Sunday October 1, 2017
Year A, Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost :: Green ::
Exodus 17:1-7 :: Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 :: Philippians 2:1-13 :: Matthew 21:23-32
Call to Worship (Responsive)
Adapted from Psalm 78
L: Give ear, O God’s people to the teachings of the LORD;
Incline your ears to the words you will hear.
P: Things we have heard and known, which our ancestors have told us, we will not hide from our children, but will tell to the coming generation.
L: Tell the glorious deeds and might of the LORD;
P: We will celebrate the wonders which the LORD has done.
Invocation:
Almighty God, ruler of the vineyard of our lives. We come this day seeking to know your will and to do your will. Guide our words and thoughts during this time together, so that we will not only say the words you want to hear, but do the things you would have us do. Make each of us aware of your presence and your spirit, and guide our hearts, souls, and minds during this time of worship. Let your name be praised, and your mighty works be done. Now and forever in the name of Christ our Lord.
Stewardship Moment: (US Congregations)
Today is a special day: It is the day when the world gathers around Christ’s table to join hands and celebrate as one. Every major body, which celebrates communion quarterly, or monthly, or weekly, has committed to encourage Christians to come around Christ’s table today. We come sharing our commitment to the shared story of Jesus’ transforming love. Yet we still have brothers and sisters in Christ who feel less than, marginalized, and slighted. As we consider gifts to the special offering for Reconciliation Ministries, I hope you will make a generous gift, so that all of our stories of hope, redemption, and acceptance will be stories of equality and love.
Offertory Prayer:
God of all people. We come this day to bring our tithes and offerings before you. We give them with the prayer that these gifts will truly bless others. We bring them not looking out for our own interests, but for others. Multiply and use these gifts that all your children may know the confidence and peace which comes through your abiding love. Amen.
Communion Meditation:
The world is gathered. As the bread is broken and the cup is poured, the power of a simple act of unity is revealed. Whether or not we can agree on doctrine, or method, or practice, let us agree on one thing: Jesus Christ is at the table; ready to meet all who come; to welcome all who come; and to forgive all who come. Come to the table of the Lord.
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Scripture Quotations from the New Revised Standard Version. Online Scripture links a service of the Jean and Alexander Heard Divinity Library, of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Check out all of the awesome resources there at http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu