Leader: We gather as pilgrims on a journey of life and faith.
People: Some of us are excited about the new day
before us. Our lives are filled with meaning, and our
relationships bring us joy. Prayers seem to be answered, and we
rejoice.
Leader: And God has promised to be with you always.
People: Some of us are discouraged and tired. The
cares of the world weigh heavy on us. Our to-do list is long,
and we can't find time to pray. How much can we handle?
Leader: And God has promised to be with you always.
People: Some of us are comforted by our years.
The challenges of our youth seem small and trivial now. We find
hope in the future, and are assured everything will work out.
Leader: And God has promised to be with you always.
People: Some of us are lonely and isolated. We
keep to ourselves, building walls to keep people far away. We
cling to our faith, but hope to find companions on this journey.
Leader: God is with you always.
People: Some of us are afraid and fearful. Our
jobs are fragile, and our relationships tense. Prayers seem to
go unanswered, and God feels distant and unavailable.
Leader: No matter why you are here or what you are feeling, God
is present here and now, and always.
by Kathryn
Goering Reid
Lower Miami Church of the Brethren Dayton, Ohio
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word Series"
Opening
Prayer
Mighty God, mountain maker, sea spreader, sky builder, we praise
you not only for what your hand has done, what your very word
has brought into being, we also simply thank you for who you
are. We trust you, even when we do not understand the “how” or
the “why” of what happens around us. On this day, we thank you
for the early lessons that came from healthy relationships with
our earthly fathers, and the little things we learned from them
about you. Bless this time of worship. Be present with us
through your Holy Spirit, as you have promised. Forgive our
transgressions, and help us to follow your Son Jesus, our
Christ. In his name we pray. Amen.
Returning
our Tithes and Offerings
Some days are
rougher than others in the ongoing story of God’s creation. In
the past few months we’ve heard of how floods, tornadoes, and
fires have disrupted the lives of many people. In addition to
your regular offering, you are invited this day to give toward
the
disaster relief work of our denomination. Think of it as
fathers helping other fathers to care for their families,
rebuilding from the mud, splinters, and ashes of a natural
disaster. In case you didn’t know, one unique aspect of Brethren
disaster relief work is
child
care that allows parents to do what they need to do, knowing
that their little ones are lovingly cared for by persons trained
to help children deal with tragedy. Please pray with me.
Yes, Lord, we ask you
to help us see more clearly, love more dearly, and follow more
nearly, day by day. May what we are about to give reflect your
answer to our prayer. Amen.
A Responsive Psalm of Praise
O
Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all
the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
When
I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you
have established;
what are human beings that you are
mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?
Yet
you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and
honor.
You
have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their
feet,
all
sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish
of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O
Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all
the earth!
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell.
Put things in order,
listen to my appeal,
agree with one another,
live in peace;
and the God of love and peace
will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the saints greet you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with all of you.
International Lesson: Adult
Bible Studies
from The United Methodist Publishing House
(click "supplemental resources" and "current events supplement"
under both the "Student" and "Teacher" sections in the left hand column)