Asbury United Methodist Church

https://youtu.be/yRIv8XTdp7s

INVITATION TO THANKSGIVING We will go, Lord, into the world, telling and retelling the story with other believers, taking the gospel and making disciples... among all the peoples with whom we come in contact. We will go, knowing you will be with us. You, O God, to whom we would in these moments, pour out our lives in service and in thanksgiving. But we know the barriers that stand in our way. We cannot pour ourselves out to you fully as individuals with unconfessed sin in our lives. We cannot pour ourselves out to you fully as your body when we are in conflict with others. So, hear our confession, forgive and deliver us, and give us courage to offer your peace to one another. See more

LORD, HERE I AM Now Abraham was the first to go and must have been a brave man. Because you did not say where he was going and still he followed your command.... He shows us that when you ask us to move, we should say: Lord, here I am. There are many who are bold, and, in your name, take a stand when your people are hurting each other in ways we can’t comprehend. Without a moment’s hesitation, they say to you: Lord, here I am. When we hear tales of injustice and oppression happening across your vast land we believe you want us to respond to be your feet, to be your hands. And while I don’t know the work you need me to do: Lord, here I am. You are working through our lives to fulfill your mighty will and plan and it requires a submission we sometimes cannot understand. But as you promised to never forsake us, we each say: Lord, here I am. Ciona D. Rouse, The Africana Worship Book, Year A, Discipleship Resources, p.87

CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from Exodus 33:18-19) The goodness of the Lord passes before us; The name of the Holy One is proclaimed for all to hear.... God is gracious and merciful to whomever God chooses; Show us your glory, O Lord, we pray! by Amy Loving, and posted on The Worship Closet. http://worshipcloset.com/words-for-worship-18th-sunday-aft/

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BENEDICTION May we go from this sacred place and this sacred time, our minds filled with the Word and the fellowship of the community of faith, to live out our call in the world as a people of joy and of hope. Go with God. Amen.... Derek C. Weber, Discipleship Ministries, July 2020.

A CALL TO PRAYER Pray for introspection to bless the citizens of this world that they might stop to think about the possibilities of this life and see and understand the limitation and problems of others. Pray that visions, personal and social, be broadened, that compassion and practicality are joined. Pray that selfishness and aloofness disappear. Oscar Hijuelos, Peace Prayers, Harper, p.67.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Gracious God, give us humble, teachable and obedient hearts, that we may receive what you have revealed, and do what you have commanded.... Since we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from your mouth, make us hunger for this heavenly food, that it may nourish us today in the ways of eternal life; through Jesus Christ, the bread of heaven. Amen. Service for the Lord’s Day, Supplemental Liturgical Resource 1, Office of Worship for the Presbyterian Church, p.63