Sunday, July 20, 2025
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 10:38-42 | "Few Things are Needed"

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 52)
One: In the presence of the faithful, we proclaim the name of God, for it is good.
Many: We thank you forever because of what you have done.
One: Holy One, we trust in you. We take refuge in your safety. We call your presence our home.
Many: We are like olive trees rooted in your soil—growing and fruitful. You nourish us and shine your light upon us.
One: Faithful God, in you, we find love and truth, abundance and compassion, community and care.
Many: We praise and exalt you, Eternal One. We trust in your steadfast love forever and ever.

Invocation
Abiding God, we invite you to inhabit our space. We long to renew our minds, restore our souls, and rest our presence before you. Still, we bring the burdens we carry into this gathering. We hold our responsibilities, cares, and concerns. Let us bind ourselves in your love and strength and the community of faithful and curious. We affirm that this time with you and one another equips and fortifies us for the journey and helps us discern the better way. Be glorified in our worship. Be honored by our praise. Be known by your people, O Creator, Teacher, and Friend. In your many names, we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Gracious God, evil surrounds us and entices us to join in its ways, of matching energy and returning evil for evil, of seeking the comfortable and convenient way over the common good, of turning from pain and despair rather than leaning into solidarity and support. Help us, O God, to choose the path you have paved and give us strength to journey into rough spaces. Surround us with hosts of righteousness and infuse us with peace that surpasses understanding as we serve as agents and ambassadors of your kindom. As you continually make all things new, fill us with the joy of new life. Amen.

Words of Grace
Citizen of the kindom, commit anew to the joys and costs of discipleship. Creator has endowed you, in grace, the power to be witnesses of the Living God and the promise of the reign of God on earth. Release shame, doubt, and fear in order to choose good things and better ways to be in communion with the Triune God and neighbor.
 
Invitation to Generosity
Let us give generously from the abundance of God's provision, demonstrate our trust in God's provision, and embrace mutuality with God's creation. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Giver of all good and perfect gifts, we celebrate the opportunity to contribute to the ministry of this faith community. Receive the resources we offer in love and hope that needs will be met, lives will be changed, and the world will receive the testimony of compassionate care, action, and sharing. Amen.

Benediction 
As you go, 
Boast in the goodness of God
Live in the abundance of God's love.
Remember that you are more than enough.
Find rest and joy in the day.
Know hope and safety in the night.
Go, in peace to love and to serve.

Few Things Needed: Service Prayers for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.