Sermon Tone Analysis

Call to Worship

The Spirit descends like a dove,

  bringing peace to unite the world.

The Spirit comes like a breath,

 bringing life to renew the people of God.

The Spirit spreads like fire, bringing energy

for all who bear witness to the love of God.

May the Spirit of the living God come to us,

and transform us, in Pentecost power!

Opening Prayer 

Gracious and generous God, we come with renewed energy to worship this day, grateful for the gift of your Spirit.

Open our minds, our hearts, our hands and our lives, that we might receive your gifts and rejoice!

Blow into our weariness the breath of new life.

Let our congregation be set aflame once more

   empowered to share the Good News of your love with all we meet.

Transform us once more!

Offertory

Lord, with a cheerful heart, I sow my seed.

Today, I planted it in good ground.

I believe my needs are met,

my family is blessed, and I’m expecting a supernatural harvests in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Now breathe your Spirit into these gifts,

      and once again, breathe your Spirit into each one of us,

so this offering of life resources may help bring peace, justice and comfort here and across your beloved world,

 now, and for all the days to come.

AMEN

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Surround those who are graduating with your grace.

Bless them with hope so that they move into the future with eager and open hearts.

Help them to put the knowledge, skills, and insights gained through their education for the good of all mankind.

Inspire them to believe in the goodness of life even when faced with challenges and difficulties.

As they commence with their lives, may they grow even more grateful and wise.

Amen.

Acts 3:1-10 New International Version

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.

2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.

3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.

4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John.

Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.

8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk.

Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Benediction

Gracious and Loving God, We ask, now, for your almighty hand to be upon our graduates as they and their families celebrate this grand milestone.

May they find comfort from our community's continued embrace and support as they journey through life.“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.”