Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Epiphany +2
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 40:1-11
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42
Call to Worship (inspired by Ps. 40 and the Epiphany theme of light)
One: Gathered for worship, we rejoice,
for God lifts us up from life’s mud and mire.
Many: We’re here to say and sing and even shout our praise!
One: God gives us a new song to sing,
so today we lift our voices and follow Jesus to let our light shine!
Many: We can shine in the morning, shine at our work,
shine with our friends and everywhere we go!
One: God’s love transforms us from the inside out,
Christ’s life gives us joy,
Many: so let’s allow our lives to shine as we worship the Lord our God.
(If you know it, use “Shine, Jesus, Shine” as an opening hymn.)
Opening Prayer
Holy God, thank you for your gift of Jesus. Thank you for this opportunity to gather, lifting up the joy we know as followers of the Christ. We remember and give thanks for each one who decides once again to let our lives shine with hope, peace, joy and love as disciples (and Disciples) of Jesus. AMEN
Moment for Stewardship (inspired by 1 Corinthians 1:6-9)
Paul, writing to the Corinthians, reminds us of God’s grace, given each of us.
That gift helps us know we are not lacking in any spiritual gift and are strengthened to the end of life.
When we remember that, it makes sense to act out our gratitude with generosity. As we prepare to receive our morning offering, I’m reminded of this saying from a wise person:
“Plenty of people are willing to give God credit,
yet few are willing to give God cash.”
Friends, if you give God credit for the myriad of gifts in your life, you’re invited to respond with your generous gifts. (Remind folks how they can give: cash, check, or credit, in the plate, in the mail or electronically.)
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Ever-giving God, thank you for the amazing gift of Jesus, who is the Light of Life. As we remember him, accept our thanks for the way we are built up together into Christ. Receive our gratitude, our gifts, and our intention to continue as followers of Jesus. Help us use what is provided with these financial gifts to share the Good News of your love with those close by and others, to the ends of the earth. AMEN
Invitation to Communion
How grateful I am when I come to this Table! Worship includes hearing and sharing so many words – read, prayed, sung. Here, however, we can experience God’s love made real through other senses – sight, touch, smell, taste.
Gratefully, God created us with multiple senses. We learn through a variety of means.
Today we focus our eyes on the Table, giving thanks for God’s grace given to us in Christ Jesus.
We see simple elements lovingly prepared for a spiritual feast.
When the elements are passed, we touch the bread,
and we might be able to smell the juice.
And when it’s time, we taste the bread, grateful for Jesus, the Bread of Life,
and we taste the juice, remembering Jesus pouring out his life that we might
know life with him both now and through the gift of eternal life.
So come! Prepare your senses for this sensory time, remembering and giving thanks for all God has given the world in the gift of Jesus.