Collects and Prayers - September 13, 2009

Greeting
Leader: Amos, the shepherd, was called a prophet of God.
People: God calls ordinary people to speak his word.
Leader: Paul, the tentmaker, was called an Apostle of the church.
People: God sends his people into every field of work.
Leader: Jesus, the carpenter, is the very son of God.
People: God's kingdom is built by human hands.
Leader: The Lord commissions all the baptized to be ministers of the Gospel.
People: Empower us, almighty God, for the work of ministry.

Collect
Almighty God, you eternally beckon us with your hands and voice. Let us hear your call so that we may drop our nets filled with distractions and worldly priorities, and remake our lives to serve only you with worshipful hands and delightful hearts. We ask this through our savior Jesus Christ, who taught us to abandon all to serve only you. Amen.

Prayers of the People
Today, we recognize that the church’s mission rests in the hands of its many members who lead busy lives, yet make time to serve the Lord and one another. We acknowledge and pray for the faithful disciples of Jesus Christ who devote themselves to the service of God in this place, All Saints’ United Methodist Church. There are many ministries here. Some are more visible than others, but all are life-giving. They live to enable this church to be a people of love and peace. As I read them aloud, I ask you to stand when I call a ministry in which you serve All Saints’:

Lay lectors
Lay liturgists
Communion servers
Eucharistic ministers
Crucifers
Choir members
Musicians
Those who lead children’s time in worship
Children’s choir leaders
The table team
Ushers
Greeters
Money counters
AV workers
Set-up and break-down crews
Nursery and childcare workers
Sunday school teachers for adults and children
VBS leaders
Small group leaders
Leaders of the new member class
Youth group volunteers
Members of the meal ministry
Mentoring moms
The card ministry
The prayer ministry
The congregational care team
Members of our community partnership team
The staff-parish relations committee
The finance team
Land and locations team
Communications team
Caretakers of our ministry center
Office volunteers
And any other ministries that we may have inadvertently omitted

Dear Friends,
You have been called by God for service in this church. This ministry is a blessing and a serious responsibility. It recognizes your special gifts and calls you to work among us and for us. In love, we thank you and challenge you to offer your best to the Lord, to this people, and to our ministry in the world. Live a life in Christ and make him known in your witness and in the work of your hands.

Let us pray:
Almighty God, pour out your blessings upon these your servants who have been given particular ministries in your church. Grant them grace to give themselves wholeheartedly in your service. Keep before them the example of our Lord, who did not think first of himself, but gave himself for us all. Let them share his ministry and consecration, that they may enter into his joy. Guide their hands in doing your work. Reward their faithfulness with the knowledge that through them your purposes are accomplished; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.