Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Pentecost +2
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 139)One: The Spirit of God is with us, in this very room.
Many: God knows us.
Our ups and downs, our ins and outs;
God knows each one of us.
One: If we go to the moon, or to the depths of the sea,
Many: God’s hand still leads us.
One: So come! Let’s worship the Lord our God,
whose hand leads us and holds us close.
Many: Gathered as God’s people, we’re eager to worship the One
who will lead us today and in all the days to come.
Opening Prayer
Your steadfast compassion surrounds us, Loving Creator,
even when we try to turn away and leave you behind.
No matter where we go, you are already there, lovingly waiting.
So open our eyes, our ears, and our inner awareness
to recognize your presence with us.
even as we sing our praise, lifting our voices to offer you our love. AMEN
Moment for Stewardship
In Mark’s Gospel we hear the controversy between Jesus and the religious leaders of the house of God. Jesus, responding to the needs of the people, healed someone, despite the specific law about what was permissible on the Sabbath.
By restoring the hand of the man whose hand was withered, Jesus
gave him the possibility of working. No longer would he be dependent on others. Yet when the religious leaders saw this they wanted to get rid of Jesus, who threatened their authority.
What is it that we can give, as followers of Jesus? Can we find ways to help heal those who are struggling? Can we provide food for those who hunger?
Is it possible to provide opportunities for those who have been held back by
their own social, physical or emotional challenges?
Today the gifts we bring can make it possible for us to reach out to those who struggle by supporting _____________ (name a particular ministry of
this congregation which makes lives better/more abundant).
With glad and generous hearts, let us share our resources, enthusiastically seeking ways to be “Jesus followers” rather than those who would rather hold back and prevent life-giving action.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Loving God, we offer these gifts of check and coin, and the financial support we’ve provided on-line, to make possible more ways of lifting up our sisters and brothers who struggle. Please accept both our gifts and the desire of our hearts, that together we might make possible moments of hope for those we encounter who yearn for full life. AMEN
Invitation to Communion
Hard hearts have a way of angering Jesus, as we hear in Mark’s Gospel. Just the reverse is recognized when we come to a time of sharing in this simple meal. This communion time is an opportunity to welcome one and all to a feast “in remembrance” of Jesus. He is the host. We are all invited to participate, recognizing the table is large enough for all who are eager to be in fellowship and communion with Jesus.
So come, repentant people.
Offer your short-comings and your brokenness to the One who is able to forgive and heal.
Offer your hard-heartedness to the One who is able to soften our spirits.
Offer your yearning for abundant Life to the One who tasted death and was
raised up to new life.
Come to share in this feast with others who are broken, hard-hearted, full of desire for life.
Come, for the table is prepared, and you are welcome.