May God our heavenly parent,
Emmanuel God with us,
and the Holy Spirit God upon us
guide and bless us each day. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
Confession: Vital Congregations
Based on the Seven Marks of a Vital Congregation (Vital Congregations Initiative, PCUSA)
Call to Confession
Missing the mark is another way of saying we’ve sinned. This morning, we recognize how many marks of vitality the church has missed or neglected. Holy Friend and Savior, hear the confession of your church.
Prayer of Confession
Lord Jesus, you call us to lifelong discipleship; instead, we expect programs to transform hearts and minds. You commission us to share your gospel, and we assign that work to a committee. You ask us to turn our attention to neighbors, but we gaze inward, worried about survival. You model servant leadership, yet we fail to develop the spiritual gifts of our members and volunteers. Our worship services can be routine and comfortable, requiring little response. Sometimes, our fellowship resembles a social club, rather than a place for building bridges between people. As a community, we embody unhealthy habits: we gossip, we blur boundaries, we are anxious and reactive. Lord, in your mercy, forgive us. Strengthen our vitality. Move us forward, for your sake and for the sake of the world you love.
(Silent prayers)
Promise of Grace (from Psalm 130)
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
Friends, take heart, for with the Lord, there is steadfast love.
Thanks be to God!
Submitted by Jerie Lukefar, First Presbyterian Church, Fernandina Beach, FL
POP: Psalm 40 Litany
O Lord, we put all our hope in you.
You have leaned down to us
and listened to our cry for help.
You lifted us out of the pit
and set us firmly on solid rock.
You have taught our mouths to sing new songs of praise to you.
Everyone who hears us will be amazed
and learn to trust in you, our God.
What joy for those who learn to put their trust in you!
Lord our God,
you have done such marvelous things for us.
We can’t count your gracious acts for your people.
In place of offerings and sacrifices,
we give you ears to hear
and hearts to receive your instruction.
Help us to tell of your righteousness and your salvation.
Let our words tell your compassion
and our actions express your faithfulness.
Grant forgiveness to those whose past catches up with them
and protection to those who are surrounded by trouble.
Save your people from illness, injury, and death.
Give your comfort to those who mourn
and your healing to those who suffer.
Be especially present with those we have lifted up before you by name…
Let everyone who seeks you
celebrate and rejoice in you.
Let those who love your salvation shout your greatness.
Hear our prayers, faithful God,
in Jesus’ name and for his sake. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
Dedication: Good Samaritan
Holy and Triune God, we find eternal life and security in you, not in the treasure we accumulate. Thank you for your steadfast love and providence. Receive the gifts we return to you today. Help us live as selflessly as the Samaritan, sharing our resources and caring for others because you first cared for us. Amen.
Submitted by Jerie Lukefahr, Commissioned Ruling Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Fernandina Beach, FL
CTW: Why Are You Here?
God asks, “Why are you here?”
Because we need God like a deer needs water.
God asks, “Why are you here?”
Because we want to hear the story of what Jesus has done for us.
God asks, “Why are you here?”
Because we are heirs of God’s promise. Praise be to God!
Submitted by Rev. Will Ryan, First Christian Church, Burlington IA
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