WE ARE CALLED - A LITURGY

WE ARE CALLED (SEATED)

God, we rejoice that You have called us to be here with You, today.
We were glad when they said, “Let us go to the House of the Lord.
Throughout the history of humanity, God has called people to be His instruments of His blessings, peace and love in this world.
God told Abram: “Leave your country, your family, and your father’s home for a land that I will show you.   I’ll make you a great nation and bless you.  All the families of the Earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 9:1-3)
Sung Response (Chorus of #2172):  We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly, we are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.  
When God delivered the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, God called them to be His witness to the world and to bless all the peoples of the earth.
 As Moses went up to meet God, God called down to him from the mountain “Speak to the House of Jacob, tell the People of Israel: The whole Earth is mine to choose from, but you’re special: a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.’” (Exodus 19:1-6)
Sung Response (Chorus of #2172):  We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly, we are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.  
Throughout the centuries Christ has people to be his disciples, to carry on his mission and ministry of blessing of all peoples of the earth through the work of the Gospel.
Jesus gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:19-20)
Let us pray:
O God, through Christ, we are here because we are a called people.  Through Christ, we are a people called for a special purpose.  By Christ, we are a sent people.  Forgive us when we hesitate to take the first steps because of indifference, fear or doubt.  Give us courage and confidence, and when we stumble and fall, pick us up and walk with us forward into the world.
Pastor:  In Christ, we are reconciled with God’s love.  In Christ, we are a forgiven people.
Thanks be to God!  Amen!

* Sung Response (Chorus of #2172):  We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly, we are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.

*Sung Response from "We are Called," #2172, The Faith We Sing, lyrics and music by David Haas.  

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