THE FIRST LESSON 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
THE SECOND LESSON Matthew 25:14-30
SERMON "The Adventure of Faith"
Worship Notes
Today marks Stewardship Sunday in which we dedicate our gifts to the service of God. The central text is taken from the 25th chapter of Matthew where Jesus tells the parable of the talents. It is a reminder of our commitment to not only share our gifts but also risk them in the service of God's kingdom. The Call to Worship reminds us that the "earth and all that is in it belongs to God." Our Prayer of Confession highlights the ways fear prevents us from fully responding to God's grace, yet in our Declaration of Forgiveness, God continues to reach out in love despite our tepidness. The hymn following the sermon is our prayer for God to take our life and use it ways God sees fit. Our concluding hymn is the popular and meaningful song in which we respond to God's call singing "Here I am Lord."
In our service this morning we bring our pledges for 2009 symbolically coming forward to place them in the offering plate. Pledge card are available in the pews if you have forgotten to bring yours this Sunday. It is also appropriate we install our new officers for 2009 signifying their commitment on our behalf to serve this congregation with all their passion, love, and spirit. The constitutional questions asked of the new deacons and elders are the same answered by Ministers of the Word and Sacrament indicating the equality of relationship in leading the church. We celebrate their ministry today as they respond to God's call to serve each of you in the pew.
