For November 7, 2021 -- Proper 27B

 CALL TO WORSHIP
Gathered in person, gathered on-line, connected by technology, by community, by love
we open our hearts, our minds, our souls, our very selves to God’s presence.
Pausing from the busy-ness of life, we begin our time of worship.
As we sing and pray and listen, as we break bread together,
May the Peace of Christ be with you!
And also with you!

OPENING PRAYER
Ever-present God, the One who gives us life,
you have called us together today.
In this time of song, of prayer, of a shared meal,
speak to our hearts, touch our minds, refresh our souls.
In a world where we often wonder what we have to give,
open our eyes to see what we have to share,
open our arms to embrace our neighbours near and far,
open our hearts to let love overflow into the world.
We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

PRAYER FOR AND ASSURANCE OF GRACE
God, we hear you calling us to assist in the mending of the world.
And we really want to. But sometimes we are not sure what we can do to help.
You call us to share the abundant gifts you have placed in our lives.
And we are not sure that our mite is big enough to make a difference.
You ask, but do not demand, that we find a way to participate in the Kingdom of hope, peace, joy, and love, the Reign of Shalom.
Help us respond to your invitation, help us to feel your grace at work in our lives, help us to pass that grace and love on to the world around us.
God is Gracious and invitational. God invites us to offer what we have, big or small, to the service of God’s Reign. Whether the gift is ostentatiously large or two small copper coins, the power is in the giving, in the sharing of love.
May we be empowered to respond to God’s grace-filled invitation. Amen.

COMMISSIONING:
We have sung, we have prayed, we have broken bread together.
Now we continue to live and serve as followers of Christ.
In a world where the needs are so many, we may wonder what we have to give.
We pledge to share what we can, big gifts or two small copper coins.
As you go to share the love of God, trust that you are never alone.
May God be with you as you live, as you love, as you serve, and as you share.
Amen