Prayers for 11/1/98
Call to Worship
Come, let us sing to God; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise with songs of praise!
Invocation
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love. We give you honor and praise for all the good things that you have done. Enter our hearts this beautiful morning as we listen to your word. Join our hands together this morning as we unite in Christian fellowship. Claim us for yourself as we proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Amen.
Welcome
Visitors
Prayer Concerns and Celebrations
Today is a “Day of Celebration” for all the good things God has done for this church. After the dedicated leadership of so many; in particular, Charcoal (Edward Cheng & Jeff Low) for his able and faithful attention on all details, we have been very successful in the stewardship campaign pledges. I am happy to report to you that based on ______ pledges, we have a total of $____________________ pledged. This is exciting and a testimony of your conviction to vital ministry in Chinatown and Sunset and continuing faith in God.
As Mary Lee comes forward to lead us in the “Day of Celebration Litany,” let us stand.
Prayer of God’s People
Dear Father God, we come this day to celebrate and acknowledge in our lives the abundance of life that you have blessed us with. Beyond our own human imagination, you have once again surprised us by the outpouring of generosity of spirit and gifts because we have seen your love present in this church. We dedicate these pledges to your work through us in the world.
Our church, dear God, has remained committed to the challenge of ministry with newcomers in Chinatown. Open our eyes to see our new neighbors. Unclog our ears to listen to the cries and laughter of the children. Slow down our steps to walk with new friends as they learn to survive in America. O God, there is much ministry for us to be about. Guide us in the days ahead to serve you according to your will for us.
In our church family, be with….
We confess, dear God, that at times we question our faith and we wonder if you are truly there. We become busy with so many activities that there is no time to call you name. Come, Holy Spirit, to awaken our awareness. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ, our Savior. You are always present. Your guidance is always available. Teach us in this hour what you would have us do, in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray, Our Father…
Offertory
Remember the words of Jesus Christ, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, help us to be cheerful givers, that in giving we may find joy, and having found joy, go forth to spread it around, that the world might become a more joyful place in which to live. Amen.
The Lord’s Supper
Come to this table, not because you must but because you may;
come to testify not that you are righteous but that you sincerely love our Lord Jesus Christ and desire to be His true disciples.
Come, not because you are strong, but because you are weak;
not because you have any claim on heaven’s rewards, but because in your frailty and sin you stand in constant need of heaven’s mercy and help;
come, not to express an opinion, but to seek a Presence and to pray for a Spirit.
And now that the Supper of the Lord is spread before you, lift up your minds and hearts above all selfish fears and cares.
The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Roger will pray.
In the same way he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Pauline will pray.
Jesus said, “This cup is poured out for the forgiveness of your sins.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Communion Offering–Puerto Rico
Benediction
May the peace, joy, and glory of God which is beyond all understanding keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and in Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.