This week I’m working with the Gospel lectionary reading, Matthew 14:13-21–the feeding of the 5,000+.  We will be talking about the abundance of God, which also ties in nicely with the Isaiah 55 reading.  Here are a couple of pieces I have written for Sunday’s worship:

Call to Worship

Come, all you who are thirsty!
Come, all you who are hungry!
Come to the waters.
Come to the hillside.
Buy wine and milk, without money and without cost.
Take these fish and these loaves–take as much as you want.
We know the rain comes down from heaven, making the earth bud and flourish.
We have heard that all ate and were filled–5,000 men, plus women and children.
Come, all of you who fear there is not enough.
Come and know the abundance of our God!

Assurance of Pardon or Benediction

Our God is a God of abundance! Where we have been wounded, God holds and heals us as a loving parent. Where we have sinned, God grants forgiveness through Christ Jesus. Where we are called to give more than we think we have, God empowers and sustains us through the Holy Spirit. May the abundant healing, grace, and power of God be alive in you, now and forevermore. Amen.

You can also find some good worship liturgies at the Worship Offerings blog.

And finally, a quote from one of my favorite poets, Mary Oliver.  This is from a longer poem titled “Six Recognitions of the Lord,” from her book Thirst:

. . . in summer there is
everywhere the luminous sprawl of gifts,
the hospitality of the Lord . . .