Opening Prayer

         Yes, Lord - "melt the the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away," that your "joyful music" might "lift us Son-ward" today. Thank you for the sounds of lute and harp and lyre (and, might I add, saxophones, electric guitars, and drums) with which we can praise your name. Forgive and live in us now. In Jesus we pray. Amen.

For Children
"Blooming in you"
(2 Timothy 1:1-5)

         The apostle Paul wrote that his young friend’s sincere faith reminded him of Timothy’s mother and grandmother. Apparently Eunice and Lois were women of great faith. They were strong in the Lord. And they helped plant a seed of faith in Timothy, a seed which had sprouted, and grown, and was now in full bloom.
         Today is Mother’s Day, a time to honor our mothers and grandmothers for the seeds they have planted in us. I think it’s the prayer of every mother that this seed will sprout, and grow, and bloom in you.
         With that in mind, we have some flowers here to give to each mother or grandmother. As you hand them out, give these women as hug, too. You probably will want to give one to your own mother, and it’s okay if you want to go to her first. If your sister or brother gets there first, you can still hug her. I’ve been told that moms like hugs. If your mom is not here, there are special ladies here who would love to be a mother-in-the-Lord to you. There is a good chance they’ve prayed for you. Now, I won’t ask you to figure out who among us is, strictly speaking, a mother. That doesn’t really matter. What truly is important is that you allow this seed of faith to bloom in you.
       

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         "You will laugh!" That was what Jesus promised those who cry. He also promised God's blessing upon those who are hungry and thirsty, as well as those who are spit upon and beat up just for being who the Lord wants them to be.
         As you return your offering this morning, think about what makes you really happy. What is it that makes you laugh so hard that it almost seems like you're crying? Does this come from the Lord? Can you glorify God with it?
         The ushers will now come forward to receive our offerings.
    

Dedication

Please pray with me.

         "You desire truth in the inward being, O God. Therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit." AMEN

(Psalm 51:6-12)