For February 1, 2015 -- Don't Worry, Be Like the Flowers of the Field and the Birds of the Air

CALL TO WORSHIP

In a world which presents us with so many worries,

we need to be reminded to trust, to relax, to not worry so much.

As we gather we bring our worries, our anxieties, our fears.

May we set them aside for a time while we celebrate the presence of the One who helps us to relax.

As our time of worship begins, let us greet our family of faith with words and signs of God's peace...

OPENING PRAYER

God of life, we come to this place with many things on our mind,

concern about parents and children, anxiety about the economy, worry about our own health.

And yet through the voices of many you tell us:

Don't Worry, Be Happy.

In this time of worship,

remind us to let go of our anxiety, help us to re-focus our energy on our most valuable treasures.

And then when we have been fed and refreshed,

Lead us out to live lives a little bit more worry-free.

We pray in Jesus' name,

Amen.

PRAYER FOR AND ASSURANCE OF GRACE

(uses words from Don't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin)

In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double

God, the worries of life are so numerous.

Ain't got no place to lay your head...Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style

Sometimes we find it hard to let go, to open ourselves to trust.

And yet you continue to sing to us:

... when you worry your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don't worry, be happy don't worry, be happy now.

God of grace, God who calls us to be like the flowers of the field and the birds of the air,

help us to trust, help us to let go, help us to relax.

So that we can all sing together:

Ooh oo-ooh oo-ooh
Don't worry, be happy
I'm not worried, I'm happy

Amen.

COMMISSIONING:

We have gathered, we have eaten, we have listened.

Now we head back out into the mission field, the world outside the church doors.

As we go, may we carry the peace that passes understanding, the Peace of Christ, with us.

To share with all we meet, to shape the way we live our lives.

And as we go, may we be secure in the trust that God

Parent, Child and Spirit, Love Incarnate in the world

Goes with us wherever we go.

Amen.