World Communion Sunday Liturgy

Call to Worship
On this day, we are not a single congregation,
but part of all believers everywhere, every place.
On this day, we share not just a sacrament,
but a feast from every time, every place of faith.
On this day, God’s people gather in house churches and cathedrals,
and on sandy beaches and under towering trees.

Prayer of the Day
In Tagalog and Turkish,
in Mandarin and Maine drawls,
in children’s whispers
and seniors’ forgotten word,
glad songs are lifted to you, Loving God,
and we join our hearts and voices
in praising you.

In villages where water is more precious than gold,
in prisons where humanity often disappears,
in neighborhoods controlled by gangs,
in residential homes for the disabled,
your children cry out for justice, Servant of the poor,
and we commit our hearts and lives
to serving them with you.

In prayers for peace
whispered by little children;
in hope-filled comfort
offered to those who struggle;
in affirmations of unity found in neighborhoods
where folks live side-by-side,
not doctrines filled with jargon,
you continue to fill us with the words we need, Wisdom’s Heart,
and we will continue to speak them
in every moment.

In this place, and in every place,
with those we know, and with folks faraway,
we will seek to be your people
united in your heart, love, and service,
God in Community, Holy in One,
even as we pray, saying,
(The Lord’s Prayer)

Call to Reconciliation
A word of anger breaks another’s heart, a church’s silence damages a family, a nation’s anger can bring war and destruction. As individuals, as communities, as a world, we do not live as God’s people, so let us bring our lives to our God, so forgiven, we might continue to seek to become one in Christ.



Unison Prayer for Forgiveness
   We confess, God of every person, how easy it is to think that our way of being your church is the one, true way. And so, we believe we have no reason to hear your name spoken in another language. We are sure we don’t need to learn songs that have tunes which sound dissonant to us. We believe that our baptism, our communion, our beliefs are the ones closest to your heart, and so we close our hearts, eyes, and hands to those around us.
   Forgive us, Gracious God, and have mercy. Remind us that while there may be many types of bread, there is that one Love which has been broken for us. Remind us that while there might be wine or juice offered, there is one Life which has been poured out for us. Remind us that while some remain seated, some come forward, and others dance, there is one Table, offered to us by your grace, through Jesus Christ, our Brother, our Savior. Amen.

Silence is kept

Assurance of Pardon

In little churches with wide open windows, in ancient buildings echoing with the songs and prayers of generations, in buildings that do not look like sanctuaries, the same good news is proclaimed: God is love. And that love forgives us, redeems us, restores us.
In whatever language, in every tongue and dialect, we rejoice and give thanks. We are forgiven by our God of grace and wonder. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication
As we offer our gifts here, a family is placing its tithe in another church. As we write our checks, a little child dumps coins from piggy bank into the basket passing down the row. As we, and they, and our sisters and brothers everywhere respond to your blessings in our lives, may you gather them all up and use them in acts of kindness, of goodness, of justice, and of grace. This we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Invitation to the Table
Some come from towns we have trouble pronouncing,
others have walked across the street;
some gather with strangers,
others are with old friends and family;
some hold the bread with trembling hands,
others pass the cup with a strong grip;
some need to taste hope and grace,
others long for a community which welcomes them with open arms.
And all, all of us, are welcomed to this Table
and every Table where the Holy Meal is celebrated this day.
For this is not the clergy’s table, this is not the church’s table;
this is God’s Table, and God turns no one away.
Come, people of God; come and taste the goodness of the Lord.

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
May the God of all be with you!
May that God be with you, as well!
We will join our hearts with all of God’s people,
offering them to the God who loves us.
God fills our hearts, our lives, with overflowing grace.
With voices in every tongue, of every faith,
we will sing our praises to God.
We offer glory and thanksgiving to our God.

When there was nothing but your imagination,
God of Wonder, you thought,
and the Spirit began to twinkle chaos
with stars, moons, and planets.
You spoke, and the Word began to call to life
centipedes to march across the ground,
sparrows to dart across skies,
and little kittens to lap milk.
You laughed, and shaped us in your image,
to offer all these things and more to us.
But we were convinced we did not need you,
and so chose to stay wrapped in our little cocoons
spun by sin and death.
Over and over, in dusty streets and urban centers,
your prophets call us back to you,
but we were set in our ways,
not wanting to walk by your rivers of life.
So that we might finally have life with you,
you sent your Child to us,
so that all the world might be redeemed.

With those whose hearts are filled with joy,
with those whose lips tremble with questions,
we lift our praises to you:

Holy, holy, holy are you, God of all, God of each.
All creation everywhere joins in praising you.
Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed is the One who calls us to the Table of life.
Hosanna in the highest!

In your holiness, God of creation,
you could have stayed aloof,
letting the world drift back into chaos.
But you became one of us,
in a little child born in a place no one imagined,
and to a family none would have picked.
A little child,
Jesus knew the hunger and fears of poverty and despair.
A young boy,
Jesus knew the doubts and questions
of wondering about the future.
A worker,
Jesus knew the struggles to put food on the table.
A storyteller,
Jesus knew how to reach the deepest
depths of the human heart.
A servant,
Jesus was willing to take on our death for us,
so that in the power of the resurrection,
sin and death lost their power over us.

As we gather in grand churches and in open fields,
as we feast on the finest bread, and drink from crystal cups,
we join our sisters and brothers in every place, proclaiming the mystery:

Jesus died, so we might know the depths of love;
Jesus was raised, so we might know the strength of love;
Jesus will come, so we might know God’s steadfast love for us.

At altars carved from marble and tables shoved together,
with people who are at the feast every time it is served,
as well as those just stopping in,
we pray that you would pour out your Spirit
upon your children and on the gifts gathered
from the simple goodness of creation and set aside for holy use.
In the bread which is broken,
may we be reminded of those places
like the Middle East and Ukraine
by ancient and modern fears;
may we be strengthened to bring hope and help
to flooded communities;
may we become willing to listen to those
who tell stories of unspeakable horrors from decades ago.
In that cup which is filled with grace,
may we be called to welcome those
who have been forced to flee from the neighborhoods
they loved, but now fear;
may we gather up children who have been forgotten,
to be blessed by their resilience;
may we commit ourselves to ending injustice
in every place, in every person.

And when all time has ended and the world
as we know it is made complete,
we will gather around that One Table
of grace, hope, peace, and love with
our siblings of every time and place,
forever praising your name,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.

Sending
We will go now to share God’s love with all.
Whether in our neighborhoods or in other places,
we will care for others in God’s name.
We will go now to join in offering the grace of Jesus to all.
We will join the Servant of all in seeking
justice and hope for everyone.
We will go now, knowing we are one people in the gift of the Spirit.
We will bring peace to places torn apart by violence,
we will help to rebuild lives damaged by fear and hate.

© Thom M. Shuman

Liturgy w/communion for September 29, 2024 (Pentecost 19/Trinity 18/Proper 21/Ordinary 26 - B)

 Texts: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22; Psalm 124; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50

Call to Worship

We have walked with you, O God,

from many parts of the world to this time and place.

And we will walk with you, O God,
into the world to serve all people.

We leave behind our old securities;

we leave behind our reliance on worldly goods.

And we will walk with you, O God,
into the world to live with all people.

We leave behind all which holds us back;

we leave behind all which keeps us from following you.

And we will walk with you, O God,
into the world to work with all people.

We leave behind the fears which bind us;       

we leave behind the hurts which damage us.

And we will walk with you, O God,
into the peace you offer to all people.

Prayer of the Day

Wherever the stories of Jesus are told,

wherever gifts are offered in service,

wherever hope is a part of healing,

wherever songs of joy are sung,

in every land, in every heart,

in every village, and every place:

Bless to us, O God,

the tenderness of your heart.

Bless to us, Christ of Peace,

the path which people walk

seeking to follow you:

    worn smooth by the feet of pilgrims,

    yet still rocky in places;

    the destination unknown to many,

    yet the way to life and hope.

Bless to us, Salty Spirit,

the companions you give to us:

    mentors and mischief-makers,

    curmudgeons and gigglers,

    builders and believers,

    brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles;

    neighbors and strangers

who gather in dusty villages

and centers of power

to feast on the goodness of your grace.

God in Community, Holy in One,

give us your peace, as we pray

as Jesus has taught us, saying,

(The Lord's Prayer)

Call to Reconciliation

Sometimes our words and actions show how we are salt for the world.  But then come those moments when we lose our flavor and our way.  Let us confess our sins to our God, so we might be restored and forgiven.

Unison Prayer for Forgiveness
   Called to be your people, Living God - why do we find it so hard to answer?  You ask us to speak out against injustice, and we whisper because we are afraid someone might hear us.  You ask us to see the pain and poverty around us, but we close our eyes.  You tell us that everyone, and each one, is created in your image, yet we persist in noticing the differences between us and others.
   Forgive us, God of the Past and Creator of the Future.  May we be the ones who go out into the world, bearing your gifts of peace, of hope, of healing, of joy to every one who is broken, even as we have been made whole through the gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Silence is kept

Assurance of Pardon

Touched by the healing hands of our Lord, filled with the grace of our God, led by the compassion of the Holy Spirit, our hearts are opened and we discover we are forgiven and at peace with God.

Those who are created to love the unlovable; those who are created to bear grace; those who are created to embrace all people: we receive our forgiveness, giving thanks to our God.  Amen.

Prayer of Dedication/Offertory

May we open our hearts and offer our gifts to others so, that as the hungry are fed, the homeless are housed, the grieving are comforted, and the lost are led home, may they bring healing to your heart which breaks at all the brokenness in our world.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

My beloved sisters and brothers, may the Lord be with you.

And also with you.

My beloved brothers and sisters, lift up your hearts.

Our hearts are lifted high to God.

Beloved of God, let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

Thanksgiving is in our hearts, and praise is on our lips.

It is our hearts true longing

to praise and glorify you,

God of all glory.

You shaped us in your image,

so we might reflect your grace;

you breathed the Spirit into us,

so we might live your hope.

But we were wiser than you

and so chose another path.

You spoke to our grandparents of the faith

in a shrub burning with the cries of captives;

in the thunder of stuttering prophets;

in the still, small voice of a weeping mother.

Yet we persisted in our stubbornness,

hardening our hearts towards you.

And so, you whispered to us one morning

in the borning cries of a Child

in the dirt and grime of a stable.

Therefore, we join our voices

with our sisters and brothers in all the world,

and with those of every time,

singing songs of joy to your heart:

We adore you, Holy God,

in all the congregations of the world,

and we bless you, for by the gift of Christ,

you have redeemed all creation.

We praise you in this congregation, Holy God,

and bless your Son, Jesus our Lord.

Stamped with your image,

he walked among us

so we could see who we could become.

When he spoke your Word of peace,

he shattered the walls of war and violence.

When he was offered the easy way out

of his suffering and death,

he carried his integrity to Calvary,

where he was broken to make us whole,

where he died so we might live with you.

We remember, and in remembering,

we would tell others of your wonderful love,

and would be peacemakers for the world,

even as we live out that mystery we call faith:

Christ died, so peace might be our companion;

Christ has been raised, so life might be our eternal promise;

Christ will come again, to take us to God's glory.

Pour out the Spirit of the Prince of Peace

not only on us

and the gifts of the bread and the cup,

but on all your children throughout the world:

who gather around war-scarred tables

and at the tailgates of humvees

   to pass the Bread of Life

   from hand to hand

   until all the hungry are fed;

and who stand on both sides

of those walls built of our fears and hurts

    and dare to offer the Cup of peace

    to those known only as 'the enemy'

    unto all are graced

    and embrace one another in love.

Through your Son, Jesus, who is our peace;

through the Spirit, who empowers us to be weak;

we honor and glorify your hopes

for all people in all creation,

Great God our hope and our joy,

now and forever.  Amen.

Sending

May God walk with you this day,

as we seek to walk with the lonely and afraid.

May Jesus walk with you this day,

as we follow Jesus, leaving all our fears behind us.

May the Holy Spirit walk with you this day,

as we go to serve all who have been tossed aside by the world.

(c) Thom M. Shuman

Alternate texts liturgy for September 29, 2024 (Pentecost 19/Trinity 18/Proper 21/Ordinary 26 - B)

 Texts:  Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Psalm 19:7-14; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50

Call to Worship

We come so that we can worship our God,

whose words restore us to life.

We come so that we can follow Jesus,

whose hopes for justice are crystal clear.

We come so that we can learn from the Spirit,

whose teachings help us to understand 

how to live as God’s people.

Prayer of the Day

If only you had given us great wealth,

Holy God,

we could be better people

and care for others, 

but you think 

an open hand and not a fist,

a journey with a stranger,

the courage to speak out

are all the gifts we need.  

If only you had established justice

throughout the world, Jesus

instead of simply telling stories,

the world would not be in such a mess,

but you tell us that

a cup of water, a simple meal,

a ride to the doctor, an open door,

are more than enough 

to offer to those around us.

If only you would teach us

with simpler words, Holy Spirit,

we might not have so much trouble

figuring out this following thing,

but you continue 

to simply whisper grace

   until it becomes second nature,

to sing hope

   until it becomes an ear worm 

   we can’t shake (and don’t want to).

If only you had called different people,

God in Community, Holy in One,

but you have chosen us instead,

so help us to listen, to learn, to live, 

as we pray as we are taught,

(The Lord’s Prayer)

Call to Reconciliation

We don’t mean to, but all too often our words, our actions, our ignorance, become stumbling blocks for those around us, keeping them from being able to live as God intends for them.  Let us confess how we have not been careful with our lives, as we pray together, saying,

Unison Prayer for Forgiveness

   You offer us words which can restore lives, our and others, Teaching God, but we twist them into insults and accusations.  You would welcome us into the family of those who serve humbly, we like to hang out with the cheeky and spiteful.  You bless us with all manner of gifts, but we continue to envy what others have.  

   Keep us on our toes, Loving God, lest we continue to trip over our foolishness.

In your mercy, may we not offer a fist, but a helping hand to another; may we walk with the lonely, rather than push them away; may we look for the forgotten, rather than right past them; may we continue to listen to your Word of life, Jesus Christ, so we might trust in your grace and hope.

Silence is kept

Assurance of Pardon

God’s hopes for us are crystal clear.  With forgiveness, God restores us to new life; with love, God sends us out to live as faithful people.

God uses the building blocks of grace, hope, love, and peace to create new hearts, new lives for us.  Thanks be to God, we are forgiven!  Amen.

Prayer of Dedication/Offering

Like a master cook, you add these gifts we offer to the spices of grace, hope, joy, and peace to create new lives, new communities, new joy in those around us.  Receive our gifts in the name of Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

May the God of every word be with you,

and with you as well.

Let us open our hearts to God who hands us grace.

We lift them to the One whose love never ends.

Join in singing glad songs of praise to our God.

We will sing and praise with cheerful hearts.

When chaos was filled with cravings

for more and more emptiness,

you spoke, God of imagination,

   planting more than one kind of tree,

   flinging planets of a rich variety into the universes,

   filling the waters with creature beyond number,

as creation’s beauty and wonder sprang forth.

You offered all this richness and creativity

to those crafted in your divine image,

but we became jealous of the gifts of sin and death,

   choosing to grasp every temptation possible,

   not letting them go for any reason.

You called men and women to speak to us,

inviting us back into your heart,

   but we continue to long for the good old days,

   where our choices are so much better than yours.

But when you could offer us a fist,

you choose to give us a hand, 

sending your precious Word to us, 

so that we might no longer trip over the blocks

of foolish choices we dropped from our lives.

With those who seek to bring back the wandering,

with those who wonder where the journey ends,

we lift up our songs of thanksgiving to you:

Holy, holy, holy are you, God who hears our broken hearts.

All creation sings praises to you in every moment.

Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed is the One who comes to walk with us.

Hosanna in the highest!

When we were filled with cravings 

which did nothing but make us hungrier

for everything that cannot satisfy, Holy One,

you sent you Child to become one of us,

so that we would know your hopes for us

without any doubt or hesitation.

Your Word,

   he came to restore us to life;

your Teacher,

   he came so we would understand

   all you long for us to know;

your Heart,

   he came so we would be filled

   with your love;

your Life,

   he came to give his for us,

   dying on the cross so that

   the power of sin might be broken

   and the fear of death left behind in the tomb

as resurrection hope is offered to all.

As we remember his life and teachings,

as we recall his death and resurrection,

we proclaim that faith which is a mystery:

Jesus died, not letting the cross

   be a stumbling block to trusting you;

Jesus was raised, death not becoming

   a stumbling block to your resurrection power; 

Jesus will come, time and space not able 

   to be stumbling blocks to your bringing us to life forever. 

If only we had a seven-course meal

instead of this everyday bread and ordinary cup,

but you take these simple gifts, Loving God,

and pour out your Spirit on them 

and your children who gather here.

With the broken bread giving us life,

may we go forth to offer

   joy to those who mourn,

   justice for those who are forgotten,

   a companion for the lonely.

With the cup of grace nourishing us,

may we reach out to give

   a cup of peace for scared kids,

   a listening ear for those no one hears,

   a voice to challenge cruel words.

And when the good old days are only a memory

as we are gathered with sisters and brothers

from every time and place,

we will join in singing your praises forever and ever,

God in Community, Holy in One.  Amen. 

Sending

We will go now as God’s people,

to give a meal to the hungry,

to offer a ride to a neighbor.

We will go now as Jesus’ followers,

to give water to the thirsty,

to welcome the outsiders.

We will go now with the Spirit,

to offer a heart to the lonely,

to share grace and peace with all.  

© Thom M. Shuman

Liturgy w/communion for September 22, 2024 (Pentecost 18/Trinity 17/Proper 20/Ordinary 25 - B)

  Texts: Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 1; James 3:13 - 4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37

Call to Worship
Our world offers many wide avenues
and beautiful boulevards to walk;
Our God invites us to walk the road
of service and sacrifice.
Our society suggests we put down our roots
in the shallow soil of pleasure and greed.
Our God seeks to plant us on the banks of hope,
watered by the rivers of joy and grace.
Our culture promotes achievement, success,
climbing to the top, ringing the bell.
Our God tells us if we want to be first
we need to go to the end of the line.

Prayer of the Day

You are in the kitchen all night,
slicing, preparing, cooking, baking
food for all of your children
so we can feast at your table.
You do not clench your fist
tight around your grace,
but let it pour from your open hands
upon those who need it most.
We are blessed by such a God as you!

You sit into the wee hours,

telling us your stories,
until our weary souls
fall fast asleep.
You wrap us in
the swaddling clothes of faithfulness,
sending us forth to serve
the broken of our world.
We are called by such a Servant as you!

Tenacity and grace
are the work clothes
you put on each morning,
so you might mentor your children.
Sagacity is sprinkled
throughout your words,
sympathy trips off your tongue.
We are taught by such a Spirit as you!

In you, God in Community, Holy in One,
we have found all we need and long for,
and we offer the prayer we have been taught,
(The Lord’s Prayer)

Call to Reconciliation

While we try to live in God's way, we know how often we follow the wrong advice, or walk down sin's shadowed streets. Yet, God watches over us and calls us to confess, so we might be welcomed into the embracing arms of mercy and healing. Let us pray as we say,

Unison Prayer for Forgiveness

     We confess how much we are like those first disciples of Jesus, Wisdom from on high. Our cravings for more and more toss us about like leaves in the fall winds. We boast of our great wisdom, yet do not understand your ways of peace and gentleness. We do not plant ourselves in your hope and grace, and so reap harvests of disorder and conflict.
     Draw near to us, Gracious God, and forgive us. Draw us into your tender arms, and teach us peace, gentleness, the willingness to put the other first, the wisdom to serve instead of seize, so we might bring forth a harvest of righteousness, justice, and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Silence is kept

Assurance of Pardon

This is the wisdom from above: God plants in us the forgiveness and healing we need, so we might share the good harvest of joy and mercy with everyone we meet.
Bathed in the living waters, fed by the Bread of life, we are given new life and hope. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.

Prayer of Dedication/Offering
Rather than boast of all that we have and are, may we humble ourselves, as we offer our lives, our hearts, and our gifts, in putting others first, that they might discover the wonders of the kingdom of grace and hope.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen. 

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

May the God who plants us by streams of living water be with you.
And also with you.
Open your hearts to the One who does good for us all the days of our lives.
We offer them to our God who feeds us with joy and hope.
Children of God, let your thanksgiving be on your lips in every moment.
Our hearts overflow with gratitude to the One who offers us the cup of grace.

You considered chaos, God of fruitfulness,

and planted creation deep in its barrenness.
Your Spirit whispered over the waters,
stirring into life that rich variety from your imagination;
the Word tagged close behind,
calling the sun, moon, and stars to shine,
shouting to the fields to blossom.
You shaped us in your image,
seeing us as most precious of all created,
willing to put our hands to work
in the peace and beauty of your garden.
But paying our money to the purveyors
of bad advice, we chose to wander
down the streets of sin and death.
Longing to feed us with your love,
you sent the prophets,
their words a feast of hope,
but we continued to chew
on the moldy bread of unfaithfulness.
Then, taking Jesus in your arms,
you placed him tenderly among us,
reminding us that if we would welcome him,
we could embrace your salvation.

So, with those who have sought to do good

all the days of their lives,
we lift our voices in praise:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All creation sings of your steadfast love.
Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed is your Child who comes among us.
Hosanna in the highest!

We glorify you, God of holiness,
that by your love and mercy
you sent Jesus to live among us,
walking the paths of the world with us.
In the midst of conflicts and divisions,
he seeks to attract us with his gentle peace;
in facing the walls of rejection we build,
he would tear them down with his
gracious acceptance of all people;
in taking up his cross,
he became the servant of all,
and when death thought he was
in its selfish grasp at last,
he was raised to new life by you,
the promise of the resurrection for all.

Though we may not always understand,
we remember his willingness to be last,
we celebrate his triumph over death,
and we proclaim that he is the bread of life:

Christ has died;
Christ has been raised;
Christ will come again.

Pour out your Spirit
upon those who gather
in this place, in these moments,
and upon the gifts of your feast.
As we bring our famished souls to your Table,
strengthen us with the bread of life,
so we might go forth to offer
hope and grace to the needy around us;
as we open our parched hearts to you,
fill us with the servant spirit of the cup,
so that, setting aside our thirst for greatness,
we might offer our lives in service,
taking peace and reconciliation
to the brokenness of our world.

And when we come to the end of our journey,
gathering by the eternal streams of living water
with all those who have gone before and come after,
we will delight in your glory and grace through all eternity,
our glad songs of thanksgiving offered to you always,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.

Sending
Let us go to walk the road of service.
We will feed others with God's hope.
Let us go to break down the walls of resentment.
We will join the Servant of the world in embracing the refugees of despair and fear.
Let us go to teach kindness in our world.
We will gather up our sisters and brothers, and rest in the Spirit's peaceful lap.

(c) Thom M. Shuman