Give us ears to hear...

On Saturday, August 28, Thomas and I attended the ordination of Martha Jolly in Columbia, MO. She has been the director of camp and outdoor ministries in the Northeast Area of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) forever and ever. When the Ozark Lakes Area began to partner with the NEA for summer youth camps Thomas and I worked with her several years in a row either as co-director for a camp session or as primary presenters in family camp. This year Jacob Walsh served as camp program staff at Rickman Center under her direction.

On this particular Saturday friends and family gathered to celebrate with Martha. The Call to Worship selected to bring us together as a one-time-congregation for her ordination emphasized the call on each of our lives, not just those called to fill a pulpit and provide pastoral care. As we read the Call to Worship responsively to begin the service I heard the words in the context of our congregation in El Dorado Springs.

During the month of September in our Sunday morning worship we allow the scriptures to challenge us to be good stewards of God's bountiful blessings. One of these blessings is the call of God on our lives--and our response to that call. That Saturday in Columbia as I heard the words that called us to center on the Lord's call I decided to use the same words to call us together in El Dorado Springs for each of our services in September.

So during the entire month of September as the various Scriptures opened in the sermons feed our souls and strengthen our faith, the words in our Call to Worship will remind us of our responsibilities to the Lord as a congregation, spurring us on to faith and good works.

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 1 Peter 4:10

OUR CALL TO WORSHIP
God whispers to each of us: “You are my Beloved,
created in love for love.”

My spirit answers, “Here I am, Lord. Speak to me.”

God breathes on us the Holy Spirit, knitting many members into one body, the body of Christ.

Together we answer, “Here we are, Lord.
Come, Holy Spirit.”

God has yet more vision for the people. Who will work for God to extend God’s kingdom into our hurting world?

Here we are, Lord. Empower us for your work.

God calls the small and helps them do great things.
God calls the weak and reveals their hidden gifts.
God calls the rejected and opens their eyes to their worth.
God calls and equips you and me for the work of creating God’s Beloved community.

Here we are, Lord, listening for your call.

Then let us gather, old and young, small and great, to dream God’s dreams, receive God’s power, and do God’s deeds.

Here we are, Lord. Whisper your word to us
and awaken your Spirit in us. Empower us
with your vision and desire to answer when you call.
Give us ears to hear your voice. Amen.