Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Epiphany +6
Consider using this image. These are cabbage tree palms and other trees growing in the Finke River Gorge in Central Australia. This is desert country with trees growing beside the river bed whether there is water on top or not. They send their roots down deep.
Call to Worship (from Psalm 1)
One: We’re gathering for worship,
but where are we rooted?
Many: We want to be deeply rooted –
not so much here in this place,
but deeply rooted in God.
One: Happy are those who are planted by streams of water,
Many: like trees with leaves that do not wither.
One: In this hour, let’s sink our roots into God’s law and love,
Many: drinking deeply in order to produce good fruit!
(adapted from http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocC/C15epip6.htm)
Opening Prayer
Holy God,
In this world of challenges and concerns, we’re so easily distracted from you!
As we’re gathered for worship, help us stay planted in your Word and in this part of the Body of Christ.
Encourage us to rejoice, like trees planted by streams of water. Strengthen our resolve to be rooted deeply enough to stand steady in the face of all the challenges of our world.
In the strong name of Jesus, we pray, AMEN
Moment for Stewardship (inspired by 1 Corinthians 15:20)
Long ago, people of faith were invited to share their “first fruits” as an offering of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Growing up, did you live in a home where the first portion of each paycheck was designated as your family’s offering? Did you have an allowance, out of which you took a portion to share in Sunday School?
Whether that’s part of your background or not, some of us continue to make our regular gift to the church as the first of all that is paid. It may be as a bank draft, responding to the QR code, or giving on-line. A few of us still give with a check, or actually bring cash to put in the offering tray.
When we make a conscious decision to share some of our finances, in whatever form, we’re creating a habit of giving. Together we provide our gifts. When we give proportionately and regularly, our giving becomes a significant way to identify ourselves as people of faith.
How we spend our income shows what’s vital to us. Is your offering — and is mine — as thoughtful as the money we spend for the cars we drive, the homes in which we live, the phones we carry, the beer we drink or the restaurants where we’re known by name? Paul’s question might be: what are your first fruits? And where do you offer them?
With joy, let us bring our offerings, clearly indicating the priority we give to Jesus and his church.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
With gratitude, God, we offer these gifts. You pour out blessing upon blessing for us. Now we return a portion of what you’ve first given us. Accept this offering, and help us use these funds to further build up your Realm on earth. AMEN
Invitation to Communion (inspired by I Corinthians 15)
Often when we come to this Table, we recall the gathering of Jesus and his disciples in the Upper Room.
Yet today, I invite you to come to this table in a spirit of celebration, recognizing the truth: Jesus has been raised from the dead! There is JOY in our hearts as we claim the resurrected Lord as the first fruits of those who have died!
This meal becomes a rehearsal for the time when ALL will be gathered at the Table, with Jesus as our host.
People from every tongue and nation,
people from every age,
people of all walks of life,
are welcomed here to celebrate with this bread and this cup,
for Jesus who was crucified has been raised to new and ever-lasting life!
Friends, let us rejoice in this Good News:
God continues to raise us all!
At this Table, God holds before us the promise of resurrection,
following the “first fruits” of the resurrected Christ.