Pastor Appreciation Sunday

VISUAL ARTS (PARAMENTS, GENERAL DECORATIONS, SPECIFIC DECORATIONS)

Today is Pastor Appreciation Sunday. It is a blessing that God handed down to us such gifted leaders. Today is a service of prayer, gratitude, and encouragement for our pastors.

—Milton Ortiz

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CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: We gather today to worship and celebrate the gift of those

that God sets before us as pastors.

People: We know that it is God who calls and ordains.

Leader: But is it only our pastor who is called?

People: Certainly not! We are all called by God to do God’s work!

Leader: But I thought that’s why we pay the preacher?

People: No! We are all called to join in ministry—in ways large and small.

Leader: Don’t worry about it—we’ll add it to the pastor’s to-do list.

People: We are all called; we all have gifts; we all are a part of ministry.

Leader: And what a humbling gift that is! Let us join to worship our God who has ordained the pastor who stands before us and who calls us to join in God’s good work.

—Samantha Hassell

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Leader: The office of minister of word and sacrament is unique in its responsibility and usefulness in the life of the church.

People: We come to celebrate these special people we call pastors.

Leader: God calls persons and sets them apart for this ministry.

People: We give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good. God’s love endures forever.

Leader: The persons who fill this office should be sound in the faith, exemplary in conduct, and competent to perform the duties of the ministry.

People: We give thanks to the God of gods. God’s love endures forever.

Leader: Persons who become ministers of the word and sacrament are due such respect as belongs to their office, but are not by virtue of their office more holy or righteous than other Christians.

People: We give thanks to the Lord of lords. God’s love endures forever.

Leader: They share in the same vocation that belongs to all Christians to be witnesses to the gospel in word and deed.

People: We worship God who alone does great wonders. God’s love endures forever.

Leader: They differ from other Christians only with regard to the office to which they are called, which is their station in life.

People: We give thanks to the God of heaven. God’s love endures forever. Amen

(Based on the Confession of Faith and Psalm 136, NIV)

—Milton Ortiz

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And for these gifts, we give you all glory, honor and praise.

In the Old Testament you called Moses, David, Deborah, Isaiah and so many others.

For their faithfulness, we give you all glory, honor and praise.

In the New Testament you called the twelve disciples, Paul, Timothy, Aquila and

Priscilla, and so many others.

For their service, we give you all glory, honor and praise.

Still today you call women and men, young and old,

to serve your church as pastors and leaders.

As we worship you today, we give you all glory, honor and praise for all those

who have served this church and especially for our current pastor.

—Chuck Brown

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—adapted from Psalm 100

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come into God’s presence with singing.

Enter into the gates of the Lord with thanksgiving, and God’s courts with praise.

Give thanks to the Lord. Bless God’s holy name.

—Sandra Shepherd

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—based on Psalm 19:1

One: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.

Many: We come together to sing of God’s glory.

One: We come today to rejoice in God’s work.

Many: We come today to give thanks for God’s call and to those who said yes.

One: We come to worship the God who calls and ordains; the God who loves and redeems.

Many: Let us worship in spirit and in truth. Amen.

One: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.

Many: We come together to sing of God’s glory.

One: We come today to rejoice in God’s work.

Many: We come today to give thanks for God’s call and to those who said yes.

One: We come to worship the God who calls and ordains; the God who loves and redeems.

Many: Let us worship in spirit and in truth. Amen.

—Drew Hayes

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—Romans 12:4-8, 11 (NRSV)

As in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function.

We, who are many, are one body in Christ and individually

we are members of one another.

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us:

Prophecy, in proportion to faith;

Ministry, in ministering;

The teacher, in teaching;

The exhorter, in exhortation;

The giver, in generosity;

The leader, in diligence;

The compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Let us not lag in zeal,

But be ardent in spirit, serving the Lord.

—TJ Malinoski

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Shout to God for joy, everyone on earth!

We will sing the glory of God’s name and give glorious praise!

What will you say to God this day?

We will proclaim all the wonderful things God does!

God’s power is so great that our enemies bow down in fear.

Come and see what wonderful things God has done. And let us worship God!

based on Psalm 66:1-12

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INVOCATION

We gather once again to worship you, Holy God. Although we are mindful that we are always in your presence, we ask now to be supremely aware of your presence. May we be open to communing with you, seeking to bless you, even as we realize that we are the ones who are most blessed by our time with you. Help us listen carefully to you and your message throughout this time of worship.

—Sandra Shepherd

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Glory to you, O God, the giver of great gifts according to your grace. May today’s worship glorify and celebrate those gifts. In this worship you offer the assurance of your love, forgiveness, guidance and redemption. May we respond with praise, confession, thanksgiving, love and commitment to service. Amen.

Based on the Confession of Faith 5.12

—TJ Malinoski

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O God, we have entered into this holy place today to seek you and to offer to you our praise and worship. Even though we do this week after week, we want to keep our worship passionate and sincere. May your Holy Spirit enliven us and our worship today, so that our praise may bring you joy and gladness. Amen.

—Pam Phillips-Burk

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MUSIC (HYMNS, SONGS, ANTHEMS)

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CALL TO CONFESSION

Let us join with one another before God to confess our sins and seek forgiveness.

—Samantha Hassell

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—based on Hebrews 13:17, MSG

The Scripture call us to be responsive to our pastoral leaders, to listen to their counsel. It says that they are alert to the conditions of our lives and work under God’s strict supervision. Scriptures also call us to contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. And it asks the question: Why would you want to make things harder for them?

Together let us confess our sins against God and neighbor.

—Milton Ortiz

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The scriptures tell us that, if we say that we are without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, Jesus, the merciful will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

—Chuck Brown

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—based on Nehemiah 9:17 NRSV

God knows our sin. God loves us still. Scripture tells us that God is “ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Let us confess together.

—Sandra Shepherd

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Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” May we seek God’s mercy together.

—Drew Hayes

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When making a profession of faith, we made promises to God and to the Church that we repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord of our life. Let us remember these promises together in our corporate prayer of confession, seeking God’s will and guidance in our shortcomings.

Adapted from Directory of Worship Public: Profession of Faith

—TJ Malinoski

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We try our best to live up to the high calling of Jesus but we fail time and again. We overlook the hungry and thirsty, we avoid those living on the streets, we hold grudges against family and friends, and we remain silent in the face of injustice. We neglect our spiritual lives. We have much to confess. Let us pray.

—Pam Phillips-Burk

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION

We are thankful, God, for the leadership of our pastor; but we also acknowledge that we too are called to join you in the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

Forgive us, God, when we fail to join you in kingdom building.

The work of the church is for all of God’s people.

Forgive us, God, when we neglect to work alongside those you give us as leaders.

God, your requirement to seek justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with you is not meant only for those who live ministry as a profession.

Forgive us, God, when we are careless to the world around us. Strengthen us to serve alongside our pastors as we seek to be humble agents of justice and kindness. Amen.

—Samantha Hassell

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—based on Psalms 51:1-4, NIV

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out our transgressions.
Wash away all our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin.
For we know our transgressions, and our sin is always before us.
Against you, you only, have we sinned and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

Silently confess your transgressions…

We also recognize that the responsibilities

our pastors have to the congregation are a big task.
Help us to make it easy for them to accomplish this.
Help us to understand that they serve with us in your service

and are not hired help to do ministry. Amen.

—Milton Ortiz

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Merciful God, we know that we are sinners saved by grace alone. We understand that we often take so much for granted: you and your grace, things we enjoy and people you put in our lives. Forgive us our sins of commission and omission and help us to show our gratitude, especially for those persons who help us in our daily walk with you. (Continue to pray silently.)

—Chuck Brown

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One: O God, we hear your promise to help and guide us through even the most difficult times.

Many: Yet we are afraid, even paralyzed by our fears.

One: We are afraid of failing and we are afraid of the change that may come if we do not fail.

Many: Help us be confident that you lead us in right paths, even when they are rough.

One: We hear your promise that you will always be with us.

Many: Yet we sometimes feel so far from you. Help us trust in your unending love.

One: We hear your call to be the Church—to love, give, care and serve together in your name.

Many: Yet we find ourselves relying on pastors and other “professional Christians” to do these things on our behalf.

All: Help us be your Church, O God, for together we are the body of Christ.

One: Gracious God, hear us now as we continue with our silent confession.

(Pause for silent prayer.) Amen.

—Sandra Shepherd

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Gracious and loving God, every day we fail to live in the way you have called us to live. Instead of love and grace, we show anger and impatience. Instead of looking out for the least of these, we look over them for our own benefit. Those you have placed in our lives to help, we have taken for granted. Forgive us for not seeking your heart daily. Forgive us where and when we overlook and take for granted. Forgive us when we do not love as Christ first loved us. (Take time for silent confession) Amen.

—Drew Hayes

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Compassionate God, we made promises to you in our profession of faith and humbly acknowledge that we do not always uphold our promises.

We confess that we believe in the scriptures to be the inspired word of God, the source of authority for faith and practice yet we do not always read and study them for guidance in our daily living.

We confess that we promised to be faithful members of this church but we do not always participate in worship and share in its ministry of witness and service.

We confess that we are not always good stewards of the life, talents, time and money in which you have entrusted to us. Forgive us when we break our promises to you and to your church. Help us to overcome temptation and weakness. Strengthen us to want to grow in knowledge and grace and to practice love in all relationships.

Adapted from Directory of Worship Public: Profession of Faith

—TJ Malinoski

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For the times we have looked away from those who are hungry, thirsty or experiencing homelessness

Lord, forgive us.

For the times that we’ve kept silent when someone was being bullied or berated or harassed

Lord, forgive us.

For the times we’ve made excuses about not getting involved in the ministry of the church or outside the church walls

Lord, forgive us.

For the times we’ve said we would do something later, only later never comes

Lord, forgive us.

For the times we’ve expressed frustration over the church not growing even though we do little about it

Lord, forgive us.

For the times we’ve complained about the way something was being done within the church

Lord, forgive us.

We lay our sins and shortcomings before you, Lord, trusting in your love and mercy. Amen.

—Pam Phillips-Burk

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ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Friends know the good news! God calls us over again, giving us an abundance of ways to join in the kingdom work. When we confess our sin and seek God’s forgiveness, God is merciful and just—go and do likewise. Amen.

—Samantha Hassell

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—1 John 1:9, NIV

Hear the good news:

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness. Thanks be to God.

—Milton Ortiz

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Paul shared with the church in Rome the reality that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But the best part of Paul’s words in that same letter is that God, with unmerited kindness declares that we are righteous because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. And all we have to do is accept God’s gift in faith. Friends, believe the good news, in Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.

—Chuck Brown

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Sisters and brothers, hear the good news from 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, [God] who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

All: Thanks be to God!

—Sandra Shepherd

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—Romans 5:8

“Take heart, the good news is that even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Through the love of God, we are indeed forgiven and redeemed. Praise God!

—Drew Hayes

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We are disciples of Christ, privileged to participate with all of Christ’s followers in the redemptive work in the world. Let us live as a forgiven people ready for witness and service. Let us live as a people freed from the shackles of sin and shame.

Thanks be to God!

Adapted from Directory of Worship Public: Profession of Faith

—TJ Malinoski

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Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” Jesus is more ready to forgive than we are to receive it. Turn from your good-intentions and accept the love and forgiveness that only Jesus can give. Friends, we are forgiven and can start anew. Thanks be to God.

—Pam Phillips-Burk

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CHILDREN’S SERMON

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PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Almighty God, you are the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. Open our hearts that we may delight in your Word; and give us grace that we may clearly understand and choose the way of your wisdom; in Jesus’ name, Amen.

—Samantha Hassell

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—based on Hebrews 4:12, MSG

Dear Lord, we thank you for your presence and you desire to talk to us. We open your powerful word with expectation and gratitude. Your word is as sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to your word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what. Amen.

—Milton Ortiz

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Open our ears to hear your word for us this day as it is both read and proclaimed. Fill us with your Spirit and open our minds to encounter you again. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

—Chuck Brown

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Open our eyes, our hearts, and our minds to your message, Holy God. Amen.

—Sandra Shepherd

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God, may we have ears to hear and eyes to see. As we experience your word today, may it teach us and reach us in a new way so that we can better live out the call you have on all our lives. Amen.

—Drew Hayes

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Reveal yourself to us Holy One, as we open up your word. Speak to us through it and transform our lives so that we may love and serve you more each day. Amen.

—Pam Phillips-Burk

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SCRIPTURE TEXTS/SERMON IDEAS

Psalm 111
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Luke 17:11-19

—Samantha Hassell

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2 Timothy 1:11
Hebrews 13:7

—Milton Ortiz

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While there are scripture passages that speak to the importance of pastoral appreciation, it seems that a sermon on one of those passages might seem self-serving. Perhaps a better alternative would be to choose one of the call stories from scriptures: Moses, Abraham, Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, any of the disciples, Paul, or any other that speaks to you personally. Then share your own call story as a part of a sermon that explores the call to discipleship and possibly the notion that people can experience many forms of calls at various times throughout their life.

—Chuck Brown

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Ephesians 4:1-16 (especially Ephesians 4:10-13)
Jeremiah 3:15-18
James 3 (especially James 3:1-12)
Romans 8 (especially Romans 8:10)

—Sandra Shepherd

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Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Psalm 23
Isaiah 25:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
Philippians 4:1-9

The lectionary is ripe with readings for Pastor Appreciation Sunday. The gospel reading or the New Testament reading are my personal choices. In both, I would urge you not to seek to show how hard it is to be a minister, but to show that God’s call is worth it. Not just the call to be a minister, but that the call to know Christ, the call to serve Christ, and the call to love others are joyous things.

—Drew Hayes

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Old Testament Reading Isaiah 3:1-11
New Testament Reading Ephesians 4:1-6

—TJ Malinoski

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2 Timothy 2:8-15 Paul, a seasoned minister of the gospel is mentoring the young probationer Timothy, in the epistle. He is quick to talk about his hardships, maybe even do a bit of complaining. Seasoned ministers are no strangers to complaining as well – church members who shirk duties, poor stewardship, presbytery meetings, denominational activities, even other ministers. Paul, realizes though that the Good News is never chained, never contained, can rise above any negativity or complaining we may do. Notice verse 13 – even when we are faithless, God remains faithful.

The bottom line of this passage comes in verses 14-15 – don’t wrangle over words, which do not good and only harms the listener. Eugene Peterson in The Message describes it this way “Words are not mere words, you know. If they’re not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul.” In other words, don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk. A minister, an elder/deacon, Sunday school teacher or pew sitter – the best way to preach a sermon is to live it. What sermon are you preaching today?

Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation…”
Esther 4:14 “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
2 Corinthians 9:13-14 “As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.”
Ruth 1:8 “May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness…”
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
1 Thessalonians 1:2 “We give thanks to God always for you… making mention of you in our prayers;”
Romans 10:14 “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
Isaiah 40:31 “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

—Pam Phillips-Burk

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SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS (VIDEOS, TAPED SONGS)

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Among us God,

There are those who are hurting, who are sick, who are desperate.

We trust that you are bigger than the circumstances we find ourselves in

and ask that where comfort is needed, we can be your arms.

Where peace is needed, we can speak your words.

Where love is needed, we can be your heart.

We lift to you the names of those who need your touch

(Worshippers may speak names aloud here…)

We thank you God for being with us

and for your servants who sit in our darkness beside us.

You have heard these names and read those written on our hearts

and for that hearing and knowing we give you praise. Amen.

—Samantha Hassell

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We offer now our prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.

We praise you, God our Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God of grace and love, author of salvation and of eternal life, Savior God,

Look upon your church this morning. We present to you our joys and concerns.

Silently present your joys and concerns…

We especially pray for our pastors today. Help them to maintain physical and emotional health.

Nurture their devotional life and show them how to manage time well,

to balance personal obligations, church duties and family responsibilities.

Help us recognize our ministers’ need for rest and affirm the concept that every member is a minister and will not expect the pastors to always be on call.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

—Milton Ortiz

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Almighty God, we are thankful for all your tender mercies toward us. Every time that we gather in your name, we feel the need to petition you on behalf of others.

Hear our prayers as we lift to you the names of those who are sick, those undergoing tests and medical procedures. (Allow time for silent or verbal petitions)
Remember those who are mourning deaths, job losses, broken marriages, or severed relationships. (Allow time for silent or verbal petitions)
Bring healing and restoration to those who are in prison, those who battle addictions, those who fight mental illness and those who are victims. (Allow time for silent or verbal petitions)

We pray for our community, our state, our nation and our world. We know that you are the Prince of Peace, but we do not always live up to our calling to be peacemakers. Help us to be instruments of your peace.

We pray for the church: for our particular church, for Cumberland Presbyterian churches around the world and for all churches, no matter the name on the sign. Help us to be the body of Christ in and for this world which is in such desperate need for you.

We pray for leaders of every kind, but especially, on this day we pray for pastors. On this day when our denomination celebrates Pastor Appreciation Sunday, we lift to you all ordained clergy in our denomination. We pray for those who are preparing to be ministers in our denomination. We ask your blessings on those who are serving churches and other ministry roles. We lift up those who are seeking a call and those who are struggling with a sense of call. Give them a spirit of wisdom and discernment. Give our clergy the strength and the energy to do all that you call them to do for your Church. Help us all to be appreciative of their time and efforts, not just on this one day, but throughout the year. All these things and many others we ask in the name of your beloved son, in whose name we pray. Amen.

—Chuck Brown

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Pastor: Holy God, you invite us to come to you with our joys and our concerns. You welcome us into conversation with you.

All: You promise to hear our prayers, so hear us now.

Pastor: You have blessed us greatly with opportunities, families, educations, and sustenance. We recognize that not everyone has yet received these gifts. Help us be your hands and your heart. Help us bless others in ways you have blessed us. As we pray silently…

All: Speak to us. Help us listen. (pause for silent prayer)

Pastor: Some of us are struggling greatly with concerns about health, finances, parenting, school, and work. Others are battling loneliness, grief, confusion, and indecision. Still others are burdened by other issues. Help us to be of help in your name. As we pray silently…

All: Speak to us. Help us listen. (pause for silent prayer)

Pastor: Pastors are given the great opportunity to teach, to guide, to comfort, and to serve others. Yet we also need to continue learning, to be led, to be comforted, and occasionally to be served. Help us find the grace to receive as willingly as we give. As we pray silently…

All: Speak to us. Help us listen. (pause for silent prayer)

Pastor: Amen.

—Sandra Shepherd

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Merciful God, as we come together today we are thankful. Thankful for the many blessings you have given us—blessings of love and grace, blessings of community and belonging, blessings of leaders and people we learn from. Today, Lord, we thank you for pastors—for those we have now and those we have had in the past—those men and women who answered your call to serve you and to serve others. We thank you for their families who become ours. We pray for their strength and vision. We pray that in the midst of life they will not lose sight of you in all that they do.

Lord, even in our blessings we know there are many people and many things that need you. Hear our prayers, O Lord:

(Allow time for silent prayers or petitions)

God, may you move in each of these situations. May your love and grace be present with each person, each family, and in each community. May your Spirit move and your will be done. In Christ name, Amen.

—Drew Hayes

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Most gracious God, we thank you for those who have answered the call to ministry and especially for Cumberland Presbyterian ministers everywhere on this day. We recognize that those who answer this unique call in the life of the church have a large scope of responsibilities. We can only imagine the pressures from the duties of the ministry and their willingness to be witnesses to the gospel both in word and deed.