Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Lent V
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 126)
One: Gathered to worship the Lord our God, we remember.
Many: We remember how God has done great things!
One: God has done great things for us.
Many: We call to mind what God is doing now.
One: And all who are planting in tears, claim this truth:
“We shall harvest with shouts of joy!”
Many: In this hour we remember,
and we anticipate God will once again provide.
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, Giver of all good gifts,
Thank you for the ways you have lifted your people in centuries past.
Thank you for the ways you continue to seek the good for all your beloved children.
In this season of Lent, help us turn away from our fears and our selfishness
and turn toward the Way of Life you’ve shown us in the life of Jesus.
Inspire us once more to be faith-filled followers of that Way,
ever seeking to live in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. AMEN
Moment for Stewardship
In John’s Gospel we hear how Martha served, Lazarus kept Jesus company at the table, and Mary poured out a pound of costly nard on Jesus’ feet, in an act of compassion and care.
Each of these siblings offered a fine gift to their dinner guest, Jesus.
I wonder what I would offer, if Jesus were to come to my home for dinner? Would I cook a fabulous meal? Would I provide a calm atmosphere and listen to what Jesus said? Would I express my love in some extravagant way, seeking to help Jesus relax and find refreshment after a long day of
teaching and healing?
What about you?
If Jesus were to come to your home, what would you give?
What about if Jesus were to show up here?
Week by week we have an opportunity to share our gifts with this part of the Body of Christ which we know as _______________ Church.
May the gifts we bring demonstrate our desire to share our finest and best with the One who understood his life was coming to a close. Let us share our gifts, our tithes and our offerings now.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Ever-giving God,
You created our world–filled it with air, water, food, and all we need for life.
You sent Jesus to show us your ways of love and compassion, teaching us
we are all sisters and brothers of every living being.
So receive these gifts which we offer as a portion of what you’ve first given us.
Help us use each gift (money, time, talent) to help share the Good News we have been given in Jesus, the Christ. AMEN
Invitation to Communion (inspired by John 12:1-8)
In all 4 Gospels we read of Jesus gathering with friends to share a meal. Today it’s the story of Jesus coming to enjoy dinner at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, in Bethany.
Mary extravagantly welcomed Jesus, anointing his feet with costly perfume. Jesus received her gift with gratitude.
At this table, it’s Jesus who offers a costly gift to each of us.
Here’s his invitation:
Marys, Marthas, all who have been raised up, all who have been rebuked. All are invited to share in this meal of remembrance and anticipation,
with Jesus offering bread and cup, emblems of his very body and blood.
With our own deep sense of gratitude, let’s come to this simple feast, where
each one of us is welcomed.
If your choir or an individual can play and sing, consider “All Are Welcome” from Chalice Praise, #159. (Words & music by Hans Peterson and Larry Olson.)
(chorus) All are welcome, friend and stranger, at the banquet of the Savior.
All are welcome. All are welcome here.
(verses) From the woman who comes crying, leaving tears at Jesus’ feet,
to the man who knows the right way but cannot see.
From the ones who feel forgotten, those who sense their place is gone,
to the ones who live in hunger, here you belong.
Go into the streets and cities, to the farms and families,
tell about the splendid table, God’s mercy.