May 12, 2019

May 12, 2019

Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving

Easter 4

Acts 9:36-43

Psalm 23

Revelation 7:9-17

John 10:22-30

 Call to Worship  (from Revelation 7:15-17)
One:   Gathered to worship God, we rejoice in the capital “L” Lamb,
our shepherd.
Many:  Like one who cares for sheep,
the resurrected Christ is our trusted guide.
One:    We can celebrate in this safe place, for God is our shelter.
Many:  So we give thanks for our guide, who directs us to the water of life,
One:    and thanks to the One who wipes away every tear from our eyes.
Many:  Together we come to worship God, who rules over all.

Opening Prayer 

In a world which can be terrifying, filled with hunger and thirst, God of mercy, we stand before you in gratitude.
As new life continues to appear in all around us in nature, we thank you for the new life you bring to us through the resurrected Christ.  By raising him up to abundant and eternal life, you show us the abundant life you’ve designed for all your created order.  Plant that consciousness deep within us even as we rise up to praise you! AMEN

Moment for Stewardship 

In the book of Acts, the church begins its life, as the disciples continue to share the Good News which Jesus taught.  We hear of Peter, one of the disciples, traveled among the believers.  One day he was asked to come to the town of Joppa where Tabitha, also known as a disciple, had died.

Peter heard how Tabitha shared her talents with the widows, providing clothing for them. Then Peter gave what he could, bringing Tabitha back to life.

In our life together, what can you give to build up the community?  Some can create, some can provide compassion and care, some can bring new life to those drowning in despair or depression.  And most of us could share financially, letting our checkbooks and wallets attest to the faith we claim.

This is a time to offer your gifts.  With joy-full hearts, let us present signs of our own identity as disciples of Christ.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

With thanksgiving, God, we offer these gifts.  Please receive them and help us translate this offering back into ways of building up this congregation and the ministries to which you call us.  Use us, our talents and our treasure, to proclaim the Good News of your love, which we know best in Jesus the Living Christ. AMEN

Invitation to Communion 

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar parts of the Bible.  We often hear it at funerals, or sung as a solo in worship.  Sometimes we sing it as a hymn.
Today, as we stand before our communion table, let’s lift up and bring to mind the evocative image of a prepared table.
“You prepare a table before me…my cup overflows.”
Most especially at THIS table, our cup overflows.
Here we call to mind the Lamb who is our shepherd.
Here we remember the resurrected Jesus speaking to Peter, “do you love me?  Then feed my sheep”.
He we hear the echoes of Jesus in an upper room, preparing to lay down his life for those he has loved to the end.

All are welcome at this table,
where we find goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, and we know, without a doubt, we are dwelling in the house of the Lord!