Stewardship Sunday

VISUAL ARTS (PARAMENTS, GENERAL DECORATIONS, SPECIFIC DECORATIONS)

Brim: Creative Overflow in Worship Design

Banner Designs for the Church Year

Christian Arts and Crafts

 

 

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CALL TO WORSHIP

—Romans 5:2b-5

Leader:            We boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.

People:           Praise God for this gift of hope. God has indeed done glorious and marvelous things.

Leader:            We boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.

People:           Praise God for being with us in our suffering.

We know that through suffering we have the strength to endure.

Leader:            And endurance produces character.

People:           Praise God for our strength and endurance. Through endurance,

we are molded into who we are—servants of God.

Leader:            And character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us.

People:           Praise God for our character. With character, we have identity which in turn gives us hope.

Leader:            God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given us.

People:           We begin with hope, draw on this hope for endurance and identity, they in turn give us hope.

The circle is complete.

All:                  Praise God for this gift of hope. Alleluia. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Leader: Creator God, you created the heavens and the earth.

People: We thank you, O God, for the heavens and the earth.

Leader: You created the oceans and dry land.

People: We thank you, O God, for the oceans and dry land.

Leader: You created the plants and animals.

People: We thank you, O God, for the plants and animals.

Leader: You created us and called us to be stewards of your creation.

People: We thank you, O God, that you created us. Empower us to be good stewards of what you have entrusted to us.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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─ based on Psalm 24:1 (NIV)

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let us worship the Lord of all creation.

—Denise Adams

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Leader: All that we are is a gift from God.

People: The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,

Leader: All that we have is a gift from God.

People: The world, and those who live in it;

Leader: There are no words to describe the wonders of God’s creation.

People: For God has founded it on the seas,

Leader: Rejoice as we join together in praise for God’s great gifts.

People: God established it on the rivers.

—Christian Smith

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Leader:            Let us gather in thankfulness to God

whose love and covenants endure forever and ever!

People:           Let remember in thankfulness all of the times God has rescued us

even when we were unaware of it.

Leader:            God is calling us together so we may remember our blessings—

past, present and future

People:           God is leading us out of dry and dusty places

to places of life-giving water and peaceful meadows

Leader:            God’s covenants are true and sure, covering us with blessing after blessing.

People:           Thanks be to God for covenants kept and blessings received.

—Sherry Ladd

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—based on Psalm 146

One:    We come to worship a generous and loving God.

All:     Praise the Lord, O my soul!

One:    We will praise the Lord as long as we have breath.

All:     Praise the Lord, O my soul!

One:    Our hope is in our Lord, our God.

All:     Praise the Lord, O my soul!

One:    We give thanks for the gift of all of God’s creation.

All:     Praise the Lord, O my soul!

One:    We give thanks for God’s help in times of need.

All:     Praise the Lord, O my soul!

One:    We give thanks for God’s mercy in times of trouble.

All:     Praise the Lord, O my soul!

One:    We know that God will be with us always.

All:     Praise the Lord, O my soul!

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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One:    For this day set aside to worship you as a gathered faith community,

All:     We give you thanks, O God.

One:    For your desire to have a relationship with us, your children,

All:     We give you thanks, O God.

One:    For your saving grace given to us through the gift of your Son,

All:     We give you thanks, O God.

One:    For your forgiveness that overcomes our guilt and shame,

All:     We give you thanks, O God.

One:    For your caring love that knows no limits,

All:     We give you thanks, O God.

One:    For the joy and blessings of serving you in community,

All:     We give you thanks, O God.

One:    For the promise of eternal life,

All:     We give you thanks, O God.

One:    For all these things and more, we give you thanks, as your grateful people.

All:     Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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INVOCATION

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MUSIC (HYMNS, SONGS, ANTHEMS)

Our God, Our Help in Ages Past (HPSS-210, WC-78, WSH-8)

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (HPSS-379, WC-517, WSH-293)

Live into Hope (HPSS-332)

My Hope is in the Lord (WC-482, WSH-252)

HPSS—Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs

WC—The Worshiping Church: A Hymnal

WSH—Worship and Service Hymnal

Anthem—Gonna Be a Great Day, Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. (2-part w/opt. descant)

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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CALL TO CONFESSION

There is no hope for us on our own. We alone can do nothing. But with God, we have hope if we turn away from our sin and ask God to forgive our unworthiness. Let us turn away from sin and turn to the hope of God. Let us pray.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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God has entrusted all of creation to us. We are to be good stewards of creation. Look around us. We have fallen short of God’s call. Let us pray for God’s forgiveness.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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1 Corinthians 4:2 tells us that a steward is required to be trustworthy, yet we often fail. Caring for creation is a demanding task, and we waste precious resources with little thought. We do not place the proper value on relationships. We do not value our own bodies as a treasure from the Lord. We place little worth on the feelings of others. Let us search our souls and confess our sins to the Lord.

—Denise Adams

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Sinners we are and sinners we will always be, except for the grace of Jesus the Christ. We are told in 1 Corinthians 4:2 that a steward must be found trustworthy. Acknowledging that in our sin we have neglected and rejected gifts that have been provided by God, let us confess our sins together.

—Christian Smith

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God blesses us. We often forget the blessings that are given to us daily. We sometimes withhold blessings to others, forgetting that God calls us to be givers. We complain about what we lack instead of appreciating what we have. God calls us to a higher standard. Let us confess our sins.

—Sherry Ladd

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Together we confess that a generous spirit does not always accompany our acts of giving.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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Ever faithful God, you have called us to love one another. Together we confess that we do not always love one another as we should.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O God, we are lost in a world of hopelessness

Because we have not looked for you—the source of all hope.

We look for hope, but instead find despair.

We harden our hearts, so the pain of others doesn’t affect us.

We look for love, but instead find hatred.

We pretend not to care because it’s easier than dealing with the conflict.

We look for peace, but instead find war.

We busy ourselves with meaningless tasks because we can’t stop the madness.

We look for joy, but instead find sorrow.

We are overwhelmed by hurt and suffering, so we pretend it’s not there.

O God, forgive us for not doing the things we can do

And for doing the things we shouldn’t do.

Forgive us for forgetting you are the source of our hope

Which brings the world love, peace, and joy.

Allow us to be your hope to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Creator God. We have fallen short of your calling to be good stewards of your creation. We ask for your forgiveness. In our asking, we also ask that you teach us to care for the good earth, the birds of the air, the trees and flowers and all of your creation. We want to be good stewards of what you have entrusted to us.  Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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—for our selfish acts

—for not sharing the Gospel

—for hoarding the treasures that you have so freely provided

—for judging others as unworthy of their share

—for taking your generosity for granted.

For all of these, and for our acts of defiance, we ask for your mercy, O Lord. Amen.

—Denise Adams

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God of grace, you have called us to give ourselves completely to you. Yet, we often hold

back part for worldly pursuits.

Lord, in your mercy, forgive us.

You have given us the gift of time. You give us time to serve, time to learn, time to grow, time to share. We spend our time serving self.

Lord, in your mercy, forgive us.

You provide us with opportunity to serve in numerous ways using the talents and abilities we have been given. We tend to hide our gifts.

Lord, in your mercy, forgive us.

You have provided even the least among us with more financial resources than most of the world. We resist sharing because of fear for the future.

Lord, in your mercy, forgive us.

You have provided us with a beautiful creation to enjoy. We take it for granted and abuse this incredible earth.

Lord, in your mercy, forgive us.

—Christian Smith

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God of blessings and abundance, we confess that we often fail to be thankful for everyday blessings and miracles. We forget to show gratitude for having a roof over our heads, knowing where our next meal is coming from, and having a change of clothes. We compare ourselves to others who we perceive to have more, forgetting that many parts of the world would consider us rich. God, help us to be more mindful of the blessings we take for granted. Help us seek ways to share what you have abundantly blessed us with. Amen.

—Sherry Ladd

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God, forgive us. Our efforts to love you with heart, soul, mind, and strength often fall short. Our lack of trust in you hinders our ability to give ourselves completely to you. We stubbornly deny that you know what is best for us. Our mindset of meagerness keeps us from loving our neighbors, and ourselves. Amen.

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God, forgive us. Sometimes our lack of love comes from indifference. At other times, we put ourselves and our desires ahead of others’ needs. And at other times, our lack of love is intentional, founded upon hate or fear. We fail to love because our love for you and trust in you are not complete.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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ASSURANCE OF PARDON

We have no hope? Of course, we have hope. And we have that hope because Jesus Christ died to take away our sins. We have repented, we are forgiven—washed clean by God. Praise God for this all-powerful hope in Jesus Christ. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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God has forgiven. God has not given up on us. We are called to be good stewards. Let us work together to be good stewards of God’s creation. Let us also be good stewards of our time and talents given to us by God.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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The peace of Christ is our assurance that God forgives us for our failures. The Holy Spirit strengthens us for our call, and prepares us for our service to God and to the Body of Christ. Receive the joy and freedom that comes with forgiveness.

—Denise Adams

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While God knows our sin, God also hears our cries. In our sin, God still reaches out to forgive and restore us. Having confessed our sins, rejoice in forgiveness through Christ and live in God’s love.

—Christian Smith

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God has promised to never forsake or leave us. Even when we have sinned, God still claims us as sons and daughters. God can create in us hearts that are giving and full of gratitude. Let go of old ways of thinking that are holding you back from being whom God has called you to be. Through the blood Jesus Christ, we have been redeemed, forgiven, and liberated from all that holds us back from being loving and giving. Thanks be to God.

—Sherry Ladd

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One:  God’s love—shown to us through Jesus—is greater than our shortcomings. The blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purifies our conscience from dead works to worship the living God.

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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One:  God loves us, in spite of our shortcomings. God receives our confessions with a gracious and forgiving heart, restoring and renewing our souls. Let us remember the words of the psalmist, “Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

All: Through the love and mercy of God, we are forgiven. Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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CHILDREN’S SERMON

I’d like to tell you a story that is entitled “Jim’s Special Gift.” “Each one of you is special,” Mrs. Fontes was saying, “God made you one of a kind. Because you are so special and you each have special gifts, we are like the se4rvants Jesus talks about in Matthew. You have a gift, but how it is used depends on you.

“I have listed the names of each person in class and I want you to tell what special gift you think each person has and how that person uses his gift.”

Jim groaned to himself. “Where does Mrs. Fontes get all these ideas? I know about some of the others’ gifts and how they use them, but me—I don’t know anything that’s special about me.”

As the papers were being handed out, Jim looked around anxiously. Steven was struggling with his pencil. Steven was younger than the other students in the Sunday School class at First Church and had a hard time with spelling.

“How do you spell ‘piano’?” ask Steven. Jim told him, grinned at Steven, and then began worrying again. “Ways we are special, and how we share them…” Jim mused. He wondered if he was supposed to include his own name and then decided not to. He just couldn’t think of a single thing that he did especially well.

Jim was on the ball team, but he has just barely made the cut. He sang in the school chorus but was never asked to do a solo and a couple of times had even been asked to sing a little more softly.

“I don’t have any talents, and not much money,” Jim thought.

Jim started to write. It was easy to write about the other friends in his class.

Joey was a good artist. Some of his drawings were on display on the bulletin board. Yes, he had a gift which he shared with the whole church.

Kimberly was a beautiful dancer and had interpreted “The Lord’s Prayer” as part of the worship service a few Sundays ago.

Vicki Jo was a good softball player and had been on the church team at the tournament for the Children’s Home last August.

Eric played the piano, Choung was good at gymnastics, and the list went on. But when Jim thought of himself, he became very discouraged.

Manual dropped his pencil and it rolled under Jim’s chair. As Jim handed it back to Manuel, he looked at Manuel’s paper and whispered, “Hey Manuel, your paper really looks neat. You have learned to print well this year.” Jim then went back to the job of listing the gifts of others. He wanted to put down that Jenny was pretty, but he knew the other kids would laugh and tease and he decided not to do that.

“Time!” said Mrs. Fontes, and she began to collect the papers.

Jim wanted to slip out the door. Others had shared their gifts, but he had nothing. He was a nobody. He felt so embarrassed he could feel his cheeks getting hot.

Mrs. Fontes took the names from the papers one at a time, going through the comments about each person. Most of the comments were about the same. Chemica could act. William could run fast. Ashley could tell good stories. Then Mrs. Fontes got to Jim’s name. Jim wanted to hide under his chair. There was nothing really good to say about him, he thought.

“Jim is friendly,” Mrs. Fontes read. “Jim told me how to spell ‘piano.”

“Jim encourages us. He didn’t yell at me when I missed that easy fly ball, but just grinned and told me I would do better next game.”

“Jim helped me last Sunday when I was lighting the candles and the one in the middle didn’t light. He didn’t just let me stand up there feeling dumb.”

“Jim shares his family with me. He doesn’t get mad when his dad plays pitch with me, too.”

“Jim is my friend.”

The list when on. “You see,” Mrs. Fontes said, “Our gifts come in all kinds of ways, and very few of them are the same. God gives only good gifts to us. Sometimes it is a talent that everyone can see and sometimes it is a quality that helps us be happy and make others feel good about themselves. We should thank God for these gifts.”

Let us pray: Dear God, thank you for our special gifts. Teach us how to use them. Amen.

—Pat Parsons

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Matthew 5:13-15 (ESV) says “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.”

We have a really great gift to give the world. We have the GOOD NEWS!

There are a lot of people in this world that do not know who Jesus is. They don’t know that Jesus is God’s son. That means they are “in the dark.”

Have you ever been in a really dark place when you didn’t see any light coming in? Maybe your lights went out in a storm? Or maybe you visited a cave? Or maybe you went to a basement? Or maybe you went hunting or fishing at night?

How did it feel?  (Scary, frightening, lonely)

Now, what if you had a flashlight? Even a small flashlight can light up a whole room. A tiny night light lets us see a lot of things in a dark room at night, doesn’t it? Even if only ONE person in a dark room turns on a flashlight, EVERYONE in the room can see.

Well, that is like us having the Good News when someone else doesn’t. If they have never known God, they are in the dark. And, those of us who have the Good News are supposed to share it with them. Just like a person with a flashlight shares their light by turning it on, we share the Good News by talking to people about Jesus.

So, one of the gifts God has given you is the gift of the Gospel—the Good News of Jesus. Since you have this wonderful gift you need to share it so your friends can have it too. That way they will not be in the dark about who Jesus is.

—Denise Adams

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PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Open our ears and our minds to hear your message for us today. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Almighty God open our ears so we may hear your word. Open our hearts so we may understand your word. Open our hands and give us strength to respond to your word. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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The truth we are waiting to hear is the greatest treasure we can receive. Help us Lord, to listen to the word with eager ears, open minds, and hearts ready to receive instructions. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

—Denise Adams

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God, one of the great gifts that you have shared with us is your word. Open our hearts and minds as the scriptures are read and the message is proclaimed. Help us to hear with anticipation what you have to say and give us a sense of urgency to share it with others. Amen.

—Christian Smith

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God, giver of all good things, who even gave your own son so that we may have everlasting life, we seek to be generous givers with joyful hearts. Please put in our hearts the compassion that enables us to be givers. Help us realize we are only temporary stewards of what we possess, that our true riches are yet to come. Open our eyes to the message of mercy and loving kindness throughout your scriptures. Amen.

—Sherry Ladd

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Almighty God, your word is a treasure of wisdom and knowledge. Help us to hear the word, keep the word, and teach the word. Let it be as clear to us as if we are wearing it on our hands, writing it on our foreheads, and displaying it on our doorposts. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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Loving and gracious God, you are always ready to guide your children through the workings of the Holy Spirit, if we only ask. Help us to approach you with the zeal and enthusiasm of Zacchaeus. Assure us that though our search for your guidance may seem as unclear as looking for you through the branches and leaves of a sycamore tree, if we are attentive, we will hear your voice. Help us to listen and respond. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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SCRIPTURE TEXTS/SERMON IDEAS

• Romans 5:2b-5—We as stewards are given the hope of God through the Holy Spirit to act in ways that, in turn, give hope to others. We recognize Jesus Christ came to our world to be the hope for us—to be our savior, our teacher, our example.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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• Genesis: 1 & 2

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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• Various passages from 1 Samuel 1 & 2

Samuel’s mother Hannah petitions the Lord for a son. When God provides her the long awaited son, Hannah responds to this wonderful gift that she received by giving her son to the Lord, in service to the temple. Hannah’s gratitude is an example of how we should respond to the gifts we have received from the Lord. Each gift is to be dedicated to the Lord and used for the uplifting of the Body of Christ.

• 1 Peter 4:10

Our gifts are different. One is not superior to another. They each make us uniquely qualified for service in the Body of Christ. At almost any church potluck you can see many different gifts in full view. Some cook, some clean, some greet new guests, some sit with the often overlooked elderly, some wrangle kids—keeping them entertained and out of the sanctuary, some notice maintenance issues in the fellowship hall and plan for repairs, some discuss the next fellowship event. For those who wash dishes nearly every potluck, it may seem like no one else is really doing much, but the guys who are sitting at the table for an hour drinking coffee and the lady talking to the visitor may have the most important jobs of the afternoon. It may look “unproductive” to the overly busy person, but it may a lifeline to those receiving attention. Each gift is vital, even if it is scrubbing toilets or maintaining the lawn. Every gift is a vital.

—Denise Adams

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• Genesis 1:26-30

God has given us everything that we need to live a full life. We have been entrusted with the care of God’s creation and the gifts that God has provided.

• Psalm 24

The King of glory made us and cares for us. Blessings can be received if we trust in God and if we care for the gifts that God has provided.

• Matthew 25:31-46

This is one of the most used stewardship passages because it is also one of the most powerful. While we care for those in need we also care for Christ. Those who follow Christ will have the desire to care for the poor, abused, and disenfranchised.

• 1 Timothy 6:6-19

God has provided us with all that we need to be happy. Instead of seeking more “things,” we are urged to pursue the things of God, including being generous and willing to share in order to find a full life.

—Christian Smith

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• Love, Trust, and Generosity
• Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Deuteronomy—in the Greek, second law—is a record of Moses’ last words to the Israelites before his death. It combines an account of their 40-year sojourn in the wilderness, a reiteration and expansion of the commandments, and exhortations for living in the Promised Land. In the beginning of chapter 6, Moses underscores remembering, keeping, and teaching these commandments. Jesus references this summary during his ministry: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (v. 5, NRSV).

During the previous four decades, Moses and the Israelites learned out of necessity to trust God for their every need. How would that play out in this new land flowing with milk and honey? Moses may have anticipated what was ahead, and began building a bridge of connection between love and trust. In this new land—whatever the circumstances—trust God as you have done in the past, and love God with all your being.

• Psalm 146 We find this connection between love and trust in Psalm 146, in which the psalmist writes about praising and trusting God. God is worthy of trust as one who keeps faith forever, executes justice for the oppressed, and gives food to the hungry (v. 6-7, NRSV).
• Ruth 1:1-8 The story of Ruth is one of love and trust. Her husband’s family left the familiar and traveled to Ruth’s homeland in search of sustenance. By the time the famine ended, only one of them—Ruth’s mother-in-law—remained. Ruth’s deep love for her was evident, as she insisted on staying with her even when faced with a sharp, bitter rebuke. This love was a bridge to Ruth’s trust of her mother-in-law and her willingness to go with her to places unknown.
• Mark 12:28-34 When asked to name the greatest commandment, Jesus gave a two-part answer, citing what we know as Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 (although his list of how we should love God is slightly different). These commandments, he said, are more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices.

What is Jesus asking of us, and how do we connect these commands to generosity? We begin with a giving of ourselves when we love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. We can accomplish this self-giving only when we trust that God knows what is best for us. A generous spirit receives God’s blessings with joy and gratitude, creating in us the ability to love our neighbor as ourselves.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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Generous Hearts

This week’s scripture texts tease out generosity as a matter of the heart. The Old Testament, Psalm, and New Testament passages give us illustrations of God’s generous heart. God’s gracious redemption is available when our faithfulness falls short, our guilt overwhelms us, and our circumstances seem to limit us. The Epistle reading inspires us to support each other in our faith communities with love and prayer so that together we can be generous witnesses for Christ.

In our efforts to please God, we sometimes forget that God knows us intimately in ways we cannot begin to imagine. God’s understanding and generous care for us are unfathomable and immeasurable. In response to this love, our giving should be more than an assumed, routine act of the weekly worship service: it should represent our heartfelt gratitude to God and our deep love for those within and beyond our church family.

• Isaiah 1:10-18

This passage in some ways parallels 1 Corinthians 13:3—“If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” Isaiah makes it clear that going through the motions of making a sacrifice is not what God is looking for regarding righteousness and faithfulness. The people of God are to cease to do evil and learn to do good, with four specific do-good activities listed in verses 16 and 17. Note that these are all relationship-based: fulfilling God’s mission requires getting involved.

Yet for all this harsh dialog, this passage ends with an invitation and finally with the greatest of invitations. God continues to reach out to God’s people: “Come, let’s consider your options,” and finally, “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool.” (v. 18, NET)

• Psalm 32:1-7

The act of redemption is evident in this Old Testament passage. The psalmist notes the folly of harboring guilt rather than making confession.

In verse 6, the psalmist encourages the godly to “pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment” (NLT). Even in times when we feel we least deserve it, God is ready to provide comfort and deliverance. Those who have an ongoing relationship with God—sharing deeply with their creator and redeemer both the successes and failures of life—will not be disappointed.

• Luke 19:1-10

Zacchaeus did not let his reputation dampen his desire to see Jesus. His enthusiasm suggests he was anticipating a transformational moment just from the opportunity to simply get a glimpse of him.

Zacchaeus was not disappointed. Not only did Jesus pass by, but he sought Zacchaeus out within the leaves and branches of the sycamore tree. Jesus called Zacchaeus to join him, not for just a moment but for a meaningful portion of time.

We do not know if Zacchaeus’ declaration to Jesus about rectifying his unjust financial dealings was influenced by the negative response of the crowd and an attempt to assure Jesus that he was worthy of providing hospitality. Jesus’ public response indicates that Zacchaeus was sincere about his change of heart and was a witness of God’s love to those that society might name despicable.

• 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

Paul, Silas, and Timothy bookend the first chapter of 2 Thessalonians with examples for faith communities. They note that they give thanks for the Thessalonians at all times, and commend them for their faithfulness even in the midst of persecution and suffering. Verses 11 and 12 continue their prayer with petitions for the Thessalonians to remain steadfast and to grow in their faith. They encourage the Thessalonians to share their desire that in all things Christ is glorified.

Faith communities can be the sweet spots where loving relationships and generosity meet. Our biological and faith families are the most significant influencers of our understanding and practice of generosity. Congregations large and small can nurture a variety of loving relationships with creativity and imagination.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

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SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS (VIDEOS, TAPED SONGS)

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

God of hope, we come to you as part of a hopeless world longing for a reason to be.

We read the newspapers and watch the news

And ask ourselves: “Where is the world’s hope?

We see children and adults wandering the streets in search of their daily needs

And they ask: “Where is the needy person’s hope?”

We travel to our jobs knowing our Christian example is ignored by others,

Or hidden by ourselves, and we ask: “Where is our hope?”

We search our minds for sources of hope only to find one—

In our personal lives, our work, our communities, in our world…

You, O God, are our hope.

Hope of the world give us your strength.

Enable us to be your hope to those around us:

Our children need our love and wisdom to face the world’s temptations.

Our spouses and parents need our support and comfort to face the world’s concerns.

Our church needs our time, money, and efforts to face the world’s needs.

In all things, let your hope shine through us.

God of our hope give us your hope.

Renew our spiritual lives with the hope of your never-ending grace.

Recreate our Christian witness as we work and play every day.

Reuse us to bring your hope to those who need to see

That you love them enough to clothe, feed, shelter, and embrace them.

Refresh our world blowing your Spirit of Hope

Through people and events so they may speak

As the voice of God to a hurting and hopeless world.

We ask these things in the name of the Hope

Who came down to earth for us—Jesus Christ. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

…

O God, we come to you a troubled people. You have called us to be good stewards and we have failed to care for all of creation. Teach us, empower us, to be good stewards, whereby future generations can enjoy the abundance of creation that you have entrusted to us.

So many people are ill and fighting disease. Touch them, relieve their misery, heal them and make them whole.

Many people are struggling just to make it through this day. Be with them during their time of need. May your presence give them peace and comfort.

God of peace, there is so much unrest throughout our world. Help us to understand those who are different. Let us celebrate our differences while respecting one another. May we work for peace in our streets and throughout the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

…

God of hope, there are many in our midst and in our community who are hurting. There are those in our midst and in our community who are suffering from physical ailments. There are those who are suffering from loss of loved ones. There are those who are suffering from mental, spiritual, and emotional distress. There are those who are having marital issues or family problems or loneliness. There are those who are suffering from financial difficulties or job problems. There are those who are suffering in so many other ways.

The world seems to offer little hope. The world often offers us more pain and heartache. Meanwhile, you offer hope. You offer us joy. You have provided us with a multitude of resources. Give us the guidance to use those resources in order to share your hope with those in need. Help us to give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcome to the stranger, clothes to the naked, and care to the sick and imprisoned so that through the gifts you have provided we may bring your joy to the world. Amen.

—Christian Smith

…

God, in your mercy and wisdom, hear our prayers. Jesus taught us the power of and beauty in prayer.  Therefore we pray:

• For the universal church, realizing we are all connected through your son, Jesus Christ.
• For our family of faith in this congregation, that we may grow together in love and faith.
• For our care of this wonderful earth you have provided for us; may we be good stewards.
• For the leaders and governments around the world; may they enact justice and mercy.
• For those who feel there is no hope; may hope take root in their hearts.
• For those who are poor and oppressed; may justice and mercy enter their lives.
• For those who are suffering and grieving; may they be comforted.
• For those who are sick in mind and body; may they be healed.

(Other needs may be listed here)

 We are assured that we are led by the Holy Spirit as we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ our Savior. Thank you for upholding your end of the covenant as we learn to live the way of Christ. May we be just and merciful as we practice the way of compassion and love. Amen.

—Sherry Ladd

…

With all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, let us draw near to the throne of grace with our praise and petitions to the Lord, as we pray together for our world:

All: Generous God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the church.

Almighty God, we give thanks for the gift of the body of Christ—a tapestry of believers from every nation and tribe on this terrestrial ball. We pray for grace and insight to celebrate our commonality and for pardon when we choose to focus on our differences. We pray for protection for those who face persecution. We pray for sustenance for those who are suffering. And we pray for forgiveness for those who are complacent.

(time for silent prayer)

All: Generous God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for creation.

Creator God, we give thanks for our world and its abundance beyond measure. We pray for insight as we fulfill our responsibilities as its caretakers and for pardon for times when we have taken these blessings for granted. We pray for protection for all living things that are endangered. We pray for comfort for all living things that are suffering. And we pray for forgiveness for those who callously disregard their responsibility to our earthly home.

(time for silent prayer)

All: Generous God, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for this community.

Loving God, we give thanks for the gift of communities—rural villages, suburban neighborhoods, city blocks. We pray for tender hearts as we interact with our neighbors and for pardon for times when we have passed by those in need. We pray for protection for those in our community who are threatened. We pray for comfort for those in our community who are suffering. And we pray for forgiveness for those who seek to tear down our community instead of building it up.

(time for silent prayer)

All: Generous God, hear our prayer.

 Let us pray for all families and those who live alone.

Compassionate God, we give thanks for the gift of families and for the cycle of life. We pray for sensitivity and understanding as we interact with our families and pardon for times when we have excluded those in need of love. We pray for protection for those in our families who face danger. We pray for comfort for those who are experiencing difficult family situations. And we pray for forgiveness for those who have caused sorrow to families through their words and deeds.

(time for silent prayer)

All: Generous God, hear our prayer.

Patient God, we entrust our prayers to you. Give us insight to understand your leading and guidance as you answer our prayers. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

…

One:  Let us draw near to the throne of grace with our praise and petitions to the Lord, as we pray together for our world:

All: God of generosity, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for the church.

Almighty God, we give thanks for the gift of the body of Christ. We pray for all Christians, that their faith will continue to grow and that they will remain steadfast in their love for you and service to you. We pray that through your church, your name will be glorified.

(silent prayer)

All: God of authority, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for creation.

Creator God, we give thanks for our world and its abundance beyond measure. We pray for guidance as we fulfill our responsibilities as its caretakers. We seek justice for the wounded and broken places. Help us to be channels of your loving care for this great gift.

(silent prayer)

All: God of justice, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for this community.

Loving God, we give thanks for the gift of communities—rural villages, suburban neighborhoods, city blocks. We pray for your guidance and insights as we witness to the community in which we live. We pray for willing and loving hearts as we interact with our neighbors. Help us to cease to do evil and learn to do good. Help us to rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow.

(silent prayer)

All: God of compassion, hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all families and those who live alone.

Gracious God, we give thanks for the gift of families and for the cycle of life. We pray for those who are in strained and challenging relationships. We pray for those who struggle for acceptance. We pray for those who suffer in silence with burdens of shame and guilt. Help us to be ready to offer the healing balm of love and grace to those who are hurting as a bridge to you and your comfort and forgiveness.

(silent prayer)

All: God of wholeness, hear our prayer.

Patient God, we entrust our prayers to you. Give us insight to understand your leading and guidance as you answer our prayers. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

…

…

LITANY

Leader:    Let us pray:

People: Hope of the world, we rejoice

Because you bring hope to our lives.

Leader:   You give us life and through our abilities, we share our lives.

You gave Moses the gift of leadership, Miriam the gift of joy.

You gave Mary Magdalene the gift of service, Paul the gift of evangelism.

In our lives today, you give us many different gifts.

People: Hope of the world, we rejoice

Because you bring hope to our lives.

Leader:   You give us history and through mighty acts we learn to be your people.

You led your people out of slavery in Egypt

Into a land flowing with milk and honey.

You led a band of fisherfolk and tax collectors to the cross

And beyond to resurrection.

In our lives today, you lead us into new ways

Of being who you want us to be.

People: Hope of the world, we rejoice

Because you bring hope to our lives.

Leader:   You give us creation and through it let us feel your presence everywhere.

You created green pastures that restored the psalmist’s soul.

You gave fishes and loaves as a bounty from above.

In our lives today, you give us food to eat, vegetation to enjoy

And animals with which to live peaceably.

People: Hope of the world, we rejoice

Because you bring hope to our lives.

Leader:   You give us relationships and through them

Ways to see you in other’s faces.

You let Jacob back to his brother asking for forgiveness

That was already present.

You called the Samaritan woman to the well

Where she received new life springing from the source of life.

In our lives today, you give us people with which to relate in caring ways

In order that we might feel your love in our lives.

 People: Hope of the world, we rejoice

Because you bring hope to our lives.

Leader:   You give us a mission and the resources with which

To accomplish that mission.

You gave Esther the strength and wisdom to save her people,

So they could continue to praise and serve you.

You called on your son Jesus Christ and he answered your call

To a service and mission in the world, even unto death.

In our lives today, you call us to mission

And give us the resources we need for the task at hand.

All:         Hope of the world, we rejoice

Because you bring hope to our lives. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

…

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

Have an anchor, the Christian symbol for hope, placed on the altar. Ask people bring their own signs of hope in the world today to the altar as well as their pledge cards to the church. It is important for all people to participate even if a pledge card is left blank or if a commitment is unspoken. The coming forth is itself a sign and reminder of commitment to God.

Ask two young people and two children to finish the sentence “I see hope in God’s world when….” Give them several weeks prior to the service to write a paragraph beginning in this way. If the children are small, ask their parents to write down their thoughts, but encourage them to simply record their children’s answers without editing. Small children can then give their own response during the service with little or no prompting.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

…

All that we have belongs to God. We are called to be good stewards. May we give back to God what has been given to us; not only financial resources but also our time and talents. God uses our offerings to make this a better world in which to live. Let us commit ourselves, giving ourselves to God.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

…

Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit humankind is prone to selfishness. It is easy to spend unwisely on our own desires. The result is often guilt and regret. But when we give freely of our resources, our hearts are open to the sheer joy of being a part of God’s plan for humanity. It is God’s desire for all to have enough.

As you gratefully return your tithe to the Lord today, also consider other ways you can contribute to God’s kingdom.

—Denise Adams

…

Prior to worship ask for volunteers to read the short phrases as the offering plate is passed. When it reaches the reader, they should first pass the plate to the next person. Then, stand up just long enough to say their line. And be seated again.

Leaders: Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit humankind is prone to selfishness. It is easy to spend unwisely on our own desires. The result is often guilt and regret. But when we give freely of our resources, our hearts are open to the sheer joy of being a part of God’s plan for humanity. It is God’s desire for all to have enough.

As you gratefully return your tithe to the Lord today, also consider other ways you can contribute to God’s kingdom.

Speaker 1) Help us to share our time and energy.

Speaker 2) Help us to share our heritage and our family experiences.

Speaker 3) Help us to show our love and our concern for each other.

Speaker 4) Help us to care for creation and protect our natural resources.

Speaker 5) Help us to use our skills and abilities in service to the Church and to one another.

Leader:   Our blessings are multiplied when we share them and use them properly. Our lives are enriched when our gifts are recognized and utilized.

—Denise Adams

…

Luke 12:48 reminds us “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” Let us be faithful stewards of the time, talent, and money that God has provided.

—Christian Smith

…

We live in an abundant universe that God has generously created for all our needs.  How do we help create the mercy and justice that God asks of us?  Through generously offering our time, talents, and resources. Let us continue to worship God through our giving recognizing that we are thankful for all the ways we have been blessed.

—Sherry Ladd

…

God calls us to love with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our offerings are a symbol of that commitment and one of our contributions to our congregation’s witness in our neighborhood, in our region, and in our world. You are invited to give generously.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

…

As the beloved children of God, we should aspire to possess a gracious and generous heart. This is the most important thing we can claim to own. Everything we have is a gift from God. What we share of those gifts with the community is a witness to our generous hearts. Will those in our neighborhood, in our region, and in our world know of our gracious and generous hearts? Now is your opportunity to give.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

…

OFFERTORY PRAYER

O God, we ask that these gifts bring hope to a world in need of much hope. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

…

Gracious God you have richly blessed us in so many ways, and we give you thanks, especially for your son, Jesus Christ. We give back to you what you have entrusted to us. We also commit ourselves to you. Use our offerings to spread your message of love for one another and for all of creation. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

…

Lord, giver of all great gifts, bless this offering to the glory of your kingdom. And bless your people, who give out of the love you have set in their hearts. Amen.

—Denise Adams

…

Loving God, you have given us life and freedom. Everything we have and everything that we are is a gift from you. You call us to be stewards of this gift. As caretakers of all that you have provided, we give back now. We dedicate these gifts to you. Bless these tithes and offerings. Help us to always use your gifts wisely. Lead us as we share them generously with others. Help our faithful stewardship to show Christ to others. We pray these things in the name of our Messiah, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

—Christian Smith

…

God, thank you for all the blessings we receive. Open our eyes to the ways in which we are blessed on a daily basis. God, help to bring about mercy and justice through our giving. We ask that you direct us in ways of mercy and justice. Amen.

—Sherry Ladd

…

Gracious and loving God, as a community of faith we share these gifts. We pray that you will bless them, and bless us, as we are the hands of Christ that build your kingdom. We pray that they will bring honor and glory to you as we work together in love. We pray that they will bring comfort and blessing to the needy and oppressed. And we pray that they will be a light to guide all to a closer relationship with you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

…

Gracious and loving God, as a community of faith we share these gifts. We pray that you will bless them, and that they will promote justice, give the oppressed reason to celebrate, give comfort to the orphan, and defend the rights of the widow. And help us to remember that our offerings to you do not end with this moment. They are a symbol that all we have, all that we do, and all that we are should be gifts for your glory and our neighbors’ good. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

…

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

“Canto de Esperanza” (Song of Hope), (HPPS-432) is appropriate for a choral benediction.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

…

In the name of God, go forth and be good stewards. Love one another and all of creation, caring for one another and being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.  Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

…

Seek first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness,

and all good things will be given to you.

And as we have received gifts in abundance,

we are sent into the world:

to our homes; to workplaces; to our schools; and social circles

to share from the abundance we have received.

We are now prepared to go and serve the Lord and make a difference in our community.

Go in peace.

—Denise Adams

…

May the Lord bless you and keep you as you go from this place to share the gifts that you have been given with a world in need. Amen.

—Christian Smith

…

Leader:            Go forth with love and compassion in our hearts.

Give praise to God by seeking mercy and justice for all.

People:           Praise be to God who is merciful and loving.

We honor God by being merciful and loving.

Leader:            Go forth thanking God for the blessings of clear waters.

Give praise to the creator of the universe.

People:           We praise God by ensuring clear water for everyone.

We praise God by seeking the higher good for all.

Leader:            God’s presence will be with us wherever we go.

God inspires us to live with open hearts and open minds.

People:           God’s presence enables us to live life generously.

We know God inspires us to be just and merciful.

Leader:            Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.

—Sherry Ladd

…

Go now into God’s world,

ready and willing to be loving, trusting, and generous people.

Go with the assurance that God’s Spirit is within you,

making it evident that you are a child of God

who cares for all of God’s children and desires to bring them to Christ. Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

…

Go now into God’s world, with the assurance that you are not alone! God is with you, touching your heart with mercy. Your community of faith is with you, filling your heart with encouragement. May your thoughts and deeds be a generous witness to all of God’s children, drawing them near to God’s love and grace. Amen.

—Marcia Shetler, Director of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center

…

OTHER HELPS (COMMISSION, COMMUNION, BLESSINGS)