June 27, 2021

June 27, 2021

Worship Resources for 
the Center for Faith and Giving

Pentecost VI

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 

 Psalm 130 

2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Mark 5:21-43

Call to Worship  (adapted from Psalm 130)
One:  This day, we come to pray to the Lord our God!
Many:  Forgiveness comes from our God, so we wait
One: — our souls WAIT–
Many: for in God’s word, we hope!
One:  Hope in the Lord!
Many:  So we give thanks for steadfast love and power to redeem,
               which come only from the Lord our God.

(if you have capacity to play part of all of this YouTube video, invite Andra Moran (Disciple minister and marvelous musician) to help us sing these same thoughts, tho’ from Psalm 40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYWFtBZdGTU
which could be either your call to worship, or a choral response to the responsive Call above) 

Opening Prayer  

God, we do cry to you, eager to know you hear our voices
      as we ask for your help in our lives and in this world. 

Help us wait, patiently and persistently, for you.  
Strengthen us so we may continuously seek you, 
   and rejoice every time we recognize you at work in our lives.
Great is your love!
Great is our love for you!     AMEN

Moment for Stewardship  

The story of Jesus raising/healing the daughter of Jairus comes to us in all three Synoptic Gospels.  Jairus was a leader in the synagogue, but recognized he could do nothing on his own for his dying daughter.  He came to Jesus, begging him to come lay hands on the girl to heal her.

The story concludes as Jesus restores the daughter to full life, the family rejoices in amazement, and those gathered outside are moved beyond their skepticism!   Jesus gave what he was empowered to give.

As followers of Jesus, we’re invited to give what we’re empowered to give, as well.  

Not many disciples have the gift of healing – tho’ throughout the COVID pandemic, we’ve lifted up the heroes of the medical world who’ve given time, talent, and sometimes life itself.  

Not every disciple has the gift of teaching, tho’ we celebrate the people who have found ways to continue teaching throughout this hybrid year (and now step into what we pray will be a restorative summer break!).

But ALL disciples have something God has put within us, which we can give.  
What will you turn back to God in this time of offering?


Prayer of Thanksgiving

Merciful God, 
We may not have what seem like “spectacular” gifts to share, but we ask you to receive what we’ve brought.  Jairus and his family asked Jesus for help.  Today, we ask you to send your Spirit, so these gifts you’ve given (and we’ve now returned) may help build up your Realm here and around the world.   AMEN

Invitation to Communion  

In nearly every congregation I’ve known, there seem to be persons who suffer and face exclusion from the community.  It may be a physical characteristic, a personality challenge, or a lack of social skills which sets someone apart.  

Truthfully, in every congregation I’ve known, there have been times when I’VE felt excluded, and experienced some sense of suffering.

Recognizing that helps us appreciate the woman suffering from hemorrhages, whom we meet in today’s text from Mark.  

Would you invite her to share a meal with you?  

The amazing gift we all receive when we come to this Table, is the gift of INCLUSION.  We are all invited, by our loving Lord, to come share a meal in his honor.  

Disciples have used the phrase “all means ALL” when we describe the invitation to share in communion.  No matter what physical characteristics, personality challenges or lack of social skills we possess, ALL are welcome at this Table.

So come!  And, when you have a moment, look around.  You might just see the woman who only wanted to touch his cloak.  I’m expecting her to show up, along with the rest of us, at this place where we all may be made well.