Call to Worship

Easter people, we have been saved by the Risen Christ, the life-giving Vine.
We abide in Love, the life-giving Vine.

We are branches of the Vine—sustained, nurtured, and pruned by Love.
We have no life apart from Love, the life-giving Vine.

When we make our home in the Vine, and the Vine makes a home in us, we bear the fruit of Love.
We produce the fruit of Love, the life-giving Vine.

Easter people, how shall we bear the fruit of Love, the life-giving Vine?
We will love and learn to love as we rest, play, work, and build community with God and one another. Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, November 2023.

Prayers of the People

For all the blessings of this life,
we give thanks to You, Creator God.
For families, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers,
who nurture us, that the love of God may grow within.
That Your love, your Word, like a seed,
may grow to produce in us, good fruit.

May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For the leaders of various nations and cities,
that they may lead with strong hearts and gentle hands and generous spirits,
with compassion and mercy, with wisdom and grace.
May they reflect your will guiding all their actions and decisions.

May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who serve in harm's way,
those who live in dangerous places,
those who live in areas of war and strife,
those who live in fear,
those who worry about employment, bills, food,
and struggle just to find dignity in life.
May your grace bring peace and safety to all people, one to another.

May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who suffer from any illness or dis-ease—
of mind, body, or spirit.
Restore these, and all those we carry in our hearts, to fullness of health—
health as only you, O God, can bring.
May your mercy shower each of us with healing mercy and love.

May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who are dying, and for those who have died.
Send forth your comforting love.
Give solace to those who mourn.
Console those who grieve.
May your grace surround us
like a mantle upon our heads,
a shawl upon our shoulders,
a hand, to hold our hand.

May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
Amen

Written by Terri Pilarski and posted on RevGalBlogPals, https://revgalblogpals.org/. Re-posted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/08/prayers-of-people-like-seed.html.

Prayer of Confession

(based on 1 John 4)

Merciful One,
you know when we are afraid to love;
you know when we are too cowardly
to show mercy.
Remind us again
that perfect love casts out such fears.
Surround us and strengthen us with your perfect love,
even in the face of our imperfections.
Imbue us with a love so strong,
with such growth toward perfection,
that we may cast aside our pride
and embrace the power of love.

Words of Assurance
(based on John 15)

Christ is the vine. We are simply branches.
If we abide in Christ, Christ’s words will abide in us.
Ask for whatever you wish in Christ’s name
and it will be granted.
In the name of Christ,
you who seek forgiveness are forgiven!
In the name of Christ,
you who seek forgiveness are forgiven!

Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2012, © 2011 Abingdon Press. Posted on the Worship Elements page of the Ministry Matters website. Re-posted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/04/prayer-of-confession-easter-5-b.html.

Benediction

Branches of the Vine, go from this place blessed by Love to work in love with your family, your friends, your neighbors, and strangers who will become friends, bearing the fruit of the life-giving Vine as you cultivate abundant life wherever you go. Amen.

Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, November 2023.