Call to Worship (Responsive)
Adapted from Psalm 119
L: Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD.
P: Happy are those who keep the decrees of the LORD, and seek the LORD with their whole heart,
L: Who also do no wrong, but walk in the ways of the LORD.
P: You have commanded, O LORD, that your precepts be kept diligently
L: O that our ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes.
P: Then we shall not be put to shame.
L: We will praise you with upright hearts.
P: And we will observe your statutes.
Invocation:
Here we are again, O God, gathered as your people, offering our praise to you. We have come knowing we are far from perfect, yet we bask in your perfection. We have come knowing we are far from sinless, yet we marvel that Christ walked as one without sin. We have come seeking wholeness, knowing you are the source of grace and soul repair. Move within and among us, O God, and guide us in our worship, for we come in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Stewardship Moment: (from Week of Compassion Materials)
In the spirit of Christ, we are one. Around the world and across the ages, we are one. Through sharing our lives, prayers, and money, we are one with all of God’s beloved children.
Our giving through Week of Compassion unites us with Christians who contribute to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering from these eight other denominations:
● American Baptist Church
● African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
● Cumberland Presbyterian Church
● Church of the Brethren
● Presbyterian Church (USA)
● Reformed Church in America
● United Church of Christ
● United Methodist Church
Our partnership alone is worth celebrating; what we do together is even more
inspiring. Our giving is magnified beyond what any of us could do alone, when we serve together in the spirit of Christ. For 70 years, our sharing has embodied our compassion. In the faces of our partners who share, we see the image of God who unites us all. Our giving today also unites us with all who are in need. The gifts that we offer today will be used for concrete ministries that further God’s work in the world.
In Matthew 25, Jesus told his disciples where to focus their ministry: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned.”
Those deemed righteous wondered when they served their Lord in all these ways. He explained, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Who are the ones considered “least” in our global family today? How can we be one with them in this moment? That question guides our giving to Week of Compassion.
Our offering makes the love of Christ real for individuals and communities around the world who suffer from disaster, conflict, or poverty. Week of Compassion gifts reach people worldwide, including Canada and the United States. Together we provide disaster relief, health care, education, job training, shelter, schools, clean water, and food. Our offering to Week of Compassion helps meet needs that make the headlines and needs that headlines ignore. We give to this ministry this day, but the good work done by our gifts gives life again, and again, and lasts much longer.
Share today and know you are one with your sisters and brothers around the world.
Thank you for sharing!
Offertory Prayer:
Generous God, bless these gifts that we return to you, and bless the hearts that give. Unite our hearts with those hearts that will be strengthened, helped, and healed through these gifts. May this money be used faithfully to your purposes, furthering your reign of compassion and justice around the world. Amen.
Communion Meditation:
Matthew 5:23 and 24 tell the story of Jesus teaching that if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift, go and reconcile, then come back and bring your gift. I have encountered folks who use these verses as a reason why sometimes they choose not to take communion. They have told me it is because they are not worthy or reconciled. I think they miss the point.
Communion is not a gift we bring to God; Communion is a gift God brings to us. It seems to me that to refuse it is equal to saying to God: “You don’t get to decide whether or not I am worthy, I do.” Forgive me, but I think God is the better and ultimate judge of worthiness. Today we invite you, at the insistence of God through Jesus Christ, to come and receive the gifts of God.
All material copyright 2014, The Jubilee Fund, Inc., and appear on this site via a partnership agreement with the Center for Faith and Giving. Permission granted to reproduce and use any of the above for Churches and Congregations to the glory of God without requirement of compensation or notification.