Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Easter 4
Call to Worship (from Revelation 7:15-17)
One: Gathered to worship God, we rejoice in the capital “L” Lamb,
who is our shepherd.
Many: Like one who cares for sheep,
the resurrected Christ is our trusted guide.
One: We celebrate the Good News of resurrection in this safe place,
for God is our shelter.
Many: We rejoice in our guide, who points us to the water of life.
One: We give thanks to the One
who wipes away every tear from our eyes.
Many: Together, let’s worship God, who rules over all.
Opening Prayer
In a world which can be terrifying, God of mercy, we turn to you,
filled with gratitude.
Why?
Because new life continues to appear in all around us. We see it in flowering trees and vast shades of green. Most of all we see it in the new life you bring to the world through the resurrected Christ. By raising him up to abundant and eternal life, you show us the abundant life you’ve designed for all your creation.
Plant that awareness deep within us even as we praise you! AMEN
Moment for Stewardship
In the book of Acts, Luke tells about the beginning of the life of the church. The disciples keep finding ways to share the Good News Jesus had taught. In Acts 9, we hear of Peter coming to Joppa, where Tabitha had died.
Peter heard others tell how Tabitha shared her talents with the widows, providing clothing for them. Then Peter prayed and gave what he could, bringing Tabitha back to life.
In our life together, what can you give to build up the community? Some of us can create, some can provide compassion and care, some can bring new life to those drowning in despair or depression. Most of us can share financially, letting our checkbooks and wallets attest to the faith we claim.
This is a time to offer your gifts. With joy-full hearts, let us present signs of our own identity as disciples of Christ.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
God, we offer these gifts to you. Please receive them. Help us translate this offering back into ways of building up these people and the ministries to which you call us. Use us. Use our talents and our treasure. Help us each, and all, proclaim the Good News of your love, which we know best in Jesus the Living Christ. AMEN
Invitation to Communion
Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar parts of the Bible. We often hear it at funerals, or sung as a solo in worship. Sometimes we sing it as a hymn. Today, as we stand before our communion table, let’s lift up and bring to mind the evocative image of a prepared table.
“You prepare a table before me…my cup overflows.”
Most especially at THIS table, our cup overflows.
Here we call to mind the Lamb who is our shepherd.
Here we remember the resurrected Jesus speaking to Peter, “do you love me? Then feed my sheep”.
Here we hear the echoes of Jesus sharing food, both before his death, and after being raised up.
Here we experience the far-reaching gifts of God, symbolized in a bite of bread and a thimble full sip of juice. Tiny elements, yet a feast for all who come to be renewed as we remember and give thanks.
Here we find goodness and mercy which will follow us all the days of our lives.
Here we know, without a doubt, we are dwelling in the house of the Lord!
(Two beautiful settings of Psalm are found in the Chalice Hymnal, #78 and #79. Either could be a solo, sung by the choir, or used as communion music for the congregation to sing.)