Call to Worship

         "We gather together," our first hymn states, "to ask the Lord’s blessing." These words of thanksgiving were born out of a very difficult time in the Netherlands 400 years ago, and became a song of celebration of freedom from oppression for the Dutch people. "Sing praises to his name," is the encouragement passed on to God’s people of every land and time, for "he forgets not his own." Listen to the Psalmist:
         "O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." (Psalm 107:1-3)
         Brothers and sisters in Christ, stand if you are able, and "give thanks to the LORD!"

Opening Prayer

O God,
         who blesses this world with goodness and mercy,
         who brings good news to the oppressed,
         who binds up the brokenhearted,
         who opens the eyes of the blind,
         who sets the captives free;
We bless you, as those who have been
         touched by your Holy Spirit,
         filled to the brim and overflowing with your gladness,
         clothed with your joy and praise,
         planted by you to be like trees of blessing for others.
Forgive us, just now,
         for allowing the bad news to win,
         for shutting our eyes to what you are doing all around us,
         for not proclaiming your salvation,
         for not reaching out, but instead,
         for paying attention to our own needs and desires,
                  instead of seeking your will.
Forgive and Live in us.
         Today!
         This we pray, in the name of your Son, Jesus - our Christ.
         Amen!

(refers to Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 4:18-19)

"Writing it Down"

         Right now I want you to think of all the things you are thankful for. That’s not too hard to do, is it? Instead of telling me about it, why don’t you tell God. Of course, you can talk with God anytime, and thank God anytime. But, how about right now? I’ve got some handy-dandy "thank you" notes right here, and some pencils and crayons. While everybody else sings a thanksgiving song, why don’t you write down what you are thankful for. You can even draw it if you’d like. By the end of the hymn, we’ll put your note in an envelope, ready to give to God. Okay? Let’s start.

(adapted from both Children’s Sermons to Go, pp. 51-2, and Welcoming the Children, p. 68.)

Invitation

         Indeed, there is so much for which we need to be thankful. The events of recent months have made that even more clear. Are you truly thankful for what really matters in this world?
         Our children have been writing down their "thanksgivings." As we sing the next hymn, we invite them first to bring these and place them in the plates on the worship table as an offering to God, and then head back to choir or to their seats. You are then invited to bring forward your offering. Yes, this means your tithe or monetary offering for today, as well as your pledge for next year - what you are challenging yourself to give to and with God, a response to how the Lord has abundantly blessed you. But don’t just give money. Give yourself. May your heart overflow with thanksgiving as you come forward. Indeed, there is so much for which we need to be thankful.
         The hymn is a familiar one. It also was born out a difficult time, but reaches beyond to celebration. Sing it by heart, whether or not you have to look at the words in the hymnal. May our song be a prayer of dedication. Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices! Please stand if you are able.