CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Ever-moving God, on this day of remembrance we celebrate the moment, the day of empowerment, when your Holy Spirit gave the disciples of Jesus their voices. You came, at last, and gave them the words to tell their stories — to proclaim aloud how their lives were changed when they answered the call to follow. Your promised Spirit, the Advocate and Counselor of Truth rushed, unmistakably, into the company of men and women moving them from uncertainty to certainty, from reticence to determination, from paralysis to action. Pour out your ever-renewing Spirit upon each of us present today. Help us speak truth to power as did the first Christians. Teach us to speak the good word, that enlightens, uplifts and assures even the most skeptical, burdened and alienated of your children. Transform us into a living gospel, of love, mercy and all things possible. Make us the vital, re-energized, truly alive body of your Christ in the world. In his name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Jean Smoot, Pat Myers, Sally Parisi, Tina Stormont, Carolyn Murdoch, Eileen Houghton, Lorna Range, Jane Prior, Nancy Nickolopoulos, Barbara Boettcher, Vera Glur, Ruth Pitts-Litman, Palu and Salesi KapuKapu, Beryl Ganzer, Janis Garland, June Glennon, are among the regulars who knit and crochet prayer shawls for the church’s thriving prayer shawl ministry. Since this special ministry began in 2005 at the urging of Rev. Dr. Kathryne Middle the church has given out nearly 500 prayer shawls to people all over the world. For the past three years we have designated Pentecost Sunday as a day to accept yarn gifts for the making of the prayer shawls. In truth we accept yarn gifts all year long; but today, especially, we give thanks for the loving hearts and hands that make these shawls that offer comfort to all who receive them.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God, pour out your passionate Spirit upon us, today as we support the uplifting, caring and powerful ministries carried out by the members of this church. We believe that the work of our hands, our presence in this community, and our reaching out in the name of the Christ is transforming lives, bringing the world one heart closer to its transformation. We pray that through our gifts and our work people from all walks of life will come to know and experience the abundance of your grace, love and mercy. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
May 20, 2012 "CONQUERING THE WORLD" (Part 1)
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
God of Grace and Glory, we come before you, most humbly, to offer our thanks and our praise for all the blessings of this life. We are very well aware that we live well compared to so many people in the world and in this we will be satisfied. Those of us who have accumulated years beyond the halfway mark, are loathe to confess what feels like spiritual fatigue. We want to be energized once again in and by our faith. May we never feel defeated by ill health, age, or under and unemployment. When we find ourselves longing for the days of our youth when we believed every minute was fruitful, productive and promising, remind us that fruitfulness is not a matter of age, but of spirit. Help us refuse to be invisible in a world that worships the young. Make us shining exemplars of faith and positivity always lighting the way for those who have only just begun to live. Today we are honoring some extraordinary members of this family. Bless them as they move toward the day when they will light the way as we have for those who will come after them. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
What is a shareholder? According to the Investor Words glossary of terms it is an individual who owns shares of stock in a corporation or mutual fund. With ownership comes the right to declared dividends as well as the right to vote on certain company matters, including who will serve on the board of directors. Shareholders have a stake in ensuring the best management practices of the company, in order to receive the greatest dividends from their investment. One invests in the church much like one invests in mutual funds or corporations. It’s the dividends, that are vastly different — one is finite the other NOT.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God we are privileged to be shareholders in our church, understanding that we give to not only to support the present, but to invest in the future work of those who will come after us. Our hope is that our tithes and offerings will keep the ministry of this church vital and alive for us, for our community, for our conference, and for those in need around the world. Help us understand that as shareholders in the church we have a stake in the well-being of the world. Bless our efforts with our gifts. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
God of Grace and Glory, we come before you, most humbly, to offer our thanks and our praise for all the blessings of this life. We are very well aware that we live well compared to so many people in the world and in this we will be satisfied. Those of us who have accumulated years beyond the halfway mark, are loathe to confess what feels like spiritual fatigue. We want to be energized once again in and by our faith. May we never feel defeated by ill health, age, or under and unemployment. When we find ourselves longing for the days of our youth when we believed every minute was fruitful, productive and promising, remind us that fruitfulness is not a matter of age, but of spirit. Help us refuse to be invisible in a world that worships the young. Make us shining exemplars of faith and positivity always lighting the way for those who have only just begun to live. Today we are honoring some extraordinary members of this family. Bless them as they move toward the day when they will light the way as we have for those who will come after them. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
What is a shareholder? According to the Investor Words glossary of terms it is an individual who owns shares of stock in a corporation or mutual fund. With ownership comes the right to declared dividends as well as the right to vote on certain company matters, including who will serve on the board of directors. Shareholders have a stake in ensuring the best management practices of the company, in order to receive the greatest dividends from their investment. One invests in the church much like one invests in mutual funds or corporations. It’s the dividends, that are vastly different — one is finite the other NOT.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God we are privileged to be shareholders in our church, understanding that we give to not only to support the present, but to invest in the future work of those who will come after us. Our hope is that our tithes and offerings will keep the ministry of this church vital and alive for us, for our community, for our conference, and for those in need around the world. Help us understand that as shareholders in the church we have a stake in the well-being of the world. Bless our efforts with our gifts. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
April 29, 2012 "BEARING THE FAMILY TRAITS" (Part 2)
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Wondrous and Loving Creator, true Sovereign of Hope, how amazing, indeed, is your grace, how abundant your forgiveness and how extravagant your mercy. We are at peace as we rest our spirits in your comforting presence. It seems so very simple to say it, but we confess that it is better than alright to be here. It is better than good to be in this sanctuary, in this moment of communion with you. Here we are invited, urged even, to unburden our souls. Here we can let go of anger, cast off shame and break the shackles of resentment. We can trade in those negative feelings that fetter us to the darkness and accept the gift of your grace. Sharpen our spiritual senses today gracious God. Open our eyes of understanding to visualize the light of Christ waiting to fill our hearts to overflowing. Help us to clear out the cobwebs of regret, and remove the tattered and worn curtains of secrecy, readying our heart space for radiating grace. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
It feels good to give, or it’s suppose to feel good to support your church financially. I think it must feel pretty yucky to attend church every week and never make a financial commitment, giving nothing, goose-egg, nada, zero. There are all types of givers and not-givers. Some folks put cash in the plate to remain anonymous. Some folks feel they can’t offer anything of significance and so pledge nothing. Some folks reason that giving time is like giving money to the church. Some folks won’t pledge and won’t give because the church has not lived up to their expectations. Some folks give a few dollars a year just to keep their name on the books. I confess I prefer to feel like the widow who gave the only two coins she had with no regrets. She felt privileged and glad to give. Jesus counted her most worthy.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God we are glad to work for the transformation of the world through our support of the church and its ministries. Our prayer is that all of the children of creation can come to know you and experience the abundance of your love and mercy. May our offerings help to bring relief to those in dire circumstances, oppressed, imprisoned, isolated, and forgotten, be they close at hand or far away. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Wondrous and Loving Creator, true Sovereign of Hope, how amazing, indeed, is your grace, how abundant your forgiveness and how extravagant your mercy. We are at peace as we rest our spirits in your comforting presence. It seems so very simple to say it, but we confess that it is better than alright to be here. It is better than good to be in this sanctuary, in this moment of communion with you. Here we are invited, urged even, to unburden our souls. Here we can let go of anger, cast off shame and break the shackles of resentment. We can trade in those negative feelings that fetter us to the darkness and accept the gift of your grace. Sharpen our spiritual senses today gracious God. Open our eyes of understanding to visualize the light of Christ waiting to fill our hearts to overflowing. Help us to clear out the cobwebs of regret, and remove the tattered and worn curtains of secrecy, readying our heart space for radiating grace. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
It feels good to give, or it’s suppose to feel good to support your church financially. I think it must feel pretty yucky to attend church every week and never make a financial commitment, giving nothing, goose-egg, nada, zero. There are all types of givers and not-givers. Some folks put cash in the plate to remain anonymous. Some folks feel they can’t offer anything of significance and so pledge nothing. Some folks reason that giving time is like giving money to the church. Some folks won’t pledge and won’t give because the church has not lived up to their expectations. Some folks give a few dollars a year just to keep their name on the books. I confess I prefer to feel like the widow who gave the only two coins she had with no regrets. She felt privileged and glad to give. Jesus counted her most worthy.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God we are glad to work for the transformation of the world through our support of the church and its ministries. Our prayer is that all of the children of creation can come to know you and experience the abundance of your love and mercy. May our offerings help to bring relief to those in dire circumstances, oppressed, imprisoned, isolated, and forgotten, be they close at hand or far away. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
April 22, 2012 "BEARING THE FAMILY TRAITS" (Part 1)
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, our loving Creator, we are grateful to be awake on this glorious morning. We are happy to be greeting the sun. We are glad to be up and moving around, and blessed to have found our way here. There are lots of choices we can make on Sunday mornings instead of gathering to meditate on your word, or sing our songs of praise. Instead of humbling ourselves in prayer, asking for your intervention in our lives or the lives of our loved ones, we could be doing something else. We could choose not to come in search of comfort, protection, guidance and wisdom. We could choose to sleep in, sip our coffee and read the Sunday funnies; we could choose to visit friends, or family. We could choose to take a trip, see the sights or indulge a whim. Truth be told, dearest Lord — and you probably know this already — even when we aren’t here, we are thinking about here and we believe this is good. Continue to bless us Gracious God when we are together and when we are apart. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Inheritance, in the context of the Law, is defined as something one has the right to own or posses such as a title or wealth or property. In the context of Genetics, offspring inherit genetically controlled characteristics or qualities from their parents. First John asserts that those who are born of God experience inner changes and will — on the day of his appearing— bear an unmistakable resemblance to the One who continually breathes life into us. Now that is something to be thankful for.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God we are glad to work for the transformation of the world through our support of the church and its ministries. Our prayer is that all of the children of creation can come to know you and experience the abundance of your love and mercy. May our offerings help to bring relief to those in dire circumstances, oppressed, imprisoned, isolated, and forgotten be they close at hand or far away. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Dearest Lord, our loving Creator, we are grateful to be awake on this glorious morning. We are happy to be greeting the sun. We are glad to be up and moving around, and blessed to have found our way here. There are lots of choices we can make on Sunday mornings instead of gathering to meditate on your word, or sing our songs of praise. Instead of humbling ourselves in prayer, asking for your intervention in our lives or the lives of our loved ones, we could be doing something else. We could choose not to come in search of comfort, protection, guidance and wisdom. We could choose to sleep in, sip our coffee and read the Sunday funnies; we could choose to visit friends, or family. We could choose to take a trip, see the sights or indulge a whim. Truth be told, dearest Lord — and you probably know this already — even when we aren’t here, we are thinking about here and we believe this is good. Continue to bless us Gracious God when we are together and when we are apart. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Inheritance, in the context of the Law, is defined as something one has the right to own or posses such as a title or wealth or property. In the context of Genetics, offspring inherit genetically controlled characteristics or qualities from their parents. First John asserts that those who are born of God experience inner changes and will — on the day of his appearing— bear an unmistakable resemblance to the One who continually breathes life into us. Now that is something to be thankful for.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God we are glad to work for the transformation of the world through our support of the church and its ministries. Our prayer is that all of the children of creation can come to know you and experience the abundance of your love and mercy. May our offerings help to bring relief to those in dire circumstances, oppressed, imprisoned, isolated, and forgotten be they close at hand or far away. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
April 15, 2012 "CHILDREN YOU HAVE NO FISH"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and Surprising God, how glad we are to be together this morning, gathered to worship, gathered to sing, gathered to praise your holy name, and gathered to place our petitions before you. Our hearts and minds are still lingering in the wonder and mystery that was Easter morning and the unfathomable blessing revealed in the resurrection of Jesus. And yet, wondrous Lord, we confess that we become deflated and anxious when we are confronted with the reality of our own mortality. We are shaken from our resurrection reverie, quite suddenly, when loved ones are injured and friends fall ill. All at once we are afraid. Blessed Savior, we understand that even after the resurrection you had to help your disciples believe. We pray that you will soothe rattled nerves and hurting hearts today as you sought to soothe your disciples on this day, so long ago, by the Sea of Galilee. In your name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Some folks had some questions to ask in response to my Easter Letter which might have given the impression that I wanted to hire Mary Poppins to resurrect our children’s ministry. I do wish Mary was available. Folks wanted to know how many hours this Jane or Jack Sunday School Superintending, Christian Education Directing, Program Coordinating, individual would be working? How many children would be served? And last, but not least “What would he or she cost? My hope is that “more” children will be served; “enough” hours will be worked and the cost — “manageable.”
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God, Jesus taught us that whatever we ask for in prayer, we ought to believe we have received it. We believe, O Lord, that while our children are with us, we ought to be telling them the Good News of God, all the time. May the gifts we offer this morning empower our ministry to the all of the children in our care and around the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Glorious and Surprising God, how glad we are to be together this morning, gathered to worship, gathered to sing, gathered to praise your holy name, and gathered to place our petitions before you. Our hearts and minds are still lingering in the wonder and mystery that was Easter morning and the unfathomable blessing revealed in the resurrection of Jesus. And yet, wondrous Lord, we confess that we become deflated and anxious when we are confronted with the reality of our own mortality. We are shaken from our resurrection reverie, quite suddenly, when loved ones are injured and friends fall ill. All at once we are afraid. Blessed Savior, we understand that even after the resurrection you had to help your disciples believe. We pray that you will soothe rattled nerves and hurting hearts today as you sought to soothe your disciples on this day, so long ago, by the Sea of Galilee. In your name we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Some folks had some questions to ask in response to my Easter Letter which might have given the impression that I wanted to hire Mary Poppins to resurrect our children’s ministry. I do wish Mary was available. Folks wanted to know how many hours this Jane or Jack Sunday School Superintending, Christian Education Directing, Program Coordinating, individual would be working? How many children would be served? And last, but not least “What would he or she cost? My hope is that “more” children will be served; “enough” hours will be worked and the cost — “manageable.”
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God, Jesus taught us that whatever we ask for in prayer, we ought to believe we have received it. We believe, O Lord, that while our children are with us, we ought to be telling them the Good News of God, all the time. May the gifts we offer this morning empower our ministry to the all of the children in our care and around the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
EASTER SUNDAY April 8, 2012 "JOY COMES WITH THE MORNING"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, what a glorious morning this is! Our hearts are triumphant. Our spirits are full and like Mary and the other disciples, we are mystified and aflutter with the Good News of Christ’s resurrection. Most Wonderful God, let us not be afraid to dance and rejoice in response to your promises fulfilled. Help us shed our shyness so we don’t appear aloof or matter-of-fact, as if the resurrection were old hat and there is nothing new under the sun. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the unmatchable, unchangeable gift of your love, offered to us everyday. Like the disciples who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, we have been holding our breath, waiting to exhale. Like the women who arrived at the break of day, we are confounded and yet relieved, sorrowful and yet uplifted, excited and yet cautious. Dearest Lord, you promised to take away the sting of death and to make all things new. Your astounding message is so very clear. The empty tomb is yet another invitation for us to embrace life today and everyday. Unabashedly we confess a renewed strength and stamina of spirit we never knew possible. Indeed you are the author of all things possible. Thank you always in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
"If it’s Easter,” the Lake Champlain chocolate company exclaims, “it must be time for chocolate bunnies!” This year they have added to their classic chocolate rabbits collection, which includes their well known $75.00 — 3 pound Mr. Goodtime Bunny. New to the line-up is Cruisin’ Easter Bunny. He drives a two tone hot rod with a white chocolate grill and carries the proverbial egg on his back. Cruisin’ Bunny looks like Easter’s answer to Santa Claus, bringing chocolate gifts for good little girls and boys. Instead of putting your money in Chocolate bunnies this Easter, why not invest in our children by making a substantial donation to the Easter offering? It will be used to resurrect our children’s ministries and is bound to be much better for you in the long run.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God, Jesus taught us that whatever we ask for in prayer, we ought to believe we have received it. We believe, O Lord, that while our children are with us, we ought to be telling them the Good News of God, all the time. May the gifts we offer this morning empower our ministry to the all of the children in our care and around the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Gracious God, what a glorious morning this is! Our hearts are triumphant. Our spirits are full and like Mary and the other disciples, we are mystified and aflutter with the Good News of Christ’s resurrection. Most Wonderful God, let us not be afraid to dance and rejoice in response to your promises fulfilled. Help us shed our shyness so we don’t appear aloof or matter-of-fact, as if the resurrection were old hat and there is nothing new under the sun. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the unmatchable, unchangeable gift of your love, offered to us everyday. Like the disciples who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, we have been holding our breath, waiting to exhale. Like the women who arrived at the break of day, we are confounded and yet relieved, sorrowful and yet uplifted, excited and yet cautious. Dearest Lord, you promised to take away the sting of death and to make all things new. Your astounding message is so very clear. The empty tomb is yet another invitation for us to embrace life today and everyday. Unabashedly we confess a renewed strength and stamina of spirit we never knew possible. Indeed you are the author of all things possible. Thank you always in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
"If it’s Easter,” the Lake Champlain chocolate company exclaims, “it must be time for chocolate bunnies!” This year they have added to their classic chocolate rabbits collection, which includes their well known $75.00 — 3 pound Mr. Goodtime Bunny. New to the line-up is Cruisin’ Easter Bunny. He drives a two tone hot rod with a white chocolate grill and carries the proverbial egg on his back. Cruisin’ Bunny looks like Easter’s answer to Santa Claus, bringing chocolate gifts for good little girls and boys. Instead of putting your money in Chocolate bunnies this Easter, why not invest in our children by making a substantial donation to the Easter offering? It will be used to resurrect our children’s ministries and is bound to be much better for you in the long run.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God, Jesus taught us that whatever we ask for in prayer, we ought to believe we have received it. We believe, O Lord, that while our children are with us, we ought to be telling them the Good News of God, all the time. May the gifts we offer this morning empower our ministry to the all of the children in our care and around the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
April 1, 2012 Palm Sunday ""NOT THE SEASON FOR FIGS"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious and most wonderful God we are grateful for leading us here, for being an enduring, patient and merciful presence in our lives. On this triumphant Palm Sunday we are confronted by the call to rejoice with the revelers and disciples shouting Hosanna and the cross that looms in the distance. We confess our desire to leap ahead, to next Sunday, skipping the dark hours of Jesus’ time of trial. Give us the willingness and courage to go with him all the way, whether we fully understand your purposes or not. As we enter this Holy Week, may we see ourselves entering the gates of the Holy City, in the company of Jesus, at the ready, come what may. Like pilgrims on a journey cause us to curtail those activities that would keep us distant from Your story. Let us create time and space in our lives, letting go of errands and deadlines to sit at Jesus feet and listen to what he has to tell us. Let us bear with him, being marked by his words and his actions. Prod us to take up the cross of discipleship, empowering us to choose — humbling us to serve, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The most significant week of the church year begins today, Palm Sunday — also known as Passion Sunday. In the tradition of the church Passion Sunday has focused on those biblical passages which tell of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ arrest and his crucifixion. We begin Holy week with the Triumphant Entry narrative. I encourage you to come and listen to the whole story. Come and live the passion that is Maundy Thursday and Good Friday exhausting yourselves thoroughly in preparing your broken hearts for what is to come.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Most High God, bless these gifts to the care of your creation. On this Palm Sunday, let us be those of triumphant hearts investing in your will and way for us without hesitation. Receive our faith, our hopes and our dreams for a just and sustainable world. These gifts are our loud Hosannas raised with ever grateful hearts. Pour out your wisdom upon us. Empower us to messengers of goodwill, not only in our words, but in our work as partners with you in bringing forth your kingdom. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Glorious and most wonderful God we are grateful for leading us here, for being an enduring, patient and merciful presence in our lives. On this triumphant Palm Sunday we are confronted by the call to rejoice with the revelers and disciples shouting Hosanna and the cross that looms in the distance. We confess our desire to leap ahead, to next Sunday, skipping the dark hours of Jesus’ time of trial. Give us the willingness and courage to go with him all the way, whether we fully understand your purposes or not. As we enter this Holy Week, may we see ourselves entering the gates of the Holy City, in the company of Jesus, at the ready, come what may. Like pilgrims on a journey cause us to curtail those activities that would keep us distant from Your story. Let us create time and space in our lives, letting go of errands and deadlines to sit at Jesus feet and listen to what he has to tell us. Let us bear with him, being marked by his words and his actions. Prod us to take up the cross of discipleship, empowering us to choose — humbling us to serve, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The most significant week of the church year begins today, Palm Sunday — also known as Passion Sunday. In the tradition of the church Passion Sunday has focused on those biblical passages which tell of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ arrest and his crucifixion. We begin Holy week with the Triumphant Entry narrative. I encourage you to come and listen to the whole story. Come and live the passion that is Maundy Thursday and Good Friday exhausting yourselves thoroughly in preparing your broken hearts for what is to come.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Most High God, bless these gifts to the care of your creation. On this Palm Sunday, let us be those of triumphant hearts investing in your will and way for us without hesitation. Receive our faith, our hopes and our dreams for a just and sustainable world. These gifts are our loud Hosannas raised with ever grateful hearts. Pour out your wisdom upon us. Empower us to messengers of goodwill, not only in our words, but in our work as partners with you in bringing forth your kingdom. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)