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New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

 

Today’s Reflection

With this new worship community, you will be welcoming people who are walking into worship for the first time, walking in for the first time in a long time, and walking in out of a long-standing habit. If we want to be truly welcoming and in a real relationship with these people who are answering our invitation—and God’s—to worship together, then we must be experienced worshipers who still know how to connect to all of the emotions a new person feels.

—Paul Nixon and Craig Gilbert, Launching a New Worship Community: A Practical Guide for the 2020s (Discipleship Resources, 2021)

Today’s Question

What could you and your congregation do to be more welcoming to new people? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
—Hebrews 13:2 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God, help us to welcome new people into our faith communities. Guide us to people who are seeking you, and help us convey your love and acceptance as we develop authentic relationships with them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This Advent, join author Marsha Crockett in an exploration of the HOPE, LOVE, PEACE, and JOY that the coming of Jesus offers. Through The Coming Messiah: Guided Meditations for Advent, you’ll be invited into guided times of prayer and quiet reflection—all accessible via mobile device. Learn more about this eCourse and register here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted November 9, 2021 8:04 am

    Have to put on our thinking and creative caps. We’re on ZOOM and while we have people from far away attending worship, some local folks don’t have computers or the ability to access ZOOM. We have sent out Thanksgiving cards to all members. So far we have been able to have worship, Bible study, and Friday morning breakfast without a pastor. Lots of meetings this week via ZOOM. Trying hard to stay connected. Blest be the tie that binds! Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted November 9, 2021 8:33 am

    Being a recent new member at my church I can say that they did a wonderful job of welcoming me and making me feel accepted and valued even on the first day. Of course as is my nature, I immediately started pitching in and helping to cleanup after a fellowship coffee and donuts session following church.
    Prayers for Ally as she perseveres in filling out disability application forms. Prayers for Jill and Roger, may Jill observe positive changes in Roger’s health and grow in confidence regarding giving him his shots. Prayers for Robert’s church as they continue to use ZOOM to worship together and remain connected while conducting church business. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • Jill Posted November 9, 2021 9:11 am

    My church does a really nice job of being welcoming and friendly. I think size does matter, and in a big church – this can be challenging. Especially if the new person desires anonymity.
    A few months back – there was an occasion for worshipers who wished to be masked and socially distanced to meet in another room. A lady came up and introduced herself to me. I have been at the church for over 4 years, but had not crossed paths with her. She was very kind and we have kept an eye out for each other ever since.
    Shots continue to be seamless. Unfortunately, still no significant differences noticed. Although – this morning, when he greeted me – his motor (purring) was very robust. I keep waiting for him to get up in one of the windows and keep an eye out. But, he spends most of his time in the chair.
    Beautiful weather here. Dad was able to golf with his friends yesterday and I was able to do a bit of yardwork after school. More to do today as the abundant sunshine continues.

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