Freedom
Worship
THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE
Liturgical Aids
Call to Worship
We praise the God who made us -
For so are we created that we might freely enter into communion with God.
We praise God for community -
A community ordained by God where love, freedom, and justice reign.
We praise God for this time of worship -
An hour when we together might grow in spirit, where through heart, mind, and soul all in freedom can approach God.
Invocation
We place a high value indeed, O God, upon that freedom which allows us individually and as a community to be your children, this in the midst of a world that still seeks freedom's true meaning. We find that we grow as we use this freedom responsibly - to develop particular talents, but then to share them for the well--being of all. Just as we strive toward our own potential, so would you have us, in freedom, jealously guard the rights of others. We depend on your nurturing in worship, O God - that we understand all of this aright and that with insight and determination we seek those ways in which we can be doers of your holy will. So lead us this hour, we pray, that the responsible use of freedom truly be the centerpiece of all that we do together. This in Christ's name. Amen.
A Litany of Freedom and Peace
It was so from the beginning of the story and has been at all times since:
You created us human beings, O God, to be free.
The trek under Moses out of Egypt was a pilgrimage to freedom.
All because, O God, you have created us to be free.
Jesus came that we might know the truth, for the truth would set us free.
All because, O God, as redeemed children you would have us enjoy the fruits of freedom.
Saints through the centuries have urged a responsible use of freedom.
All because, O God, in our enjoyment of freedom you would not have us withhold this freedom from another.
We would that ours be a nation of peace.
This, we know, can come to pass only as all in the land are free.
We would that ours be a world at peace.
This, we know, can come to pass only as each nation respects the freedom of all other nations.
We are thankful for all who in advocating freedom become peacemakers.
They receive your gift of peace, O God, and seek to bestow it freely not upon some but upon all.
Praise be your holy way, O God, that leads from freedom to peace.
May we, your people, seek to follow it faithfully, both now and forever. Amen.
Offering Sentences
Our giving to God, designed for the well--being of others, is also an expression of our freedom. For we are not constrained in any way in our giving. We are not compelled to give any certain amount. Our giving need not be channeled in any particular way. In truth, we have freedom to respond in whatever way our heart and mind shall dictate. Let us then, as we worship, thank God for this freedom; and through the tithes and the offerings that we bring, speak in a convincing and freeing way to others at their point of need.
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, assist us, we pray, in the directing of these gifts - to places that others might neglect, that they give encouragement and a sense of acceptance to those who would otherwise be left out. In a free land, help us to use our freedom responsibly, alert to the neighbor that needs a helping hand. Nothing holds us back; we can even now reach others with the love of Christ. It is in his name that we pray. Amen.
Benediction
As we depart this place to serve God in the world, we remember anew the cost that others have paid for freedom, freedom that we now enjoy - and in doing so, let us be thankful. Also, let us note and not forget those who still need to taste freedom in all its fullness; and let us dedicate ourselves to those tasks, those freeing tasks, that are still to be done, in every instance relying on the prompting and the power of the Holy Spirit. Go in peace; so serve your neighbor in the name of and with the love of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
We praise the God who made us -
For so are we created that we might freely enter into communion with God.
We praise God for community -
A community ordained by God where love, freedom, and justice reign.
We praise God for this time of worship -
An hour when we together might grow in spirit, where through heart, mind, and soul all in freedom can approach God.
Invocation
We place a high value indeed, O God, upon that freedom which allows us individually and as a community to be your children, this in the midst of a world that still seeks freedom's true meaning. We find that we grow as we use this freedom responsibly - to develop particular talents, but then to share them for the well--being of all. Just as we strive toward our own potential, so would you have us, in freedom, jealously guard the rights of others. We depend on your nurturing in worship, O God - that we understand all of this aright and that with insight and determination we seek those ways in which we can be doers of your holy will. So lead us this hour, we pray, that the responsible use of freedom truly be the centerpiece of all that we do together. This in Christ's name. Amen.
A Litany of Freedom and Peace
It was so from the beginning of the story and has been at all times since:
You created us human beings, O God, to be free.
The trek under Moses out of Egypt was a pilgrimage to freedom.
All because, O God, you have created us to be free.
Jesus came that we might know the truth, for the truth would set us free.
All because, O God, as redeemed children you would have us enjoy the fruits of freedom.
Saints through the centuries have urged a responsible use of freedom.
All because, O God, in our enjoyment of freedom you would not have us withhold this freedom from another.
We would that ours be a nation of peace.
This, we know, can come to pass only as all in the land are free.
We would that ours be a world at peace.
This, we know, can come to pass only as each nation respects the freedom of all other nations.
We are thankful for all who in advocating freedom become peacemakers.
They receive your gift of peace, O God, and seek to bestow it freely not upon some but upon all.
Praise be your holy way, O God, that leads from freedom to peace.
May we, your people, seek to follow it faithfully, both now and forever. Amen.
Offering Sentences
Our giving to God, designed for the well--being of others, is also an expression of our freedom. For we are not constrained in any way in our giving. We are not compelled to give any certain amount. Our giving need not be channeled in any particular way. In truth, we have freedom to respond in whatever way our heart and mind shall dictate. Let us then, as we worship, thank God for this freedom; and through the tithes and the offerings that we bring, speak in a convincing and freeing way to others at their point of need.
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, assist us, we pray, in the directing of these gifts - to places that others might neglect, that they give encouragement and a sense of acceptance to those who would otherwise be left out. In a free land, help us to use our freedom responsibly, alert to the neighbor that needs a helping hand. Nothing holds us back; we can even now reach others with the love of Christ. It is in his name that we pray. Amen.
Benediction
As we depart this place to serve God in the world, we remember anew the cost that others have paid for freedom, freedom that we now enjoy - and in doing so, let us be thankful. Also, let us note and not forget those who still need to taste freedom in all its fullness; and let us dedicate ourselves to those tasks, those freeing tasks, that are still to be done, in every instance relying on the prompting and the power of the Holy Spirit. Go in peace; so serve your neighbor in the name of and with the love of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
