L: In the midst of your hectic week you have come to worship God.
P: Our lives are pulled in so many directions, we seek God’s guidance.
L: Let go of the burdens that weigh you down. God will take them.
P: We thank God for the rest we are given.
L: Tune your hearts and voices in praise to God.
P: Let our voices bear the joy we feel because of God’s love for us.
People: We have come seeking the Kingdom of God.
Leader: God’s Kingdom has no borders and no specific location.
P: Where then can we find it?
L: Search for the King, and you will find the Kingdom.
P: Where can we find the King?
L: The King resides in the edges of this world’s kingdoms, at those places where this world does not meet the needs of its people.
P: Then we will look into our own suffering and the suffering of those around us.
L: Let us be blessed in the search.
P: Let us remember that the King said, “Seek and you will find.”
Leader: As we approach our Master in worship this morning,
People: The table has been set and a feast has been prepared.
L: Who will sit and partake in this spiritual feast?
P: All who are hungry, all who long to be with their Master.
L: Many have been invited, but not all have come.
P: Who can we find to fill these empty seats?
L: Let us bring in everyone – rich and poor, sick and well, young and old, free and oppressed.
P: Let us join together in the Great Feast prepared by our God.
(written by children in Mississippi)
Leader: Children want love. Will you love me?
People: As Jesus loves the children, we will love you.
L: We want to learn to pray. Will you pray with us?
P: As Jesus prayed with his disciples, we will pray with you.
L: Sometimes we are mean and do bad things. Will you teach how to say I'm sorry?
P: As Jesus forgives, we will look into our own hearts and forgive.
L: When we grow up, we will take care of you. Show us how to care.
P: With God's help, we will show you how to care.
L: We cannot vote. Will you vote for us?
P: We will stand for you and we will vote for you.
L: Our world is all messed up. It is hard to know what is right. Will you help?
P: With God's help, we will show you how to live.
L: Jesus listened to children. Will you hear us when we call your name? Are we important to the church?
P: Jesus said, "Unless you turn and become children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Children are our teachers. Yes, we are the church together!
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
Leader: Most wonderful God, we approach you with our little lives, our tiny minds and our large ignorance,
People: But also with our purest longings and hopes.
L: We want to worship you with all that we have and are,
P: But unless you encourage and assist us,
L: We will fail in this our holiest intention.
P: Therefore please let your Spirit move in our hearts and minds,
L: Lifting us above things of secondary importance,
P: And concentrating our whole being on your love and beauty.
Leader: We see kingdoms all around us.
People: Kingdoms of power and authority. Kingdoms of fear and greed.
L: These kingdoms leave us feeling helpless and unfulfilled.
P: We seek a better kingdom. We seek a greater kingdom.
L: Take heart, for the God of the universe wants to be your king.
P: We seek a kingdom of justice and righteousness.
L: God opens the doors of his kingdom to all who wish to enter.
P: We worship you, O God, our King, and are here that we may serve you.
