Our Scarcity is God's Abundance

Good Morning and Welcome to Worship! Worship is often the first place that new people come into contact with this growing community of faith. And so, if you are joining us for the first time, I say to you what is said every Sunday: You are welcome here. Here is a place where all are welcome. For such is the love of God for God’s Very Good Creation.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye Heav'nly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

God of Wonder, you have created all things in this creation and provide food for both our stomachs and our souls. You provide for us far more than we expect or imagine possible. Speak to us this day — calm our fears and lead us beyond ourselves, that we might glorify you this day. Amen.

God of abundance, you open your hand and feed us in due season, satisfying the desires of every living thing.

We pray for the family of nations, the families in our communities, and our own families, that they may have all they need to live in peace and harmony.

We pray for all churches and denominations, that we may find ways of cooperating to care of the earth, and those in need, while giving Glory to you in all that we do.

God, you are near to all who call out to you. Use us as you used the boy with the two fish and the five barley loaves, to answer the cries of the hungry. We pray for the victims of war and violence, for the orphans, mothers, and men who live on the streets, and those who are seen as the fragments of society. May they be gathered such that no one is lost.

We pray for the sick and those facing the end of their days here with us. May Christ dwell in their hearts and may they know that they are grounded in God’s love.

When we would make you king, forgive us. When we are caught up in the storms of life, come to us, calm our fears, and help us to reach our destinations.

Now through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the love of Christ, to you be the glory in the church for all generations. Amen.

Holy Spirit, creative power of Go, blow through us to the depths of our being and empower us to overcome the temptation to abuse or use those around us for our own ends. Fill us with the love of Christ and open your scriptures to us even as we open our hearts to you and one another. Amen.

¹After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. ²A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. ³Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. ⁴Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. ⁵When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” ⁶He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. ⁷Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” ⁸One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ⁹“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” ¹⁰Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. ¹¹Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. ¹²When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” ¹³So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. ¹⁴When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” ¹⁵When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. ¹⁶When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, ¹⁷got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. ¹⁸The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. ¹⁹When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. ²⁰But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” ²¹Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

How does Christ feed you today? How are you feeding others? Who do you know that is wanting for a meal? What keeps you from sharing with them?

As God has provided seeds for the sower and bread for the eater, so has God provided enough for us to share with one another and those in need. Let us then present our tithes and offerings to God this day. Amen.

O God, creator of rain and sun and soil, ruler of nations, thank you for the abundance of the earth. We know there is enough food to feed everyone alive today; we are grateful that there are cures for the most common of diseases; we praise you for the witness of Jesus Christ, who showed no lust for power or privilege. Fill us with the Spirit of Christ so that food, medicine, and peace flow freely around the world. Bless these gifts that empower us to follow where Christ leads, freeing the wealth of nations for the service of the kin-dom. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

May God feed you with open hands, protect you with gentle arms, and empower you to share the bread of life with all whom you meet; let the Spirit of life strengthen your whole being; and be open to the transforming of your soul by the fullness of God. Amen.