Ordinary Time
VISUAL ARTS (PARAMENTS, GENERAL DECORATIONS, SPECIFIC DECORATIONS)
Brim: Creative Overflow in Worship Design
Banner Designs for the Church Year
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CALL TO WORSHIP
This is the place and this is the time; here and now God waits to break into our experience.
To change our minds, To change our lives, To change our ways.
To make us see the world and the whole of life in a new light.
To fill us with hope, with joy and certainty for the future.
This is the place, as are all places; this is the time, as are all times.
Here and now let us praise God.
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INVOCATION
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MUSIC (HYMNS, SONGS, ANTHEMS)
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CALL TO CONFESSION
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PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, Great Giver of precious gifts, we confess that when you give us rain and wind, we fuss because our hair gets mussed and our shoes get muddy; when you give us work to do, we complain that it is too much and we are tired; when you give us responsibility and challenge, we whine because we think you are demanding too much of us; when you give us permission to take care of your earth, we assume it is ours, consume its resources, then wonder why there are no trees, no birds, no water. O God, teach us how to be grateful recipients of whatever gifts you choose for us; and to be good stewards of the treasures you place in our care. Amen.
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God, as you know, we are not saints. But with your help, we are far from ordinary. Help us to learn from you as every day you gently guide us, teach us…and even when we stray from the path, we know you will be there to set us straight. God, we just hope that your love for everyone can help us remember that, no matter what happens, we will stay calm, not prejudge. When we follow our hearts, we find you. Thank you for everything you give us every day. We love you, God, more and more each day. Amen.
—Faith CPC youth, Bartlett, Tennessee
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ASSURANCE OF PARDON
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CHILDREN’S SERMON
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PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
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SCRIPTURE TEXTS/SERMON IDEAS
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SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS (VIDEOS, TAPED SONGS)
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
LITANY
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
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INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
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OFFERTORY PRAYER
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CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
Possessed of a vision of a greater world than we have known,
Let us go out to live prophetically,
Dreaming the dreams of a future in keeping with God’s will.
Let us live with faith, and courage, and commitment,
Lives of integrity and power that will bring those dreams alive.
Amen.
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OTHER HELPS (COMMISSION, COMMUNION, BLESSINGS)
Commissioning of Vacation Bible School Teachers and Leaders
Pastor/Elder: God gave each one of us gifts to carry on the work. Romans 12:5-8 states,
“So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t. If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.”
Some are called to teach at Vacation Bible School.
Teachers/Leaders: Thank You, God, for the gifts you give us all.
Pastor/Elder: We have many opportunities to share the saving grace of Jesus Christ. May our VBS be an opportunity to reach out to each child in love.
Teachers/Leaders: Thank You, God, for opportunities to share.
Chairperson or Superintendent: The Bible is the text we use, and it teaches that each of us is a member of the body of Christ and that we each have unique gifts and talents for service within that body.
Teachers/Leaders: Thank You, God, for your word.
Pastor/Elder: As teachers and leaders at VBS this year, we have a great responsibility to reach those coming to us and to guide them in the study of God’s word, teaching them to apply the teachings of the scripture in their daily walk.
Teachers/Leaders: We accept this responsibility and commit to be faithful in it.
Pastor/Elder: Let us pray. Dear God, we praise you for the ministry you have placed in front of us, for the children who will enter our doors in the coming week, for the lessons you have placed on our hearts and those who have answered your call to teach them. Thank you for this call, these gifts, and your direction in serving you and your people. Amen.