For May 20, 2012 -- Easter 7B

CALL TO WORSHIP/OPENING PRAYER
In the middle of a holiday weekend, we have gathered together.
Because we have chosen to come here, to seek and celebrate God's presence, to be renewed for the week that is to come. In the middle of the busy-ness and bustle of life, we have gathered together.
Because we know that life calls us to make many choices, and we seek out God's Word to help us make those choices wisely.
In the middle of a noisy city, we have gathered together,
Because we want to take a break from the noise and the bustle, because we need to quiet our hearts and minds to focus on the things that matter the most.
God who has called us together, in this time of song and prayer and listening,
open our hearts and minds and lives to your Presence. Fill us with hope and promise for the world in which we live.
And when our worship comes to an end,
send us back out to live and serve. Send us out to share your love, your hope, your possibilities with the world around us.
We pray in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, who taught his friends to pray by saying together...


COMMISSIONING
“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers...They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.”
As we live our lives, may we drink deep of the Living Water, may we be fruitful. As we leave this shell of worship, we go out to live and serve in the everyday tasks of life,
As we do so may the Living Water sustain and guide us in the decisions we make each day.
And as the witness of our choices is an example to others,
May our choices point to what we truly believe is important and valuable.
May God help us in the choosing and in the acting.
Amen.