INVITATION TO NEW LIFE This table is for all people. Christ invited poor and rich, male and female…sinner and saint to his table. At that table, he invited the ordinary to become extraordinary. He didn’t demand a profession of faith, or an R.S.V.P. invitation. He only asked that people come. So, we too invite all to Christ’s table. Wherever you come from whoever you are. However you believe in Jesus Christ. Wherever you are going. Come and be fed. Come and be refreshed. Come and be filled with new life! Come.
CALL TO WORSHIP
From north and south, from east and west, we come:
God’s people called to the Table where simple grace nourishes us.
From down the street to across town, from single households to apartment dwellers:
God’s people are called to community, where we live and serve one another.
From every class, every race, every status: from little ones with sippy cups to elders with overflowing hearts:
God’s people are called to witness to God’s hope, to offer peace to a shattered world.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you have created a world filled with awe and abundance, and yet we live in the midst of boredom and scarcity. Forgive us. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you have entered into our world with grace and truth, and yet we live in the midst of judgment and deception. Have mercy on us. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you have touched out world with power and presence, and yet we live in the midst of despair and loneliness. Grant us your peace.
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
[Prayer requests may be given to one of the pastors before the service.]
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (responsive)
May the composer of heaven’s music be with you!
And also with you!
Beloved, God has created you for faithful living.
We lift our hearts to the One who calls us to be Christ’s Body.
People of God, sing to the One who cleanses us of our fears.
We will dance with joy to the Table of peace and hope.
(…the prayer continues)
So, with those who trembled at the foot of your holy mountain, and with those who press on to follow you, we join our voices in praise to you:
Your Word opens our eyes to all creation; your Word is the sweet taste of joy for hungry hearts; your Word endures through every trial and triumph. Blessed is your Word who comes in your name! Hosanna in the highest!
(…the prayer continues)
As we remember his goodness and gentleness, as we celebrate his life in us, we would speak of that mystery we call faith:
Setting aside all he valued, Christ became our treasure; setting aside his own life, Christ rescued us from sin; setting aside our doubts and fears, we yearn for Christ’s return in glory.
COMMUNION PRAYER IN UNISON
God of tender care: at your table we have celebrated your love for us and for all people. May we be strengthened by these holy gifts to show your love in our lives and in our care for one another. Joined with your church around the world we commit ourselves to your coming community, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen
† SENDING
You are a blessed people.
We will go to be a blessing in the world.
You are the face of Jesus.
We will go to be love and compassion to all.
You are the family of God.
We will go to serve our sisters and brothers wherever we may find them.
No comments:
Post a Comment