Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Easter VII
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
Call to Worship (adapted from Ps. 97)
One: Today we rejoice, for the Lord brings justice!
Many: Everyone can see God’s glory.
One: Together we can love God and resist evil.
Many: May God protect and strengthen us, and all God’s people.
One: We are the Lord’s people —
Many: let’s celebrate and praise the One we know as God!
Opening Prayer
Mighty God, we do rejoice because you are Lord of all life!
We come to worship you today, eager to give you thanks and praise.
Thank you for the ways you guard the lives of your beloved sons and daughters. Stand with us now, and breathe your Holy Spirit in this place, that we might honor you with our heads, our hearts, and our hands. AMEN
Moment for Stewardship
In the book of Acts, Paul and Silas are preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who would listen. A young slave girl begins to follow them, not to learn more but to shout out loud (shout it!):
“These men proclaim to you a way of salvation.“
While some might appreciate being announced in such a public way, Paul and Silas were annoyed, and ordered the spirit in her to come out. That left her owners dismayed, because she no longer possessed her ability to know things she could tell the world.
Paul and Silas, jailed because of the result of their action, could have settled into silence. However, they gave what they had to give: prayer and singing hymns to God!
What about us? When life is good and all is well, many of us find it’s easy to give what we have – time, talent and treasure.
But in tough times — when we’re discouraged, out of a job, facing divorce, forced to move – or even in “ordinary” times, when it’s easy to focus on ourselves, what can we give then?
Today, I invite you to give the best of what you have.
If it’s music, then SING! (Or play!)
If it’s the ability to create something beautiful,
then put your hands and heart into producing the very best you can.
If it’s financial support for this congregation, for our outreach ministries, or for the larger church, then give joyfully and generously!
In the spirit of Paul and Silas, let us share our morning tithes, gifts, and offerings!
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Generous God, we pause to remember so many of the gifts you give us.
(Pause for a moment of remembrance.)
Now we ask you to use these symbols of what we return to you today.
Help us live out our identity as followers of Jesus,
just as Paul and Silas did so many years ago.
Give us a song of thanksgiving as the soundtrack for our lives.
Grant us joy in serving you
especially as we give thanks for the new life you give us
through the resurrected Christ,
AMEN
Invitation to Communion
In the story Luke tells about Paul and Silas (Acts 16:16-34), the jailed believers experienced a remarkable earthquake, which opened the jail doors and unfastened the chains on each prisoner.
When they could have escaped, they stayed, thus saving the life of the jailer (who was ready to kill himself). The jailer, astounded to find the prisoners still in place, immediately asked “what must I do to be saved?”
When he heard the gospel, he believed and then immediately was baptized. In gratitude, he shared a meal with his family and these preachers.
When we come to this Table, we find a thanksgiving feast, reminding us of the way we’ve answered this same question: “What must I do to be saved?”
Here’s the crux of our faith life: We believe, we’re baptized…and we come, week by week, to give thanks to God at this table in remembrance of Jesus the Christ!
All are welcome to join Paul, Silas, and the jailer as we participate in this meal. Here our spirits, minds and hearts are nourished and we claim our identity as beloved believers.
Come, for the table is spread.