Thought:

Whosoever is generous, and loves, not earthly goods, how poor so ever he be, he is like God; for all that he has in himself, and all that he feels, flow forth and are given away.

John of Ruysbroeck, The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage.

 

Sentence:

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let all the earth keep silence in adoration.

Habakkuk 2

 

Collect:

Stir up, O Holy One, the will of your faithful people, that, being blessed with your presence, we may respond with our whole hearts. May the spirit of generosity bless our giving and grow our faith and Jesus' mission. In his name we pray. Amen

 

Prayer over the Gifts:

Gracious God, accept the offering of our labour and gratitude. May the gifts of heart teach us compassion and generosity. Amen

Great Thanksgiving:

 

Presider:

Spirit of generosity and grace, you hear the cry of the poor and your presence is revealed in their faith. You call all people to rejoice and to share the bounty of the earth; through word and sacrament, we remember that all life is You; and your dream is for your people to see the unity of all. Joining in the song of the universe we proclaim your glory:

 

Sanctus (A time to feel the Divine presence)

 

Presider:

Gracious God, in the beginning you created life from your own being. You made plants and animals, miracles and wonders; food for our sustenance and mysteries to challenge and teach us. You called judges and prophets, poets and rulers. You spoke through sand and storm, desert and oasis, books and symbols, community and relationships. You showed us the holiness of the whole creation, within us and around us. You asked us only to love and appreciate this gracious gift of life.

 

When Jesus knew that his time of trial approached, he gathered his friends and family together. Anointed as sacrifice and blessing by a woman disciple, Jesus reached out to those who loved him. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it and gave it to his friends, saying, “Take and eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine, gave you thanks, and said “Drink this, all of you,” as a sign of his life, given as the covenant of love and forgiveness for everyone. He said, “Whenever you drink it, remember me.”

 

(A time to remember Jesus)

 

Presider:

Holy One, we offer this bread and this cup with grateful hearts. May Jesus fill our lives with compassion and generosity. May the Spirit come upon these signs of hope and promise to make us courageous in service.Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in relationship with all that lives, we lift our songs of praise.
 

All: Amen. Amen. Alleluia, amen.

 

Prayer after Communion:

Holy One, your word and sacrament give us food and life. May we bring you true spiritual worship and be one with you. We pray with Jesus. Amen