Loving Creator God, before we even were born your hand formed us, you know each one of us, you call us each by name and love us as your children.

We come today with grateful hearts thanking you for the presence of Nancy, Susan, Norma and Jane in your church and in our lives. We know that you call us to be in community with one another and to be faithful to Christ's call to serve in the world. We thank you for their examples of talents freely shared and faithfully lived in every day life.

We know, Dear God, that you care for each one of us everyday. As a parent loves a child, so you love us. You send us out each day into our communities equipped with a variety of gifts. Each one of us has a special talent to share and we thank you for all the ways you bless us.

But we would often like to close our eyes to what you want us to see and our ears to the voices that call to us. Frequently we are filled with hesitation and a sense of inadequacy. Where we can see no way to serve, you create one. You never give up on us. You are always there—walking with us. Help us to see where our call lies and to serve you and all your children.

Loving God, we thank you for the many opportunities you place before us each day to live our faith. May your Spirit continue to move through each of us so that alone and in community we may continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, proclaiming His love and answering your call for our lives.

In the name of Jesus, the Christ, our living Lord. Amen