Opening Prayer

         O God, Author of eternal light, lead us in our worshiping this day; that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, our meditations may glorify you; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Adapted from Sacrum Breviary, 11th Century
p. 86, For All Who Minister, Brethren Press, 1993

Unison Confession

Gracious God, hear our confession.
Our faith is uncertain,
      our forgiveness slow,
      our conviction weak,
      our compassion wavering.
We have exalted the proud and powerful,
      put down the weak,
      saturated the rich with good things,
      neglected the poor,
      sent the hungry away empty-handed.
We have helped ourselves.

Show us your mercy,
Help us show mercy,
      through your Son, our Savior. AMEN

Hymnal #703
Adapted from the musical "Prayer Phrases"
by Harris J. Loewen, ©1986

For Children
"Hiding from God"

         Taken from "Sitting on the Rainbow," by Ruth Gilmore, this is imaginative way of re-telling the story of Jonah (especially chapter 1 of this Old Testament book), using a large blanket. The basic truth revealed is that no one can hide from God. Buy Gilmore's book if you want to read more.
       

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         Jonah could not hide from God, nor from God's call to go to Ninevah. We, also, cannot hide from the One who calls us beyond our comfort zones. Our offerings are never to be understood as the price we pay for someone else to do what God calls us to do.  To place our gifts into the plate is not an escape. Rather it is one way we can participate in God's call.
         As the ushers receive our offerings, ponder where God might be calling you to go this week. What is your response?
      

Prayer
(after offering)

         Lord, we're not singing from the belly of the whale. At least I hope none of are. Help us not to board the wrong boat. If we do, spit us out on the beach and guide us forward in the direction you call us to go. We dedicate not this money, but ourselves to the mission you set before us. In Jesus, we pray. Amen. 

Prayer

God, we come before you this day as a diverse family, bringing
      the energy of youth, and
            the wisdom of age;
      the steadiness of an adult, and
            the freshness of a child;
      the arms of love, and
            the eyes of faith.

But, God, we work in a world that overwhelms even our collective gifts:
      we know more violence than we can calm;
            soothe the people, Lord;
      we know more suffering than we can touch;
            heal your children, God;
      we know more anger than we can mediate;
            reconcile all people, Lord;
      we know more indifference than we can energize;
            inflame the people, God;
      we know more sin than we can confess;
            forgive your children, Lord.

Thank you, God,
      for your life,
            when exhaustion stops all effort;
      for your calm,
            when impatience dulls our judgment;
      for your pardon,
            when pettiness sharpens our tongue;
      for your encouragement,
            when failure destroys our esteem.

We pray in the name of the one from Galilee,
      through whom all our work succeeds,
      Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

by Eugene F. Roop
p. 118-119, For All Who Minister, Brethren Press, 1993