Call to Worship
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations. Ps. 100
Invocation
Generous God, you are present in all times and places; capture our attention in this time and place. Open our eyes to see the wonders you provide. Open our ears to hear your commandments and teachings. Open our hearts to care deeply about people in need, whatever that need might be. Awaken our generosity and sense of justice, that we may be inspired to helpful action. Open our mouths to shout and sing together for joy, sharing the good news of salvation. Amen.
Prayer of God’s People
Dear Gracious and Loving Father God, we come today praising you for the plenty and abundance that we have. You have blessed us beyond our basic needs. We confess that in our blessings come responsibilities that we frequently overlook. We realize that we need to do more than we have in providing care and food for the poor. We know that there are laws and systems that prevent some people from helping themselves. O God, challenge us to reform these laws to bring more equity and more assistance to our community. Forgive us, dear God, and continue to make us instruments of your love and peace.
In this holiday season, we yearn to know you better. As our activities are filled with the thoughts about Thanksgiving and Christmas, we pray that we will allow you to enter into our busy lives. As we gather in many different groups during this coming week, may we sense your presence evident among us so that we are filled with the Holy Spirit and that others will know your love and mercies. Grant safety for the many travelers who will be visiting families and friends this week.
We pray for wholeness and healing in our lives. There are times when we need to bring our cares and troubles to you. Enable us to trust you with our lives for all good things do come from you. We pray for Casey Chan who was hurt with a head injury and be with Wil, Linda, and Josh as they went through those days of worry and concern. We also celebrate Casey’s recovery and that he is well again. We pray for Gary Chong who had successful back surgery and that he can be back in full health again. Be with Anne Lee as she is recovering from recent surgery. May these days bring encouragement and comfort. We pray for…
Dear God, continue to lead our church into vital and effective ministries. Bless our Sunset sisters and brothers as they reach out into their neighborhood to share the love of Christ. Shower you gifts onto the Chinese-speaking members so that they may grow in discipleship and service. And utilize the creativity and passions for ministry that we have in this room as we bear our Christian faith and love to all people. We pray for the dedication of pledges that we will commit to our ministry in Christ’s name next year. May our faith in your miracles continue to empower us toward sacrificial giving and service. In the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together… Our Father,…
Offertory
Our generous offerings are a fitting response to a generous God, who has provided to us abundance, so many blessings. We are reminded that those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, and those who sow bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let us be joyous givers.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, receive these offerings as a joyous expression of our gratitude to the rich blessings that we received. We offer these 1999 pledges to you as our support for the faithful and evangelistic ministries of our church to make a difference in the world. Our hearts overflow with thanksgiving to you. In the name of Jesus Christ whom we are thankful for our eternal life, we pray. Amen.
Benediction
Go on your way, traveling by God’s way.
Your trust in God is making you whole.
Be as generous with others as God is generous with you.
Share your abundant blessings with all in need.
Share the gospel through your ministry of thanksgiving.
Sustain your fellow saints with gifts and prayers. Amen.