Beloved creations of God...

Leader: Look around. What wonders we behold!
People: We see others, gathered here to worship and praise God.
L: Each person here is a unique, beloved creation of God.
P: Each person here is given special gifts and talents by God.
L: Come, let us worship God who has blessed us so mightily.
P: Let us praise God with our whole hearts, souls, minds, and spirits

First things first...

Leader: God has lavished us with so many wonderful gifts,

People: He has given us our time, our talents and our daily bread.

L: Meanwhile we chase after petty gadgets and gizmos

P: And the grass that always looks greener on the other side.

L: But today we have come to set first things first.

P: We have come to recognize that God provides all things.

L: So let us worship God, let us chase after Him alone.

P: May we use our gifts to worship Him always.

Many gifts...

Leader: We each have many gifts to offer in service to God.

People: Some will be teachers; others preachers;

Leader: Some will be those who have visions of all possibilities; others will find ways to make those visions a reality;

People: Some will be capable leaders, others will be skillful workers;

Leader: Some will develop ministries of peace and justice; others will seek to change unjust systems.

People: Each person here has been blessed by God.

Leader: And we need every gift that has been given by God

People: Lord, help us to use those blessings to help others.

What Would God Have Us Do?

Leader: What would God have us do?

People: What gifts do we have that can serve God?

Leader: Lord, guide our lives and our service.

People: Lord, call us to ministries of hope and promise.

Leader: Help us, O Lord, to look beyond words.

People: Help us, O Lord, to see ways of service

Leader: Open our hearts and our spirits this day to receive your guidance.

People: Help us to be those people who will bring good news to those in darkness and doubt.

Leader: Come, let us worship God with thanksgiving for gifts of ministry.

People: Let us praise God with joyful hearts for opportunities to serve.

One Body Many Parts

Leader: We are the body of Christ.

People: One body with many parts.

Leader: We need every part of the body and every gift from God.

People: When one part hurts, the whole body hurts.

Leader: Brothers and sisters, I need you.

People: And we need each other.

Leader: Let us accept our call to be the body of Christ.

People: And with the help of the Holy Spirit, let us bring glory to God.