Opening Prayer

God, help us sing your praise throughout the world. As we gather together this morning, fill us with your Holy Spirit to be your people beyond these walls. You came to show us how to live and to give us eternal life; may we share that message of joy with the world around us. Amen.

Alternate Opening Prayer

(From Ephesians 1, Acts 1)

God of all glory, as we come to know your Son through the living word of scripture, enlighten our hearts with the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Remind us again of Christ’s authority over the church at all times and in all places. Renew in us again our purpose as Christ’s followers: to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ to all people in all places. All glory and honor be to you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Call to Worship

Let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God;
Let them be jubilant with joy.
Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds—
His name is the LORD—be exultant before him.

Pastoral Prayer

God, our creator and redeemer, we thank you for your blessings this day: for the provisions of life, for shelter, for friends and family. Even while we thank you for such blessings in our lives, we recognize that others do not share many of the blessings we enjoy: there are many with little to eat, others who have no homes, still more who are isolated and alone. We lift them up to you, knowing that you love and care for all. We also ask you to remind us of our responsibility to share with others a portion of that with which you have blessed us. Most of all, strengthen and move us to share the good news of your love and grace, allowing your Holy Spirit to work in us to accomplish your purpose. Make us your witnesses at home and to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Loving God, once again we come to you troubled, seeking your forgiveness. In this place full of the promise of Christ's love, we know you are here, supporting us through the gifts of those around us. We feel a mother's love in the hug from a friend, a brother's care in the offer of prayer. Yet there are times during the week when we feel empty. Help us see, hear, and feel the riches of our inheritance among your saints. Help us nurture each other to grow together in faith, hope, and love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Words of Assurance

(From Luke 24)

Jesus said to his disciples before he ascended to God, “Repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in my name to all nations.” Repent then, followers of Christ, and allow Christ to transform your lives. Receive forgiveness in the name of the risen savior. Amen.

Offering Prayer

Accept these offerings, O God, as gifts of our hearts. Bless them in their intent— to honor you with our bodies, souls, minds, and faith. Put our gifts to work in our homes, our church, and in the world. Amen.

Benediction

People of God, receive the blessing of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Go now to live in Christian love and witness to the power of forgiveness in your homes, in your community, even to the ends of the earth, until that day when Christ returns in glory. Amen.