Stewardship
Worship
THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE
Liturgical Aids
Call to Worship
We have indeed been blessed by God.
And God calls forth from us both thanksgiving and accountability.
To be faithful to God, we must take risks for God.
Yes, as stewards we are to use wisely all that God has entrusted to us.
We seek to do this in ways that are both compassionate and just.
For where one is in need, there are we to be found sharing the gifts of God.
Let us learn more about this as we worship --
This to prepare us for the living of our daily lives.
Invocation
God, in your presence there is always abundance. This you share with us, even as you call us to be stewards of these riches. Indeed, we experience a myriad of opportunities in this life to be faithful to that call; and so do we find ourselves shouldering many a responsibility. To be faithful and diligent, we need both wisdom and zeal. Thus, in worship would we hear your Word and be open to the leading of your Spirit. For without your constant encouragement we too easily revert to self-centered ways. Even as you are near us at all times, we pray that this hour may bring a special sense of your presence, this through Christ, as real and relevant. In his name do we pray. Amen.
Call to Confession
Our intentions are often quite honorable. Our actions, however, tell a far different story. For we too readily claim things to be "ours," rather than acknowledge ownership as God's. We view blessings as deserved rather than confess them to be the gifts of God they are. In these ways do we miss the mark. Let us admit this and name it sin.
Prayer of Confession
How trusting you are of us, O God, to call us stewards. Would that we be as trusting, as we seek to use resources wisely in daily living -- both for your glory and for the world's well-being. We confess that this steward role does not come easily to us. We would much rather be owner and sole proprietor. So do we try to usurp your role, O God, and in this way edge you out of the picture -- and out of our lives. That can lead to but one end: bankruptcy. No wonder our lives then become lackluster, without direction, void of meaningful relationships. We need to change, change the focus back to a faithful stewardship. On our own, though, we know that we shall never be able to do this. Thus, not only do we ask forgiveness for past unfaithfulness, but guidance and a measure of strength to follow your way for us. In humbleness, yet with resolve, do we seek this as we bring these petitions before your throne of grace. Amen.
Words of Assurance
God is always present, enabling us to realize the best possible return on our investment. And this we shall do, if we entrust ourselves completely to his leading. An unproductive past is left behind; great potential, we find, is there to be realized -- all because God's love can redeem our failure, and yet engage us in creative stewardship. An indescribable gift, yes, this love of God, made known to us fully in the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Let us accept the gift and be faithful to the calling made anew to us in Christ.
Psalter Reading (from Psalm 116)
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.
The Lord protects the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
I have kept my faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted."
What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.
O Lord, I am your servant ... You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people,
In the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
Offering Sentences
What is the bottom line for us? What purpose have we, really, in our giving? A cheerful expression of thanksgiving, or a necessary but uninspiring duty? A spontaneous reaching out to another in love, or an obligation prompted and then reluctantly presented? A first fruit, the result of blessing, or a leftover, the result of prior selfishness? You answer these questions each week as you present gifts to God -- for God's work. How will you answer today?
Prayer of Dedication
It is truly amazing, O God, how you take our little and magnify it into much. Such is the work of holy love, as it transforms gift and makes it blessing. We would ask that you do that with the gifts that we here present -- that they enable the ill to become well, the weak to become strong, the troubled to become sure, the fearful to become hopeful. Use us, we pray, that we daily bring such blessing into the lives of those around us. All exemplifying your love, and offered in the name of Christ. Amen.
Benediction
May all of us find joy in investing God's way, so using love to transform gifts into blessings. For then the bottom line shall be abundant life for all. And so shall we receive the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Go forth from here now and live this! Amen!
We have indeed been blessed by God.
And God calls forth from us both thanksgiving and accountability.
To be faithful to God, we must take risks for God.
Yes, as stewards we are to use wisely all that God has entrusted to us.
We seek to do this in ways that are both compassionate and just.
For where one is in need, there are we to be found sharing the gifts of God.
Let us learn more about this as we worship --
This to prepare us for the living of our daily lives.
Invocation
God, in your presence there is always abundance. This you share with us, even as you call us to be stewards of these riches. Indeed, we experience a myriad of opportunities in this life to be faithful to that call; and so do we find ourselves shouldering many a responsibility. To be faithful and diligent, we need both wisdom and zeal. Thus, in worship would we hear your Word and be open to the leading of your Spirit. For without your constant encouragement we too easily revert to self-centered ways. Even as you are near us at all times, we pray that this hour may bring a special sense of your presence, this through Christ, as real and relevant. In his name do we pray. Amen.
Call to Confession
Our intentions are often quite honorable. Our actions, however, tell a far different story. For we too readily claim things to be "ours," rather than acknowledge ownership as God's. We view blessings as deserved rather than confess them to be the gifts of God they are. In these ways do we miss the mark. Let us admit this and name it sin.
Prayer of Confession
How trusting you are of us, O God, to call us stewards. Would that we be as trusting, as we seek to use resources wisely in daily living -- both for your glory and for the world's well-being. We confess that this steward role does not come easily to us. We would much rather be owner and sole proprietor. So do we try to usurp your role, O God, and in this way edge you out of the picture -- and out of our lives. That can lead to but one end: bankruptcy. No wonder our lives then become lackluster, without direction, void of meaningful relationships. We need to change, change the focus back to a faithful stewardship. On our own, though, we know that we shall never be able to do this. Thus, not only do we ask forgiveness for past unfaithfulness, but guidance and a measure of strength to follow your way for us. In humbleness, yet with resolve, do we seek this as we bring these petitions before your throne of grace. Amen.
Words of Assurance
God is always present, enabling us to realize the best possible return on our investment. And this we shall do, if we entrust ourselves completely to his leading. An unproductive past is left behind; great potential, we find, is there to be realized -- all because God's love can redeem our failure, and yet engage us in creative stewardship. An indescribable gift, yes, this love of God, made known to us fully in the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Let us accept the gift and be faithful to the calling made anew to us in Christ.
Psalter Reading (from Psalm 116)
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.
The Lord protects the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
I have kept my faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted."
What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.
O Lord, I am your servant ... You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people,
In the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
Offering Sentences
What is the bottom line for us? What purpose have we, really, in our giving? A cheerful expression of thanksgiving, or a necessary but uninspiring duty? A spontaneous reaching out to another in love, or an obligation prompted and then reluctantly presented? A first fruit, the result of blessing, or a leftover, the result of prior selfishness? You answer these questions each week as you present gifts to God -- for God's work. How will you answer today?
Prayer of Dedication
It is truly amazing, O God, how you take our little and magnify it into much. Such is the work of holy love, as it transforms gift and makes it blessing. We would ask that you do that with the gifts that we here present -- that they enable the ill to become well, the weak to become strong, the troubled to become sure, the fearful to become hopeful. Use us, we pray, that we daily bring such blessing into the lives of those around us. All exemplifying your love, and offered in the name of Christ. Amen.
Benediction
May all of us find joy in investing God's way, so using love to transform gifts into blessings. For then the bottom line shall be abundant life for all. And so shall we receive the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Go forth from here now and live this! Amen!
