27th Sunday after Pentecost November 16, 2008
fully updated WED. Nov 12, 2008
Parts of the coming Worship Service are posted online for those who cannot attend and those wishing review post-service. This page is updated usually Tuesday thru Thursday for the next coming Sunday.
Call to Worship
L: We are called to abundance.
P: To reap what the past has sown and to sow what the future will reap;
L: To celebrate the talents of others and to share our talents with others.
P: We are called to abundance.
Prayer of Adoration and the Lord’s Prayer in unison:
God of grace and glory, we enter this service of worship with reverence and awe. We have set aside this time and place as sacred space in which to be with your Spirit, listen for your voice and be changed by the reality of your presence. Open our eyes, our ears and our hearts so that we may experience you in unexpected and remarkable ways. Shine your light into the corners of our lives, exposing to us that which holds us back from living abundant, free and joyful lives of discipleship. Give to us your word of truth, justice, mercy and forgiveness that we need to receive in order to be lifelines of hope to a world foundering in fear and despair. Hear us as we pray together…
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Scripture Matthew 25: 14-30
Sermon Whose Talent? What Master?
Focus: From Matthew's parable we can come to see God as more generous and more irascible than we'd previously imagined -- and discipleship as a bit riskier, more dangerous, and more fun as a result.
Prayer of Confession:
God of all creation, you give us so much that we take for granted. Rather than using our gifts wisely, we bury them to keep them safe, or waste them on things we don’t really need. We let the pitches and claims of marketers determine what is important, putting our wants ahead of our true needs, and our desires ahead of what you desire for us and your kingdom. In our selfishness, our eyes and ears are closed to the very ones you call us to serve and care for. Forgive us, O God and strengthen us and help us stand firm in your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness:
L: As the apostle Paul reminds us, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
P: We are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
L: Friends, believe the good news of the gospel, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven
