Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
Matthew 22:15-22
Worship Setting
Arrange several baskets at the front of the worship space
to receive the Disciples’ Generous Response. Ahead of time, designate and
promote this Sunday as a time to bring non-perishable food for donation to
local food banks to demonstrate our true capacity.
For the Focus Moment, distribute blank thank-you cards
and something to write with as people enter the service.
Prelude
Gathering Hymn
“Great and Marvelous Are Thy Works” CCS 118
Encourage participants to sing in languages other
than their own.
OR “God, Who Touches Earth with Beauty” CCS 568
Welcome
Call to Worship Responsive Reading
Leader: The Lord is great.
People: Let us praise God’s holy name!
Leader: The Lord loves justice and establishes equity
and righteousness.
People: Extol the Lord our God!
Leader: God hears our cries.
People: Give thanks to a forgiving God!
All: Let us worship our God!
—based on Psalm 99
Hymn of Praise
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” CCS 52
OR “Creator God We Sing/Cantemos al Creador” CCS 114
Encourage participants to sing in a language other than
their own.
Invocation
Sung Response
“Come, Holy Spirit, Come” sing twice CCS 154
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than
their own.
Prayer for Peace
Light the peace candle
Prayer
God,
When we cry out in desperation, wondering if you hear our
prayers, help us remember that you call us as disciples of Christ to be your
answer to people’s prayers and ambassadors of Christ’s peace. Grant us the
wisdom to recognize the needs of those around us and the courage to respond
faithfully.
In the moments of darkness, may we become beacons of your
son’s light.
In the face of brokenness, may we be channels of your grace.
For those experiencing loneliness, may we offer the embrace
of your unconditional love.
In times of scarcity, may we reflect your boundless
generosity.
For those overwhelmed by hopelessness, may we offer the
comfort and confidence
found in the presence of your Spirit.
Where there is destruction, may we tirelessly work for
justice and share the peace of
Christ in whose name we pray this prayer for peace. Amen.
—Stassi Cramm
Focus Moment: Giving Thanks
There are many ways to give generously as disciples of
Jesus. Some of our giving involves words of gratitude. As you entered the
service you received a thank-you note. Think about the people in this room and
those with whom you have relationships. Who needs to hear words of gratitude
from you? When have you been thankful for this person in your life?
Spend a few moments writing a thank-you note to the person
you have in mind. Acknowledging the blessing this person has been to you is a
way of giving to your true capacity. We often think of giving in terms or
money, but being thankful and expressing our gratitude to others is also
giving.
Allow some time for people to write a thank-you note.
Play soft music during this time. These thank-you notes can be used as part of
the Disciples’ Generous Response OR at the end of the writing time, encourage
people to hand deliver or mail their thank-you notes in the next week to the
people for whom they are thankful.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:15–22
Ministry of Music or Community Hymn
“Let Your Heart Be Broken” CCS 353
OR “Can We Calculate Our Giving” CCS 617
Sermon
Based on Matthew 22:15–22
Our Response
“Brothers and Sisters of Mine” CCS 616
OR “Take My Life and Let It Be” CCS 608
OR “Take My Life, That I May Be/Toma, oh Dios, mi
voluntad” CCS 610
Encourage participants to sing in a language other than
their own.
Disciples’ Generous Response
Gratitude Exchange
Allow time for people to deliver the thank-you notes from
the Focus Moment to the addressees. Have extra thank-you notes prepared ahead
of time to ensure that everyone receives at least one thank-you note.
Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 153:9a–c
Statement
We have talked a lot about giving today. And we have also
demonstrated giving out of gratitude. Let us now consider giving generously to
support local and worldwide Mission Tithes. Our gifts are meant to be shared
freely with others and tithing is one way we have of addressing worldwide
mission. Our generosity empowers others to fulfill their mission. We also offer
tangible food items for [insert local food ministry] as another way to
demonstrate giving from our true capacity.
Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Invite participants to place their offerings in the
baskets in front and bring forward their donations of food.
Hymn of True Capacity
“For the Life That You Have Given” CCS 619
OR “Go with Us, Lord” sing twice or sing as a
four-part round CCS 612
Benediction
Sending Forth
Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy
and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from
compassionate hearts without thought of return.
—based on Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
Let us go from this place to generously share with a world
in need!
Postlude
