CENTERING PRAYER “Although now we be men of war, our Father, Thou knowest that we would rather be men of peace. Help us to learn those principles upon a lasting peace may be built. Help us to learn to love one another. Help us to walk in the footsteps of our peace-loving Prince of Peace. In His Name. Amen.”[1]
CALL TO WORSHIP
Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good.
God’s steadfast love endures forever.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
God upholds those who are in need.
Let us worship God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, we confess we have failed to seek your will. We revel in power and privilege while many are struggling to survive. We boast of our great contributions while some who have little give all. Forgive us, God of grace. Strip us of all pride and pretense and clothe us in your mercy alone, ready to meet you in your glory. We continue to pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Silent Confession)
SCRIPTURE READING Mark 12:38-44
For the sermon "First Things First: Everything", click here.
† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Let us give praise to the Lord, who is good. God’s love is everlasting.
Let us come to God with thanksgiving, let us complete our promises to the Lord.
We praise you God, for the many gifts of this church.
We celebrate the wonders and signs of grace in our midst;
we dedicate ourselves as Christ’s faithful disciples.
Make us instruments of your truth, O God, enable us to proclaim your kingdom.
Where there is injury, let us be healers. Where there is hatred, let us share love.
Encourage us in the tasks before us, for talking and moving and thinking together, for enacting of the gospel.
Where there is darkness, let us bring light. Where there is sadness, let us bring joy.
Bless these gifts, gracious God, and bless all those who are served by them.
We bring these gifts and offerings and our promise of giving in a new year
because we hope for more in the days ahead.
We hope for a stronger church, and a more compassionate world.
Shape us, through our giving, make us a people of true discipleship. Amen.
[1] Nygaard, N. (1942). Strength for Service to God and Country:
Daily Devotional Messages for Men in the Services. New York: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press.
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