Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Pentecost +14
Call to Worship (in response to Psalm 14)
One: We’re here seeking refuge in a world where goodness and good news
can feel far away.
Many: Gratefully, God is our hope and our refuge!
One: We come searching for safety in a world filled with war, famine,
earthquakes and violence.
Many: Still, God is our hope and our refuge!
One: We yearn for rest in a world bombarding us with demands and
difficulties.
Many: In this hour we seek God’s presence, leading us to refuge and hope.
All: Let us worship the God who desires abundant life for all!
(Adapted from a prayer written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, April 2025.)
Opening Prayer
Holy God, with gratitude we stand before you, leaning into the hope and refuge you provide. Thank you for your steadfast love which never fails.
Help us breathe in, confident that you continue to call us into relationship with you. AMEN
Moment for Stewardship
In Luke’s gospel, we hear Jesus tell two parables of finding what’s lost: the lost sheep and the lost coin. In both, people rejoice when the lost is found. A found sheep and a recovered/found coin call for sharing JOY!
About 14 years ago, an 11-year-old Southern California girl, Jessie Rees, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Instead of focusing on her own struggles, Jessie began to share toys with other children with cancer. Jessie’s middle name, Joy, gave her the idea of naming this effort “JOY JARS,” which she personally packed and delivered while she was able. Since that time, her family has created a foundation which continues to pack and share JOY Jars to honor Jessie’s life and her vigorous desire to care for other children by challenging them to “Never Ever Give Up (NEGU).”
Jessie discovered her own short life took on greater meaning when she was able to help others by sharing her joy. Her family now has continued that with over 500,000 jars sent around the world.
Sounds like that shepherd with 100 sheep!
Sounds like that woman with 10 coins!
Sounds like what Jesus continues to teach us.
How will you share your joy today as we offer our morning gifts?
(Is there someone in your congregation who can share their own “lost & found” story of joy? Invite them to offer that in a 2 minute form!)
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Giver of all good gifts,
we offer these symbols of our daily living
to the glory of your name:
gifts of our hands, our hearts, our hope!
Use them.
Use us as true disciples of Christ,
Christians who are known by our love. AMEN
Invitation to Communion
Jesus often told parables centered in common life of first century Galilee.
Two parables we’ve heard today tell of finding a lost sheep and finding a lost coin – both of which lead to rejoicing with friends and neighbors.
Joy increases when we share it. While individual prayer can be life-giving, shared prayer often increases our joy as others rejoice with us. The same is true of sharing a meal. We can eat alone (and many of us do), but breaking bread with friends and neighbors helps us fill up not only with calories, but with connection.
Each time we come to this Table, we remember and give thanks for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Here, too, we remember other Christians gathered in other places – some of whom have been our guides, teachers, and companions in earlier years. And here we remember those whose earthly lives have come to an end, but whose memory continues to encourage us as we call to mind their presence.
Let our joy be made known as we celebrate this multi-faceted feast!
All are invited; there is a place for each and for all!
(Use CH #422, “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ” as your communion hymn, along with rhythm instruments and joyful dance, if possible!)