How Blessed To Work In Unity
Worship
18 SPECIAL WORSHIP CELEBRATIONS
Worship Services For Congregational Use
Morning Devotional Service
Invocation:
L: As morning has broken, break now, O God, into our midst. May this day bring glory to your name and to your work among us.
C: Bless us with your presence, Almighty God.
Hymn: ''Lord, Whose Love In Humble Service''
Litany Of Unity
L: God created the heavens and the earth,
C: Creator God, renew us this day.
L: God cleanses the heart and plants purpose within,
C: Holy Spirit, create in us clean hearts united in mission.
L: Jesus was in the Father, and the Father in him,
C: Be in our hearts and day, Lord Jesus.
L: God desires that we live in harmony with him and with one another,
C: Heavenly Father, unite us in spirit through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
United In Faith
L: As there is one body and one Spirit, God calls us to be one acknowledging one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Apostles' Creed (All):
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
United in Prayer
L: As we have confessed our unity in faith, let us pray the prayer that binds us together and unites us with God.
Lord's Prayer (All:)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
United In Purpose
First Reading: Romans 12:3--8
Meditation: ''Vegetate Or Cultivate?''
Silence For Reflection
Hymn: ''Take My Life, That I May Be'' (vv. 1 & 2)
United In Action
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3--7
Meditation: ''Sour Grapes Or Sweet Wine?''
Silence For Reflection
Hymn: ''Take My Life, That I May Be'' (vv. 3 & 4)
United in Community
Third Reading: Ephesians 4:11--16
Meditation: ''A Great Chili!''
Silence For Reflection
Hymn: ''Take My Life, That I May Be'' (vv. 5 & 6)
The Blessedness Of Unity
L: As we have reflected on our purpose for being here, and considered our individual actions, and yielded to working
in community with God and one another, let us now declare the blessedness that unity will give us.
Psalm 133
L: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
C: It is like the precious oil on the head,
L: Running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron,
C: Running down over the collar of his robes.
L: It is like the dew of Hermon,
C: Which falls on the mountains of Zion.
L: For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
C: Life evermore. Amen.
Sent Forth United
Benediction:
L: Go forth into this day, united in heart and purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Send us forth obedient to your will, Almighty God. Amen.
Hymn: ''We Plow The Fields And Scatter''
Vegetate Or Cultivate?
Meditation 1
Reading: Romans 12:3--8
The plight of the farmer had drawn all the vegetables together in the root cellar of his home for the first time in the annals of their history. ''I've called you all here tonight,''
announced the ACORN SQUASH, ''to SQUASH these rumors that there is a STRAIN on our community.''
''But there is!'' the ONION PEALED out. ''I could just CRY when I think of our farmer's economic plight. TEARS brim up from under my THIN SKIN.''
''I'm BOILING mad and could MASH all of you,'' the POTATO sputtered. ''Look at my red EYES. I'm tired of trying to SPROUT solutions on my own.''
''Well, I thought I could certainly TURN UP an answer to this PICKLE he's in,'' replied the TURNIP.
''BEATS me what all this fussing's about. My GREENS added color to his dull meal tonight,'' the BEET pridefully BLUSHED.
''SHUCKS, I've been all EARS listening to each of you sputter about this dilemma tonight,'' drawled the EAR of CORN. ''Let me share some KERNELS of advice.''
The corn's silky hair and erect stalk gave him a certain amount of credibility among the rows of vegetables assembled. ''We've all been doing our own thing, not taking into consideration the hard labor and love the farmer puts in. He carefully plants, cultivates, waters, weeds out that which might harm us, and then harvests us when we are ripe for picking. We're all in this garden together, so let's cooperate in the only way we know how now to make our task profitable. As we combine our efforts at growing, we will produce a bumper crop this season. In the mean time, we can arrange to come together and produce delicious meals for his table each day. If we just stop vegetating and looking to our own special interests, we will start to really produce for the one who truly cares for us. Certainly, for all he has done, uniting together is not a difficult response.''
They all agreed that night to take the corn's advice, and though the farmer did not become wealthy that first year, through continued effort in time his harvest became more plentiful.
Jesus calls us to set aside our differences and unite to further his kingdom here on earth. God has carefully planted the
life of Christ in us, cultivated the life of faith with his Word, watered it in his love, and weeded out sin which would choke out our very existence. Our response, as we work in unity with one another, will yield great harvests.
Jesus stated that unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. He died that we might have abundant life. As we die to self and our own agendas we become part of a team working for a common purpose - to share the good news. Join those who labor at planting, those who till the soil, and those who are blessed to harvest his crops. As we work, let us cease just vegetating and be cultivators of our corners of the garden so as to yield bumper crops for Jesus this year.
Sour Grapes Or Sweet Wine?
Meditation 2
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3--7
Hanging around the vineyard one bright, sunny day, a variety of grape bunches held a discussion on the prospect of their futures.
''There are many options open to each of us,'' began one plump, red grape. ''I plan on offering my juices for quenching the thirst of many.''
''Well, I don't relish having MY juices squeezed out that way,'' a modest, young, green grape replied. ''It's much too painful. I'd rather expose myself to the sun and become a raisin.''
''Bother, bother, bother ...'' chimed in a bunch of immature clusters hanging around the fringe of the arbor. ''We don't plan on contributing anything to this vineyard. We've decided to sink our roots into different soil. When the vinedresser takes one bite of our fruit, he'll know that our sourness won't be of much good. We'll show him that we're not
to be shoved around. What about you?'' they asked turning to the best grape bunch in the vineyard.
Slowly and deliberately, these mature grapes replied, ''What a privilege it has been to have our soil toiled and fertilized. The sun and rain have done their best to ripen us so we could produce the best for the Caretaker. So, we'll choose to offer ourselves up to the winepress.''
''But the pain involved in being squeezed out like that!'' the little raisins whined. ''And the length of time you have to just sit around and ferment. It takes longer to become wine than juice. Besides that, you lose your identity. Why would you choose that?''
''The Caretaker wants us to be all we can be, the best. How else do we respond but by willingly giving up ourselves to be just that.''
How like this group we might become. Some might be willing to become grape juice. We don't mind a little pain and suffering in our lives. In fact, we might even see it as a badge of service. But to have discomfort prolonged is more than many of us can bear. Some don't want to be squeezed out, so prefer to become dried up. Cut off from the vine, Christ, we shrivel. However, unlike a raisin which is edible after the drying process, we wither, decay, and are not palatable or of use to anyone. Sour grapes people have deliberately chosen to be disobedient to their Caretaker. They refuse to add any of their talents to the productivity of the vineyard. Yet those who choose to become that special, sweet wine are willing to suffer - to give up time and comforts - to give up their interests for the interest of God - in order that they might help others bringing them comfort and encouragement - affirming and uplifting. They know that the love and care of God is so special that they are willing to endure for as long as it takes to have their juices become that tasteful wine for others to drink of.
Go the extra step in your work. Don't dry up, cutting yourself off from interacting. Don't just become juice, adding a little to the brew. Don't alienate yourselves and be sour grapes. Let your creative juices overflow and pour out for each other.
A Great Chili!
Meditation 3
Reading: Ephesians 4:11--16
A tomato refused to allow the cook to add it to the already bubbling brew in the kettle. ''You've got to be kidding! Why should I add my plump, luscious body to that conglomeration? Just look at it: hamburger, onions, sauce, kidney beans, AND potatoes! Whoever heard of potatoes in chili!''
''But your unique characteristics will add so much to this special meal,'' the onion cried out. ''Your pulp and juice will blend nicely giving our soup special flavor.''
''Reconsider joining us,'' the ingredients churned in unison. ''We promise not to cover you up.''
''Well, maybe it's worth the sacrifice. I do care for the cook who nurtured me in her garden and watered me during that drought. This plunge could add a new dimension to my life. Okay - move over - here I come!''
What a gift we bring today as we gather to work with each other in mission. Our unique talents added with others' gifts enhance the purpose of the church. As we pool our insights and gifting with others, new works can be created and others sustained. God is the chef in our kitchen bringing us together so that we can learn from each other. Experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, vision, and so much more all come together for the benefit of the body. Plunge into your day, plunge into your special brew, and allow the Spirit to stir you. Even if the recipe might look strange, let God do the concocting. He knows just which ingredients to add to bring about just the right flavor. Make your great chilis or whatever else the Great Chef decides to create in and through this day.
Invocation:
L: As morning has broken, break now, O God, into our midst. May this day bring glory to your name and to your work among us.
C: Bless us with your presence, Almighty God.
Hymn: ''Lord, Whose Love In Humble Service''
Litany Of Unity
L: God created the heavens and the earth,
C: Creator God, renew us this day.
L: God cleanses the heart and plants purpose within,
C: Holy Spirit, create in us clean hearts united in mission.
L: Jesus was in the Father, and the Father in him,
C: Be in our hearts and day, Lord Jesus.
L: God desires that we live in harmony with him and with one another,
C: Heavenly Father, unite us in spirit through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
United In Faith
L: As there is one body and one Spirit, God calls us to be one acknowledging one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Apostles' Creed (All):
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
United in Prayer
L: As we have confessed our unity in faith, let us pray the prayer that binds us together and unites us with God.
Lord's Prayer (All:)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
United In Purpose
First Reading: Romans 12:3--8
Meditation: ''Vegetate Or Cultivate?''
Silence For Reflection
Hymn: ''Take My Life, That I May Be'' (vv. 1 & 2)
United In Action
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3--7
Meditation: ''Sour Grapes Or Sweet Wine?''
Silence For Reflection
Hymn: ''Take My Life, That I May Be'' (vv. 3 & 4)
United in Community
Third Reading: Ephesians 4:11--16
Meditation: ''A Great Chili!''
Silence For Reflection
Hymn: ''Take My Life, That I May Be'' (vv. 5 & 6)
The Blessedness Of Unity
L: As we have reflected on our purpose for being here, and considered our individual actions, and yielded to working
in community with God and one another, let us now declare the blessedness that unity will give us.
Psalm 133
L: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
C: It is like the precious oil on the head,
L: Running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron,
C: Running down over the collar of his robes.
L: It is like the dew of Hermon,
C: Which falls on the mountains of Zion.
L: For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
C: Life evermore. Amen.
Sent Forth United
Benediction:
L: Go forth into this day, united in heart and purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Send us forth obedient to your will, Almighty God. Amen.
Hymn: ''We Plow The Fields And Scatter''
Vegetate Or Cultivate?
Meditation 1
Reading: Romans 12:3--8
The plight of the farmer had drawn all the vegetables together in the root cellar of his home for the first time in the annals of their history. ''I've called you all here tonight,''
announced the ACORN SQUASH, ''to SQUASH these rumors that there is a STRAIN on our community.''
''But there is!'' the ONION PEALED out. ''I could just CRY when I think of our farmer's economic plight. TEARS brim up from under my THIN SKIN.''
''I'm BOILING mad and could MASH all of you,'' the POTATO sputtered. ''Look at my red EYES. I'm tired of trying to SPROUT solutions on my own.''
''Well, I thought I could certainly TURN UP an answer to this PICKLE he's in,'' replied the TURNIP.
''BEATS me what all this fussing's about. My GREENS added color to his dull meal tonight,'' the BEET pridefully BLUSHED.
''SHUCKS, I've been all EARS listening to each of you sputter about this dilemma tonight,'' drawled the EAR of CORN. ''Let me share some KERNELS of advice.''
The corn's silky hair and erect stalk gave him a certain amount of credibility among the rows of vegetables assembled. ''We've all been doing our own thing, not taking into consideration the hard labor and love the farmer puts in. He carefully plants, cultivates, waters, weeds out that which might harm us, and then harvests us when we are ripe for picking. We're all in this garden together, so let's cooperate in the only way we know how now to make our task profitable. As we combine our efforts at growing, we will produce a bumper crop this season. In the mean time, we can arrange to come together and produce delicious meals for his table each day. If we just stop vegetating and looking to our own special interests, we will start to really produce for the one who truly cares for us. Certainly, for all he has done, uniting together is not a difficult response.''
They all agreed that night to take the corn's advice, and though the farmer did not become wealthy that first year, through continued effort in time his harvest became more plentiful.
Jesus calls us to set aside our differences and unite to further his kingdom here on earth. God has carefully planted the
life of Christ in us, cultivated the life of faith with his Word, watered it in his love, and weeded out sin which would choke out our very existence. Our response, as we work in unity with one another, will yield great harvests.
Jesus stated that unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. He died that we might have abundant life. As we die to self and our own agendas we become part of a team working for a common purpose - to share the good news. Join those who labor at planting, those who till the soil, and those who are blessed to harvest his crops. As we work, let us cease just vegetating and be cultivators of our corners of the garden so as to yield bumper crops for Jesus this year.
Sour Grapes Or Sweet Wine?
Meditation 2
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3--7
Hanging around the vineyard one bright, sunny day, a variety of grape bunches held a discussion on the prospect of their futures.
''There are many options open to each of us,'' began one plump, red grape. ''I plan on offering my juices for quenching the thirst of many.''
''Well, I don't relish having MY juices squeezed out that way,'' a modest, young, green grape replied. ''It's much too painful. I'd rather expose myself to the sun and become a raisin.''
''Bother, bother, bother ...'' chimed in a bunch of immature clusters hanging around the fringe of the arbor. ''We don't plan on contributing anything to this vineyard. We've decided to sink our roots into different soil. When the vinedresser takes one bite of our fruit, he'll know that our sourness won't be of much good. We'll show him that we're not
to be shoved around. What about you?'' they asked turning to the best grape bunch in the vineyard.
Slowly and deliberately, these mature grapes replied, ''What a privilege it has been to have our soil toiled and fertilized. The sun and rain have done their best to ripen us so we could produce the best for the Caretaker. So, we'll choose to offer ourselves up to the winepress.''
''But the pain involved in being squeezed out like that!'' the little raisins whined. ''And the length of time you have to just sit around and ferment. It takes longer to become wine than juice. Besides that, you lose your identity. Why would you choose that?''
''The Caretaker wants us to be all we can be, the best. How else do we respond but by willingly giving up ourselves to be just that.''
How like this group we might become. Some might be willing to become grape juice. We don't mind a little pain and suffering in our lives. In fact, we might even see it as a badge of service. But to have discomfort prolonged is more than many of us can bear. Some don't want to be squeezed out, so prefer to become dried up. Cut off from the vine, Christ, we shrivel. However, unlike a raisin which is edible after the drying process, we wither, decay, and are not palatable or of use to anyone. Sour grapes people have deliberately chosen to be disobedient to their Caretaker. They refuse to add any of their talents to the productivity of the vineyard. Yet those who choose to become that special, sweet wine are willing to suffer - to give up time and comforts - to give up their interests for the interest of God - in order that they might help others bringing them comfort and encouragement - affirming and uplifting. They know that the love and care of God is so special that they are willing to endure for as long as it takes to have their juices become that tasteful wine for others to drink of.
Go the extra step in your work. Don't dry up, cutting yourself off from interacting. Don't just become juice, adding a little to the brew. Don't alienate yourselves and be sour grapes. Let your creative juices overflow and pour out for each other.
A Great Chili!
Meditation 3
Reading: Ephesians 4:11--16
A tomato refused to allow the cook to add it to the already bubbling brew in the kettle. ''You've got to be kidding! Why should I add my plump, luscious body to that conglomeration? Just look at it: hamburger, onions, sauce, kidney beans, AND potatoes! Whoever heard of potatoes in chili!''
''But your unique characteristics will add so much to this special meal,'' the onion cried out. ''Your pulp and juice will blend nicely giving our soup special flavor.''
''Reconsider joining us,'' the ingredients churned in unison. ''We promise not to cover you up.''
''Well, maybe it's worth the sacrifice. I do care for the cook who nurtured me in her garden and watered me during that drought. This plunge could add a new dimension to my life. Okay - move over - here I come!''
What a gift we bring today as we gather to work with each other in mission. Our unique talents added with others' gifts enhance the purpose of the church. As we pool our insights and gifting with others, new works can be created and others sustained. God is the chef in our kitchen bringing us together so that we can learn from each other. Experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, vision, and so much more all come together for the benefit of the body. Plunge into your day, plunge into your special brew, and allow the Spirit to stir you. Even if the recipe might look strange, let God do the concocting. He knows just which ingredients to add to bring about just the right flavor. Make your great chilis or whatever else the Great Chef decides to create in and through this day.
