October 25, 1998
Call to Worship
We are guided by God’s laws and statutes.
We benefit from God’s generosity.
Let all the people worship with joy!
Let all whom God has chosen sing together!
Invocation
Glory to your name, Holy God. We rejoice in your wonderful works, in miracles you have caused among us, and in the wealth you have entrusted to our stewardship. You have called us to important work in your vineyard. Wherever we go, we represent your church and interpret your ways to those who observe our words and deeds. Reveal your will to us and may we feel your loving presence here today in Christian worship. We are eager to be transformed by you. In the spirit of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Prayer of the People
Dear Loving and Gracious God. In these quiet moments, away from our busy routines, we seek your presence, glorious God. Our hearts rejoice as we feel touched by your love and care. Throughout the week, there’s been time, O God, that we should have turned to you instead of thinking that we can do it all. Help us to know that you are near and not far, caring and not disinterested, alive and not only a familiar Name. We need you everyday.
Some of us need you today. Guide them to healing and wholeness. Renew them with the hope for a tomorrow. Encourage them to not give up because you have never given up on us.
Loving Creator of this great world you have entrusted us with, let us not be complacent to problems, issues, and crises all around us. When anyone person is down, it is all of our responsibility to help the person to get up. Help us not to be afraid to speak out against injustice. Help us to bring reconciliation and patience to bad situations. Make it possible that you see us as your worthy and faithful servants.
We take time, O Lord, to pray for our church in these days. The enthusiasm and energy to labor together for your kingdom have become contagious because we have trusted you with our lives. We celebrate the good things that have happened because of practicing the disciplines of prayer and fasting. We believe that when we take time to listen to your plans for us, everything will be all right. Be with us tonight as we celebrate the ministries of CBC for all these wonderful years. And you are telling us that you are not yet finished with us because you are asking us to invest in the future of our legacy. Humble us and make us instruments of your peace and witness.
In our family called First Chinese Baptist Church, we pray for the Youth and Young Adult Service, the Sunset worship, and the Chinese-speaking service. May each of these gatherings of your people reflect your love in us as well as the love we have for each other. Make no language, age, culture, or distance separate us from one another and from you, O Lord, who taught us to pray together…
Offertory
God provides generously for all of us. We have found joy in the faith that sustains our spirits. Let us now expand the circle of opportunity as we share what God has promised.
Prayer
Receive our tithes and offerings to your honor and glory, loving God. May fruitful results occur through and beyond our sharing. May we help one another to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Benediction
May Christ dwell in us and among us.
May the faith of the gospel empower us.
May we leave with a grateful heart and with the spirit of one heart and soul. Amen.