9:30am Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Opening Song - “Honey in the Rock” - Makenzie Loudermilt Time of Greeting Children’s Message Song - “What a Beautiful Name” Reflection on Giving - Rev. Dana Seiler Song - “It is Well” Sermon - “More Blessed” “I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more to give than to receive.’” —Acts 20:35 Jesus speaks of giving as a spiritual practice. When we give, we must seek God’s direction for when and how to give. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. —Luke 12:33b What are examples of treasure in heaven? Paul calls giving a spiritual gift. The Spiritual Gift Of Giving Those with this gift have a unique desire and capacity to contribute their resources, time, and talents for the support of God’s work. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. —Matthew 13:44 Let us develop the spiritual practice of giving. Offering and Prayer Communion Closing Song - “Gratitude” Benediction 11:00am Prelude Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Call to Worship - Rev. Dana Seiler Leader: Rejoicing in the beauty of creation, People: We offer ourselves to you, O God. Leader: Encountering the joy of giving, People: We offer ourselves to you, O God. Leader: Freely giving as we have received, People: We offer ourselves to you, O God. Leader: Living a generous life, People: We offer ourselves to you, O God. Hymn - “For the Beauty of the Earth” - #473 Verses 1,2,4,5 Prayer of Confession: Lord God, we are not selfish people, but we are not overly generous, either. We donate to the church, or volunteer for an event, and consider ourselves charitable. But we hold back on true generosity, believing that if we give too much it will harm us in some way. Help us to open our hearts to the joy of giving, freely offering our whole selves to You, O Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness Passing of the Peace Reflection on Giving Anthem - Unity Choir Sermon - “More Blessed” - Rev. David Bonnema “I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more to give than to receive.’” —Acts 20:35 Jesus speaks of giving as a spiritual practice. When we give, we must seek God’s direction for when and how to give. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. —Luke 12:33b What are examples of treasure in heaven? Paul calls giving a spiritual gift. The Spiritual Gift Of Giving Those with this gift have a unique desire and capacity to contribute their resources, time, and talents for the support of God’s work. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. —Matthew 13:44 Let us develop the spiritual practice of giving. Anthem Offering and Doxology Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Closing Hymn - “Take My Life” - #391 Verses 1,4,5 Benediction Postlude