Salty, Bright and Good:
Service Prayers for the 5th Sunday after Epiphany
February 9,  2014

Call to Worship

Let the Mystery of God draw us in:
Beautiful, Just, Merciful!  

Let the Wisdom of God surprise us:
Vulnerable, Powerful, Searching! 

Let the Glory of God shine through our work:
Salty, Bright and Good!

In the Mystery, the Wisdom, the Glory of God
Let us worship!

Invocation

	Wonderful God, 
We gather today to celebrate your presence 
in the lives of faithful people.
Send your Spirit to meet us here 
and guide us into your depths
that we may begin to glimpse your grace: 

what eye has not seen, nor ear heard, 
nor the human heart conceived--
all you have prepared for those who love you.

We pray this in the name of Jesus,
your Mystery, your Wisdom, your Glory.

Confession

	Isaiah reminds us that our prayer, fasting and pious ritual 
must be lived out in compassion and justice:

When we forget the fast you desire—
To do justice, and stand up for the powerless: 
Lord, have mercy.

When we forget the prayer you love—
To show compassion, and care for those in need:
Christ, have mercy.

	When we forget the rituals you require—
	To create relationships of righteousness and peace:
Lord have mercy.
Assurance of Grace and Peace

Friends, the love of God revealed in Jesus 
forgives us, heals us and sets us free
to rebuild, restore, and  
raise up foundations for new generations.
	
	With thanksgiving, let us offer one another a sign of Peace.

Passing of the Peace

Offering Call

	Christ calls us to let our lives and our work
—salty, bright, and good—
give witness to the reign of God in our midst.
	Let us generously offer our gifts
	of time, talent and treasure, 
	that the glory of God 
may be recognized and celebrated in our world.  

Dedication

	O God, please take these gifts and multiply them; 
	let them be a means to create the justice and peace 
	you long for in this world.  
	In Jesus’ name we pray,  Amen.

Benediction
	
Let the Mystery of God send us into the world:
Beautiful, Just, Merciful!  

Let the Wisdom of God surprise us in the world:
Vulnerable, Powerful, Searching! 

Let the Glory of God shine through our work in the world:
Salty, Bright and Good!

In the Mystery, the Wisdom, the Glory of God
Let us rejoice!

Salty Bright and Good:  Service Prayers for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany was written by the Rev. Susan A. Blain, Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation, Local Church Ministries.

Copyright 2014 Local Church Ministries, Faith Formation Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.