"The Value of A Good Name"

Call to Worship (Proverbs 22:2, 9; Psalm 125:1-2, 4; James 2:5)

Those who trust in God are like the mountains, immovable and abiding. God shelters the people: today and for eternity. Rich or poor, God creates us to pursue justice and to care for one another. Be a blessing, O God, to those who are good and upright in heart. God calls us to be rich in faith, to honor our heritage as heirs of the Kingdom. We are blessed when we share our blessings, that peace may be upon the people.

Opening Prayer (Psalm 125:3-4; Proverbs 22:1, 17, 21)

Holy One, we call upon your name, for we know that your name and favor are more precious than human riches. You hate wickedness and abhor the neglect of your people. You call us to righteousness, to reach out to others with justice and mercy. You teach us right from wrong, that we may truly live in your grace. In the shadow of that grace, we offer compassion and mercy to others. Abide with us this day, that we may serve you forevermore. Amen.

Invitation to the Offering

We who have been richly blessed are called to share that blessing with the world. Give freely in the joy of serving your neighbor and your God.

Offering Prayer (Proverbs 22:1-2)

All that we do is in your holy name, O God. Even as we share the riches of our labors, may we continue to honor your name in all that we do. Bless these gifts given freely, that your justice and mercy may prevail in a weak and weary world. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Lord of mercy and compassion, be with us this day as we hear of the healing love of Jesus. Remind us that we are also recipients of his compassion and we are called to bring the same hope and love to others. Prepare us for service in His Name. AMEN.

Proverbs 22:1-2 New International Version 22 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.

8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,

23 for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.

Benediction (James 2:5, 17)

Go forth to love one another. Be rich in faith and serve one another in all joy and humility. And may the power of God our Creator, Christ our Salvation, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us now and forever. “May the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”Amen.