Sunday,  September 8, 2024
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Mark 7:24-37 | "Inclusion"

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 125)
One: Those who trust in the Holy One are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. 
Many: Surround us, O God, like the atmosphere around the earth.  
One: We stretch out our hands and our hearts reaching for your goodness and righteousness.
Many: Surround us, O God, like the atmosphere around the earth.
One: Lead us on good paths and make us agents of peace.  
Many: Surround us, O God, like the atmosphere around the earth.

Invocation
Holy One, our Maker, we gather to worship you, to renew our spirits, and to connect as a community. Some of us crave a joyful noise, some flourish in quiet contemplation, others desire movement, while others need to ponder our thoughts. However, we worship, we gather here. In this place, we find you in the midst of us. In this connectivity, we know that your covenant remains in effect. May your Spirit guide, empower, and speak. Amen. 

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Holy One, we confess our tendency to exclude rather than to include, to form closed groups rather than open communities, and to prioritize comfort rather than embrace curiosity. Help us to truly love our neighbor, whether family, friend, stranger, or foe, as ourselves and with the love you demonstrate toward us. 

Words of Grace
Beloved, God’s grace is sufficient to meet you in weakness. And yet, faith without works lacks power, conviction, and life. Let our commitment to the gospel and a life with Christ be reflected in our attitude and actions toward those with different life experiences, identities, and cultures. Be opened to the possibilities, wonders, and joy that the diversity of God’s creation presents to us.

Invitation to Generosity
James 2:8 states, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.” Let us do well in sharing and giving of our resources, gifts, and time within and beyond this faith community for the glory and love of God.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Sovereign God, receive our offerings for the nurture and expansion of your kindom. May they be magnified and the spirit of generosity among your people amplified so that all may do well.   Amen.  

Benediction 
Go into the world as agents of healing
Appreciating the wonder of creation
In all forms, expressions, and ways
Boldly embracing the fullness of humanity
Welcoming the stranger
And considering the other as friend.
Go in peace.

Inclusion: Service Prayers for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Year B was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay who serves as Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.