Receive the gifts we offer, O God.
Receive the gift of our lives – from the smallest to the largest.
Bless them all to your transforming work in the world. Amen.
Submitted by Stephanie Anthony, pastor at First Presbyterian Church (Hudson, WI)
Anytime
assurance: faithful still
Hearing God’s Forgiveness – Adapted from the PC(USA) Brief Statement of Faith
L: Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child,
P: like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home,
L: God is faithful still. Hear the good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
P: We can trust and rejoice in this promise!
Submitted by Stephanie Anthony, pastor at First Presbyterian Church (Hudson, WI)
confession: we dismiss the gifts of children
Holy God, who revealed yourself to us as a child, forgive us when we dismiss the gifts of the children among us. Forgive us when we think their offerings are unimportant enough to relegate to a few special Sundays a year. Forgive us when we are impatient about their wiggles and giggles in our all-too-solemn worship. Forgive us if we keep them from learning your Word and joining your family by sending them away so we won’t be distracted. Forgive us for expecting 21st century children to learn in 20th century ways. Transform us, O God, not into childish people, but into your children, ready to learn, ready to listen, ready to welcome unconditionally, ready to serve. Amen.
Submitted by Stephanie Anthony, pastor at First Presbyterian Church (Hudson, WI)
CTW: Through the Voices of Children
L: “Let the children come to me,” Jesus said.
P: The spirit of the Lord rests on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding.
L: Receive the kingdom of God as a little child.
P: The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid.
L: To all who receive him, who believe in his name, he gives power to become children of God.
P: And a little child shall lead them.
L: Lord, open our hearts to the Word you speak through the voices of children today.
Submitted by Stephanie Anthony, pastor at First Presbyterian Church (Hudson, WI)
CTW: rest for your soul
Are you lost?
Are you weary?
Do you long for rest for your soul
and joy overflowing?
Come!
Come and worship!
Our God is like a shepherd who cares for us,
like a mother who feeds us at her table.
Come!
Come let us worship God!
Submitted by Rev. Sarah W. Wiles, Bethany Presbyterian Church (Tacoma, WA)
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