Women Rising Up

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.

Ever-present God, to whom all love belongs, you are here to guide our journey and are ever ready to welcome us back when we have strayed from your way. May your Spirit abide with us in this time of turning our attention from ourselves to you and continue to guide us as we go forth filled with your love and your guidance to sew love into the fabric of the world around us. Amen.

In this season of Easter rejoicing, let us lift in prayer those individuals, places, and situations that come to mind.

For the goodness of the earth, that it may flourish with flowing waters, verdant pastures, and paths that lead us to protect and care for your creation. For the peace and welfare of the world, that all our tables of work and worship promote the understanding and dignity that transform enemies into friends. For all who suffer with sickness, need or danger, that all our afflictions and fears are met with healing and the comforting presence of your voice. For the blessings we receive and share, that we may live a life of ceaseless praise for the salvation that is ours through you.

For the saints in light, that you will wipe every tear from their eyes as they dwell with you eternally. Holy God, you are our hope and our guide, our light and our love. With all of those who have gone before us, we praise your holy name and turn our lives over to you. Amen.

Shepherd of Souls, you call us to an abundant feast at the table of your word; open our hearts to feed on your goodness, that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may dwell more deeply in you. Amen.

Acts of the Apostles 9:36-43 ³⁶Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. ³⁷At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. ³⁸Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” ³⁹So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. ⁴⁰Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. ⁴²This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. ⁴³Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Is this scripture passage about Peter, or is it about Tabitha? Perhaps it is about both and yet, when we learn about the early disciples, is Tabitha listed among them? What might we have to unlearn to accept that Tabitha is not only a follower of Jesus, but a critical disciple who is living in the way of Jesus. Where might we need to raise up the stories of women?

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Trusting in divine care, let us present our tithes and offerings to God who restores our lives eternally. Amen.

Holy God, Divine Shepherd, you anoint us with the oil of gladness; your love overflows our hearts. Accept our offering for the good of your world as we joyfully give thanks for our life in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

May you rise up this day and every day forward. May you bring the stories to light that would otherwise be forgotten and may our story bear the light and love of God. Amen.