This Sunday we are celebrating the work of our little church and encouraging people to step forward and serve according to their gifts and passions. Here are some of the worship pieces we will be using:

–One of my favorite calls to worship from Ann B. Day, which you can find here.

–A hymn I wrote with another church member, which is here.

–This prayer of thanksgiving (adapted from an earlier post):

Dear God, giver of life, for each and every part of this church body
We give you thanks.
For those who teach and those who learn. For those who speak and those who listen.
We thank you Jesus, holy teacher.
For those who lead and those who follow. For those working up front and those working in the background.
We give you thanks, O Spirit who enables all work.
For those who share gifts of writing, drawing, sewing, cooking, singing, playing instruments, gardening, and all spirit-filled creative endeavors
We thank you, our Creator God.
For those who share gifts of administration, organization, planning, visioning, coordinating, hospitality, wisdom, discernment, faith, knowledge and all godly attributes necessary to the well being of this body
We give you thanks, O Word of light.
For those who give their time and money; who do what needs done: moving chairs, fixing toilets, caring for children, conducting worship, distributing mail, making phone calls, paying bills,
We thank you, the Giver of all Good things.
For those who share your love and care with others by praying, smiling, hugging, baking, laughing, reaching out and settling in,
We give you thanks, Holy Spirit, our bond of unity.
We thank you for each part of Peace Mennonite church, and we thank you for your power and grace that forms the parts into something more than we could ever be on our own–participants in the Body of Christ.
Amen

–This prayer of confession & assurance of pardon (opening line from 1 Peter 4:10):

Holy One,
We long to be faithful stewards of your abundant grace.
To serve each other in love and humility.
To serve your world with wisdom and energy.
Forgive us when we stumble over pride,
when our words and actions are not guided by love.
Turn our hearts when we act in folly.
Restore our energy when it is gone.
Sometimes, many times, O God, our efforts fail.
But your abundant grace is strong and eternal,
And forgiveness is ours through Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Amen.

–And this offertory prayer:

God, whose giving knows no ending,
we offer up the treasure that you have entrusted to us;
we offer up the skills and time that you have graciously given to us;
we offer up ourselves in service and praise.
Receive these gifts by your grace.
Multiply and use them through the power of the Holy Spirit
to accomplish Christ’s work of love in the world. Amen.

*As always, you are welcome to use these pieces in your own worship setting. Attribution is appreciated.