gifts will help bring Peace with Justice to the earth. They will feed the poor and secure release for the captives. They will support ministries of healing and reconciliation to the glory of your name. Bless these gifts, we ask you, in the name of the Christ. Amen.
June 12, 2011 "It's the End of the World As We Know It"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, on this day of days, fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus, we wait in prayer with the disciples for the fulfillment of a promise. We wait in sure and certain hope of something marvelous. We wait to receive power from on high. Stir the air around us with your word. Let your voice echo in our ears. May we feel the rush of your presence moving in and through us lifting us to a place of spiritual confidence unlike any we have known before. Let us be renewed today, reborn from above by your empowering Spirit. Teach us, dearest Lord, that we cannot be timid or shy with your Spirit upon us. We cannot be weak or resigned when we are one with your Spirit. We cannot be uninvolved or indifferent clothed in your Spirit. We cannot be silent or ungracious inspired by your Spirit. Let this day be the day of our emerging like colorful butterflies released from our cocoon. On this Pentecost Sunday we where the color of our witness, the brilliant red that is the color of passion, sacrifice and the Church. Gracious Spirit dwell with us and make us to be the witnesses of your Christ here and now, today and tomorrow even to the ends of the earth. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come into this sanctuary, seeking to be more aware of your presence with us, more intentional in our efforts to be in connection with you. On this Pentecost Sunday, as we celebrate the birth of Christ’s Church we are called to attend to your will and way for us as disciples of your Christ. Because you first loved us, we are eager to offer our thanks and praise and so we present these offerings today, gifts from our grateful hearts. Bless them to their best use in your name. Amen.
Gracious God, on this day of days, fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus, we wait in prayer with the disciples for the fulfillment of a promise. We wait in sure and certain hope of something marvelous. We wait to receive power from on high. Stir the air around us with your word. Let your voice echo in our ears. May we feel the rush of your presence moving in and through us lifting us to a place of spiritual confidence unlike any we have known before. Let us be renewed today, reborn from above by your empowering Spirit. Teach us, dearest Lord, that we cannot be timid or shy with your Spirit upon us. We cannot be weak or resigned when we are one with your Spirit. We cannot be uninvolved or indifferent clothed in your Spirit. We cannot be silent or ungracious inspired by your Spirit. Let this day be the day of our emerging like colorful butterflies released from our cocoon. On this Pentecost Sunday we where the color of our witness, the brilliant red that is the color of passion, sacrifice and the Church. Gracious Spirit dwell with us and make us to be the witnesses of your Christ here and now, today and tomorrow even to the ends of the earth. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come into this sanctuary, seeking to be more aware of your presence with us, more intentional in our efforts to be in connection with you. On this Pentecost Sunday, as we celebrate the birth of Christ’s Church we are called to attend to your will and way for us as disciples of your Christ. Because you first loved us, we are eager to offer our thanks and praise and so we present these offerings today, gifts from our grateful hearts. Bless them to their best use in your name. Amen.
Monday, June 6, 2011
JUNE 5, 2011 "AND SO IT BEGINS"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Our Gracious Creator, we are mindful of the trials and tribulations suffered these last few weeks by folks enduring weather that has devastated their lives. We are skittish and baffled as we hear about tornados rampaging and tearing through places that have never seen a tornado before. We wonder about the whys and wherefores of the devastating floods, tsunamis and earthquakes that seem to be plaguing the earth. In the same moment we realize that every thing in nature is interconnected. Everything effects everything. May we learn from the synchronicity of nature that everything we think, say and do effects the lives of everyone around us. Lead us Lord toward holiness as we strive to follow Jesus’ specific instructions, always to proclaim the Good News, to forgive with abandon and repent often. When we get wound up — remind us of the tornado; when we get agitated — remind us of the earthquake; when we get impatient —remind us of the flood waters that refuse to recede. Make each of us your peaceful ports in the storm. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come into this sanctuary, seeking to be more aware of your presence with us, more intentional in our effort to be in connection with you. This our Sabbath day calls us to attend most diligently to your will and way for us, challenging us to live truly as disciples of Jesus. Because you first loved us, we are compelled to say thank you, and so we are glad to present these offerings today, gifts from our grateful hearts. Bless them to their best use in your name. Amen.
Our Gracious Creator, we are mindful of the trials and tribulations suffered these last few weeks by folks enduring weather that has devastated their lives. We are skittish and baffled as we hear about tornados rampaging and tearing through places that have never seen a tornado before. We wonder about the whys and wherefores of the devastating floods, tsunamis and earthquakes that seem to be plaguing the earth. In the same moment we realize that every thing in nature is interconnected. Everything effects everything. May we learn from the synchronicity of nature that everything we think, say and do effects the lives of everyone around us. Lead us Lord toward holiness as we strive to follow Jesus’ specific instructions, always to proclaim the Good News, to forgive with abandon and repent often. When we get wound up — remind us of the tornado; when we get agitated — remind us of the earthquake; when we get impatient —remind us of the flood waters that refuse to recede. Make each of us your peaceful ports in the storm. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we have come into this sanctuary, seeking to be more aware of your presence with us, more intentional in our effort to be in connection with you. This our Sabbath day calls us to attend most diligently to your will and way for us, challenging us to live truly as disciples of Jesus. Because you first loved us, we are compelled to say thank you, and so we are glad to present these offerings today, gifts from our grateful hearts. Bless them to their best use in your name. Amen.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
MAY 22, 2011 "ON BEING GOD'S OWN PEOPLE"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous Lord by your great mercy you have given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have been given an inheritance that is imperishable, pure and unfading. We rejoice in you, even as we live through tough times and trials, hoping and praying that the genuineness of our faith will be revealed to the glory and honor of your name. Lead us to an understanding that we are always to be preparing ourselves for action, disciplining ourselves setting our hopes on the grace that Jesus Christ bestows. Through the Christ we have learned to trust in You. Therefore, teach us the non-conformity that is the mark of the Christian life in pursuit of holiness; for You have called us to be holy as You are holy. You raised Jesus from the dead and glorified him so that our faith would be set upon You. We have been reborn through Your living and enduring word which is more precious than gold. We give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious and Loving Lord, gratefully and humbly we offer these tithes and tokens understanding that you have called us to be your partners in caring for all of creation. Help us to remember that this earth and its resources is a gift as well as a responsibility. May these gifts bless our shared efforts to bring the good news and love of Jesus Christ to all the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Wondrous Lord by your great mercy you have given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have been given an inheritance that is imperishable, pure and unfading. We rejoice in you, even as we live through tough times and trials, hoping and praying that the genuineness of our faith will be revealed to the glory and honor of your name. Lead us to an understanding that we are always to be preparing ourselves for action, disciplining ourselves setting our hopes on the grace that Jesus Christ bestows. Through the Christ we have learned to trust in You. Therefore, teach us the non-conformity that is the mark of the Christian life in pursuit of holiness; for You have called us to be holy as You are holy. You raised Jesus from the dead and glorified him so that our faith would be set upon You. We have been reborn through Your living and enduring word which is more precious than gold. We give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious and Loving Lord, gratefully and humbly we offer these tithes and tokens understanding that you have called us to be your partners in caring for all of creation. Help us to remember that this earth and its resources is a gift as well as a responsibility. May these gifts bless our shared efforts to bring the good news and love of Jesus Christ to all the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
May 15, 2011 "BEYOND LAMENT"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Most Wondrous and Mysterious Creator, you are ever working for your children’s good even when we cannot seem to see it. We confess that we have been weighted down, wrestling with doubts, trying ceaselessly to discern your will and way for us. We did not know what to expect nor how to prepare for what might come. In that respect, how very much like Jesus’ disciples, we are. We give you thanks and praise for being with us as we moved with slow heavy steps through shadowy days reflecting on the measure of our faith. Indeed, dearest LORD, you have brought us out of that murky grayness and once again into your marvelous light. We are lifted up, no longer burdened by the weight of worry. You have set our feet once again on the path of welcome proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ risen from the dead. We shall be ever thankful and aware of your faithfulness and love. Amen.
Glorious God, Most Wondrous and Mysterious Creator, you are ever working for your children’s good even when we cannot seem to see it. We confess that we have been weighted down, wrestling with doubts, trying ceaselessly to discern your will and way for us. We did not know what to expect nor how to prepare for what might come. In that respect, how very much like Jesus’ disciples, we are. We give you thanks and praise for being with us as we moved with slow heavy steps through shadowy days reflecting on the measure of our faith. Indeed, dearest LORD, you have brought us out of that murky grayness and once again into your marvelous light. We are lifted up, no longer burdened by the weight of worry. You have set our feet once again on the path of welcome proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ risen from the dead. We shall be ever thankful and aware of your faithfulness and love. Amen.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
May 8, 2011 Mother's Day 'THE ORIGINAL WONDER BREAD"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous God, you created us in your image to be children of light and love, a reflection of you. Help us to understand that as a loving parent you did not intend this to be burdensome, hurtful or disappointing, but uplifting, encouraging and enlightening. Like a mother you embrace us with your strength, comfort us by your presence, nurture us with your wisdom and inspire us by your perseverance. By your nature, O glorious One, you strive to stabilize our lives always seeking to guide us along the best path. How, You must chuckle at how predictable we are, for You know us much better than we know ourselves. We confess our prideful rebelliousness and our stubborn independence. We even admit that when we can’t have our own way we would rather throw a tantrum than consider the opportunities you place before us. Open our eyes, dearest Lord, to see that we are and have always been the gleam in yours. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Bless the gifts we bring, O Lord, to be instruments of healing, tools for growth, nourishment for hungry mouths, warmth and heat for those who are naked, light for those in darkness, and blessing for those who have been lost or forgotten. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Wondrous God, you created us in your image to be children of light and love, a reflection of you. Help us to understand that as a loving parent you did not intend this to be burdensome, hurtful or disappointing, but uplifting, encouraging and enlightening. Like a mother you embrace us with your strength, comfort us by your presence, nurture us with your wisdom and inspire us by your perseverance. By your nature, O glorious One, you strive to stabilize our lives always seeking to guide us along the best path. How, You must chuckle at how predictable we are, for You know us much better than we know ourselves. We confess our prideful rebelliousness and our stubborn independence. We even admit that when we can’t have our own way we would rather throw a tantrum than consider the opportunities you place before us. Open our eyes, dearest Lord, to see that we are and have always been the gleam in yours. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Bless the gifts we bring, O Lord, to be instruments of healing, tools for growth, nourishment for hungry mouths, warmth and heat for those who are naked, light for those in darkness, and blessing for those who have been lost or forgotten. All this we pray in the name of the Christ. Amen.
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