Opening Blessing:May the Triune God who created, called, and equipped each of us for the ministries of this church, grant us renewal and energize our spirits for the coming day. For Joy comes in the morning. Amen.
Opening Hymn #62: "All Creatures of Our God and King" (verses 1,3,5)
Prayer for Renewal of the Church (UM Hymnal #574)
All read:
Renew your church, Lord,
your people in this land.
Save us from cheap words
Save us from cheap words
and from self-deception in your service.
In the power of your Spirit
transform us,
and shape us by your cross.
Amen.
Amen.
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Centering Hymn #393: "Spirit of the Living God"
The Church Worker's Prayer for Renewal*
In a moment of silence, pray this prayer with all your heart:
I am your servant, God.
Where you want me to go, I will go.
Point the direction. Show me the way.
You called me to work at this church;
To be a part of this team.
Send us patience when we're out of it.
Send us the enthusiasm when we don't feel enthusiastic.
Send us ears to hear the things that aren't being said.
Send us eyes to see beneath the surface.
Rattle our bones.
Help us face the facts here at Fuquay-Varina and in the United Methodist Church at large.
Make us angry over what we’ve failed to do
and give us courage to strive toward the future you yet have for us.
Recreate and renew us.
Blow your breath once again into our nostrils and raise us up to truly be the Body of Christ.
Offer up each staff person by name--
pray for their ministries and lift them up for renewal...
Pray for individual members and needs of the congregation...
Pray for church members that give you a hard time...
Pray for community needs...
Pray for your own needs...
All conclude aloud:
We are your servants, Lord.
Where you want us to go, we will go.
Point the direction. Show us the way.
Amen.
*Based on "The Youthworker's Prayer" from Steven Case's The Book of Uncommon Prayer (pg 108).
In a moment of silence, pray this prayer with all your heart:
I am your servant, God.
Where you want me to go, I will go.
Point the direction. Show me the way.
You called me to work at this church;
To be a part of this team.
Send us patience when we're out of it.
Send us the enthusiasm when we don't feel enthusiastic.
Send us ears to hear the things that aren't being said.
Send us eyes to see beneath the surface.
Rattle our bones.
Help us face the facts here at Fuquay-Varina and in the United Methodist Church at large.
Make us angry over what we’ve failed to do
and give us courage to strive toward the future you yet have for us.
Recreate and renew us.
Blow your breath once again into our nostrils and raise us up to truly be the Body of Christ.
Offer up each staff person by name--
pray for their ministries and lift them up for renewal...
Pray for individual members and needs of the congregation...
Pray for church members that give you a hard time...
Pray for community needs...
Pray for your own needs...
All conclude aloud:
We are your servants, Lord.
Where you want us to go, we will go.
Point the direction. Show us the way.
Amen.
Closing Hymn #420: "Breathe on Me, Breath of God"
Benediction: Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Words and hugs of peace.
*Based on "The Youthworker's Prayer" from Steven Case's The Book of Uncommon Prayer (pg 108).
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