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, Son 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, Son 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, Son 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.  

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)  

 A New Reformation: 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.