Call to Worship

One: Come, let us worship, hearing anew Christ’s promise of life.

All: "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)

One: We come, celebrating that life in Christ restores us to wholeness.

All: "Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old has passed away. The new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

One: We come, acknowledging that life in Christ is rich beyond measure.

All: "I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

Great and glorious God,
                        whose name is above every name,
                        whose grace has triumphed over the grave,
                        whose voice gives new life to those who listen,
                        whose is gathered now to worship.
         If only we had a thousand tongues to sing your praise!
                 One just doesn't seem to be enough.
                              One tongue to sing;
                              One set of ears to hear;
                              One pair of arms to break free;
                              One heart to rejoice.
                              One just doesn't seem enough.
                                           "O for a thousand ...", a million.
              You know the longing of our hearts, Oh Lord.
                      Guide our worship this hour.
                                  May your Holy Spirit move among us,
                                          as you have promised.
                      And may we become more aware of your heavenly choir,
                                 your saints and angels who surround us.
                                          We our tongues grow silent,
                                                   your chorus continues to sing.
                                                                Amen!

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

         Some folks consider an offering to God to be the "cost" of doing business. However, where is the price tag? Abundant life, beyond our means to afford, is free of charge. What then is a tithe, an offering? ...(pause)...  Please pray with me.

         Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of your Son, who paid our eternal debt upon the cross, and who rose from death to lead your children into your abundant life. We thank you for what you "offer" us every day. Help us, we pray, to use wisely the resources you give, physical and spiritual. May our offerings, given in response just now, be a reflection of what you have done and continue to do. In Jesus' name. Amen.