Pentecost 22–October 24
Church, New Each Moment
October 24, 2021
The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 31:7-9 and Psalm 126 • Hebrews 7:23-28 • Mark 10:46-52
CALL TO WORSHIP (Jeremiah 31: 7-9)
One: Sing aloud with gladness:
Many: God is gathering the people!
One: From the farthest parts of the earth we come:
Many: All who struggle; all who labor with new life!
One: Those who are weeping, God will console;
Many: Those who get lost find a clear path home.
One: Let us worship the God who gathers us!
INVOCATION
Ever-calling God,
We give thanks that you have gathered us into your church
and graced us with your faithful presence.
We ponder our history, ancient and still developing,
and marvel at the many expressions of your church.
Grant us the vision to be a part of this new moment in your Church
that will bring ever more joy and justice to the world.
Continue to gather us, the diverse lot of us,
into Jesus’ vision and dream
that your faithful people may be one in you. Amen
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
When we want to be a church open to your transforming love,
yet cling to comfortable ways:
Jesus, Heir of David, have mercy on us!
When we want to honor your “still speaking voice”, but are fearful of insights which challenge old assumptions:
Jesus, Heir of David, have mercy on us!
When we want to live into Jesus’ dream of oneness,
but fail to listen to voices of difference:
Jesus, Heir of David, have mercy on us!
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Take heart, get up; Jesus is calling to us!
We trust in the one who has guided the church for two millennia.
Through Christ, God forgives us our failings,
and continues to call us into a community of mutual love and forgiveness.
Let us celebrate this mercy of God
by greeting each other with a sign of Christ’s peace.
PASSING THE PEACE (be mindful of public health protocols, invite congregation to pass the peace without handshakes or hugs; catching eyes and smiling; putting hands on heart and bowing slightly; nodding to neighbors and saying “Peace of Christ be with you”)
CALL TO OFFERING
Our ancestors in faith and church-building
show us the way to share the gifts God has given us
with the whole community.
Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God
with heartfelt gratitude, commitment and praise.
DEDICATION
Transform our lives, O God,
and let these gifts change the world into which we send them.
Take them and multiply them to be a blessing of justice and peace
in the world you love!
BENEDICTION
May the peace of God which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
Church, New Each Moment: Service Prayers for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, was written by the Rev. Bonnie Tarwater of San Diego, CA.
Copyright 2021, Faith Formation INFO Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.
