Call to Worship
Psalm 68:1-4, 32-35 (a father/son reading)

1 - "Let God rise up, let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, let the wicked perish before God..." (Reader #2 is seated at beginning, but stands as #1 reads and interrupts)

2 - Wait a minute, son, are you sure that’s what you’re supposed to be reading?

1 - You said Psalm 68, didn’t you, Dad? Starting at the beginning?

2 - Yes, I did. But this is "Mother’s Day." Those words sound more like "Judgement Day."

1 - Maybe if we forget to honor Mom, it is "Judgment Day."

2 - You’ve got a point there!

1 - Maybe if we forget to honor God, to worship the Lord, it is also Judgment Day.

2 - Well, I suppose that’s why we’ve gathered here - to praise God.

1 - Can I continue, Dad?

2 - Sorry. Please do. (Returns to seat)

1 - "But 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.
      "Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord. O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens; listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel; and whose power is in the skies. Awesome is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!"
       Please stand, if you are able, and sing our song of Joy, #71 in your hymnal.

Opening Prayer

         Eternal God, we glorify your name. We are grateful to be called your children and to gather as a family to worship you. Teach us your truth through your word, and fill us with your love. Amen.

written by Clara Patterson
Bear Creek Church of the Brethren
Greenville Ohio
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin

Invitation to Share our Tithes and Offerings

         "All I have is yours," Jesus once prayed to his Father in heaven. He was talking about us. We belong to God. Can we pray the same thing?
         As we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, please turn to the back of the bulletin and pray together the "confession" found there.

Confession

Leader: All I have is yours?
People: My possessions? My car, my house, my computer, my boat, my clothes, my money?

Leader: All I have is yours.
People: You mean my family, my job, my leisure, my friends, my community, and my church?

Leader: ALL I HAVE IS YOURS!
People: The air I breathe, the warmth of the sun and the refreshment of the rain, the love I feel for God and family, my faith that "in everything God works for good for those who love him." Even the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ and the promise of an eternal home in heaven come from you.

All: Thank you, God, that you live in us and we live in you. Amen.

written by Clara Patterson
Bear Creek Church of the Brethren
Greenville Ohio
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin

Children’s Time
"O pin your heart"

         The children are invited to share a card (with a pin of a heart with a cross in the middle) with each woman in the sanctuary, along with a hug. We don't ask the little ones to decide who is a mother and who is not. Just simple, loving interaction.