Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Pentecost + 15
Call to Worship (in response to Psalm 79:8-9)
One: Gathered to praise God, we lift our voices as one.
Many: Together we give thanks for God’s never-ending compassion.
One: In the midst of challenges, let’s focus our hearts and minds.
Many: We turn to the Holy One, lifting up all the names we know,
One: Creator, Redeemer, Way-Maker.
Many: Help us, deliver us, forgive our sins,
All: even as we come to worship you as the God of our salvation!
Opening Prayer
By all the names we know to call you, living, loving God,
we celebrate your presence among us!
In this hour, we ask you to receive and respond to our petitions and prayers,
knowing you are closer than our own breath.
We give you all the glory even as we lean into this time of worship. AMEN
(Consider using “Bring Many Names” CH #10 as your opening hymn.)
Moment for Stewardship
Jesus told the story of the dishonest manager in a direct way. In Luke 16, the rich man ended up commending his manager who made a way for himself to lean on the debtors, even if he was relieved of his position.
We may not expect to be called to public accountability for our use of the money we manage, but this text does make plain: “Whoever is faithful in…little is faithful also in much.”
This story pushes me to question: How do I decide what belongs to God and what I use for my own benefit?
None of us can serve both God and wealth. We can have only one “highest” authority for our lives.
Where do you stand on the spectrum between devotion and despising, between serving God and hoarding all your resources?
As we receive our morning offering, what will your actions show?
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Generous God, you provide in abundance for us. Thank you!
Help us make the decision each day to use our resources as opportunities to share your goodness with those who suffer from a lack of resources.
Please receive these gifts and help us put them to full use as we seek to co-create your Realm on earth, as it is in heaven. AMEN
Invitation to Communion
Jesus’ parable of the dishonest manager helps us know our own era is not the only one in which people sneak, steal, and act shrewdly. Yet the wealth of the rich man and the “adjustments” made by the manager (also translated as steward), were insignificant compared to the TRUE riches God offers to each and to all of God’s own beloved creatures.
When we come to this table, we’re invited to recognize the true riches which Jesus gave the disciples in the upper room. We remember what has been handed down to us: these tiny pieces of bread and thimbles of juice nourish us and help open our eyes to see the abundant love which Jesus poured out.
As we focus our minds and hearts on these gifts, there is no need to sneak, steal or act shrewdly. Rather, this is our opportunity to be fully present and fully honest with God.
So come, for this table holds true riches which we are invited to receive.
All who are hungry – all who yearn to be faith-filled followers of Jesus the Christ – come! You are welcome at this meal.