Call to Worship
(inspired by Mark 10:35-45)
One: We may come here for a glimpse of glory,
Many: But Jesus asks us:
“Can you drink the cup that I drink?”
One: The cup of Jesus’ own life: struggle and joy;
suffering and hope.
Fullness of life!
We
may come here to get close to Jesus,
Many: And Jesus
asks us: “Can you be baptized with my baptism?”
One: Baptized into the reign of God,
where the Spirit breaks down
barriers among all people
and creates new relationships!
We
may come here for honor or fame,
Many: But Jesus
challenges us: “To become great you must
serve!”
One: Why are we here?
Many: To drink the cup of
fullness of life;
To
immerse ourselves in Jesus’ struggle for justice and peace;
To
learn how to serve so that the world may be healed.
Opening Prayer
(inspired
by Psalm 91:9-16, Mark 10:35-45)
Holy Dwelling Place,
Your tent is wide enough to provide
shelter for all who seek you,
food for all who hunger, and
healing for all who suffer.
Meet us here today, and fill us with confidence in your
presence,
that we may risk sharing Jesus’ cup and his baptism
so the world may become
the place of love and justice you desire for all.
Shelter us with your light,
and clothe
us with your heavenly garments.
Teach us how we may best serve ourselves and one another
on this
daring adventure. Amen.
~ written by the Rev. Dr. Kristina
Lizardy-Hajbi, and posted on the United Church of
Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/
