Liturgical Resources For Sunday April 28, 2013
Year C, Fifth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter :: White :: Acts 11:1-18 :: Psalm 148 :: Revelation 21:1-6 :: John 13:31-35
Call to Worship (Responsive)
Adapted from Psalm 148
L: Praise the LORD!
P: Praise the LORD from the heavens and in the heights!
L: Praise the LORD all the Angels and Heavenly Host!
P: Praise the LORD, sun, moon, and all the stars!
L: Let the rulers of earth and all people praise the LORD!
P: Young men and women alike, old and young together!
L: Let them praise the name of the LORD,
P: For the name of the LORD alone is exalted. Amen.
Invocation:
You have made your dwelling place among us, O God. We have promised to be your faithful people, and so we come again, praising your holy name and offering our prayers. Help us to feel your presence around the table and during our prayers. Wipe away our tears and make all things new. We come into your sanctuary filled with hope, love and awe at your majesty. Give us words and expression to honor you this day as we join together in worship.
Stewardship Moment:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for another.” (John 13:35). We tend to see our identity as Disciples around the table. In ecumenical circles, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is known as “People of the Table.” But this table is meaningless without love. One of the ways we express our love for God and one another, is through our tithes and offerings. Did you ever wonder why offering and communion usually come together? In church tradition, folks would bring their gifts, often including bread and wine, and offer them before God, as a sacrifice. But the table reminds us that our sacrifices are not needed, as returned in the gifts of bread and wine; so all that remains is love. This is your opportunity to show your love for God and one another. Will you bring your tithes and offerings to this table of love?
Offertory Prayer:
We come before you O God, bringing our gifts. We bring them not only because we love you, but because you first loved us. Use our gifts to grow your reign on earth, and make this your church a blessing to many. We offer them in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Communion Meditation:
This is a table for all people. It is Christ’s table. As Peter learned through his dreams in Joppa, and trip to Caesarea, at this table there are no differences, only children of God. Come to the welcome table of Christ our Lord.
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