Lectionary Worship Workbook
Pastoral Invitation
In the name of the living God, welcome. With what expectations do you come today? (Give the people thirty seconds to identify their expectations, silently.) Mark Twain said, "Blessed are those who expect nothing; for they will not be disappointed;" and I say, "Blessed are those who come, not as observers, but as participants -- responsible to God, others, self -- for they shall be filled. However we've come, we're here to celebrate the presence and power of the Christ. And all the people said, ___________!"
Hymn of Praise