Invitation to Sing

         On the Sunday before September 11^th, we sang the next hymn. Do you still believe it? If so, remain standing and let your faith sing out this great hymn of praise.

Invitation to Share

(follows unison reading of Psalm 84:8-9:)
"LORD God All-Powerful, the God of Jacob,
please answer our prayer!
You are the shield that protects your people.
Look into the face of those you have anointed."

         What does it mean for God to be "All-powerful ?" Does God’s power differ from other kinds of power? What does it mean for God to be our "shield ?" As followers of God’s "anointed One," Jesus the "Christ" - He who rules as an under-bearing servant not an overbearing king - are we likewise "anointed," that is, "Christians ?" If you came face to face with your God, what would you say, if anything? Just some questions to ponder as you return your offering. May your response be not just with your head, but also with your heart.
         Will the ushers come forward to serve.

Prayer
(follows "Give Thanks")

         We give you thanks, O Lord... In doing so, we confess that our offerings represent the questions we bring, just as much as they symbolize the answers we have discovered. "Blessed are the poor in spirit," you’ve taught us, "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) Be "content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ," you have said in your Word, "for whenever (we are) weak, then (we are) strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10) We’re still growing on these, God.
         For now, help us to wisely use the resources we have been given. While we are far from perfect, we thank you that "every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, ... from (you)... (James 1:17)     Amen!