Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
New for 2023 “Because of YOU, Our Church Changes Lives”, annual campaign and stewardship materials are now available through our partners at the United Church of Christ. Visit www.uccresources.com/generosity for more information. These materials have been jointly produced between the Center for Faith and Giving and the United Church of Christ.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37
(a light-hearted song to share at the beginning of worship is
“If You’re Happy and You Know It”. Bring some energy with a rousing
chorus or three, including clapping, stomping, and saying “Amen!”)
Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 119)
One: Happy are those whose way is blameless!
Many: We may not be blameless,
but we’re happy when we walk in God’s way.
One: We’re here to praise God,
Many: and eager to stay on the road God sets before us.
One: So we come seeking the One who leads us on the Way.
Many: We’re happy (and we know it), when we walk in God’s way.
Amen!
Opening Prayer
Holy God, thank you for setting before us your precepts. Challenge us in this hour to rejoice in all the ways our lives are enriched when we walk in your Way. Help us be whole-hearted followers, gaining insight here in worship, and carrying that with us to every place we go. AMEN
Moment for Stewardship
Part of the unique gift of belonging within a church community is the recognition we are expected to BOTH
relate to our Creator, our Redeemer, our Sustainer,
AND
relate to the people of the congregation.
In most other social clubs or organizations, members come together primarily to relate to one another, while in some faith settings, there is a singular desire for God, not dependent on anyone else other than the penitent person and the Holy One.
But here, we receive Jesus’ teaching:
“when you are offering your gift…if you remember
your brother or sister has something against you,
leave your gift…and go…be reconciled …
and then come and offer your gift.”
Both the gift-giving in gratitude to God
and the relationships between individuals in this congregation are important!
Jesus urges us to build up relationships with our brothers and sisters in faith,
AND offer our financial gifts to God.
In the quiet of these moments, ask yourself:
Where do I need to strengthen my connections?
How can I best offer my financial support?
With whom am I out-of-relationship in this congregation?
Today, I invite you to make this a time of faith growth as we share these moments: digging in to offer financial support, AND
deciding this day is the time to reach out to mend a relationship.
Let us share our morning offering, along with our determination to make a contact and renew a relationship.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Giver of every good and perfect gift, thank you for this time to measure ourselves, even as we offer a portion of our financial resources to build up
your Realm on earth, as it is in heaven.
We ask you to draw us forward into renewed relationships AND to regular sharing of our financial resources. Accept our intentions, and urge us on,
AMEN
Invitation to Communion
We started our worship time with that old children’s song, “If You’re Happy and You Know It”. One place our happiness certainly can bubble up is when we’re gathered around this Table.
Here, we’re welcomed by Jesus, the Christ.
Even when we’ve not done all we intended to do.
Even when we’ve failed to offer our gifts, Jesus is faithful,
and continues to offer each of us these gifts of bread and cup.
No one of us must be Oliver Twist,
fearfully asking “may I have more, please?”
All of us are provided with a feast which allows us to remember
and give thanks for Jesus. There is a place for you, and plenty to share.
If you’re happy and you know it, come!
If you’re happy and you know it, commune!