"In the Land of Uz"

INVITATION AND GATHERING

Call to Worship (Psalm 26; Hebrews 1, 2)

In the great congregation, let us bless the Holy One. With songs of thanksgiving, we retell God’s wondrous deeds. We love the house in which God dwells and the place where God’s glory shines forth. Proclaim God’s name to all the world! In the midst of the congregation, we praise God’s holy name.

Opening Prayer (Job 1, 2; Hebrews 1, 2)

Holy Mystery, Protector of the faithful, glorious Spirit of wonder, Bread of heaven, you have made us a little lower than the angels and crowned us with glory and honor. You have called us to be your witnesses, to proclaim the good news in good times and in bad. Sanctify us and help us see ourselves in you, the living body of the risen Christ, broken and poured out to feed a hungry world. Amen.

Invitation to the Offering (Esther 7 & 9, Psalm 124)

Jesus Christ is on our side, offering us the love of God—a love that gives us all we have, a love that makes us all we are. Jesus Christ is with us in every circumstance, suffering with us when we are in trouble, and rejoicing with us when we are glad. The generosity of Christ calls us to lives of gratitude and generosity. In Jesus Christ we are given new life. Let us celebrate this life by giving generously to the work of God’s redeeming love.

Offering Prayer (Esther 7 & 9, Psalm 124, Mark 9)

Giving God, we can never match your generosity. When we are in need, you are at our side, present to us even in our darkest moments. You rescue us from harm. Make us into a people who celebrate your goodness, drawing others into the celebration of your many blessings. Receive our offerings, even if they are as small as a drink for someone who thirsts. Transform them into the mystery of your reign here and now on earth, in the name of Jesus, your greatest gift, amen.

Opening Prayer

Lord, we come to you today with so many things on our hearts. You call us to be in relationship of trust and love with you and you offer healing to us for those portions of our lives that are broken and injured. Help us to be open to your mercy and healing love. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

Job 1:1 New International Version Prologue 1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.

2 On another day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” 3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.” 4 “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. 5 But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” 6 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.” 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. 8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Benediction/Blessing

Having been healed and made whole by God’s love, now go out into God’s world to be a healer and one who brings peace and hope to others. Know always that God is with you. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. AMEN.