Call to Worship

Listen to God speaking through the apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, who writes:

        "By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us - set us right with him, make us fit for him - we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand - out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise."
                                             Romans 5:1-5 (from The Message)
         Okay, brothers and sisters, let’s stand tall in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, and sing out our praise!

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         At the end of this month our visitors from the Dominican Republic will come. They are very "rich" people, you know. Maybe not "rich" as our society thinks of "wealth." They possess a great deal in what really matters! And so do we!
         In the Christian calendar, today is "Trinity Sunday," when we recall the threefold way in which God is at work in, around, and beyond us. To think of God in just one way isn’t enough to cover everything. We are the creation of God’s hand. God loves us far more than any earthly parent - so much so that he sent the Son to save us. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power among us right now.
         Creator, Savior, Presence Now ... Father, Son, Holy Spirit ... We are rich beyond measure. Such wealth cries out to be shared, for the Lord overflows this (point to yourself) container. Ponder this with an open heart and mind as you return your offering.

Prayer

         Thank you, Lord, for wealth that is real, for riches beyond measure that we already possess in your Spirit. Thank you for our upcoming guests. Bless them along their journey here, as well as those whom they will leave behind. Bless these offerings, and the mission and ministry for which they were given. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.