Call to Worship
(quotes Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10)

One: Those who feel a bit sheepish - Come & worship.

  All: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

One: The true shepherd calls his own by name.

  All: He makes me lie down in green pastures.

One: The true shepherd leads them out.

  All: ...beside still waters, he restores my soul.

One: The sheep follow because they know his voice.

  All: He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

One: "I came that they may have life," he says.

  All: Even though I walk through the darkest valley...

One: Fear no evil, for the true shepherd is with us.

  All: Your rod and staff, O Lord, they comfort me.

One: "Abundant Life" is his promise.

  All: My cup overflows!

One: Come, let us dwell in the house of the Lord.

Opening Prayer

Our true Shepherd,
         who provides for our true needs,
         who guides along the way, who casts out fear,
         who protects and strengthens through the valley,
         who is with us always,
         whose table is a place of peace even amid conflict,
         who anoints and heals,
         who fills our cup to overflowing,
         whose goodness and mercy hound us throughout life,
                  and whose house is a home open to all
                           who hear the welcome in your voice,
                                    and turn and come to you;
Our true Shepherd, lead us -
         this moment, this hour, this day, this week. AMEN.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         Along with Beatrice's prized animal, should we then say, "the Lord is my goatherd?" What about the ark of creatures whose life flows from God, just like our own? The Lord entrusted their care and use into our hands, saying to us - "multiply the gift." Heifer International is one way of passing it on, and is the recipient of this month's special offering.
         As the children pass the plates, would you share your regular offering, as well as your special offering? In so doing, "multiply the gift."

Prayer

         Thank you, Lord, for the gift and the ability to pass it on, to multiply it, over and over and over again. In the name of your greatest gift - your Son, Jesus Christ - we pray. Amen.

Responsive Prayer

ALL: Listening God,
               you hear our prayers before we speak,
                     yet welcome our praying;
               therefore we come with confidence
                      to lay our requests before you.

Leader: We pray for Christian everywhere,
                   for our denomination and our congregation,
                   for faithfulness and strength to persevere in righteousness.
             We pray for the whole people of God.

People: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: We pray for the nations of the world,
                   for all leaders
                   and for those who make policy decisions.
             We pray for the commonwealth of our global community.

People: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: We pray for those who are overcome by violence,
                   for victims of injustice or oppression,
                   and for those in poverty or pain,
             We pray for all who need healing and peace.

People: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: We pray for those who endure trials,
                   for those who are dying,
                   and for those who mourn.
             We pray for all who need comfort and hope.

People: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader: You have heard the prayers of your people, O God.
             We rest in the comfort of your care,
                   as we pray in Jesus' name.

ALL: AMEN

#720, Copyright © 1992 The Hymnal Project

Benediction

Leader: We came to worship.
People: We go now to serve.
Leader: We have been given the light.
People: We go now to let it shine.
Leader: We have been blessed by God's love.
People: We go now to share it.
Leader: We are Christ's disciples.
People: We go now to witness to all.

#763, by Jimmy R. Ross,
from We Gather Together,
© 1979 Brethren Press.